16 JUNE 1939, Page 2

Militia Service and the Universities For a month or more

there has been spirited debate in educational circles on the question whether Militia service should come before a University course or after it. The pros and cons have been stated with so much effect as to leave many persons in a state of suspended judgement. On the whole the best of the argument goes to those who would postpone the period of training. The age 20-21 for Militia service has been wisely chosen, but as an alternative 21-22 is better on all grounds than 18-19. There is much to be said for not breaking the continuity of education between boyhood and young manhood—but much to be said for a clean break with the academic life between leaving the Uni- versity and entering business or a profession. There is force, also, in the argument that the presence in the Militia of a number of specially able men of 21 or 22 would provide a valuable leaven.