At first the training program was twelve months long but when the Navy began taking draftees in February 1943, it was shortened to eight weeks.Ĭamp Robert Smalls offered recruits much more than just a basic military education. Through its gates the first batch of recruits arrived in June 1942. Selected to serve as the new boot camp for African-American sailors was Camp Robert Smalls, initially named Camp Barry, located at Great Lakes Training Center. Information panel at Navel Station Great Lakes proving visitors with information on Camp Robert Smalls. 2 As a result, the establishment of a segregated training facility was needed. The announcement was made after lengthy deliberation between the White House and Navy leaders. On this day Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox announced that all ratings, jobs, in the general service of the Navy, and the reserve components of the Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, were now open to African-American volunteers. 1 Then on 7 April, 1942, there came a change to the status quo. This meant that its members, even if they held the rank of Chief, could not exercise authority over junior enlisted men in the general service. In addition the branch was organized outside the Navy’s general service. Serving as mess attendants, cooks, and stewards, these sailors received little training and had few responsibilities. When it came to the Navy, the enlistment of African-American sailors was restricted to menial work found within the Messman Branch. The United States Armed Forces was segregated when the nation entered the Second World War. The find was a reward for braving a Spring chill early one morning at the flea market. Several postcards appeared, apart of a series, which depict life for African-American Navy recruits undergoing boot camp training. Curious to know what was inside, I picked it up and slid out its contents. The small manila envelope sat on top of a tray of old documents.
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