Soldier’s Life in the United States Army (1939): Experience, Travel, Training & Brotherhood

Front Cover, Brochure: Soldier’s Life: United States Army: Experience, Adventure, Travel Await You. United States Army Recruiting Office, San Francisco, CA, 1939-04-07 - 12 Panels. | GGA Image ID # 2340042f57

📝 Review & Summary

📖 Overview

This 12-panel U.S. Army recruitment brochure from April 1939—just months before the outbreak of World War II—offers a vibrant snapshot of the Regular Army’s mission, lifestyle, and appeal during a period of peace-time readiness. Designed to recruit young men into service, it emphasizes health, adventure, travel, trade training, character development, and patriotism.

Its relevance today extends far beyond its original purpose—serving as an educational primary source on pre-WWII Army life. For genealogists, it provides context to those who served in the late 1930s; for educators, it’s an engaging way to discuss evolving military culture and recruitment; for historians, it helps frame military readiness before global war.

💡 Most Engaging Features

📊 Pay & Promotions Explained Clearly: The brochure breaks down monthly pay grades from Private to Master Sergeant, including longevity bonuses and special pay for specialists and air mechanics—a goldmine for genealogists researching income or rank history.

🏫 West Point Admission for Enlisted Men: The ability for enlisted soldiers to compete for a West Point appointment via internal Army exams reflects both meritocracy and opportunity—a compelling talking point for educators.

📍 Overseas Travel Opportunities: The destinations mentioned—Panama Canal, Hawaii, Philippines, and Alaska—highlight the global reach of the Army even before WWII. These descriptions offer an accessible way to teach military geography.

🛏️ Daily Schedule Breakdown: With its detailed “A Soldier’s Day,” this section offers a window into barracks life—bugle calls, inspections, meals, evening recreation, and ceremonies—helpful for lesson planning or veterans explaining their own experiences to descendants.

VARIED ACTIVITIES

There are certain features connected with the Army that are outstanding. HEALTH comes first. The outdoor life, bracing drills, wholesome food, and regular hours induce this blessing of health.

TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE are open to every man in the military service. Soldiers have the opportunity to travel to distant lands, where adventure beckons.

EDUCATION. The Army conducts a variety of schools in which clerical, mechanical, and scientific subjects are taught. A large number of qualified soldiers, therefore, have an opportunity to learn trades, a knowledge of which may later prove of value to them in civilian pursuits.

PHYSICAL FITNESS

Before a man is accepted for enlistment, he must satisfactorily pass, in addition to an intelligence test, a searching physical examination. Moreover, once in the service, a physically fit man is kept fit.

Regulations provide for periodic physical examinations.

In addition to stimulating field maneuvers and daily setup exercises, there are healthful athletic pursuits at every station. The major sports of the U.S. Army are similar to those of a typical American college: football, basketball, boxing, track and field meets, baseball, and swimming. Every Army post has its teams, and every soldier is encouraged to participate in sports.

The slogan, “The Army Builds Men,” is no idle boast.

PAY AND GRADES

Just a word as to pay. Remember, it is not what one receives in the pay envelope at the end of the week, but what is left after one pays his debts.

In addition to a cash consideration, “Uncle Sam” furnishes clothing, food, housing, and medical and dental treatment free of charge.

West Point Cadets on Parade. (Soldier’s Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 2342d71704

The monthly pay schedule is as follows:

• Master sergeant $126.00—$157.50:
• technical sergeant and first sergeant $84.00—$105.00:
• staff sergeant $72.00 —$90.00:
• sergeant $54.00—$67.50;
• corporal $42.00—$52.50;
• private first class $30.00 $37.00;
• private $21.00—$26.25.

The exact amount received depends upon length of service, a five percent increase over the base pay of the several grades being allowed for each four years of duty, until a total of twenty-five percent has been earned. All service with the Regular Army counts for longevity and is transferred from grade to grade. Say that a man is promoted master sergeant after sixteen years’ service in the lower grades: he immediately begins to draw $151.20 per month— $126.00 base pay plus twenty percent for longevity.

