MANPOWER IN U.S.A.

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 189, 7 May 1940, Page 8

MANPOWER IN U.S.A.

Great. Jncrease Available For Army A permanent lighting manpower of about 26,380,000 for the United States, nearly 3,000:000 more than were available i'n the World War, is predicted by Dr. Guy I. Burch, director of the Population Reference Bureau in Washington (states the “New York Times”). With a declining birth-rate and the average age of American citizens increasing due to the decline in child mortality, fears have been expressed that eventually that country may fall an easy prey to a “young nation” which encourages and maintains a high birth-rate, such a.< Japan or Germany.

If present trends continue, it is predicted, in 1980 those born in the’United States each year will about balance those who die and the population will become stationary.

“But,” reports Dr. Burch, “if 20 to 45 is considered the military age, the United States will have more males of lighting age in 1980 than it had in 1930 and considerably more than it had during the World War. “In 1930 there were some 23.600,000 males between those ages. In 1980 there will be 26,380,000, not including additions through immigration. The average age of tlie man-power will be somewhat greater, but there is no evidence to prove that this will lower the efficiency of the army. It may even improve it.

“While 18 or 20 to 45 may be consid ered the military age, war affects the whole national economy, and males between the ages of 45 and 65 are needed to take the places of those withdrawn for military service.

“With this in inind, it is significant that there will be nearly 9,000.000 more males between the ages of 45 and 65 In 1980 than there were in 1930. “Therefore, even if machines of war and industry do not have a tendency to replace tlie common soldier and unskilled labourer, the United States will have abundant man-power in time of war.’’