GIFT OF EDUCATION VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND RECREATION WESTERN DEPARTMENT OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY JUNE • 1920 EDUCATION, VOCA- TIONAL TRAINING AND RECREATION in the WESTERN DEPARTMENT of the UNITED STATES ARMY JUNE -1920 HEADQUARTERS • WESTERN DEPARTMENT UNITED STATESARMY SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA \-3,ls.'^ upy Lieuten'ant-General Hunter Liggett Commanding General, Western Department General Liggett is a graduate of West Point in the class of 1879, of the Army War College in 1910, and has served on the General Staff. He has seen service against the Indians on the plains, in the Spanish-American War, and in the Philippines, of which Department he took command in 1916. In 1917 he took the 41st Division to France and such was the brilliancy of his work that at the conclusion of the War he was in command of the First Army. General Liggett has received the Distinguished Service Medal; Victory Medal with 1 silver and 5 bronze stars; the decoration of Grand Officer, Order of St. Maurice and Lasarus (Italy) ; Com- mander, Legion of Honor (French); Croix de Guerre, with palm (French); and Grand Commander, Order of Leopold (Belgian). FOREWORD NOWHERE has nature been more prodigal of her beauties nor more considerate in the matter of climate, than in those portions of our country included within the Western Department of the United States Army. Thousands come to this region annually from other, less favored dis- tricts, and to come, is but to wish never to leave. And it would almost seem that those who in years past made the selections of sites for the military camps and posts of the Department had not been actuated simply by the desire to secure the most strategic points for military offense or defense, but had been moved by the beauty of the spot. Certain it is that if the latter had been the sole aim in their selec- tion, no more beautiful sites could have been chosen. Where in all the world a more gorgeous view than sunset through the Golden Gate from the wooded crests of the Presidio of San Francisco? What view more truly Mediterranean than that of the fishing fleet at Monterey, as seen from the old Mexican fort on the grounds of the Cavalry post overlooking the bay? And Long Beach from Fort MacArthur, situated on a point of land which overlooks the harbor of Los Angeles, is like a view of the French Riviera from off shore. Fort Rosecrans, across the bay from San Diego, with Coronado Beach far off to the right, would be an ideal site for a $10,000,000 hotel if it were not already occupied as a coast defense. And far to the north and east it is the same : Fort Lawton, with its view over Puget Sound, to the snow-capped mountains beyond — Fort Worden, our most northwestern post, looking out over the Straits of Juan de Fuca to the British island of Victoria ! But this is not an appeal to tourists nor an attempt to sell real estate. The War Department of the United States has nothing to sell. It has, however, something to give; and that is first-class trade training to every enlisted man, together with the necessary academic instruction that goes with it. What has gone before is merely to intimate that it will be given under such conditions as can usually be enjoyed by the most wealthy only. What follows outlines a little more fully what is being done, with photographs showing how it all looks. During the past year the courses in General and Vocational Education offered at the camps and posts of the Department have been in the stage 41795G 4 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^^ ^^ ^ ^ ^ ^ U . ^ . - ^. EDUCATION AND RECREATION of organization, and as yet are hardly under way with full swing. Yet the lists of subjects given for the various posts show that no one has been holding back. Other lists are given of subjects which it is believed can be taught during the coming year. In some instances — as when elaborate machinery must be installed — this may prove to be impossible, but in general the subjects mentioned as planned for any given camp or post may be counted upon. In most instances the instructors will be civilians, employed because of their special preparation for the work; in others, officers equally well fitted. In some cases, generally in the smaller posts, the regular utilities men will teach such subjects as Carpentry, Tailoring, etc., but always under the general supervision, so far as instruction goes, of officers of the Education and Recreation Branch, The Army also offers an unusual opportunity for intelligent young men who have for any reason failed in the past to secure a good common school education. Here while performing their regular military duties they can enter classes wholly made up of men handicapped for life in the same manner that they are themselves. Here they are offered a chance to earn their own way in Uncle Sam's college and at the same time serve their country and receive for this service good pay. The War Department has decided to furnish instruction for the enlisted men of the Army and what it decides to do it does, and does well. CHAMPIONS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, UNITED STATES ARMY THE END OF THE RACE RECREATION THE War Department realizes that all work and no play is mighty poor policy and therefore sees that every post is properly equipped to give the soldier as good a time as possible. Off duty, an enlisted man has ample opportunity for enjoyment. Entertainments, social events, club life, athletics, and agreeable companions are all to be found in the Army. On enlisting, a man immediately becomes a member of a company, a regiment or similar organization, where he is daily thrown into contact with many other young men whose interests are the same as his own. The most popular form of recreation is undoubtedly athletics. Every enlisted man and officer is interested in the success of the athletic teams represent- ing his post or organization. The War Department has been exceptionally liberal in providing equipment of the very best quality for athletic sports of all kinds. Baseballs, bats, footballs, boxing gloves, wrestling mats, bowling alleys, and athletic fields are furnished in every permanent post, and often an up-to-date gymnasium. In the Western Department the posts are placed in athletic districts according to location, and each district conducts