New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-24
General Stats Measure for
Universal Training Goes
to Congress
All Youths of 19
To Get Years Drill
Budget of $472,2 ,746 Will
Be Required, War
College Figures

Washington, Feb. 23.-The Wal
Department made public to-day a
SYNOPSIS of the Army General staff
universal service and training plan
which was also sent to Congress
with estimates of cost and a de-
tailed outline for a bill to carry II
into effect.
The main essentials of the plan
are:
One year of military training
for all boys, beginning in their
nineteenth year, except those eX-
empted for specified reasons.
Exemption to be extended to
those physically or mentally untt
and those who are the sole sup
mort of otherwise destitute de-
pendents.
Training to consist of eleven
months during the first year and
two weeks during the second and
third years of reservists La
bility.
War service to be required OF
all who have been trained In the
first and second reserve, the first
reserve duty to extend over pc
riod of four years and one month
after training and second reserve
duty for seven years. At the com
cusion of service in the organized
reserve the men would remain la
bic for duty until they reach the
age of forty-five.
Estimate of the Cost
In estimating the cost Of main
,epsnce of the proposed army, the
War College figured that an annual
military budget of $472,258,746
would be required to keep the pro-
posed force at a strength of 1885,
O23 men, including the regulars. The
total represents an annual cost per
man of S143.28, and includes the cost
Of training of the 475,0O0 recruits,
although it does not enumerate them
as available soldiers.
In comparison to this, the staff says
the eventual military budget under the
present Iational defence act Will be
1899 $4,000 TO maintain a partially
trained force of 826,572 National
Guardsmen in addition to the regular
army. or a total Of 1,137.2O0 men, at a
per capita cost of s29s.5S.
Other table, show the ultimate cost
Of the proposed universal system as
compared 10 the national defence act
plan. The first cost of the regular and
National Guard establishment contem-
plated By the defence act, with full re-
serve supplies and necessary construc-
ton Of a permanent nature, such as
srnories and the like, is given as ST.
5i4,575,56s.
In comparison to this, similar figures
for the staff universal plan are: For
permanent construction, s2,13S,03l, 1872;
tsntonment construction, 81, ,7OS, ,sl6,s07
This would provide, however, for 3,
a5O23 men. who had had a years
training, and pay also for the instruc-
ton and maintenance OF 476,OO0 boys
n training.
Secretary Bakers Letter
Secretary Bakers letter 20 Senator
Chamberlain transmitting the bill DIS,
appointed those who hoped he would
deelsre unequivocally in favor OF uni
vsrssl training system. But the Sec
retaYy intimated that both he and the
President were giving il favorable con
sideration, and that while no action
was expected or asked at the presen'
session Of Congress, they would take
thsir cue from public opinion when
ne next Congress convened.
In his letter the Secretary says:
this plan is regarded by the mill
isTy expertA of the General Stan al
deal. They recognize, however, thai
4 involves not only a radical depart
ure from the military traditions oi
The country, but that IL presents a vasi
seheme Of organization far larger Dotf
u cost and results than anything ye'
seriously considered by the people Of
the United States. The General star
believes the plan, however. to have thi'
nsrit:
That II can be used in part for th'
saining Of a less number OF men anf
. less cost in proportion so Una
mould the opinion Of the country
sssn thoroughly informed, come
syor the principles upon when thii
nsssure il based, It's application coul'
et a. rapid or az gradual as the Con
sfszs may determine wise under tn'
circumstances.
The bill here transmitted looks :,
ne annual training Of about ooc'VV'
men, zho, when trained, pass into TN
,sssfve, until ultimately there VIII p'
sssiIsbls an aggregate force In the ae
sss and reserve forcs Of the eountr'
VI about 5,00o,00o men.
Iosf committee dssire such modincs
"'hs IN any Of the details"
Digest Of General STAFF Plan
Following 10 the digest Of the Cen
r star national army plan, prepared
/" ths War College division:
I-PURposE
reasonable measure Of defence.
H--BAsIc PRINCIPLES
The plan Ia Designed 10 effect univer