Reasons for the New Program

 

"Men, many of you no doubt are wondering why this year the University
is requiring three hours of conditioning work each week of all the men in the
University. The reason for it is this, speaking bluntly -- This is war!

Meny, if not all of you men, will be serving in some branch of the
armed service before the year is out. Many of you will see active combat
and many will not come back. It is_our hope that by getting you men in as
- good physical condition as possible, you will be better prepared to take care
of yourselves in battle. Good conditioning and physical agility may be the
means of saving your lives. 7

This is a war of speed and mobility. A battle may be won or lost in
five minutes of even five seconds. The ability to function perfectly during
those few minutes may be not only the decisive factor in winning the battle,
but also may save your life and might even save the nation.

Furthermore, when you are inducted into any branch of the armed
services, the first thing that will happem to you is that you will have to °
undergo a period of intense physical training. If you are already in good
_ physical trim, your period of basic training will be much easier for you and
you will make better soldiers, sailors, marines, flyers or commandos, as the
case may be.

We are planning to give you much the same type of program that you will
later get in the army. It will be tough, you'll have to work, you'll have
some fun, and you'll like it!

There may be a little confusion and things may not run smoothly at
first-in getting the program under way. We have an enormous load without
any additional staff and the entire program is new. We want your patience
and cooperation in helping to put over this important part of your training
and education."