Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1922-04-26

would have been partially prepared
to take hold of their individual du-
ties. through training and study In
peace times.
1t is this principle of preparedness
of officers through gradual training
in times of peace, with view to in
surfing efficient training, expeditions
transportation, and avoidance OF
vast financial wastage in the face
of another war that is the keynote
of the Reserve policy.
President Harding has expressed
the idea In the following words:
"Our present national defense law
establishes an economical and DEM
ocratfc military policy Thoroughly
consistent with our national tradi-
tions. IL provides for a small reg
ular army, TO be augmented by great
citizen forces in the event of ma
tionaI emergency. This is our ira
ditionaI military policy. But whereas
I'm the past these larger war forces
have been extemporized after the oc-
currence of an emergency (and with
enormous waste of time and money
millions of dollars and over a year,
I'm the recent wary lbracketed' lises
and undcrlines preceding are minel
the new law wisely provides that the
framework of their organization
shall be established and developed
i'm time of peace, I'm so far as this Is
practicable through the voluntary
service of our patriotic young men.
The Army of the United States as
defined I'm the new law. comprises
the Regular Army, the National
Guard and the Organized Reserves.
Every patriotic citizen should en-
courage the development of these
forces, each within its proper
sphere"
In the preceding paragraph the
President uses the words: I'm the
past these larger war forces (the
Reserves) have been extemporized
after the occurrence of an emery
ency." It is desired to impress on
our readers the significance OF these
words. and the intent of the present
army policy to insure against the
vast evils OF the old policy, as far as
this can be done in peace times,
without burdening unduly our loyal
and intelligent civilians OF military
age and abilities. The first step in
this common-sense policy OF ma
tional insurance against much OF the
wastage, inefficiency and loss Incl
dent TO war. Is therefore: (a) plan
ming for the military organizations
that will be required for war; (b)
securing the necessary officers for
these organizations. It Is with this
latter subject that we are directly
and in connection there
with, the following pertinent ques-
tions arise:
(a) What qualifications must a
man possess TO make him eligible
for a commission as a reserve Of
hcer?
% What responsibilities must
man assume II he becomes a re-
serve officer?
Co What privileges, pay. allow
lnces, etc, go with a commission as
A reserve officer?
(d) How much time Is required |
lin peace time) in the performance I
Of the duties Of a reserve officer?
(e) How long does a reserve COM |
mission last, and how is 1t renewed? |
(f) What grade (rank) does a re-
serve officer hold in peace time. II /
he has had prior service, and how !
can he secure a promotion7
(g) What steps are necessary in
applying for a commission as re-
serve officer; to whom should APP
p1cation be made?
(h) Why is It the duty Of men OF
proper qualifications to apply for
reserve commissions in peace times? |
The answers to the above ques-
ions will be taken up in a succeed
,,c, feet,a of tbfa Daner