The Education Program
[These typewritten pages detail the rollout of a new Army education program, including course listing and FAQ. It goes with the 19 May 1945 letter, in which he said, referring to this, “Slide rule and blueprint reading are the only two on the first program that I would be interested in.”]
THE EDUCATION PROGRAMMonday, 28 May 1945, 23 classes will be started on duty time from 0800 to 0900 hours. Any personnel on this Base may enroll in one or two classes. Each course will meet twice a week for a period of 8 to 10 weeks. Enrollment is not compulsory and individuals who prefer to report to their regular duties will be permitted to do so. This program is in direct response to War Department directives, and provides opportunities seldom available in the Army. It is recognized that during army experience, many civilian skills are forgotten, and that some individuals have neither previous work experience nor specialized vocational knowledge. It is well known that civilian employers will not pay veterans for what the veterans, did not learn in the Army. All classes will be practical, and it is hoped, interesting. The courses offered were selected on the basis of the interest shown on the recent Education Individual Desire Sheet. Additional courses, including several on-the-job-training classes, will be added as demand and facilities become available. These additional courses will not conflict in any way with the present schedule. Textbooks are civilian books, and automatically become the student's personal property. There are no fees or expenses connected with the courses. High school and college credit will be given to those students desiring credits. Participation in this program will not interfere in any with normal Army transfer or discharge procedures. When a man's turn comes to leave, he'll leave. Classes will be taught by officers and-enlisted men with proven qualifications. Upon completion of a course, record will be entered on the EM's Form 20. It is expected that each man will go through with the course once he has enrolled. As there are a limited number of classes, preference will be given to those men who sign up first. The place to sign, is in the "Rec Hall", between 1700 hours and 2000 hours on 21 May 1945, and between 1000 hours and 2000 hours on 22 May 1945. Additional enquiries should be directed to the Education-Information Office, Personnel Building, from 0800 to 1700 hours daily. Call in person or 'phone Ext. 90. SLIDE RULE: Down-to-earth course. Of value to any skilled worker. Instructor: Lt. Hebel, Mon. and Wed. (Slide Rule provided for each man). BLUEPRINT READING: Practice in reading blueprints. Valuable knowledge for carpenters, plumbers, engineers, etc. Instructor: To be announced.M&W. SMALL BUSINESS: Discussion of problems of business organization and management. Instructor: Cpl. Norwood, who has a sound educational background, and who was a successful businessman. Mon, & Wed., Tues. & Thurs. BOOKKEEPING AND ACCOUNTING: Essential principles necessary for holding positions in most businesses. A fundamental course. Instructors: Sgt. Rudolph, and T/Sgt. Klibaner, each of whom has had good training and actual bookkeeping experience. Mon. & Wed. Tues. & Thurs. BUSINESS LAW: General Commercial Law. Of value to ordinary citizen, businessman, and pre-law student. Instructor: Major Bandy. Mon. & Wed. BUSINESS MATHEMATICS: Arithmetic used in business. Discussion on problems of banking, manufacturing, real estate, and general business problems. T&Th. AMERICAN GOVERNMENT: Know our American Institutions. Practical. Instructor: S/Sgt. Hanasack who taught this subject in civilian life. M&W. BASIC ARITHMETIC: No one knows too little to enroll. An elementary course. Will be of value throughout life. Instructor: S/Sgt.Sharff.Tues.&Thurs. ENGLISH GRAMMAR: Here's a chance to learn to write straightforward and clear English. Instructor: S/Sgt. Strausberger, a university student. Tuesdays and Thursdays. FRENCH: Practical way to learn this modern language. Instructor: S/Sgt. Cheek, a former college language professor. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
MUSIC APPRECIATION: A stimulating and unique course is planned, with a discussion of techniques and styles of classical and modern music. Instructor: Cpl. Robert Laudon, known far his musical knowledge and teaching ability. Mondays and Wednesdays. COMMERCIAL ART: Sketching, cartooning, and fine art will be considered. Actual drawing practice. Instructors: S/Sgt. Bartow, and Pfc. King. Tuesdays and Thursdays. POULTRY MANAGEMENT: Ever think of making money raising chickens? Scientific methods. Instructor: Sgt. Smith, a former high school agriculture teacher. Mondays and Wednesdays. CROP MANAGEMENT: Successful farming requires intelligent down-to-earth planning. Instructor: S/Sgt. Seaton, a former Government Agriculture Agent, Tuesdays and Thursdays. PHOTOGRAPHY: Discussion on proper use of cameras, discussion of problems of developing, printing, enlarging. Actual darkroom work. Develop and print your own pictures. Instructors: T/Sgt. Burden, Sgt. Camuso, T/Sgt, Maddon, S/Sgt. Vose. Mondays and Wednesdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. PRACTICAL DRAFTING: Practical course. Instructor: Cpl. Luciano. Mondays and Wednesdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. PSYCHOLOGY: General practical course on psychology and life. Instructor: S/Sgt. Morain, former industrial psychologist for Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corp. Tuesdays and Thursdays. SELF-TEACHING: Those taking U.S.A.F.I. Self-Teaching Courses will be permitted one hour of duty time, in addition to the regular schedule, each week for study. S/Sgt. Scott will supervise this class and will assist in any way possible. Men, who at a later date take a U.S.A.F.I. course, will be afforded this opportunity. Q. Are the classes on duty time? ANS. Yes, men can attend class or report to work at the usual time. Q. Will classes interfere with passes? ANS. No, men will follow their regular pass schedule and a pass is an accepted excuse for missing class. Work missed may be made up by arrangement with us. Q. Will taking a class hinder discharge or transfers? ANS. No, not in any way. Q. Is there anyone who can help one decide what to take? ANS. Yes, there are experienced vocational guidance personnel in the Education Section, Personnel Building. They are ready to help anytime between 0800 and 1700 hours, or in the evening by appointment. Q. Is it necessary to take a course for credit? ANS. No, High School or College credit will be provided only for these who want it and apply for it after taking the course. Q. Whose idea is the Education Program? ANS. The War Department. Numerous officers and enlisted men on this Base welcome this oppor- tunity to spend time profitably--army time at that! Q. Are the teachers qualified? ANS. Yes, most of them have taught in civilian life and most of them have been successful in a practical way. Q. Are there any expenses? AN5. No. Q. When and where can one sign? ANS. In the "Rec Hall" between 1700 hours and 2000 hours, 21 May 1945 and between 1000 and 2000 hours, 22 May 1945. Q. How many courses can I take? ANS. Not more than two at present. Q. Supposing I am already taking a U.S.A.F.I. Self-Teaching course, can I fit into this program? ANS. Yes, those taking USAFI Courses will be permitted one study hour each week during duty time, in addition to any on-duty courses. S/Sgt. Scott will supervise this study group and will assist with individual course problems.