Sergeant William Powers, D. E. M. L., R. S., on Duty at Cincinnati 53 Men in One Month "Sergeant William Powers, D. E. M. L., R. S., always brings home the bacon," writes Captain Wiley L. Dixon, in charge of the Cincinnati district. Having been in Recruiting Service since April, 1916, Sergeant Powers has a most enviable record. He is 46 years old and plays baseball with the best of them, is married and owns his home. His best record is 53 good recruits for a month, while 13 men were secured by this recruiter during the first twenty days of January. A new line of action is necessary for nearly every man approached, is the claim SERGEANT WILLIAM POWERS of Sergeant Powers who says that every successful recruiter must be able to size up every prospect quickly and frame his argument accordingly. He believes that it is absolutely imperative that a canvasser be well groomed and courteous in his attitude and conversation and no matter how offensive the man approached may be, the successful recruiter must maintain his temper and the dignity of the uniform he wears. The fact that many men are not always courteous to a canvasser should in no wise deter him from making a proposition to every eligible man whose attention he can get. 9 In the morning Sergeant Powers be6 gins to make the corners where pros26 pects may be found, he calls at some of the hotels and lodging houses and asks the taxi drivers he meets if they have 242 seen any prospects. Sergeant Powers makes friends with everybody, encourages personal interest and makes it a point to see that "credit" for any accepted recruit goes to the man who pointed him out or made the suggestion. These people, says the Sergeant, are always glad to help and feel a personal pride when a prospect they suggested has been "signed up." Sergeant Powers finds that trying for West Point or a commission interests many young men. He says, however, that he never talks West Point or a commission to any man he does not believe has sufficient education and that while he pictures the Army to the best advantage, he never is so extravagant in its praise as to create a doubt in the mind of the prospect as to his truthfulness. He says if you meet a man forty times a day always speak to him. He will like it, and if he does not come in. may send you a prospect. He also finds it profitable to ask every man if he knows anyone who might be interested in enlisting. With him each day is a fresh start. yesterday is forgotten, and he goes out with the firm resolve to "get a man. maybe two." Fort Riley Recruiter Gets 'Em Captain Donald A. Young. Recruiting Officer at Fort Riley, writes to the Recruiting News and states that his recruiters never miss an opportunity, and are on the job at all times. Sergeant Baird and Reasor, D. E. M. L. recruiters at Fort Riley, are wide awake at all times, as is shown: While attending a dance at Abilene, Kansas, 30 miles from the Fort, they did not devote all their time to the pretty girls but were on the alert for prospects for the Army and the result was that they brought back two applicants with them, and after taking some of their own blankets to make a bed on the recruiting office floor for the applicants, retired for the night, calling it a good night's enjoyment for themselves and work for the Army. The next day these two applicants were enlisted in the Army. "A Board" "The 'A' Board" is the title of a mimeographed monthly published on the tenth at headquarters of the New York Recruiting District, 39 Whitehall Street. The periodical is very well handled and contains much data of interest to New York canvassers. * * * * Good Percentage of Reenlistments During December the Eighth Corps Area averaged 37.2 per cent reenlistments. Fort Bliss led all posts and stations with the exceptionally high percentage of 90.7, having reenlisted 61 out 65 men. Fort Sam Houston, Camp Stephen D. Little, Brooks Field and Fort Huachuca also made splendid records Sergeant Woodfill Aids In Recruiting Sgt. Samuel Woodfill, World War hero, has been detailed as an allocated recruiter in the Cincinnati District under Captain Wiley Dixon. Sergeant Woodfill is aiding in the campaign for men for the 10th Infantry stationed at Fort Thomas, Kentucky. 