ARMY CHIEF’S AIM

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20065, 11 October 1939, Page 10

ARMY CHIEF’S AIM

WORTHY FIGHTING UNIT EQUAL TO 1914-18 FORCE TASK BEFORE OFFICERS In chats to senior officers and their subordinates at Burnham, Major-Gen-eral J. E. Duigan, Chief of the General Staff, stressed that their first duty was the welfare of their men, whose complete assistance to them in “running the show” was needed. They were the leaders. Those officers who proved themselves unequal to the job would fall by the wayside and bo replaced. He knew of no men more discerning than New Zealanders of deficiencies in the ability and knowledge of their officers. All had to be able'to carry out their duties efficiently. The point was emphasised by MajorGeneral Duigan that all ranks now held were temporary and adjustments might have to be made as time goes

on. Firmness and fairness with their men were urged on the officers, who were told that they had excellent material on which they could work sympathetically. “Training direction has been issued to each arm of the service by the General Staff on broad principles, and commanding officers will follow on those lines,” said Major-General Duigan. “We do not expect commanding officers to make any attempt to run before the men can walk. We are going to be thorough and methodical with the common goal of making this force equal to the division that gave such wonderful service in the Great War. I have every faith in the officers. I know that they will leave no stone unturned to look after their men and to produce a fighting unit that will be worthy of New Zealand." The Territorial Force would be kept up to strength, Major-General Duigan said. Approximately 95 per cent, of the officers at Burnham had undergone training at the district military school there within the last 12 months, and the-value of their training would be quickly apparent when the systematic training of troops was entered upon. Although required mainly for home defence, the Territorial Force would be a “feeder” for the special force.