“BOBS” ON DISCIPLINE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 12, 13 January 1913, Page 6

“BOBS” ON DISCIPLINE.

In the ‘National Review,’ a speech by Lord Roberts to the “Men of Kent” receives prominence. The veteran field marshal trenchantly criticises the territorial force as “a failure in discipline, a failure in numbers, a failure in equipment, and a failure in energy.” He gives his reasons, and it must be admitted that they are very, convincing. His observations on the all-importance of discipline may be read with advantage in Australia. Lord Roberts says', as a result of his long experience of war and his studies in military history:—“Amongst untrained or ill-trained troops panic spreads with lightning rapidity, and when there is no sense of discipline to be appealed to men speedily become a rabble, and 1 defeat is the inevitable 10snlt. It is discipline alone which gives the soldier confidence in himself, reliance on his comrades, and belief in his officers. It is discipline alone which gives him the courage to face vastly superior numbers; to continue marching, though worn out with fatigue and want of food, ready to fight again and yet again. . . Discipline is the backbone of the army, I ask you whether it is possible for that essential quality to be instilled into the ranks of the territorial force with the amount of training which is now given to them?”