295 Enlistments in First 10 Days of January in 8th Corps A total of 295 enlistments for the first 10 days in January is reported by Eighth Corps Area. Fort Sam Houston is leading Fort Bliss by one, these stations having 56 and 55 respectively. Fort Logan, Col., procured 39 enlistments the first 10 days. "Good Chow, Warm Clothes," Etc. Sergeant John J. Ryan, 28th Infantry, allocated recruiter in the Syracuse District, makes 'em like it. Private Burnham Wernuth, 61st Service Squadron, Air Service, Mitchel Field, Long Island, has written the Syracuse station the following letter: "I am glad I joined the Army, good chow, warm clothes and a chance to rise in the service. Everything depends on yourself as to ability, character and so forth. I would advise anybody who is free, to join the Army." * * * 36.59 Percentage of Re-enlistments in Seventh Corps Area In an annual report on the recruiting activities for 1922, Major Fred L. Lemmon, recruiting officer of the Seventh Corps Area, points out that the average percentage of re-enlistments in the Seventh Corps Area for 1922 was 36.59. Recruiting in the Seventh Corps Area reached its highest point in November, when 693 men were enlisted in the one month, 310 of these being enlisted at Fort Snelling, Minn. Fort Snelling recruiting station led all others in the corps area for the year 1922, having a total of 1,463. The total enlistments for the Seventh Corps Area for the year was 5,387. Good Record in Sixth Corps Area Major H. M. Nelly, Recruiting Officer of the Sixth Corps Area, says his recruiting force hopes to increase the number of enlistments for January over the total of 743 enlisted in December. Men who procured more than 10 enlistments in the Sixth Corps Area in December follow: Sergeant Morris Einstein, Chicago, Ill., 25; Sergeant Charles E. Hesse, Chicago, Ill., 17; Sergeant Joseph Litercy, Chicago, Ill., 17; Sergeant Carl Green, Milwaukee, Wis., 17; Corporal Albert Gallman, Chicago, Ill., 15; Sergeant Bratcher Lett. Chicago, Ill., 13; Sergeant Charles Pinnick, Chicago, Ill., 13; Corporal Adrian Graff, Milwaukee, Wis., 13; Corporal Walter F. Melka, Milwaukee, Wis., 12; Private First Class Arthur F. Kirk, Chicago, Ill., 12 and Private First Class Joseph Hart, Chicago, Ill., 11. 76th Field Artillery For alluring recruiting literature the palm must be given to the 2nd Battalion, 76th Field Artillery, stationed at the Presidio of Monterey, California. Accompanying an excellent map in red and black of the Monterey Peninsula, there is a story by Governeur Morris paying a splendid tribute to the Peninsular, and a three-color poster-circular that in its appearance and contents is a masterpiece Listen to this siren call from sunny California and judge for yourself how long it will be before the 76th Field Artillery has a waiting list: “Organization—A full battalion of Light Artillery, French 75 mm guns, horse drawn, of the famous 76th F. A of the 3rd Division with a fighting record gained on the Marne and in the Argonne All batteries are active, fully equipped and will fire during the coming season Football champions of post for season just ended; strong contenders for basketball honors, with schedule now in full blast. A real live go-get-em outfit, with a clean class of men who are proud of it, and who stick together. "The Locality--The Monterey Peninsula, the mecca for tourists, celebrated the world over as the most delightful spot in a State famous for its beauty and climate Temperature varies an average of only ten degrees; always mild in winter; cool in summer. Bathing and fishing all the year; hunting in season; miles of beautiful drives and bridle paths. No other place offers such a variety of scenes and amusements. Progressive towns of Monterey and Pacific Grove; Del Monte Hotel with polo fields; artists' colony of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Yet only a short ride to the cow-puncher centre of Salinas, and the Gigling Ranch Target Reservation, where the deer roam and the coyotes howl at night. San Francisco only four hours away and accessible for week-ends; Santa Cruz across the bay. "The Post Itself The historic Presidio, dating back to the time of the Spanish occupation. One of the most beautiful stations in the army, it is much desired by the old timers who know. Comfortable barracks, brand new artillery stables completed December, 1922. large and up-to-date Post Exchange. sales commissary; Post Moving Picture Theatre showing feature pictures every night; large gymnasium; bowling alley. and service club. Large new E. & R. building for post schools, where men who care may learn a trade; large athletic field; radio station; tennis courts. "Athletics-Efficient E. & R. administration keeps things moving all the time. and competition with 11th Cavalry organizations supplies rivalry and interest. Football, basket-ball, bowling, all are strongly supported. Boxing cards at Post Gym twice a month draw capacity crowds. Baseball all year." E Organization Recruiting Problems XISTING instructions from higher By Lieut. Colonel Guy E. Bucker, authority place the duty of replacing its enlisted personnel upon the regiments. It is therefore necessary that all officers and men of the regiment, whose