championship leagues and tournaments in all the usual popular sports. Each year when the district champions have been determined, the Department conducts a big depart- ment championship series, usually in San Francisco, to pick the best team in the West, all the district champions being allowed to compete. At the time of writing the Western Department championships in wrestling, boxing, swimming, and track and field sports have just been completed for 1920. All the winners in these sports have been ordered to St. Louis to compete with the winners from other departments and the A. E. F. in Germany. The winners of these contests will probably be sent EDUCATION AND RECREATION to Antwerp this summer to represent the United States on the great American Olympic Team, which will compete with the teams of the other countries of the world. Basketball, bowling and football also are popular, the latter especially in the larger posts. Bowling leagues keep the pin topplers busy all the year round. In addition to athletics, every post has a service club which is the center for the social activities. These clubs are housed in special buildings and provide every convenience for an up-to-date men's club. Comfortable chairs, davenports, couches, all the latest magazines, a well-selected library, and writing tables with writing paper are always furnished free of cost. A game room with equipment for pool and billiards, chess, checkers, cards, etc., is also maintained. A large assembly room is maintained with comfortable chairs where moving pictures are shown several nights a week and where shows and concerts are held. For these shows an admission of 10 cents is charged, no war tax to soldiers. With this exception all amusements are free unless the men themselves arrange parties of dances or amateur theatricals at which they set their own price for admission. A hostess is employed in most posts. She presides over a special re- ception room or building wherein enlisted men may meet their young lady friends. In addition to acting as a chaperon to the young ladies visiting the post, the hostess acts as mother or sister advisor to the men. She is a woman picked for the position because of her knowledge of what soldiers need in the way of social life. She helps arrange dances and parties in the post to which she invites girls from the nearby cities or towns. In short, a soldier wlio does not have a good time while in the service and who does not come out of the Army a much better educated man with a higher earning power than when he entered has no one but himself to blame. It's a genuine opportunity for any man who is dissatisfied with his present condition and who wants to improve himself and at the same time have a mighty good time. AT THE BAT WESTERN DEPARTMENT, UNITED STATES ARMY __ 1 \fT ^^ 1 1 II 1 ^■^JH 1 II .1 m .m m J' t w 1 , im F, 1 ! ' ., ► iiii__- nHI^H'^' '^"" W ' fi^/^ M r-¥^^^, m 4t - ^ * <• 1^ ' .- - ^ '^ ^ WHEELS Fort Winfield Scott california THIS Coast Artillery post is situated on that part of the Presidio Reservation of San Francisco which guards the Golden Gate. It is about a mile and a half from the Presidio Headquarters and is reached by auto bus running through the beautiful parked highways of the reservation. The Headquarters of the post and its fortifications with heavy guns are situated on high ground, with an extensive view of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate and the Pacific Ocean. The officers' quarters and barracks for the men are constructed of brick and the whole has the appearance of permanence and substantiality. Fort Scott is the Headquarters for the coast defenses of San Francisco and controls the activities at Forts Barry, Baker and Miley, subordinate posts of the district. It has all told no less than eleven companies of Coast Artillery. This old fort, built at the water's edge in the late fifties of the last century, was the sentinel of the Golden Gate for decades, and though now obsolete, it still stands as an example of what was in its day the final word in coast defense fortification. It is occupied by a post school for the training of chauffeurs and automobile mechanics. During the past year vocational instruction has been given in Auto and Truck Driving and Repairing, Carpentry, Bookkeeping, Stenography, Typ- ing, Business Administration, Radio Operating, Shoemaking, Acetylene Welding, Printing, Electricity and Music. Classes have also been maintained in Arithmetic, Civics, Spelling, Reading and Algebra. Classes for instruction in other common and high school branches will be organized, if a sufficient number of qualified men desire the work. The men also have an opportunity to secure a first hand knowledge of a number of trades through apprenticeship instruction while in the performance of assigned duties. EDUCATION AND RECREATION A WIXXIXG TEAM Presidio of San Francisco THE Presidio of San Francisco, comprising some 2,000 acres of what would have been the finest residence district of the city, has long been considered by officers and men one of the most desirable if not the most desirable post in the United States Army. Established many years ago as the guardian of the Golden Gate, its then barren sand hills were planted with trees which now give many parts of it the appearance of a virgin forest, while other parts are beautified with such gardens and lawns as only the firsf-class landscape artist knows how to plan. Any city would be proud to have it as one of its public parks. The Presidio of San Francisco is primarily an Infantry post, being at present the Headquarters of the 44th, but has in addition one troop of the 11th Cavalry, a Motor Transport Company, an Ordnance detachment, one of the Signal Corps and a special School for Cooks and Bakers. Many of the officers, attached to the Headquarters of the Western Department at San Francisco, occupy quarters at the Presidio. The enlisted men at this post enjoy all the advantage of a great city. Fifteen minutes by trolley is all that is necessary to reach its business center, while Head- quarters are as quiet and secluded as though situated in the country. The climate of San Francisco is delightfully bracing — never hot and never cold, just the sort that gives one "pep." The War Department maintains at the Presidio of San Francisco one of its three principal Motor Transport Depots. The large accumula- tion of motor equipment segregated