Answers to Question About U.S. Navy - ca. 1914-1918
Transcript
ANSWERS TO QUESTION ABOUT THE U.S. NAVY The lowest pay for enlisted men in the United States Navy is $32.60 a month, which is in addition to all expenses, such as board and clothing. The first step in enlisting in the navy, if you have no trade and are between the ages of 17 and 25 years, is to apply as an apprentice seaman. If you are between 18 and 25 years of age, you can apply as a landsman for either yeoman, baker, electrician, ship’s cook or musician. The pay is $32.60 a month. This application means that you are not experienced but desire that line of work. If you are between the ages of 21 and 35 years, and have a trade, such as shipwright, blacksmith, plumber and fitter, machinist, boilermaker, shipfitter, coppersmith, fireman, baker, mess attendant, cook, musician, or painter, you will be paid according to your qualifications as shown by examination at the recruiting station. The first advancement of an apprentice seaman usually is when he has had enough training to allow him to go aboard a ship. His pay is then increased to $35.90. A fireman, third class, from 21 to 35 years of age, receives $36.20 per month. A fireman must be of excellent physique. If he has had experience he may become a fireman of the second class with pay at $41.00 immediately upon enlisting. Subsequent advancement of seamen is to petty officer, third class, and depends a great deal upon his leaning toward certain branches such as coxswain, gunner’s mate or quartermaster at $41.00 per month salary. The next advancement is to petty officer, second class, at $46.50 per month; then to petty officer, first class, $52.00; then to chief petty officer with various ratings and salaries, depending upon qualifications. In the artificer branch, such as carpentry and electricity, the pay ranges from $36.20 to $83.00 per month, all board, clothing, etc., being paid by the government. In the special branch, which includes yeomen, musicians, and the hospital corps, the pay ranges from $32.60 to $83.00. Advancement is rapid, especially at present. In time of war, petty officers are badly needed. One out of every three in the Navy is an officer. One hundred enlisted men are made commissioned officers each year, with the rank of ensign. Your weight should be about two pounds to the inch, and you must be at least 64 inches tall, barefoot. You can enlist without your parents’ consent if you are 18 years old. You must have some evidence of your age, either an age certificate, a written statement from one of your parents or guardian, or if that is not possible, from some record. You should apply for enlistment at any of the Navy Recruiting Stations in St. Louis, Hannibal, Mexico, Joplin, Springfield, Sedalia or East St. Louis, [Illinois] SEE YOUR POSTMASTER FOR APPLICATION BLANKS AND FURTHER INFORMATION.
Description
This World War I poster is part of a larger collection of propaganda material issued throughout Missouri during the war. These artfully crafted posters were distributed to help recruit men for the Navy and Marines, raise money for the war effort, and sustain public morale. This poster was meant to answer typical questions enlisting men may have had about joining the Navy. Information includes details about pay, physical requirements, and age requirements.
Details
| Title | Answers to Question About U.S. Navy - ca. 1914-1918 |
| Creator | Unknown |
| Source | Unknown. Answers to Question About U.S. Navy. 1914-1918. E. M. Violette Collection. WWI_200.48. Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918--Art and the war; World War, 1914-1918--Posters; World War, 1914-1918--Propaganda |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Site Accession Number | WWI_200.48 |
| Contributing Institution | Truman State University |
| Copy Request | All images property of Truman State University. Commercial use or distribution is not authorized. Notice: This material may be protected by Copyright Law (Title 17 U. S. Code). Contact speccoll@truman.edu for reproduction rights. |
| Rights | All images property of Truman State University. Commercial use or distribution is not authorized. Notice: This material may be protected by Copyright Law (Title 17 U. S. Code). Contact speccoll@truman.edu for reproduction rights. |
| Language | English |