Army Indoctrination Guidelines for Return to US

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dhelor's picture
Location: Oregon

This is apparently supposed to be an actual (though facetious) document that was given to soldiers returning from WWII. Since I found it originally in a joke book, I doubt it was, but I thought it was funny regardless of it's historic validity:

HEADQUARTERS LAST U.S. ARMY APO 001. U.S. ARMY

AG 4110.99 (DEBCA) 20 September 1944

SUBJECT: Indoctrination for Return to U.S.

TO: All Units.

1. In compliance with current policies for rotation of armed forces overseas it is directed that in order to maintain the high standard of character of the American Soldier and to prevent any dishonor to reflect on the uniform all individuals eligible for return to the U.S. under current directives will undergo an indoctrination course of demilitarisation prior to approval of his application for return.

2. The following points will be emphasized in the subject indoctrination course:-

a. In America there is a remarkable number of beautiful girls. These young ladies have not been liberated and many are gainfully employed as stenographers, sales girls, beauty operators or welders. Contrary to current practice, they should not be approached with "How much?" A proper greeting is "Isn't it a lovely day?" or "Have you ever been to Chicago?" Then say, "How much?"

b. A guest in a private home is usually awakened in the morning by a light tapping on his door, and an invitation to join the host at breakfast. It is proper to say "I'll be there shortly." DO NOT say "Blow it out your ass."

c. A typical American breakfast consists of such strange foods as cantaloupes, fresh eggs, milk, ham, etc. These are highly palatable and though strange in appearance are extremely tasty. Butter, made from cream, is often served. If you wish some butter, you turn to the person nearest it and say quietly "Please pass the butter." DO NOT say "Throw me the ****** grease."

d. Very natural urges are apt to occur when in a crowd. If it is found necessary to defecate, one does NOT grab a shovel in one hand and paper in the other and run for the garden. At least 90% of American homes have one room called the "Bathroom," i.e., a room that, in most cases, contains a bathtub, wash basin, medicine cabinet, and a toilet. It is the latter that you will use in this case. (Instructors should make sure that all personnel understand the operation of a toilet, particularly the lever or button arrangement that serves to prepare the device for reuse.)

e. In the event the helmet is retained by the individual, he will refrain from using it as a chair, wash bowl, foot bath or bathtub. All these devices are furnished in the average American Home. It is not considered good practice to squat Indian fashion in a corner in the event all chairs are occupied. The host usually will provide suitable seats.

f. Belching or passing wind in company is strictly frowned upon. If you should forget about it, however, and belch in the presence of others, a proper remark is "Excuse me." DO NOT say "It must be that lousy chow we've been getting."

g. American dinners, in most cases, consist of several items, each served in a separate dish. The common practice of mixing various items, such as corn-beef and pudding or lima beans and peaches, to make it more palatable will be refrained from. In time the "Separate Dish" system will become enjoyable.

h. Americans have a strange taste for stimulants. The drinks in common usage on the Continent, such as underripe wine, alcohol and grapefruit juice, or gasoline bitters and water (commonly known by the French as "Cognac") are not usually acceptable in civilian circles. A suitable use for such drinks is for serving one's landlord in order to break an undesirable lease.

i. The returning soldier is apt to find often that his opinions differ from those of his civilian associates. One should call upon his reserve etiquette and correct his acquaintance with such remarks as "I believe you have made a mistake," or "I am afraid you are in error on that." DO NOT say "Brother, you're really ****ed up." This is considered impolite.

j. Upon leaving a friend's home after a visit, one may find his hat misplaced. Frequently it has been placed in a closet. One should turn to one's host and say "I don't seem to have my hat. Could you help me find it?" DO NOT say "Don't anybody leave this room, some S.O.B. has stolen my hat."

k. In traveling in the U.S., particularly in a strange city, it is often necessary to spend the night. Hotels are provided for this purpose and almost anyone can give directions to the hearest hotel. Here, for a small sum, you can register and be shown to a room where you can sleep for the night. The present practice of entering the nearest house, throwing the occupants into the yard and taking over the premises will cease.

