TRAINING THE YOUNG

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 224, 10 June 1918, Page 8

TRAINING THE YOUNG

__ » „ COLLEGE BARRACKS OFFICIAL REPORTS Ullicial report-; upon the military barracks ol injunction, held at Wellington College recently, have been prepared bilks Director of Military Training. Lieu-tenant-Colonel ,1. L. Slcemnn, 1.G.H., and the headmaster of the college, Air. ,1. p. Firth. Lieutenant-Colonel Slceinan, who was in command, expresses appreciation of the work done by Die officers associated with him (Captain F. M. Kenner, second in command; Major .1. .\ Willingl'ord, M.C., Chief Musketry li'islruetor; Lieutenant J. Thomson, \\diutant•ieneral; and Captain C. P. Knight, \et-ing-StiilV Officer), and by the members ol the Permanent Instructional Staff. The Object. "The object of tiie barracks," the report says, "was twofold: First, to give the beat modern instruction to cadets approaching military age, who will servo with tho Expeditionary Force; second, to encourage and stimulate tho existing military spirit in the contingent. This is considered most desirable, because the possession of a good standard of esprit do corps depends entirely upon the enthusiasm, efficiency, and discipline cf those within, its ranks. It is 'recognised that in the secondary schools of the Dominion exist most splendid opportunities for creating and fostering this spirit, and for stimulating the military education of the, pupils.- Under these circumstances, it is obvious that the most excellent material for conversion into officers is to be found in their ranks. In England such school contingents wore converted into the Officers' Training Corps for a similar purpose. By means of the Officers' Training Corps, 11,000 well-trained, young officers became immediately available for service on the outbreak of the war, and 25,000 more were in pioecss of training. As one of the original founders of the Officers' Training Corps in England, and after six years' close experience as one of six adjutants, i am convinced that military training inquires to be regarded as a form of sport by secondary schools before sufficiently good results can be obtained. In tlu English universities and public schools, the best sportsmen realised the necessity for well-trained officers, and that the Empire looked to them for their provision. As a consequence, results were excellent. The main object of .holding these barracks of instruction is to show that military training can be mnde interesting, notwithstanding that strict discipline and elementary instruction are essential, and that, in spite of the restraint and minute attention of minor details, the ■work can bo seen to contain many of the elements which make for keenness in all recreation. Judging front the excellent response from alt ranks, and the enthusiasm and zest with which the work Vas tackled, I feel convinced this desire was realised, Discipline Excellent, "The discipline proved excellent throughout. Although there were a considerable number of minor offences, they woro of a trivial character, and n,ot a single grave offence occurred. The efficiency attained by this contingent was good. The contingent has, however, much to learn before it can advauee to tactical operations and manoeuvro with advantage. This unit, being already possessed of a good standard of discipline, will make the required advance possible; its present (Ificicncy reftectr. the greatest credit upon all concerned, who have struggled against many difficulties arising out of the present abnormal times. More attention requires to bo paid lo the chain of responsibility; and pnrticit larly to the training of the n.c.o.'s. The general efficiency may be described as good. Tho utmost assistance was given •by the headmaster, who accepted the responsibility of placing Die college under my charge from !) a.m. to ."> p.m. daily. This expression of conhdeuce was extremely appreciated, and enabled, the military authorities to take supremo control during these hours. The cadets were treated in every respect as regular soldiers, and played Iho gamo throughout.

"Tho headmaster's comments being of greater value, than my own in respect', to the effect of the barracks on tho cadets, I Attach a copy of his report. The majority of the cadets undoubtedly appreciated the. military work, and showed a natural keenness and aptitude for it. A certain few were uncertain as to whether they cared for it, especially those who found strict punctuality, selfdiscipline, and personal cleanliness somewhat irksome. The necessity for military work at the present time, and the natural inclination of the best sportsmen, reduced this number of doubtful soldiers lo less than 2 per cent., which may bo regarded as most satisfactory, and tho majority worked with real enthusiasm towards the goal of military efficiency. "Tho contingent possesses a good drum and bugle band, which contributed to tha success of the barracks, It is suggested the provision of a drum and life baud would considerably stimulate tho military spirit of this college." Headmaster's Statement. "Speaking as a keenly interested spectator," states Mr. i'irth in his report, "I confidently soy that, from the military jwint of view, tho work done, was of the highest value, and must prove of lasting benefit. And apart altogether from, that nspect of the ease, the offset upon the boys is distinctly and markedly for good. The training is a great help to the best kind ot discipline, that in which the subject places himself deliberately, actively, and willingly under control— i.e., very largely connols himself under direction—encourages neatness, alertness, and promptness, and gives the numerous n.c.o.'s self-reliance and self-confidence.. Jlere I wish to express' my appreciation and admiration ot the tact and ability displayed by Colonel Sleemau throughout Ihe barracks." Air. I'irth concludes his report, with a number of suggestions:— "If refresher camps were held during the school vacations, senior cadet ollicers and n.c.o.'s would gain much benefit'. The importance of the modern military physical drill cannot very well be exaggerated, f can see my way to allot two extra hours per week to this work, and [ urgo that the training which was began here last week with a selected sixteen boys should be continued for an hour every day for, say, a fortnight under such a sergeant-major as we had at the barracks. W(> should then he able to use theiO boys throughout the company." He urges also I hat the college should be allotted at: least 70 modern rifles, for instructional purposes, as musketry has been severely handicapped for lack of tliem. 110 suggests, furthermore, that the training and financial year should coincide with the school year—February to December.