THE SECOND STEP

Harvard has made one decisive step towards preparedness. More than eleven hundred men volunteered for military training in the R. O. T. C., thus assuming their share in meeting the grave crisis. But in itself this step was inadequate. Trained men are absolutely necessary, but by no means sufficient to ensure military strength. To be fully efficient they should be immediately available for service.

The new Officers' Reserve aims to meet this need. It will gather under its colors the men who, without choosing the soldier's profession, wish to stand ready in case of danger. Their commissions will make them officers in the second line of defence, subject to immediate mobilization--a definite and essential part in the national defence. As such they must be a powerful, disciplined organization, fitted for difficult tasks and heavy responsibilities. They must be able to act promptly and intelligently in great emergencies, just as the French reservists in the present war, who threw themselves into the breach and saved their nation from defeat.

As yet no call for reserve officers has been issued. However, as chairman of the Boston committee, Captain Cordier has offered open encouragement to the members of the R. O. T. C. When the call for enlistment comes, they should not hesitate. Realizing their duty as American citizens, they have already stepped forward to discharge it to the best of their ability. Without question, they have begun their task well. Is it possible that they will be satisfied to leave it unfinished?