Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1917-03-17
Department Explains That *
penSe of DemObiIization Is
Not Considered; Purpose Is
to Avoid WarIike Acts,
FEDERAL CONTROL IN
FUTURE ABSOLUTE
Should Militia Be Ordered Into
Service Government Is De-
termined Not to Be Ham,
pered by States,
tsr MORNING JOURNAL SPECIAL LEASED wrssI

ton for a demand upon the army that
may grow out of the German crisis,
the militia bureau of the war depart
ment has sent precautionary instruc-
tons to all state adjutants general
outlining the plan to be followed
should the national guard be called
for federal service.
The intention had been to take this
step quietly and without publicity, but
reports indicating that it was being
construed as meaning that mobilza-
ton was imminent caused department
officials to announce the instructions
with the explanation that they consti-
tuted a routine measure of prepared
ness necessary to prevent such confu-
sion as attended the assembling of
guardsmen for border service, if a
call should come.
DemObilization Continues
In this connection it was pointed
out that the government is not going
to consider the expense to demobilize
regiments returning from the border
and which would be held in the fed
eral service if another demand for
their services were expected immedi-
ately. 1t was reiterated that the pol
icy of the administration in the pres
ent status of the crisis was to make
no move that could be construed as
warlike step. This policy is under
stood to be the reason that mobliza.
tion of the navy has not been ordered.
Many navy officials have favored
that step, but 1t has not been APP
proved ny the administration.
The circular of instructions advises
the adjutants general specifically of
the national guard organizations in
each state which would be summoned
in case of a call. Mobilization under the
plan outlined would be conducted by
the regular army departmental COM
manders who would be authorized
to designate sites for mobilization
camps other than those formerly
used, if necessary, and to make pro-
vision for shelter, recruitment and
the formation of the recruit training
battalions, in the eventuality of war"
No units except those designated
would be accepted and each unit
would be required to have the full
maximum authorized, or war strength
as prescribed for the regular army in
the national defense act.
The circular also makes clear that
there is to be no dual status for the
national guard in the federal service
hereafter. No individual will be ac.
cepted who has not taken the oath
prescribed by the national defense
act. At the time of the border mo-
bilization about 10000 men were held
under the old Dick bill provisions,
classified as members of the organized
militia, not of the national guard.
individuals who are members OF
4 4IA
says "and who take the prescribed
oath, will be accepted and given prop
er credit for the time served in their
existing enlistment contract in the or
ganized militia"
State Officers to Be Used.
Provision is also made for the taxi
ing into the federal service of GER
tain proportion of the state admins
trative staff of the national guard of
each state to handle administrative
questions as to recruiting, organiza-
tion and supply. This was not done
at the preSious mobilization. Com
plete control Of all federal recruiting
and other activities of the guard is
now contemplated. Divisional or
brigade commanders of the guard
and their staff officers will be taken
in as was done before. 1t is provid-
ed however, that each commander
of such higher unit or unattached
brigade, regiment or company, shall
report by telegraph TO the department
tai commander on receipt of the call
and await orders. The number of Of
ficers and enlisted men in each or
ganization will be telegraphed to de-
partment headquarters. accompanied
by reports of all government proper
ty then in possession of the guard
regiments.
The plan also provides for the i'm
mediate calling out of the national
guard reserve, both commissioned and
enlisted, the latter going back at once
to their regiments Reserve officers
would be assigned to duty as needed
by the departmental commander.