Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 153, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 July 1917 — Signal Corps Is in Need of Men [ARTICLE]

Signal Corps Is in Need of Men

On the Hunt for Patriotic Telegraphers for Service in the War. TRAINING CAMP IS PLANNED Former Operators Are Urged to Return to the Key to Release Eligibles for Service with "the Heroes of the Army.” New York. —The United States government has leased 381 acres, of land at Monmouth Park, near Long Branch, N. J., to be used as a training camp for the reserve battalions of the signal corps. This land has been acquired because of its adaptability for signal corps work, Involving all kinds of signaling, telegraphy and maintenance of rapidly constructed lines of communication.

The quartermaster’s department will build a large cantonment, consisting of temporary .barracks, kitchen, storehouses, and everything necessary to promote the efficient training of the battalions, several of which have already been organized. The camp will be under the direct supervision of Lieutenant Colonel Hartmann, who will be assisted by other officers of the regular army. An intensive course of Instruction will be given to both the officers and men of the signal corps, preparing them for service abroad in every phase of military life necessary to perform their interesting work on the battlefield and to keep up the traditions of the signal corps.

Experienced Men Needed. , Only men with education and experience along signal corps lines, aside from the special lines mentioned, and cooks, horseshoeps, farriers and mechanics are sought for this branch of service. J,leutenant Colonel Hartmann has been given one of the biggest tasks of the day in organizing this branch of the new national army. He needs some, 3.00 Q. telegraphers—and he needs them now. Telegraphers are scarce. The unusual number of men required cannot be taken from the commercial and railroad forces without Jeopardizing the prompt transmission of government business. Men and women who manipulated the key in former years—and they are legion—are being induced to return to the wire and release ellglbles for service in the signal corps. Brig. Gen. George O. Squler, present chief signal officer, U. S. A., is the man on whose shoulders rests the big responsibility for keeping up to the mark —and, if possible, a bit beyond—the “eyes, ears and nerves” of the army; better known to the layman as the signal corps. The signal corps has recently addressed a letter to presidents of colleges and universities, asking their cooperation in a plan of instruction for telegraphers and prospective telegraphers. Six thuskmnd young men are

needed for the first army of 500.000, and it is proposed to teach telegraphers the elementary knowledge of physics and electrical engineering; high school graduates and college men will be given this Instruction, and a "course of telegraphy in addition. Will Furnish Instructors. The signal corps will furnish expert telegraph instructors, and the colleges and universities are being requested to furnish the theoretical and laboratory instruction. Young men desiring to avail themselves of this opportunity should apply at once. If found eligible they will be enlisted, assigned to. classes and receive army pay, food, quarters and medical attention during the course of instruction, which is expected to occupy from three to five months, according to the ability of the student.

In time bf peace the signal corpslß perhaps the least heard of branch of the army. In time of stress it is a most vitally necessary arm. It is the “nerves” of the army, and as such, a major factor in the conduct of military affairs. In fact, the last three years of war abroad seem to indicate it as the paramount element in the control of modern warfare. Congress has recently doubled the pay of the private and increased the remuneration of each noncommissioned officer. The signal corps has a greater percentage of noncommissioned officers than any other branch. The pay of a corporal Is now $36 per month, in addition to food and clothing and medical attendance when needed. The rating of a sergeant is now $44, with the same subsistence; that; of a sergeant, first-class, ssl, and the master signal electrician —and many telegraphers have most of the requirements in this direction —$81. The signal corps is a mounted service. A knowledge of horses, If not already possessed, must be acquired, and a healthful life in the open is one of the most attractive offerings of this branch of the service.