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G-4 considers the law essential at this time. If we are to have an Air Corps of practical cost we must come to the use of enlisted men with no higher proportion of officers than in other areas. Other nations, except England, now use a higher proportion of enlisted fliers. We have been unable to do so largely because of the efforts of the Air Service to keep itself a body of officers with enlisted valets, a much too expensive scheme to support. The law will force the Air Corps to produce enlisted fliers, which it can do very well, and will permit us in time to do away with the present extravagant use of officers.
(g) Section 2. Page 4. Lines 4 to 23. Change No. 9.
Action recommended by G-4: Strike out lines 4 to 23, both inclusive, and in lieu thereof substitute:
"There are hereby created the specialist ratings of mechanics and mechanic first class. The rating of mechanic may be given to enlisted men of the seventh grade and, when so given will serve to increase their pay and allowances to those provided for enlisted men of the third grade. The rating of mechanic first class may be given to enlisted men of the sixth grade and, when so given, will serve to increase their pay and allowances to those provided for enlisted men of the second grade. These ratings may be given only to men of the grades stated. No other specialist rating may be held by a man who holds either that of mechanic or that of mechanic first class. The number of mechanic ratings may be one thousand two hundred and sixty, and the number of mechanic first class ratings may be six hundred and thirty in the Air Corps. Provided that the number of mechanic rating shall not exceed their percentum the number of enlisted men, other than flying cadets authorized at any time, and the number of mechanic first class ratings shall not exceed half the number of mechanic ratings in the Air Corps.
The Chief of Field Artillery, Chief of Engineers, Chief Signal Officer and Chief of Ordnance are in favor of the principle contained in this change but all believe that the same principle should be applied to their own branches. Technical experts are as much needed in these branches as in the Air Corps and the proposed legislation would have a detrimental effect on efficiency and morale. It would be come more difficult than ever to obtain and retain in service qualified technical personnel. 
The Adjutant General believes if special ratings are necessary for the Air Corps they should be made applicable to certain other branches and they should carry fixed salaries instead of percentages of increase in pay of grades. This would provide uniform compensation for the same class of duties.