OUR CITIZEN ARMY

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 114, 10 November 1917, Page 7

OUR CITIZEN ARMY

TRAINING TO CONTINUE UNDER MODIFIED SYLLABUS. POSITION IN COUNTRY AREAS. The revised programme of training for the New Zealand Territorial Army anj Senior Cadets during the remaining period of the war has now been" issued. It provides for continuance, though upon very much niore restricted lines. CONTINUANCE OF TRAINING VITAL. -i The position is that the continuance, of the Territorial system is regarded as vital in the interests of the Expeditionary. Force, while upon the Cadet Force rests the future efficiency of the New Zealand Army. It is desired, however, to meet the civilian needs of the country as far as possible by reducing the training syllabus to the barest possible minimum consistent with obtaining efficiency and discipline and enabling the two forces to preserve their continuity until such time as full training can be resumed. The syllabus of training for Territorials and Senior Cadets has been cut down accordingly, the effect of the alterations being to practically suspend weekly parades in the country areas altogether, while in the town districts the Territorial parades have been considerably reduced. The seven days' annual camp for Territorials in all districts is to continue, the camps in each area being spread over a period of several months in order to suit the convenience of each man and his employer. At the same time, so as to cause no unnecessary hardship, every effort is to be made by officers commanding districts to grant leave of absence in 'all cases where satisfactory claims are submitted. TERRITORIAL SUSPENSION IN -■ COUNTRY AREAS. Under the revised programme the amount of obligatory training which Territorials and Senior Cadets will be required to perform during the continuance of the war will be as follows : Territorial Units in Country Areas. Such country areas are to be defined by District Headquarters.New Scheme.-— (1) Each Territorial to report quarterly on a specified date fixed by District Headquarters to his unit commander, either verbally or in writing, and to notify any change of address; (2) seven days' annual training in camp (exclusive of the days of arrival and departure) ; (3) Musketry course, to be fired during the annual camp. Old Scheme.—Under the old training scheme the Territorial in a country area was required to perform the following training annually: (a) Ten drills, each of lj hours; (b) twelve half-day parades, each of 3 houre; (c) four days' concentration camp 6; (d) seven days annual camp, exclusive of days of arrival and departure; (c) prescribed course of musketry. • Reduction. —The new scheme therefore means total suspension of Territorial training in the country areas fixed during the year, with the exception of seven days spent in annual camp. Territorial Units in Town Aiea». New Scheme of Obligatory Training.— (1) twenty drills (li- hours each); (2) six half-day parades ; (3) seven days' annual training in camp (exclusive of days of arrival and discharge); (4) musketry course to be included 3n (1), (2), or (3). Old scheme.—Under the old training scheme the Territorial in a town area was required to perform the following training annually: (a) Thirty drills of li hours each; (b) twelve half-day parades of three hours each; (c) seven days' annual camp, exclusive of days of arrival and departure; (d) prescribed course of musketry. • Reduction.—The new scheme therefore gives a total reduction of ten drills and six half-day parades.