oe hB), Activities: which strenzthen the abdominal miscles are: advocated with °°
the objective of ‘atatvenieh = dines emacs of the black-out involved in sudden: chahzes ©
of altitude and direction. There is no. scientific arobie awed Avie Hat a strong -
abdominal wall will absolutely:lessen black-out. There is still a great deal’ that
is. not known about this particular: condition. The evidence available, however,
indicates that-a strong abdominal wall will probably ait: in. preventing blackout..
Until it is. proved otherwise, thercfore, we shall advocate the maintenance of a
very strong abdominal wall, Certainly. we know that this is one of the ‘most neg?
lected, and yet most important, muscle groups in the entiré body for all daily
activities and functions. sa le

ee Senge and games of 4 recreational type, which appeal to the-indi--°
vidual officer, are advocated, in line with our objective to relieve flying: °

stress and to provide an emotional outlet. They afford an opportunity to fora

get end become absorbed in that particular game. A program of formalized acti- ©
vities such as calisthenics or regimented participation in distance running or

_ formalized zames would probably not achieve this objective.

a é : ig oa
de Tver -thiind, phase of cur. physical training program is the voluntary, recrea-

ticnal athletic program. We are attempting, in the 4th Air Force, to promote a
broad intramural-program which will include as many sth aivies te and participants
as facilities, equipment and time will permit.

_» We are definitely discouraging the organization and promotion of ‘host teams
in the 4th Air Force... Why spond money and time, monspolize:-the few aveilable —
facilities and the time of what exverienced personnel there’ is’available, on'40°
football (or other "varsity") players; while the other 4960 men. on the post are --
left out, or sit around.and-watch?: ‘Post teams are the- froth 'of thé récreational
program.,- If the required:physical training boadriin tbe Seecdende? dente: and if
tne intramural program is ‘serving. the largest. number possible, then post teams may
oll be organized. We have seen onough of these athletie programs for. the few ‘at -

se

the expense of the many, in school and college athletics.

wren