ARMY & NAVY: War College

The Army War College opened last week at Washington; 89 officers of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps reported to perfect their skill through this post-graduate work. Said Maj. Gen. Charles P. Summerall, Chief of Staff:

“We have never fought a war with trained and equipped troops, and we never shall do so. It is inconsistent with the form of our government and the psychology of our people to maintain adequate military preparedness. They would rather pay the price that has followed every war than spend a part of the amount in preserving peace.

“The education of our officers to administer and lead armies does not mean that military men are seeking to provoke hostilities. Rather it is a continuation of the only course that a self-respecting nation can pursue. So inoffensive are our purposes and our manners that now, as always, our country suffers from a reputation and a consciousness of weakness.

“We must visualize war as coming suddenly without our desire or expectation and in spite of every course of action to avoid it. Our maximum effort will be demanded speedily. If this requires the impossible, it must be remembered that war is a game of impossibilities.”