War - Reports, Weekly Statistical- Surveys of Soldier Opinion, 1943

Reports: Surveysf SoldierOpenian CONFIDENTIAL War Dept SURVEY OF SOLDIER OPINION UNITED STATES ARMY FORCES IN THE MIDDLE EAST May 4-18, 1943 ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Report Prepared Under the Direction of United States Army Information Office by staff assigned from RESEARCH BRANCH, SPECIAL SERVICE DIVISION SERVICES OF SUPPLY, WAR DEPARTMENT June 14, 1943 Fronklin D. Roosevelt Library DECLASSIFIED DOD DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58) Date- 3-17-59 Signature- call L. speck 1 CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL Extract from letter dated 14 June 1943 from Tayman P. Mauldin, Major, Infontry (TD from Research Branch, Special Service Division) to Command- ing General, USAFIME, Cairo, Egypt, "1. The attached report is a Survey of Soldier Opinion made in AC- cordance with instructions contained in a directive of April 22, 1943, Hendquarters, USAFIME. This survey was made in order to get at a better ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION understanding of Anglo-American relations, relations with local populaces, ittitudes toward the war, and related militery subjects. "2. Such studies are designed to provide Headquarters with informa- tion regarding existing attitudes of soldiers pertaining to specific subjects that may be of interest and value at a given time. This infor- mation aids in the diagnosis of problems, present end potential, and provides additional information for consideration when policy is deter- mined. "3. It is recommended that a continuing series of such studies be made inasmuch as (1) conditions and attitudes are continually changing, (2) all information desired cannot be obtained in any one study, and (3) up-to-date factual and statistical information with particular regard to Allied relation, relations with local populaces, attitudes toward recrea- tional and entertainment activities, and related military subjects is needed from time to time." CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL MAIN FINDINGS. Attitudes of enlisted men toward the war. Half the soldiers think that they would contribute as much to the war effort. as a worker in a war job as they do now, but men in Fighter and Bomber units feel that they are contributing most where they are. Thirty- five per cent of the men indicate some dissatisfaction with their present Army job. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION The Germans are regarded as excellent fighters, particularly by men in combat units, but the Japanese are considered as only fairly good. The Russians are thought to be the best fighters of all, with Americans coming not far behind. The English are said to be better fight- ers than the Japanese, but not as good as the Germans, Americans, or Russians, Six out of ten men think the war with Germany will be over within a year, and 65% think the war with Japan will be over within a year and a half. Attitudes toward our Allies. The majority of soldiers believe that England will fight to the finish of this war, but after the war may or may not cooperate with us. There is less optimism regarding friendly relations with the Russians. Many Believe that the U.S. will be fighting either England or Russia with- in the next 25 years. Most soldiers are skeptical of Egypt's sincerity in its cooperation, Seven out of ten feel there is ill fodling between Americans and English, and about half the men indicate that they do not really like the English. Those who don't like the English aro: 1. The uneducated 2. Those who think American soldiers work harder than English 3. Those who think their officers don't like the English 4. Those who say the English brag as much or more than Americans 5. Those who think the English are critical of our part in the war. 6. Those who say the English are not friendly 7. Those who have been in the Middle East for more than 6 months CONFIDENTIAL There is no significant difference in the friendship for Englishmen of soldiers who have or have not: 1. been under fire 2. known any Englishmen personally 3. known Englishmen who have been under fire 4. been to parties attended by Americans and Englishmen 5. heard talks by officers about the English people In addition, there is no significant difference between soldiers from different sections of the United States as regards their friendship ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION for the English, Most American soldiers feel that the English are trying, are taking the war seriously, can "take it", and are doing a good job, considering everything. Pay and Savings: Enlisted men save more than half of their pay but still have almost $30 per month free spending money. A considerable number of men save little or nothing. Special means of savings which thé Army provides are not widely used, with the exception of buying insurance - only 40% buy borids each month, less than 10% deposit with the Finance office, but about 80% buy insurance, HOW THE INFORMATION WAS OBTAINED The findings presented in this report are based on the answers of 2268 enlisted men, representative of all types of troops in the Middle East, to questions submitted to them in the form of a written question- naire during the period May 4-18, 1943. The questionnaire, in the form in which it was administered, is given in the appendix to this report. At each principal Army installation west of the Suez canal to Kairouan, ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Tunisia, a random cross section of men was drawn from the rosters of units in proportions ranging from one in fifteen to one in four, de- pending on the Size of the unit. Air Force and S.O.S. troops are repre- sented in proportion to the total number found within the areas included in this study. The questionnaires were administered to the men in classes of 12 to 60. The men were told that their papers would not be identified. No officers were present during the time when the questionnaires were filled in - the class boing conducted by onlisted men specially trained for the work. Responses scomed to demonstrate a spirit of earnest cooporation. Internal cross-chocks on the reliability and franknoss of the replies confirm the impression which the men give, in personal conversation, of a sincere desire to answer questions frooly in this atmosphere of friendly anonymity. Part I, The Statistical Picture, contains the main findings of the report. It is based on tabulations of the men's replies to the specific items included in the questionnaire. Part II, The Free Comments, gives supplementary material drawn from the comments which men made at the end of the questionnaire in response to the statement, "If you have any further remarks to make on any subject, write them below as fully as you like." Presentation: Differences between S.O.S. troops and Service troops of the Air Forces were negligible. When differences between men in Fighter or Bomber Groups on the one hand and S.O.S. troops and Service troops on the other hand were found, they have been presented. If no real difference was found, no attention was paid to this breakdown. In like manner, differences due to education, rank, etc., have been indicated where necessary. If no mention is made of such differences, one is to assume that they do not exist. CONFIDENTIAL PART I THE STATISTICAL PICTURE The Job Ahead 1-5 ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION My Contribution To The War 6-8 Are Our Allies To Be Trusted To See this War Through? 9-12 American-English Friendship 13-20 Respect For The English 21-22 Desire To Know More About The English 23 Relations With The Native Population 24 War Department Pocket Guides 25 V-Mail 26 Numbered Telegrams 27 Pay And Savings 28-30 CONFIDENTIAL THE JOB AHEAD - 1 The average American soldier is optimistic about the job ahead, When asked to give their opinion of the question: "About how much longer do you think it will take us to beat Germany?" ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION The men answered: More Less than 1 to 12 than No a year years 13 yrs idea 61% 24% 9% 6% These soldiers are not quite as optimistic about the early defeat of Japan, though most feel that when Germany has been overcome, Japan cannot hold out much longer. When asked to give their opinion of the question: "About how much longer do you think it will take us to beat Japan?" The men answered: Less than 1 to 1 ≥ More than No a year years 1 1 & years idea 30% 35% 26% 9% 1. CONFIDENTIAL THE JOB AHEAD - 2 The average soldier thinks that the Germans are tough fighters. "How good do you think the Germans are as fighters?" ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Fair or Don't Very good Good Poor know 54% 33% 9% 4% Men in fighter and bomber groups have a little more respect for the fighting ability of Germans than do men in service groups of the Air Force and in Service of Supply units. For simplification, men in fighter and bomber groups will be referred to as combat men and those in other units as non-combat men. This simplification is accurate to the extent that the reader keeps in mind that most of the men in fighter and bomber groups do not themselves participate in aggressive action but their units do. On the other hand, men in service groups and Service of Supply units do not themselves participate in aggressive action, nor do their units. "How good do you think the Germans are as fighters?" Men in: Fair or Don't Very good Good Foor know Combat 59% 32% 7%2% Units Non- 50% 35% 10% 5% Combat Units 2. CONFIDENTIAL THE JOB AHEAD - 3 The Japanese aré not thought to be such tough fighters. "How good do you think the Japanese are as fighters?" ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Very Don Good Good Fair or Poor know 19% 32% 34% 15% The above analysis gives one a picture of what the American soldier in the Middle East thinks of the toughness of our two main enemies, and also indicates his attitude rogarding the length of the war. The opti- mism arises from many causes, but ono of these is his belief in the ability of the Allics as fighters, 3. CONFIDENTIAL THE JOB AHEAD - 4 The Russians are thought to be the best fighters of all. Americans think they are good fighters, though not quite as good as the Russians. The English are thought to be better fighters than the Japanese but not as good as the Germans, Russians, or Americans. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION AS FIGHTERS Fair or Don't Very Good Good Foor know Russians 68% 25% 5% 2% 64% 24% 2 10% Americans English 25% 42% 28% 5% Men in combat outfits have a little more respect for the English as fighters than do men in non-combat units: Men in: Combat Units 27% 44% 28% 1% Non- 24% 41% 29% 6% Combat Units 4. CONFIDENTIAL THE JOB AHEAD - 5 In addition to confidence in the fighting ability of our allies, our forces feel that our equipment is good and has played a very important part in the war. For example, slightly more than 97% of our soldiers stated that our equipment is "good" or "very good" and only a fraction of one percent thought that it was "poor" or "very poor". To be sure, in some instances there is criticism of specific items, but consi dering equipment as a whole, the reaction was that America has suppled much good equipment for the war effort. Almost 9 out of 10 men answered that our ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION equipment has played a large part in the fighting of the war up until now, whereas less than 7 out of 10 feel that our soldiers have played an im- portant part in the fighting of the war up until now. Approximately 95% of these men felt that our equipment is better than the English, though many free comments were added to show that there is the greatest admira- tion for some English equipment, particularly the Spitfire plane. Confidence in the fighting ability of our own soldiers and of our allies, and the strong belief that we have more and better equipment than the onemy, are factors which help to create a feeling that the war is go- ing well and will likoly end within another year and a half or two years. 5. CONFIDENTIAL MY CONTRIBUTION TO THE WAR - 1 A third of the soldiers think they are contributing a great deal to the war effort, and an additional 50% feel that they are helping some. Men in non-combat units are Ibes sure of their aid to the war, though three out of four think they are helping some. When asked the question: ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION "Do you feel that you are helping in the war effort?" -The men answered: Men in: Yes e Very much A little ? No Combat Units 43% 46% 4 7% Non- Combat 25% 52% 7% 16% But only 4 out of 10 feel that they are contributing more to the war effort as a soldier than they would be ns a worker in a war job. Men in combat units feel that their present contribution is greater than do men in non-combat units. 6. CONFIDENTIAL MY CONTRIBUTION TO THE WAR - 2 When asked the question: "If it were up to you to choose, do you think you could do more for your country as a soldier or as a worker in a war job?" The men answered: ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Men in: As As soldier ? war worker Combat Unit 48% 24% 28% Non- Combat 37% 19% 415 Unit A few of those who say that they could be doing more in a war job are merely trying to emphasize their belief that war jobs are truly es- sential to the war effort. However, the majority of these men feel that their skills are not being used in the Army, and, therefore, believe they are not contributing as much as they could. These are the men who express dissatisfaction with their Army jobs. About one-third of all the men express concern over their Army job, and answered the question: "How well satisfied are you about being in your present Army job instead of some other Army job?" Satisfied ? Dissatisfied 65% 10% 25% About five per cent more of mon in combat outfits are satisfied with their jobs than are men in other outfits. 7. CONFIDENTIAL MY CONTRIBUTION TO THE WAR - 3 About one-fourth of the men say that additional men are needed to do the work properly, and about a third say that fewer people are need- ed to do the work properly. This indicates that some sections are over- staffed and others are understaffed. An equal number of men feel that they have too much or don't have enough work to do, about one in five falling into each category. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION 8. CONFIDENTIAL ARE OUR ALLIES TO BE TRUSTED TO SEE THIS WAR THROUGH? The majority of soldiers feel that our allies can be trusted to help win the war, but slightly less than one-half feel that they will cooperate with us after this war. When asked to comment on the statement: "When Germany has been beaten, the English will probably help us against Japan." ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION The men replied: Dis- Agree ? agree 77% 14% 9% Thus it is seen that the large majority feel that the English will continue to aid us even after Germany has been defeated. There is less optimism so far as the Russians are concerned, and when asked to comment on the statement: "When Germany has been beaten, the Russians will probably help us against Japan." The men replied: Agree ? Disagree 44% 26% 30% A majority of the soldiers are in doubt as to whother or not Russia will participate in the war against Japan, or else definitely bolieve that she will not, 9. CONFIDENTIAL TRUST OF ALLIES: = 2 Very few of the soldiers feel' that our Allies may turn around and start fighting us after Germaby has been defeated, though 7% say that England may do this, and 23% state that the Russians may. start fighting us after Germany has been defeated. These sentiments are reinforced when one considers the question, ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION "Do you think there will be another war in the next 25 years or 80?" The men said: Yes ? No 39% 43% 18% The men were asked to state who would be fighting whom, if there were another war, and the majority answered in terms of the United States fighting either England or Russia, or of Russia fighting England. This indicates considerable distrust of our present allies, and there is much skepticism as to whether or not there will be cooperation be- tween these countries after this war is over. A specific question was ásked to get at the belief of soldiers regarding post-war cooperation, and the following results were ob- tainod. "The Russians can be depended upon to cooperate with us after the war. II Agree ? Disagree 448 40% 16% 10. CONFIDENTIAL TRUST OF ALLIES - 3 A larger proportion feel that England will cooperate with us after the war. "The English can be depended upon to cooperate with us after the war." ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Agree ? Disagree 51% 28% 21% But at best there is much doubt as to the friendship and lasting bonds that now tie the alllies together, Most of the soldiers feel that the French will cooperate with us after the war, but in their free com- ments they indicate that this cooperation will be for expediency reasons only. "The French can be depended upon to cooperate with us after the war." Dis- Agree ? agree 70% 22% 8% In like manner, a majority have doubts about the cooperation of Egypt after the war is over. "The Egyptians can be depended upon to cooperate with us after the war is over." Agree ? Disagree 41% 33% 26% As many expressed it, the various nations will cooperate only in- sofar as it is to their best interest to do so at a given time. There is little or no feeling that the nations are being held together because of ideals, mutual plans, or the like. 11. CONFIDENTIAL TRUST OF ALLIES - 4 In conclusion, one may say that the majority of soldièrs believe that England will fight to the finish of this war, and after the war may or may not cooperate with us. Many go so far as to say. that the United States and England will fight during the next generation. There is even less optimism as far as the Russians are concerned. The majority doubt that Russia will help us to defeat Japan, and the majority also do not believe that Russia will cooperate with us after this present ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION conflict is over, In addition, a rather large percentage feels and be- lieves that Russia and the United States may become involved in a war ngainst each other within the next quarter of a century. 12. CONFIDENTIAL- AMERIOANMENGLISH FRIENDSHIP Much has been said about American-English friendship, and the lack of it, and careful study indicates that many soldiers feel that all is not well between the two Allies, When asked: "Do you think there is much ill feeling between ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Americans and Eriglishmen?" The men answered: Yes ? lio 71% 6% 23% Individually, these soldiers say that they like the English better than do American soldiers as a group, but this may be due to (1) their concern over Anglo-American relations, or (2) their reluctance to admit their own dislike of our allies. When asked: "How do you like the English?" They answered: Don't like ? Like 39% 7% 54% Those who say they do not like the English, or express doubt re- garding their friendship, are extremely important in that they come in daily contact with all the other soldiers and there is continuous intermingling of their ideas, opinions and attitudes. Which group will influence the other the more is not known, of course, but there is no comfort in saying that only "slightly less than half" don't like the English, 13. CONFIDENTIAL AMERICAN-ENGLISH FRIENDSHIP - 2 The more highly educated soldiers like the English better than do those with very little or a medium amount of education. For example, 60% of men who have attended college say they like the English, where- as approximately 52% of the men in other educational groups state that they like the English - and there is very little difference between men with a grade school education and those with a high school education. Interestingly enough, almost 3 out of 4 men who have had any high school ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION or college education like the English, but among grade school men only 63% say that they like the English. As education increases, the belief that ill feeling exists between Americans and English also increases, but most of this differential is observed between those with very little education on the one hand, and those with a medium amount or a great deal of education on the other hand. Men in combat outfits are somewhat more friendly toward the English than are men in non-combat outfits, but this differential is not very great When asked the question: "How do you like the English?" The men answered: Men in: Like ? Don't like Combat 57% 8% 35% Units Non- 51% 7% 42% Combat Units A larger proportion of men in combat outfits than in non-combat units also think there is ill feeling between the Americans and English, but again the differential is not great, Though these differences are not Large they are constant, and, therefore, worthy of attention. 14. CONFIDENTIAL AMERICAN-ENGLISH FRIENDSHIP - 3 There is no significant difference in the friendship for English- men of soldiers who have or have not: (1) been under fire (2) known my Englishmen personally (3) known Eng' ishmen who have been under fire. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION (4) been to parties attended by Americans and Englishmen (5) heard talks by officers about the English people In addition, there is no significant difference between soldiers from different sections of the United States as regards their friend- shi] for the English. Soldiers who come overseas in an English boat dislike the English more than do others. "How do you like the English?" Came Over- Don't like ? Like Seas in 44% 6 50% English Boat Others 35% 7% 58% More than 9 out of 10 who came overseas in an English boat thought the food was very poor, and this probably contributes much to their dislike of the English. Many comments were made on the questionnaires and to the interviewers to the effect that the food was very, very poor, but the English crew and officers aboard ship had good food. They do not understand why English ships carrying American soldiers from the United States should not have ns good food for them ns other ships do, Quite a number of these men had also travelled part way on an American ship, and their comments indicate that they thought the food was much better a- board the American ship, Most of these men made their trip across the seas several months ago but the impressions they formed while coming 15. CONFIDENTIAL AMERICAN-ENGLISH FRIENDSHIP - 4 across have remained, and bitterness has developed. To be sure, this considerable criticism of the English, and the food, may be a ration- alization, but there is no evidence to that effect. On the other hand, the repeated criticism of treatment while aboard ship was found time nd time again in personal interviews, free comments, and finally is noted in the statistical analysis. It would seem, therefore, that to the men this is an important matter. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Those who think American soldiers work harder than English soldiers do not like the English. When asked the question: "How do you like the English?" The men replied: Those who say: American Don't like ? Like soldiers work 54% 6% 40% harder English soldiers work 29% 4 67% harder 16. CONFIDENTIAL AMERICAN-ENGLISH FRIENDSHIP - 5 Those who think the English brag more than do Americans do not like the When acked the question: ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION "How do you like the English?" The men answered: Those who say: English Don't like ? Like brag more 55% E% 37% Americans brag 28% 4 68% more Those who think the English are critical of the part our equipment has played in the war do not like the English. The question was asked: "What part do the English think our equipment has played in the war up until now?" And the men could reply. "an important part," or "an unimportant part." In the latter case, the answer was considered as criticism of our equipment, either of quality and/or quantity. Dividing the men into two groups, (1) those who think the English are critical of our equipment, and (2) those who think the English are not critical of our equipment, one finds the following distribution to the question: 17. CONFIDENTIAL AMERICAN-ENGLISH FRIELDSHIP - - 6 "How do you like the English?" Those who say the are: ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Don't like ? Like Critical 55% 6 39% Not 34% 5 61% Critical Our soldiers do not like criticism of their part in the war effort, and this was rather evident in many remarks found in the free comments as well AS being clearly demonstrated by the answer to questions such as the above. Those soldiers who feel that the English are as friendly or more friendly than Americans, like the English very much more than those who feel that the English are less friendly than are Americans. When asked: "How do you like the English?" The men answered: Like ? Dislike Soldiers who think the English are as BU% 6% 14% friendly as Americans Soldiers who think Americans are more 40% 7% 535 friendly than the English 18. CONFIDENTIAL AMERICAN-ENGLISH FRIENDSHIP - 7 Though the American soldiers appear critical of the English be- cause of their lack of friendly overtures, there is considerable evidence that the American soldiers are not willing to go out of their way to be friendly with the English. For example, 45% say that they would not go to a party or social meeting attended by both American and English soldiers if given the opportunity. This would indicate that they are to some extent responsible for the lack of friendship be- ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION tween these two nationalities, or if not responsible, at least they are not willing to go to any trouble to better relations. However, Americans believe that they are naturally more friendly than are the English. Though they will not make a studied effort to win the friendship of the English, they feel that they do their part in meeting other peoples half way. Most soldiers do not feel that the English soldier is making an effort to be friendly. This is shown by their reply to the statement: "The English soldiers are going out of their way to help the American soldiers and show them a good time. Agree ? Disagree 13% 15% 72% There is a positive relationship between soldiers liking or not liking the English and their own opinion regarding their officers' attitude toward the English. For example; when asked: "How do you like the English?" The men answered: Don't Like ? like (Soldiers who say 85% 4 11% most of their officers like the English). (Soldiers who say most of their officers don't like the English). 30% 4 66% 19. CONFIDENTIAL AMERICAN-ENGLISH FRIENDSHIP - 8 Dislike for the English increases as length of service in the Middle East increases, When asked the question: ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION "How do you like the English?" The men replied: Time in Middle East Don't like ? Like 6-12 months 43% 7% 50% 0-6 months 33% 7% 60% 20. CONFIDENTIAL RESPECT FOR THE ENGLISH - 1 Less than 10% of the soldiers feel that England is trying hardest to win the war, whereas larger proportions of the men feel that not only Russia and the United States but also China are trying harder than England to win. Many of these men feel that Russia and China have made the great- est shcrifices of any of the Allies in this war, and, therefore, reason that their efforts are greator. Many soldiers feel that the United States ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION is able to contribute more equipment and necessary war supplies than other countries, and is trying hardest to win in that she is endeavoring to produce as much as possible. Most soldiers feel that: "The English are doing as good a job as possible of fighting the war, considering everything." Agree ? Disagree 77% 10% 13% Only one soldier in five feels that the English are taking it easy in their war effort. "The English are taking it easy in their war effort in the hope that America will win the war for them. If Agree ? Disagree 19% 15% 66% Seven out of ten Americans believe that: "The English can take it on the chin and come back for more, If Agree ? Disagree 70% 132 17% 21. CONFIDENTIAL RESPECT FOR THE ENGLISH - 2 Many soldiers feel that the English people are taking the war a lot more seriously than most Americans, and men in combat units feel this to a greater extent than do other soldiers. "The English people are taking the war a lot more seriously than most Americans do." ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Men in: Agree ? Disagree Combat Units 51% 14% 35% Non- Combat Units 40% 17% 43% These signs of confidence in and respect for the English are par- tially offset by the belief that the English are seeking new territories. "The English will probably try to get more territory for themselves out of this war." Agree ? Disagree 56% 20% 24% It has already been pointed out that our soldiers feel that the English are "good" fighters, but not "very good" fighters. The above analysis shows that by and large the American soldier believes that the English are trying, are taking the war seriously, can "take it", and are doing a good job, considering everything. 22, CONFIDENTIAL DESIRE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE ENGLISH About half the soldiers have heard talks by their officers about the English people, their customs, and how they are carrying on the war. Those who have heard such talks are more desirous of hearing additional talks than are those who have not already heard some. About half the men would like to hear more talks about the English. Four out of ten men would like to hear talks by the English about their own people, ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION customs, etc. There is no indication, however, that having heard about the English is conducive to a feeling of friendship for them. This is not surprising in that a large number of the soldiers feel that most of their officers don't like the English. It may be that their impressions have been derived in part from the attitude of their officers. 23. CONFIDENTIAL RELATIONS WITH THE NATIVE FOPULATION Almost seven out of ten men indicate an interest in visiting in the home of educated natives of the countries in which they are sta- tioned, and the remaining 3 men are not interested. Two-thirds of the men have heard talks by their officers about the natives of the country in which they are stationed, their customs, and how they are carrying on the war. One-third of the men are not interested in hear- ing more talks, and 10% of them indicate that they are undecided about ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION wanting or not wanting to hear more about the natives. The vast majority are aware of Egypt's non-belligerent status in this war, though one out of ten says that Egypt is actively fighting with the allies. AS has been pointed out in an earlier section, about 6 out of 10 men have doubts as to whether or not the Egyptians will operate with us after the war is over. One of the primary obstacles to improved understanding of the native peojlas in the Middle Last is the language differential, and American soldiers are not doing a great deal to better this situation. Sixty per cent say that they do not know more than a dozen words of the language spoken by residents of the country in which they are stationed, and only 2% know more than 50 words. This laok of interest and effort to become acquainted with another language is an objective measurement of real interest in the peoples - and the result is not encouraging. When asked the question: "Do most of your fellow soldiers try to make friends with the native population?" The men answered: Yes ? No 44% 24% 32% This would indicate that there is some interest on the part of American soldiers in improving relations with other peoples, and in getting to know mòre about them, but there are large numbers who do not share this interest. 24. CONFIDENTIAL WAR DEPARTMENT FOCKET GUIDES One one-third of the soldiers have read the War Department pocket guides to Egypt or North Africa, but of those who have read them, less than ten per cent say that it did not help them to understand the people Letter. Many favorable comments were written about these guides, though the most frequent comments were, in effect, "get them to the men". ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION 25. CONFIDENTIAL V-MAIL V-mail is not popular with soldiers. Evidence for this is: 81% say V-mail is loss personal than regular mail. 31% say V-mail is not clear and is hard to read. 92% prefer regular mail because one can write as much or as little as one pleases in a given letter. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION 63% say that regular mail is just as fast as V-mail. 95% say they prefer regular mail. But when a time differential is introduced, the slight preference for V-mail increases. If given a choice of a V-mail two weeks after it was mailed or a regular letter three weeks after it was mailed, 21% profer V-mail. If the choice is a V-mail two weeks after being mailed or a regular lettor four weeks after it was mailed, 45% say they would prefer the V-mail, but even in the latter case, a majority still prefers regular mail. It is not surprising that V-mail is not popular when the majority finds that it is not faster than regular mail. Arguments concerning shortage of space, time differential, etc., are not convincing when ex- perience proves the space is provided and the time differential is very little or non-existent. 26. CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL NUMBERED TELEGRAMS (CABLES) Four out of ten men have never used the numbered telegrams, but less than two out of ten state that they don't like this system of sending messages. Many suggested that additional choices should be included in the prepared messages, and this would probably increase their popularity. Some complained of not having facilities to send these messages, but considered as a whole the soldiers like them, and their only frequently recurring request is that additional mes- sages be added. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION 27. CONFIDENTIAL PAY AND SAVINGS - 1 How much of his pay does the unmarried enlisted man in the Middle East save? Unmarried enlisted men, on the average, are saving a fairly large propor- tion of their pay - varying from 54% for privates to 72% for corporals, but one man out of ten saves nothing. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Privates (pay $60) saved $32 monthly - 54% PFC'S ( pay $65) saved 843 monthly - 61% Corporals ( pay $79) saved $57 monthly - 72% Sergeants (pay $94) saved $59 monthly - 63% M o N E Y S A PVT V E D $32 643 $57 $59 M 0 II E $28 $22 $22 035 Y S P E N T 28. CONFIDENTIAL PAY AND SAVINGS - 2 Ways of saving money used by the men: Five general types of savings are in use among enlisted men:- 1. Sending money home by allotments 2. Sending money home by money. orders ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION 3. Buying defense bonds 4. Buying insurance 5. Deposits with Finance Office through C.O. The attitudes of the men toward these different ways of saving, and the extent to which they use them, show considerable variation. 1. Sending money home by allotments. About 3 out of 10 men believe this is the best method for them to save their money. (About half the men think this method in combination with others is the best). Six out of ten are sending money home by allotments. Privates send $12 monthly PFC's send $14 monthly Corporals send $18 monthly Sergeants send $24 monthly 2. Sending money home by money orders. About four out of ten men use this method. Privates send $13 monthly PFC's send $15 monthly Corporals send $20 monthly Sergeants send $18 monthly 3. Buying defense bonds. About 3 out of 10 men think this is the best method for them to save money. Only four out of ten use this method, but many send money home and have their relatives buy bonds there. About 2 out of 10 have some misunderstanding of what bonds are and when they can be turned in for cash, and many others expressed skepticism regarding "government book- keeping" - these factors tend to decrease the sale of bonds. 4, Buying insurance. About eighty per cent of the men report that they are buy- ing insurance, and making monthly payments for it, 29. CONFIDENTIAL PAY AND SAVINGS - 3 5. Deposits with Finance Office through C.O. About one-tenth of the men think this is the best method for saving money, and about the same number of men actually use this method. It is apparent that the advantages of this method of saving have not been sold to the men. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION woles on method used in investigation of savings. The definition of "savings". "Savings", for the purpose of this report, have been defined as money unavailable for spending in the Middle East. Thus, money sent home is considered as saving, regardless of whether it is deposited or used to support endents in the United States. Term in- surance, the type which most men have, cannot be consi dered strictly an investment, but is here included as savings since it is removed From the spending category. Source of data. The original data on which the conclusions on pay and savings are based came from answers to questions 71 and 72 of the ques- tionnaire. (See Appendix). The sample group. All conclusions are based on the experience of un- married enlisted men with at least some high school education, and who are of the lowest four grades. The total number of men included in this group was 1068, divided as follows: Privates, 186; PFC's, 177; Coprorals (including T/5's), 355; Sergeants (including T/4's), 350. Married men present special problems, and tend to save more than the average soldiers, and were, therefore, excluded from consideration hore. Men with slight education had difficulty in answering the fairly diffi- cult questions, and for that reasons were excluded. Reliability of the data. All averages presented in this section are arithmotic means. They are based on men's memory of events which occur- rud in the month proceeding the filling out of this questionnaire, and are therefore subject to some error in forgetting savings made. Probably some men have a feeling of moral obligation when savings are considered, and to some considerable extent this compensates for the tendency to for- get former happenings. It is probable, however, that neither of these factors invalidate conclusions which depend on relative differences be- tween groups. 30. CONFIDENTIAL PART II THE FREE COMMENTS ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Interpretation of the Free Comments 1-2 Job Dissatisfaction 3-6 War Effort 7-10 Officers 11-15 English 16-19 Equipment 20-21 Food 22-24 Recreation and Entertainment 25-27 Post Exchange Supplies 28 Length of Time Overseas 29-31 Furloughs 32-33 Do Away With Drill 34 Pocket Guides 35 Egyptian-American Relations 36-37 Ratings 38 Desire for Combat 39-42 Mail 43-44 CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL INTERPRETATION OF THE FREE COMMENTS The body of the questionnaire was made up of specific questions or statements on which a man indicated his position by checking "Yes", "?", "No", or "Agree", "?", "Disagree". Responses to this type of question have been tabulated and presented in Part I, and the résults (insofer as the questions themselves are well constructed) give a reliable picture of the opinions and attitudes of the men on the specific points covered by the questions. Moreover, the tabulations of responses to questions of ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION that type can be completed and the results made available rapidly for use in policy determination. The findings from such a questionnaire can be interpreted in the light of the statistical interrelations of the replies to the various questions, and also on the basis of general or special knowledge of the situation on the part of both the writer and the reader. As an aid to interpreting the enswers to some of the questions, spaces were left in which the men could write their own comments, and at the end of the questionnaire an entire page was left for comments with only the heading, "If you have any further remarks to make on any subject, write them below as fully as you like." The comments which the men made in response to this suggestion not only make possible some additional in- terpretation of the replies to specific questions, but also throw light on subjects which were not covered by specific questions, Thus one can get some indication of the problems which weigh heevily on the minds of the soldiers. Though these comments are a "by-product" of the main study, they point out important problems and suggest areas of greatest discontent or concern for these men. Caution must be used in interpreting these findings. Not all men took advantage of the opportunity to make comment, and some wrote in greater detail and on more subjects than did others. About 98% made some comment somewhere in the questionnoire, but only about 60% made comments on the last page. Those who expressed themselves most are not necessarily representative of the total group, and there are other ways in which the men who wrote are not representative of the entire group. It is to be expected, for example, that more men write to complain than to express satisfaction, and this is the case in this particular study. Conditions under which the questionnaire WSS administered were often far from ideal. They did not have nice desks or comfortable chairs; they were sometimes crowded into too small areas; a few came at night and in one instance the lights went out - but the men were interested enough to use their matches and cigarette lighters for light until better lighting devices could be obtained. Thus, external circumstances determine to some extent the amount and variety of comments - but innamuch as so many men did make comments, these external factors were of less importance than the problems of the men and their interest in this method of obtain- ing information. And also the comments which the men make are often valuable in themselves, even in those cases where they are not representative of the entire group. From the tenor of the men's responses and the sincere, and often Laborious way they went about setting their thoughts on paper, 1. CONFIDENTIAL mas ovident that they were writing on the things uppermost in their As. Most of them wrote without thought to grammer or form; their ist concern was to unburden their minds, Where the men have been otod directly, their own words have been used without changes in spell- 6 or punctuation in order that the full flavor of their comments might a retained. In only a few cases has it been necessary to edit the com- ments to make them more easily intelligible. The comments which the men made covered an extremely wide range of topics, and there was also some variation between camps in the frequency ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION with which any given type of comment was made. Nevertheless, certain types of comments occurred over and over again, end it was possible to group them within general categories, 2. CONFIDENTIAL JOB DISSATISFACTION - 1 The question, "How well satisfied are you about being in your present Army job instead of some other Army job?" apparently served as a stimulus for a large number of the soldiers to express their opinions about classi- fication and assignment, and related topics. About one out of five ex- pressed dissatisfaction with his job or with the classification and assign- ment system. Those in Service Groups and SOS units were about twice as critical of misclassification and misassignment as were those in Bomber and Fighter Squadrons, but those in Bomber and Fighter Squadrons were much ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION more critical of (1) excessive routine duties, and (2) lack of utilization of skills then were the others. Those in SOS units and Air Service Groups were particularly concerned about lack of oppotunity to use their abilities. There was considerable criticism of misuse of skills possessed by soldiers, and this criticism was evident among all types of troops studied. General criticisms: General criticisms were frequent, and varied in content. For example, one soldier in an outfit that has seen a lot of action said: "I believe that too much is said in favor of the Army clessification system. Personally, I had seven years of good practical experience in very resoonsible posi- tions in civilian life and also completed with excel- lent grades Army extension courses, and also two years of Army administration work before enlisting. I was put in neither type of work and could have taken care of one of several important positions for which the Army is training men, without wasting the training time. From the manner in which some of this work is handled by inexperienced people it will be a long time before it is efficient. The manner in choosing O.C.S. candidates leaves out numerous exceptional men. There are too many ground officers wido are really not needed. There are too many men in all positions. After spending seven months in technical schools and having more than a year of service, it is still necessary to do K,P. and other details while the major portion of the too large kitchen sits around doing nothing.' Another criticism WAS even more pointed, but not typical. "I graduated from an Airplane mechanics school, After graduation I also went to a specialist school. Then I WAS assigned to a Fighter Squadron and the first thing they do is put me in the Armement Department. I hon- estly think that is very foolish and not at all efficient. This has also happened to very many other men I know. I- actually wasted the first 8 months in the Army learning 3. CONFIDENTIAL JOB DISSATISFACTION - 2 a job I never will do. Besides that, the would-be me- chanics don't get the ratings we would be eligible for." Critical Skills: Skilled men complain of doing general duty work, and many of these soldiers have developed the feeling that they are not being allowed to do their share in the prosecution of the war, "I answered the question about whether or not I was ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION satisfied with what I was doing, 'No' because right now I'm doing something anyone could do if they were not too lazy, when I could just as well be on the line handling a lathe or some machine that would help keep our equipment in shepe - I've never hed the opportunity to show what I could do," Classification and Assignment: Some criticisms are pointed directly at the classification and assignment system. "There is a lot of talk about men getting jobs they like and are fitted for. In this war, there are supposed to be no misfits, before we are sent over- seas we are interviewed and asked if we are satis- fied with our particular job, yet once across we are shoved into anything and neither heaven nor hell can get you a transfer to another outfit nor a change to a different department. How about some one we can use to moan to some one outside the out- fit who might have enough authority to have some- thing done about it. One brass hat about every 3 months might. help, just so as we can piso to some one and hope even tho we know it won't do much good.' Waste of valuable training time results from misclassification and misassignment, "When I came in the Army, I requested clerical work. I have worked as an accountant in civilien life and wished to do that sort of work. The Army insisted that I be an Airplane Mech, so I attended and grad- uated from two Army Airplane Technical Schools. Since my graduation I have been assigned a squadron and have done clerical work since and have not touched a plane. Why couldn't I have done that work before and not attend those schools. I might have been keep- ing some other fellow who is mechanically inclined, and wanted mechanic work, from attending those schools. Is that procedure necessary! Why couldn't I have done that which I requested on my entry into the service. 4, CONFIDENTIAL JOB DISSATISFACTION - 3 Many feel that their training in technical schools has been ignored, and that they have not been given an opportunity to put into practice the knowledge acquired in school: "I appreciate not having to do K.Pl But I labored under the impression that we had general duty mén and M.P. fór the many details we now get. My opin- ion is that I could do better and more work on an airplane without having to do these details. I ap- ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION preciate being on B-24s, but I was trained by Boeing Aircraft factory as a B-17 specialist. Yet I was sent to duty on this ship and all my training was waisted. The A.M. school I was sent to is a very good school, but we studied to much about ports and equipment that we knew we would never see. There- fore I feel much of my time was wasted at school. I was told that I'd be promòted nearly every time an instructor gave a talk, The army promised the same. Ive been in 13 months and am still a private and have never shirked a detail yet.' Waste of Man Power: It was somewhat surprising that so many enlisted men complained of doing non-essential work, of being in outfits that were over-staffed, and of sitting around doing little or nothing much of the time. This combination of job dissatisfaction end feeling that man power is being wasted is a dual criticism of classification and assignment on the one hand and lack of efficient organization of Army units on the other hand. "I honestly believe that of the entire personnel here in Africa, I am speaking exclusively of the US Air Corp, there is a shameful amount of dead wood in each and every squadron. My idea is they could take men from each squadron and form more squadrons. To me it seems as though we could have more, and just as effi- cient work done from the men that would form these ca- dres. And my main reason is, it would save our govern- ment a hell of a lot of money. What's the sense in making a man a Tech Sgt. or a Sgt. and paying him all that money to do nothing but sit on his broad back side - it beats me. If you speak to these men, they blush when you ask them just what Uncle Sam is paying them for. They don't know themselves. I, for one, know I am not drawing my 879 per for what I know, but merely for being over here. I am a qualified radio op- erator exclusively, trained in the infantry, and now I am in the Air Corp, in a branch that don't use radio operators. Somebody screwed up where I'm concerned. And I'm sure there are many more in this efficient Air Corp' in the same predicament as myself, drawing money 5. CONFIDENTIAL JOB DISSATISFACTION - 4 under false pretences. I only wish they could have a man disguised as a "G,I." transferred into a fighter Sqd. and act as an efficiency expert would - I'm sure it would do Uncle Sam plenty of good. We don't blame the men for all this - after all no one can blame them - they feel they might as well be drawing sgt's. pay for doing nothing, cause if they don't someone else will. In fact I wish I could be drawing all that ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION money myself, but we must help win this war and in or- der to do so, we must be as efficient as we possibly can. If this Air Corp was run like the regular army was run, it would help matters a great deal. I mean don't hand out all kinds of non-com ratings to Air Corps personnel because they are graduates of a. school, cause 3/4 of them know no more after graduating than they did before they went in. Make them earn their money first and merit the rating. Why the base camp of an Air Corp Sqd. looks like a pack of zebras walk- ing about." Details: A surprisingly large number of men complained about having to take their turn at guard duty, K.P., and similar details. "The Ordnance men should be just shop workers not de- tail men and shoved around where ever it suits purpose of jobs not concerned them. It should be run more ef- ficient just as a business man would run his factory. A business man would not consider putting one of his workers on as night watchman. The Ordnance should pos- itively have especially trained men for guard duties and K.P. They should not take out any of the working boys from shop to do such duties as it brings out dis- contentment and ill feelings. Also brings about: makes a person feel less about working in shop and does not make one feel like doing his best. It gives one the impression that he cant be so important at his job or else the job is not important." Of course this criticism was not limited to Ordnance personnel, but extended into almost all branches of the service. For example, a mechanic says: "A man cannot be a good soldier and a. good mechanic at the same time. Therefore, this drill and guard should be discontinued, We should have permanent guard." 