New Britain herald., 1925-07-24
ONLY TRAINED MEN
 FOR AIR FIGHTERS
BinSham'S Policy Adopted To-
 day by War Department
BY GEORGE II. MhNNlNG

. Washington. p, C. July 2i P'-- The war department today institute ed the third of a number of impor- tant changes in tho aviation service advocated by Senator Hiram Btng- ham of Connecticut,
 Orders were issued today by Dwight F, Davis, acting secretary Of war; proNllug that army officers in all combat hranchcs Of the service shall receive air service training. This is a iar.rcachiuc change In policy and one that alters the entire policy of the army towards ayia- ton.
 A few days ago the acting secre-, tary of war issued orders changing the uniform of air service officers so as 10 eliminate the disadvantages of the present uniform and make it more comfortable and practical for flying duty
 Several weeks ago orders were is- sued directing that all cadets at West Point should be given full in- struction in the problems of avia- ton, instead of limiting their knowl- edge 10 cavalry. artillery and h. fantry tactics,
 These three innovations have been advocated by Senator Bingham for long time. When he appeared on February %, 1925, before the spe- cial house of representatives com mittee Investigating aviation, he said these changes should be made and urged the committee to go on record in Its report to congress as recommending them.
 Senator Bingham pointed out on that occasion that with aviation playing so important a part in all phases of war activities 1t is essen tial that all army and navy officers should have thorough training in the principles of aviation and should be accomplished flyers.
 Cavalry Considered Obsolete
 Cavalry Is virtually useless branch of the army service now, he pointed out. yet West Point Is de- voting much time to study of the care of the horse and cavalry tac- tics, but entirely negleCting all study of aviation.
 All army and navy officers should be properly instructed in all phases of aviation and should be compelled to put in certain number of hours in the air quarterly.
 The order issued by the war de partment today Is prompted, Actint Secretary Davis says. "by aviation developments leading to a conclusion that all line officers require sucl knowledge of the capabilities ant limitations of the air service, as t permit them using it under all con ditions of battle, and 10 feelin that the general efficiency of sue officers will he increased by limit ed amount of actual experience 1 the air"
 The new policy contemplates ths all line officers, In addition [ theoretical instruction will have 8 opportunity for at least 10 hour actual experience in the air. A West Point this instruction wi cover % hours and at Leavenwort and the army war college if will ir clude even more, according 10 tn departments announcement.
 Immediately after graduation members of the West Point cla' will be sent to an air service f1yin field, and there will be afforded oI portunity for actual aerial eXper ence. During the first Is years { commissioned service all officer who have not had aerial eXperienc after graduation from West Poir will be given opportunity to ha' this experience. At the outset th opportunity will |" given to all con bat officers now In the army, vi have been commissioned in the reg lar army since November Ii, l9l and who were neither officers