New-York tribune., 1918-11-14
Universal Training Issue Is
Expected to Cause Re-
newed Struggle i'm
Congress
100000 Only Must
Serve After War
Thousands of Officers Have
But Temporary Commits
sions, and Readjust-
ment Is Necessary

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13.-Plans for
the reorganization Of the War Depart
ment and the army itself are in proc
ess of formulation by the General
Staff and soon will be before Secretary
Baker.
The Secretary has indicated that
new legislation will be necessary TO
carry out the reorganization, and is
expected to lay definite programme
before Congress at the earliest pos
sible moment. This may reopen the
whole question of universal military
training, and many officials anticipate
a long legislative struggle before final
action is taken.
Existing law authorizes the main
tenance of a regular army Of approxi-
mately 375,O00 men. While 1t is not
possible to forecast the number of
American troops that must be en-
ployed in Europe even after the peace
treaties have been signed, military men
believe the authorized regular estab-
lishment cannot provide an adequate
force at home and abroad
About 100000 Must Serve
Of the 100000 men under arms
probably not more than 100000 are un-
der obligation to serve beyond the
restoration Of peace. There were 1000
officers and 10000 men in the regu-
lar army when war was declared. Ex-
piration of enlistments, however, has
all wartime enlistments are for the
war period only
Thousands of officers now in service
are on temporary commission in the
regular establishment. ThAse commits
sions were issued for a definite period
of years, and the men might be held.
The general attitude Of the depart
ment would not indicate any intention
Of so doing.
The number Of men to be retained
in Europe will be worked out by Gen,
sEak Pershing's staff, and since simila,
calculations for the United States ane
the size of the army for which it will
be necessary to provide soon can bt
estimated.
The General Staff's recommendation
as to the way the army is to be formed
are expected to embody the principle
of universal military training. bill
prepared by the staff just before th'
United States entered the war outlined
the general scheme which is likely t,
be again advocated, modified by tn,
light of war experience.
Would Remodel Army
At this time it was planned to con
tinue the garrisons for the Philippines
Hawaii and Panama on a voluntar,
basia, by selecting men who electe
army life after they had passe
through their period Of training. Out
side Of these overseas forces, however
the staff proposed to remodel the stand
ing army into strictly training force
composed of officers and non-commis
stoned officers, who should be devel
oped into experts in getting raw mate
rial quickly into shape, and through
whose hands, year after year, shout
pass the classes called to the color
for training.
Some similar project again will b
brought forward, although nethe
President Wilson nor Secretary Bake
ia committed to universal training a
a national policy. In his last annua
report Mr.. Baker said it was not
question which should be decide
while the country was at war.
Demobilization of the existing off
GERS corps, both line and staff. form
a separate element of the presen
problems of the War Department.
designations Discouraged
1t is certain that efforts will be mad
to keep men who have shown them
selves qualified in such RELATIONSHIP
with the government that their Sc,
vices can be quickly secured at neet
Pending the completion of plans, resie
nations are being discouraged.
Plans for returning officers to thei
civilian status are expected to provid
for an army reserve officers corr
similar to that used in building up tn
present army.
1t is regarded as probable that ster
toward the organization Of an amp
enlisted reserve will be taken. Tn
form of the reserve, however, whethe
by voluntary obligation, or by orde
will depend upon the military polio