duties are in any way connected with recruiting, familiarize themselves with the various recruiting problems confronting them and with the many means and methods of overcoming these problems. The regiments' need of additional enlisted personnel is a most serious problem; it is, therefore, enjoined upon all concerned to bend all efforts towards the solution of this problem. In presenting the Seventh Infantry to the public, it must be done in such a manner as to make those who may contemplate entering the service see that enlistment in the regiment will fill satisfactorily their desires and needs. The plan which will very shortly be put into effect is, through a campaign of advertisement, to attract the attention of the public in certain communities towards the 17th Infantry in such a manner as to bring to the attention of prospective soldiers the advantages offered by the regiment. Supplementing this publicity, officers and men of the regiment will be detailed for duty among the public to get into direct personal touch with the class of young men that are the best prospects. The mission of these officers and men will be to talk about the Army and particularly the 17th Infantry, setting forth the advantages of military service in all phases. Great care should be exercised in approaching a prospect on the question of enlistment. The prospect should be carefully studied and enlistment should not be suggested until his mind is properly prepared to entertain that question. To secure this preparation it is necessary through some means or other to get the man sufficiently interested to follow the canvasser's line of talk to the point where the question of his enlistment may possibly be entertained. Rarely will an abrupt suggestion of enlistment be cordially received by any man, but will more often result in a rebuff to the canvasser. The best method is to build up the prospect's interest in the subject by an apparent willingness of the canvasser to simply give free and friendly information of the service and the regiment, and trust to this to bring the prospect to such a frame of mind as will permit of an open discussion of the advantages which the service offers-17th Infantry in particular. The simplest little incident, word of pleasantry, casual remarks, etc.. may lead the way to a chance of bringing a man into the service. The following points should be carefully considered by the canvasser: 1st. He must be completely familiar 17th Infantry with the meaning of the items of ad- (b) Omaha. The history of Fort Crook and (c) An adequate description of these posts, setting forth their several advantages in the way of recreation, entertainment and comfort. (d) The daily life of the soldier in the 17th Infantry. His regular routine, special stress being laid on his military instruction, his educational instruction, if desired; his athletic, social, health and moral training. (e) The advantages of military education, particularly as fitting a young man to take his place in the social and business life of his community after the soldier's discharge. (f) The pay and allowances of a soldier. Particular attention should be paid that the basic pay is not compared alone to the earnings of a man in private life, but that his allowances of quarters. light and heat, free hospital and medical attention, rations, clothing, opportunities for free and very cheap amusements offset this difference. Strike a strong chord on the easiness of accumulating savings. Tell prospectswhat a man may obtain in the way of promotion. (g) Set forth the spirit of comradeship and friendship that holds among soldiers. 2nd. The canvasser must be completely familiar with all of these points. (a) to (g), and be able to discuss them with ease and assurance. He must confine himself to the exact truth and not exaggerate. Above all do not misrepresent. State facts in a clear and convincing way. Do not try to put something over. Know your business. 3rd. The canvasser must estimate his prospect and handle his subject accordingly. Some men may be eager to receive information, so present your line of talk at once. Others may require that you approach your subject to them with great caution. With some it is better to permit them to start the conversation. However, always appear willing to tell all you know about the Army and the 17th Infantry. Avoid, if possible, offending any person. You may drive away a perfectly good prospect by some tactless word or action. Keep your temper and do not allow a rebuff to cause you to display anger; this will hurt your mission. Remember the Army is not always popular and some may delight in slinging mud. If you answer this class of men, do not sling mud back. You had better