TRAINING OFFICERS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3027, 14 March 1917, Page 8

TRAINING OFFICERS

SENT BACK FROM FRANCE A CHANGE PROJECTED A change is contemplated in tht> method of training those, non-commis-sioned officers recommended in the fieJu for commissions in reinforcements. Under the system as it exists at present those non-commissioned officers have to como back to New Zealand, undergo a. special course of training in tho camps here, and assist in tho training of tho draft with which they arc- to go forward. It is now proposed that men recommended for commissions at tho front shall bo trained in England, and sent back to New Zealand as officers already commissioned to take their places in reinforcement drafts. Probably officers trained at Homo in tin's way will not be required to stay .so long in New Zealand as the men hitherto sent back have had to stay. 'Die extent to which it will be possible or advisable to cut down the period of training here is a- matter for the staff to decide. It seems to bo regarded as essential that the men shall come back. The reinforcements have to be sent away from hero officered, and it is considered important that the new officers shall have an opportunity of getting to know the troops (under Hheir command before leaving with them for the front.