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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.
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.