Army’s Campaign To Raise Volunteer Forces

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28795, 16 January 1959, Page 7

Army’s Campaign To Raise Volunteer Forces

(New Zealand Preet Association,

WELLINGTON, January 15. The redesign of Army training programmes and the streamlining of recruitment procedures as part of the campaign to raise volunteer forces were announced todav by the Minister of Defence 'Mr Connolly). The minister, who began the Territorial recruiting campaign with visits to the Linton and Waiouru camps today, said that the drive for the creation of a new Army in accordance with Government policy was starting in earnest. “In beginning with a Territorial programme we are simply extending recognition of the dominant role that the citizensoldier has in our military tradition,” he said, “and over the next 12 months the Army is going to raise the status of the Territorial units to the highest point in their history.” The Minister said that, starting in April, when the voluntary system was to be introduced, the greater emphasis would be on training for jungle warfare. Jungle training areas would be found in addition to the excellent locations already used near Levin and Oxford. Instruction and drill would be given in jungle operations. Exercises would be designed to get the Territorials used to the jungle environment.

Plans for training Territorials in sea and air exercises were also being investigated. Recruiting Procedures

The Army was already streamlining recruiting procedures Formerly, a Territorial applicant had to apply directly to the commanding officer of the unit with which he desired to serve. Now he could go to any Army office, be assisted irr his application and in his choice of unit, and, wherever possible, be conducted for interview. The Minister said that the financial rewards f6r Territorial service were most attractive. The

age limits for new enlistments would be from 17 to 35 years, and volunteers would have to

serve only a minirhum of 20 days a' year, a proportion’ of which would be in camp. The salary scale was from 18s lid a day for privates under 21 and 23s lid for those over 21, ranging up to 46s Id a day for -a warrant officer, first class. Officer scales were from 38s 2d for a secondlieutenant to 54s 6d for a captain/ These rates included Saturdays and Sundays. , Tax-free Bounty

“In addition, a Territorial after three years’ efficient service be eligible for a tax-free bounty of £6O, which represents another £1 a day for the minimum service over the period," said the Minister. “Actually, a private may increase his service up to 40 days’ paid/service a year and a non commissioned officer up to 50.

“Legislation will be introduced at the next session of Parliament whereby Territorial! will have their employment protected while servinc in camp, and an employer will have the right of appeal against an employee being called up if this would cause hardship to his business." Explaining the purpose of his visits to the final series of compulsory training camps. the Minister said. “With the Director of Recruiting (LieutenantColonel H. J. Low) I intend to speak to as many trainees as possible so that they will, know that the future of the Territorial service has never been better, and that we want as many as possible of them to continue efter April as volunteers.’*