DEFENCE NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 467, 27 March 1909, Page 12

DEFENCE NOTES.

(Bx Echelon.)

INFANTRY TRAINI'!?.. (Continued.) I:i The Dominion of February 27 there appeared tlio first instalment of a most instructive nrticlo by Captain G. S. Kichardson, Chief Instructor of Artillery, on the subject of "Infantry Training," which was read as a paper bi/l'oio the Wellington Garrison Officers' Club during its winter session of 1908. In his introductory remarks, the writer referred to tho essentials of infantry training, tho difficulties at present in tho way of 'attaining theso objects, and summed up tho defects of tho system as follows: — (1) Officers and N.C.O.'s insufficiently trained to personally carry out the instruction of their commands. (2) Too littlo time devoted to instruction,' particularly with regard to field-work. (3) Bad attendance at parades, which renders progressive training impossible. (4) Absence of an authorised and uniform system of progressive instruction, suitable to present conditions of service, to guide volunteer officers in the training of their commands. The writer then outlined his theories as to training young officers, and having reviewed tho shortcomings of tho present system, proceeds to more closely examine the essentials of such a system:— Prefatory Considerations. "On first consideration it would appear that it is only necessary to lay down a definite syllabus; but that would be insufficient, as the officers would not in all cases be- competent to aarry out a syllabus of advanced instruction. It is therefore most essential that we should start and make them competent to train their men, and impress upon them that tho object of training is to learn bow to fight, and that in the training of volunteers all that is not directly essential to fighting must bo relegated to second place. "The education of the officer consists at the present time of the following:—(a) Courses of lectures at Schools of Instruction;, (b) lectures at garrison officers' clubs; (c) elementary training in drill-halls; (d) a few days annually in tho field.

"Unfortunately most officers are unablo to take advantage of (a), as theso courses are necessarily held on special occasions, and at times when it may bo inconvonient for the majority to attend.

"The'instruction given in (b) is, excepting in one or two districts, not properly carried out on a progressive system, and consists of papers being read by different officers on subjects somo of which have no bearing on our looal problems of defence, and are therefore of littlo value in educating tho young officer in his duties as the instructor of his men. As previously mentioned, (c) is not carried out satisfactorily, as in many cases nothing more is attempted than a few company movements and a littlo arms drill, (d) The field training, as ■ carried out at Easter manoeuvres, is of great benefit to all ranks; but, although theso manoeuvres are cajried out on sound lines, they are not altogether satisfactory, from tho fact that the preliminary training of the officer is not sufficient to permit of full advantage being derived from them."

On Joining. An officer on joining should drill in the ranks for threo months, in addition to which he should attend weekly lectures to be given by the District Adjutant (A.A.G.). Theso lectures should be very practical, and aim at teaching the officer essentials only—such as how to practically instruct his men in (1) musketry, (2) advanced and rear guards, (3) outposts, (4) attack and defence, (5) elementary field engineering, (6) reconnaissanceand reports, (7) semaphore signalling, (8) map-reading, (9) sketching, etc. As an inducement to study, increased capitation allowance should bo made to' all officers who pass in syllabus shown hereunder. In country districts weekly classes may r bo difficult to arrange, but tho same courso'should bo carried out, although it may necessarily extend over a longer period owing to the instructional classes being held less frequently than in tho towns. Suggested Syllabus, Drill.—Threo months drill, one night per week, in the ranks, or, until passed as proficient. Musketry.—(l) A prescribed course of miniature riflo shooting; (2) recruits' musketry courso on tho rifle rango. Theoretical work (lecture, one drill night per week): — Total ' Number Total of Subject. Hours. Nights. Musketry G 3 Advanced and rear guards 2 1 Outposts v 4 2 Attack and defence ... 4 2 Reconnaissance 2 1 Field engineering 4 2 Semaphore signalling ... 6 3 Map-reading 4 2 Sketching 4 2, Tho above course would be practically completed in four months. The same time as is suggested above is covered now, but under tho present system is not so effective.