The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1919-05-30
VOCATIONAL TRAINING
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Mr.. Baker said 1t is desired to
make the army an institution of
education" He has ordered the
general staff to work out the
plan immediately. 1t will be
ready for congress when the
army rganization question is
taken up, which, Chairman Kahn
announced, will follow the ap-
preparation bill.
The secretary explained that his
plan had the approval OF General
Pershing and was~ the result of the
American army's experience in
France IT provides for the utiliza-
ton of universities, technical institu-
tions and high schools in the training
of the enlisted men The soldiers
would be sent to school for several
months during each year, under army
discipline. In which the same man
ner as the students army training
corps was conducted during the war.
"our experience abroad has taught
us that every man in the~arms Should
be educated" Mr.. Baker said. We
plan to make the army in institution
of education. with special attention to
the vocational training that army
work demands.
Both the secretary and. General
March, chief of staff. denied that this
plan tended towards universal MILL
tary service. They said at this time
no plans were made for extensive
military training In the schools.
Chairman Kahn asked:
Why could not these educational
army units be used as the basis for
extensive military training at the
schools?"
That is possible" Mr.. Baker re-
Piled, but we have not considered
that phase of the work.
The hearing developed that the re-
tention of American soldiers in ST.
IBERIA is a very live issue in congress-
Examination of General March re-
vealed that the Siberian expedition
was financed out Of the presidents
personal fund. General March said.
The president turned over $1,000
600 at one time and another sum. I
cannot exactly recall, at a later date
But we believe that this money viz
tually was loaned TO the Czecho-
Slovak government
Questions of committeeman on
the subject of the return OF
American soldiers from Europe
brought from General March the
statement that the war depart
nlent expects To Keep nNe ui-
visions. in round mum bers i5o,-
600 men abroad until peace is
definitely settled. The chief OF
staff added:
But all other men are being
rushed back just as fast as ship
ping facilities will permit All
records for trans-ocenic trans
portation OF troops will he broken
this month. during which we
hope 10 bring back $4,000 men.
The record in taking the SOL
diers over TO France was 100000
in a single month
General March declared that II II
should become necessary every
American soldier could be taken out
of Europe by the first of Septemb Der
There has been great Improvement
in shipping conditions during the last
of the German liners and other YES
sells has expanded the transport ser
vice.
However. 1t is not probable that all
the men will be out of Europe by
September l." he continued. because
II is unlikely that the immediate sit
uation will permit it,"
The financial needs OF the army for
the next fiscal year. Secretary Baker
said, have not changed since the es-
innate were submitted to the last
congress, Notwithstanding the rapid
rehabilitation. He added
1--WE still believe that the average
army for the next fiscal year will be