MILITARY OFFICERS

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 106, 29 January 1943, Page 4

MILITARY OFFICERS

Release Of Older Men From Full-time Service

STATEMENT BY MINISTER

The release of older officers from full-time service in the military forces was referred to by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, when, outlining the present poligy in connexion with Army officer personnel. He said the Army authorities had under consideration the necessary adjustments'to meet the changing conditions of the war situaexpansion of the Army decided upon as the result of Japan’s active entry into the war necessitated the appointment of a large number of officers,” said Mr; Jones. “The senior officers for the new units were found by taking away a proportion of the more experienced officers from the existing units and the vacancies thus caused and the balance of officers wanted for the new units were obtained by selecting n.c.o.’s and the most suitable available men from the ranks of old units and sending them to officer cadet training units. Change for Better.

“With the change for the better in the Pacific and the temporary release of large numbers of men from the Army for urgent seasonal work, the proportion of officers to men ‘has become somewhat unbalanced. “This condition is not unwelcome in a way as it has presented the opportunity for releasing a proportion of senior officers to go to the Staff College, the Tactical School, nnd the Armoured Fighting Vehicle School, and for many junior officers to receive advanced training at the Army and district schools of instruction.’’ . Referring to the retirement of older otficers, Mr. Jones said it was inevitable that this should take place. After the departure of the 2nd .N.Z.E.F. for overseas service the pre-war Territorial Army Wits sorely depleted of officers, and greatly to their credit—nnd at a great personal sacrifice in numerous cases —many officers from the reserve of officers uikl retired list returned voluntarily to the active list to fill gaps and assist with tlie training of the home defence force.

Upper Age Limits Lower.

“With the return of officers from war service and the general improvement and qualification for promotion of the middle rank younger officers as tlie result of continuous service,” said Mr. Jonos, “it. is possible to reduce tlie upper age limits for ofiicers to a level more in keeping witli tlie strenuous necessities of continuous or active service, this, following the practice common in all armies in wartime of giving young men every opportunity. “Many of the officers who have been released from full-time service have taken up appointments in the Home Guard, where their services have proved invaluable. As other officers are released from time to time, it is hoped that they, too, will continue their service in the Home Guard, where there is room for every experienced officer. “As regards the relinquishment of commissioned rank by junior officers to enable them to undertake overseas service, added the Minister, “it is well known that many young single officers have been siroiis of following this course. Recently it. has been possible to accommodate many of these officers in overseas units, and it is anticipated that further similar opportunities will occur —in which case it is. unlikely that any considerable number of efficient officers will be permitted to relinquish their commissions."