SOLDIERS FOR AIR FORCE

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24020, 7 August 1943, Page 4

SOLDIERS FOR AIR FORCE

COMPULSORY DRAFT FOR GROUND CREWS ' AIR CREW SERVICE STILL VOLUNTARY From Our Parliamentary Reporter WELLINGTON, August 6. With the falling off in the demand for Army personnel, there has been almost a corresponding increase in the demand for men for the Air Force, and to that end selection committees have been engaged for some time on behalf of the Air Force in redrafting suitable men from the Army into the Air Force. Men so drafted compulsorily are for ground staff only. Air crew personnel are selected from volunteers, and there is nothing to prevent anyone from offering for service in the air. There is provision in the National Service Emergency Regulations of 1940 enabling any member of any armed force to be transferred to any other armed force at any time. This applies to all members of the armed forces, whether volunteers or otherwise. Up to quite recently the Air Fprce has been satisfied to make entry into its ranks purely voluntary, but in view of the changed role that New Zealand is likely to play in the Pacific theatre and possibly further afield, it has been found that the strength of the Air Force must be built up to some extent by the arbitrary transfer of men from the Army, particularly men suitable for ground jobs. Air crew positions are different. For these the Air Force is adhering to the volunteer basis of enlistment. Every encouragement is given to young men reaching the age of 18 to volunteer for air crew service. They are not sent overseas until they are 21, except with the consent of their parents.