Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 132, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 June 1917 — NEW OFFICERS TRAINING CAMP [ARTICLE]

NEW OFFICERS TRAINING CAMP

OPENS AUGUST 27 —MEN OF . MATURE AGE WILL BE GIVEN PREFERENCE. The United States government, in announcing its plans for the second officers’ training camp, . makes a special appeal to men of mature age. The war department strongly desires men who, by virtue of their ripe judgment and that force of character which come with the years, are able to lead others. Men of 31 and over, and up to, 44 years of age, are particularly wanted—professional men—men now holding responsible positions and business executives and men of special military training" iip to 50 years. The military officials point out further that the more mature men, who are ready to serve their country at war, should consider it a solemn duty to apply for positions as officers rather than to be content, through modesty, with a place in the ranks. L. H. Hamilton, in charge, of the local officers’ recruiting headquarters of the Military Training Camps Association, emphasizes the words of the Washington office. “Since the best ideal of service is for every man to do what he is particularly fitted for, men of maturity should consider that they are fulfilling their plain duty by qualifying as officers; that they are serving their country most efficiently by serving as commanders.” 1

This is the final call for older men from civil life, who have a fund of real, personal experience. Younger men can rise from the ranks. The training camp is primarily for those over 31 years of age. In brief, the following are the qualifications for admission to the new training camps: An intelligent, trained mind. Executive business ability. Previous military training is an asset—but not necessary. The maximum age limit is fifty years; the minimum, twenty years, nine months. However, in order to obtain the experienced-class-oL men desired, preference will be given to those over 31 years of age, other things being equal. The war department expressly states that because of the anticipated large number of applications, it will probably be difficult for men under 31 years to qualify except in instances where the applicants have pre-eminent qualifications or unusual military experience. The government will pay civilians in training at the rate of SIOO per month, and will also furnish transportation, subsistence and uniform. Men who receive commissions will be paid, while in active service, at the same rate as regular United States army officers, which is as follows :

Second Lieutenant $1,700 Fi rs t U eu t enan t ... .. .... 2,000 Captain 2,400 Major 3,000 Lieutenant-colonel ........ 4,000 Applications for the second training camp will be received between June 1 sth and July 15th at the local officers’ recruiting headquarters. Under no circumstances will an applicant be considered after July 15th. Upon the termination of this period, army examiners will visit various points, to be announced, in each state. An applicant selected for personal and physical examination will be notified to .appear before the regular army officer in person, at a convenient point, for inquiry into his record, capacity, leadership, and qualifications in general. The obligation involved is “enlistment for a period of thrge months only.” Applicants will agree to accept, at the end of the training, .such commission in the army of the United States as may be tendered by the secretary of war. The enlistment, however, obligates one to service in the training camp only. The training camp for this district will be at Fort Benjamin Harrison, at Indianapolis, Ind.