6. CONFIDENTIAL WAR EFFORT-1 There is criticism of the war effort, both of civilians and the Army, but there are a few who feel that the soldiers are being misled by state- ments that are critical of the American war, effort. THE MAJORITY: One of the most prevalent comments was a criticism of the strikers in American industry. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION "The U.S. is not at the war fever pitch because there are still plenty of strikes and what is the use of work- ing and sweating over here when a lot don't appreciate it?" This critical attitude toward strikers resulted in the suggestion that: "All strikers should be put in the Army, and be or- dered to continue their jobs, The American people should in some way be awakened to the fact there is a war. There are too many men in the army, espe- cially officers, that are laying around - too many soft jobs." Overhead: Other criticisms were of the unnecessary overhead, red tape, and general inefficiency. "By way of comment; it is disgusting to read about the way the war is being conducted back home. Par ticular reference is made to conditions in Washing- ton and all government bureaus where an Army of clerks are doing thousands of useless jobs, and in a great many cases no work at all. I'm in accord with the re- cent statement attributed to some U.S. Admiral who said that they ought to stop the manufacture of type- writers and produce more gúns." WASTE: Quite a few feel that there is unnecessary waste, particularly in the Army. "Here's my particular gripe and I'm plenty sore! When the folks at home go around (a lot of ¹em) sav- ing everything they are asked to and giving up quite a bit, why in God's name don't some of the supposedly 7. CONFIDENTIAL WAR EFFORT-2 smart leaders do something about the waste of material within the Army? At the moment I' thinking of what one of our officers saw on a reconaisance to the area near Sfax. An officer, a colonel, wanted to clean up the area by dumping all the scrap (iron, aluminum, etc.) in an old trank trap and covering it over! My folks save tin cans, etc., and I sit around and watch the Army throw away tons of strategic materials. There's outfits like ours that would work to help the situation while waiting for equipment. Don't a lot of shipping ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION go back lightly loaded? All I've ever seen are salvage posters that are stuck on the bulletin board and nothing ever done about it. Why??" Lack of Work: Some feel badly about not having enough work to do over here. "My relatives and friends think I'm doing wonders here. I'm not. I can't. There is not the opportunity to work. I can count the days on my two hands that I've really worked and accomplished a full day's work since I've been in the Army. They are doing more in war plents than I am here." Man Power: And others feel that the Army is expanding too rapidly - all the men are not needed - and vital war industries are being stripped of needed help. "I think the Army is taking in men faster than they are needed. Vital war industries are being robbed of valu- able men. A man doing an essential war job is perform- ing as important 8 part as the soldier at the front." "Soldiers not needed for the work they have been trained to do should be sent home and placed in a war industry suited to their training." Defense Jobs: There are many who feel that the war jobs at home are fully as im- portant as being in the Army, as has been seen in some of the above quotations. Another similar expression is: "I believe that TO all could be doing a lot more by working in a defense plant back home. Te are surely not doing our part here." 8. CONFIDENTIAL WAR EFFORT- 3 THE MINORITY: And some believe that the folks back home aren't being given the credit they deserve. "There is too much talk in the Army about working people back home 'loafing' on the job. The men ought to be ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION told the truth; that our men and women in the factories are doing a good job. Unless this is done the men feel betrayed by those at home. Let's have the truth about production not a pack of lies by aspirants for ooliti- cal fortunes." Excessive Personnel: The feeling that units overseas are overstaffed is a common one. "Half this outfit could operate just as efficiently and probably more so - no exaggeration - just half," Misassignment: The misassigned feel very strongly that all is not well with the war effort. "When I left a war Industry Plent to helo serve our country it was understood that I was to serve them in my trade. They wouldn't send me to a trade school be- cause they said I had had enough training in a certain trade. I had three years in a open Machine Shop as a machinist. The company then sent me to a trade school where I put over 5,000 hours in this trade. Now the fact is I was put in a outfit where the T.O. doesn't call for a machinist and don't need one. I was in this outfit almost one month and sent overseas with them. Since being here I have made several little jobs which I had to use mostly English Shops, Although I em enlisted as a machinist in this outfit - they have no need for one, All together I have been in the Me- chanical trade going on six years. In this outfit I have no future and am wasting a lot of valuable experi- ence and time. In the states before I enlisted in the Army I was making all kinds of war material and helping my country a lot more. I went through high school - 3 years trode school and worked 3 years in this trade be- sides having 2 years officer training in R.O.T.C. Now what I want to get at is any man could do what little 9. CONFIDENTIAL WAR EFFORT-4 work I do. Which isnt much work in view of what I could be doing. Now why cant they get these men who have a trade - who could be of a great service if they were in there kind of work. As far as my outfit is concerned they wouldn't even miss me, They have more men now then they need in my opinion. Maybe I shouldn't kick most fellows wouldn't. I dont have a lot to do and I dont ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION have to worry about getting killed by bombs (yet) But thats not the point. I joined to help and not set around. I never went to a army trade school but can do any machinist work, weld, fordge work, read blue prints and draw them, I have a fair idea of all mechanical work besides type, etc, Seems as if I had been to trade school three months I would be OK. But I know more about the machinist trade then they could teach me in 6 months or 1 to 2 years. Why cant they get these men out of these Squadrons and give them a chance, I have tried but they wont let you transfer, They called (we need 10,000 trained men machinist - welders etc.) They got some of us, so why dont me get to work," Naste of Talent: Many suggestions have come forth as to the best method of improving training, and utilizing the potentialities of America. "This waste of talent through improper supervision is apalling to me. The group I an in contains the nucleus for many groups. It should be either taken to the states and split up or split up out here before the natural regression of mind through inactivity of many good men progresses to the point where their skills are lost to themselves and the Service," "Their are literaly hundreds of men - graduates of service schools and with previous experience going to waste in the 57th group. It has had its baptism of fire and combet conditions, And these same men are being wasted on 'shit' details and unresponsible positions." 10. CONFIDENTIAL OFFICERS- 1 One of the most frequent subjects that received attention in the free comments of the soldiers who filled out the questionnaires was "officers", and though there were a few favorable comments, the vast majority were criticisms of some of the officers, or of the method of selection of offi- cers. Though only one in seven men voiced a criticism, these represent complaints that arose without any specific stimulus; therefore, it is likely that many more feel the same dissatisfaction. But of course the extent of disaffection cannot be determined accurately unless questions ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION are designed to get at this specific topic. Officers Enlisted Men Differential: One of the most frequent com- plaints was that the breach between officers and enlisted men is too great, and too artificial. "In the American and British armies there is too great a breach between the officers and their men. The modern soldier has outstriped the old method of Army procedure as a result of his education. The New Zealand outfits I have visited recognize this and as a result have much better spirit and a greater enthusiasm for their work. In separating themselves as much as they do from the men they are unable to see and recognize those who should be N.C.O.'s, grades fill up with friends of the dept. heads, etc., rather than having merit as the criterion," "This is not a 'sour grapes' gripe - I have my stripes because I saw what was happening and 'played the game.' There are however many who were unable to see what was happening and who were depending on honest effort to get ahead, whose experience in technical lines should have placed them in useful positions and whose experience is being wasted as a result of the things I mention." Lack of Concern for Enlisted Men: There is evidence that at times officers do not keep in touch with their men, and do not look after their needs. "One thing they need is to tell the officers of this outfit that their men should come first. They were supposed to have learned that in the states but over here it is all for me and to hell with you. All they know is inspection and close order drill - we received plenty of that in boot camps." Inefficiency: Probably the most frequent criticism of officers was that they are often inefficient. "I believe that an officer before coming over seas 11. CONFIDENTIAL OFFICERS- 2 should fully understand what his duties are going to be like and should prove himself capable of the assign- ment. This goes for the high ranking enlisted men as well. Some officers seem to think that because they are officers they don't have to do any technical work and leave it to their high ranking non-com to worry about. Some are incapable of doing any of the finer work of their department." ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Another similar statement expresses the same general idea, but with more resentment. "The following statements represent my personal obser- vations and are made candidly but fairly because of my association with commissioned personnel of the Army Air Corps: "The average commissioned officer (at least in this branch of the service) is lacking in all those quali- ties which are associated with leadership. Generally speaking they are possessed of fear, purile personali- ties, and are devoid of any ability to inspire confi- dence in them. The majority of the officers I have had to work with could be considered as excess baggage, impediments to an efficient and early conclusion of this war. They give the impression that they think this war is a game, their part being to strut around and act important. Even here in the theatre of opera- tions, they do not seem to have found their proper stride. if Misse officers to whom T make reference operated in civilian life on the same basis that they do here in the Anny, they would, of necessity, be the recipients :: charity for the rest of their lives. No individual or corporation in business for profit could remain for long a going business if it were conducted on the same basis that the average Army officer per- forms his duties. "Time does not permit a more detailed discussion of the presented subject. Someday as a civilian, I am deter- mined to do my part to remedy this unfortunate and dan- gerous (at least during time of war) state of affairs. Right now, figuratively speaking, my hands are tied - I am impotent. But the day is coming, barring any un- foreseen accidents which may result from this extra- hazarduous occupation, when I will (imperative mood) be vociferous!" 12. CONFIDENTIAL OFFICERS- 3 Ground Officers: Some felt that ground officers were very good, and others felt that they were very bad, but the majority who expressed an opinion felt that many of the ground officers were inefficient and unqual- lfied. "I think the ground officers in the Air Corps except for the Engineering Officer, are more of a detriment to the morale and efficiency than they are a help. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION In this one outfit, until the arrival of our C.O. and flying officers, they almost ruined it by their self importance, inefficiency and ignorance of what to do - and when to do it. In several instances - - when fresh from the States, we encountered a sand storm, tents blown down, no food, the ground officers took off for Alexandria, left us to our own resources, until the storm abated - 2 days later. Now that the C.O. and flying officers are here, they keep their places, al- though for the most part, they' re useless in the Air Corps." The minority who wrote said: "It has been my experience that the custom of having flying officers as Squadron and Group commanders does not work to advantage. While they are nice fellows and excellent aviators, they lack in the qualities of leadership acquired through experience and mature thinking, "Administrative officers do not appear to be on a par with those in other branches of the Armed Services. Some are almost pathetically incompetent. It would lead to greater efficiency if higher Air Force head- quarters inspectors made more frequent tours and recommendations for culling or transfering mis-fits." Officer Candidate School: Many of the enlisted men felt that the sol- ers overseas are not receiving the same opportunities for OCS training as e the soldiers back in the States. "OCS is a morale booster in US that is a let down. The bally ho that every one qualified has a chance is written up, etc., ánd then the let down of being shipped without an opportunity of going to O.C.S. causes a great deal of gripec' - If one passes O.C.S. in US - I think ne should be given a chance to go. There are about 45 of these in my Squadron. 13. CONFIDENTIAL OFFICERS-4 I think either they should be told to 'forget it' from the first - or the Gov't should make good on the propaganda." Often the criticism was that though men had been approved for OCS, no orders have been issued to send them to school. "Men of this organization have applied for O.C.S. