We come from all branches of O.S.S
arriving at a special area
to begin our basic military training.
Some of us entered the service while in O.S.S.
and continued in the same jobs
without military training.
Others transferred from
various branches of the army
before completing their training.
Now all of us will undergo
the equivalent of the first six weeks
of the army basic course
speeded up to four weeks to save time.
The sergeant calls the roll
then turns the group over to the executive officer,
Lieutenant Hamiton,
who receives us officially
and gives us a few preliminary instructions
for settling into camp life.
Fresh from offices and laboratories
we leave our real names behind
for reasons of security
and are given student names
which we will be known by for the duration of our training.
Names such as Joe, Ben, and Al.
Mine was Michael.
At the same time stripes too are forgotten
since all students are treated as privates for the time being.
For further security our regular gear is put in storage
while we are in the area
and we draw with our new names
complete outfits of unmarked clothing and equipment.
We are put into formal instructions right away
with an orientation lecture by Lieutenant Hamilton
on safeguarding military information security.
Use the designated post office address,
but you can't and mustn't tell where you are.