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Show PREPARING FOR THE BIG AIR ARMY This is the last week, during the present draft period In which men between, be-tween, 19 and 31 may volunteer as enlisted men in the air service. Our aeroplane army Is expected to be the one great force which is to conquer the German troops, and a great number of clever young Americans Ameri-cans are being drawn into that branch of the fighting forces of the United States. In a circular just issued by the committee com-mittee on public information, attention atten-tion is called to the fact that little thought has been given to the thousands thou-sands of men on the ground who keep the engines in good order, the wires always taut, the machine gun or camera cam-era ever ready. Their work is per-'haps per-'haps less spectacular, but it Is the foundation stone upon which all the rest is erected. For if an aviator Is allowed to go out with an imperfect engine, a weakened wing, or an insufficient insuf-ficient supply of gasoline, as has not infrequently happened, his mission is dodmed to failure. Already mechanics mechan-ics have volunteered In thousands for this vital work with such spontaneity, indeed, as to make it possible to keep a steady stream of squadrons flowing overseas. For some time now they have been busy on the other side building build-ing the air dromes, establishing the repair re-pair shops, and making ready to set up the planes which will announce America's arrival over the German trenches. Various trade interests and employers' organizations also have co-operated with the government In the effort to comb out the large number num-ber of experts needed In the short time available, but, despite that, still more men are need. Disclosing the importance of hav ing skilled workers at the air dromes, this statement is made: American mechanics will have a big part to play in the eventual allied air drive. They will be continually busy in the great air dromes, doing the most delicate kind of work, mostly out of doors, often with rough-and-ready tools, requiring much ingenuity, frequently fre-quently In great hasto. With machines constantly coming and going to and from the air front, there will never be a time of dullness or lack of interest. Every machine must be carefully tuned and' examined before it ventures on In its important work. Mechanicians Mechani-cians must go over the engine; armorers armor-ers the machine guns; instrument specialists spe-cialists the magnetos, altelmeters sight instruments, air-speed indicators, etc. Fatal cases are on record where air battles have been lost through neglect before the planes have left the air dromos, It is on the return, how- Iever, that the principal activity Is necessary. nec-essary. Many planes come in badly wrecked or injured, in so serious a condition, Indeed, that thoy would be no longer serviceable without expert repairmen on hand. Ofttims y the wings are so perforated with machine gun or antiaircraft bullets that the most expert sailmakers, cobblers, and tailors are necessary. Or possibly the delicate woodwork of the fuselage Is so damaged that only an expert cabinet cabi-net or boat maker can restore It to Usefulness. |