OFFICERS FOR DEFENCE FORCE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1920, Page 3

OFFICERS FOR DEFENCE FORCE

SPECIAL TRAINING PLATOONS , WELLINGTON, Oct. 11. It is announced that with the object 3f providing sufficient trained officers and N.C.O.’s for the Territorial Force and the Senior Cadet Force in the future, the Defence Department has decided to establish special training platoons on the lines of the officers’ training corps at Home, and after the type of the model platoon at Sling Camp, which set such a fine example of the members of the Expeditionary Force during the war. Special training platoons will be formed at the secondary schools and at group and area headquarters, comprising selected volunteers from the various Senior Cadet units. The membership will be confined to those cadets who have had at least two years’ efficient service in the Senior Cadets, and have passed the efficiency test for entrance into the special training platoon in addition to those of their cadet unit. Endeavours are to be made to attract the right stamp of had, and membership of the° unit is to be regarded as a great honour and privilege, special badges being issued. Platoons formed at secondrkvoopfl IK ner rent.

1 ary scnoois wiu «ou bacccu of the total strength of the school contingent, and in case of platoons formed at area and group headquarters not more than 10 percent. Any cadet unit will be allowed to join 0 n the expiration of one year’s service in special training. Platoon members will be entitled to’sit for qualifying examination for sergeant’s rank, and on the expiration of a further year’s service members will ! be permitted to enter an examination for first appointments to a commission, i providing they comply with conditions as regards age, etc. The main point o the soheme is to provide a supply oi 'efficient officers, and N.C.O’s for the 1 future New Zealand citizen _ defence forces, strictly on a democratic basis.