New York (State). Military Training Commission

The Military Training Commission was established by Chapter 566 of the Laws of 1916, to provide military and disciplinary training to boys in order to "more thoroughly and comprehensively" prepare them for "the duties and obligations of citizenship." The commission was composed of three members, all of whom served without compensation for a term of four years: the major general commanding the National Guard ex officio (as chairman); one member appointed by the Board of Regents (in practice this appointee was the Commissioner of Education); and one member appointed by the governor. Initially the commission could appoint or remove an inspector of physical training and other employees and was required to make an annual report to the governor containing a summary of business transacted and a detailed statement of expenditures.

Under the 1916 law (which amended article 1-A of the military law), the duties of the commission were to "advise and confer" with the Regents a bout "courses of instruction in physical training to be prescribed for elementary and secondary schools" and to recommend to the Regents the establishment in such schools of "habits, customs, and methods best adapted to develop correct physical posture and bearing, mental and physical alertness, self control, disciplined initiative, sense of duty and the spirit of co-operation under leadership." The law required all boys 16 through 18 years of age, except those exempted by the commission, to be given military training prescribed by the commission for not more than three hours each week during the school or college year. Boys who were not in school but "regularly and fully employed" were exempted, but could volunteer. The training was conducted under the supervision of the commission by male teachers and physical instructors of schools or colleges or by officers and enlisted men of the National Guard or Naval Militia. The commission was empowered to regulate exemptions and prescribe rules for compulsory attendance during the periods of military training.

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