FINNISH FORCES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 December 1939, Page 8

FINNISH FORCES

SCHEME FOR TRAINING ARMY. EMPHASIS ON SHOOTING. The military strength of the Finns is largely based on the compulsory army service which is common in Europe. Finns have had to serve for 350 days, and in this way a large reserve of trained man-power has been created. The total forces which could bo mobilised exceed 300.000 men. and a considerable number of them had been called up before the fighting began. For example, the normal strength of the Finnish army consists of three divisions, and it was reported that there were seven divisions on the Karelian isthmus alone. In addition. there is a voluntary Finnish Territorial Force, which receives aid from the State, is equipped with uniforms and rifles, and concentrates on rifle training and physical exercises. It lays great emphasis on shooting, and about 15.000 competitors normally enter for its spring competitions. The total number of marksmanship cards handed in each year has exceeded 300.000. Even boys of 17 are provided for in this organisation, and there is a women's organisation to train its members for nearly all the non-combatant duties of wartime. In difficult country such an organisation might prove hard to dislodge from its chosen positions. provided it was adequately supplied.

“Jones must go." said the efficiency expert: “he’s nothing but a clock watcher." "Think of something else." said the manager. "Jones is our timekeeper."

Such of the? cable news on this page as is jo headed has appeared in “The Times,’’ and is cabled ft. Australia and New Zealand by special permission. It should be understood ’.hat the opinions are not those of “The Times’’ unless expressly stated to be so.