ARMY METHODS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20620, 22 November 1941, Page 5

ARMY METHODS

USE OF EXPERIENCE CIVILIAN OCCUPATIONS MINISTER’S ASSURANCE (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Steps taken by the military authorities to see that the civilian qualifications of recruits are used by the army to the best advantage were explained by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, last night. He said that it should be remembered that though a man may have qualifications in his profession or trade it did not necessarily follow that he could be employed in the army in a capacity which would enable the full use to be made of these qualifications. For example, there was only a limited scope for the employment of accountants, lawyers and scientists as such, and it was frequently necessary to post them to units in which their professional training was only of indirect value. This, of course, could not be avoided. The Minister’s explanation was the outcome of a leading article published in The Dominion on November 17, in which reference was made to the necessity for the proper utilisation of recruits in the army in accordance with their civil qualifications. It was suggested in the article that enlightenment with regard to the system adopted in posting recruits and an assurance that “square pegs were not being fitted into round holes” would be welcome. War Establishment Duties “When a recruit is medically examined* opportunity Is taken of obtaining from him full particulars of his civil : and military qualifications and experience,” said Mr. Jones. “It is more than likely that the general public is ? not aware that, for every unit in a ‘modern army, there is what is known to soldiers as the war establishment. “This is a carefully prepared document issued by the War Office giving the organisation of the unit, showing in detail the personnel, weapons, ammunition and vehicles required to complete the unit. The personnel required is set out with particularity, and specialists and tradesmen required are listed. “Equipped with this information of requirements and resources, the area officers then proceed to select from the recruits available those whose civil qualifications fit them for the various positions provided for in the war establishment of the particular unit. “This procedure is well illustrated in the recent formation of an army tank brigade, the war establishment of which contains a large number of various kinds of tradesmen and artificers who were carefully selected from recruits throughout the Dominion. “In addition the area officers inform A.H.Q. of men who possess special qualifications in order that inquiries may be made and special consideration given to their employment in the army. Suitability Examined “As a further precaution, camp staffs are required to give careful consideration during the period of training to the suitability of each man for the arm of the service to which he has been posted by the area officer, and to decide whether he would be more usefully employed in another arm. If it is found that he would be more usefully employed in another unit, action is at once taken to have him transferred.

“It should also be mentioned that assistance is obtained by the army authorities from Government depart-,* ments and also from employers and organisations of various kinds, and valuable information with regard to the proper employment of men is obtained.”

Mr. Jones said that recruits were encouraged to express preference for a particular unit. If they were found to be suitable and provided, of course, that there were vacancies, they were posted in accordance with their wishes. Similarly, if a man, after being posted, applied for a transfer to another unit, his application was given full consideration.

“On arrival at an overseas base it may be found that there are some who have not been posted to the best advantage, and these are again sorted out overseas and placed in any vacancies in the division which are more suited to their individual qualifications,” said Mr. Jones. He added that :t would be appreciated from his statement that the army_ authorities fully recognised that it'Was of the highest importance that proper use should be made of every man’s qualifications and experience. From the time the recruit was medically examined till he completed his training overseas, every effort was made to ensure that he was oosted to the unit for which he was best fitted.