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Basic courses of eight weeks duration for newly-enlisted Regular recruits have been held at intervals at the three district training camps, the recruits then being posted for further training either to the appropriate Army School or to a unit. In January, 1950, a qualifying course for first appointment to a Regular commission was held at the Army School. Candidates were selected from the ranks of the Regular Force and direct from civil life. All those from civil life except four University graduates had had previous war experience. Of the total of 46 who attended the course, 37 qualified, of whom 35 accepted Regular commissions on probation. Six artillery officers who have qualified as Army Air Observation Post pilots were attached to the R.N.Z.A.F. for a short period for forest-patrol duties in the Rotorua area. Territorial Force Training The training of Territorial officers and non-commissioned officers has been proceeding steadily. The object has been to bring them up to date in military matters generally, in preparation for the reception of the first draft of recruits into their units. Attendances of officers and non-commissioned officers at courses of instruction have been most satisfactory. Many units have commenced out-of-camp training in the form of week-end, day, and evening parades, and one unit has held its annual camp. The enthusiasm of all ranks is most marked. Army Schools The various Wings of the Army School, Trentham, and the School of Artillery and the Armoured School, both at Waiouru, have all functioned satisfactorily throughout the year under a particularly heavy programme of courses. Of particular note is the appointment to the staff of the Army School, of three specialists in physical training—an important feature of compulsory military training. A long-term policy plan to reorganize and concentrate all Army Schools is at present being prepared. The plan will enable instruction to be carried out with a combination of all arms and services. It is hoped to enlarge the artillery range at Waiouru to enable all anti-aircraft live-shell practices for Central Military District to be fired there. The great advantage of the Waiouru range over other areas is its isolation from civil airway routes. • New Zealand Cadet Corps Courses of instruction designed to make Cadet units more independent of Regular instructors have been attended by 249 officers and 1,700 Cadets. Cadet camps have, to a large extent, been conducted and staffed by the schools themselves. Attendances have shown a marked increase over the previous period. In order to co-ordinate the control of training, two committees have been formed. One, the Cadet Advisory Committee, consists of representatives from post-primary-school associations. The other, the Armed Forces Cadet Committee, is composed of one Regular member from each of the three Services. The New Zealand Cadet Corps competed, as usual, in the Imperial Challenge Shield Competition, entering 5,894 firers, and gaining 32 places, 15 of which were in the top 50. New Zealand was second for the King George V Trophy, which is awarded annually to the country or dominion gaining the highest results from the first 3,000 firers. Overseas Courses and Attachments The policy of sending Regular officers and non-commissioned officers on courses and attachments overseas has been continued. It is the only practical method of keeping the Army up to date, and of training personnel in certain higher staff and technical duties. There is one officer at each of the Imperial Defence College, Joint Services Staff College, Staff College, Military College of Science, and School of Anti-aircraft Artillery.

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