WARS OF THE FUTURE.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18167, 4 November 1930, Page 10

WARS OF THE FUTURE.

CHANGED METHODS. GENERALS MUST BE SCIENTISTS. Experiments in wars of the future will be made on Salisbury Plain, when extensive military manoeuvres will be held over a wide area, says a writer in the London Daily Mail. The "exercises,” as they call this ambitious military training, will be a supreme tests for generals down to privates. It will be a test for brains and brawn, Intelligence and endurance, with the mechanised section of the Army having the last word. Speed in transport and the element of surprise in tactics will make of these manoeuvres something more than a demonstration in the-skilful handling of massed troops. Battles will always be won by straight and swift shooting, provided the general gets the straight-shooting men in the right place at the right moment.

That is where military science is rapidly changing old ideas of military strategy. The modern general must •be a semi-scientist, just as Tommy Atkins is to-day half an artisan and half a soldier.

Swift-moving Machine

The Army to-day !s a quick-think-ing, swift-moving machine. The first battle of the Marne was won by troops being taken to the. front in taxicabs. On Salisbury Plain they will be taken to the front in—well, never mind; that Is a secret at present.

The game of war, as played In the old days, was likened to a game of chess: now the chess element exists, but the pawns move on ball-bear-ings. On Salisbury Plain we shall see the most highly efficient, the most up-to-date, and the most enthusiastic professional Army in the world. The splendid Armythat stormed and took the Hindenburg line is now out of date. New weapons, new methods, new inventions have turned slaughter into a science in which every engagement is a battle of brains.

A Magnificent Force. Ouietly, systematically, thoroughly, the'British War Offlce has, during the last few years, manufactured a magnificent military force. Recruiting has been of a remarkably high standard. Not only sound physique but also an alert intelligence and a sound moral character are demanded •by the new Army. Spectators who visit Salisbury Plains and expect to see an impressive demonstration of picturesque. bodies of troops in action will be disappointed. They will be lucky if they see anything.

The first thing- that a modern Army in action does, is to disappear, and the opposing general and his staff spend worried hours trying to find it. These manoeuvres will be a great game of hide-and-seek, but not blindman’s buff.

Science has given eyes and ears and the swiftness of seven-league boots to the modern Army.

The opposing generals in this thrilling game of mimic warfare are our quickest thinkers.