THE N.C.O.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2795, 13 June 1916, Page 6

THE N.C.O.

HOW HE IS CHOSEN

Yesterday Defence Headquarters issued the following statement regarding the system of selection of probationary noncommissioned officers for appointment to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force Kcinfor cements:— The system of selection of probationary non-commissioned officers for appointment to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force Reinforcements does not appear to be generally known to the' 1 public. Consequently, many men who possess no Qualiiications and who are obviously unfitted apply for appointment as n.c.o.'s, but being unacquainted with the qualifications required, think that they have only to apply for enlistement as such and they will be put on the waiting list. This causes extra work for limited staft in dealing with such applicants. It is;pointcd out, also, that many applications for n.c.o. positions are being received from men who are too young and inexperienced to command men. lo maintain the existing high* standard, preference is given to men who have had previous military experience, and to a lesser degree to those whose fradp or occupation in civil life make them specially fitted for the position. It is jilso essential that all candidates be above the average education, and have personality and characteristics to command. As a rule, candidates under the age of 21 or 25 years are not selected, unless they have special qualifications. The particulars each prospective n.c.o. is to give to the Group Commander on enrolment is recorded on a special form provided for the purpose under the following headings:—l. Name. 2. Age. 3. Married or single. 4. Present occupation. 5. Address. G. Where educated. 7. Previous service, experience, and any certificates. 8. Appearance, personality, and characteristics to command. 9. By whom recommended, and particulars. The names of all candidates recorded on this form are submitted by Group Commanders to the Officer Commanding the District, who, if possible, personally sees alt candidates, before making the final selection.