• On Thursday Mr. Arnold-Forster unfolded his scheme of Army
reform. We have dealt with its general outlines else- where, but must point out here that, owing no doubt to the complexity of the subject, his exposition was by no means free from ambiguity, and that therefore we must await a more detailed explanation before we pronounce finally on many of the points at issue. What is clear, however, is that he pro- proses to establish two Regular Armies,—one with long service (eight years), and the other with short service (two years with the colours and six in the Reserve). The long-service Army is to garrison India and the Colonies, and to provide a striking force of sixteen thousand men always ready mobilised at Aldershot; while the short-service Army is to give us the Regular force needed at home,—a force which, owing to its very large Reserve, will be capable, on mobilisa- tion, of supplying a considerable army for oversea work.
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