The Wrangell sentinel., 1940-11-08
NATL GUARD HERE MOVES
 STEP AHEAD


 Formation of a National Guard unit in Wrangell took a step for ward last night with the visit here of Major Jesse E. Graham and Ser geant Hamilton Fl. Bond, detailed to Alaska by the Army to assist Gov. Ernest Gruening, Commander in-chief of the Guard in the Terri tory. in setting up the organization.
 At a meeting in the Elks hall att tended by about 30 men and pre- sided over by Mayor Van H. Fisk, Major Graham outlined the require ments of a Guard unit here, it's pur-I poses from a military defense stand point and how it fits into the gen-I eraI defense program in the north. He spoke later at Wrangell Insti-I ute.
 If between 30 and 35 eligible mem can be enlisted, platoon half al company will be formed here with the other platoon in Petersburg, ac-I cording to the present plan. he said If 66 men can be enlisted full company will be formed here. Plan is to use the gymnasium as a drill hall for the present.
 Before any action is taken how ever, the Major stressed that it isl necessary to have the qualified en- listed men, and in explaining qual-I ifications and requirements asked and answered 10 questions, namely
 Requirements of Guardsman
 l. What are the qualifications for enlistment? Must be a citizen of the United States, between theI ages of IS and 45, physically and morally fit. Preference will be giv- en to unmarried men without de- pendents but married men are not barred providing they meet the oth- CT qualifications.
 Q How long will I have to serve? Three years
 8. What are the chances that Il will be called out of Alaska? Slight, as purpose of forming the Guard in Alaska at the present time is for the protection of the Territory in conjunction with the Army and Nal wy.
 1. What are my duties in con- nection with being in the Guard Be available for drill once a week, answer the call to service when-I ever required which means doing your bit as an American citizen.
 g. How much am I paid? Private, l $1.00 per drill; private first class, $1.15; corporal $1.40; Sergeant, $180; First Sergeant. $2.8O and etc.
 6. How often do I have to drill? Once a week.
 T. If am member of the Guard can be conscripted? You will bel required like all citizens to regis ter but you will not be called as you already will be a member of the armed forces of the United States.
 s. How about summer camps when I might be fishing? Camps will be set to fit in with conditions in Southeast Alaska
 g. What weapons and equipments will I have? Uniforms, rifles, ma, chine guns, anti-aircraft guns, small cannons, ammunition and such other equipment as may be needed is furnished by the govern ment at no cost to you.
 10 Will every man have the same chance for advancement? Yes, every man will be advanced in ac- n, 70 Guard is a military organization. one of the three branches of the armed forces where advancement is based solely on the mans ability to go ahead.
 Register At City Hall
 Registrations for enlistment ln the Guard are now being taken at the City Clerks office and all eli gible men are asked to sign up as soon as possible so that the list may be forwarded to Major Graham at Juneau. Immediately sufficient number is reached, the officers will come here, arrange physical exam nations and proceed with the for Tiation of the unit.
 In stressing the importance of the Guard to Alaska, the Major brought out that the Navy is establishing a submarine base and airfield at Kodiak; a base at Unalaska and an
 Continued on page six)