APPLYING THIS WAR'S LESSONS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 273, 18 November 1941, Page 6

APPLYING THIS WAR'S LESSONS

THE establishment of an Army-Air Co-operation School at Canberra is significant of the changes which have been made in the military outlook by actual experience in this war. Slowly—remarkably slowly, when it is recalled that modern German war methods were first demonstrated in Poland over two years ago—the interdependence of the Services is being realised, together with the need for the personnel of each to know the operational problems .of the others. "Adequate air support" was the need in Greece and Crete—and "adequate" meant more than numerical sufficiency. It meant the support of planes whose pilots had been trained to work with the army, or with the navy, which in its turn had been trained to work in understanding unity with the force in the air. It meant also unity of command. All this the Germans have achieved, and we have much leeway to make up. Since Greece and Crete there has been encouraging news of a great increase in air strength in the Middle East, and assurances have been given that the Anzac forces will not again be sent into action without adequate air suonort There has not, however, been a public assurance that in future operations the land and air forces engaged will be, under one command. The Australian "Co-operation School" is apparently intended, not only for officers who will be going overseas, but for those holding responsible posts in the home defence forces. The decision to establish it is th#> direct result of the experience of the A.I.F* which, it has been fairty claimed, is longer and more varied, in this war, than that of the British Army. A.I.F. divisions have fought against Italians, Germans and Vichv French, on three continents, under widely dissimilar conditions and their commanders have had experience in this war surpassing that of most British generals. One of them, Sir Iven Mackay, has been brought back to command thi home forces, and the general officer commanding Sir Thomas Blarney, who is also deputy-commander-in-chief, Middle East' recently returned to the Commonwealth for mutual consultation It is in the light of these facts that the changes being made in Australian military outlook and practice should be regarded, and as fa? as MsShl? emulated in New Zealand. It may be asked, indeed whether th?close co-operation in defence matters between the Commonwealth and the Dominion, of which Mr. Nash spoke on Sunday night, is close enough to permit of the attendance of some New Zealand air and military Officers at the Australian "co-operation school." y mLers