at this post provides unusual oppor- tunity for the development of automobile repair courses. During the last year courses of instruction have been maintained for both automobile and truck drivers and repairmen. Vocational courses have also been maintained for bookkeepers, stenographers, typists, radio operators and musicians. WESTERN DEPARTMENT, UNITED STATES ARMY 9 Instruction in Arithmetic, English, Geography, Reading, Spelling, Penmanship, Rapid Calculation, and Commercial Law has been successfully given to a large number of men. It is the policy to provide instruction in all elementary and in certain common high school branches if a sufficient number of qualified men desire such instruction. The post also employs skilled craftsmen in a number of occupations common to civil life. These ofifer apprenticeship instruction in their various occupations. Presidio of Monterey THE Presidio of Monterey, situated on the Monterey Bay one hun- dred miles or more south o-f San Francisco, has been the scene of military operations since nearly a century ago, when the Mexicans first erected a fort on its site. The post is delightfully situated on a gentle slope overlooking the bay, with the Hotel Del Monte, one of the famous hostelries which has done much to give California its renown as a Mecca for tourists, only a mile or two away in the foreground. The famous "Seventeen-Mile Drive," which compares favorably with some of the famous drives of the French Riviera, passes in front of the post and includes Pebble Beach and Carmel by the SOUNDING BRASS 10 EDUCATION AND RECREATION AT WORK Sea, the well-known colony of artists and authors. In fact, no point on the whole Pacific Coast is more justly renowned for its beauty of scenery and its salubrity of climate. The Presidio of Monterey is a Cavalry post, the Headquarters of the 11th Regimeitt of long and glorious history. It has also a detachment of the Motor Transport Corps. Its structures are commodious, and conditions of life exceptionally pleasant, being within easy walking distance of the two towns of Mon- terey and Pacific Grove, with trolley connections to both. Certain troops of the 11th Cavalry are detailed for short periods of service at the posts of Calexico, El Campo, California, and Yuma, Arizona, on the Mexican border, so every soldier at Monterey gets his opportunity to experience what comes nearest to being the "real thing" of anything possible in the Army in time of peace. The post maintains an Auto-mechanics School which is completely equipped and superior to the average civilian shop, where the soldier can learn auto repairing and driving under the instruction of an expert in these lines, and receive a certificate of graduation which will enable him to get a good job outside. Classes in Typewriting, Stenography, Bookkeeping and grammar grade work (Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Geography, History, etc.) are maintained, also a class for farriers and horseshoers. These are all taught by experienced instructors (mostly civilians) hired by the Government. Instruction in many additional subjects is contemplated. In fact, a young man enlisting in the 11th Cavalry gets that never-forgotten, valuable physical and mental military training which corrects physical defects, insures good health, vigor, personal and moral cleanliness, and which teaches promptness, obedience, initiative, and independence. At the same time he learns to ride, drive and care for a horse, secures instruction in a trade free of all charge, is furnished food, clothing, medical attendance and with all receives good pay. WESTERN DEPARTA4ENT, UNITED STATES ARMY 11 Outside the military and trade school instruction the men have ample time for athletics and recreation. A handsome Service Club has just been opened here containing a gymnasium, bowling alley, reading and pool rooms. A victrola, a player piano, and equipment for numerous games are furnished. There is also a Hostess House, with comfortable, attractive reception rooms, where the men can bring their girl friends or relatives, and where a hostess is in attendance to see that they are made to feel at home. Motion pictures three times a week, dances once a week, and an occa- sional boxing match provide amusements for the evenings. Monthly mounted and dismounted athletic meets are held out at Moss Beach (the beautiful drill ground recently leased by the Govern- ment) or at the Del Monte Polo Field. At Monterey and Pacific Grove, just outside the post, swimming pools are available. Young men ! Spend a year with the famous 11th "Horse." You will never regret it ! Fort Mac Arthur los angeles, california FORT MacARTHUR is within easy reach by electric car line of Los Angeles and its popular beaches, including Santa Monica, Venice and Long Beach, which rival Atlantic City and Coney Island in size and bustle. Surf bathing, hunting and fishing are nearby for active men. The post maintains a baseball team which plays the Navy and Army teams of the vicinity as far as San Diego and March Field. A volley imtm^ ^1 mi ' ' lU.. -| IaIt ^' ■■■■■■' OFF DUTY 12 EDUCATION AND RECREATION ball court is in daily use, and is to be supplemented in June by a handball court. The Post Exchange has a bowling alley and well-equipped gym- nasium, and all companies as well as the Service Club have pool tables. The Service Club is a large and comfortable building, built and run during the war by the Y. M. C. A. It is now the soldiers' club and has all the facilities that a good city club ordinarily offers its members. It has a library of general literature. For the studious soldier a room in the Post Exchange has been set aside as a study room, and by the efforts of the Chaplain and the good will of the Exchange Council, a fine tech- nological library has been accumulated and the room comfortably fitted out. A large, w^ell-ventilated, steam-heated building erected as a hospital during the war has been converted into a post school building. The afternoons, from 1:00 to 4:30, are, in general, occupied in the education of the soldier, including an educational program and vocational training. The educational school has now three classes, the first pursuing ele- mentary courses in Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic, under a civilian instructor. The second includes courses in History, Geography, English and Arithmetic, taught by the Chaplain. The