Evening star., 1938-09-04
1939CAMP PLANS
FOR GUARD ASKED
Militia Units Told Economy
Is Important Consideration
in New Program.

In calling for suggestions for pro-
grams for the annual field encamp-
ments Of the Militia next summer, the
War Department has informed the
National Guard authorities that econ-
omy remains an important considera-
ton. 1t was explained this includes
the selection Of training camps that
will not involve too much cost in
transportation and. in the prepa ra ton
OF plans, for the use Of motor trans
port available within the units in
sending the troops to and from the
camps.
Long distance movements, Guard
officials were warned, must be avoided
The nearest adequate training area
should be selected. The department
said it is believed that divisional con-
centrations should not be held oftener
than once every three or four years,
this being particularly true when the
cost would exceed the total involved
in the separate encampments Of the
units making up the division. The
same principle. it was added, applies
in lessor degree to the assembly of
brigades. 1t was pointed out also that
when either brigades or regiments are
split among two or more States and
their combined training, as brigades
or as regiments. would involve. long
hauls, the cost prohibits regular an
nual assemblies. However, 1t was said,
this policy is not to be construed as
imposing any restrictions on the par.
ticipation of National Guard units in
Army maneuvers.
The notice said that it Is Of prI.
mary Importance that all troups train
only where sui{able,and adequate ter-
rain is availab1e To scconplish this
may requiresAn INCREASE IA the num-
Der of organizastons that :.train In
States other than their own. In some
instances, It was asserted, this may en-.
tail longer movements to and from
the training camps but in other short
er movements may be involved. The
Militia authorities were informed also
that the number Of units scheduled
for seed training at particular camp
at any one time should not be great.
er than that which its terrain can.
accommodate adequately. ssa
Maximum use must Be made Of
available Government-owned motor
vehicles, but. In using. motor trans.
portation the authorities We're told to
take in consideration the daily dis
tances to be travelled so that no un-
due hardship will be imposed on
Militia personnel Where the camp
sites are within IS miles of the base
OF the units, several trips may be
made to move the troops and equip
ment. but where the distances are
greater than this the movements are
to be made at one time.
The Militia authorities were told
that more consideration must be given
to the training OF men in the motor
movements as practical matter, add
ing that there has been tendency
in recent years to consider a mere
motor movement to and from camp as
complying with the training require
ment for a two-day tactical exercise
in the field and overnight bivouac.
In order to provide maximum train
ing value motor movements should be
planned, it was pointed out, and con-
Quoted by organization personnel
rather than by State authorities, and
should include tactical features such
as reconnaissance. selection and oc-
cupation Of positions. and security; and
other training features as the use of
bivouacs and supply, cooking and sani-
tation in the field.