Wartime Job with the Signal Corps

Putting Math Skills to Work

"They thought I was smart. "

"Well, I went to Raleigh, and they interviewed me. And then I got a job. And I went to Washington and I took the exam until I was too dumb to learn. But they thought I was smart. And they put me out to work. And I did like math problems. My problem is English. And one of the men asked me to study Japanese, because there was only two Japanese-speaking Americans when the war broke out..."

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Brochure, inside: Inside content of a brochure encouraging women to apply for jobs with the Signal Corps, ca 1940. ID: Two pages that read, “You are needed immediately for essential war work. The vital progress of our armed forces may be delayed if you do not heed this urgent call. By your active participation in essential government employment, you will aid our men in the armed forces to return home again as soon as possible. The security of our work prevents us from telling you in detail about the duties of the positions for which you are needed. We can say, in confidence, that you are needed for a clerical, analytical research, or mechanical position in an intelligence branch of the Army. Only persons of unquestioned loyalty, integrity, and trustworthiness are eligible for such positions. Each person must pass satisfactorily a rigid character investigation by the War Department. Educational requirements are at a minimum. Appropriate experience may be substituted for the education required in most cases. Practically all who meet the high character standards for employment fulfill the other requirements. In addition full time paid training will precede assignment to actual duties in order to increase your contribution to the War. Our work can be done by civilians and, therefore, should be done by civilians. Military personnel must be available for other assignments. Beginning salaries range from $1752 to $2190 and, in unusual cases, may be higher, dependent upon the type of position. Promotions will depend upon your diligence and ability to adapt yourself to this work. The place of employment for these positions is in Arlington, Virginia (across the river from Washington, D. C.). You are guaranteed a room accommodation. The housing office will aid you in finding other types of living arrangements. Government cafeterias at this station serve well balanced, attractive meals at a minimum cost of approximately $1.10 a day for three meals. Our employee service organization will help you make new friends and will call your attention…” ~ Source: Louvinia Jordan ~ Creator: United States Government ~ Date: ca 1940

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Louvinia Jordan, “Wartime Job with the Signal Corps,” Georgia Journeys, accessed November 21, 2024, https://georgiajourneys.kennesaw.edu/items/show/119.

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