It's a Big Decision But You'll Be Glad You Joined [Cover title]
- Washington,D.C.: Department of Defense, 1950
Washington,D.C.: Department of Defense, 1950. Very good. 8¾” x 5¾”. Stapled pictorial selfwrappers. Pp. 15. Very good: some light creases, scuffs and spots to front wrap which has an Army/Air Force Recruiting Station stamp to top edge; one faint crease at edge throughout; lightly toned.
This is a rare recruitment book, “calling young women” to join the United States Armed Forces in the early 1950s. Photographically illustrated with charming cartoons and informative details, the book outlines the myriad opportunities awaiting women in the service.
The book began with a facsimile of a letter on Joint Chiefs of Staff letterhead from General Omar Bradley, which explained that “When women answered the emergency summons of World War II, they quickly proved their indispensability as members of the Armed Services.” It offered “new opportunities” as well as “lifelong satisfactions. Your field of service is as wide as the world.”
Complemented by cartoon illustrations, the text covered numerous benefits of a life in the service related to education, job training, travel and recreation, as well as, of course, “dates,” “a happy marriage” and “future security.” It detailed the nine routes a woman could take, including the WAC, the WAVES, the Nurse and Medical Specialist Corps, along with “what it takes to make the grade” and what to expect “once you're in.” A great centerfold photographic spread revealed nine women happily performing different tasks, all “vital to your country,” and there was a list of several “other things that count,” assuring young ladies that “you can really have fun,” “the food is tops” and “you'll find it easy to keep fit!” Seeking women with “loyalty,” “character” and “efficiency,” the book vowed that “You will be the pride of a grateful nation.”
An informative and illustrated enticement for young women to enlist. OCLC shows two holdings.
This is a rare recruitment book, “calling young women” to join the United States Armed Forces in the early 1950s. Photographically illustrated with charming cartoons and informative details, the book outlines the myriad opportunities awaiting women in the service.
The book began with a facsimile of a letter on Joint Chiefs of Staff letterhead from General Omar Bradley, which explained that “When women answered the emergency summons of World War II, they quickly proved their indispensability as members of the Armed Services.” It offered “new opportunities” as well as “lifelong satisfactions. Your field of service is as wide as the world.”
Complemented by cartoon illustrations, the text covered numerous benefits of a life in the service related to education, job training, travel and recreation, as well as, of course, “dates,” “a happy marriage” and “future security.” It detailed the nine routes a woman could take, including the WAC, the WAVES, the Nurse and Medical Specialist Corps, along with “what it takes to make the grade” and what to expect “once you're in.” A great centerfold photographic spread revealed nine women happily performing different tasks, all “vital to your country,” and there was a list of several “other things that count,” assuring young ladies that “you can really have fun,” “the food is tops” and “you'll find it easy to keep fit!” Seeking women with “loyalty,” “character” and “efficiency,” the book vowed that “You will be the pride of a grateful nation.”
An informative and illustrated enticement for young women to enlist. OCLC shows two holdings.
Details
Title
It's a Big Decision But You'll Be Glad You Joined [Cover title]
Condition
Very Good
Publisher
Department of Defense: Washington,D.C.
Date
1950