The Washington herald., 1918-07-25
The New Army Program.


True to form the War Department tardiiy has
arrived at program which the best informed men
in the country urged upon it weeks and even
months ago-a program calling for an army of
100000.
Here is a force which approximates Americas
measure and Americas strength. It is sufficient,
more than sufficient to put the outcome of the war
beyond all possible doubt and all danger of the un-
expected.
1t is impossible, of course, to tell whether this
huge force ever will be transported to France in
its entirety-or when it will be- 1t is more than
possible that the Boche will be polished off before
such mighty army gets into action. Indeed recent
events in France have shown that if the combatant
troops we have in Europe at present were ready
and equipped to be rushed into the fight the enemy
today might be the eve of the most disastrous
retreat and the most overwhelming defeat he has
sustained since was declared. 1t is by no means
Certain, it is, that Foch, with the aid of the
constant American increments to his forces, will
not be able to maintain the momentum of the pres
ent offensive and keep the enemy in defensive ac-
ton for the remainder of the summer. OF course,
it is idle expect this; but in this conflict the un
wieldiest and most imponderable thing the mind of
man was ever called upon to analyze, the unex-
peeted and the amazing thing is always happening
Assuming, however, that the grand offensive of
the allies will come next spring and summer, how
many men will the United States have in the field
by that time? 1t is mere guesswork to hazard any
figure, for the plans are always changing-generaly
enlarging. At the present time American troops
being transported abroad the rate of practi-
cally 100000 a month The June troop movement
went away beyond this figure. But July may fall
trif1e short of it Will this general average of
transport be maintained throughout the
fall winter and spring? 1t is hardly likely, for
many reasons, not the least of which is the fact
that the cantonments not more than half
filled, and the new quotas which coming in must
undergo at least three to six months preliminary
training this side OF the water. Then again.
the supply problem is increasing its complications
although within another two months the output of
American shipping will tighten the task consider
ably.
OF course, if anything like the present figure of
troop transport is maintained it is easy to see how
the United States will have 100000 troops abroad
by midwinter, and 100000 across by spring. The
present army program involving 100000 men, in
volving extension of draft ages from 10 to 40,
shortening the duration of home training largely,
certainly indicates that this proportion of the total
must be sent to France next year, for the military
objective of the allies at present is beyond question:
the crushing of the enemy in 1919, if he does not
Gave in" sooner.
There is another phase of the situation which
must be considered in view of the present offensive
Americans can be trained for open work fighting,
of the kind now seen, much more quickly and eff
fectively than for the routine of trench fighting If
the only be kept in the open the great
opportunity of the Americans is at hand. They are
sure to distinguish themselves, for it is doubtful if
their peers in slashing direct combat are to be
found in Europe today-certainy not in the trench
broken, Misunderstanding German army. Foch
will rush all his American reserves into action as
soon as possible if the present fighting between
scissors and Chateau Thierry keeps up, and will
make hurry call for more. We are supplying
them as fast shipping will permit.
In the meantime, the present draft classes are
being combed clean, and the nation is entering into
the second lap of with some semblance of its
true stride.