Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-05-10

COMBAT SquaoronS OF the Army be
concentrated rapidly enough from
their scattered posts to safeguard q
hreatened point? Are ground facilities suf-
Client to permit an emergency concentration
the air forces in any one part Of the country2
All these vital questions and others will be
answered by the largest military air concentra-
on in the history of the country this month
hen the Army Air Corps is to simulate great
ational emergency and concentrate 672 planes
pr active field service on the East Coast, wind
g up with great demonstration over the
apital on Memorial day
Leaders OF Army and naval aviation q few
eeks ago reached an agreement as to the func-
ons Of the two air services which makes the
0ming Army maneuverS Of greater Importance
the country than any similar exercises ever
no. IL was agreed that upon the Army Air
orps must rest the burden Of aerial defense
the Nations shores; that the duty Of naval
Walton is with the feet exclusively.
This months maneuverS will be the test at
ne Armys ability to meet the new trust I'M
osed upon it. To prepare for its test, the
rTny win concentrate the greatest air force
yer seen In this Nation, calling upon National
uard aviation squadrons and the graduating
lass OF the advanced flying school at Kelly
ffeld, Tex, to swell the available force.
The result will be the sternest and most spec-
hcular demonstration Of modern aerial war
are ever witnessed in the United States; an
Inhibition which it is hoped will drive home in
ne minds of American people the conviction
nat 1t Is to the skies they must look for future
hfety
IA /HEN the maneuvers come to a close in
Washington on the last day Of May the
ountry's military leaders are expected to have
a their hands facts based upon actual experi-
nee which will determine the pathways to be
oiiowed by the Air Corps in its capacity as
lerial defenders Of the Nations vulnerable
oast line
The great aerial armada of this month will
e drawn from every corner of the country
there will be wasp-like pursuit squadrons.
ackbone OF aerial defense and offense, from
'ehridge Field, Mount Clemens Mich, and
rockwell Field San Diego Calf Observation
quadronS, the eyes Of the Army, will come
rom Mitchell Field N. Y, and from every Ma
onal Guard division area In the country.
mere VIII be bombardment Suuadrons the
eayy artillery Of the air, from Langley Field
hampton, Va and from Rockwell Field. on
ne Pacific Coast Attack aviation, regarded as
he most deadly striking power ever developed
II use against important ground targets, will
'semble from the Third Attack Group base
ear Galveston, Tex. Cargo and transport
lanes VIII be drawn from many Army air posts
altered attachments from such fields as BOIL
q. the Air Corps field in Anacostia, will swell
lie ranks of the squadrons
Inc units, flights and squadrons will be forged
10 the FIRST Provisional Air Division, the
rgest tactical unit contemplated in the tables
organization Of the Air Corps and the first
T division ever assembled In this country.
approximately $4,000, 900 Americans will have
opportunity next month to see fighting
anes OF the Army Air Corps participating ia
e maneuYers or en- route to or from the con-
ntration points, the War Department esti-
ties. The airways and airports system of the
untry will be taxed to their limits to handle
mighty air force and their ability to stand
under the strain will be one of the features
the test.
nle First Air Division, according to plans an
unced by F. Trubee Dawson, Assistant Sec
airy OF War for Aeronautics, will be composed
2o5 pursuit planes 335 observation planes.