My moral was totally destroyed a few days later when I learned that the Air Corps no longer needed additional pilots and the cadet program was to be curtailed. We were to be assigned to other jobs and Air Corps classifications. We were not a lot of happy campers. I shall say however that there was at least a hint of courtesy by the Air personnel who delivered that stunning blow to each of us. I shall now recreate by way of a short drama the essence of that meeting. There are only two actors in this play, HIM, a member of the staff at the testing center and ME, an eager potential Air Corps Cadet. As the curtain is drawn, we see a large desk at center stage. HIM is seated behind the desk. There is one chair in front of the desk. ME is seated on a bench at the front of the stage his back to the audience. HIM motions for ME to come and take a seat. The time is December 1943.

HIM: Good afternoon Private Taylor. The Air Corps has all the pilots it will need. The Cadet program is being phased out. You will be trained for some other M.O.S. The tests indicate that you should be trained as a radio operator. Now, wouldn't that be great?

ME: ( shocked at the news) No, I want to be a pilot.

HIM: Private, the pilot training program has been terminated. You can not be a pilot, pilot training is no longer a priority in the defense program, but radio operators are in demand.

ME: If I can't be a pilot, then I want to be a co-pilot, or a navigator or a bombardier.

HIM: Look, the Air Corps doesn't need more of those either. (HIM is getting annoyed at ME) Your test prove that you should be a radio operator---how about it?

ME: (equally annoyed) If I can't be one of those, then I want to be an Armorer ! ( the point accented by thumping the desk)

HIM: (turning white with shock) Why in the world do you want to be an Armorer when all tests show that you should be a radio operator? ( HIM stands up and paces behind the desk)

WW-9-11 P.11