UTILIZING TROOPS IN THE NATIONAL FORESTS 



589 



of discipline and that it interferes with the time allotted for maneuvers. 

 Secretary of War Stirapson is also opposed to the diversion of the troops for 

 forest protection on the same grounds as General Wood. Ex-Secretary of 

 War Dickinson was inclined to look with favor on the proposition. 



From personal interviews with the officers and soldiers who took part in 

 forest fire fighting, the results showed conclusively that there is no better 

 training than an actual fire-fighting experience for the men. It makes them 

 self-reliant. They find themselves. With a little training their services would 

 I)rove invaluable. The outdoor life and exercise is healthful and wholesome. 

 It brings them into close touch with civilian life. It helps them in every way. 

 The opportunity for drilling is not removed, and from every standpoint the 

 utilization of the troops for regular forest protection should be encouraged. 

 While actively engaged in fire fighting, additional food, clothes, and pay should 

 be allowed. This incentive in itself, coupled with a break in the monotony 

 of post life, would be a sufficient inducement to create a desire for forest 

 service duty in the minds of men. The duty of the army is to protect and 

 safeguard life and property and certainly the saving of the nation's timber 

 should not be considered Ijeneath the duty of a true soldier, but rather his 

 privilege. 



If President Taft, during his term of oflSce, will provide for the regular 

 employment of the troops to protect the national forests he will have done 

 more in the interest of true and practical conservation than any other single 

 step that has yet been taken. The splendid results which followed from his 

 action last year in this direction would seem to be sufficient justification to 

 carrv forward the work so auspiciously begun. 



