Evening star., 1941-08-19

possible in one years time to ex-
pand our military force from 250,-
600 to 1,500, 900.
Service Period Extended.
Under the laws as they were
passed. the service Of National
Guardsmen, reservists and soldiers,
chosen under the Selective Service
Act, was limited to one year. 1t
was we'll understood that the period
of one year was . very short time
in which to train q soldier, and 1t
was provided that this term OF serv-
ice might be extended by the Con-
gress whenever the nstional inter-
est was imperiled. The present In
ternational situation Is SO fraught
with danger it was felt by our
military leaders as well as by .
majority Of the Congress that 1t
would be extremely unwise to dis
charge two-thirds Of our soldiers
and to replace them with unframed
recruits. The period Of service was,
therefore, extended by q maximum
of 18 additional months. At the
same time provision was made for
the discharge of the older soldiers
and Of those whose retention in the
service would cause undue hard
ship to their dependents. While the
margin by which this extension was
voted in the House was only
single vote, in the Senate where the
debate consumed approximately 10
days the bill was passed by q sub
stantial majority. I feel sure that
the action Of the Congress meets
with the approval of the people of
the country.
The training of the Army of the
United States during the past year
has been intensive and rigorous.
Regular Army and National Guard
organizations have been greatly ex-
panded to include within their ranks
many thousands of selectees. In
addition, replacement training CEN
ters have been established through
out the country at which recruits
are given 13 weeks of intensive
training before being assigned to
military units. I am informed by
the highest military authorities that
the soldiers completing the course
at these centers are a credit to the
Army. The individual and unit
training is being further extended
by maneuvers now being held in
many sections of the United States
Next month approximately 100000
soldiers will participate in the great
est maneuvers ever held In the
Western Hemisphere. They will as
semble in areas in Louisiana and
Eastern Texas. Included in the
maneuvers will be two field armies,
combat elements Of the air forces
Of the Army and Navy, the armored
force and parachute troops.
The supply problem incident to
the mobilization Of 10000 men
is colossal. For example, it costs
approximately 100000 per day to
feed these soldiers. who consume
some 3,700 tons Of food daily. Mil
lions Of uniforms, shoes, blankets
and other essentials had to be pro-
vided.
Best Housed Army in World.
In a few short months shelter had
to be constructed for these men.
Much Of this construction was car
ried on during winter months and
under the most adverse weather
conditions. While mistakes were in
evitable under such q hastily con-
ceived program and while In some
instances the cost was excessive, the
fact remains that excellent build
ings were erected within the time
allowed and our Army is today the
best housed army in the world.
The equipment of our troops with
implements Of war has been COM
plcated by . number Of important
factors. In the first place, America
had no munitions industry. 1t was
necessary et the outset to divert our
plants from the manufacture Of
automobiles, tractors, plows, safes,
refrigerators and other peace-time
products to the production OF air
craft, tanks, guns, shells, powder and
many other tools Of war. In addi.
ton, billions Of dollars were ex.
pended in the construction Of new
aircraft factories, munitions plants
and ordnance works. New equip
ment had to be designed and the