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION and have been approved; they still are waiting for orders to send them to school." Some criticisms were that the present "90 day wonders" are insuffi- ciently trained, are too young, do not know the traditions of the Army, etc. "I feel that the Officers that are being made nowa- days should be required to spend at least six months as an enlisted man before being commissioned. This way they could learn something about the Army and would be better suited to be an Officer. You will find that very few Officers know anything about the Army's tradition or regulations in fact it is the en- listed man that teaches them or tells them what they would or should know." Criticism of Headquarters: As is to be expected, there were a number of complaints directed at headquarters personnel. "The men with the rank stay back in Cairo and issue orders and memorandums initiating new systems and ideas when the majority of them have never been out of that city, They do not have a basic and practical knowledge of what conditions are like in the combat zone. They are only interested in being in a near headquarters so that they can be in a better position to increase their own rank, In fact, the fastest pro- motions came out of Cairo and the excellent and dili- gent tasks performed in the combat zone are taken for granted and no meritorious award received. Also, when a company is actually given some recognition of the work that is being done, the officers receive all the credit and handshakes and the enlisted men who worked day and night with the sweat of his brow and all his energy can only console himself and again gripe at the way headquarters handles situations." There is a feeling that the whims of those in the rear areas dictate arbitrary policy that works to the disadvantage of front line men, 14. CONFIDENTIAL OFFICERS- 5 "Our officers are getting to be just like the English officers; All pomp and ceremony. They do those little things, which are too numerous to-list, that send the morale of a squadron right down to its bottom. If they cooperated with the men to make life bearable for both of them, instead of grabing the fruits of the enlisted men's ingenuity the mórale of both enlisted men and ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION officers would be much higher, It is admitted that the enlisted men complain about little things, but it is the little things that count out here. After all 100% efficiency comes with about 75% morale and right now there isn't 20% morale. "What really brought the morale down that far were those brass hats in Cairo. During the middle of the campaign (Christmas time) we had a chance to spend 7 days in Cairo. Arrangements by air transport were made and everything was set. BUT 111 Cairo sent orders that none was to leave. They gave us an excuse, 'no trans- ports available.' Te know there were 2 planes at our disposal. Were they afraid that we didn't know how to act? Do they expect us to act goody goody af ter being in the desert for 4 months without seeing or even being near a town? Do they expect us to go dry after having very little of anything to drink, especially water? "Are they running our lives as men or as children?" 15. CONFIDENTIAL ENGLISH-1 A very large number of those soldiers who filled out questionnaires made comments relating to the English, and almost twice as many made crit- ical comments as made favorable comments. However, this should be inter- preted with particular caution inasmuch as one is more likely to write his complaints than his approvals. Still, the total amount of criticism of the English is quite large and must be given serious consideration. This is what the soldier had to say: ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Pro-English: A few realized that most Americans know relatively lit- tle about the English, about their backgrounds, problems, customs, hopes, plans. "Most Americans over here have a narrow biased opinion of the English. They apparently are not informed or don't realize the sacrifices the English people and soldiers have gone through, another thing they do not know enough geographically about the British Isles and her colonial possessions. The Americans in general only look at one side of the conditions, they never put themselves in the average English Soldiers shoes. All the average American Soldier in the Middle East wants is to have a chance to brag, bitch, find faults with any and everything, especially anything English. The ma- jority of this biased opinion was formed from his first impression of the English because he didn't get as good food on the English ship as he did in a restaurant in the States. This was not the Englishman's fault; there was good food aboard - our officers just didn't demand that it be served* to the men." Many enlisted men appreciate the conditions under which the English peoples have labored and fought this war, and for these soldiers the Eng- lish are a fine people, a nation worthy of our friendship. "My experience in combat to date with the American and English soldiers would lead me to believe that U. S. Soldier does not have his heart in combat work. The English in the Eighth Army with two and three years of combat behind them seem to have a much better espirt de corp than do we. The reason, at least for my personal outfit, I am sure, is that at training school we were I led to believe that we would not be under fire and our training did not include enough physical toughening and preparatory training for the enemy action we have seen,' Some soldiers highly compliment the English 8th Army and admit that they have learned major lessons from these experienced fighters. However, 16, CONFIDENTIAL ENGLISH-2 most of these comments are indirect and seem to arise from criticism of our own Army: "On the whole, the American man is a good soldier. However, in common, we have one fault which was clearly shown to us by the good work of the English when they had the proper equipment. That fault being that we ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION aren't 80 dam smart in this war business as we pic- tured ourselves as being. We have a helluva lot to learn and in a high mechanized war as this, experience is the best teacher. And those who have had intimate contact with the English are often very favorably impressed with these comrades. "After intimate contact (such as various stays in Eng- lish hospitals and English camps) I have nothing but highest respect for ability, personality and conduct of Englishman." The minority has spoken, and their opinions and attitudes are of vital importance, but let us see what the majority says. Anti-English: Some of the anti-English feeling arises from unpleas- ant experiences with specific individuals and circumstances, but much of it also seems to spring from rumors, isolated phenomena, and from unknown sources. But whatever the cause, these attitudes and opinions do exist. "Don't believe anything can be done to improve Anglo- American relations among the two forces generally. Individuals can help by their individual contacts, however. For the English to understand us and why we are what we are and why we do what we do the way we do it, would require a liberal education in American history, economics, and politics and there isn't time for that unfortunately. And it works both ways. We can't explain why we weren't in the war for the 2 years they fought alone because being in now proves we should have been in all along! That's what they think anyway. The average British soldier is practi- cally an illiterate compared to average American. He knows it and hates us because of his not stopping to realize his own ruling class is responsible for his condition." Some feel that the English are unappreciative of the aid we have been giving them, 17. CONFIDENTIAL ENGLISH-3 "A good many of the questions asked about the difference of opinions between the English and American soldiers could have been settled before our going into the war. Our government should have given them to understand that it was the USA and only the USA that would be able to save them, Even before our entry into the war we were more than helping them. Only smug conceited asses, that ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION the English are, would fail to see this. By the lend lease bill they are obtaining our best supplies and equip- ment while we our selves are taking the left overs. I have personally seen in a British Mess kitchen the best grade of canned goods and bacon from the USA, while we only get even below second grade. However, if this will help win the war, Lets go, and then go Home, and I do mean home." Many are critical of the English because it is felt that credit is not given to Americans when due. "A better understanding between the American and British soldiers could be brought about if the English would ad- mit that they dont have the best in everything and es- pecially the airforce. Over all radio broadcasts from London, almost no mention is given of what the AAF or the AEF are doing. It is always the British as the winners in every instant. The British Officers appear to have the attitude that the enlisted men in the American Army are inferior to him." The problem of pay and resulting jealousy, looms large in the total picture. "The English troops seem to be jealous of us because we have more money to spend than they have. Some however are real swell 'guys'." And quite often there is evidence of distrust of the English. "Wish that someone with great authority would check on shipments of food that go up to the front. It seems the British do it all and get away with lots of it. There should be someone to investigate this matter. Our ships or docks it seems they have all the say. We should have our own men take care of the loading and unloading of the food instead of the natives or British. We have enough men who know about that work here in the Middle East. If not to get them from the States." 18. CONFIDENTIAL ENGLISH-4 The reasons given for dislike of the English are many but the charge of selfishness is often to be found. "The English in my opinion are egotistical - self centered - selfish - class conscious. Can and do fight when they are up against it - - but will let George do the dying if possible." ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Another charge that recurred many times was that the class distinction found among the English is undesirable, and undemocratic. "Never again to have an American Army ON parts of Armies to come under British jurisdiction. I don't like the class distinction in the British Army. Our Army is a democratic Army and it shouldn't be patterned after the English." Betterment of Anglo-American Relations: Some of the soldiers are concerned about improving English-American relations, and, consequently make their suggestions: "If there is an official policy of fostering social relationship between us and the British, the best way would be to give us free evenings and let us form friendships with British and other outsiders naturally. Official guidance in this matter is futile. 90% of the boys resent it. The best way to make a Yank hate a Limey's guts is to give him a direct or implied or- der to make friends." This attitude might well be extended to include all of our Allies. "The Army ought to adopt a stricter tone in dealing with those officers and non-coms (and enlisted men) who spread distrust of our Allies or engage in anti- Semitism or anti-Negro tirades. Every man ought to be permitted to have his own opinions but he ought not to be allowed to hurt other people's feelings." "There should be much better regard for our allies, The Army morale div and intelligence should foster this. It should be explained that all former propa- ganda in our news papers about the bogey of communism has done much to create skepticism about our ally who is doing the most fighting for us." 19. CONFIDENTIAL EQUIPMENT-1 Comments pertaining to equipment were not among the most numerous of the various subjects discussed by the enlisted men, but the total number of such comments was considerable, The primary complaints were lack of equipment, failure to understand why men and equipment are not shipped to- gether, poor equipment, and the like. Two general criticisms of equipment were: ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION "Our biggest problem over here is a tool and equipment shortage. By that I mean maintenance equipment. We never get tool replacements and if a crew chief breaks or looses a tool, why he can never get another one, Also some of the tools we have are worthless. It looks to me like some big company was just taking the govern- ment in. I know I could design some tools which would be of a great help in our air force if given a proper chance. Welding rod is very scarce, Also welding tools, and sheet metal and sheet metal equipment is very poor, I think this questionnaire is very good but one on equip- ment alone would be very helpful." "Our equipment is the best there is, but we sometimes dont get enough of it. Just before we departed from the States we packed enormous quantities of it thinking we would get it when we arrived overseas. When we arrived, we learned that all that equipment was taken away from us. Then when we do need the equipment for practically immediate use, we have to beg, borrow or steal. When an outfit has been using all that equipment, all through its training in the States, and then after all the trouble it has to go through with packing and repacking it, it should rightly belong to them." Another expressed the opinion that some method is needed whereby shortages can be replaced, "I believe we should have a better and faster way of get- ting equipment that was and is lost through shipping. And a better way of getting material and parts. And some small tools which do not seem like much. But are so im- portant to a service squad." Some expressed the opinion that many items of equipment should be redesigned. "Redesign equipment (almost all items) from a practical and utilitarian viewpoint. Did you ever use the full pack 20. CONFIDENTIAL EQUIPMENT- 2 as issued in the Air Force on a hike? And minimize the amount of personal equipment issued to the E.M. to re- duce waste, shipping space, etc. That minimizing can cover all fields, it seems to be an Army policy to scream for twice as much as you need because you'll only get half as much as you ask for." Others feel that much equipment is lost by virtue of irresponsible ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION persons stealing what they want. "Why is it we had to wait several months for our equip- ment to arrive after we landed, and then, when it did arrive (about ± of it) it had been gone through - and invariably the things needed most, were gone. For 3 months, we operated with either borrowed or stolen tools, or with the few we held on our persons." The lack of equipment undoubtedly results in much wasted time, and this does not please the soldiers. "I would like to know why the War Department doesnt make a check and see why an outfit hasnt the necessary equip- ment to do its work when it comes overseas. Te would do the job much better and much quicker if we had the right equipment. Instead we have equipment that we dont need. Why cant certain things be sent with us instead of us using precious time to make trifles the hard way when we could to doing something to win the war." 21. CONFIDENTIAL FOOD-1 There were many complaints about food, but only a few of these re- lated to improper preparation. Most of the complaints were about lack of variety, or just poor food, questions as to what is happening to the ra- tioned food back in the states - with the added remark, "We aren't get- ting any of it; where is it going?", -- and finally there were criticisms relating to food deficiencies, principally calcium. A general complaint that expresses the feeling of a majority of those who wrote of food was: ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION "Personally I think that we have done our part and we should let some one else try the job even tho' we have a good record some one else may do better than we - and besides there is no use working a good horse to death just because you can - It wouldn't be so bad if we had some food that would keep us in working condition. It takes dam good food to keep a guy on the ball when he works hard all day and pulls 6 hours guard that night, then go back to work the next day - couldn't something be done about this? If not why? Just give it one deep serious thought and picture yourself in our place out here in this dam hot dusty desert - we need some cooks and I mean cooks not can openers for any dam guy cah open cans I can feel sure when I say that every one in this outfit feels the same way I do - if anyone doubts my word you can just ask or read a few of these pages that the boys are bitching upon." Several voiced the opinion that a check-up of some sort would serve to bring conditions to the attention of authorities. "It is my opinion that if the W.D. would send special Service men into the area itself for a period of one week to eat, sleep and work with the men incognito they could get at the root of all." And another soldier made the practical suggestion: "I would like to see our company commanders eat at least one meal a day with the men. Instead of countless in- spections and revues, I would like to hear discussions on what, why and where we are fighting." Lack of Variety: Many wondered why there was a lack of variety when the P.X. and Red Cross are able to obtain considerable variety. "I can't see why we have to eat corn beef all the time 22. CONFIDENTIAL FOOD-2 of when we can buy canned chicken and such in our Canteen. If they can get it there why can't we get it for our mess hall, Any why casint We have cooks, instead of glorified K.P. 87 Why can't the cooks sèe to 16 that the cans of jelly and such are kept under cover. This G,I, food is really knocking us to hell, Why can't we have radios? Why can't we have our own squadron instruments. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION The Red Cross was going to do much for us. Tell, they did - - In other wêrds the boys here are fed up. One year is plenty.' "In Alexandria as well as Cairo, the food at the hotels sponsored by the Red Cross was excellent - there seems to be plenty of fresh vegetables in this country and these hotels take advantage of it. If the vegetables are not safe, and our outfit is not permitted to use them for that reason, why does the Red Cross serve them? I would think that they would take as many precautions as does the Air Corps. Food is very important to us and it certainly should be improved as long as its possible to do 80, and at this place it is possible." Fresh Food: The call for fresh food was a frequent one. "The food could be much better. Te are getting too much can food. What we need is fresh cooked greens and other fresh foods, That's all..." Deficiencies: Remarks pertaining to vitamin and mineral deficiency were not over- whelmingly large but in two areas there were a number who remarked about improper nutrition and the resulting ills for teeth. "Our food - notwithstanding the claims made by the Army publicity - is poor. There is no variety - except for meat loaf - sausages - once in a while a change My teeth, scrub them as I may, are turning yellow, fór Tack of proper nutrition for them, although I: have' gained weight: - superfluous weight I must say. 17 And another was of the same opinion. "Food isn't too good, bully beef and hash get to be monotonous, not enough fruit, teeth are getting bad from food, believe it is lack of calcium. Haven't seen a glass of milk since we were over seas." 23. CONFIDENTIAL FOOD43 Rationing: Those who wondered what is happening to the food saved by rationing in the states remarked: "The food is terrible over here. Everything is rationed in the U.S. to send over to us but we never see any of it just STEW AND HASH all the time." ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Good Food: A minority stated that the food was good. "I have been more than surprised since I came overseas for our food is fair, much better than I expected and the U.S. Army really tries hard to look out and care for it's soldiers." Food Aboard Boat: Many remembered their boat trip overseas very vividly and apparently remain bitter about their experiences while enroute. "I came over-seas in a French boat manned by the English and instead of having American rations and our own cooks we ate English rations (if you can call that food) and had English cooks. The officers ate beef, chicken, ice- cream, beans and vegetables while we ate mutton, pea soup and fish. Living conditions were intolerable, There were seventy of us in a room as large as my kitchen back home where we ate and slept while the officers had only four in the same space. 1. "Very Poor!!!!!" "Terrible." "Dam Bad. It "Not fit for hogs." "By Christ it was rotten. Mutton stinky old mutton twice daily. Every morning oatmeal with worms, I lived on chocolate bars for 31 days and lost about 30 lb. The next time I'm going to walk across," 24, CONFIDENTIAL RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT - 1 No questions were asked pertaining to recreation and entertainment because it was felt that this subject matter could not be treated ade- quately in two or three questions, and there was not room in this first survey for more detailed questions. Therefore, the spontaneous demand for more recreation and entertainment reflects a deep-seated feeling on the part of enlisted men, and this feeling is both quantitatively and qualitatively significant. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Lack of Recreation and Entertainment: The most frequent comment was simply: "We need more entertainment. It puts the morale up. Thank you Sir." And the men feel that special efforts should be made to give them some diversions. "An attempt should be made that the fighting man 1 in this theatre be given the same deal, that is available in some other theatres, relative to en- tertainment: personal appearances by movie stars, movies, etc., and a big attempt should made an 'necessary canteen' equipment." There were frequent calls for movies, newspapers, books, magazines, radio braodcasts, radios, recreation and sports, etc. These comments were simple, but clear, none the less, "All combat Sqdns could operate more efficiently if they were provided with more recreation facilities. The high ups must think we are Robots - all work and no play! The ground personel are human too." "Give us some form of entertainment or some way to amuse us. Magazine and news papers will help." "Soldiers should be acquainted with the home front as well as daily newspapers and current periodicals at their reach." "A real good Broadcast of good music from the states from 6 p.m. to ten, our time." Criticism of the "Cairo Commandos". "There is too much publicity on what is being done to entertain and help the boys - but its never for the 25. CONFIDENTIAL RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT - 2 boys in the field - the 'Cairo Commandos' get it all. People at home are misled.' Frequently the boys "in the blue" complain that all entertainment is retained in the rear areas. "I am very dissatisfied with the means of entertain- ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION ment provided for the American troops in the forward combat areas. With all the entertainment and con- veniences provided for the troops in Cairo I dont see why some of it cant be sent up in the desert to enter- tain the fellows that are actually in combat. Ive spent several months in a bomber outfit that has been in action nearly as long and am still alive so I dont see why any entertainment group should be afraid to come up.' "Where in hell is all this entertainment that were supposed to get and for which 80 much money is given? With nine months in the Middle East I've seen exactly two shows both of them provided by the N.A.A.F.I. There is quite a bit of it being put on in Cairo and Alexandria. Who gets the benefit of it. The fellows up front or the non combatants?" Out of Bounds: The officer-enlisted man differential was often ap- plied to restrictions regarding places of entertainment for enlisted men, "I think the men of the American Army should have more of the good hotels and night spots in bounds and more of the cabaret out of bounds to all ranks. If we wish to dance, we have to go to the Red Cross which is a nice place if you can get in and if you cant about all that is left is a dirty dive full of bad women after the army man's money, and if you wish to take any per- son with you, try and find a place in bounds for the enlisted man that is fit to go. We are giving up as much as anyone and in America all men are equal.' A number of the soldiers feel that this differential is un-American. "It is against the American way of living to put places of entertainment, Hotels, and such out of bounds to certain Americans. By what standard do the Brass hats here put places out of bounds to enlisted men? Censor- ship does not allow us to write home that places are 26. CONFIDENTIAL RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT - 3 out of bounds. Is some one ashamed of that fact? I am quite sure the American public would not be very happy about the fact that we are only good enough to fight a war but not allowed to visit any public place that of ficer can, Next we will have that terrible caste system the English have." ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION 27. CONFIDENTIAL POST EXCHANGE SUPPLIES - 1 Naturally, many men want more variety of PX supplies, and if this is not possible, they would like to be told why they are not getting more. In addition, several complaints regarding prices and profiteering were in- cluded in the various comments. It is evident that many of the men do not understand that some PX articles are bought on local markets and the price is, therefore, much higher than for similar articles originating in the United States. The specific articles for which they asked were principally ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION American cigarettes and beer. "I dont see any reason for our post exchange being out of American Cigarettes, if their is a reason why not pass it on among the enlisted men BO it will clear up ones mind." "How about some beer?" "Tobacco is very scarce at the P.X. cigarettes are to be gotten about one week out of the month with a limit of one pack a day. The prices of things at our P.X. are very high. Bought tooth paste last week and paid forty-eight cents for & ten cent tube. A brand which I never heard of in the states." "The troops in the forward areas are not receiving the Beer, smoking tobacco, cigarettes, candy and other things that they should while the non combat outfits stationed in rear headquarters are getting practically all they want." "We should get beer more often that is about the only thing we could relax and enjoy." "Why is it we have to buy at high prices, chocolats, candy, even beer that is marked on the can (For Troops Overseas - Free from Tax) that is donated to the dis- tributing sources free of cost. I don't mind paying the prices, but I'd like to know what the profits are used for. We get absolutely no benefit from them." 28. CONFIDENTIAL LENGTH OF TIME OVERSEAS - 1 A very large number of soldiers want to know how long they will be overseas. They want to know if they will get a furlough back in the U.S. before another campaign begins, if they will get to return to the States after a definite time overseas, etc. Men in Bomber Groups seem to be much more concerned about this question than others, and men in Fighter Groups are more concerned about the issue than are men in Service Groups and S.O.S. troops. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION This is their pleat "I have been in the 343rd Sqdn. of the 98th Bomb Group since January, 1942, the time I entered the Army. We started our training at Barkedale Field, La., and then went to Fort. Meyer, Florida, to rough it. We arrived there, and being the first outfit to do any soldiering there had quite a hard time getting things ironed out. Just as we were getting things to run smoothly, we were shipped to Lakeland, Florida, where we were put into a facsimile of an African Jungle and told to make ourselves comfortable. Well, we got to work again and got our camp set up once more, At this time, our group had been to- gether only about 3/2 months. We continued our training (most of the men being non-schooled greenhorns) and were shaping up to be a good working outfit. About the same time fellow soldiers in groups in neighboring areas were getting furloughs to go home for a visit to mother, sis- ters, etc. We were told that we were in training that didn't warrant furloughs. Well, we said OK, and con- tinued on. Then our Group commander started filling our ears with plans to go overseas. But still no talk of getting home for even 1 day. Finally, we were sent over here, and were promised that we were on a 'Task Force' to do a certain job. Well, the job turned out to be 'keeping supplies from Rommel by bombing convoy, harbors, etc. Now that job is done and naturally we expect a little reward, but no soap. We will probably carry on for a long time to come. Where is this Air Force they talk about at home? Where are the new aircraft? We have had ours for a year now. We came over here with combat crews and now that they have completed 300 opera- tional hours they have gone home. What becomes of us? New crews are coming in -from the States. Will our men be as conscientious about their work? I doubt it. We realize that there is a war going on, but let us know how long we have to stay, We'd like to have something to look forward to." 29. CONFIDENTIAL LENGTH OF TIME OVERSEAS - 2 They are looking for a definite statement from the War Department that indicates how long they must remain away from home. "Morale being an all important subject is one which to my knowledge is rather neglected at times. Since our outfit has been over-seas almost a year the ques- tion arises thus. Are we entitled to expect to be ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION sent to the States after we have served a year or 18 mos? Our particular unit has cancelled all passes or leaves. No one knows when they will be granted again. Such things to my notion should be clarified. In ref- erence to being returned to the states, morale could be upped ever BO much if something definite in the. way of an order from the W.D. was issued stating just when we could expect to go home. Of course many things must be considered on that point. The trend of the war, our particular theatre, etc. The Middle East will cease to be a war center soon but not one from which we can operate. When the N. African campaign is over can we expect to be sent home in 5 or 6 mos to recuperate, get better and heavier equipment to return to some other theatre or do we go to some other theatre of op- erations directly from the Middle East after we have done everything possible here? These questions are not entirely my own but are those also of my fellow soldiers. I say to the War Department once for all clarify such questions and cast aside all doubt. Es- pecially this one: When can we expect to go home? That in my mind would do more to stabilize morale of the sol- diers than anything." Many state quite candidly that they have had enough of fighting, of the desert, and want to go home and give the other boys over there a chance to come overseas and get into the excitement. "I dont think a man should stay over here any more than one year because 1 year of this desert adds 10 years to your life. They should send some of those men that want to strike all the time over here and that would finish all strikes. I think that they should get more to drink over here because their aint any thing else to do for pass time. I think they should give every man a chance to see action and not put it all on the same ones. This is a hell of & life in desert." 30. CONFIDENTIAL LENGTH OF TIME OVERSEAS - 3 Many make remarks about the large Army in the States. "What is the army going to do with all of those sol- diers in the states? Why not give them some expe- rience such as we have had, Some have been in for 2 years and more and never been out of the States. If ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION 31. CONFIDENTIAL FURLOUGHS- - 1 Before coming overseas: Many soldiers state that they did not have a furlough before coming overseas, and this they do not understand. "One thing I do not particularly agree with is the idea of a large percentage of boys being sent overseas with- out a furlough before leaving. From my own experience, I was about 48 hours from home by train and I had the money to go but was not granted a leave. While waiting ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION to be sent over they gave me 9 weeks of supposedly in- tense overseas training which was five weeks more than was necessary. In that time there would have been more than ample time to grant me a furlough before coming over. When I left the States I had been away from home for almost a year and it would have done my parents a just amount of good to see me before I left. In their eyes we are coming overseas to be sloughtered no matter what any one tells them 80 you can plainly see how much good it would have been to them to see me or any other boys parents either!" These men feel that every man should be given a furlough before:com- ing overseas. "Every man should have at least one furlough in the states before being sent across seas. I never had a chance since I've been in the Army to go home on a furlough." After coming overseas: Many soldiers want a rest, preferably at home, before entering into another campaign. "I think that combat personnel who have been under fire considerably and flown about 40 or 50 missions should be sent to the States for a rest before entering into com- bat again. At least given a long rest somewhere where he could more or less forget about fighting. A flier or man who participates in aerial warfare can't be too ner- vous or jumpy, one mistake is liable to be his last one and maybe for four or five others. He should at least if the passes are not available, be ground personell for a period until he figures he is ready for combat again. A man won't generally say he wants to quit because he is afraid someone will say he is yellow.' Rather a large number of enlisted men feel that they should have more passes and furloughs while serving overseas. "You talk about time off. When do we get it, and how?" 32, CONFIDENTIAL FURLOUGHS-2 "Some method ought to be devised to allow men to get furloughs even during campaigns as we get damn sick and tired of doing the same things and seeing the same faces all the time." "This particular outfit has been in the desert for over six months without any relief and I'd like to ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION see some means taken to provide a rest or some other kind of relief for the troops, even a change in scenery would do. If a soldier could look forward to a 3 day or possible a 7 day pass once every one or 2 months it would help to relieve some of the pent up feelings in the men and also raise the morale a little." 