l. Whiskey, a common American drink, may be offered to the soldier on social occasions. It is considered a reflection on the uniform to snatch the bottle from the hostess and drain the bottle, cork and all. All individuals are cautioned to exercise extreme control in these circumstances.

m. In motion picture theaters seats are provided. Helmets are not required. In is NOT considered good form to whistle every time a female over 8 and under 80 crosses the screen. If vision is impaired by the person in the seat in front, there are plenty of other seats which can be occupied. DO NOT hit him across the back of the head and say "Move your head, jerk, I can't see a damn thing."

n. It is not proper to go around hitting everyone of draft age in civilian clothes. He might have been released from the service for medical reasons. Ask for his credentials, and if he can't show any THEN go ahead and slug him.

o. Upon retiring, one will often find a pair of pajamas laid out on the bed. (Pajamas, it should be explained, are two-piece garments which are donned after all clothing has been removed.) The soldier, confronted by these garments, should assume an air of familiarity and not act as though he were not used to them. A casual remark such as "My, what a delicate shade of blue" will usually suffice. Under NO circumstances say "How in hell do you expect me to sleep in a get-up like that?"

p. Natural functions will continue. It may frequently be necessary to urinate. DO NOT walk behind the nearest tree or automobile you find to accomplish this. Toilets (see above) are provided in all public buildings for this purpose.

q. Beer is sometimes served in bottles. A cap remover is usually available, and it is not good form to open the bottle by the use of one's teeth.

r. Always tip your hat before striking a lady.

s. Air raids and enemy patrols are not encountered in America. Therefore it is not necessary to wear the helmet in church or at social gatherings, or to hold the weapon at ready, loaded and cooked, when talking to civilians in the street.

t. Every American home and all hotels are equipped with bathing facilities. When it is desired to take a bath, it is not considered good form to find the nearest pool or stream, strip down, and indulge in a bath. This is particularly true in heavily populated areas.

u. All individuals returning to the U.S. will make every effort to conform to the customs and habits of the regions visited, and to make themselves as inconspicuous as possible. Any actions which reflect upon the honor of the uniform will be promptly dealt with.

"I'm absolutely retarded. Not 100% sure why." - atom
"Dhelor + intarwebs = Great ideas." - wordsmythe
"Do I what I do: hate everyone." - Quintin_Stone

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Botswana's picture
Location: Serenity Valley

Hmmm...it would appear my brother-in-law received no such guide. I will have to forward this to him.

(God bless him all the same, he is one awesome dude)

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Quintin_Stone's picture
Location: Cary, NC

Quote:
r. Always tip your hat before striking a lady.

That's good advice.

Fedaykin98 wrote:

Good lord, I wouldn't have expected brilliance like that from that nemeslut Quintin Stone!

wordsmythe wrote:
I know I'm not terribly cool

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Raven's picture
Location: Wherever life takes me.

dhelor wrote:
i. The returning soldier is apt to find often that his opinions differ from those of his civilian associates. One should call upon his reserve etiquette and correct his acquaintance with such remarks as "I believe you have made a mistake," or "I am afraid you are in error on that." DO NOT say "Brother, you're really ****ed up." This is considered impolite.

We never bothered with the "Brother" and there was usually throwing of something to make the point Glad we didn't need this rulebook, we'd have been screwed.

"What exactly is a squirrel licking beta grabbing frump digger?" ~trichy

"Grass grows, birds fly, sun shines and brudda.... I hurt people"

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LobsterMobster's picture
Location: On a picnic, going "La la la!"

Quintin_Stone wrote:
Quote:
r. Always tip your hat before striking a lady.

That's good advice.

Especially if it's a fedora.

NOTE: This is not a doodle bug.

Spore

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creatureparade's picture
Location: Washington State, FINALLY

Hahaha.. the chaplain gave us the 'don't beat your wife' brief last night. I love the transition classes.

