ARMY PROBLEMS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20958, 4 December 1942, Page 5

ARMY PROBLEMS

GENERAL’S SURVEY MEETING DIFFICULTIES An important statement relating to the organisation, training ancl role of tlie New Zealand Army, made by the General Officer Commanding, Lieut.General E. Pultick, throws interesting light on some of the difficulties that have been, and are still being, encountered. After dealing with the organisation of the army in its various sections, General Puttick points out that, in addition to sub-sections of the fully mobilised ancl additional forces, there are two man-power divisions —men of Grade I category, eligible in all respects for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and men of lower categories and of ages below and above those laid down for overseas service. r “Men of all these categories are to be found in all units in New Zealand with the exception of the Army Tank Brigade and one of the divisions," he states. "This situation has many disadvantages, the principal one being that in the event of the situation requiring the despatch of forces overseas, no unit —with the exception of those mentioned —would be composed of men of suitable category. Thus special training of units and formations to meet this eventuality could not be undertaken until Units, etc., consisting of Grade I personnel only were available. Transfer of Men “Obviously, had circumstances permitted, it -would have been better to have posted all Grade I men to selected units in the first place, but this could not be done, as the crisis following upon Japan’s entry into the war necessitated the urgent provision of mobile or striking forces at as great a strength as possible as a first priority followed by the strengthening of garrison troops. “At an opportune moment —which was a little difficult to decide, since a certain amount of disorganisation and loss of efficiency would ensue—the transfer of all Grade I men from garrison troops to the divisions and of lower grade men from divisions to garrison troops was commenced," records the general. “Unfortunately, the somewhat sudden withdrawal of men from the army for various industries followed immediately and certain other activities of a similar tjpe took place about the same time, throwing a considerable strain and much additional work on units and staff alike. However, the measures taken will place the army in a position to meet any strategical situation which .may-arise and will enaiile a fairly wide choice to be made in the selection of units and formations for overseas service (should this become necessary), thus reducing the disruptive effect on the plans ancl dispositions for home defence.