upper class is now studying Algebra. This class is now small, but last Fall had a larger attendance and under an officer's instruction studied Geometry and Trigonometry. As the school attendance increases the number of grades will be increased. A special course in Spanish is to be introduced in June. The vocational courses are now Automobile Mechanics (taught by an expert civilian machinist and supervised by the Motor Transport Officer), Shorthand and Typewriting, Electrical Lineman's work and Printing. The number of courses will be increased as the attendance grows. In fitting out the shops, the Government has been liberal. A course in Poultry Raising is being introduced, and a course in Carpentry is contemplated. Hl^^^^m^BVjBIP''""" '"^WK^gM "'"^Wg/M ap^H p inip W^t I^^^^^^^^^^H i ■ Hh [h yy IJ H^^^ 1 w 1 1 POUNDING THE KEYS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, UNITED STATES ARMY 13 PROSPECTIVE SOUSAS Ross Field ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA IT IS not a long hop from March Field to Ross Field, the Balloon School of the Western Department, and if possible take it through the air, as then you will be able to appreciate the real beauties of rural Cali- fornia at its best. Ross Field occupies the famous Lucky Baldwin Ranch and its landing place is within the inclosure of the old race track. Just behind, is Mount Wilson, and stretching away to Pasadena, 8 or 10 miles distant and reached by a trolley, is one of the most beautiful expanses of cultivated lands to be found in the world. Educational and recreational work in the Army can be summed up in one word : opportunity. This opportunity exists at practically every place where units of the United States Army are stationed. At Ross Field the opportunities are exceptional. There is equipment for work in any of the following branches : Motor Transport Work in all its phases; Mechanical Drawing; Typewriting and Stenography; Rig- ging and Fabric Work; Gas Production Instruction; many branches of Electrical Work, such as Lineman, Telephone Operator and Radio Operator; Auto Painting; Storage Battery Work; Vulcanizing and Tire Repairing; Blacksmithing; Pigeon Raising, and Meteorological Work. Many men who have obtained their training at this post are now holding responsible positions with commercial firms. With the establish- ment of the various large plants of rubber concerns in this immediate vicinity, there is a continual call for skilled workers and sufficient training can be secured at this post to insure the placing of practically all men after discharge, who complete the training. Recreational facilities are excellent. There is a well-equipped Service Club; and excellent swimming pool, holding somewhat over three million 14 EDUCATION AND RECREATION gallons; and other equipment offering opportunity for various forms of athletic exercise. This post is located near Los Angeles and facilities for visiting nearby cities are excellent. Any earnest student possessing the necessary mental qualifications can practically be assured of successfully completing any course desired. In addition to the advantages offered by civil employment, many of the courses are such as to lead to a high rating in the Air Service, with good pay and allowances. Every effort is being made to give men full opportunity to take advan- tage of any course which will result in their betterment for future civil or military pursuits. March Field riverside, california AND now, in our swing through the camps and posts of Southern California, we reach the air. March Field is one of the big flying fields of the Army. Situated a few miles south of Riverside, in the heart of the orange country, it enjoys par excellence all that inland Southern California has to offer in the way of sunshine and salubrity. All the activities at the post have to do with the Air Service. It maintains a school for privates, a flying school detachment, a photographic section, and a radio detachment. Nowhere can we find a more animated and interesting sight than the landing field when the cadets from the school for air pilots are receiving instruction, with its scores of planes in the air ON THE KOAU WESTERN DEPARTMENT, UNITED STATES ARMY 15 MUSIC HATH CHARMS and on the ground, alighting, springing into flight and buzzing about like a flock of elephantine dragon flies. But their training is not by any means all had on the flying field. Each man must understand every detail of the intricate mechanism which bears him along, and this means the most intensive , study of internal- combustion engines, of ignition, of radiation, of lubrication, of wings and body. All this makes necessary most elaborate equipment. And this March Eield possesses to the highest point of perfection. Men who have received their training there are in such demand that they can hardly be retained in the service. During the month of May of last year 96 per cent of the men at March Field were receiving instruction in general education and vocational subjects. The courses of instruction maintained included the following: English, Spelling, Penmanship, Arithmetic, Algebra, Journalism, Music, Airplane Rigging and Assembling, Welding, Sheet Metal Work, Plumbing, Black- smithing, Tool Making, Machine and other Gun Repairing, Airplane Motor Repairing, Machine Shop Work, Mechanical Drafting, Cooking, Baking, Telephone Operating and Repairing, Radio Operating, Storekeeping, Sten- ography and Typing, Clerking, Carpentry, Tire Repairing and Vulcanizing, and Automobile, Truck, Tractor, and Motorcycle Driving and Repairing. 