The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1945-10-16
By HAROLD N. MAGEE


The papers, OF late, seem to be
hlled with articles from citizens
who lave taken a definite stand
against Universal Military Train.
ing for the young men OF America.
think II Is about time that those
who favor security program for
the United States should also be
heard
AS a member OF the armed forces
in World War I, and two years ser
vice in the AE.F. | had the oppor.
tunity to see many poorly trained
and green troops sent to the front
lines to match their inexperience
against a well trained and ruthless
army who knew all the tricks Of
warfare. can assure you that
it was not a pleasant sight.
Why not a Universal Military
Training Program for the Youth Of
America?
Surely. the love OF country and
desire for security, plus the
benefits derived from such train.
ing will more than balance the
disadvantages. and disruption of
careers as claimed by those oppos-
ing such a plan: What boy at the
age of Is has much of a start to-
ward his career? One year spent
in training at the age Of IS may
well save his life and perhaps
lifetime OF discomfort.
| am of the opinion that II the
United States and England had
had strong civilian reserve the
chances of World War II would
have been dim indeed. II Is true,
we did surprise the enemy by be.
coming equipped and trained in
quick time, but too, we had Allied
troopG near the enemies borders
that held them in check until we
could prepare. It is doubtful II
such will be the case In a future
war.
Tn, opponents Of Universal Mill.
tary Training seem to delight in
confusing the public by misnaming
this bill "Peacetime CONSUMPTION,
there is a definite distinction.
The Lii, as proposed, is for train.
ing purposes only--service would
be required only in the event Con-
gress should order conscrlption to
meet a national emergency.
It must be clearly understood
that the proponents Of Universal
Military Training are not propon-
ents Of war. Rather. those who
advocate Universal Military Train
ing are convinced that a strong re-
serve Of American force is the best
guaranty OF world peace.
Think OF military training as an
incubation against war. A COM
paratively easy-to-take taste OF war
that strengthens the body polite
against the ravages OF the most
horrible disease that troubles hui
manity. Surely, compulsory vac
cination against smallpox does not
indicate society's desire to spread
infection, neither does Universal
Military Training indicate a de-
sire to launch new and greater
wars.
No one-not even the churches
hates wa more than veterans who
have fought and died in war. But,
veterans do know that unprepared-
ness is an invitation to battle and
to war. Force neutralizes force, In
equity OF strength is an invitation
to war.
We should have a Universal
Military Training Program. Such
law would be something new for
America in peacetime, OF course.
and those who would live in the
same world with such countries
must take a more realistic view of
matters than our country has done
during previous years.
The main point is, in face OF the
tremendous uncertainties Of the fu-
ture, we had better be ready for
any eventuality. We now have
most OF the machinery necessary
for carrying on universal military
training. We can continue this
policy with a minimum Of lost ef.
fort. Then, when time shows that
military training is an anchorism,
the system can easily be abolished.
IL another war starts we can be
reasonably sure that we shall not
have months In which to prepare.
Now is the time for America to
get out Of its happy-go-lucky atti-
tude, and face things as they are.
It is hoped that the trouble makers
will be put in position where