COMPULSORY TRAINING

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 19 September 1934, Page 7

COMPULSORY TRAINING

Mussolini Plans to Instil Militarism into Italy COMMENCING AT THE CRADLE EFFECT ON STUDENTS (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) Received 2.45 p.m. to-day. ROME, Sept. 18. The Cabinet, under the Presidency of Signor Mussolini, approved of a scheme whereby the whole nation will undergo military training. Military instruction •is becoming an integral part of education,. starting as soon as the child is able to understand and continuing when the .boys are from eight to 14 years of age as members of the Ballile or Scouts. By contact with the armed forces, informing them of-the glorious traditions of war, then as Avangardisti, they will be prepared ‘ ‘ spiritually, physically and militarily,” enabling them, when they enter the army at ages from 20 to 21, to “dedicate themselves exclusively to warlike ‘instruction and the profession of arms.” •Military culture is being introduced into all Government secondary school®. The qualifications of a citizen are those of a soldier in the Fascist state. If the first article of regulations • remain operative after the military service, which at present is from 18 months until the age of 45, university students will not be allowed to Take diplomas, degrees, or advanced higher, classes unless militarily efficient.