THE BRITISH ARMY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23492, 5 May 1938, Page 11

THE BRITISH ARMY

LONG SERVICE ENLISTMENT NEW SCHEME ANNOUNCED (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, May 3. A new long service enlistment scheme, with increases in pay, family allowances, and pensions rights, was announced by the War Minister (Mr L. Hore-Belisha). It is designed to make the army more attractive to men, desirous of making it their career, and will be limited to 5500 men per year. Men may enlist for 12 years and have the right, subject to good character and fitness, of continuing for a further nine years. Men applying for the new enlistment must be. between 18 and 24 years of age. The number is limited to maintain the strength of the reserve. Speaking of the scheme, Mr HoreBelisha said recruiting for the army was at a rate which had not been known for some time, though with the increased demands for other national defence services the task of finding the 53,000 recruits wanted this year was not becoming easier. A total of 40,000 territorials was also required. In the case of the Territorial Army it could be brought to strength at once but for its territorial basis. For" example, some units could probably be filled four or five times over. A great many units were up to strength, and even 20 per cent, over establishment.