In addition to the foregoing, extra income in the way of specialists’ ratings is provided for privates and privates first class who qualify for the performance of special duties. There are six such ratings, varying in compensation from $3 to $30 per month. These ratings, of which several thousand are authorized, are allotted to the various organizations.

Air mechanics ratings provide for the same pay as technical or first sergeants for air mechanics first class, and that of staff sergeants for air mechanics, second class.

SCHOOLS

“Uncle Sam” believes in developing the effectiveness of his soldiers as well as enhancing their physical well-being. Service schools occupy an essential place in the Army.

In these schools, a student may complete courses that will qualify them for a trade and increase their earning capacity upon return to civil life. The vocational subjects taught are varied and depend primarily upon the branch of the service selected.

WEST POINT

West Point is the seat of the United States Military Academy, where “Uncle Sam’s” embryo officers are trained. It is generally conceded to be the finest institution of its kind in the world.

Under present regulations, vacancies are available for enlisted men who meet the physical, mental, and moral requirements. Examinations are held on a competitive basis, ensuring a selection from suitable officer material.

The course is for four years, and upon graduation, the young men are commissioned second lieutenants in the Regular Army.

Field Artillery Battery at Firing Practice. (Soldier’s Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 234090988a

This truly excellent opportunity should appeal to young high school and ambitious college men to obtain a thorough education and, at the same time, follow an interesting career in life.

It will be seen from the reference to Army School activities that there really is a door marked “OPPORTUNITY” for an ambitious man. It should be understood that no agent of the Army Recruiting Service is authorized to make promises concerning special courses or vocational training at Army Schools. In all such matters, the provisions of Army Regulations govern.

TRAVEL

The United States Army has troops stationed in the Panama Canal Zone, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Alaska. In traveling through the Panama Canal, the soldier will see the world-famed Gatun locks; in Hawaii, he may visit the incomparable beach at Waikiki; in the Philippines, he will experience the fascination of life in the Far East; in Alaska, he may satisfy his longing to explore uncharted wildernesses.

Traveling with the Army to foreign shores is one of the greatest attractions of Army life. The liberal education and the broad vision a young man obtains through travel are assets to him throughout his life. The opportunity to serve with the Army in well-established garrisons in the overseas commands is open to those who desire this sort of service.

A SOLDIER’S HOME

The squad room in barracks is light, airy, and immaculately clean. All barracks buildings are thoroughly “policed.” There is a recreation room, liberally equipped with books, current magazines and newspapers, stationery, and more. The room also features pool and billiard tables, card game tables, radios, and trophy cases where cups won in sports events and marksmanship matches are displayed.

Early Armored Vehicle of U.s. Army Cavalry—Transitioning to Mechanized Warfare. (Soldier’s Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 2341130385

FOOD

“An Army marches on its stomach.” Soldiers of the U. S. Army eat good, wholesome food which is prepared and served in generous quantities by skilled, practical cooks.

A liberal ration allowance ensures a good table at all times, while on Sundays and holidays, the fare is such as to excite the most jaded appetite.

A SOLDIER’S DAY

The reveille bugle arouses the garrison early in the day. A short, brisk setting-up period is followed by breakfast, after which each soldier makes up their bunk in good order. Morning training ensues until about 11:30, when troops fall out to clean up for dinner. Duty in the early afternoon hours is varied.

The retreat, called the “most impressive military ceremony,” ends the soldier’s day around supper time. At night, the men gather in the recreation room, visit the post motion picture theater, or go to nearby cities and towns.

A Modern Type of Army Barracks. (Soldier’s Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 2341294cc9

TATTOO is sounded at 9 p.m., at which time lights are turned out in the squad rooms and quiet is enforced. For the benefit of those who wish to remain up longer, the recreation room lights are left on until TAPS at 11 p.m.

