The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1918-01-28
Department Cables For Details Injury To General Leonard WOOD
S|MMS CALLS ON
D. c: MEN TO Join
NATIONAL GUARD

A call TO all of the able-bodied men
of the District to join the national
guard unit for service in the District
of Columbia was issued by Brigadier
General Simms, commanding, today.
A recruiting campaign to bring the
new home defense" organization up
to full military strength is being
actively pressed. The announcement,
circular No. from the District
militia headquarters. is as follows:
The District of Columbia needs re-
cruits for its national guard, willing
to enlist for local service during the
period OF the war.
Urgent necessity demands the I'M
mediate formation of a national guard
for the Nations Capital, to be COM
posed mainly OF citizens who are in
civil employ, but who will volunteer
their services and undergo training
in an organization that may be ready,
and can be relied upon, to render
capable and efficient military service
in the event of any emergency aris'
ing.
1t Is considered the patriotic duty
OF all able-bodied men, who for good
and sufficient reasons cannot be In
the active military service of our
country, to Mt themselves to give such
service, IL needed. in organizations
created for home defense purposes.
5000 ID. C. Men at Front.
About 5000 men OF our city have
gone to the fighting forces.
To those who cannot go into active
service is left the honorable duty OF
aiding in protecting the National
Capital, the lives and property OF its
citizens, the Government establish
ments OF great Importance, and large
business institutions, which must be
ssfeguarded in every possible manner.
Those who have gone have gone to
fight.
Those who stay at home must work. |
and must be prepared to night also, IL
their services are needed.
The rife clubs of the District are
being called upon to furnish military |
units wherever practicable.
1t Is desired to encourage enlist |
ments in the bureaus OF the executive
departments of the Government and
in large business houses IL possible. J
and in such manner as not to conflict :
with civil employment. Drills to be .
conducted in the evenings, or outside !
usual office hours.
Experienced men will be designated
as far as possible as officers. Where
an Individual, however. is possessed /
OF such qualifications and business eX-
periences as to ut him for position of
command, due consideration will be /
given such qualifications, and will |
have weight in the selection of Of
ncers.
Assemblies for drill by different
units will take place every evening
except Sunday, at the National Guard
armory, 472 L street northwest
Men are desired of the following
classes:
Age Requirements.
]. Those between eighteen and
forty-iye years OF age who desire to
enlist under the present requirements
of six years service. three years in
active service and three years in the
reserve. but who will be privileged to
receive discharge at the close OF the
war. II they so request.
2 Men who are in the selective draft,
In order that they may have the advan-
tage OF preliminary training, which may
help fit them for service in the national
army, 10 which they will automatically
pass when called for service therein. BY
Joining the national guard in the in
term they will prove a valuable addition
to the strength Of the force available for
home defense.
3. All men eighteen years OF age and
over who are physically At for military
duty such as may be required in local
service. in the District Of Columbia. who
for legitimate reasons are unable to
Obligate themselves for service outside
Of tho District OF Columbia.
Men Of classes l and can now be en-
listed In the national guard.
Men Of class will be expected to en-
roll and TO attend drills as directed by
The commanding general, District of
Columbia militia, pending action by the
War Department permitting such special
enlistments for the period of the war.
II Is to be clearly understood that en-
iEtment IN the national guard OF the
District OF Columbia can in no way ex-
,use men from service lawfully required
n them in other branches OF the mill
AIRY establishment Of the United States.
Further information may he secured
by application at the office of the adju-
ant general. District Of Columbia mill,
ia. AZ l. street northwest. Telephone
Main 1856
By command of BrigadIer General Simms
Z. LESTER JONES,
Major. Inspector Generals Department.
Acting Adjutant General. ID. g. Militia.