33. CONFIDENTIAL DO AWAY WITH DRILL - 1 There were no questions in regard to training, but none the less a great number of comments were written about drilling, parades, practice reviews and other forms of training. A great number of complaints were written about this subject, such as: "I think we should be more of a soldier than boy scouts. Te drilled and had our rookie training in the States and I think we should out it out over here in combat zone. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Other complaints in the form of training were the practice of doing calisthenics: "Having reveille, drill, close order drill out here is absolutely rediculous. In my opinion, it has hurt our moral considerably. Calisthenics after Ive been on guard all night and work all day, These drills took up much of the soldier's spare time and some of their days off: "This idea of taking every Sunday for drill, stupid reviews, etc., has lowered the morale of the men morè than any officer would like to admit. If you have work important to do on Sunday, it should be done and when finished, you should be off to rest or some other thing. Im afraid our allies think us rather silly at times, when I work I work hard and dont feel like going around draging through this sand at the shout of 1-2-3-4 afterwards!" "I cant see where these drills and formations on Sundays are going to end the war any sooner. Un- less we are really doing something toward defense, I think we should have that day off." "More time for recreation and less for inspections and such G.I. things. How can a man ever forget he's a soldier as long as he is in the Army, does he have to be reminded of it by Sunday inspections and close order drill. And still others complained about not being able to attend church as the time was taken up by drills: "I also think that when possible we should have Sundays completely to ourselves. Last Sunday, I wanted to go to church but was refused permission to go because of a Post order that we had to attend 8. practise passing review. 34. CONFIDENTIAL POCKET GUIDES The question was asked, how can the pocket guides to Egypt and North Africa be improved. Unfortunately, most of the men have not seen these pocket guides, and, therefore, the most frequent suggestion was "distrib- ute it to everyone who comes to the Middle East." Excluding remarks like the one just quoted, and the next most frequent one, "Never heard of it," most of the comments were favorable. For example, "I believe anything that isn't in the book must be learned from experience." Two types of suggestions are worthy of mention, namely (1) "A lot of things mentioned ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION were out of date. I think things have changed here since the war has been going on, If and (2) "If possible to do so, give a list às near as possible what different articles you may buy should honestly cost." 35. CONFIDENTIAL EGYPTIAN - AMERICAN RELATIONS - 1 The soldiers were asked, "Would you visit in the home of an educated native of this country if you were invited?" Then, they were asked, "If you would go, tell why; if you would not go, tell why not?" THOSE WHO WOULD GO: Many indicated that they would like to visit natives of the country in which they are stationed, and some the reasons given were: ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION To Improve Relations with U.S.: "To foster better relations between the U.S. and other countries." "In the future we will not be able to live isolated in any country - now is the time to begin to prepare to know every country, and thus they will be better prepared to understand the American way of life." "To talk of their native country and my own. More or less to spread democracy on my own." Because of Curiousity: "Because of curiousity and then to be as friendly as possible to strengthen the cords of friendship.' To Learn Their Customs: "I would go because I am interested in learning the habits and customs of people in foreign countries." To Meet People: "I would go for sheer pleasure of meeting people. I would want to go to observe customs of the natives, their habits and especially to compare their country with ours - their form of government, their cities, their trades and economic industries." THOSE WHO WOULD NOT GO: The principal reasons for not wanting to go were: Fear of Food: "The reason for not attending was from a standpoint of health and not because the man was a native. I know 36. CONFIDENTIAL EGYPTIAN - AMERICAN RELATIONS - 2 of the food and am not sure that my system would stand it. I have been forewarned that certain foods in this country can carry disease." Want to get war over with: "I want to fight this war, get it over with, and go home - am not interested in natives." ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Dislike: "I would not go because I have no love for them and might unwittingly offend them." THOSE WHO HAVE GONE: "I have gone and was welcomed and treated royally." "I did go - found them crazy about everything American. America is having a profound influence on the Egyptians." 37. CONFIDENTIAL RATINGS- 1 Slightly less than 10 per cent of the men making comments had any- thing to say about ratings and pay, but among these the principal com- plaints were that there is little chance to advance after coming overseas, regardless of buy been me works; ratings are given on the basis of who you know ratire what you know: and, finally, quite a few suggested that ratings should be based or come type of test. The most frequent com- ment was to the alfect that Tables of Organization tend to keep many good men from receiving promotions they deserve. ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION "I feel more opportunity should be given for men to advance in rank while overseas. Those of us who are unf whinate enough to join an outfit in which the Tatlet of Org. are filled are unable to advance de- spite the desire of Commanding Officers to have us do 80, I feel new outfits should draw their non-coms from enlisted men who have proven themselves in the field. Failure to advance men stifles their initia- tive. The next most frequent comment pertaining to ratings was concerned with favoritism in awarding ratings. "Once a fellow is overseas he doesn't have much chance for advancement. The ratings are all taken up and no matter how hard you work, it just doesn't do any good. And a lot of the fellows that have the higher ratings just don't give a damn and they get away with a lot of things that the smaller guy wouldn't dare. They ought to give credit where it is due and show less favoritism. " And finally there were those to think a definite competitive system should be put into operation as a method of selecting NCO's. "Each man should be given a test before being rated, to see whether he deserves one or not. There is too much ball rolling, As example - The way the Navy gives promotions." "Ratings should be given on a competitive basis. " 38. CONFIDENTIAL DESIRE FOR COMBAT - 1 One question which the soldiers were asked was: "If it were up to you, what kind of outfit would you rather be in? (Check one) In a combat outfit overseas In a non-combat outfit overseas ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION In an outfit in the United States Why? If The answers were varied of course, and many different reasons were given for wanting to be overseas or at home, in a combat outfit or a non- combat outfit. But let us see what the soldiers had to say. COMBAT OUTFIT OVERSEAS Some felt insulted by the inquiry and answered: "What the hell do you think I came over for." Duty: Others felt that it was their duty to their country and to their loved ones: "Because I am a father and believe by being in a com- bat outfit I am doing my duty towards my wife and child back home. With my country at war I would not feel right elsewhere." Some of those who felt that it was their duty, also felt that they could not expect anyone else to do their fighting: "Because someone has to do the fighting, and a real American would want to fight for his country. I can't expect other people to do the fighting for me." Idealism: Some were idealistic and are desirous of making the world free for themselves, their children and for all time to come: "Because I want to do my part to make this world free for my children and everyone else for the rest of time." 39. CONFIDENTIAL DESIRE FOR COMBAT - 2 To End the War Quickly: The majority felt that by fighting themselves, they could help to end the war quickly: "In order to do all I can to finish this war quickly." ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION "This war has got to be won. Every able-bodied man, naturally, wants action. ft Adventure: Many are in the war for adventure: "Like to be in the thick of everything and not join the Army to do K.P. Like excitment and adventure." "Am in good health, have few family ties, it is most interesting." "It's more interesting and educational to have some hardships - - makes one appreciate the little things of life. Experience: And some felt that it is good experience to participate in the war: "Combat outfit travels more:s and a man can gain morè experience than any other outfit. That is what a person wants - experience." NON-COMBAT OUTFIT OVERSEAS The principal reason given for wanting to be in a non-combat outfit overseas was a combination of a desire to really help with the war effort and also, the belief that the individual concerned was better fitted for non-combat work: "Am satisfied with present non-combat unit. I am better fitted than would be in a combat unit." "This question is hard to answer as I have experience only in the second type - but I am fairly satisfied that my job is important enough to warrant my being here. If I were not here, someone else would have to be, so its just a matter of making the best of it and do my part to help get it over with quickly." 40. CONFIDENTIAL DESIRE FOR COMBAT - 3 "Because I believe that I can work better than fight and because there is more work to be done by soldiers overseas than in the U.S." Experience: A few felt that non-combat work offered more opportunities for worth- while experience: ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION "Only for the experience, but the experience is no good unless there is a future in it, so I believe the non-combative." Physical: A few felt that physical reasons would keep them from being efficient in a combat outfit: "Physical reasons make me prefer non-combat outfit," Cynicism: One or two were bitter and said: "It seems a non-combat outfit gets all the breaks." OUTFIT IN THE UNITED STATES The most frequent reason given for wanting to serve in an outfit in the United States was simply "because I like the United States better. There were many expressions of this sort but others combined this reason with various rationalizations and/or truths. Others were very frank about being tired of overseas life and simply want. to return home, but these are some of the reasons they gave: I have done my share. "I've done my duty to God and Country - - I need a rest. I didn't have any leave at home during my 16 months service overseas. Want to go home - - let some other Joe come over." "I've got three hundred combat flying hours in and I want to go home as others before me have." Let others share the fighting. "I don't mind doing my share of combat duty but I think that all of us Americans should share it. Not the ones just stay and keep on fighting forever," 41. CONFIDENTIAL DESIRE FOR COMBAT - 4 "There are some ten million or more men in the U.S. Army. About one million are overseas. The President said all would share and share alike in overseas duty. We've done our job, now let the others do theirs.' Health. "I have been overseas for about 10 months and it has ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION affected my health somewhat. If Performing useless task here. "Because I could do there what I am doing here. (Sit around and look silly.) If mye got nearly a year in over here and we do close order drill, and calesthenics and that sort of things they can be done in the States. Anti-English. "To get away from the British." Undecided. Of course, many were torn between the desire to help in the war ef- fort and a second desire to be at home amid comfortable surroundings with their loved ones: "I cant answer that question as easily as that. Like being in a combat outfit overseas, because it is help- ing to end this war, then of course my feeling is that I'd like to be home like other soldiers with the people he loves." 42. CONFIDENTIAL MAIL-1 Almost everyone recognizes the importance of mail as a morale factor, and not only do the soldiers recognize this, but also they write about it when given the opportunity. Inasmuch as mail service can hardly be "too good, ft the comments tend to be critical - critical of mail service in gen- eral, or of V-mail, or of the package system, etc. By far the majority expressed disapproval of V-mail, and many are insistent that rules regard- ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION ing sending packages from home be more liberal. Though there were hun- dreds that expressed their opinions, most of them were thinking the same, and here are their ideas in their own words: "The question on the two different types of mail, should be carefully considered before making a definite deci- sion. Regular mail is something that is quite personal, and as I see it, they seem to have taken everything else, why not at least leave us our mail? Thru my experiences with V-mail, I found that on the average regular mail usually arrives at its destination sooner than V-mail. To date, our mail service has been exceptionally Poor and I hope there is a straightening out of said subject be- fore the men's morale goes any farther in the hole. If they would put a couple bags on these D.C. 3's instead of a bunch of brass, things might be somewhat better. "And why can't our mail come more regularly. After all mail is, at times, more essential than food." "I think that V-mail should be cut out completely, its hard to read, not very much to a letter and for all the work they put into it, it ain't worth it. Also from all of the fellows that it come in contact with dislike them very much. "If people would use air mail stationery it would be al- most as light as V-mail and also would help all of the morale to the fellows overseas." "The main objection I have is trying to make all soldiers send V-mail. Ever since it started I have yet to get the first V-mail to pass my regular mail in getting over here. I think the V-mail is the most silliest poorest way for America to try and save shipping space on plane's when mail is the best morale builder in the army. My V-mail is any where from two days to two weeks longer on the way than my regular mail. Forget the V-mail I say." "The V-mail isn't worth writing." 43. CONFIDENTIAL MAIL-2 "I would sure like to receive some packages. My folks could send me candy, gum, etc. that I miss very much and cant get over here. I dont like V-mail. I would rather have one regular letter to every three V-mail letters." ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION 44. CONFIDENTIAL RESTRIUTEL PLANNING SURVEY Instructions ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION DO NOT put your name, or your serial number, or the name of your outfit on any of the pages. This is not a test, and there is no grade. There is no time limit. Take all the time you need. For most of the questions, you will only have to place a mark before the answer that applies to you. Some of the questions have special instructions, so be sure to read them all carefully. Remember that there are questions on both sides of each sheet. Many of the questions have spaces left for comments. Use those spaces if there are any extra comments that you want to make about the ques- tions. The last page has been left blank. On it you can write any comments you want to make about your Army experiences, whether they have been covered by any of the questions or not. When you have finished, check back through all of the pages to be sure that you have not missed answering any of the questions. Headquarters UNITED STATES ARMY FORCES IN THE MIDDLE EAST CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL 1. Please check your rank Private Private First Class Corporal or T/5 Sergeant or T/4 S/Sgt. or T/3 or higher 2. In what state did you spend most of your time during the last ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION five years before coming into the Army? Put a check in the box above the group in which the name of your state is found. East South Middle West West Connecticut Alabama Illinois Arizona Maine Arkansas Indiana California Massachusetts Delaware Iowa Colorado New Hampshire District of Kansas Idaho New Jersey Columbia Michigan Montana New York Florida Minnesota Nevada Pennsylvania Georgia Missouri New Mexico Rhode Island Kentucky Nebraska Oregon Vermont Louisiana North Dakota Utah Maryland Ohio Washington Mississippi South Dakota Wyoming North Carolina Wisconsin Oklahoma South Carolina Tennessee Texas Virginia West Virginia 3. Where did you live for most of the past five years before you entered the Army? (Check one). On a farm In a town with fewer than 2,500 people In & city between 2,500 and 25,000 people In a city between 25,000 and 100,000 people In a city with more than 100,000 people - 1 - CONFIDENTIAL 4. How old were you on your last birthday? (Check one) 19 years or younger 20 to 24 years 25 to 29 years 30 to 34 years 35 years or more 5. How far did you go in school? (Check only the highest grade ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION completed.) Less than 6th grade Finished 6th grade Finished 7th grade Finished 8th grade Some high school or trade school Graduated from high school or business school Some college but did not finish Graduated from college 6. Are the following statements true or false? a) Mar bonds can be turned in to the post office for cash 60 days after purchase. True or False b) A soldier can deposit money with the Finance Office through his C.O. and draw 4% interest (getting the money upon his discharge). True or False c) War bonds cannot be turned in for cash until a soldier is discharged from the Army. True or False 7. How long have you been outside the U.S.? (Check one). Less than 6 months 6 months to 1 year 1 to 1) years 1, years or more - 2 - CONFIDENTIAL de How long have you been in the Middle East? (Check one) Less than 6 months 6 months to 1 year 1 to 1& years 12 years or more 9. When did you enter' the Army? (Check one) Less than 6 months ago 6 months to 1 year ago ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION 1 to 12 years ago 12 to 2 years ago More than 2 years ago 10. Are you. Single? Married, and have no children? Married, and have children? Divorced, widowed, or separated? 11, What is your Arm or Service? (Check one) Air Force Artillery Engineer Infahtry Medical Ordnance Quartermaster Signal Other - What ? 12. When you entered the Army did you come in as a... Selectee through Selective Service? or as a Volunteer in the Regular Army? or as a Member of the National Guard 13. How well satisfied are you about being in your present Army job. instead of some other Army job? Very satisfied Satisfied 7 Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied CONFIDENTIAL 14. Are you doing the job you expected to do when you left the U.S.T. Yes No 15. Below are several different statements about our Allies which American soldiers have made in questionnaires like this. You may agree with some and disagree with others, Opposite each statement, if you agree, put 8 circle around the word "Agree". If you disagree, put a circle around the ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION word "Disagree." If you are in doubt or just can't make up your mind, put a circle around the "?". a. "The English people are taking the war a lot more seriously than most Americans do." Agree ? Disagree b. "The English soldiers are going out of their way to help the Americans and show them a good time." Agree 7 Disagree c. "When Germany has been beaten, the Russians will probably help us against Japan." Agree ? Disagree d. "When Germany has been beaten, the English will probably help us against Japan." Agree ? Disagree e. "The English are doing as good a job as possible of fighting the war, considering everything." Agree ? Disagree f. "The English are taking it easy in their war effort in the hope that America will win the war for them." Agree ? Disagree 6. "After we help Russia beat the Germans, the Russians may turn around and start fighting us." Agree ? Disagree - 4 - CONFIDENTIAL h. "The English will probably try to get more territory for themselves out of this war." Agree ? Disagree 1. "After we help England beat the Germans, the English may turn around and start fighting us." Agree ? Disagree J. "The English can take it on the chin and come back for ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION more." Agree ? Disagree k. "The English can be depended upon to cooperate with us after the war." Agree ? Disagree 1. "The Egyptians can be depended upon to cooperate with us after the war." Agree ? Disagree m. "The Russians can be depended to cooperate with us after the war." Agree ? Disagree n. "The French can be depended upon to cooperate with us after the war. If Agree ? Disagree If you would like to make any comments about any of these statements, use the space below. - 5 - CONFIDENTIAL 16. Which do you like better, a regular letter or a V-mail letter? I like a regular letter better I like a V-mail letter better 17. Do you think that V-mail is easy or hard to read? V-mail is very clear and easy to read V-mail is fairly clear and fairly easy to read ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION V-mail is not clear and is hard to read 18. Which would you like better? A V-mail letter two weeks after it was mailed or A regular letter three weeks after it was mailed 19. Which would you like better? A V-mail letter two weeks after it was mailed, or A regular letter four weeks after it was mailed 20. Have you ever used the numbered telegrams (cables)? Yes, several times Yes, once or twice No, never 21, Do you like the numbered telegrams (cables) Yes, very much Yes, quite a bit ? No, not much What suggestions for improving these messages do you have? 22. Do you think there will be another war in the next 25 years or Bo? (Check one) Yes No Undecided - 6 - CONFIDENTIAL If you think there will be another war, who do you think will be fighting whom? (write below) 23. What part do you think our equipment has played in the fighting of the war up until now? ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION An unimportant part ? A major part 24. What part do you think our soldiers have played in the fighting of the war up until now? A minor part ? A major part 25. How good do you think our equipment is? Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor 26. Do you think that our equipment or English equipment is better? English equipment is better ? Our equipment is better 27. How do you like the English? Very well All right ? Not much Not at all - 7 - CONFIDENTIAL 28. Do you think English soldiers are as friendly as are American soldiers? (Check one) The English try to be friendly more than do Americans The English and Americans are equally friendly English and Americans are equally unfriendly Americans try to be friendly more than do the English If you think the English are not as friendly as Americans ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION why is it? (Check one) Because they are naturally reserved Because they don't like us Both 29. Have you ever known any Englishman personally? Yes, many Yes, several Yes, one or two No 30. If you have ever known any Englishman personally, think of the one you know best: a. Was he: A very close friend? or Just an acquaintance? or Just someone you met? b. Was he ever under enemy fire? Yes No Don't know 31, What is the attitude of your officers toward the English? Most of them like the English Some of them like the English and some of them don't Most of them don't like the English I don't know what the officers think about the English - 8 - CONFIDENTIAL 32. Do English or American soldiers "brag" more? Americans brag more than the English There isn't much difference The English brag more than the Americans 33. Do English or American soldiers work harder? English soldiers work harder ? American soldiers work harder ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION 34. Since leaving the United States, have you heard any talks by your officers about: a. The English people, their customs, and how they are carrying on the war? Yes, several times Yes, once or twice No, none b. Would you like to hear more talks of this kind? Yes, very much Yes, somewhat ? No C. Would you like to hear talks by the English about their own people, customs, etc.? Yes, very much Yes, somewhat ? No 35. Since leaving the United States, have you heard any talks by your officers about: a. The natives of the country in which you are stationed, their customs, and how they are carrying on the war? Yes, several times Yes, once or twice No, none - 9 CONFIDENTIAL b. Would you like to hear more talks of this kind? Yes, very much Yes, somewhat 7 No 36. a, Have you read either of the War Department pocket guides to Egypt or North Africa? Yes ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION No b. If yes, do you think it helped you to understand the people here better? Yes, it helped a great deal Yes, it helped some No, it wasn't much help How could it be improved? 37. Would you visit in the home of an educated native of this country if you were invited? Have been invited and did go Have been invited but did not go Would go if invited ? Would not go if invited If you would go, tell why; if you would not go, tell why not. 38. Is Egypt engaged in the present war? Egypt is fighting with England, Russia, and the U.S. Egypt is not fighting but is for England, Russia and the U.S. Egypt is not fighting but is for Germany, Japan, and Italy Egypt is fighting with Germany, Japan, and Italy - 10 - CONFIDENTIAL 39. About how many words of the native language used here do you know and understand? None 1 to 6 7 to 12 13 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 40 41 to 50 ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION More than 50 40. Check the statement that you think is right in each of the following pairs. a. V-mail is faster than regular mail Regular or air mail is just as fast as V-mail b. Regular mail is more personal than V-mail V-mail is just as personal as regular mail C. Regular mail is better because one can write as much as he wants to in each letter V-mail is better because one doesn't have to write so much 41. Do most of your fellow soldiers try to make friends with the native population? Most soldiers really try to make friends with the natives ? Most soldiers don't want to make friends with the natives 42. Did you come overseas on an American or English ship? An American Ship An English Ship A Ship from some other country what country? Don't know CONFIDENTIAL 43. Was the food aboard ship good or poor? Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor 44. a. Have you been under enemy fire during this war? ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION No Yes b. If yes, what kind (Check below) Torpedoed - - saved by Anti-aircraft Bombed Shelled Machine gun and/or rifle Other - - what? C. If you have been under fire, did you have a. chance to observe any English soldiers near you? Yes, I saw some English nearby No, I did not see any English nearby 45. Do you personally know any English soldiers who have been under fire? Yes No 46. a. Have you been to any parties or social meetings where there were both English and American soldiers? No Yes If yes, how many? 1 2 3 or more - - 12 - CONFIDENTIAL 46. b. If yes, were you simply invited or were you ordered to got I was invited and went willingly I just happened to go into the place I was ordered to go 47. If you had the opportunity, would you now go to a party or social meeting attended by both English and American soldiers? ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Yes, I should like to go No, I don't want to go 48. Do you think there is much ill feeling between Americans and Englishmen? Yes, a lot Yes, some little 7 No, not much No, very little or none 49. If it were up to you, what kind of outfit would you rather be in? (Check one) In a combat outfit overseas In a non-combnt outfit oversens In an outfit in the United States Why? 50. If it were up to you to choose, do you think you could do more for your country as a soldier or as a worker in a war job? (Check one) As a soldier As a war worker Undecided 51. Do you feel that you are helping in the war effort? Yes, very much Yes, a little 7 No 13 CONFIDENTIAL If you checked the "?" or "no", tell why you feel as you do. 52. Do you have enough work to keep you busy most of the time? Yes, I have too much work ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Yes, I have just enough work ? No, much of the time I don't have any work to do No, most of the time there is nothing for me to do 53. Considering everything, are more or less people needed to do the work in your outfit? The need more people to do the work properly We have just enough people to do the work properly Te don't need all the people we have to do the work properly 54. a. Considering what each of these countries could do, which one do you think is trying hardest to win the war? England Russia China United States Some other country what? Don't know b. Now, which one do you think is trying next hardest to win? England Russia China United States Some other country what? Don't know - 14 - CONFIDENTIAL 55. About how much longer do you think it will take us to beat Japan? (Check one) Less than 6 months 6 months to 1 year 1 year to 1½ years 11 years to 2 years 2 years to 2/2/20 years 21/2 years to 3 years 3 years to 4 years 4 years or more ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION Haven't any idea 56. About how much longer do you think it will take us to beat Germany? (Check one) Less than 6 months 6 months to 1 year 1 year to 1½ years 12 years to 2 years 2 years to 2/2/2020 years 2/2 years to 3 years 3 years to 4 years 4 years or more Haven't any idea 57. How good do you think the Russians are as fighters? (Check one) Very good fighters Good fighters Fair fighters Poor fighters Don't know 58. How about the Germans as fighters? (Check one) Very good fighters Good fighters Fair fighters Poor fighters Don't know - 15 - CONFIDENTIAL 59. Now, what about these other countries: (Check one Foreign country) B. The Japanese as fighters Very good Good Fair Poor Don't know ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION b. The English as fighters Very good Good Fair Poor Don't know C. The Americans as fighters Very good Good Fair Poor Don't know 60. America's greatest help in the war effort has been what Soldiers or Equipment 61. What part do the English think our equipment has played in the war up until now? An unimportent part ? A very important part 62, What part do the English think our soldiers have played in the war up until now? A minor part ? A major part - 16 - CONFIDENTIAL 63. How good dd the English think our equipment is? Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor 64. Do the English think that their equipment or American equipment is better? ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION They think English equipment is better ? They think American equipment is better 65. a. Would you approve or disa prove of the Army seving part of your pay each month for you and returning it to you immediately upon your discharge? Would approve Would approve if they were to pay me interest of 3% or 4% Would not approve No opinion b. If you approve, how much do you think should be held out? Just the foreign service pay Foreign service pay plus about one-fourth my base pay Foreign service pay plus about one-third my base pay Foreign service pay plus about one-half my base pay Some other amount - - how much ? 66. About how much pay n month does a private in the English Army get? (Put a check before the cnswer you think is right. If you don't know, make a guess). About $16 About $24 About 332 About $40 About 448 - 17 - CONFIDENTIAL