Novel features of service conditions under Britain's re-armament programme should have popular appeal. One innovation has been announced by the Admiralty in regard to the Navy and provides for the recruiting of a special corps of short-service officers to be employed solely on naval air duties. Up to six months ago, the Fleet Air Arm was officered by the Royal Air Force with a few naval officers who obtained their wings, but essentially it was a unit of the R.A.F. ce-operating with Navy. Since that time, the Fleet Air Arm has been transferred completely to the control of the Admiralty although a large percentage of officers are supplied by the R.A.F. It is to make good this deficit in genuine Naval personnel that the new system has been introduced and the intention is to officer it entirely from the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines and the new category of short-service officers. The new category should prove attractive for the minimum age is 17% years and they will be required to serve seven years, the first two years being occupied in training. After this period has been completed, they will be transferred to an emergency list for eight years, with practice training of a fortnight a Year to keep themselves in trim. Afterwards, they will be transferred to the retired list. It is pointed out by naval observers that the creation of this new branch, which has no counterpart in any foreign navy, is an essential prelude to the coming expansion of the Fleet Air Arm. The present strength is about 230 machines, but by the end of 1940, when five big aircraft carriers now building are in commission, it will be increased to 600 machines, of which 100 will be borne by battleships and crui:
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