REGULAR FORCES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26478, 4 June 1947, Page 6

REGULAR FORCES

RECRUITING TO BEGIN NUCLEUS FOR FUTURE REQUIREMENTS Although the post-war defence policy for New Zealand has not yet been worked out in detail, recruiting will shortly be carried out for the New Zealand Regular Army Forces. Preference will be given to applicants who are serving with the interim army or with the 2nd N.Z.E-F. in Japan, .and to former members of the armed forces. Making this announcement yesterday, the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, said it was .important in the meantime that the post-war plan should be implemented without delay to the extent of providing troops to meet the Dominion's overseas commitments, to carry on essential services in New Zealand, and to establish a highly-trained and efficient cadre as a nucleus for any fighting force that might be necessary in the future. Hundreds Required “The strength of the Regular Forces has been considerably depleted through war casualties and retirements, and the time is now considered opportune to rebuild them to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities,’” the Minister added. “Hundreds of men are required immediately. The Government has introduced a new pay code which compares favourably with that ruling in industry. The work is interesting and instructive, and opportunities for advancement are excellent. The modern army, with its complicated instruments, variety of weapons, and complete mechanisation, demands a high degree of skill and initiative from all ranks.” Vacancies in AH Categories Mr Jones added that there were vacancies in all trade categories, both for trained tradesmen and young men wishing to be trained as tradesmen. Associated -with the new pay code, there was a superannuation scheme for long-service soldiers, while short service was compensated for by gratuities payable on discharge. In brief, the army offered an attractive career, or for those, who wished it, a shortservice engagement. “This scheme offers the opportunity for members of the Interim Army and the temporary staff to join the Regular Forces, and to make the army their career,” Mr Jones concluded. “The initial terms of service will vary from two to five years. On completion of the original term of enlistment, and subject to favourable recommendation from commanding officers, soldiers will be permitted to re-engage for a further term to reach the compulsory retiring age of 45 years ’”