On Saturdays, the usual order of the day for a line company is general inspection of personnel, barracks, and area. These company inspections are usually completed in an hour or so, and the soldier is then free to spend the rest of the weekend at his leisure, provided he is not on detail for any necessary duty. On Sundays and holidays, only the most essential garrison duties are performed.

Army Signal Corps in Action—Demonstrating Communications Training by Sending a Radio Message.. (Soldier’s Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 2341305351

COMRADES IN ARMS

There are always opportunities to form fast friendships. Where men eat, sleep, work, and play together, day after day, their lives become cemented together, so to speak, and the associations are something to be cherished. Without companionship, this life would be empty indeed. Army experiences in this respect are most enjoyable and everlasting in their effect.

RETIREMENT

While no one likes to think of old age, it is a period of life that all must face sooner or later. “Old Father Time” is no respecter of persons.

After thirty years’ service in the Army, soldiers are retired on three-quarters pay, plus allowances of $15.75 a month. Retired pay, including allowances, varies from $35.44 to $133.87 a month, depending upon the grade reached.

DISCIPLINE

Men unfamiliar with the meaning of the term DISCIPLINE are apt to visualize it as the arbitrary rule of a stern master. The discipline demanded is essentially “TEAMWORK”; it is the inculcation and development of a cheerful desire to play the game according to the rules laid down for the military establishment—SPORTSMANSHIP if you will. The treatment accorded soldiers in our Army is fair and just.

Thrilling Moment in an Army Football Game. (Soldier’s Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 23417de737

ADVANCEMENT

Chances for advancement rest entirely with soldiers themselves. It is the same in the Army as in civil life in this respect. Each man has abundant opportunity to make good, as one of the principal objects of Army training is to develop individual initiative and qualities of leadership.

TIME OFF—PASSES—FURLOUGHS

Organization commanders are very liberal in the granting of passes. These passes may be extended over a period of days if the request is reasonable.

Under normal conditions, men are also allowed a month’s furlough a year on full pay.

Soldiers are encouraged to visit their parents when practicable and to keep up a correspondence with their relatives and friends. The Army features Mother’s Day as an event.

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

The American soldier is smartly clothed and equipped. There is an adequate clothing allowance, which ensures each man has plenty of underwear of the best quality, shoes, shirts, uniforms, an overcoat, etc.

Moreover, a soldier who exercises average care in the use of his clothing can effect a saving on his allowance. Any sum so saved will be turned over to him, in cash, at the expiration of his enlistment period.

ATHLETICS

Athletics are featured in post activities and are so arranged as to ensure the greatest good for the greatest number.

Whatever an individual’s preference in the field of sports may be, they will find congenial companions to join them in their recreation, whether their favored sport is football, baseball, basketball, boxing, tennis, swimming, track and field events, ice hockey, or another pastime.

CHARACTER RATING

Upon discharge from service, a soldier is given a discharge certificate signed by their commanding officer. Among other entries, a notation is made of the character of the recipient. A discharge with “Character Excellent” is a testament of which any man may be justly proud, and it should prove of valuable assistance to him throughout his career, whether in the Army or in civil life.

DIVINE WORSHIP

At each large post, religious services are conducted by an ordained clergyman who is a chaplain in the Army. He is in close contact with members of the command at all times. He looks after not only spiritual welfare, but also any private difficulties that may arise. Attendance at religious services is voluntary.

IN CONCLUSION

An honorable discharge from the Regular Army after at least one year of continuous service makes it possible for those returning to civilian life to remain with the colors and become modern “Minute Men” by enlisting in the Regular Army Reserve, provided they are under 36 years of age and physically qualified.

Pre-WWII Pilot Training in the U.S. Army Air Corps—Precursor to the U.S. Air Force, Showing the Student and His Instructor. (Soldier’s Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 23420f8300

Aloha! Soldiers aboard Army Transport off for Service in the Tropics. (Soldier’s Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 23428fc586

Applicants for enlistment must have the following qualifications:

• Limiting ages for original enlistment—18 to 35 years.
• If under 21 years of age, they must have the consent of their parents or guardian.
• He must be at least 5 feet 4 inches in height.
• Minimum allowable weight: 115 pounds.
• A good moral character, certified by a reputable citizen.
• Must be of sound health and free from any organic disease.
• Applicants must have sufficient teeth in good condition to perform the function of mastication.
• Must be able to pass the prescribed intelligence test.
• Must be citizens of the United States,
• Must be single and without dependents.

