On Monday was published the Special Army Order to which
Mr. Haldane referred in his speech at Glasgow last week, and which contains the revised organisation for the Regular Field Army both in peace and war. Henceforward the model of the Continental army corps, each comprising three divisions of two infantry brigades apiece, is officially discarded, and its place taken by the Japanese model of large divisions, each containing three infantry brigades with divisional cavalry and artillery. The change has been recognised as desirable for a long time, for, apart from the divisional organisation being more manageable in itself, it corresponds to the Indian system, and makes co-operation simpler. The reform, if not new, is welcome;. but we would point out that it in no way increases our military assets. It provides a better frame- work, but it does not give us the men to fill that framework. We may mention also the prospectus of the newly formed National Defence Association, which was published on the same day. It aims at providing for a continuous and non- party interest in and investigation of military questions. Its organisation is admirably catholic, and it should perform a most valuable work in keeping the attention of the public directed to the essential points in our Army policy.
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