Jefferson Barracks Citizens Military Camps - Jeffersonian Yearbook (Lemay, MO)

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JEFFERSONIAN on a financial basis. The physical benefits derived by the participants will be invaluable. lt will add materially to the virility of our young men, it will teach them self-reliance, respect for law and order, obedience to constituted authority-essentials that are ab- solutely necessary in a Republic like ours. Senator James XV. Viiadsworth, Chairman of the Senate Committee, expressed his belief that Hthe great interest manifested by the country in these camps will make it clear to everyone concerned with military affairs that the principle upon which they are based is a sound one and that young America wel- comes the ideaof voluntary military trainingf' Congress made an appropriation sufficient for one month of training for approximately 10,000 young men in the nine Corps Areas. That this was considered merely a beginning was clearly indicated by Secretary Wfeeks when he said: 'QI hope that the time is not far distant when every young man in the country will look forward, seriously and expectantlv, to his attendance at this institution for the molding of mgenf' Popular approval immediately stamped the new policy. Although only 10,000 places were open to young men in IQZI more than 40,000 made application and the twelve camps conducted in the nine corps areas were uniformly successful. It was not difficult, therefore, for the iiiar Department, with the consistent support of the hfilitary Training Camps Association, to secure in IQ22 an appropriation sufficient for 27,000 young men who during August received their training in twenty-five camps located according to population in all parts of the United States. The purpose of these camps is to promote good health, good citizenship and a capacity and willingness for national service in time of need. Young men are admitted to the begin- ning course between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five, provided they be of good char- acter, intelligence and physical condition. The Government pays all expenses including transportation, uniforms, food and medical care. No service obligation is coupled with camp attendance, but it is hoped that men who enroll will be inclined thereafter to join the National Guard or the Reserves. The camp schedule calls for elementary infantry drill in the beginning and later for special training in the different branches of the Service. Physical health and development are especially emphasized. Army surgeons examine each candidate carefully on his ad- mission to camp, corrective exercises are prescribed when necessary, a record is made of each man's progress during the month of training and when it is deemed desirable, suggestions are given to the candidate for the later consideration of parents and physicians at home. A large part of the day is given to a variety of athletic sports under expert super- vision and every young man is encouraged to develop a habit of life which will lead to phy sical health and vigor. Social and recreational features of camp life are carried on under the direction of men and women qualified and experienced. The moral and religious life during the month of training is the care of Army Chaplains of different faiths. A high morale is the primary aim of the Camp Staff. The Citizens' Xlilitary Training Camps offer a well graded sequence of instruction for tlnee years. The Red Course is for beginners with little or no previous military train- ing a nd prepares for an enlisted status in the National Guard or the Reserves. The second year. or Xxillllt' Course, oiiers more advanced training and graduates of it may become non commissioned officers. Xlen who finish the second year with credit are admitted tw the final Blue Course, on graduation from which they can receive on due recommenda- tion a coniniission in the Reserves. The Red Course is preferably the same for all candi- .clatcsg in the Viihite and Blue Courses men select and are admitted to the special training tif the lnfantry, Cavalry, Artillery, lfngineers, Signal Corps, or Air Service. These are civilian camps under the direction of the Viar Department. Every effort is made to keep them true to the best ideals of American citizenship. In young men is Page .Yzuw

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JEFFERSONIAN instilled a devotion to country, a sense of civic responsibility, an ideal of individual develop- ment toward greater physical, mental and moral excellence. They gain an elementary training which prepares them somewhat for commissions in a national army at time of need. lfmler military discipline and the instruction of competent and sympathetic officers they learn the important lessons of self-control, self-direction and respect for the principles tif a well ordered society. The Citizens' Kfilitary Training Camps represent concretely the thought of patriotism, civic responsibility, individual growth in all that makes for tlean. healthy, vigorous American manhood. General Pershing well expressed the benefits of training when he said on one occasion: ln the preparation of our young manhood for service in defense of their country, there are many personal benefits that the course of training brings. It develops the physical vigor and manliness of our youth and sharpens theirfmentality. It teaches self- discipline and respect for constituted authority. As recent experience has shown, it encourages initiative and gives young men confidence in their abilities. The thought and the act of preparation for service increases their patriotism. Association with men from all walks of life strikingly emphasizes our democ- racy. The training broadens the views and increases the Value of our youth as citizens. It is especially needed among our alien population, a large percentage of whom are illiterate. All these benefits have been bestowed upon the men who com- posed our forces during the VVar and who, as a consequence, have become our most patriotic citizens. If for no other reason than this, such training could most profitably be extended to all our young men. By providing such a course of instruction we afford theyoung man an opportunity for development which he can get in no other way. Wye take him out of his local en- vironment and extend his acquaintance to men from different localities. He touches elbows with them and the effect is broadening. He learns that all men are actually on an equality, and that the rich manls son and the poor man's son each alike owes an obligation to the Government. These experiences in a large sense supplement the home education, and these young men go back with expanded knowledge. They grow more aggressive, more confident, they get the spirit of leadership and initiative. and in every way become better able to meet the problems of every day life. It seems to me the advantage of hav ing our young men instructed for a short period under such conditions is so important, from the standpoint both of the individual and of the Government, that the expenditures re- quired for the purpose are practically negligiblef' The tampa of lfjll were carefully inspected by General Pershing and officers of the tlenf-ral Staff. They were visited also by civilian committees, nominated by the lXlili- tgirjv 'liraining Lamps 1Xssoeiation. The results of the first year's experience were crystal- linetl in the form of reefimmendations to the Vliar Department. Certain modifications were math in the regulations governing the camps, particularly, a change in the mini- mum age for atlmission from sixteen to seventeen years, and were duly incorporated in 'he tramp plans for 14322 under the supervision of Brig. General Viiilliam liassiter, Assistant thief of Stall, Operations and Training Division. ln IQZI there were twelve camps to turn itle fer sometliing over l,OOO men in each of the nine Corps Areas. The appropriation ljfzgf l'.if1'f'z7fz