Holding Action

Barring the sudden growth of a few remaining reservations into large estates of doubt, the Army will probably allow Harvard to begin its modernized ROTC program next fall. By concentrating upon military history and politics, the ROTC course will rise above its present trade-school type of instruction.

Naturally there will be some friction as the military and civilian instructors mesh their methods, and the first year will require close management. The man who should represent the Army in this merger is the present Professor of Military Science, Lt. Col. Trevor N. Dupuy, originator of the new program.

Unfortunately, this year marks the normal end of Dupuy's tour of duty here, but it would be equally unwise and unfair to break in a new man and a new program at the same time. Certainly Dupuy is the best man to administrate the new course; having helped design it, he deserves the opportunity to guide his program and watch its development. Furthermore, the faculty members teaching Army courses will surely prefer working with a man who completely understands the program to a man still learning the ways and problems of Harvard-style war.

Actually, there is little reason why Harvard can not retain Dupuy, at least for another year. The triennial shift of the ROTC staff is automatic only if unchallenged. Many schools, for various reasons, have requested the Army to extend a man's tour of duty and have had success. If the Harvard administration asked the Army to keep Dupuy here, especially with the new program in effect, it is almost certain that the request would be granted. Harvard should act now to help assure the success of a program that could mean a significant change in future military instruction.