THE AIR FORCE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 134, 18 March 1940, Page 6

THE AIR FORCE

POSTING OF APPLICANTS.

REASONS FOR DELAY.

HON F. JONES EXPLAINS. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, March 18. The reason for the delay in calling up a large number of young men who have offered their services to the Air Force was explained in an interview by the Hon. F. Jones (Minister for Defence).

He pointed out that long-range training in this branch of the defence scheme must lie visualised. Training was intensive, covering in most cases a period in Canada as well as preliminary training in New Zealand, and tho Dominion aimed, not at spasmodic effort, but at maintaining a steady supply of men to go overseas each month. At present 1100 men who had been medically examined and accepted for training, awaited posting to training •units. They could not all b° taken in at once. Air crew applicants now awaiting interview totalled 2600. At tho recent series of interviews by the Selections Board, the result of the medical examination showed that, out of 1445 men, 1109 passed the high test of fitness and 336 were classed as temporarily unfit. This was a very high proportion of fit applicants, when the strict nature of the examination was taken into account. Alany who could not pass it were thoroughly fit physical ly for service in other branches of the Army. • For the week ended March 9, applications for flying training totalled 259, and for non-flying duties 103,' -while the number now awaiting interviews in respect of their applications for ground duties was 576. These figures showed a splendidly-sustained rate of enlistment, despite the fact that the men realised they could not all be called up immediately for training. In connection with this waiting period employers could render the Dominion and the men themselves great service by maintaining them in their jobs, and then facilitating their release when tlie call came. , , Every month 144 men were required for elementary flying rtaining i2 as observers and 72 as. air gunners. Of the pilot personnel, 48 of the total would receive their advanced training in Canada, and 96 in New Zealand. Except for the initial ground’training here, observers and air gunners would receive their full training in Canada.

Greater Training Facilities.

“We are rapidly expanding our training facilities, and it will soon be possible to provide full training in tho Dominion for 900 men per annum, leaving the remainder, approximately 2200 per annum, to complete their training in Canada,” Mr Jones added. “With the system in full operation,, just over 3000 Air Force trainees can be dealt with in tho. Dominion at any given time.' The system takes time to develop to its full extent; hence the reason for holding back many applicants until later in tho year, and, even in some cases, until the beginning of the following year, owing to the very large number of applications which have been received.

“Those who have to stand down for a, fairly long period will not, I am sure, allow their enthusiasm to wane, when they realise that training for such important duties has to be thorough, and will not be sacrificed v to any necessity for taking in excessive numbers in relating to the training facilities available.”