US Army Training Center - Yearbook (Fort Bragg, NC)

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annum. . , ...an,-- , , ...n...... STATION COMPLEMENT NURSES At times it has furnished large amounts of supplies and equipment to Ground Force units preparing for overseas movement, thus assuming the functions of a Field Medical Supply Depot. A little known, but highly important, organization as- sociated with the Medical Department is the laboratory of the Respiratory Disease Commission for the Control of Influenza and Other Epidemic Diseases. Established here in 1942, under the direction of the Preventive Medicine Division of the Surgeon Ceneral's Office, the Commission has conducted intensive studies and r-esearch into respira- tory diseases from a clinical, epidemic, and laboratory point of view. The laboratory of the commission is fully equipped to make investigations of epidemics of influenza and other respiratory diseases wherever they may occur, and -to recommend necessary measures to prevent their spread. lt has done pioneer work covering the cause and control of pneumonia and similar diseases. ln 1944 the function of the Station Hospital was changed to that of a Regional Hospital to include patients trans- ferred from satellite station hospitals in the eastern half of North Carolina. A Reconditioning Program for all patients, other than those who are critically ill, was inaugu- rated at the hospital early in March, 1944, under the super- vision of Colonel Williams. The program is carried through on a graduated scale, and the patients are grouped in classes according to their particular state of debility. Patients are transferred from one class to another, depend- ing on their speed of recovery. ' At Hospital No. 2 calisthentics and supervised athletics occupy an important part on the program. Daily orienta- tion periods, including a summary of the latest war news, group discussions, and talks, serve to keep the soldiers mentally alert. The Reconditioning Program at Hospital No. 3 accom- plishes the all important task of restoring the soldier to top physical and mental alertness. As he becomes stronger, the soldier takes more vigorous exercises, longer drill periods, and longer marches-. A well-planned sports pro- gram includes every type of contest. Classes are held each day, during which news summaries, orientation talks, train- ing films, and courses in military training are given. The soldiers are encouraged to use the library and to take courses from the United States Armed Forces Institute. At the large craft shop, under the expert guidance of skilled craftsmen, the soldier has the opportunity to learn a new skill and trade which may be of benefit to him on his return to civilian life. The primary aim of the program is to return soldiers to duty ready to take up where 'they were when hospitalized. The Ar1ny's need for soldiers today is paramount, and when victory comes our nationwill need keen, intelligent and healthy citizens. It is the goal of the Pteconditioning Pro- gram to supply both needs.

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All these locally trained medical units are now on active duty in the various overseas theaters of operations. ln addition, more than 650 medical officers of the Station Com- plement have heen trained at this Post and are now serving all over the world. Included in the responsibilities of the Medical Depart- ment are the examination of applicants for Ofhcer Candi- date and other special schools. and physical examinations for discharge from the Army. for marriage licenses, life insurance, and for other similar purposes. Nlaintenance of proper animal hygiene is another activity of the Medical Department. Through the Veter- inary Branch, supervised by Col. Jean R. Underwood, all animals of the Post are constantly and scrupulously in- spected for disease. This hranch advises as to proper methods of caring for animals, inspects the forage, and in the Station Yeterinary Hospital, ministers to sick or in- jured public animals, animals helonging to the Post Ex- change, and pets of organizations and families residing on the reservation. About 1,200 animals are treated at the Hos- pital annually. The control of contagious diseases on the Post has heen effectively maintained hy the competent work of the Sanita- tion Branch. headed hy Captain George ll. Jones. Through the periodic inspection of messes, civilian and Post Ex- change eating establishments, and food storage and issue facilities, high sanitary standards are enforced and germ- hreeding centers eliminated. Another agency for the pre- vention of disease on the Post is the Insect, Rodent. and Vermin Control Section. This unit is part of the Post lfngineeris organizations its activities are supervised hy the Sanitation Branch. The sewage disposal plant. the Postis three ineinerator plants, and the water treatment plant are other vital installations under the guidance of the Sanitation Branch. The Sanitation Demonstration Area. largest of its kind in the country. has provided training for thousands of troops prior to overseas duty and afforded many prac- tical ideas relating to sanitation under field conditions. Medical supplies are procured, stored, and issued hy the Medical Supply Branch. lt operates under the direction of the Medical Department. ln addition to inspecting and surveying medical property this Branch furnishes medical equipment to tactical units training at Fort Bragg. 'LJ ts' . t K Top lett: A veterinarian officer inspects meat .... Top right: Evacuation hospital personnel prepare tor overseas service .... Bottom left: Sanitation demonstration area, . . . Bottom right: Medical technicians at work in regional hospital.

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.-ya, .auf GENERAL XNCXNERATOR want souiiasf W Top left: Whirlpool tub for ailing limbs in Physio-tlwerapy Section of Regional Hospital .... Top right: Eminent American psychiatrists in- spect work done at Regional Hospital .... Center left: Bed patients talce calisthenics at Regional Hospital .... Center right: General lncin- erator and Soalrage Pit at Sanitation Demonstration Area .... Bottom left: Laboratory Staff in Mosquito Control Wort.