Bellows Field Observations

Bellows Field, Sept. 5 >> Take the average American soldier out for a 10 mile daily hike with full field pack over the roughest kind of terrain, let him sleep in nightly for 15 nights with nothing between him and mother earth but a prayer and a G.I. blanket, let him wiggle under ice cold salt water showers in an outdoor bath house, let him run the bayonet and obstacle training courses, and he’ll be the healthiest specimen you ever laid your eyes on when the session is over.

Out at Bellows field that’s exactly what’s happening these days. Every man here will be given a two weeks “hardening” course under direction of seasoned doughboy instructors.

The first contingent of troops went to bat just a few days ago. A lot of them were soft from perching in offices since the outbreak of the war, but most of the boys were ready, willing and able to handle whatever dribbled their way. Then, too, as you’ll find in every group, a couple of “Major Hooples” were present, telling listeners, whenever they could find one, how they used to do it back in the old home town.

Lt. Col. James A. Sabiston, who commands the outfit furnishing the instructors, had this to say about the whole program:

“American soldiers are easily trained, intelligent and magnificent fighters and Hawaiian department soldiers are no exception. All we intend doing is keep them that way.”

To our way of thinking it’s a fine thing and we can hardly wait till the first group complete the course and return to the main camp. If we figure it might, the rest of us will look as phony as a seven dollar bill when the comparisons are made.

BELLOWS FIELD WEATHER REPORT

Sunday, not bad. Monday, much better today, but twice as bad as yesterday. Tuesday, drop in temperature, but ice skating conditions poor. Wednesday, probably no snow. Thursday, good or bad, all depending what you’re used to. Friday, rain unless it doesn’t. Saturday, your guess is as good as ours.