A Message to Aviation Cadets
Entering the U. S. Naval Flight Preparatory Schools
(April, 1943)
Preface
This pamphlet, originally prepared by Lieutenant R. H. Robinson, U.S.N.R., is
considered of such value that it should be made available to all students of the United
States Naval Flight Preparatory Schools. The high quality and standards achieved by Naval
Aviation during the current conflict can be maintained only by the individual and all-out
efforts of each officer and man within its organization.
April, 1943
A. W. RADFORD
Captain, U.S.N.
Director of Aviation Training
Bureau of Aeronautics
A Message to Aviation Cadets
You have been selected for flight training from a large number of applicants. The U. S.
Navy welcomes you as an Aviation Cadet and future officer. You now have the most important
job of your life to do. Absolutely nothing must stop you from achieving success-in this,
your greatest venture. To attain your objective you will have to exercise to the fullest
those qualities with which you have been endowed.
The transition from civilian life to military routine may not be easy at first and will
require considerable adjustment on your part. You must "grow up" quickly and
discard schoolboy ideas. You must learn to do things the Navy way, but, as you progress
through the various stages of instruction, things will come easier to you. It is the
purpose of this pamphlet to answer some of the questions which undoubtedly are in your
mind and to give you a few hints which will aid your adjustment.
The modern airplane is an ingenious piece of machinery, extremely delicate and
complicated, and to fly one well requires the greatest skill. The U. S. Navy is not
interested in developing a corps of "aerial truck drivers"; instead, it needs
trained men thoroughly proficient in the fine art of flying and fighting as a team. You
must think straight and act quickly in order to handle successfully the powerful planes
which you will fly. You must have the courage and ability to beat your opponents, even
when the odds are against you.
During your course of instruction at the Flight Preparatory School and in your later
training, the Navy will spend many thousands of dollars to equip you for active combat
service and the serious business of prolonging your own life. It is up to you to
concentrate, study, persevere, and give absolutely everything you have. You are now
playing for keeps. If you learn thoroughly the subjects that will be taught to you here
and in the schools to follow, you will be, when you receive your wings, one of the best
trained aviators in the world.
You may as well know now that if your ground work here is careless and halfhearted, you
soon will return through the same gate you entered. We are at war, and the Navy does not
have the time or money to waste if you are not deadly serious! A commission and the
coveted wings of a Naval Aviator await you if you strive hard for this goal with all you
have — and don't give up.
During your training on the ground and in the air, there are apt to be times when
something is said or done that is over your head. Do not be afraid to ask questions. The
officers and civilian instructors teaching you are just as anxious to impart their
knowledge with thoroughness as you are to acquire it, and they welcome intelligent
questions. It is our duty to instruct you with all the knowledge that we have
— it is your duty to absorb it.
You must be conscious of your position at all times, remembering that Aviation Cadets
are future officers. You must be correct in behavior and appearance and must create a good
impression of the Naval service with all whom you contact. Do not smoke on the streets nor
do anything which may reflect upon your training. The honor system is in force here and it
is up to you to live up to the trust placed in you. Violations may result in dismissal.
The Meaning of Discipline
Naval discipline is a habit of intelligent obedience instilled in you by education and
training. It insures order, precision, and promptness at all times. Without discipline, a
group of men becomes a mob, incapable of accomplishing an assigned mission.
Those who are destined to command must first learn to obey.
Discipline means that you subject your-self to control exerted for the good of the
whole. It is absolutely indispensable in a military organization.
Two essentials of discipline are obedience to proper authority and uniform obedience by
all.
Discipline is a necessary component of every phase of military life. If you willingly
subject yourself to Its standards, you will soon learn to respect it and therefore never
have to fear it. Unlike small boys who try to see how much they can get away with,
Aviation Cadets must enforce regulations upon themselves and later upon others. Willful
infraction of regulations will result in punishment for the offender. You will find,
however, that discipline at the U. S. Naval Flight Preparatory School is used chiefly to
mold, correct, improve, and develop qualities of leadership in cadets.
Three reasons why men accept discipline are fear of punishment, cheerful and
spontaneous acquiescence because of faith in their cause, and respect for the confidence
their leaders place in them.
Most of the discipline of the Navy rests either upon tradition or on the basic laws
that comprise The Articles for the Government of the Navy. These "Articles"
comprise the "Constitution" of the Navy and from them most Naval regulations and
instructions have been derived.
