Universal Military Training.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 147, 15 April 1909, Page 3

Universal Military Training.

Colonel Bell has supplied us with details of his scheme for a system of universal training from 18 to 21 years with the creation of a Reserve Force composed of men from 21 to 45 years of age. Colonel Bell informs us that since putting forward his scheme he has received figures from the Registar-General giving the estimated number of males of 18 and under 19 years of age in the Dominion on December 31st 1908. This estimated number is arrived at by the Registrar-General by raising the figures of the census of 1906 by the per centage increase of the population and the result arrived at is 9951. Numerically the scheme would work out as follows: — Number of males of 18 and 19 years of age as at December 31st 1908,9951; number physically unfit, say, 15 per cent., 1493; number fit for training, 8458; or in round numbers 8500 men. Taking the three years* course in the regulations: In the first year there would be under training 8500 men; in the second year there would be under training 17,000 men, in the third year there would be under training 25,500 men.

Note. —Enrolled strength Defence Forces 28th February, 1908, including Defence Cadets, 3158, and Reserves 215, equal 19,947, estimated cost for year ending 28th February, 1909, £214,470. In the fourth year 8500, plus the percentage increase in population, new recruits would enter the ranks and the same number of trained men go into the first reserve where they would remain with a diminished course of training for another three years. After completing the course of training in the first reserve they would be drafted to the second reserve where they would remain for seven years and then go into the third reserve for a period of fifteen years.

Colonel Bell's scheme for the training of this force, which he assures us wold be effective and provide one of the finest armies in the world is as follows: —

Regulars, 18th, 19th and2oth years: One month in military instructional camp; quarterly instructional field days; forty-five parades each year, which may be held in the evening or another time which will not interfere with the youth attending to his means of livelihood

Note. —The above forty-five parades include the course of rifle practice. First Reserve: 21st, 22nd and 23rd years, two instructional field days per year, six" parades each year, evening or otherwise, quarterly course of field practice. Second Reserve: 23rd to 30th years, one instructional field day per year, six monthly course of rifle practice. Third Reserve: 30th to 45th year, annual course of rifle practice. It must be noted that the scheme provides for the recruit starting at the | age of 18 years, when he would leave his cadet corps, and it is not the intention to start and train men who have advanced beyond this age without training and who would find it more difficult to learn. Under this scheme in a few years we should have our whole male population who were physically fit efficiently trained and without any undue hardship being placed on the individual. The numerical strength would automatically increase by the growth of population which would also provide the financial increase necessary.

Some of the results and advantages of the universal system: Security of the Empire from invasion. Strengthening the navy by giving it freedom of movement. Revolutionise the national character of our people. Every roan trained to high ideas of duty, obedience to authority and discipline which would be of incalculable benefit in the industrial world. Improvement of the physique of the nation. No youths slouching along with their heads down about their boots. Straight backed, broad shouldered fellows,men cf ideals, imbued with a spirit of self reliance and self sacrifice for the good of the country and its people. The raising of the lower classes in the slums of the cities, by breaking down the dividing line that exists between rich and poor and bringing the masses into contact with men of high ideas, integrity and sense of national and public duty. Raising the physical and moral degenerates congregated in the slums of cities and training them to be of service to themselves and their country. Imbuing them with the idea that every man in whatever station in life who will attempt to raise himself may fill an honourable position in tha country, and a place of honour in the Pan-Bri-tannic militia—"the army of the Empire."