The Washington herald., 1918-06-09
To Push Berlinward.


Unusual opportunities for adv;
To Push Berlinward.
Emphasizing the determination to
bring the war to the speediest conclu-
sion possible, preparations are being
made to eclipse the magnificent rec
ord Of the British forces In the use
Of tanks in warfare. Before the year
ends, scores of these rambling mon
sters, converted from agricultural i'm
plements into engines of war, will be
pushing BerIinward
Particular attention Is at present
being devoted to this arm of the serv-
ice, and the call for volunteers is re-
ceiving responses from all sections of
the nation. 1t is intended to make the
tank corps a most important branch
OF the army-that 1t shall play a lead
ing part in crushing the Hun hordes,
and for this reason the personnel Of
the organization must of necessity be
of high character.
Adhering to rapid-fire methods that
have characterized his every move
ment since war was declared. Uncle
Sam is mobilizing and whipping into
shape thousands Of fearless, alert and
hard-muscled men who are volupteer-
ing for this novel method of fighting.
and no training camp is doing more
effective work than that devoted TO
tanks and tank operators-Camp Colt.
on the Gettysburg battlefield. Many
units will be made ready for oversee
service during the summer and fall
months.
Washington Men Wanted.
During the present week a special
effort will be made to enlist qualified
men of Washington and vicinity in
the corps and those interested should
call at the office OF the director of
tank camps. Mills Building, Seven
teenth and Pennsylvania avenue north
west The corps is at present one
of two fighting branches open for in
duction of men of draft age, and
many of such men are applying for
induction rather than await their
calls. Men of enlistment age, from Is
to Il and 81 10 Al, are volunteering
in equal numbers, while many IN
other branches of the service are ask
ing for and receiving transfers.
The principal demand is for tractor
and heavy auto truck drivers. auto
engine and machine gun mechanics.
oxy-acetylene welders. wireless buzzeT
operators, bluCksmiths. cooks and
general or specialized mechanics.
There is also a demand for college
and university graduates and students.
and men who have the physique,
stamina, initiative and personal force
and fearlessness to qualify as machine
gunners and tank commanders.
Motorized Fighting Unit.
Being strictly a motorized fighting
unit, the tank corps. as shown by the
call, requires personnel largely
composed of artisans or technically
trained linen, supported by a substan-
tial number of soldiers. Skilled men
entering the service are given occu-
patton classifcations, which, whise
recommendatory only, and subject TO
revision by the commanding officer.
are carefully considered in assign
ments to active duty.
All who enter the corps from civil
life must do so in the grade of Dri-
vate. Early promotion to the highest
noncommissioned grade is open to
those who qualify therefor. From the
noncommissioned personnel, consid-
cradle number of appointments as
second lieutenants will be made.
Chance for Neryy Men.
Since the declaration of war. thou
sands of led-blOoded Americans have
bewailed the fact that they were not
deemed eligible for service in the
aviation section. These men call for
fighting that is spectacular and dis
tinctive-that appeals to the spirit OF
romance; and they fear nothing more
than that they may enlist and be ma
rooned in camp. while their more
fortunate fellows are bringing victor
to the Colors overseas.
In the service OF the tank corps
these men will find qualification Of
their desires-seIVice that is both
spectacular and effective in the ex-
treme and the practical certainty of
being sent abroad within a short
time.
The period of training is much
shorter than that needed in other
lines of service. so those enlisting in
| the corps need have no fear that the
privilege OF hammering the Hun will
be denied them.
The Tanks Appeal.
No phase of present-day warfare
| has appeaed more strongly to the
American people and their allies than
| the innovation brought about by ap-
plying the principle of an ordinary
farm tractor to a weapon OF offense-
| by converting these agricultural i'm
plements into hell wagons" as the
! Germans call them.
While our aviators gain plaudits by
equaling the American eagle in swift
ness of flight and deadliness of at
j tack. these grim-visaged patriots who
man the tanks-who lead the way
through NO Mans I.and''-will earn
and receive their full share of praise
They are regarded as the bull dogs
of the fighting units.
| Owing to the demonstrated value OF
| tanks in offensive work. they will be
: sent overseas rapidly American fac
( tories are prepared to turn them out
| as fast as men can be trained to
/ operate them and qualified men are
entering the training camp at Gettys-
! burg in large and steadily increasing
| numbers.
4 A.