16 EDUCATION AND RECREATION Vancouver Barracks washington THE camps and posts of the Western Department do not abomid in historic monuments, but we have at Vancouver Barracks at least one structure which takes us back to pre-Civil War days ; the residence occu- pied by U. S. Grant when stationed at the post in the late fifties is now used as an officers' club. The post is just across the Columbia River from the city of Portland, Oregon, in the extreme southern part of the State of Washington and not at all in the Vancouver Island region, as many have supposed from its name. It is essentially a city post, since its proximity to Portland makes possible all city advantages. It is beautifully situated on a slope overlooking the Columbia River with white-capped mountains in the distance and the buildings, shaded by trees of long growth, give the whole more the appearance of a New England college campus than of a military post. At present two companies of the 44th Infantry and detachments of the Hospital, Motor Transport and Signal Corps are stationed at the post. Last year vocational courses were offered telegraph operators, switch- board operators, typists, stenographers, musicians, moving picture opera- tors, and automobile, truck, and motorcycle drivers and repairmen. Instruction was also given in Arithmetic and English. Should there be a sufficient demand for the work, classes will be organized in the other elementary and in certain common high school branches of instruction. CATERPILLARS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, UNITED STATES ARMY 17 I.OOKS GOOD TO ME Camp Lewis washington CAMP LEWIS is the largest post in the Western Department, with an entire brigade of C. A. C. ; two regiments of Infantry ; Medical Supply Depot ; Motor Transport Company ; Service Park Unit ; Fire Truck and Hose Company ; and School for Bakers and Cooks. It is situated at American Lake, about 15 miles southwest of Tacoma, and is one of the large cantonments built in 1917 as a training post for men for overseas service and right well did it serve its purpose, for more than 100,000 men received their training there, the maximum strength of the post having been reached in November, 1918, when there were 60,000 men at the camp. Although essentially a cantonment of the usual type, Camp Lewis has been embellished and groomed at so many points that it has lost to a considerable extent the poverty-stricken look of bareness and barrenness so characteristic of many of the large temporary cantonments. Wood was plentiful and many of the barracks have been ornamented with rustic porches and pergolas, the work of former occupants. Some attempts have also been made at landscape gardening with, on the whole, satisfactory results. A tract contiguous to the camp is occupied by the usual commercial and amusement concerns. On the whole, Camp Lewis is the most habitable of all the many can- tonments of the war-time period. Its extent is very great, covering some 70,000 acres, a comparatively small portion of which is occupied by the camp proper, the rest being used for mihtary maneuvers and artillery target practice. 18 EDUCATION AND RECREATION 1 in ■p*-,— ^ P THifl ^ ' '^ ^'^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^HPP ^ ii:^ H F- HI'MIHHI ■ ■Hi! r~ ■-i^ii^rm ^ r 'H , .^'-zJ*K^t i li^i J— - , ... -^^ wok m ■ Jli K BL ^S^.-^ ^\lf!^m .| (f ^ iliMiiif^-^ ^^^^mt ^^^-mt • ^ 111.^1 m^^.^iM^^^i ^ISKB 1 J "'"'"^""^^^ mwi Concerning education at the camp the education and recreation officer writes as follows : "The educational and vocational work together with the recreational activities at Camp Lewis, aim to provide the soldier with the necessary environment for a well-rounded and fully developed life. Our purpose is to give him the mental, moral, physical, and technical training essential to a high standard of living while he is in the service, and after he returns to civil life. It is constantly kept in mind that this preparation for com- plete living can be brought about only by a systematic direction of the soldiers' work, study, and play whereby these activities are all unified for the purpose of building substantial character in the individual and high morale in the group. "In the educational and vocational work we are giving the men the courses which they want and most need and which can be readily utilized in making a living when they leave the service. Every man in camp has the opportunity of taking fifteen hours each week in the branches he desires and for which he is fitted. "Our course in Auto-Mechanics, which has enrolled more men than any other course, covers an entire year of work. It includes a chauf- feurs' course. General Repairing of touring cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors, Vulcanizing, Battery Charging, Machine Shop Work and Draft- WESTERN DEPARTMEXT, UNITED STATES ARMY 19 LEWIS ing. The time is evenly divided between classroom and shop work. There is a definite period in which to cover each unit of the course. A complete outline of each unit is placed in the student's hand. During the classroom hour he is given the theory of the practical work that he will do the next hour in the shop. At the next session he is tested to ascertain whether or not he has fully united the practical work with the theoretical. By using the various makes of motor vehicles at hand it is hoped to give him such a general knowledge, theoretical and practical, of the mechanism, systems of ignition, etc., as will enable him to take up general repair work. "Next to Auto-Mechanics the commercial courses have enrolled the largest number of men. These courses include Typewriting, Shorthand, Commercial Arithmetic, Commercial English and Commercial Law, and are open to men who have a public school training. Our aim is not simply to make stenographers or bookkeepers, but rather to give the students practical training along business lines. We also have : "A course in Electricity, which trains telephone electricians, radio operators and linemen. "A course in Highway Construction and Topography which includes Surveying, Drafting and Topography. "A course in Band and Orchestral Music. "A course for bakers and cooks." 20 EDUCATION AND RECREATION In addition to the above, Camp Lewis offers instruction in all of the elementary school branches such as Arithmetic, Civics, English, Geography, Spelling, and Penmanship; and in all of the common high school branches such as History, Mathematics, Science, and Modern Languages. A farm school is being planned for the camp, wherein enlisted men may secure farm practice and scientific instruction in Mechanics, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture and General Farming. Being both an infantry and an artillery post. Camp Lewis offers unusu- ally good opportunities for men to secure, by the apprenticeship method, instruction in a large number of trades common to civil as well as military life. Fort Lawton seattle, washington IF ONE were to choose a site for a palatial estate, near enough to a large city to enjoy its advantages without suffering from its defects; with a climate lacking extremes of temperature and with an unsurpassed view of land and water and again land on the other side, he could hardly