New-York tribune., 1919-12-22
New Army Bill
Aims to Train
Boys l8 to 2l
Senators Drop Former Plans
and Seek Reorganization,
Observation-Disclosures
vice for American Youth

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21.--Legislation
which would amount to a virtual re-
organization of the army, with pro-
lection from outside attack as a pri
mary purpose and with compulsory
military training for boys from eigh-
teen to twenty-one years Of age as a
leading feature. has been agreed upon
tentatively by the Senate military SUBJ
committee considering permanent
military policy for the nation. Senator
Wadsworth, Of New York, chairman Of
the subcommittee, said tonight the
legislation would be put in final form
during the Christmas recess of Con-
gress for presentation to the full COM
mlttee when the Senate reconvenes.
Ihe Legislation, as agreed upon by
the sub committee, Senator Wadsworth
said, is completely new and bears no
resembl lance to the army reorganization
bill drafted by the General Staff and
transmitted to the House and Senate
Baker.
Calls for 2SO,OOo Men
While various minor details of the
L,
mlttec's present agreement, Senator
Wadsworth said, calls for permanent
standing. peace army of 100000, al
though the committee may possibly re-
duce this number in the final draft of
the bill. The smallest possible stand
ing army that will meet the demands
OF this country is the aim Of the sub
committee. Chairman Wadsworth said.
One big army composed of the reg
ular army as now recognized, and a
reserve or citizens army are provided
IN the tentative legislation. Of the
latter army the National Guard would
be part, although the details of the
organization of that service remain to
be worked out
Elective Plan for Bows
Youths within the prescribed age
limits would be required to take four
months military training, with pro-
vision made for either the regular
army or the National Guard of the
various states being used in providing
this training. The youths. however,
would be given an opportunity to elect
either taking this training in lump
or of joining the National Guard for
a fixed period, during which they would
receive the same amount of training as
prescribed for the four months period
Upon completion of this training the
recruits would be placed in a reserve
army for period Of five years. but
under no conditions, Senator Wads
worth said, could the reservsts be
called upon to perform military service
except in case Of declaration of wnr.
No Compulsory Service
"While the bill will provide for COM
pulsory military training" Senator
Wadsworth said, "there will be no pro-
vision made for compulsory military
service
Another radical departure from the
present military system will be the
substitution of the term "service" for
corps, provision being made for desig-
mating the quartermaster. judge advo-
cate, ordnance and similar branches of
service. Promotions. the bill provides.
would be guided by eligibility instead
OF seniority, SC cctions being made
from selected list.
The sub comm; ;ttee also plans ia
overrule the recommendations of Sec
retary Baker and General March.
chief Of staff. to have the chemical
warfare service combined with the En-
gineering Corps, and instead will make
the former a separate service along
with the construction and transporta.
tion branches.