Page image
Page image

3

H.—l9

had the' advantage of four years' Cadet training. All experienced officers brought into contact with the training-camps, 1917-18, are unanimous that the result, of this Cadet training very considerably increased the standard of discipline and efficiency, and that the type of recruit now found in the Territorial Force is infinitely superior to that of past years. Had Cadet training been suspended in 1914, these recruits would have been without discipline and without such efficiency ; by its continuance the Cadet Force is annually supplying the Territorial Force with some eight thousand, trained recruits, and at the same time retaining a strength of some thirty-two thousand Cadets in progressive training. The results achieved in the week of Territorial training were extraordinarily good, and reflected the greatest credit upon all concerned. Those attending displayed the utmost keenness and greatly benefited not only by the training but also by the fresh air and exercise which contributed to the excellent health of the troops in camp. Tho Commandant and the Chief of the General Staff were unable to visit many of the Territorial camps, owing to the pressure of war work, but the majority were visited by the Director of Military Training. Experience of the present war has shown that discipline and individual efficiency directly effect an economy in both life and treasure. The training given in the Cadet and Territorial Forces has largely contributed to the success of the Expeditionary Force, both in its training-camps and in the field, for neither discipline not efficiency can be, entirely obtained by a short period of training. The greatest credit is due to the instructors of the Headquarters and District Staffs, particularly' those who have returned from active service, who have worked so efficiently and well to help forward the training of the Cadet and Territorial Forces often in the face of almost insurmountable difficulties ; o . ...... also to those Medical Officers and the officers of the various religious denominations who were represented in camp. (b.) Territorial Units in Camps. In certain of these concentration camps as many as four units were represented at one time. As far as possible units in camp were kept intact for both training and administrative purposes. Each concentration camp possessed a permanent Commandant, Adjutant, and Quartermaster, in addition to the training staff. The camps were spread over a period of four months, from the tst February to the end of May, and arrangements wore made to permit; Territorials to select any one week for their training during this period. (c.) Discipline and Efficiency of Units in Camps. , The discipline of Territorial units in camp in 1918 was excellent, and is universally commented upon by all brought into contact with these camps. The instruction was of an elementary nature, and the standard of efficiency aimed at was attained by the majority of units. (d.) Financial saving effected by New System of Territorial Training. A very considerable financial saving has been effected by— (I.) The cessation of Territorial and Cadet training in country areas almost entirely reduces the heavy travelling-expenses formerly incurred by the instructional staff in such areas. (2.) The utilization of the same expert training staff for all district camps instead of scattering the available instructors over a number of unit camps. The new system has permitted tho reduction of the instructional staff, camps being so arranged as to permit the same instructors attending each, in turn. (3.) Small unit camps are less economical for the following reasons : — (i.) Each requires its full administrative and training staff. (ii.) Each requires a complete supply of instructional material. (iii.) Temporary camp arrangements have to be made in many centres instead of a few. (iv.) The transport of supplies of all kinds is more expensive to many small centres. 3. Courses of Instruction. Every endeavour has been made by the General Headquarters and District Staffs to give, officers and non-commissioned officers of the Territorial and Cadet Forces instruction in regard to the latest teachings and lessons of modern war and military training. It was considered necessary to curtail the number of courses of instruction during the past training-year. In view of the importance and value of such courses it is questionable if this effected a financial, saving proportionate to the loss of instruction suffered by officers and N.C.O.s. The most essential of these courses were held, as in previous years, by the Director of Military Training and the General Staff Officers in districts. These courses form the only means by which Territorial and Cadet officers and N.C.O.s can receive expert instruction. Those which were held were well attended, and most valuable work was performed. In addition, all except the most senior officers attending the Territorial concentration camps were put through a " refresher " course of musketry or other instruction during the periods that their men were being trained in elementary duties by the Staff instructors. These instructional courses enable all rank , to receive the benefit of the latest teachings in modern warfare and training from expert officers who have seen service during the present war. This training is of enormous value to all concerned, particularly to those who afterwards join the Expeditionary Force. A very considerable improvement has taken place in regard to the efficiency of officers and N.C.O.s temporarily posted for duty with the Permanent Staff, principally due to the excellent instruction given at these annual courses. Tho whole effort of tho Cadet Force has been to

Log in or create a Papers Past website account

Use your Papers Past website account to correct newspaper text.

By creating and using this account you agree to our terms of use.

Log in with RealMe®

If you’ve used a RealMe login somewhere else, you can use it here too. If you don’t already have a username and password, just click Log in and you can choose to create one.


Log in again to continue your work

Your session has expired.

Log in again with RealMe®


Alert