do better than did he who chose Fort Lawton for a military post. From its site some six miles north of Seattle, Washington, it looks to the west across Puget Sound to the massive peaks of the Olympic Range. A perfect automobile road leads to the city, while for those less fortunate a trolley station is near the Post Headquarters. The buildings of the post are sufficiently old to be homelike and one may consider himself fortunate to be able to occupy them, either as officer or man. The post is manned by three companies of the 44th Infantry. AT PLAY WESTERN DEPARTMENT, UNITED STATES ARMY 21 WHERE YOU MEET YOUR GIRL Last year, class instruction was maintained in Arithmetic, Civics, English, Reading, Penmanship, Geography. Spelling, and United States History; also in Stenography, Typewriting, Music, Acetylene Welding, and Auto Repairing. Instruction will be provided in other general educational subjects when the number of qualified persons desiring such instruction is sufficient to warrant the establishment of the classes. A number of skilled craftsmen are employed at the post. Assignment to duty with these craftsmen will enable enlisted men to secure instruction in a number of the occupations common to civil as well as military life. Fort George Wright spokane, washington FORT GEORGE WRIGHT is situated on a beautiful pine-covered eminence overlooking the river and city. The river abounds in rapids and marvelous waterfalls, the inexhaustible energy of which has been harnessed to turn the wheels of industry in Spokane, the Power City of America. A thirty-minute street car service is maintained between city and fort. The barracks and other buildings of the post are constructed of brick, and are in every way modern and up-to-date. A large number of nearby lakes furnishes a splendid opportunity for outings for those who enjoy fishing and other aquatic sports. And Spokane, which has a population of more than a hundred thou- sand, offers all of the attractions of the modern city. A part of the historic 21st Infantry is now stationed at this post. By the close of the last year, class instruction was being maintained in English, Spelling and Arithmetic. Vocational instruction and training were also being given in Horse- 22 EDUCATION AND RECREATION shoeing; Auto, Truck, and Motorcycle Driving and Repairing; Stenog- raphy and Typewriting. Whenever a sufficient number of qualified persons desire instruction in any of the elementary and advanced general educational subjects, classes in these subjects will be organized. Men will be offered the usual opportunities to secure through the apprenticeship system training and experience in such occupations as are commonly carried on at the post. Fort Stevens OREGON FORT STEVENS, near the city of Astoria, Oregon, and situated at the mouth of the Columbia River, is the headquarters post for the coast defenses of that river. It has as subordinate posts within the districts, and to which men from Fort Stevens are detailed for short periods of service, Fort Columbia just across the river, and Forts Canby and Willapa Bay to the north. Fort Stevens is one of the older coast defense posts of the Pacific Coast, and has about it the delightfully homelike characteristics which come with age and maturity. The buildings are large, commodious and restful and I can imagine no more delightful station for one who is willing to be removed for awhile from the active bustle of city life and who is fond of hunting and fishing. The station is in the midst of the salmon fisheries of the Columbia River, in a region abounding in water fowl of SOME TEAM WESTERN DEPARTMENT, UNITED STATES ARMY 23 TAKING THE SUN all varieties, and a rod and a gun would be important accessories to one's kit. Transportation is easy, both by rail and by boat to Portland, the Oregon metropolis, so Fort Stevens is not so isolated a point as might otherwise be inferred from this brief description. Three companies of Coast Artillery are stationed at the post. The Vocational Courses are the chief ones of interest at the fort. The automotive course is the most complete and draws the most students. The instructors are specialists in that branch and make the best use of their complete equipment. The shop is always full of work of a practical sort and the actual doing of everything in each course makes skilled men. Other vocational courses of importance are Typing and Music. The touch system of typewriting is taught with a view to accuracy and speed. Musical instruments are supplied and instruction on any instrument desired is given. Motion picture operating is taught from the practical side of handling the machine in actual operation. The educational course is of great importance. It is maintained for those who desire to increase their knowledge along general educational lines or who did not have the opportunity to finish high school or common school. There is no embarrassment as to age or lack of former schooling when you finish your education in the Army. Recreation is varied in those pleasures most desired. Athletic teams for every season of the year are organized and schedule games with the leading opposition in the surrounding country. All equipment is furnished and traveling expenses paid. Fort Stevens has a large gymnasium well fitted with the latest equipment. There is a post theatre where motion pictures can be seen three times a week. Weekly dances are held in the auditorium. The tennis court is always full on clear days. The Service Club is well supplied with books of fiction, daily newspapers and late maga- zines. Reading and writing rooms and pool and billiard tables are enjoyed at the Service Club and in all the companies. 