pleasantly turn the tables on him by some friendly rejoiner that will cause laughter by bystanders, such as “I had a bully breakfast this morning, when did you eat?" There are some things that the canvasser should avoid. The work of the canvasser is not unlike that of the salesman or the debator. He should do nothing that will place his intentions or sincerity in doubt. (a) He should avoid unfavorable comparison between the branches or units of the service or any of the Army's stations. The advantages offered by any of these can be extolled without detriment to others. This can be done, for instance, by explaining the advantages offered by the 17th Infantry in such a way that the prospects will be made to feel this regiment is the very one for him to join, that by joining it his desires and needs will be met. Find out what the man wants or needs and then show him that our regiment fills the bill. (b) The common viewpoint of the Army by civilians is an unfavorable one. If your prospect is so imbued, put him right. Let him understand that the Army is one of the country's very best agencies for training young men to be straightforward, strong men, and that it is the very best institution of Americanism. Don't let your talk dwell on immoral or unmanly subjects. Do not by any means let your prospect think the service is the place where young men may practice unhampered the habits forbidden in polite society. Let him know that your comrades want among them only the best type of young manhood. You will have to talk to the parents of prospects and leading men of the community. Your prospect will go to these for advise in many cases. Let the 17th Infantry be a one hundred per cent article of good. (c) Do not say anything or advance any argument that cannot be substantiated by some explanation or fact. Above all do not let your prospect doubt you or think you do not know your business. Get on to your job. (d) The canvasser must at all times be soldierly in deportment. His conduct must at all times be beyond reproach. He will often have to frequent places which the best young men avoid, but let it be shown that duty calls you there and not your desire to satisfy unmanly appetites. Do not slouch. Do not lean up against posts or buildings in a lazy manner. Be lively, awake, well dressed, always the good soldier. You will be an example, so let your example be a favorable one. FIELD ARTILLERY SCHOOL Regular Army, N. G. and Reserve Officers Trained at Ft. Sill (Continued from Page One) Guard courses provided-a three months course for officers and a six months' course for enlisted men. A class of reserve officers is also provided for. This year there was also a six months' course for field officers who were detailed for a four year period in the Field Artillery. The generals' course graduated during the year, Generals Malone, Fisk and Hutchison. The enlisted specialists course for Regular Army men has always proven very popular and 35 specially chosen men are taking a four months' course this year. These special courses for enlisted men are for battery mechanics, horseshoers, saddlers and specialists in systems of communication such as radio and telephony. The Field Artillery School is not all work and no play. It is located at Fort Sill and on the whole this post has been too frequently maligned in articles and ordinary conversation. Practically every article on this subject has given a more or less sordid picture of a post in the desert, abandoned by mankind and reclaimed at tremendous sacrifice from the Indians. Like all reports and stories the description of Fort Sill has often been exaggerated. Fort Sill is not the most ideal post in the Army but it has its advantages. It does offer some conveniences and comforts that other posts do not have. Today it is not the lieutenant producing factory of 1918 nor the old Indian post of frontier days. It is a landmark of the past but also holds a brilliant promise for the future in its highly efficient and invaluable Field Artillery School. Urges Use of Hand Bills and Posters In a letter addressed to all recruiting officers of the Seventh Corps Area, Major Fred L. Lemmon says, "no main or sub-station should ever be without attractive handbills and small posters designed to interest prospects in the openings for which acceptances may be made at the particular recruiting station. Part of the producing value of your field force and canvassers is lost if you do not provide them with suitable and readable handbills." Star Recruiters in the Fourth Corps Area 25 "ON HONOR ROLL" Fifth Corps Made Good Showing for January The following is a list of canvassers of the D. E. M. L., R. S., Fifth Corps Area, who obtained 10 or more recruits during the month of January, 1923. Cpl. F. Raines, Indianapolis. Cpl. C. W. Ines, Indianapolis, Pvt. M. Krasevic, Columbus, Sgt. C. A. Blake, Indianapolis, Sgt. W. Powers, Cincinnati, Cpl. M. E. Coomler, Indianapolis, Sgt. B. Parson, Indianapolis, Sgt. E. Stitzel, Indianapolis, Cpl. L. W. Baker, Cincinnati, Cpl. J. C. Jackson Cincinnati, Pvt. M. Gordon, Cincinnati, Pvt. H. W. Girvin, Indianapolis, Cpl. O. Peek, Cincinnati, Sgt. J. J. Mullinax, Columbus, 33 26 23 20. 