DOMINION’S OBLIGATIONS

Cue (NZERS), Issue 6, 31 August 1944, Page 8

DOMINION’S OBLIGATIONS

COMPULSORY TRAINING?

COMPULSORY military training has already been mentioned as a possibility in post-war plans for certain nations. New Zealand has increasing responsibilities in the Pacific and her own future security to consider when this important question is being decided.

The armed forces to be maintained after the war by the members of the Allied nations will perhaps be determined by conference. Among the methods which may be employed to ensure that a sufficient number of trained men are available to meet a sudden emergency is compulsory military training. Events in the past decade, mora than in any other period in history, have demonstrated clearly that preparedness in the military sphere is essential if a nation is to survive. Modern warfare 1 has ingeniously adapted scientific progress to \ its own sphere. Rapidity of manoeuvre and transportation, coupled with sufficient striking power, can reduce a nation to defeat in a matter of days. .New Zealand’s comparative isolation is no longer a guarantee of safety from enemy invasion.

The prospect of embracing compulsory training in . the Dominion as a part of the national life need not be such an objectionable, proposal as it might seem at first glance. It has been put into operation previously, and excepting a few minor faults main one being its incompleteness — clearly showed that there were many handsome returns to be derived. Soldiers were able to maintain' a certain degree of fitness which, perhaps, was not possible from their everyday occupations.. On the outbreak of war despite a break in training for nearly 10 years —these men comprised the nucleus of a Division not entirely unused to military methods. First introduced in 1909, the New Zealand system was resumed after x the Great War, but was abolished in 1930 owing to economic reasons. Briefly, the syllabus required a weekly parade,

a few specified week-ends, and an annual camp lasting 10 days.

Later, a volunteer system maintained interest to a limited degree, while high school caaet trainings was limited mainly- to discipline and certain specialised work. At the head was a moderately sized permanent staff which kept in touch with latest developments and provided the required organisation for the training of the ,N.Z. Defence Forces.

Future policy must be vigorous and not allowed to become the prey of economic considerations. The whole question must be ex-

amined and put into operation on a long term basis. The possibility of allowing civilian life to interfere with a period of training should be avoided.

Many proposals have been put forward as to the conditions . of service and length of training. From these it seems abundantly clear that the old system was not adequate for a country whose own safety might be for a certain period dependent on her own efforts. Any training must be universal, thorough, and independent of civilian demands as far as possible. Also, it must not handicap a trainee financially, or prejudice his advancement in civilian life.

A form of compulsory service which might meet the position is

the system proposed for England where full-time training for six months or one year must be completed before the age of 23 years is reached. In New Zealand, a similar scheme could be adopted without prejudice to the economic and social life of the community.

The actual time of commencement of t service could also easily be adjusted for the convenience of students, apprentices, and to meet other individual circumstances as long as the conditions of training were fulfilled. In addition, a two or three weeks’ annual refresher course for the following five years would, if practicable, provide the necessary addition to a complete training period. x Of course, the argument will be put forward that absence for a year would be an- unnecessarily long period for a youthparticularly if he is at University, taking night classes or trade training. In the first two instances training could be undertaken before or on completion of his studies, while in most cases the institution of a thoroughly sound Army education organisation would cater adequately for most pupils. In addition it would give to many, not so fortunately placed, the opportunity of taking up some form of study and open the way for Adult Education on a large scale. > - When compulsory training is being discussed, it is mostly limited to questions concerning the Army. However, the Navy and the Air Force must not be forgotten. Those two arms contribute much and will contribute on an even larger scale to the future defence of the Dominion. The scope offered by the services would enable a trainee to be

drafted to a position most suitable to his individual capabilities and medical grading. Existing (Naval and Air stations lend themselves admirably to a Dominion-wide scheme and thus in the event of a crisis, or even hostilities, an organisation would be ready and be competent to undertaKe vigorous defensive measures until the -main forces were mobilised. Any likelihood of the Dominion being caught in a ‘state of unpreparedness would thus be obviated. The inauguration of such a scheme also opens; up many avenues for attainment in other fields. Consideration must also be given to the question of instituting training for women's services. The suggestion might seem ludicrous to some, but even if training were limited to six or even three months much good could be accomplished in ensuring that the bare essentials were absorbed. In this case, service could be optional and dependent on domestic circumstances. It seems unthinkable that the existing organisations, which have accomplished .so much, should be allowed to lapse on the cessation of hostilities. .Never before has such a scheme offered such possibilities for the encouragement of a completely fit and healthy nation. In the first instance it would ensure a medical examination for every person, fit ‘ or otherwise, and provide where required the opportunity for remedial treatment at a period in life when the , body is still capable of responding readily to corrective measures.

Many obstacles ,to such a comprehensive plan for compulsory military service will no doubt beraised. These are not insurmountable. Providing the authorities approacn the problem with a clear picture of their re-

iquirements , and responsibilities they are certain to receive the unanimous support of a community fully cognisant with the underlying ideals and principles of the scheme. - The measure can and must become a boon to the Dominion, not only because of the -safeguards it ensures, but also from the viewpoint of a nation whose health will consequently receive a much desired periodic overhaul. Trainees will learn to know each other better, understand the other man’s viewpoint and difficulties, thereby contributing greatly to a harmonious social life in the Dominion. When discussing compulsory training an important angle requiring consideration is the maintenance of the manpower balance between industry and the Armed Services. The direction and or-

ganisation of manpower is the

factor on which speedy development and subsequent maintenance of the nation’s maximum war effort depends. It would be difficult to visualise a better survey of the potential resources of the country than that effected by the registration, medical examination, and individual assessment under this scheme.