W.D. HOPES TO DISCHARGE 5,000,000 WITHIN 12 MONTHS, SAYS STIMSON The War Department will try "desperately" to discharge 5,000,000 personnel within the next 12 months. All men in the U.S. and all men arriving from overseas with 85 or more points will be immediately sent to Separation Centers for discharge. Essential classifications, now numbered at 19, will be reduced to a "few." Military necessity should not delay many releases. The critical score of 85 for enlisted men and 44 for enlisted WAC's has not been changed. Men 38 years and older will be eligible for discharge 90 days after their application. To encourage men to enlist in the regular army, discharged personnel will be given up to three months to re-enlist after discharge. They will be given a re-enlistment bonus and immediately promoted to the grade held at discharge. The War Department limited this re-enlistment opportunity to "qualified" personnel, not explaining the use of the word "qualified." PACIFIC TROOPS The War Department also denied reports that no more American troops will be sent to the Pacific. Following telegrams to Congressmen and the press, members of the 95th and 86th Divisions, now awaiting transportation to the Pacific at the request of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, were assured all personnel will be screened. Only men under 33 and without excessive combat service will be sent abroad. Both divisions served in the ETO. The Navy also announced a discharge point system this week. The Navy estimates it can discharge between one and a half to two million within 18 months under this plan.
COAST GUARD PLANS The Coast Guard will follow the same discharge plan as the Navy. The Marine Corps will follow the Army point system. No indication was given as to estimated Coast Guard or Marine discharges. These figures add up to a total of around 8,000,000 discharges within the next 18 months out of a total of about 11,500,000 now in the Armed Forces, according to United Press. But the Army alone is still drafting 50,000 men monthly so this doesn't mean that by 18 months the size of our Armed Forces will only number 3,500,000. |
Gives Japs Orders |
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