January-February - Air Defense Artillery

Men At Play By Captain Boyd H. Pulley
Coast Artillery Corps
:\Ien like activitv. This is a basic fact that doesn't
(hange materially ~egardless of occupation or circumstance.
The fighting man is not substantially different
from his brothers in factories, arms plants, or even on
the farm, because the man under arms came from a
similarbackground.
In spite of the numerous new factories that influence
or control the soldier's activities, he still retains many
former habits and certainly lives by unnumbered delights
and pet peeves. Were it not so, complete personalities
would change over night-and not always
favorably.
Probably the most drastic and sudden change in a
soldier's life is becoming a soldier. Frequently, weeks
are spent in training centers taking the shock out of the
bitter pill. Our Uncle has a way of soldiering-His
way!! And sooner or later every pleasure-seeking and
freedom-loving nephew must redraft his thinking to
conform.
After the first jolt of turning in the civies for khaki,
the numbness begins to seep out of an over-crowded
brain. Finally, when guard orders, customs of the service,gun
drill and rifle nomenclature in routine fashion
soakup the fever of previous frustration, the individual
again begins to stabilize. It is then that the desire for
many former activities crov\,dsupon the soldier. At this
instant, some men cease to scratch for themselves. Immediately
the problem of diversion looms before every
organization commander.
Any activity must spring from a free, fun-loving,
spirit if it is to accomplish the greatest possible results.
In wartime confusion, it is important that the fighting
man's nerves be cooled down by a good shock-absorber.
Athletic competition produces relaxation and is a surefireremedy.
Spirited contests use energy and divert attention
to personal achievement. During a fast game
each man is his own boss while striving to perfect individual
technique. On this premise we have tried to let
the varied group interests dictate recreation policy.
Whether it's basketball, fishing or an ordinary "bullsession,"
the officer's position is on the side-lines. He
can be enthusiastic and shov\' his interest in what the
men are doing by socializing, but actually to participate
might curb many a soldier's originality and enjoyment.
This is not a set rule because there are times 'when the
men delight to see their officers take the starch out of
their cuffs and let their hair down on a man-ta-man
basis.However, the occasion and extent must be carefully
determined. As a simple example, a half dollar
bet within hearing range of bystanders, that some lone
basketball sharp shooter can't sink a long shot, may
starta spirited game of twenty-one or some other basketshootingcontest.
Men who never gave two consecutive thoughts to
fishing, upon seeing a can of bait will waddle off to the
beach, fish pole poised ready for any unsuspecting sea
monster. It is certain that out of 150 men there wiII be
at least a couple of expert fishermen whose neverwaning
devotion to the art will lend enthusiasm in
direct proportion to the number of fish they can catch.
In purchasing fishing equipment, this organization
(Battery B of the 6th CA) took advantage of the law of
supply and demand. If everyone who wanted to fish
could get tackle every time, the interest would soon
subside. A little waiting creates demand. Consequently
only six complete sets of fishing tackle suitable for surf
casting (at a price well under a hundred dollars) were
purchased. Sinkers and other tackle can be fashioned
by the experts. This not only stretches the funds, but
stimulates interest in keeping equipment in good condition.
However, the enterprise is cold-blooded business.
Anyone breaking or damaging equipment must
either repair it or purchase replacements. Soldiers have
a healthier respect for materials with a pocketbook
value.
On one occasion fishing stories were the topic of the
hour. Striped bass were hitting the hook with exciting
regularity, and in less than t\\'o hours the fishing party
returned with enough beauties for an entire meal. This
was fresh fish, and because battery personnel made a
sport of getting it, the savory flavor was enhanced.
Horse shoe pitching takes a small area with equipment
costing next to nothing. And yet it is surprising
the interest developed on two courts where winners
battle for mythical honors-with a bottle of soda pop
thrown in as a side-bet for high score.
Baseball has won support in our battery partly because
we have three or four men on the post team
which gives the boys inside interest in league games.
Practically any unoccupied moment of the day finds a
pitchers' duel raging along the battery parade. All the
equipment needed for a baseball game is a couple or
three gloves, a hard ball, and a contest complex. Strikes
are called, the runs tallied and side after side retired as
long as the pitching wing wiII flip a curve.
It's no mere accident that men collaborate in friendl"
competition. Good fellowship and hard work toward ~
common interest wiII generate the factors that hold
interest in work or recreation. However, a bond of
trust must be established among members of the group.
Sometimes organizations are criticized for working their
men too hard since hostilities began in December. A
full work schedule has definite advantages providing
the work is vital and concerns all men equally. Furthermore,
soldiers, like anyone else, appreciate encouragement.
Under good direction and thorough organization,
stiff work assignments are good morale boosters. Our
men have built a huge quarters-dugout, an under-