Brochure Number: LX-20—RPB—4-7-39—200M

📷 Noteworthy Images:

West Point Cadets on Parade (Image ID #2342d71704): Perfect for illustrating tradition, order, and ceremonial training.

Early Armored Vehicle of U.s. Army Cavalry—Transitioning to Mechanized Warfare (Image ID #2341130385): A rare glimpse into pre-war mechanization.

Army Football Game (Image ID #23417de737): Reinforces the emphasis on athleticism and morale.

Army Signal Corps in Action—Demonstrating Communications Training by Sending a Radio Message. (Image ID #2341305351): Shows technical skill-building, great for STEM lessons.

Pre-WWII Pilot Training in the U.S. Army Air Corps—Precursor to the U.S. Air Force, Showing the Student and His Instructor (Image ID #23420f8300): Valuable context for pre-WWII Air Corps development.

📚 Relevance to Military, Genealogical, and Educational Communities

For Teachers & Students 🎓

A visual and narrative primary source for teaching U.S. military history, propaganda, interwar years, and comparative career development.

Ideal for assignments exploring how the U.S. military marketed itself in a non-war period.

Connects to civics and social studies discussions around enlistment, duty, and national service.

For Genealogists & Family Researchers 🧬

Details on enlistment qualifications (height, weight, dental health, moral certification) provide clues about why an ancestor may or may not have served.

Pay grades and specialty duties help infer rank and compensation from military records.

For Veterans & Military Historians 📖

Offers pre-WWII insights into unit life, training standards, and institutional values.

Establishes continuity between WWII service members and those recruited before U.S. involvement.

🧠 Mini Dictionary of Military Terms (for Civilians)

Term: Definition

• Barracks: Housing or living quarters for enlisted personnel.
• Policed: Cleaned and maintained, especially in a military context.
• Furlough: A leave of absence granted to enlisted personnel.
• Squad Room: Sleeping quarters shared by a small group of soldiers.
• Tattoo: Bugle call signaling quiet hours in the barracks.
• Taps: Final bugle call of the day; lights out and silence.
• Specialist Rating: Extra pay for privates performing skilled duties (e.g., mechanic, clerk).
• Combat Car: An armored vehicle used by cavalry units before tanks became standard.

💬 Closing Encouragement

📚 Teachers and students: When writing essays on military history, social mobility, or American patriotism before WWII—use this 1939 U.S. Army recruitment brochure from the GG Archives as a vivid, well-documented primary source. It brings together lifestyle, education, adventure, and service, just as the world was about to change.

🎖️ Veterans and families: This is not just a brochure—it’s a snapshot of your legacy. Explore it, share it, and use it to connect your story with history.

Varied Activities, Physical Fitness, Pay and Grades (Part 1) (Soldier's Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 2344feccf0

Pay and Grades (Concluded). (Soldier's Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 23447e9b28

Schools, West Point, Travel (Part 1). (Soldier's Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 23444f085d

Travel (Concluded), A Soldier's Home, and Food. (Soldier's Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 2344373dd7

A Soldier's Day (Reveille, Retreat, Tattoo, etc.). (Soldier's Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 2344120c32

Comrades in Arms, Retirement, Discipline (Part 1). (Soldier's Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 2343f9012e

Discipline (Concluded), Advancement, Time Off-Passes-Furloughs, Clothing and Equipment, Athletics, and Character Rating (Part 1). (Soldier's Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 2343d132a5

Character Rating (Concluded), Divine Worship, and Conclusion. (Soldier's Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 234347ec09

Qualifications for Becoming a Soldier. (Soldier’s Life, 7 April 1939) | GGA Image ID # 23432ca2e3