Evening star., 1923-11-25
Army.

Army.
Efforts are being made by the gen.
eral stan, in their study Of the land
defenses of the country, to have this
report ready for publication and in
the hands of Congress by January 15.
General Pershing, in his plans for the
test mobilization of the Army Of the
United States In September of 1924.
mas emphasized the Importance of
publishing a report of this study. and
1t is stated that the mobilization
will reveal to the country that
greater progress has been made by
OF the United States than at any
time in the history of the country.
Not only has the National Guard
heen developed along broader lines
but the list of reserve officers which
Is kept by the War Department, most
or whom are world war veterans. Is
a long step In advance of the chaotic
condition which prevailed prior to
the great war
SWar Department officers point out,
however. that the test mobilization
will be so successful that the coun-
Try VIII reach the conclusion that
the organization of the Army Is
perfect and go on the assumption
that the Army is prepared to 60 in
heid service against the world.
J.. In order to avoid such a situation.
1t is stated that the general stan
VIII In it's study prepare ten
year program which will enable the
tnree components of the Army of
the United States to recognize the
mistakes and deficiencies which will
mobilization. The study which is
beng made by the general staff will
NOT countenance an extravagant pro-
gram but 1t will deal with personnel,
supplies, transportation and the ma
'lons manpower. which will be re-
guired for a national emergency.
Ihe general staff's study will be so
framed as to meet the demands of
GSonsress for small regular estab-
llsnment, but at the same time to
provide for the training activities of
the Army of the United States.
An annual examination. which will
be held the first week In Nav each
year for the higher non-commissioued
grades in the staff departments, 1t
Is understood, will be included in the
proposed regulations which are now
being worked out In the War Depart
ment Requirements of the different
branches Will govern these yearly ex-
aIninationS
The supporters of this change main
tam that these annual examinations
VIII not only tend to increase the
efficiency of the Army but through
such policy the best material for
non-commiSsioned officers will be
given warrants. 1t is stated that the
proposed regulations have been ten
tatlVeiy approved and that they will
appear in War Department publ
cation in the near future. The scope
or the examinations of the different
stan departments will embrace sub
Jects pertaining to their respective
arms.
The initial course on arsenal ad-
mlnlsTation and a general survey
or the technical activities of the
auEurated November 12. The frst
curse. which will co1clude December
+, IS approximately four weeks in
duration. but the courses of instruc-
Non following this first class will be
six weeks in length. 1t Is primarily
designed to familiarize chemical war
fare officers, who have been away
from arsenal duties for a consider
able length of time. with the latest
deveiopments and improvements
work. The first class taking this
supplemental course of instruction is
composed of the following Chemical
Warfare Service officers: Majs J.
W. Lyon, John A. Bard, C. E. T. Lull
and Capt Victor Parks.
plan under which it is believed
that the housing problem of the regu-
lar establishment can be solved with
out additional expense to the govern
ment. will be proposed to Congress
at the approaching session Of Con-
sress by the Secretary of War. The
Secretary's plan Is that property now
in the possession of the department
which is not of military value. can be
sold and the revenue therefrom be
used in the construction of suitable
quarters for the Regular Army. In
Secretary Weeks administration of
War Department AFFAIRS, he has made
a splendid record and his policy in
dealing with the property and ma
terial belonging to the departme mt
has been revenue-p producing one
since his acceptance of the portfolio
as War Secretary.
In,l,-i -ir,cr HI u u