INSTRUCTING THE TROOPS
notice with interest in your issue of August 22nd the remarks in " A Spectator's Notebook " concerning the new scheme for instruct- ing "other ranks " of the Army in current affairs. The way the scheme has been formulated implies that commissioned officers are better able than their men to impart this instruction. Under the present methods of selection for commissions this is by no means the case, and there are many men, small in numbers in relation to the size of the Army, but large in the aggregate, who, by reason of advanced education in the humanities and slightly defective eyesight, are deemed of no value to the national effort, save to do routine clerical work of a very simple nature. It may be doubted whether such men will derive much profit from the instruction given, or whether their regimental officers are in every case qualified to instuct them in such topics. It is within my own knowledge that a man of high attainments in modern history, experienced in teaching, and formerly on the staff of one of London's best-known institutions for working-class adult education, is totally unable to find any other form of national service than copying details from one Army form to another under the direction of men who are often glad to consult him in matters of spelling ; nor is he eligible for a commission.
" A Spectator's Notebook " suggests that ultimately it may be found necessary to introduce civilian experts to give instruction in current
affairs. May I suggest that there are many men in the ranks or Army (if their presence can at this late hour be detected) who capable of doing such work and who would be better employee . that than in their present futilities? I enclose my card, and beg to sign myself, yours, &c., PRIVATE R.A.P.C. (M.A.Oxon, In the Field.
Previous page