The girlfriend - Apple commercials always remind me of heaven: white, not a whole lot going on, and trying to come across as better than it really is.

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KingGorilla's picture

Quintin_Stone wrote:
Quote:
r. Always tip your hat before striking a lady.

That's good advice.

So it sort of works like a bean ball from the pitcher in baseball?

Not a mistake, an evolution!
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Chumpy_McChump's picture
Location: Sappin' a sentry!

KingGorilla wrote:
Quintin_Stone wrote:
Quote:
r. Always tip your hat before striking a lady.

That's good advice.

So it sort of works like a bean ball from the pitcher in baseball?


Well, you want to try to brush him off the plate before you bean a guy...

If I could only bring three things to a desert island, all three would be you. And I'd make you all kiss. -a softer world

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Quintin_Stone's picture
Location: Cary, NC

KingGorilla wrote:
So it sort of works like a bean ball from the pitcher in baseball?

Nah, that's after.

Fedaykin98 wrote:

Good lord, I wouldn't have expected brilliance like that from that nemeslut Quintin Stone!

wordsmythe wrote:
I know I'm not terribly cool

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Raven's picture
Location: Wherever life takes me.

creatureparade wrote:
Hahaha.. the chaplain gave us the 'don't beat your wife' brief last night. I love the transition classes.

That was always an amusing brief., to say the least. I don't know what's worse, that they give it or that some of the guys probably needed it...

"What exactly is a squirrel licking beta grabbing frump digger?" ~trichy

"Grass grows, birds fly, sun shines and brudda.... I hurt people"

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VicD714's picture
Location: DoC

Quote:
s. Air raids and enemy patrols are not encountered in America. Therefore it is not necessary to wear the helmet in church or at social gatherings, or to hold the weapon at ready, loaded and cooked, when talking to civilians in the street.

What the hell kind of new-fangled weapon is this?

LiquidMantis wrote:

Wow. Only GWJ can take a thread on bar bathroom girl-on-girl cheerleader action and turn it into man-on-man geek action.

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creatureparade's picture
Location: Washington State, FINALLY

Raven wrote:
creatureparade wrote:
Hahaha.. the chaplain gave us the 'don't beat your wife' brief last night. I love the transition classes.

That was always an amusing brief., to say the least. I don't know what's worse, that they give it or that some of the guys probably needed it...

I'm also a big fan of the 'please please PLEASE don't spend all of your money on booze in three months' brief. A lot of guys need to listen to that brief.

The girlfriend - Apple commercials always remind me of heaven: white, not a whole lot going on, and trying to come across as better than it really is.

the pot and the kettle
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boogle's picture
Location: Norman, OK

creatureparade wrote:
Raven wrote:
creatureparade wrote:
Hahaha.. the chaplain gave us the 'don't beat your wife' brief last night. I love the transition classes.

That was always an amusing brief., to say the least. I don't know what's worse, that they give it or that some of the guys probably needed it...

I'm also a big fan of the 'please please PLEASE don't spend all of your money on booze in three months' brief. A lot of guys need to listen to that brief.

A lot of college kids need that brief. I saw a kid pounding back kronenborgs tonight.

*Legion* wrote:

Ignore boogle, his PCs have hookers inside of them.

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dhelor's picture
Location: Oregon

boogle wrote:
I saw a kid pounding back kronenborgs tonight.

Kronenborg?

Quote:
It's spelled Kronenbourg. I just felt like poking fun at ya. =D

"I'm absolutely retarded. Not 100% sure why." - atom
"Dhelor + intarwebs = Great ideas." - wordsmythe
"Do I what I do: hate everyone." - Quintin_Stone

the pot and the kettle
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boogle's picture
Location: Norman, OK

dhelor wrote:
boogle wrote:
I saw a kid pounding back kronenborgs tonight.

Kronenborg?

