HOME GUARD

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21250, 22 October 1940, Page 2

HOME GUARD

TRAINING SYLLABI’S WORK FOR THREE CLASSES PRACTICAL EXERCISES PLANNED (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Monday j A training scheme for the Horn*; | Guard was outlined in a statement today by Major-General Young ! Dominion commander of the guard, j who said the latest training manuals in lieldcraft and elementary tactics, section leading, concealment and camouflage were being issued at once. Training to suit different classes of men comprising the Home Guard would be as follows: — Class I.—Lads aged 16 to 18 and men who are eligible to serve in the forces but have not yet been called tip. Their training syllabus will consist largely of physical and recreational training, drill and elementary weapon training, with the object of fitting them later on for absorption into the Army. Instructors for the most modern type of physical training are being trained by the Physical Welfare Department and will be available for the Home Guard shortly. Class ll.—Men who are reasonably fit physically and who already have had actual experience of war in the field, have had previous training in the Territorial Force, in rifle clubs or in the Legion of Frontiersmen. As a preliminary to more advanced work, this class will be given a genera! refresher course in drill and weapon training. This will be followed by a series of practical exercises to be held in the vicinity of the homes of the men comprising each separate unit: The general object of these exercises will be to teach methods for obstructing and delaying the advance of an enemy. Other valuable exercises will include the use of cover, camouflage, siting of trenches and construction of air-raid shelters and dug-outs. In the case of Class 111., consisting ci men who, owing to their age, cannot be expected to take part in such strenuous forms of training, use will be made of their services in such manner as not to endanger their physical fitness. Duties they can be used for are guarding bridges and viaducts, helping in the evacuation of women and children, billeting Schemes and field ambulance duties.