The Dominion WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 1939. THE NATIONAL MILITARY RESERVE

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 201, 24 May 1939, Page 8

The Dominion WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 1939. THE NATIONAL MILITARY RESERVE

* Many of the questions that will have been asked by those who read the Prime Minister’s announcement concerning the National Milltary Reserve, are answered in the Defence Department s memorandum which is published today. This makes it clear that the scheme provides for more than the mere mass enrolment of men between the ages of 20 and 55, as suggested by Mr. Savage’s outline of the Government’s proposal. The reserve is to consist of three classes ot volunteers, and due regard is to be paid not only to the active service records of men who enlist, but also to training received in the Territorial Forces. 'Thus the peace-time training of men under the compulsory system, which was discontinued in October, 1930, will not have been wasted. These men (up to the age of 35) will become, as it were, part of the first line of reservists, from which the lemtorial Army may, if necessary, be built up to war strength. „ The grouping of the Class 2 reservists is self-explanatory, and it is to be expected that the recruiting for. this class, which embiaces returned soldiers and ex-regulars, who will be called upon for fortress, garrison and guard duty, will be brisk. Indeed, ex-service-men have already displayed their willingness to prepare for the defence of their country by volunteering for artillery training and foi searchlight and signals work, and at least one refresher course has already been held. No stimulus of propaganda should be required in order to rally R.S.A. members. Time does not change the Anzac spirit.

So far as the Class 3 recruits are concerned, it is likely that some fuller explanation of the training scheme will be required. No time should be lost in providing this, for time is the essence of the contract in creating New Zealand’s preparedness. Class 3 will consist of men between the ages of 33 and 55, who have had no pievious military training or experience. It is intended that they should foi (a) a reserve to Classes 1 and 2; (b) a general reserve, and (c) a reserve “for any other purpose for which the Government may require their services.” The vagueness of this classification will not encourage recruits, most of whom, be it remembered, are to be drawn from the ranks of men with family responsibilities. However willing they are to serve, these men will want to know what lies before them —what their commitments are to be. It is proper that the nature and duration of the Class 3 training be revealed before citizens are confronted with question -No. 12 on the reserve enrolment card now being issued at post offices —a question as to the number of days notice required before taking up duty.

As soon as the complete details of the scheme as a whole have been set before the public, a Dominion-wide recruiting campaign should be undertaken. The Defence League has done, and is continuing to do, valuable platform work of an educative character. Its readiness to co-operate with the Government is proved by its early response to the Prime Minister’s request to withdraw its own enrolment cards and support the national scheme. The example set by. the league’s activities should be followed without delay, and a forthright, personal message addressed to every New Zealander who can be of use to his country in the event of emergency.