ARMY OFFICERS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22493, 30 January 1943, Page 4

ARMY OFFICERS

Release Of Older Men

New Policy Explained (N.Z.P.A.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 29. A statement outlining the present policy in connection with Army officer personnel was made by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones), in reply to points raised by the “Evening Post.” These related to the question of pruning the existing officer strength and the retirement of older officers. Mr Jones said the Army authorities had under consideration the necessary adjustments to meet the changing conditions in the war situation. As the shortage of officers had been reduced, the time allotted for officer cadet training units had been increased, and the training made more intensive and thorough. With a change for the better in the Pacific and the temporary release of large numbers of men from the Army for urgent seasonal work, the proportion of officers to men had become somewhat unbalanced. The condition was not unwelcome in a way, as it had presented an opportunity for releasing a proportion of senior officers to go to the Staff College, the New Zealand Tactical School, and the Armoured Fighting Vehicle School, and for many junior officers to receive advanced training at Army and district schools of instruction, all of which training establishments had included on their staffs instructors with experience of the present war. Another advantage was that during the absence of those officers at schools of instruction, the officers remaining with the units got opportunities of exercising command and performing duties in higher appointments, which was a valuable experience.

With the return of officers from war service and the general improvement and qualification for promotion of the middle range of younger officers as a result of continuous service, it was possible to reduce the upper age limits for officers to a level more in keeping with the strenuous necessities of continuous or active service, thus following the practice common in all armies in war time of giving young men every opportunity. Many officers released from full-time service had taken up appointments in the Home Guard, where their services had proved invaluable. As others were released it was hoped they too would continue their service in the Home Guard.