Quote:
It's spelled Kronenbourg. I just felt like poking fun at ya. =D
Poke fun at me? Why I never. And yeah, good call there, that's some expensive ass beer. My friends just drink keystones.

*Legion* wrote:

Ignore boogle, his PCs have hookers inside of them.

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Katheros's picture
Location: The Brink of Insanity

creatureparade wrote:
Hahaha.. the chaplain gave us the 'don't beat your wife' brief last night. I love the transition classes.

What if I really want a good, sound beating.... ?

I should get points for admitting he's my brother...
Mixolyde (7:28:44 PM): put me in your profile!
Tigger1fic (7:30:05 PM): say something worth putting in my profile!
Mixolyde (7:32:21 PM): how about Tigger: Forgetting about tact since 1980

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creatureparade's picture
Location: Washington State, FINALLY

Katheros wrote:
creatureparade wrote:
Hahaha.. the chaplain gave us the 'don't beat your wife' brief last night. I love the transition classes.

What if I really want a good, sound beating.... ?

Well, as I'm sure your husband can attest to, the transition briefs aren't, uh.. 'context sensitive,' if you catch my meaning.

NSFW part!

Quote:
A brief I think they should have is a warning brief about the impact that almost a year of celibacy can have on your sexual prowress. If my girlfriend expects any magic in the next few weeks, she'll be sorely disappointed.

The girlfriend - Apple commercials always remind me of heaven: white, not a whole lot going on, and trying to come across as better than it really is.

Me Love You Long Time
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Vector's picture
Location: The Wet Coast

Hehe, sorely.

McChuck wrote:

rabbit wrote:
Spaz wrote:
It's weird who you meat during ConSeason, aint it?

Paging douchebag community copyeditors on aisle 3. McChuck? Wordsmythe?

Oh, c'mon. You suck one c*ck and you're forever known as a c*cksucker.

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Katheros's picture
Location: The Brink of Insanity

mmmmmm after-deployment beating mmmm.

I should get points for admitting he's my brother...
Mixolyde (7:28:44 PM): put me in your profile!
Tigger1fic (7:30:05 PM): say something worth putting in my profile!
Mixolyde (7:32:21 PM): how about Tigger: Forgetting about tact since 1980

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cartoonin99's picture
Location: Raleigh, NC

creatureparade wrote:

Well, as I'm sure your husband can attest to, the transition briefs aren't, uh.. 'context sensitive,' if you catch my meaning.

NSFW part!

Quote:
A brief I think they should have is a warning brief about the impact that almost a year of celibacy can have on your sexual prowress. If my girlfriend expects any magic in the next few weeks, she'll be sorely disappointed.

No kidding. Hell, I thought it was bad enough when I went through Boot Camp combined with FTC for a total of 14+ weeks of no nookie. The female drill sergeants were starting to look good.

Quintin_Stone wrote:

Lunabean, when are you going to grow up and stop playing video games?
lunabean wrote:
After I have sex with your mother.

the pot and the kettle
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boogle's picture
Location: Norman, OK

Cartoonin's post is all kinds of messed up for me.

*Legion* wrote:

Ignore boogle, his PCs have hookers inside of them.

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creatureparade's picture
Location: Washington State, FINALLY

Female drill sergeants? Boot wasn't segregated for you?

The girlfriend - Apple commercials always remind me of heaven: white, not a whole lot going on, and trying to come across as better than it really is.

Suck My Diction
dhelor's picture
Location: Oregon

boogle wrote:
Cartoonin's post is all kinds of messed up for me.

Broken quote again, guess the "Dudes That Be" still haven't gotten that issue fully fixed.

"I'm absolutely retarded. Not 100% sure why." - atom
"Dhelor + intarwebs = Great ideas." - wordsmythe
"Do I what I do: hate everyone." - Quintin_Stone

the pot and the kettle
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boogle's picture
Location: Norman, OK

Attention benevolent overlords: we have a small inconvenience for you to fix.

*Legion* wrote:

Ignore boogle, his PCs have hookers inside of them.