APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS IN THE REGULAR ARMY As shown in detail elsewhere in this report, under the heading "Authorized Strength of the Army" the commissioned personnel of the Regular Army is divided into the promotion-list and nonpromotionlist arms and services. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1940, 990 appointments were made in the promotion-list arms and services of the Regular Army, as indicated in the following tabulation together with the authority for such appointments: (A) Appointed July 1, 1939, under the Thomason Act, as amended. (B) and (C) Qualified flyers appointed under available appropriations, 310 on Aug. 15, 1939, and 1 on June 12, 1940. (D) Honor graduates of the senior division of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, appointed Sept. 1, 1939, under sec. 24e, group 3, National Defense Act, as amended. (E) Appointed Nov. 18, 1939, under sec. 24e, groups 2 and 5, National Defense Act, as amended. (F) Appointed Apr. 30, 1940, under act of Aug. 5, 1939. (G) Appointed from Reserve judge advocates under sec. 24e, National Defense Act, as amended. (H) Graduates U. S. Naval Academy appointed June 25, 1940, under sec. 24e, group 5, National Defense Act, as amended. (I) The class of 1940, U. S. Military Academy, numbered 448 graduates. Of this number, 4 were not commissioned on graduation, including 2 who failed to meet the physical requirements for Regular Army appointment and 2 Filipino cadets. (J) In accordance with an act of Congress approved July 2, 1926, which prescribes that at least 90 percent of the officers of the Air Corps below the rank of brigadier general shall be flying officers, no graduates of the U. S. Military Academy are appointed directly in the Air Corps. Accordingly, 142 graduates expressing preference for duty with the Air Corps. and having been found physically qualified for flying, were commissioned in the arms and services indicated and selected for duty with the Air Corps for a course of flying training. Those who demonstrate their proficiency in flying will be considered for transfer to the Air Corps. In addition to the foregoing, 171 appointments were made in the nonpromotion-list services from successful candidates of prescribed examinations. The following consolidated table shows the total number of appointments in the Regular Army, accepted during the year, classified according to grades, arms and services: The following statement shows the sources of appointment of the 13,831 officers of the Regular Army and the Philippine Scouts in service on June 30, 1940. Officers who have been separated from the service and reappointed are shown according to the source of their reappointment: Graduates, U. S. Military Academy. Enlisted men, Regular Army... Civil life (including appointees from Officers' Reserve Corps and Enlisted Reserve Corps, and National Guard). Emergency officers (World War-act of June 4, 1920). Volunteer officers___ Total 6, 214 398 4,709 2, 474 36 13, 831 CLASSIFICATION AND ELIMINATION OF OFFICERS Section 24b of the National Defense Act, as amended by the act of Congress approved June 4, 1920, requires the annual classification of officers, with a view to the elimination of those whose efficiency no longer warrants their retention in the service. The work of the board of officers charged with this duty was continued during the fiscal year 1940, and the action taken under the provisions of the statute mentioned is shown in the following table: Officers remaining provisionally in class B, June 30, 1939-. Officers remaining finally in class B, June 30, 1939 Officers placed provisionally in class B by the 1939-40 board....... Total. Retired under provisions of sec. 5, act of July 31, 1935, prior to final classification___. Resigned prior to final classification_ Remaining provisionally in class B, June 30, 1940_ Total_ 21 413 8 |