Evening star., 1925-08-09
ARMY.


ARMY
Brig. Gen. c. LII. Ruggles, assist
ant chief of ordnance, has just re-
turned from an extended tour of duty
in Europe While abroad Gen. Rug
giles visited a number of the European
capitals observing the current ord
nance activities, and he also served as
a member of the American delegation
to the conference at Geneva for the
supervision of the international trade
in arms and ammunition and in the
implements of war.
A new type of helmet made up by
the Ordnance Department, which af-
fords more protection to the wearer
against artillery fragments. is being
tested by the field artillery board at
Fort Bragg, N c. The principal diff
ference between the new type and that
worn during the war is in the contour.
This board is also making great ef-
forts to find tractor which ls suitabl
for tractor drawn artillery. and at the
present time tests are being made of
the Monarch, Best and Holt tractors
of various sizes and weights
Test Is also being made at the Fort
Bragg Reservation of the 75-millimeter
field gun with split trail, model 1923;
the 155-millimeter howitzer. 1920
model; the 155-millimeter gun and
howitzer, model of 1921, and the Al
inch gun. model of 1921. All of these
fieldpieces have been developed by
the Ordnance Department and the
tests are being conducted for the pur-
pose of determining whether or not
they are suitable for field artillery
use.
A comparison of the new English
service rifle and bayenet and the
standard of the American Army re-
veals the fact that the British piece is
,SA ounces lighter in weight. The
new British weapon will weigh s
pounds ounces, with a bayonet
weighing 6A ounces, whereas the pres
ent British standard weighs s pounds
and the bayonet 16k ounces. Thus
| the total weight of the new standard
weapon will be pounds 15A ounces,
as against a total weight Of 10 pounds
y ounce Of the present standard.
In the American Army the standard
service rife weighs pounds ounces,
with a bayonet weighing l pound,
which makes the total weight of the
American weapon 9 pounds ounces.
Though the new British rife repre-
sents a reduction in the total weight.
it is understood that its barrel is
heavier than the present standard.
To give emphasis in training in situ-
ations of kind applicable to that
theater of operations, to develop the
qualities of initiative and leadership,
and to provide means for determining
| the relative combat proficiency of all
| units Is the primary purpose of hold
| ing the Panama Canal Department s
annual firing competitions, regulations
| for which have just been issued by the
War Department. Beginning this year,
there will be awarded by the depart
ment commander a trophy, to be
known as the department comma nder S
| trophy, to the winners of each compe-
| tition. These competitions will prob
ably be held during the month OF April
of each year.
| Brig. Gen. Joseph C. Castner, U. S.
A, who was relieved from the COM
mand of the I'd Cavalry Brigade last
! Monday has been assigned to COM
mand the 1st Cavalry Division. at Fort
Bliss, Tex. Brig. Gen. Charles ID.
Rhodes, L. S: A, who has been on
duty at Fort Hayes, Ohio, has been
| assigned to the command of the I'd
Cavalry, at Fort Bliss. the post va
Gated by Gen. Castner.
In order to avoid losses and reduce
! expenses in connection with the
issue and fitting of special measure
ment uniforms under the provisions
of paragraph 51a, Army Regulations
| 615-40, due to separation of enlisted
men from the service, transfers or
changes In assignments. and changes
in measurements and set-up within
the first few months of their enlist
| ment the following will govern:
ReQuisitions will not be submitted
for special measurement uniforms
for recruits until they have been in
service at least three months and
have joined the organizations to
which assigned. This rule will not
apply to re-enlisted men. In un-
usual cases and for special reasons
corps area commanders and the com
manding general, District OF Wash
ington, may make exceptions to this
rule upon the recommendation oi
post, camp or station commanders.
Mai Gen. c. c. Williams, chief OF
ordnance, has just returned to
Washington from a visit of inspec-
ton of the Aberdeen Proving Ground
Maryland. He was accompanied or
this trip by Maj. c. T. Harris. jr.
o. d. executive officer of the ONCE
of chief Of ordnance.
Maj. t. J. Smith, O., D., who has
been in foreign service as ordnance