24 EDUCATION AND RECREATION Fort Worden washington THIS is the most northwestern of the militar}'^ camps and posts of the United States, and for those who do not consider the activities of city life essential to their happiness, should be one of the most desirable. Fort Worden is situated at the point where Puget Sound opens into the Straits of Juan de Fuca, and with its subordinate posts, Forts Casey, Ward and Flagler, forms the coast defense of the Sound and consequently of Seattle and Tacoma. It is situated a mile or more from the city of Port Townsend, Washington, formerly a city of importance, but since Seattle became the terminus of the great transcontinental railroad lines, not a growing center of population. The post occupies a slight valley facing Puget Sound, with the fortification on an eminence at the left, and with Forts Flagler and Casey in front and across the broad expanse of water through which all shipping to the ports of Seattle and Tacoma must pass. Communication between the post and the outside world is had by means of a line of fast boats which make the run of 40 miles between Port Townsend and Seattle in less than three hours. Two trips each day are made by boats of this line and slower Government boats make several weekly runs. For more than a year educational courses have been offered in this command. At present instruction is being offered in Arithmetic, Algebra, Plane Geometry, Logarithms, Plane Trigonometry, Spelling, Writing, English, Physics, and Elementary Electricity. The length of the educa- tional courses is approximately three months. In this time, men who have received a common school education usually complete the prescribed course without much difficulty, while those who have received but little INSPECTING THE BOSS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, UNITED STATES ARMY 25 OFFICE MUSIC previous education are allowed more time. When a man is detailed to pursue an educational course, practically his entire time is given over to study and recitation. A six months' course in Shorthand, Typewriting, Surveying, and Me- chanical Drafting is open to all men whose training has been sufficient to warrant their enrollment. Men taking these courses devote practically their entire time to study and recitation. A six months' course in Agri- culture and Automobile Mechanics is also offered. Men taking these two courses are relieved of military duties every afternoon to take up their vocational studies. Theoretical instruction is provided for in evening classes. Motion picture operators receive a practical four months' course, actually operating, repairing and maintaining motion picture machines. On board the U. S. A. M. P., Samuel Ringgold, two three-year courses are being given in Navigation and Marine Engineering. Before men are permitted to enroll in vocational courses, they must satisfy certain educational prerequisites. These can be met by satisfac- torily completing the courses offered in the Non-commissioned Officers' School, which includes the educational subjects mentioned above. When a student completes a course of instruction in the vocational schools, he is then detailed on some duty in which he can further improve himself, so that at the expiration of his term of service he is competent to take up in civil life the vocation he has chosen to pursue in the Army. The general policy kept in view in the conduct of vocational training in this command is such that a discharged soldier with character "Excel- lent" and a certificate of proficiency will need, when seeking civil employ ment, no further proof of character or ability. 26 EDUCATION AND RECREATION ^■■■■■■■■■■^^■l • - ^^^^ninii^iii^^^^^llllll^^l^ m^j^j.-,^^ "^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H* '*" ^^^^HIH^H^^^^^^^K ':-", 'jrP^ ^^^H n Hr '^^^^^^^^^^^■HHJBHJ^^^^^^^^^HRjHf'SSJJEi^ ^sHSi^^s^i^^ ..:::^::£?!££^^^^^^T^^^^^^^^BI^H^^^^^^^^^^^HHIil^EHB^'^^uS| iirjii5inimi"r~-''*"*^^'*" POSING Fort D. A. Russell CHEYENNE, WYOMING THINGS are being done at Fort D. A. Russell, Wyoming, which were unthought of a year ago. We are making soldiers and better citizens out here near Old Cheyenne. The days of the "hair pants" and the riata have gone; they have joined the scrub cow pony and the scrawny range steer. "Men of our classes in Farming and Stock Raising are getting ready to join the ranks of the scientific farmers, and breeders of high-grade Herefords and Jerseys. "In other classes men can be found learning to handle iron and steel over the forges, burning their fingers learning to make wipe joints in the Plumbers' and Steamfitters' shops, or busy with a T-square and triangle in the Contractors and Builders' School. "There are ten different schools in as many different trades going on every afternoon, and a master craftsman in charge of each. But the hours are so arranged for these trade courses that any student can have an educational course as well. "The regular educational courses last from 1:30 to 4:30 p. m., but many of the men in the vocational courses have found they could not keep up with their fellow students without better training in Mathematics. They have requested such an arrangement of hours that they may attend this educational course in addition to the vocational course. "These men were accommodated by making the hours for vocational training from 3 :00 to 6 :00 p. m., which allows them one and one-half hours in the mathematical sections, and full advantage is being taken of the opportunities offered. WESTERN DEPARTMENT, UNITED STATES ARMY 27 "As an added feature of the vocational work, the contractors and other employers of skilled workmen have placed their facilities at our disposal, so that the students have opportunities for practical experience in the shops, etc, "The United Trades Council of the City of Cheyenne is heartily sup- porting us in the vocational work, a moral support which means much in a strongly unionized section such as this. "In the way of amusements we have several baseball teams, polo, moving picture theatre, a gymnasium, weekly dances, and a Service Club that is going to be a big feature. "Fort D. A. Russell is a modern, up-to-date post. The buildings are new, and equipped with all the modern conveniences. In this respect it probably ranks first of all the army posts. There are none of the dis- comforts of tent life on the border, and we look forward to the time when Fort D. A. Russell will be one of the most important nuclei of that grow- ing feature of American national life, the Army university." Fort Douglas salt lake city, utah SITUATED three or four miles from the center of the Mormon capital, just at the base of the foothills, on an eminence which overlooks the city and the great Salt Lake, beyond. Fort Douglas occupies a site unsur- passed. Being one of the oldest of the Western forts, its grounds are ^^^^^B ^ ^^^^PS H^HI i/SHH '< h ^„Uj^ 1^ iZii^HH PLANNING IIILIK i- UTURE HOMES 28 EDUCATION AND RECREATION FUTURE LAND HOLDERS fully developed. Its buildings are modern and up-to-date and its streets are lined with shade trees, giving a homelike and livable air to the whole. A