March 21, 1944 Tuesday

Hello Hon—

Probably you know that Pa got $33 of my income tax of last year back. That’s good, but since he paid the original tax, he will naturally get the check. I knew they couldn’t impose a tax like that on me and get away with it.

Well, I feel ten years younger tonite, now that map reading is over. My first test came out O.K. and I don’t think I messed this one up so that my final course average won’t be satisfactory. I measured a few items inaccurately on the first test, but when the raw scores are changed it should be around 84 anyway.

Now I’m a demolition expert and will be for the rest of the week. Am learning how to blow bridges like “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” It’s very interesting, with formulas for determining how much TNT to use and how to detonate the charge. Explosives are usually used to blow up tank obstacles and anti-tank mine fields. Glad to find out how because I had been wondering just how to run a tank thru a mine field. The Germans are producing as many anti-tank mines as they are artillery shells, so they should be pretty numerous.

I have been meaning to expound a little on the teaching situation in the tactics department. It has everything the ardent “progressive educator” ever dreamed of. I won’t talk about its basic faults tonite, and they are many, but here’s an idea of the set up. Each classroom is nearly as big as a gym with excellent fluorescent lighting. The desks are roomy, well spaced tables, and the speakers platform is right out of the 25th century. A raised stage with a blackboard at least 60 feet long, and 20 feet high. (I swear—maybe not quite 60 feet, but at least that high.) As if this weren’t enough, it is 3 blackboards thick. When one is full, or the instructor wants to reveal another bunch of figures, he rolls it like a big garage door to one side and the next layer is visible. In addition a big screen for movies and a large frame for visual aids are on the stage. Visual aids are prolific—anyway 4 or 5 to an hour’s lecture, and the smallest is 6 feet square. Sand tables with Fort Knox terrain or the Italian front are scattered thru the 6 or 7 tactics buildings. Airplane models hang from the ceiling. News posters are all over, and cokes are available during the breaks.

All teaching principles, except teaching to the individual, are rigidly kept. It is remarkable the number of facts they can put across, and the timing that is put into the lectures. It’s generally “G.I.” deluxe. You’d be impressed two ways. At how clear teaching complicated subjects can be made by using good teaching methods. And how meaningless it it to use those methods if you haven’t anything to teach. It is admirable training but not education at all.

Now we can go to study hall the way we did before we took map reading—with just a book or two. Should say manual. Have been lugging small map factory around the last week or so.

I have soaked in more field manuals since I got here! Every new one I get, I have the same silly thought. Don’t know whether it refers to me reading so many manuals, or if it is a possible name for our son. Anyway, the old line from “The Messiah” always goes thru my head “And his name shall be called, Manual.” I usually sing it, too, but nobody appreciates it.

I love you always and always,
Wallace