REGULAR FORCE RECRUITS

Southland Times, Issue 23793, 15 April 1939, Page 21

REGULAR FORCE RECRUITS

HIGH STANDARD OF QUALIFICATIONS CAREER FOR YOUTHS WITH ENTHUSIASM Applications are being called for additional recruits for the Regular Force. Men who are interested and who can measure up to the exacting standards required, should apply immediately to the nearest Defence Office. Applications close by noon on April 26. The standard required is high. Physically a height limit of 5 feet 8 inches .is set and the recruit must pass a stiff all-round medical examination. This is necessary as anyone joining the Regular Force should be fit for active service in any part of the world. The educational and moral standards required are equally high. Intending recruits must be between the ages of 20 and 25 years, unmarried, and naturally of British nationality. The educational qualification is to have passed the sixth standard or its equivalent. The prospective recruit should also be keen on the job for it is not an easy one and only a man with

enthusiasm as well as ability is worth while.

For the regular soldier, as for his comrades of the Navy and Ah' Forces, there is no 40-hour week. He signs on to serve if required for 24 hours a day for 365 days in the year. There is always the possibility which is eagerly looked forward to by everyone of being sent abroad to Australia, and possibly the United Kingdom and India for advanced training.. When a recruit is accepted, he undergoes a strenuous course at the Army School of Instruction, Trentham, under picked instructors, and is on probation for the first year of his eight years’ engagement. Actually at the end of his first five years’ service he may be recommended for re-engagement up to 55 years of age, or for transfer to the reserve for the remaining three years of his original engagement. During the last few years the ranks of the Regular Force have been steadily built up to enable them to cope with their increasing responsibilities. What are these responsibilities ? First, to provide the instructional and administrative staff for the Territorial and Cadet Forces. Second, to form a nucleus of fully-trained officers, noncommissioned officers and men for immediate action in an emergency, particularly with the coast defence and anti-aircraft units.

For the regular soldier “immediate” means what it says; he must be at his post within one to four hours’ notice, not days, literally holding the fort until the full strength of the territorial unit, which provides the main defence, can be mobilized. x

Thus there is at all times the closest, and most cordial, co-operation between the regulars and the territorials. They work together, play together and respect each other; if the need comes, they will fight alongside each other to maintain the security of our homes and our people. All this shows that only the best men available are good enough for the Regular Force, and that anyone who wishes to make it his career must not only have the requisite qualities when he joins up, but maintain a high standard of efficiency throughout his service. But for men of the right type who have the instincts of a soldier, the life is a good one, comradeship is excellent, and the conditions of service generally are as good as those in any army in the world.