TRENTHAM TRAINEES FIT

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 125, 20 February 1941, Page 8

TRENTHAM TRAINEES FIT

Seven Weeks Of Camp Life MODERN INSTRUCTION METHODS Troops now in training at Tretithatu are looking extremely lit. and well after .seven weeks in camp, and brown faces and bodies give ample proof that the men have made the most, of the sunshine. All drill movements bear testimony uf efficient instruction and it is evident that the troops are benefiting from their physical training, which is an important phase in the army policy of getting a man as lit as possible for the serious business of active warfare. The head of the pliysical training staff at Trentham is Captain I’. G. Thompson who, when questioned about modern instruction methods, said that the aim of all pliysical training was,, not lo produce bulging muscles, but a lithe, wiry type of soldier able to think and move'quickie, and to build up a reserve of energy and power of endurance to enable the man to withstand the conditions likely to be encountered on the battlefield. But in another way, the aim of the system was to develop close co-ordination between brain and muscle.

The foundation of this mental and physical co-ordination is laid by the modern school of instruction. No longer does the class carry out a set series of different exercises with a break between each one and the next. The instructor, with a leader standing beside him, starts the class on the first exercise, and while that is being carried out demonstrates the next exercise. At the word of command the class changes smoothly from one movement to the other. Much practice is required to develop the mental concentration required before the transition from one rhythmic _ movement to another can be made without any sign of raggedness. Shooting Practice. On the 25yds. range at the foot ol Flagstaff Hill details from various training units this week made- their first acquaintance with live ammunition. Many, of course. had handled rifles as civilians, but for a large number it was the first time they had felt the kick of a rifle. These men carried out their first firing practice with an absorbed interest. Each man has to reach a certain standard of proficiency on the 25yds. range before proceeding to more advanced practices on the main range. Men who make a very poor showing on lhe short range are given special further instruction on rifles firing .22 calibre bullets. In still another part of the training area prospective u.c.o.’s for the next reinforcement underwent instruction. Formerly n.c.o.’s were trained in the Trentham Wing of the Central District School of Instruction, but now they join what is known as the Special Training Cadre. After nearly a year and a half of war the new camp at Trentham has taken on the air of a military establishment of long standing. The latest buildings to be added are the huge motor transport garages and a wellequipped repair shop, which stand on the edge of the large tar-sealed motor park at the southern end of the Mobilization Camp area. Here hundreds of vehicles can be sheltered from the weather. The buildings are constructed of wood and iron with concrete floors and concrete pillars on the northern side, which is open to give easj' access to all parts of the garages.