MORE ARMY FREEDOM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20324, 3 August 1929, Page 2 (Supplement)

MORE ARMY FREEDOM.

THE SOLDIERS OF TO-DAY.

SWEEPING CHANGES MADE,

STAYING GUT LATE AT NIGHT. Sweeping changes in tho British Army discipline, involving tho abandonment of petty restrictions and tho scnsiblo recog. nition that soldiers aro entitled to uso their leisure as they wish, aro being introduced as an experiment. For sorno yoars it has boon pleaded that with tho advance of mechanisation and tho development of education tho tuno was ripe for discipline based on broader and more intelligent linos. Tho Army Council has now approved a number of far-reaching proposals. Tho changes affect chiefly a soldior's freedom during hi 3 off-duty hours. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening soldiers will be allowed to stay out of barracks up till midnight without tho formality of obtaining a pass. This implies a recognition that a soldier, liko any other working employee, has a right to decide his own movemonts, and tho use of his lcisnro after his day's

work is over. It is felt that the old order of treating a soldier as a child, who should be grateful for being allowed to stay up late was lowering to his selfrespect, and did not foster the spirit of self-relianco necessary on his return to civilian life.

Tho next modification is, according to an Army Council order, that " a soldier granted leavo of absenco will not be required to state where he is going unless his leavo is for mora than twenty-four hours, or notification of his destination is necessary to enable him to procure a ticket at reduced fare."

The change recognises the " fluidity " of modern lifo and tho mobility of modern transport, and gives the 6oldier and his wifo or fiancco tho privilege of a change of mind. If, for example, ho asks for a pass to Brighton and then decides that Hastings would be more amusing, ho can change his base without fear of arrest and the summary interruption of his leave. On various boards which aro periodically assembled in garrisons warrant and senior non-commissioned officers arc now allowed to sit. An N.C.O, with special knowledge of tho subject can replace an otticcr with none.

Changes have also been made which affect ollicers. Official approval has been given lo tho principle of the uso of a " personal number " an a moans of readily identifying, in any future national emergency, all oHicers granted commission after mobilisation is ordered, and all officers of tho Regular Army and Territorial Army. I'heso personal numbors" will bo quoted in brackets directly after tho names of tho officers. Tho allotment ot

personal numbors " to officers below tho substantive rank of colonel already holding commissions will begin forthwith, stiys tho instruction. " These numbors aro not intended for uso during normal times and will not ba quoted nntil a national emergency occurs.''