Evening star., 1940-07-07

Efforts Being Made
To Increase
Commissioned Personnel
Demand for officers and men to
man the increasing number of ves-
sells being added to the active naval
fleet has served to increase the
tasks of the local Naval Reserve
contingent, as well as the Regular
officers assigned to this unit. This
task has piled on top of another
which started when the hostilities
in Europe began, which caused a
number of men to seek commissions
In the Naval Reserve in an effort
to get a fixed status so as to be
ready in the event of call to arms.
1t was said that the President
plans to develop 5000 more Reserve
officers to man the expanding naval
operations, including activities afloat
and in the air. The Washington
Navy Yard Reserve Office is working
overtime In an effort to assist in
this task. There is also a great
demand for enlisted personnel of
all classes, but particularly those
with special lines of training, In
cluding radio operators and signal
men.
In an effort to obtain commits
stoned personnel and have the Of
f1cers ready as the ships are placed
in commission, it was said that the
Naval Reserve is inviting young men
to enlist for training and ultimately
be promoted to ensigns. The pro-
gram also includes interesting young
men in the colleges taking courses
during their college year, dealing
with naval subjects, and then being
commissioned ensigns when they
obtain their degrees.
The Navy also is seeking young
men for Reserve commissions who
have not completed college. In order
to obtain commissions in the Naval
Reserve, unless man is a spe-
clallst in particular line, an ap-
plicant must have had at least two
years of college work to his credit.
However, 1t was indicated that there
Is a possibility that in the event
that the Navy is unable to obtain
sufficient men with this requirement,
that 1t might be necessary to re-
duce 1t even to high school course.
Regardless of the requirements,
scores of men have made applica-
tion for commissions at the local
Reserve Office. Their applications
are being filed for future use.
Il. Morris Weinstock. commander
OF the Naval Communications Re-
serve Division, is making every ef-
fort to round up every radio operator,
amateur and otherwise, in the city,
to interest them in entering the
Naval Reserve. The Navy is in much
need OF radio operators and, al
though the men will be enlisted in
the Reserve. they will be given active
duty af1oat Immediately if they
apply for it.
II there are any young men who
do not have operator training and
are desirous of entering the COM
munications branch they will be
taken on active duty as seamen and
given course of instruction so that
they can be sent to vessels of the
fleet as rapidly as they become pro-
flcient with radio operation and the
methods of naval procedure.
Those Interested in fI,ie VIA IL,
may apply at the Naval Reserve Ar
mory on Eleventh between M and N
streets Sc, and observe the work
OF the communications division.
Those who apply for this duty must
be between the ages Of II and IS
years.
The training ship of the local bat
TALON went down the Potomac River
on a cruise last week, ending at Co.
lonlal Beach. The men were the
guests Of the American Legion,
which was holding its annual con-
vention there. The Reserve officers
were headed by Comdr. A. B. Nc
Cracy, U. S. N, director of Naval
Reserve activities in this area. The
vessel was in command of 1t. junior
grade) H. Arthur Lamar, formerly
attached to the local battalion, but
who now Is on active duty in the
office Of the Naval Reserve co-ordi-
nator In the office of the Chief of
Naval Operations, Navy Department.
While complete figures have not
yet been tabulated, 1t was estimated
that about 20 members of the local
battalion will try for the United
States Naval Academy in the class
to be admitted next July.
1t was said that 80 members Of the
local battalion have already been
admitted to the academy this year.
This number may be increased by
taking them in for several months.
AS soon as the total number of
men who intend to take the exami-
nations for appointment is known, 1t
is expected that they will be formed
into a special division, under COM
mand of an officer who will direct
their activities with the view of get
ting them ready for the appoint
ments. In the past this division has
been commanded by 1t. H. Arthur
Lamar. However, he has been called
to active duty in the Navy and al
though he retained command Of the
division after he was ordered to
active duty because he was sta
toned In Washington, it Is not
known whether he will be available
to handle the Naval Academy divi-
sion this year.
A new supply officers course for
Reserve officers has been organized
for training. The officers OF the
Reserve Supply Corps who are in
terested in taking this training at
tend lectures at the armory every
Thursday night. Capt. H. c. Cope,
E,,nr,l,, CoroS TT g NJ iS directing