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be permanent. In Panama, the units should remain at half strength; in the Hawaiian Islands, they should be at full strength; in the Philippines, at full strength; and in Alaska, at half strength. The number and strength of both the local defense and auxiliary units for observation purposes should be varied from time to time in accordance with the needs of the organizations which they are designed to serve.

27. The greatest necessity exists for the creation of an air personnel as distinguished from an Army or Navy personnel. The Air Service suffers annually nearly half of the total deaths in the Army: in 1921, 42%; 1922, 43%; 1923,47%; 1924, 41%. In war, the the proportion of fatalities among the commissioned personnel is even greater. This requires an entirely different system of replacement of personnel from the followed in the Army or Navy, a different Reserve system, and an entirely different system of entrance into the service, promotion, and retirement.

28. The Air Service navigating personnel should be drawn from the younger elements in our population that are well educated, of an athletic disposition, and fit physically for the duties. Upon entrance into the service, they should be guaranteed a certain pro-

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