Appointment of former enlisted men as officers of engineer reserve corps

During the early months of our participation in the World War, there were many engineers and others of known education, ability, and experience who waived the opportunity to obtain commissions and enlisted in the engineer regiments that were being recruited for immediate service in France. Thus it happened that in many of these regiments a large proportion of the rank and file were graduates of colleges or technical schools, with all the qualifications requisite for engineer officers. In the event of a future emergency such men by reason of their professional accomplishments combined with their military experience would be of inestimable value as engineer officers, and while it is true that they would come forward in time of need, even though not enrolled in the Reserve Corps, their value nevertheless would be greatly enhanced should they accept commissions now, for by this means they would keep in touch with military developments.