trolley line and a perfect automobile road connect the city with the Fort. One battalion of the 21st Infantry and detachments of the Motor Transport, Medical and Ordnance Corps, and a Bakery Company are stationed at the post. The following extracts from a letter received from the Education and Recreation Officer of Fort Douglas describe the educational oppor- tunities ofifered : "We are endeavoring to give the soldier the educational and voca- tional training which he lacks and which is necessary as a foundation for future success in both military and civil life. "Desiring to take full advantage of the exceptional natural facilities which we possess for agricultural and animal husbandry training and in response to the cry of the world for greater food production, we are giving special attention to the development of our School of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry. "We have about eight hundred acres of arable land and available water supply sufficient to irrigate more than half of this acreage. We now have thirty-five acres under cultivation and are planning to plow and prepare at least two hundred acres this fall for cultivation next year. "Through arrangements with the Agricultural College of Utah we are now preparing to"' give a full course at the Post School in General Agri- culture, Animal Husbandry, Farm Engineering, Farm Mechanics, Farm Economics, Irrigation, Drainage and Dry Farming. The Faculty of the Agricultural College has generously placed at our disposal the complete facilities of its Extension Division and its entire staff of expert instructors. WESTERN DEPARTMENT, UNITED STATES ARMY 29 "Our educational work was started March first of this year with a total enrollment in all classes of 58 men. Since that time our classes have grown to a total enrollment of 124, with 42 taking Educational and 105 Vocational courses. Our school started with six Educational and four Vocational courses. In three months' time they have grown to nine Educational and five Vocational courses. "In our Educational School we are teaching Algebra, Arithmetic, English, Geography, History, Spelling, Trigonometry, Reading, Writing and Americanization, which includes instruction in the fundamental prin- ciples of American citizenship. "We are also maintaining a course for the training of automobile and truck general repairmen, and courses for stenographers, typists, moving picture operators and musicians. "In our recreational work we are giving particular attention to ath- letics, with the result that the Fort Douglas team won second place in the Western Department Olympic contest and one man qualified as a member of the Army team to participate in the Olympic games at Antwerp, Belgium. "Other forms of our recreational work are centered in our Service Club building, which includes an excellent Service Clubroom with billiard and pool hall adjoining, a Hostess Annex with which are connected a tea room, cafeteria and an outdoor tea garden. "A most excellent spirit of community co-operation has been developed through the medium of the Community Club Center in Salt Lake City and the people of the city are doing all in their power to co-operate with us in our welfare and social work for the soldier. We do not have to ask for this co-operation. It is most generously proffered us." ^ Wm^ iiW 1 P!^^ Bw!' •Hf' 1 ?^lb' 4 1 ■ "WlL^ f ^ W"^ CO-BOSS 30 EDUCATION AND RFXREATTON MORE OF THEM Fort Rosecrans san diego, california FORT ROSECRANS lies across the bay southwest of the beautiful city of San Diego. It is reached either by automobile, trolley, or by boat across the harbor. There are many interesting points within easy reach of Fort Rosecrans : Point Loma, the beautiful estate occupied by the central organization of the Theosophical Society of America; Hotel Coronado, the hostelry which vies with Del Monte at Monterey for supremacy in all that goes to spell perfection in accommodation ; the new United States Marine Base, situated a little way along the beach on the San Diego harbor ; the elaborate wireless station near the post, and Rock- well Flying Field on an island directly in front. Three companies of Coast Artillery troops are stationed at this post. Vocational and educational opportunities at Fort Rosecrans consist of two sorts — those afforded by a well-organized and equipped course in Automotive Mechanics and those afforded for apprenticeship training under skilled mechanics in Carpentry, Plumbing, Painting, and General Machine Shop Work. These four trades are represented by skilled civilian employees who have had much successful experience in training apprentices. Apprenticeship opportunities also exist for those who desire to become tailors, shoemakers, linemen (electrical), leather and canvas workers. WESTERN DEPARTMENT. UNITED STATES ARMY 31 blacksmiths and horseshoers, moving picture operators, horticulturists, and vegetable gardeners. Instruction in the last named lines is good, but not as comprehensive as in first named. Men desirous of learning any of the occupations named have good opportunities for acquiring earning capacity while serving an enlistment at Fort Rosecrans. The automotive mechanical course is well provided with working facilities and has an excellent instructor of wide experience on gas engines of all sorts. A volunteer band is now being organized with excellent prospects of good teaching and successful results for those desirous of learning to play band instruments. Educational work has so far been confined to illiterates, but only because of the lack of demand. An excellent library exists and is grow- ing. When the demand appears, courses along educational lines will be undertaken. Recreational opportunities ar^ of the best, especially for those ath- letically inclined. A first-class baseball and athletic field is just completed at the post. Fishing and hunting are of the best and enlisted men are given every possible opportunity to enjoy them. The Service Club is in a well-furnished, comfortable building cen- trally located. Besides the usual club features, there are moving pictures twice a week and a weekly dance. The Fort Rosecrans baseball team has just won the Inter-service Championship of Southern California. The Fort Rosecrans tug-of-war team represents the Western Department at the Inter-department try-outs for the Olympic Games at Antwerp. "^ ' i^fc^*-;. ■ /-'?l'ITr ^ bite.V:>r ^v..