THE HOME GUARD

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 9, 22 October 1940, Page 8

THE HOME GUARD

TRAINING SCHEME OUTLINED.

METHODS INDICATED BY COMMANDER.

(Per Press Association)

WELLINGTON, October 21

A training scheme for the Home Guard was outlined in a- statement by Major-General Young, Dominion Commander of the Guard, who said that the latest training manuals in field craft and elementary tactics, section loading, concealment and camouflage were being issued at once. Training to suit the different classes of men comprising the Home Guard would be as follows:

Class I—Lads aged 16 to 18 and men who are eligible to serve in the forces, but who have not yet been called up. Their training syllabus will consist largely of physical and recreational training, drill and elementary weapon training with the object of fitting them later on for absorption into the army. Instructors for the most modern type of physical training are being trained by the Physical Welfare Department, and will be available for the Home Guard shortly. Class 2—Men who are reasonably fit physically, and who have already had actual experience of war in the field, have had previous training in the Territorial Force, in rifle clubs or in the Legion of Frontiersmen, etc. As a preliminary to more advanced work, this class will bo given a general refresher in drill and weapon training. This will be followed by a series oi practical exercises to be held in the vicinity of the homes of the men comprising each separate unit. The general object of these exercises will he to teach methods for obstructing and delaying the advance of the enemy. Other valuable exercises will include the use of cover, camouflage, siting of trenches, and construction of air-raid shelters'and dug-outs. In the case of Class 3, consisting of men who, owing to their age, cannot be expected to take part in strenuous forms of training, use will be made of their services in such manner as nob to endanger their physical fitness. Duties they can be used for arc guarding bridges and viaducts, etc., helping in the evacuation of women and children, billeting schemes, field ambulance duties, etc.