R.S.A. Conference Calls For Compulsory Training Again

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29232, 16 June 1960, Page 14

R.S.A. Conference Calls For Compulsory Training Again

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, June 15.

A decision to press for the reinstitution of compulsory military training in New Zealand was made unanimously by the annual conference of the New Zealand Returned Services* Association today.

It was resolved “that the Government be requested to introduce such a system as a matter of urgency, that system to operate on a special selection basis to use and direct the raised manpower in the best interest of national defence and of any civil defence requirements.” A defence analysis adopted by the defence committee was presented to the conference in committee, with some dissenting voices. The second part of this analysis was later released for publication. This concerned the existing potential of New Zealand’s armed forces.

The analysis of New Zealand’s Army said that two-thirds of the infantry of the regular brigade group was in being (one battalion being in Malaya), but no other group was effective. An ineffective territorial force was scattered throughout the country. This force was unbalanced, officers and non-commissioned officers being out of proportion to other ranks, and was not ready for immediate operational service. Trained reserves for both forces, because of the effluxion of time, were rapidly becoming of no real value.

The Navy was described as having its overseas commitment in being, but with few reserves and no home defence forces. The mobilisation potential of reservists was considered insufficient to man the reserve fleet and supply replacements, because of wastage brought about by age, medical category, and the domestic status of the individual reservist. The Air Force was described as

being a diminishing regular force wholly committed for overseas service, with no home defence force or air defence organisation and no effective reserves. In general, the analysis said, there were no forces available for service in or about New Zealand, limited reconnaissance units in the Navy and Air Force fields, no organised force to prevent sabotage or to give protection from nuisance raids, and limited and diminishing reinforcements for overseas commitments.

Discussing the analysis, the Dominion vice-president (Mr H. Mitchell) said; “Apart from the magnificent battalion in Malaya, we have virtually no regular brigade group. The reserve battalion in Burnham Camp is only about two-thirds strength, without account being taken of those on leave, or those who have extended their leave of their own accord. It is quite clear that the present system is ineffective to supply forces reasonably required for the immediate defence of New Zealand."

The meeting passed a resolution pledging its continued support to the Government’s recruiting campaign.