Soldiers Training for World War II
In 1942, the Army first introduced a formal fitness test to the troops to get in proper shape to fight in the war. Millions of men in the United States were being called up to fight in World War II and many of them were not prepared to take the challenge of training and fight in the war. However, many men volunteered to fight because they either did not have a job or they just wanted to protect the country and the freedom of the citizens. In order for the men to get ready and get their bodies in shape, the Army implemented a systematic physical development program as part of the Combat Basic Training course. There were several tests for these men to complete including squat jumps, sit-ups, pull-ups, push-ups, and a 300-yard run. Not only did the Army need men to fight in the war but the Marines as well. Many men were also called up or volunteered to serve in the Marines. There were many boot camps established for men who wanted to join the Marines. During 1939 and 1940, the Marine Corps expanded to meet requirements for defense of the nation. In December 1941, the Marine Corps became America's spearhead of amphibious war. On the east coast, training was conducted at Marine Barracks, Parris Island. On the west coast, the Marine Corps Training Center, Marine Corps Base, San Diego, was charged with recruit training. Another important location for recruit training was Montford Point, North Carolina. As part of Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, Montford Point was the site of recruit training for African-American Marines. Throughout the war years, there existed a constant struggle between the urgency for personnel in the operational forces and the need to produce well-trained Marines. Men who were being called up or volunteered did not have an easy time training for the war. The way that they trained for the war in the 1940s is similarly the same as the way men train for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines today.
Soldiers running their drills.
Soldiers running their drills.
Soldiers running their drills.