1560th SCU

CAMP ATTERBURY. April 17 -Approximately 20,000 GIs inducted from the Fifth Service Command and now fighting on all the world's battlefronts night have been lost to the Army it it were not for the work of the Special Training Unit here, according to Lt. Col. Lisle W. Croft, commanding officer.

Since being designated a Special Training Unit in June, 1943, the organization has given academic and military training to soldiers who otherwise might have been rejected for Army service due to lack of educational and social opportunities in civilian life.

Thanks to the training received here, these men were able to receive their regular Army training as well or better prepared than many GIs and in addition will carry over into civilian life valuable abilities and skills that they might not have otherwise acquired.

The Special Training Unit is one of the organizations comprising the' War Department Personnel Center of which Col. Bert S. Sampler is', commanding officer.

90% Complete Training

The importance to the Army of the work of the organization is further emphasized by the fact that an average of one out of every twelve men inducted in the Fifth Service Command is assigned to the Special Training Unit. Of these about 90 percent complete the training here and are sent back to the Reception Center for regular assignment to training camps.

What the men think of the training they receive here is best told by the following excerpts from a let' tar received recently from a for' mar trainee now stationed at
southern replacement training center:

"Just a few lines from a private who was in your company at Camp Atterbury. I'm just about through with my training and am getting ready to go to a P.O.E.. After I shipped out of the 1584th they sent me to a good training camp. What drilling the boys do there, goes a long way when they go to a camp to get their basic training. You tell the boys they'll appreciate all ,the things they learn there and the more interest they take in it the better off they'll be. I will come to visit you and would like the opportunity to tell the boys some of the things they can look forward to. "

-- Read this to the boys so they'll be looking forward to the rest of their training."

Many Become Non-Corns

As a result of their academic and military training here, the men begin their regular basic training on a more than equal footing with many GIs and consequently some attain non-corn ratings rapidly in their new assignments.

The schedule at the Special Training Unit, embraces a careful blending of academic and military work, based on the individual's capacity to absorb instruction. Because of this and the numerous tests which arc periodically given to check achievement, the great majority of the trainees are ready to leave the unit In six to eight weeks.

Men are assigned to the organization usually on the basis of test scores administered at the Reception Center. Upon arrival at the Special Training Unit they are assigned to companies and given further tests to determine in which level of schooling they will be placed. They also receive comprehensive orientation lectures by their commanding officers, educational and military directors, medical officers, chaplains, and Red Cross representatives so the trainees will thoroughly understand the purpose of the training and what is expected of them.

Trained Personnel

Classification tests are given under the direction of Capt. James R. Cook and a competent staff of non-commissioned officers. Problems of assignment and adjustment arising during the period of training are referred to skilled personnel consultants under the guidance of Lt. Harold Feldman, who has had extensive training and experience in the psychological aspects of education and personal adjustment.

A typical day in the Special Training Unit begins with reveille, chow, and preparation for the day's work. The training program starts promptly at 0730, with the trainees marching off to classrooms or drill fields depending on the level or stage of training they are in.

Physical fitness is stressed and calisthenics and mass games are extensively used for further conditioning, coordination, and teamwork. Competition is keen both within and between companies during contests and games.

Classroom Work

In the classrooms the students receive the advantage of the best instruction available. Capt. William D. Hennessy. Jr.. chief of academic training branch, and the educational officers assigned each company as well as the enlisted men and civilian teachers have all had previous educational experience. At the present time there are 22 civilians and 66 enlisted men assigned to the unit as academic instructors.

Educational work in the unit consists largely of teaching the "three R's". This instruction is intended to give the average trainee the equivalent of n fourth grade education in these fundamental subjects. The program is a result of the latest research in the field of education and has been streamlined to meet Army requirements.

Visual aids are used extensively in 111 classes. Flash cards. charts and film strips, enable the trainee to visualize words and numbers in print. Educational exhibits are also used to dramatize parts of the schooling and t0 increase the interest of the students.

