THE MILITARY STRENGTH OF THE U.S.

New Zealand Listener, Volume 5, Issue 130, 19 December 1941, Page 8

THE MILITARY STRENGTH OF THE U.S.

"Total defence for America means first a powerful striking fist-a fist that can both ward off enemy attacks and make counter attacks itself,’ says ."Building America," a periodical published by the Society of Curriculum Study, New York, in. association with Columbia University. In an article headed "Total Defence Means a Strong Army and Navy," the paper analyses, with diagrams which are reproduced here, the war power of the United States as it steod in October of this year, and its likely expansion within the next six months. "It means strength in fortifications and in army, navy and air bases. But it also means mobile striking power that can move quickly to any point where danger threatens. The Navy is our first line of defence. In times of emergency the U.S. Coast Guard is under the Navy’s command. Until 1940 America felt safe with a one-ocean navy and the Panama Canal, through which our ships could pass quickly from ocean to ocean. But with the possibility that Asiatic and European nations might combine for attack on East and West coasts at the same time, Congress voted appropriations to build up a two-ocean navy capable of defending America from the entire world if need be. "In building up this sea power, America is increasing its fighting ships (see diagram) and naval aeroplanes. On June 30, 1940, the strength of the U.S. naval fighting force. was less than 85,000. By 1946 it is expected to reach 600,000. "Our Army is our second line of defence. In times of peace our Regular Army has always been a small one, made up of protessional soldiers and enlisted men. Each State has a National Guard of volunteers, which can be called out by its State Governor for local needs. It becomes a part of the U.S. Army in times of national emergency. "According to the testimony of the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, from two to four million men ate necessary for defence. Laws passed by Congress in 1940 authorised a minimum army of one and a quarter million, and on July 15, 1941, America had one and a halt million trained, or in training. The National Guard had been called into Service, and ‘new volunteers had formed State -Guards. "There ate serious problems in America’s effort to build .up quickly a striking fist prepared to meet any enemy or possible combination of enemies. All the machines of war, from battleships to tommy guns, must be increased in number, and men must be trained quickly to use them effectively."