19 18 17 15 12 12 12 12 11 26 Major R. S. Lytle, Corps Area Recruiting Officer, Fort McPherson, Ga., reports the following honor roll of star recruiters in the Fourth Corps Area for the month of January, 1923: Cpl. Aler, Fort Screven, Ga. Cpl. Coan, Fort McPherson, Ga. Sgt. Cain, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Staff Sgt. Stollings, Ft. Oglethorpe Cpl. Todd, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Pvt. LaFever, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Pvt. 1cl. Price, Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga. Cpl. Woods, Ft. Benning, Ga. Sgt. Catron, Ft. Benning Ga. Pvt. 1cl. Wells, Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga. Pvt. 1cl. Goech, Ft. Bragg, N. C. Sgt. Lamb, Augusta, Ga. Pvt. Vancel, Augusta, Ga. Sgt. Winn, Fort Benning, Ga. Pvt. 1cl. Leak, Ft. Barrancas Cpl. McKibbin, Ft. Screven, Ga. Cpl. Lively, Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga. 1st Sgt. Wynn, Ft. McPherson, Ga. Pvt. 1cl. Turner, McClellan, Ala. * Recruiter at Fort Hayes Retires After Thirty Years' Service Sergeant James H. Elliott retired at Fort Hayes, Friday, December 29, 1922, after serving 30 years in the United States Army. Sergeant Elliott enlisted in the army April 13, 1895, served during the Spanish-American War, 1898 to 1899. with the 19th Infantry; in Alaska with the Seventh Infantry, 1900 to 1902; in the Philippines with the Ninth Infantry to 1905; enlisted for recruiting service, December 5, 1905, and has served for 17 years on recruiting duty. Sergeant Elliott accepted and enlisted during the World War 1,126 volunteers. He has enlisted over 3,000 men during the 17 years that he has been on recruiting duty, and was for 14 years in charge of the Charleston. West Va., station. Sergeant Elliott will leave Columbus within the next few days for his home in California. Captain A. J. Stark, who is in command of recruiting at Fort Hayes, says that Sergeant Elliott has always been one of his star recruiters. Raising Funds to Buy War Portraits A movement to acquire the portraits of 109 officers and members of the American Expeditionary Forces, which were painted by Joseph Cummings Chase soon after the armistice, has been started by a committee consisting of a dozen men prominent in national affairs. Mr. Chase has agreed to sell the collection for $50,000, provided the portraits are to be donated to the nation, and it is proposed to raise this sum by popular subscription. The collection is said to be the only one in existence of the commanding generals and distinguished officers and men of this country's overseas army, and because of this possesses historical value which, those behind the movement believe, entitles it to a place in the National Museum. Among those who sat for Mr. Chase were General John J. Pershing, sixty-seven combat generals, and fortyone junior officers and enlisted men whose gallantry merited such recognition. The men selected for the artist were designated by General Headquarters of the A. E. F. in Europe. THROUGH THE TELESCOPE G= General Allen Sails February 21. Major General Henry T. Allen with members of his staff plan to sail for the United States February 21. Chaplains' School Ends April 3. Commencement exercises at the Chaplains' Service School, Ft. Wayne, Mich., will take place April 3. There will be 12 graduates. The members of the school faculty, during the school recess which ends in September, will be assigned to C. M. T. Camps, which will be held in late July or August. There are yet in the service about 50 chaplains who have not attended the Chaplains' Service School. National Guard Meeting. Harry B. Smith, Adjutant General of Indiana, was elected president of the Adjutants General Association of the United States which met at Indianapolis February 1, 2 and 3 in conjunction with the annual meeting of the National Guard Association of the United States. Frank D. Barry, Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, was elected vice-president and C. E. Black, Adjutant General of Illinois, treasurer. General Milton Reckord of Maryland presided at the meeting. Examination for Medical Officers An examination of applicants for appointment in the Medical Corps of the Regular Army will be held during the period of