Evening star., 1932-08-21
D. C. Naval Reserve

ing knowledge of the principles studied.
The report asserts that the annual
cruises are OF paramount importance
and are an essential part of the train
ing of the feet divisions, in the pre-
paration for which the training over
the entire year should be based. The
plan of assigning a destroyer training
squadron on the East Coast to provide
for week end cruises and, at times. for
practical instruction on drill nights
has proved especially beneficial in the
sixth. seventh and eighth naval dis
tricts, II is reported
Plans were said however, to have
been somewhat upset in other districts
by the withdrawal of deseroyers for duty
elsewhere. In a comparatively large
number of instances the board found
the maximum benefit had not been
derived from the presence OF Eagle
boats and, in some instances destroyers
through failure to use them on drill
nights. A few Eagle boats have since
been Withdrawn In the interest of
economy, necessitating. in some in
stances. that those remaining serve
more feet units. These Eagle boats
have been placed under the command
of lieutenants In the regular establish
ment and the number of shipkeepers
SlASAltly llIClCdSCu 81 dS W pcIullL tHelE
greater mobility. It Is expected the
officers thus detailed will be Of very
considerable value In the role of in
spector- instructor.
The policy has been announced for
the fiscal year 1884 that all feet divi-
sions are to have their 15-day training
cruises aboard vessels Of the feet. This
decided step in advance Is in line with
previous recommendations Of the board.
1t will give those divisions, In the opiri-
ion of the board, which have had no
opportunity for actual contact with the
regular Navy that opportunity, and
should provide the up-to-date training
in many branches which has hereto
fore been lacking.
The vessels assigned for training duty
on the Great Lakes will be maintained
for the purpose of week end cruises
only. None of these have turbine en-
gines or up-to-date boiler plants, and,
as half Of these vessels, which the Re-
serve Of the 9th Naval District mans
in time Of emergency, are so equipped
the need for better training ships Is
apparent, the report continues.
The board recommends that consid-
Grafton be given to gradual replace
ment Of the Hawk, Wilmington.
Dubuque, Paducah and wilmette BY
Eagle boats or other vessels OF a more
modern type suited for week end
cruises. 1t also recommends, when
funds permit, that one or two officers
or men from each fleet division be
authorized to participate In the annual
| fleet concentration, and that also the
Fleet Reserve be given more extended
cruise period once every three or four
years. Such extended training. 1t was
said. would be of great and lasting
benefit in improving the efficiency OF
the Fleet Reserve.
The report says the appearance Of
Fleet Reserve personnel was generally
commendable and in many divisions
excellent. although general improve
| ment was manifest
Progress in military drills was gem
orally reported satisfactory. The board,
however, pointed out that infantry
drills should be limited to the few
movements required to make a credit
| able showing in parades. In the en-
suing year. 1t was said one division of
each unit inspected will be required to
give 10-minute demonstration Of one
of the exercises in the Landing Force
Manual, but added that excessive time
is not to be devoted In preparation for
this feature.