Army Mobility a Vital Factor in Preserving American Freedom
Page 33
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
An American Authority Points to the Importance of Adequate Highways for Ensuring Rapid Movement of Armed Forces
THEpossibility of foreign invasion of their shores is no pleasant consideration for Americans who, in the past, have rested secure in the confidence that two oceans were protection enough. To-day, that confidence is shaken, and adequate defence has become one of the most important needs of the United States.
We must now be prepared to meet attack on either coast, says Mr. Charles M Upham, the well-known American highway authority. He adds, however, that, although the country is taking speedy steps to increase the size of America's armed forces, it cannot expect to build up an army large enough to defend its long eastern coastline as well as a duplicate force always to be stationed in the west, The principle on which the growing forces are being built up is that of speedy movement so that, in the case of invasion, troops could be rushed from one side to the other.
The United States Army is doing its best to make rapid transportation possible. Every branch is speeding up.the addition of motorized units, which have to undergo tests of great severity before acceptance. Recently, the growth of mechanized lighting equipment has been phenomenal. However, the Army's ability to perform its task may easily rest on America's highway system.
Many roads are congested and incapable of meeting the demands of peak traffic, and motorists lose many minutes in hold-ups—time that might be priceless to an army on the move, says Mr. Upham. Off the main highways there are many miles of unmetalled roads, which actually form the link to farms producing a large proportion of America's food.
Many Americans are looking at their highways from the angle of speed in the transport of troops, arms and sups plies. They are thinking in terms of strengthening the lighting services and their means for overland movement. Molor vehicles arc now being purchased in large quantities and the authorities are being urged to perfect the highway system with defence plans in view.