Skiers May Enlist In New Army Battalion

With a three year enlistment period of intensive training, service in the United States Army's new ski battalion now lies open to all men with or without previous skiing or mountaineering experience, Law Professor A. James Casner, head of the University's new Defense Advisory Board, announced recently.

All those who would like to join the unit are requested by Professor Casner to confer with him, and also, to write to the National Ski Patrol System in New York City, which has been asked to furnish the army with the names of qualified applicants, for more detailed information and a questionnaire.

Recently inaugurated by the army after a year of slow experimentation and development, the ski outfit is known officially as the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Mountain Regiment (Reinforced).

Located in Washington

At present the unit is located at Fort Lewis, Washington, pending its removal to a permanent station to be announced later.

Professor Casner further states that men who expect to be drafted into the regular army may apply for transfers to the ski division. Every effort will be made to secure an able personnel even from among draftees, although only qualified volunteers can be guaranteed immediate assignments to the new battalion.

Four months of army service within the past two years and excellent physical condition, are essential requirements for all these seeking admission to the ski unit. Men who have not aquired the necessary military experience must first undergo a 13 months basic training course.