RECRUITING. Formerly, the task of raising recruits for the army was intrusted to the colonels of regiments, who employed civilian agents and others to persuade young men to join their standards; these agents often resorting to very illegal methods to entrap recruits. Subsequently, the duty was assigned to several recruiting comps, each known by the name of its commanding officer; but under this system. so many irregularities, and such difference of practice arose, that in 1802, for purposes of uniformity, economy, and proper control, it was decided to place the whole recruiting under the immediate direction of the adjt.gen. For this purpose, the country was divided into dis tricts. At the head of each district was placed an inspecting field-officer, with the duty of superintending all recruiting parties in his district, and of approving the recruits brought. At the district headquarters there was a paymaster. responsible for all the finan cial concerns, and a medical officer, who examined the recruits in point of health and physical fitness.
Recruiting parties used to consist of old sergeants. who sought by every means to induce young men to enter the army; they frequented fairs, wakes, and country gather ings, endeavoring by beat of drum, smart uniforms, well-fed personal appearance. and persuasion—not always too truthful—to convince the rustics of the advantages of the queen's service; advantages which really existed, though not always to the extent depicted. The adoption in 1872-73 of the system of regimental localization changed all this. The United Kingdom is divided into 66 sub-districts, at the head of each of which is a col., who' commands the brigade depot, and the auxiliary and reserve forces of his sub-district. Ile also controls the recruiting within his command, primarily, for the
regiments composing the brigade; and secondly, for the rest of the army. To preserve uniformity of action. the colonels report on recruiting matters to the inspector-general of recruiting, an official on the staff at the war office. On a would-be recruit presenting himself, the recruiter must ask him if he already belong to the militia: if not, and he appear physically eligible, lie is given a shilling, after which. should he abscond. he becomes a deserter. The sergeant must then give the recruit 24 hours for consideration ; afterward, butt within 96 hours from first enlistment, he must take him before a magis trate, when, if the recruit declare that he voluntarily enlists, the justice reads to him the articles of war relative to desertion, and puts the questions detailed in the attestation. This done, the oath of allegiance is administered, and the man becomes definitely a sol dier, receiving his free kit and bounty. The recruit may avow his dissent before the magistrate, when he must be forthwith discharged on returning the shilling, and paying twenty shillings as " smart" for the trouble he has given. False declarations as to age, previous service, health, etc., involve the recruit in various penalties. About 18,000 recruits are raised annually in time of peace for the British army; but a larger number will be necessary, as enlistment for short service with the colors becomes more the rule.
Recruiting for the navy is treated under MANNING THE NAVY.