The large forces raised during World War I and World War II drew on substantial peacetime organizations. Experienced officers and NCOs formed their nucleus, with reservists supplying further trained personnel. Some newcomers proved naturally capable, but that exception did not remove the general need for training. Rapid wartime expansion therefore depended on experience accumulated before the war.
Notable Point · 42:42-43:21
Wartime expansion depended on trained peacetime cadres
Mass mobilization in the world wars drew on trained officers, NCOs, and reserves whose experience could not be created overnight.