Bulletin of Military Notes Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904 edition. Excerpt: ...The financial advisers of members of council or of generals outside the war ofiice should be responsible for advice tendered to the head of their branch. Such advice should be fully and. freely given, with the object of conferring assistance, but can never take the form of criticism upon the expressed opinions of the head. _ In large questions----where the financial adviser may not feel able to give an opinion--the views of the director-of army finance can be obtained. N o subordinate officer of the Finance branch should minute a war office paper unless authorized to do so, and then only to his immediate civil or military chief. The military head of a branch will naturally ask foradvice; but the responsibility for acting upon it or against it will rest with him. There is a clear distinction between the laws made by Parliament, which are unchangeable except by Parliament, and the army regulations framed by the army council and capable of amendment by that body. 12. We consider that it would be a distinct advantage if officers were rewarded for meritorious service by receiving so many years seniority, instead of by brevet rank, and if the temporary rank of brigadier were abolished except for officcrs on active service. 13. The acceptance of the principles which we strongly advocate must, in our opinion, steadily tend to the creation of a body of officers trained to accept individual responsibility and to act when necessary without referring everything to superior authority. At the same time we believe that we have so clearly drawn the lines between the duties of the various groups as to secure the great advantage of a scientific division of labor, which is essential in all civil business, and which becomes more and more necessary as the...