“The Best Training in the World” sounds like a big statement---and it is---but that’s what America’s young men get when they are accepted by the Army Air Forces for training as pilots, bombardiers and navigators. The above chart, prepared by the Southeast AAF Training Center, shows the progressive stages of training Army aviation cadets undergo from the time they pass the physical and mental examinations at a local board or Army Post, until they emerge Second Lieutenants or with the newly created grade of Flight Officer. (Both ranks carry the same pay, and Flight Officers may later be commissioned as Second Lieutenants). Upon graduation from the last stage of Training Center preparation, the young officers are assigned to a Combat Unit and are ready to meet the enemy. And because of their exceptional training, they will meet him on better than even terms in knowledge and ability. That means greater safety for themselves---and bad news for their opponents.

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