The Rules of Discipline are:
- Obey orders cheerfully and willingly.
- Obey the last order received from any responsible authority.
- Show respect to your seniors at all times.
- Remember that you will soon be a leader and will be giving orders. You will be
responsible then to see that those under you obey. You must first learn to be obedient
yourself before you can expect to be a leader of other men.
- Discipline does not mean short liberties, restrictions of personal conduct, and forced
obedience to all sorts of rules and regulations. It does mean self-control, a cheerful
obedience to necessary laws and regulations, and a square deal to your fellowmen.
You must learn by observation, study, and by asking questions. Pending acquisition of a
more thorough knowledge of Naval customs, you will do nothing very wrong if you exercise
good common sense, never forget that you are a gentleman, and bear in mind that you are a
member of the finest military organization in the world. Undoubtedly there are many
questions in your mind right now which the following may help to clear up.
The Salute
Your right hand is raised smartly until the tip of your forefinger touches the lower
part of your headdress above and slightly to the right of your right eye. Your thumb and
fingers are extended and joined, palm to the left, upper arm horizontal, forearm inclined
at about 45 degrees, and hand and wrist straight. If necessary, turn your head and eyes
toward the person saluted. To complete the salute, drop your hand and arm smartly to your
side in one motion.
The salute is an exchange of courtesy and mutual respect between individuals in a
military organization. It is in no sense an admission by the one who salutes first that he
is mentally, morally, or physically inferior to the one being saluted. In a sense, you are
saluting the uniform that a man wears. When saluting, you are reiterating your oath of
allegiance to the Service.
Nothing gives a better indication of the state of discipline than the observance of
forms of military courtesy such as the salute. From time immemorial, it has been strictly
and conscientiously observed by men of every nationality who follow the profession of
arms.
Whom and When to Salute
Juniors always salute seniors first.
Every officer senior to you in the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and allied or friendly
foreign service should be saluted upon meeting or passing on the street. If uncertainty
exists, render the salute. Better to err on the side of courtesy than be thought ignorant
of the rules or expose yourself to censure.
You will salute all commissioned officers on every occasion of meeting, passing near,
or being addressed.
Salutes are begun by juniors at six paces distant, when meeting, or at the nearest
point of passing if greater than six paces.
Salutes are supplemented generally by a brief greeting, i.e., "Good morning,
sir."
Salute only when covered. If uncovered, come to a halt and greet the senior. He
will return the greeting with a salute.
Salute even though the senior is uncovered. He will return the salute with a greeting.
Don't salute when double timing. Come to a walk, salute, then resume double time. If
uncovered, come to a halt and give a greeting.
Always salute, if covered, when given a personal order. In addition you acknowledge
with, "Aye, aye, sir," signifying that the order is understood and will be
obeyed.
Do not salute when in ranks unless you are the senior in command. He renders the salute
for the entire organization, whether it be a regiment, battalion, company, platoon, squad,
or detail.
Ladies of your acquaintance upon being introduced are saluted, usually with a slight
bow. Never take your cap off when talking to ladies out of doors.
When passing an officer going in the same direction, you say, "By your leave,
sir," as you reach his side, accompanied by a salute. Pass on his left.
In accompanying officers, juniors walk or ride on the left of their seniors unless
there be special reason for the contrary. When-ever you are in a room and an officer
enters, you will come to attention, at the same time calling all other cadets in the room
to attention. You will remain at attention until told to "Carry on," or until
the officer has left
The Uniform
The uniform with its various insignia and devices is designated primarily to indicate
on sight those belonging to the Naval service. It shows at a glance the rank, corps, or
rating, and hence the authority and responsibility imposed by law upon those wearing it.
Many times you are judged by your appearance. You are expected to make sure that your
uniform is at all times clean, neatly pressed, and completely buttoned. Hands will not be
carried in pockets nor will pockets be used to carry articles which show from the outside
or because of their bulkiness, create an unmilitary appearance. Care, of course, should be
taken to make sure that shoes are shined, ties correctly tied, and that other articles of
uniform are properly worn. You also will keep your hair neatly trimmed and your person
fresh and clean.
War regulations require that you must be in uniform at all times except when in the
confines of your own home and even then when there are three or more guests present.
Qualities to Develop
Having familiarized yourself with the contents of this pamphlet, try to develop in
yourself these qualities which are essential to your success as a naval officer:
