The depot also issued clothing and equipment, gave inoculations, took blood types, and processed the men. A training program was instituted to prevent deterioration in discipline, morale, and physical condition, as well as to prepare men psychologically for overseas duty. But the training had to be flexible since men remained in the depots for variable, unpredictable lengths of time, subject to shipment on seventy-two hours’ notice.

Although Phil had signed a legal and valid will, he was required to do another. And he had enough time to write Marilyn every day and phone her every few days.