Evening star., 1937-07-18

Inc battalion heads are hopin1
some definite result will come from
their efforts TO obtain new bos.
1t was pointed out thousands Of ho,1rs
OF training are lost in tn. cours. OF
tne year because of the inability of
the division officers to supply facili-
Ties Tor the men desiring It. This
training is purely voluntary. While
the ofhcers and men get paid for at
tending one armory drill week
which lasts for only two hours. vet
the men are willing to give AZ hours
a week OF their time. in addition to
the armory period. for this training
Naval Reserve officers from all parts
OF the country last week completed
series Of conferences on Naval Re-
serve matters at the Navy Depa rt-
ment. With the Reservlsts also we're
a number Of regular officers on duty
IN the department. whose duties bring
them in close contact with the de-
Velopment Of the civilian component
OF the Navy. Rear Admiral Adolphus
Of Navigation, presided.
One OF the most important matters
discussed was the budget for 1899.
Whlie these officers have not indicated
what was done about the question
OF Reserve funds. nevertheless it vas
known the Reservists intended to
seek some definite policy which would
prevent the transfer to the regular
naval account Of funds definitely ap-
propriated by Congress for the Re-
serve. The ReServists feel with the
increased funds being allowed the reg
ular establishment for building up
the feet and its personnel. there
should be corresponding percentage
increase for the Reserve.
In connection with the appropris-
tons, there is the very important
matter to the Reservists of necessary
and appropriate vessels for assignment
10 the Reserve battalions for training
purposes between the annual cruise
periods. OF course, in addition to the
assignment of these vessels when
available, there is the important
matter of upkeep They involve A
considerable expense in the paw OF
shlpkeepers. Naval Reservists who are
ordered to indefinite active duty status
TO be assigned as crew of the vessels
to maintain them. There Is also the
fuel expense for cruising and. Of
course, they have to keep fires aboard
all Winter, even when not cruisinc
in order TO prevent freezing. How
ever, the Reservists are known TO be
strongly pushing the vessel problem.
as many of them are seriously ham
pered in their training by this lack
Armory problems are just as serious
to many Of the units In the case of
the District. it is very important. The
District Reservists get their training
during the Fall. Winter and Spring
months, under about the worst con-
ditions possible. according to those
familiar With the situation. The
building which they now use formerly
was commercial store building and
the drill hall is a frame Iean-to which
was constructed on two sides of the
mann oAIltiIlS hbl lIlS lIle w vi III W dI.
The battalion has grown in size to
such an extent that it is impossible
to form the outfit for ceremonies
without putting some the men along
the side. What battalion drills are
held must be held during fair weather.
During the annual inspections it is
necessary TO move two of the divisions
out Of the drill hall, while a third
is taking its tests.
The question of providing A special
medal for Reservlsts of long service
also was given considerable attention.
and 1t is probable some recommended
| ton will be made on this question.
Courses Of instruction and indoctrina-
tion for Naval Reserve officers also
came up for discussion