COLLEGES AND COMMISSIONS

At present there are three methods by which men may secure the training to become army officers. In order to win a commission, one may graduate from West Point, rise from the ranks, or secure preliminary training in some R. O. T. C. unit. The first of these is the privilege of very few, the second is an opportunity for every enlisted man, and the third, the logical course of those who can afford a college education. Although not everyone belongs to a training corps yet those who do are for the most part potential commanders. Since West Point is out of the question for the great majority, and since the element of chance rising from the ranks is considerable in the case of an untrained soldier, university R. O. T. C.'s are the most accessible, and yet quite certain means of reaching high position. They form the most convenient stepping stone for many future officers.

The effect of this on colleges will not be slight. By giving to numerous institutions a semi-military character, the training units must surely attract those coming undergraduates who hesitate in entering. No one can feel that his further education is needless, if that is combined with preparation for a commission. In the face of decreasing enrolments, much encouragement lies in the fact that universities will come to include men who want military instruction.