BRITISH ARMY

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 154, 27 March 1937, Page X (Supplement)

BRITISH ARMY

Lack of Recruits SIR MALCOLM CAMPBELL’S PLAN The British Government is very much perturbed that the recruiting for the army is far below’ the requirements of the nation. Sir Malcolm Campbell, the world-famous motorist, has given bis views on how to increase the rate of recruiting. “It seems to me,” he said, “that, in the problem of recruiting, the first line of inquiry to be pursued is that of whether the terms of service and the pay. both Regular and Territorial, are sufficiently attractive to induce eligible recruits to join. “The general amenities of life outside the services have progressed in greater ratio than the pay and conditions within, and 1 think it is from that angle the recruiting problem has to be approached. At least, it. is very clear that if the voluntary system is to survive. these conditions must be improved at whatever cost.

“Taking the Regular Army first, it offers a number of advantages over civilian life: free food, clothing, barrack accommodation. medical attention, plenty of time for recreation and instruction in useful trades.

Ou the other side of the picture, however, there is the matter of pay. Nominally, this starts at 2/- a day in the case of infantry of the line, increasing to 2/6 a da.v after proficiency and educational tests are passed. Against this are ‘stoppages’ which reduce the net week's pay to about 12/-, which is not comparable with what can be earned outside the service.

“Then, overseas service. To be separated from all ties of home and fam ily for six years is not exactly’ attractive to the present-day youth.

“Last, there is the very serious question of a career at the end of Army service. The soldier who finds himself thrown on the world at the age of 30 is very seriously handicapped by com parison with others who have spent liis seven serving years in civil employ.

"Pay must be raised to a weekly sum that will compare with that of the skilled worker in civil life. (The trained soldier is a skilled man at his job.) There should be an allowance for dependents. “Au obstacle to recruiting lies in the fact that in many cases it in’eans that enlistment withdraws a breadwinner from the family. There should be extra pay for foreign service, and home leave should be granted every two years, with free transport. While on home service the soldier should be given more free travelling facilities to visit: home and family.

“The chief objection to men joining the Territorial Army seems to come from the women—wives and sweethearts of eligible men. Here, again, the advantages do not balance the arguments against service. If we want the mon wo must pay’ them.” Sir Malcolm presented a scale of what he considered would be sufficient to induce men to join