The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-08-04
AIR SERVICE IN WAR.
United States Needs $4,000 Expert Men
In That Branch.

Time has fully demonstrated the value
of the air service in war, and expert,
say that many of the great decisive
and effective battles of the future will
be fought in the air.
This appears TO be confirmed by the
great activity of the signal corps and
the passing unanimously by the House
and Senate and the signing by the pres
ident without delay of the bill appro-
priating six hundred and forty million
dollars for aeronautics.
1t has been said hiatt the United
States would require, TO do its bit in
the war, $4,000 masters of aeronautical
apparatus-that is, men capable of fly
ing the airplane and hydroplane, and
directing the movements of the kite" or
observation balloon, known as aviators
or balloon pilots.
The work of the aviator is we'll known,
and the marvellous results of these air.
speeders; the work accomplished by
them as the eyes of the army is pub
lished from time to time in the dis
patches from abroad. The fastest ma
chimes attain a speed of l40 miles per
hour.
The observers in them locate the po-
sition of the enemys armies and guns,
and protect cities and towns from at
tack, although at times the enemy fly.
ers get by the watchfulness of the al
lied air fleet with disastrous results to
humanity and property.
All aviator and balloon pilots become
officers in the aviation section of the
signal officers reserve corps Of the
army Immediately upon graduating. be-
ing commissioned as first lieutenants
with base salary of $1,000 annually
and additional compensation when in ac.
tive service at home and abroad.
The "Kite" or Stationary Balloon.
The usefulness of the kite" or sta
tionary balloon is not generally known
One familiar with it's employment says
that at the balloon schools, an applicant
for officers commission must first qualify
as pilot of spherical balloons. Then
they are taught to become pilots and OBJ |
servers in the kite" balloons
This balloon is allowed to ascend to
height of about 1900 feet with a wire |
cable attached to it by which it is drawn
down when desired by motor power,
In war, these balloons are located from
three to five miles from the first line
If trenches, and from the basket two
men, a pilot and an observer, give the
'ange and result Of firing by telephone
% the artillery.
On the western front they are placed
rom one-half to mile apart, according
o conditions, and are provided with
'arachutes attached to the men in the
baskets; in event of accident to the
'alloon the men parachute safely back
o the earth.
for Officers Commissions.
Men who have not been called for
hysieal examination under the draft.
nd who have had college education
nay make application for a commission as
rst lieutenant in the aviation section OF !.
he signal officers reserve corps as avia-
ors or balloon pilots, provided they are !.
OF under 10 or over 30 years OF age. 7.
While college men are preferred, appli-
atoms from those who have graduated
rom high school and have exceptionally
God qualifications will be considered. If
he application is approved, the appli-
ant win be notified to appear before
ledical board for examination. If this
satisfactory, he is assigned to schools !.
" training.
While at the schools soldiers paw.
ltions and sleeping accommodation
-e allowed, the officers pay following
'aduation and assignment to duty as
'st lieutenant.
Men having trade who cannot fill
lie qualifications required for aviation or q
Illoon pilots, can enter the aviation v
rvice by enlistment. Il