July 16 to 20, 1923, inclusive. To be eligible to take the examination the applicant must be a male citizen of the United States, a graduate of an accepted medical school legally authorized to confer the degree of Doctor of Medicine, must have had at least one year's hospital training subsequent to the completion of a four-year course of instruction in such medical school, or, in lieu thereof, have served one year as a medical officer of the United States Army, between April 6, 1917 and July 1, 1919 and must be between the ages of 22 6-12 and 31 6-12 years at time of examination. Former officers of the Medical Department, Regular Army, honorably separated from the service, and within the age limits and otherwise eligible, will be permitted to compete in the examination. Blank forms for making application to take the examination may be obtained at any military station or from the Adjutant General of the Army, Washington, D. C. Approved applicants will be informed as to the exact place, date and hour where the examination will be held, in ample time prior to July 16, 1923. Guard and Reserve Officers Complete Benning Course. The Fort Benning News says "The class of National Guard and reserve officers have now completed their three months course at the Infantry School and were graduated on Wednesday morning. Ninety-three of these officers received their diplomas, 82 going to the National Guard class and 18 to the reserve officers. "The graduating exercises were attended by General Farnsworth, Chief of Infantry; General Gordon, Commandant of the Infantry School and Colonel Baltzell, who represented the Chief of the Militia Bureau." O WINS HAWAIIAN COMPETITION Major General Summerall presenting medal to Sergeant J. S. George, 27th Infantry, winner of highest place in rifle competition for the Hawaiian Department Rhine Troops Welcomed Home. The American forces from Germany were given a welcome at Savannah February 7. General Farnsworth represented the War Department and many notable officials including Governor Hardwick of Georgia, were present for the celebration. Thousands of people gathered at Savannah to welcome home the last United States troops from European soil. February 8 the Third Battalion, 8th Infantry, debarked at Charleston and went into permanent quarters at Fort Moultrie. February 11 the Saint Mihiel reached New York and debarked the last of the A. F. in G. Boxing Instruction for New Jersey Guard. Frederick Gilkyson, Adjutant General of New Jersey, published a recreational bulletin announcing boxing contests as a further means of interesting the personnel of the New Jersey National Guard. Frank A. Daly, formerly a sergeant in the Regular Army, has been engaged as boxing instructor. The New Jersey Athletic Commission has approved the National Guard boxing program which includes organization, district and State competitions. General Gilkyson directs the commanding officers of all organizations of the New Jersey National Guard and Naval Militia to hold elimination bouts with a view to conducting a State boxing tournament in about three months. Guard Association Elects Officers Brigadier General Edward L. Logan of Massachusetts was elected president of the National Guard Association of the United States at the annual meeting at Indianapolis February 1, 2 and 3. Other officers include Brigadier General Charles I. Martin of Kansas. first vice-president; Lieutenant Colonel LeRoy Pearson of Michigan, secretary and Brigadier General Edward Martin of Pennsylvania, treasurer. Brigadier General C. I. Martin was president of the Adjutants General Association for fourteen years. A vice-president from each of the nine corps areas were chosen as follows: First, Major Frank J. Abbott of New Hampshire; second, Brigadier General Franklin Ward of New York; third, Brigadier General Milton A. Reckord of Maryland; fourth, Brigadier General Travers of Georgia; fifth, Adjutant General Morris of Kentucky; sixth. Colonel Frank R. Schwengle of Chicago; seventh, Colonel Amos Thomas of Nebraska; eighth, Lieutenant Colonel Weatherred of Texas. These officers constitute the executive committee. "50 Questions and Answers" Major H. H. Fletcher, Second Corps Area Recruiting Officer, has recently issued to his recruiters a printed pamphlet entitled "50 Questions and Answers." It is a compilation of all the questions and their answers that Second Corps Area canvassers have encountered most frequently from prospective recruits. The booklet is distributed to canvassers who find it very valuable and impressive in giving first hand information to prospects. In some cases where the recruiter deems it necessary a copy of this pamphlet is given to the prospect for his further consideration. |