Lessons from Military Transport
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The military concentration held last week in Surrey and Hampshire provided many valuable lessons. It must not be assumed that the Army has nothing to learn from . civilian systems and prin.. ciples, but for the moment we are concerned with features which might well be considered by profit-earning users of road-transport vehicles.
One of the. most common causes of mechanical trOub,le, and a factor often committing users to heavy expenditure, is overloading. This Is a problem which receives proper attention in Army units, and the same result might be obtained in civilian life if the Persons responsible kept as watchful an eye upon the evil as officers have to do in the forces.
Another matter associated with the efficient control of those concerned with the more detailed duties of transport is the standard of drivin g. Throughout the military operations of last week the officers and other ranks handling machines a all types were meticulously careful. in the giving of signals, in parking out of the way of other road users and in the maintenance of safe rates of speed. This close observance of recognized rules is attained only by proper discipline, and if all road users — not, merely vehicle drivers—. were efficiently trained, at a suitably 'early stage, there is little question that the accident toll would be materially lessened.
It is the fashion in certain circles to cast aspersions on what may be termed the "national. service s," especially with regard to their supposed prodigality with " public funds. This is certainly not the case as regards Vehicle maintenance in the Army. During the -recent operations any mechanical defect was reported and dealt with at once by the workshop unit. By this action more serious defects were prevented and efficient operation was ensured. This commendable promptitude might well be emulated by many civilian operators ; it 'would play a useful part in reducing running costs. Greater use of trailers by military units is now noticeable ; the machines which ate employed. are largely of the two-wheeled • variety. The use of stich units indicates a realization of the economies to be effected in certain spheres by hauling as well as by carrying, apart from obtaining • that frequently desired increase in • pay-load capacity with little extra capital cost. .