Evening star., 1944-08-06

Working in strictest secrecy, a section
has been set up by the Joint Chiefs of
Staff to draw up a master blueprint for
the rehabilitation of the armed forces,
designed to assure an orderly synchron-
ization Of military releases with the Ma
tons postwar economy when hostilities
cease.
The hush-hush atmosphere pervading
the headquarters of the demobilization
planners in the Army's Pentagon Build
ing is based upon the understandable
fear that any publication now of de-
mobilization details would give the pub
lie the notion that the war is about
over, with relaxation of the war effort
as an unsavory byproduct.
The overall plan, of course, is not ex-
pected to be withheld until the Euro
pean operations actually come to an
end. The military, chiefs are aware that
the public has the right to know what
to expect in the way of rehabilitation
before our fighters begin sailing for
home. and it is patiently essential that
business, industry and the trades be
given advance information on the sub
ject. But it is still too early, from the
military viewpoint, to disclose the pro-
visional demobilization pattern, and it
is further pointed out that the final pro-
cedure will be shaped by international
commitments not yet in focus.
Cooperate in Studies.
What can be said with certainty at
this time Is that the demobilization
strategists in the War Department are
studying the vital problems in full CO.
operation with the War Manpower Com
mission, the War Production Board, the
United States Employment Service and
other governmental agencies 1t can also
be said that the administration is highly
gratifled with the work of the military
rehabilitation section thus far Both
the military and the administration are
determined that there be no repetition
American troops that followed the last
war
When the armistice was signed on
November IL, 1918, there were 100000
men in the armed forces of the United
States, of whom about 100000 were in
the Army. Two million were in France.
Demobilization was started Immediately,
and before the end of November nearly
$4,000 men were released The follow
ing month 100000 soldiers we're de-
mobilized, and in the next seven months
an average of $4,000 men were dis
charged monthly. BY August 81, 1919,
total of 3,280,000 had been demobilized;
by November II, 1919, the Army had
been reduced to 100000
The demobilization procedure was
simple enough. Soldiers were discharged
just as swiftly as the Army could ar
range it. The determining factor in dis
charges was the usefulness of particular
classes of men to the Army itself. Little
attention was given to a mans age, COM
bat experience, length of service, family
responsibilities or employment prospects.
II Home Battalions First.
The first groups to be discharged were
II development battalions in the United
States (home troops assigned to camp
mess duties), embracing 100000 men.
This was followed by demobilization of
railroad troops, depot brigades, replace
ment forces and, last of all, combat
troops
All plans for co-ordinating demobili-
cation with the economy of the country,
and for setting up a system of priorities
In discharges based upon age length of
service and similar considerations, fell
by the wayside. Popular pressure for
quick rehabilitation was tremendous.
1t is clea1y recognized that once the
war is over the difficulty of holding men
in the forces again will be formidable.
Most service men and women will want
to get back to their families and friends
and jobs at the earliest possible moment,
and their families, moreover will exert
powerful pressure for their speedy re-
lease. Obviously, those in the forces
should be discharged as soon as practic-
able, but it is hoped that the lesson of
overrapid, unplanned rehabilitation