You will probably be out of the States a good many months.  Do not waste this time.  Learn something.  Knowledge is valuable, and acquiring it will make time go faster.  Correspondence courses are open to you in almost any subject that interests you.  You may earn high school and college credits through this medium.  See your educational officer or write to the USAFI, U. S. Armed Forces Institute, Madison, Wisconsin.

 

Diving masks can give great pleasure.  There is a whole new world of fantastic beauty open to you a few feet below the water’s surface.  A mask will increase your swimming pleasure 100 percent.

 

After it is issued to you, keep your own life jacket.  Stow it in the suggested signaling gear.  Keep it clean; and dry it out every day.  A wet, soggy jacket will bring you to the bottom instead of to the top.  Hang it in an upside down position.

 

Fountain pens are difficult to get these days.  Take care of the one you have.  A song session is always welcome under a South Sea moon.  Take a musical instrument if it can stand the gaff.  Ear plugs are helpful in preventing fungus infection.

 

Moccasins are easy to get on if you’re in a sack when an air raid sounds.  Sneakers are good for coral fishing.  Band aids are always helpful.  Maps of the world will keep you up with the war and for general interests.  Maybe you can prove to the boys that Sheboygan is on the map.  Books on geography are surprisingly interesting.  Games will help to pass the hours.  Always try to set up a tournament or competition.  It is much more fun this way and the pleasure is lasting.  Allot most of your money so you will not get caught or tempted by the card sharks and dice shooters.  Swiss files and chisels or any similar small tools are a great help in smoothing out souvenirs.  Song books are good.