With such instruction, the average trainee progresses rapidly and soon is able to read the lesson.: with ease and to write his assignments. All of this instruction and practice is closely tied into the GI's military training program. One Important satisfaction many trainees gain after a few weeks of classroom work is the ability to write their first letter home and to read the letters they receive.

In teaching arithmetic, as to reading and writing, the trainee deals with problems which are allied to his military work and training. He learns the number of men in various units of the Army for instance and other fundamental fact:, which will enable him to solve problems he may later meet in the fluid.

Just as with the educational part of his work, the military training received by a trainee in the Special Training Unit is carefully planned and executed to give him the necessary fundamentals in the shortest possible time.

Military Training

Military training is in charge of rapt. Frederic C. Thomas, and tie training officers assigned each of the companies. Much of the actual instruction is given by non-toms, a number of whom are overseas returnees. and so are able to relate the various training activities to actual problems and conditions met in battle.

The trainees are taught the organization of the Army, military discipline and courtesy, the Articles of War, sanitation, first aid, guard duty, safeguarding military information, and many other subjects which will enable them to become better soldiers. As with the educational work, visual aids including charts and training films, are used to good advantage.

Infantry drill has its share in the military training program. The trainees take ,great pride in their drilling and companies vie with each other to present the best trained group at the numerous formations and parades which are held.

Another subject which rates high on the popularity list with the trainees is preliminary rifle marksmanship. The function of the rifle is thoroughly taught along with ca a of the weapon and necessary safety measures. Sighting and aiming exercises come next along with trigger squeezing and the correct firing positions. Numerous charts and training devices are used in addition to work with actual weapons. The manual of arms also is taught in the advanced classes.

Recreation Also

However, it's not all work and no play in the Special Training Unit. The organization's Special Service Section, under the direction of Lts. Thomas W. McHugh and John D. Levy, provides a full program to off duty hours. Intramural sports among the companies are popular and soldier talent shows are presented frequently in the recreation hall.  Pride of the unit at present is a "mountain music" band which presents a unit program every Wednesday night and also plays for the square dancing class at Service Club No. 1 on Tuesday nights.  Company day rooms are generously furnished with pool and ping pong tables as well as desks and easy chairs for reading and writing. 

The number of trainees passing through the unit in a comparatively short time requires a great deal of administrative work on the part of Colonel Croft and his staff. Capt. Lawrence L. Umphrey is executive officer and director of training. Capt.  Richard R. Bowman is adjutant and M/Sgt. James A. Logan is unit sergeant major.

The personnel section is confronted with many problems involving records and reports which the usual Army unit does not have. This important section is in charge of Lt. John E. Royston, personnel officer.  M,/Sgt. Raymond E. Reamer, is personnel sergeant major.

The Special Training Unit was activated at Camp Perry. Ohio, in 1941 as the 1584th Service Unit, and staffed the reception center there until the unit was moved to Ft. Benjamin Harrison in June, 1943, and redesignated a special training unit.

In November, 1943 the 1584th came to Camp Atterbury. It was redesignated the 1560th SCU Special Training Unit on Feb. 1st of this year.

Some Day A Sharpshooter !
"Dry Runs" covering all points of rifle marksmanship are taught by individual instruction, supplemented by charts and diagrams.  A military training class in Company F is shown the fine points of correct position.  Checking are, kneeling - left, Pfc Charles A Davis, right, T/5 Warren L. Sellins, military instructors, while standing in the rear is Lt. Frank G. Matulis, Jr., military training officer.

Fun While Keeping In Condition
Leap-frog is a favorite conditioning game in the Special Training Unit and members of Co. C are shown enjoying the exercise-sport on their drill field.  Games supplement exercises as part of the calisthenics periods.

Training In Sighting Starts Here
The military training program includes every phase of preliminary rifle marksmanship.  Here a group of trainees are practicing sighting with an aiming bar.  Coaching them is Cpl. Grafton Dowling (center), military instructor of Co. B.