Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-29
BY WILLIAM J. WHEATLEY.

~ EVEL OPMENT of a new power
in modern warfare, younger
yet than the aeroplane, has
- been undertaken by the United
States Army, and its OrganiZa-
ton and operation is being closely
watched by foreign governments, who.
like the United States, have come TO
realization that machinery will play
most important part in any future
wars While the aeroplane development
was in its infancy at the time OF the
world conflict, its use there under
service conditions had shown the
militarists of its effectiveness in modern
conflicts, and by the aid Of generous
appropriations and popular interest 1t
has grown to an enormous size, and a
potent force in the national defense.
However, this new arm has been slow
to come into being. 1t has little or no
monetary support, but the Army has
been working to develop 1t, and hopes
In the near future that it will receive
the support which has been given the
air branches and which has put them
on the high level which they have
reached today.
This new branch Is to be known as
the mechanical force, and its basis Is
machinery which will take the loads
and strain off the feet of men and
animals and keep them in prime
condition until the time of actual COM
bat. instead of wearing them merci-
lessly out in reaching the objective.
with little vitality left to accomplish
the main object in view. Although
automotive equipment was used con-
siderably IN the last war, there was no
organized force built up to be reckoned
with as were the old arms, Infantry,
Cavalry, Artillery, Signal Corps, quar-
termaster Corps, etc.
Still in Experimental Stage.
The Army's experiments, and the
force is still in the experimental stage,
are moving along the lines of CO.
ordinated development of machinery
and men into a mighty force. where
the machinery will bear the brunt OF
the fighting. with the men doing the
operating. 1t will require months, and
even years. to develop the machinery,
and special equipment, as well as the
tactics to place a co-ordinated force
In the field that will buck the enemy,
for that In reality will be its job--en-
gaging In offensive operations.
Those charged with training the
Army and keeping it in prime condi-
ton for service against an enemy have
realized that the wars of the future
will be comparatively short-lived and
that machinery will play large part
in the winning of engagements, as
against mere man power in the wars OF
the past.
That the test is being closely watched
by foreign military powers is evidenced
by the following excerpt from a for
eign military service paper.
THE development of mechanical
force does not stop with special units
and with special experiment. The chief
of staff Is looking forward to the needs
of the future He realizes that In days
to come the majority of officers will be
in charge of mechanically propelled We
hicles and that some degree Of Spe-
cialiZed knowledge of the eccentricitieS
of such vehicles will be necessary.
Courses in motor mechanization have
therefore been arranged at Fort Sill,
Okla, and Fort Monroe, Va. Of1cers
from all branches of the service Will
attend these courses in order that they
may become qualified as motor engi-
neers. 1t is probable that the majority
of officers have already some knowledge
of motoring matters. but the new
courses will give them the technical
knowledge which they will require In
future warfare.
Tribute TO U. s. Efficiency.
with the customary American
thoroughnesS the commander OF the
force has been instructed to expert
ment along lines that cover the entire
activities of a mechanical force In time
of war, and it is certain that much val
liable data will be obtained"
With the aid of few vehicles born
during the war period, and Kept In
condition by careful servicing, a large
force has been built up from all
branches of the service including In
fantry, cavalry, signal corps, tank corps.
field artillery. anti-aircraft. chemical
service and the like. This force has
been assembled at Fort Leonard Wood,
Md. formerly Camp Meade, where plans
for it's tactical use are being worked
out from an offensive standpoint.
1t was given Its flrst real road test
several days ago In a 42-mile march
from its basic camp to Upper Marlboro.
Md. and the potentialities OF such
force were indicated at that time when
a force consisting of 256 vehicles and
LOO men of all branches were moved
in the hot sun to a theoretical point OF
contact within striking distance sof
washington within the short space OF
nine hours.
There the troops we're delivered fresh
and ready for action, without pro-