NOTES AND COMMENTS

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 32, 2 November 1942, Page 4

NOTES AND COMMENTS

The arrangements, as described in this morning’s news columns, foi anti-gas instruction in Wellington E.P.S., are most commendable. No one can tell what war emergency may yet confront us. and even though the possibility of an enemy gas attack may seem remole, precautions should not be omitted. It is to be hoped, however, that this course is planned as part of a complete programme of co-ordinated training. Unit training is of limited value unless it is followed by a properly graduated seiie.of rehearsals and tests of the capacity of (be organization as a whole to deal with an emergency. Earlier in the year many groups undertook what is known- as the “blitz-aid" course, but the training thus imparted was limited in most cases to parade-room practices. Little or no opportunity has been given for blitz-aid to be rehearsed in conjunction with a general test of E.P.S. efficiency. Indeed, it may be suspected that in those cases where group training has not been kept up much of the knowledge and skill gained during the course has by now been forgotten. Real efficiency calls for more than simply a temporary concentration on various forms of emergency training. It calls for a steady progression, combined with a constant rehearsal and improvement of earlier activities. Until the E.P.S. begins to operate at regular intervals as a combined area organization, rather than a multitude of. independent, groups, with little disciplined uniformity of procedure, it is difficult to see how combined area efficiency in all departments can be achieved and maintained. * * * *

Descriptions published last, week of various forms of ‘•hardening-up training which are being introduced at Army camps in this country will have been read with interest. For the past, year or more the military authorities in Britain have set. the example, and led the way, in realistic tests of this kind. Impressive results have been forthcoming on many occasions. such as the Dieppe raid, when specially toughened troops have shown their mettle alongside the even more rigorously-prepared Commando groups. There may be some surprise over the statement that the assault course, as it is called, in this country is “nothing like as severe as that set in England." However, it is to be’ realized that the course at. Home is, no doubt, designed to suit the physical capacity of soldiers who have been comparatively long in service and in consequence have passed through extensive preliminary training. The majority of soldiers in this country are being introduced to the assault course soon after leaving civil life. Presumably, as time goes on, more strenuous and searching tests will be introduced. When the right time comes these will be welcomed, as will be every additional innovation which is calculated to improve the .skill and stamina ol our fighting men and thus contribute to their personal safety and success in battle.