THE TERRITORIALS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 39, 29 January 1912, Page 3

THE TERRITORIALS.

AIMS OF THE COMMANDANT

If any evidence were required of the earnestness of the Commandant and headquarters staff in the carrying out of their duties, or if any evidence is wanted that the present system of military training is going to ho maintained and pushed on in the most thorough way, nothing better could bo adduced than a brief description of the system of training which the officers are called upon to undergo.

In the past the instruction of the men was generally handed over to permanent instructors, usually staff sergeants, and the company officers were not concerned to the extent that they ought to have beon in many cases—that is, in respect to the actual instruction of the mon.

In the future what is hoped for by the Commandant of the Forces and the headquarters staff is that the officers will be so trained, and will train themselves, so as to ho able to instruct the men whom they command in all the details of their military duties.

To assist officers, it is hoped in the future to establish courses of instruction ; but, of course, the main difficulty the authorities will have to contend with in this connection will bethe difficulty that the officers themselves will have in getting away from their business or vocation for a sufficient time to enable them to attend such courses of instruction. , It is desired that employers will facilitate the attendance of officers at such couroes of instruction. It is not regarded as fair that an officer shall spend his 'hard-earned holiday in attending courses of instruction, for he wants that time for relaxation. It is therefore preferable to hold these instruction courses in other than holiday time. Fit to Hold Rank. To ensure that officers before they •ai‘o promoted are fit to hold the rank to which they wish to be promoted, examinations for promotions are held periodically. The examinations are conducted on the same system as they arc at Home. At the start of a new system it cannot lie expected that the standard will be one iff which the headquarters staff hope to ultimately attain, so that in years to come,officers will be expected to be able to attain a higher standard than at present. But, of course, they must understand that they cannot expect to successfully pass the examinations unless they give a certain amount of study to the subjects beforehand, both from books and also practically. instruction by Correspondence. The general staff officers and other Imperial officers who are now in,this country in the various districts are ready to instruct officers by correspondence, where other means are impossible. In the headquarters of each district there is gradually being established a reference library from which officers can get the necessary books from time to time to struly military subjects, practical instruction in the Field.

As regards practical instruction in tho field, that is regarded by headquarters as being best carried out locally by What are known as tactical exercises in tho fields This instruction can be made as simple as possible to suit the beginner, and can also be made to suit officers of higher standing and more experience. Such tactical exercises have been conducted in the four headquarters of districts. The adjutants of regiments have learned tho system and should he able to impart their knowledge whenever they can arrange a few officers to carry out such exercises. Commanding officers of units should also ho able to do the same with- the officers under their command.

The other moans of practical instruction in the field is the handling by company or other officers of their men in the field whenever opportunity occurs, on whole or half-day parades; but, of course, it must be understood that at present only elementary work can be carried out, as tho rank and file of the Territorial forces are practically recruits who are not yet fit to undertake operations in the field. During the camps that are shortly to be held during this training season, only elementary work will be carried out. You must learn to walk before you can run. Senior Cadets. Tho senior cadets aVe regarded by the Commandant as really a very important part of the- organisation. These youths- are now between tho ages of 14 and 18. They are at a very impressionable age, and what they are taught now will make all the difference to them in the future. It is hoped to so train them that they will enter the ranks of the various Territorial units thoroughly instructed in company drill, and in the recruits’ course of musketry and discipline, so that the work of the officers of the Territorial-units will- bo much lightened, and so that they will be able to carry on their instruction not from the actual beginning, as they have to do now.

The Commandant lias already intimated that suitable cadet officers aro badly wanted—that is, officers of the particular stamp who will be able to deal with these youths and young men and carry out their training. The senior cadets arc at an age when they can bo taught habits of discipline and obedience—habits which will bo good for them in all departments of life. This is an,aspect of tho matter which should appeal especially to employers. The reports already received by headquarters show that keenness and enthusiasm are biug shown by both

(territorials and cadets in their work. A Contrast. It will give an idea of the light call that is‘ made upon our young men in respect to military training if a comparison is made of what is required here, and what is required in Switzerland, for instance.

In Now Zealand the Territorial Force minimum amount of training to lie carried Out annually consists of.: (a) thirty drills, (b) twelve half-day or six whole-day parades, (c) seven days’ annual training in Camp, (d) prescribed cOUVso of musketry. Senior Cadets for saute period; (a) five drills, (b) six half-day parades, (c) prescribed course of musketry. In Switzerland, as tho result of a referendum taken on the subject, the following is required:—ln his first year the recruit carries out • a continuous course of training for from between sixty-seven and ninety-two days, according to tho arm of service to which bo belongs. Moreover, the recruit works on an average for eight hours and a half a day at his training during that period. Up to the age* of 32 1m carries out continuous training each year from 13 to 17 days, according to the arm of service to which he belongs. The recruit joins at ithe ago of 20, so that tho period of liability in “first line,” as it is called, is twelve years, as against seven years in our Territorial Forces . In Switzerland, it may he mentioned, all citizens have either to give personal service, or, if disqualified therefrom, have to pay a military tax, according to income, from £1 to £l2O a year for a certain number of years. Some Local Arrangements. In respect to the equipment of the newly-joined recruits, each of the companies of the Garrison Artillery Division is being rapidly uniformed. The other companies of the Coast Defence command are now applying for their equipment, and it is hoped tho whole of the troops of Wellington City and suburban districts will shortly be organised and equipped in accordance with the new regulations.

Major Courtney (Garrison Artillery), Major Petherick (Field Artillery), and Major Turner (Wellington Infantry Battalion) are now undergoing their practical examinations for promotion. The examination is in tactiful fitness to command. These officers loft recently for field operations. The Examining Board consists of Colonel Clmytor, O.C. District, and Colonels Campbell and Tait. As the sth Battalion has now been placed under the command of the' Coast Commander, together with the Garrison Artillery Division and the battery of mountain guns, the Officer Commanding has issued an invitation to all the officers commanding those different units ,tp. meet him at the Garrison Hall for the purpose of discussing organisation and other matters connected with the command.