[Navy new recruits, 1930s?]

Applicants who pass the rigid entrance examinations are accepted for enlistment and then sent to a United States Naval Training Station to receive rudimentary instruction in naval discipline and to be taught and trained in preparation for their duties on board a modern man of war. Napoleon said, "An army travels on its stomach." Well, that holds good for the Navy, too. And these lads are receiving the first of many wholesome [Music] meals. Check and double check. Physical well-being is of vital importance. The Navy must be critical of its manpower and it is. Every precaution is taken to prevent illness and spread of contagious disease. Skilled doctors and all the equipment of modern medical science are provided. Sound teeth are an asset to any man. Blue jackets seldom are seasick, but imagine being seasick and having a toothache at the same [Music] time. Training begins with a military haircut. Long hair, though it may be excellent for charming the ladies, has no value in the Navy. At sea, wet hair may fall into a man's eyes and impair his efficiency during moments of action. Each man receives everything he will require from hat to socks. Also, a complete outfit of bedding. Off go the old and on go the new. In his uniform, the recruit feels like an old [Music] salt. How to distinguish his uniform from that of his shipmates? That is a problem. But the answer is simple. Space is at a premium on board a naval ship. Therefore, Blue Jackets soon become experts at rolling their [Music] own. All seafaring men must sooner or later master the art of sleeping in a hammock. Recruits receive this phase of their training while still ashore. A little experimenting and his hammock becomes a Blue Jacket's best friend. [Music] While shipmates sleep, someone stands guard. This is an ancient feature of military [Music] life. Whether on land or sea, there is always that bugler to shatter sweet dreams with [Music] relying. Train is now underway in earnest. Commencing with infantry drills, recruits are first taught the proper placement of their feet, then to face and turn about in the military and function at peak efficiency without teamwork, order. [Music] The infantry stressed at naval training stations because it inculcates those three qualities. And in addition, it teaches a cheerful, prompt obedience to orders while building healthy, rugged bodies. A bit awkward, no perhaps, but in a few weeks, their movements and cadence will be perfect and snappy. [Music] Blue Jackets call this a galley, but just the same, it's still a kitchen. And what a kitchen it is. Great steam kettles, huge ranges. Everything from a pairing knife to a mechanical potato peeler. Enough food to serve 3,000 men is prepared for each meal. To avoid confusion in the mess halls, the food is served in cafeteria style. [Music] Books play an important role in the life of a modern bluejack. On each ship, there are library facilities available. That seems to have plenty to write home about. [Music] Blue Jackets never miss an opportunity for a contest of skill. They have introduced American games in many parts of the world. On times in a foreign port, a good game serves to break the ground for a common sense of friendship and understanding. The Navy has its horseshoe champs, too, with these M practicing. These boys hope to win a place on the fleet and ship teams when they go to sea. The heavyweight finals in the fleet championship. And may the best man win. In an emergency at sea, a blue jacket's life may depend upon his ability to remain afloat until he is rescued. For this reason, all recruits receive swimming lessons under the guidance of expert instructors. Each man's ability to swim is carefully checked. Swimming for a serious purpose now, but on board ship, swimming call is the signal for all hands over the side. And do they enjoy it? Jack knives and back flips. Quite a contrast to the lad evening their swimming lessons at the training [Music] station. Rebler may not be popular sounds rely but when he plays Movie Call, well look at this audience. The spiritual needs of the Blue Jackets are not neglected. Kindly chaplain with a wide and experienced knowledge of the problems of young men solicitlessly aid and advise the recruits in their new environment. [Music]