Refresher Courses For Air Force Reservists

Chronicle (Levin), 1 November 1949, Page 5

Refresher Courses For Air Force Reservists

Press Association)

(Per

DUNEDIN, Oct. 30. Plans were now eompleted for refresher training courses for a limited number of R.N.Z.A.F. active reservists in various categories, the Minister of Defence (Mr Jones) said today. The major task of processing thousands of initial applications and making seleetions was now almost eompleted with the result that about 500 personnel had been enlisted in the active reserve while 2600 had been enrolled in the general reserve. The Minister said that although the regular Air Force was not yet in a position to support a full programme of training for the active reserve, two refresher courses for a limited number of war service tradesmen would be heJd at Ohakea and Wigram during November. About .60 former R.N.Z.A.F. flying instructors who had enlisted in the active reserve were now beginning instructor training refresher courses. The aero clubs' special eourse for a limited number of active reserve officers for eommand and administrative duties was also scheduled for November. The Minister again emphasised that many vaeancies still exis'ted in the active reserve for skilled war service tradesmen while the general reserve, which carried no training obligations, was open to all who had served with the R.N.Z.A.F. and who were under the age of 55 vears.