America’s New Army

Series

Series Name

The March of Time 7th Year

Issue

Issue No.

12

Date Released

1942

Stories in this Issue:

1. 1America’s New Army

Story

Story No. within this Issue

1 / 1

Summary

The March of Time synopsis: Revisiting briefly the pre-Pearl Harbour period, the film proceeds to show how thereafter the antiquated set-up was completely overhauled. Scenes showing training camp activities, munitions factories, supply depots and actual combat tactics emphasise how revolutionary have been these changes. Chief step in unification has been the centring of all military activity under General George Catlott Marshall, who heads the three all-embracing commands - Services of Supply, Ground Forces and Air Forces. The functions of the three commands are shown in turn.

In charge of Services of Supply is General Brehon Somervell, whose department must supply everything - everywhere. Purchasing has been centralised for an inventory that is literally beyond imagination, for each soldier requires peace time equipment plus Army gear. And differences in climate between Iceland and Burma, for example, complicate purchasing still further. In addition provision must be made to distribute, maintain in good running order and replace all worn equipment for this gigantic army. Nor can the health and comfort of the men who do the fighting itself be overlooked. A medical unit goes to every front.
In charge of the Ground Forces is General Lesley McNair, administrative chief of all infantry, cavalry, artillery and armoured divisions. The scenes showing their activities are a reminder that the infantryman is still the nucleus around which any army must be built. Sequences showing the training of the paratroops emphasise the way this new U.S. Army is being modernised.

In charge of Air Forces is General Henry W. Arnold himself a flyer, with a flyer’s knowledge of the technical problems of a branch which may well prove, in striking power, the decisive factor. But, as the film points out, before this decisive blow can be launched industry must provide greater striking power - more planes, more bombs and - most of all - ships. For want of ships to transport fighter planes, battles without those fighters have been lost. Lack of air protection has cost vital stores. And lack of long-range fighters has rendered bombers useless. The climax of the film is a sequence recreating the drama of General MacArthur’s message upon his arrival in Australia. In this, announcing his assumption of command of the Pacific offensive, he presses home his appeal for co-operation, and stresses the necessity for weapons and supplies.

Researcher Comments

This story was included in Vol.8 No.9 of the US edition.

Keywords

Aircraft; Air force

Written sources

The March of Time Promotional Material   Lobby Card, Used for synopsis

Credits:

Production Co.

Time Inc.