Service Organisations Advocate Introduction Of Compulsory Training

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27040, 26 March 1949, Page 6

Service Organisations Advocate Introduction Of Compulsory Training

PA WELLINGTON, Mar. 25. The unfairness of the voluntary system of defence was dealt with by the Joint Defence Action Committee of the New Zealand Returned Services’ Association, Air Force Association, and Home Service Association in a special statement issued to-day. It was asserted that the voluntary system never produced adequate results and was always unfair to servicemen.

“ The three associations strongly advocate the immediate introduction of compulsory universal military training,” the statement adds. “ While extending a warm welcome to volunteers who are prepared to serve their country and whom we all should honour, the three associations oppose the voluntary system on the grounds — 1. That the voluntary system is wholly undemocratic.

2. That it exploits the patriotism of the few in order that the many may escape rendering a common obligation to their country.

3. That it has always failed to produce the necessary numbers in peacetime and again in the First and Second World Wars.

4. That compulsory universal military training alone can produce an organised nation capable of defending itself.

“ The voluntary system failed so lamentably before the First World War that it was found necessary to introduce compulsory training in 1911—in peace-time. It failed consistently again after 1931, when voluntary recruitment was resumed and continued up to the outbreak of the Second World War Throughout those years, seldom more than 50 per cent, of the volunteers who enlisted turned up for week-night parades. In 1935. the attendance at camp was so poor that it was not stated to Parliament. In 1936 and 1937 it was classed as ‘ most disappointing ’ and ‘ disappointing ’ respectively In 1938 the attendance in camp was only 41 per cent, of the 7112 men enrolled. In 1930, the last year of compulsory military training in peace-time, the attendance in camp was 86.5 per cent. "In Australia to-day the voluntary system has again failed conspicuously. Out of 50,000 recruits requited, only 14,000, or 28 per cent., have been secured after months and months of effort.

“The exploitation of the patriotism of the few is still fresh in the minds of many who were among the volunteers after war was declared in 1914 and 1939. There was, of course, nothing wrong with the men who went overseas in the first instance, but there was something wrong with the system which allowed them to go without first instituting a fair and nation-wide ballot to determine who should go.

“Only by organisation in peace-time can the waste of valuable lives, due to insufficiency and inefficiency of training and organisation, be avoided in the event of war,” the statement concluded.