Thursday's newspapers contain a letter written by Mr. Brodrick to
Mr. Henniker Heaton dealing with the difficulty met with by Volunteer officers in complying with the new Regulations. Mr. Brodrick defends the new Regulations on the ground that the improvement in modern weapons demands more knowledge and more initiative on the part of individuals. " The extent of ground occupied by a force in action is far greater than in old days, and thus combination and control are made more difficult. Modern evolutions, therefore, go far beyond the old close-order drill and parades in a drill- ball or barrack square. It is also most desirable that, as far as possible, the training should be by complete units, and that all ranks should be accustomed to manceuvre with and under those who would work with them in war. Hence the importance of camp-training, which Lord Roberts con- siders essential, and for which previous training in squad and company is a necessary preparation." Mr. Brodrick then enumerates the exemptions from the Regulations intended to prevent hard cases, and goes on to say that he has done his best to secure elasticity. No doubt there is a great deal of abstract truth in Mr. Brodrick's remarks, but we cannot but feel that there is a risk of the Regulations placing a wrong ideal before the Volunteers. They strive to make them imitation Regulars, whereas they ought to be accepted frankly as a species of Irregulars. The thing which should be insisted on in the case of Volunteers as essential, and in regard to which there should be no exceptions or exemptions, is good shooting.
Previous page
