Evening star., 1923-12-07
PERSH|NG lAMENTS
DECREASE IN ARMY.
Reports Some Real Progress,
But Says Funds Lack
Hampers Work.
By the Associated Press.

The condition OF the national de-
Tense system presents a serious
problem. which should receive
thoughtful consideration from every
responsible citizen" Gen. Pershing
declared today in what will be his
last annual report as chief Of staff
of the Army. BY the time the next
report is due the former commander
of the American eXped;tionary forces
will have reached the retirement age
Of sixty four.
1--WE have made progress in the
organization of the framework of 4
great citizen army" he said.
but the total number Of individuals
under military supervision has de-
creased by 5000 during the past
three years. This decline presents
eerious problem which should receive
the thoughtful consideration OF every
responsible citizen.
Are we making real progress to-
ward the modest goal which We have
set for ourselves. or are we falling
which has heretofore existed In this
country"
Get Little Assistance.
Gen PerShing devoted his report
largely to the question Of "the .rea-
tion In time Of peace of a corps OF
officers 10 instruct cur men ana TO
lead them in battle" BasinG his
statements on the results of the time
he devoted during the year to in
spection OF summer training camps,
he reported that reserve officers had
exhibited readiness 20 make personal
sacrifces in order to fit them selves
for duty. but that the War Deoa"t-
rnent had been able to give them
little assistance. the truth being that
we have neither personnel nor funds
sufficient for this purpose
There has been Temporary dlsrup-
tion" In the Regular Army as was 10
be expected. he continued. due to re-
organization under the natioaGl de-
fense act. He added, however:
II wish TO emphasize the fact that
this can be but "A temporary phase.
Our regular organizations must once
mora receive the training necessary
70 make them models OF efficiency
and to prepare them to take the field
SS any moment.
Urges Larger Army.
with full appreciation of the
need for economy, I urge that the
Regular Army be brought back to
and $4,000 officers: that it be suit
ably housed and enabled to coaddct
annual maneuvers on a moderate
scale; that the National Guard be
given the support necessary TO per
nit It's progressive development tc-
ward n strength OF 250,00o: that the
skeleton organization IF the organ
lied reserves be adequately main
tanned: that the funds appropriated
permit reserve officers to receive an
average OF fifteen days training in
each three or four years; that the Re
serve Officers Training Corps units
be further developed, and that pro-
vision be made for a gradual IN
crease in the number accommodated
annually in the citizen military
training camps"
The Officers Reserve Corps now con-
sists, Gen. Persning said, of approx
i1nately 1900 officers. of whom 50.-
GJ0 are war veterans. Annual re-
placements of at least 1000 second
maintain the corps, and this year
only about half that number were
commissioned from the Reserve Of
ficers' Training Corps and other
there were about $4,000 regulars and
10000 national guardsmen in con-
tinental United States. or a decrease
OF 10000 from the strength of these
TWO elements OF the army lnaC cS-
listed in 1921.
I'VE can not contemplate a fur
ther reduction" Gen. Pershing de-
clared.
Morale of Troops.
said. enlisted personnel of the Regu-
lar Army has had TO be exploited in
performing non military duties in
preparing and maintaining camps of
instruction" 1t added that housing
had been poor for the troops but
that 'fne morale and cheerful
spirits" were exhibited by both off,
GERS and men even under these con-
sIitions.
Present appropriations" said Cen
Pershing, have provided only for the
living expenses Of the military estab-
1tShment and have not adequately cared
Tor the upkeep thereof. nor for its
progressive Development. Wa stocks
of supplies have been utilized to the
maximum advantage, and many articles
shelter built during the war has in
1rost instances become unduiy expen-
sve to maintain and is unfit for occu-
pancy. Essential measures for the de
fense Of the Panama canal and our
overseas possessions have been held in
allegiance. although a number of years
would be required for their completion"
Summing up the spirit with which ell
parts OF the new Army-reguiars, ma
sionat guardSrneu and reserve officers
were performing their part. he said:
Increase of interests.
''1t is gratifying to be able to report
that the national defense act has met
with constantly increasing interest
among all classes Of Americans. Not
only do our citizens show recognition
OF the wisdom Of the present policy, but
there appears to be a growing desire to
Gid the War Department in Carrying
out its program.
snents, the personnel Of all compo-
,cnts of the Army have zealously
given Of their services. The National
Guard has achieved a most praise
worthy standard of efficiency in view
of the limited time available for
military training; an excellent nu-
Cleaus for the organized reserves has
been built up in the short space Of
three years; the units for the train
&ng of prospective officers have de-
!.er in our schools, colleges and sum-
fner camps: and the regular estab-
aishment. cheerfully. indeed enthusi-
esticaIly. has subordinated many Of
its own interests in fulfilling its
task of aiding In every possible way
the citizen components and auxiliaries
Of the national army
Telling Of comments made to him
by parents. doctors, educators and
employers all over the country on
the effects of summer camp training
upon the young men trained, Gen.
Pershing said he believed these
camps ARE really an American in
stitution which will always endure
Sn some form or other"
'I regard them." he added. "as the