Life, 1916-05-04 · page 43 of 52
Life — May 4, 1916 — page 43: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a recruitment advertisement for federal military training camps, not satire. The page promotes voluntary military preparation during peacetime—likely 1915-1916, before U.S. entry into World War I. **The appeal:** Men aged 18-45 are encouraged to spend four weeks at camps like Plattsburg, gaining military instruction while enjoying outdoor recreation. The pitch emphasizes patriotic duty ("give your vacation to your country") alongside personal benefits—camping, exercise, camaraderie, and minimal cost ($25 board plus uniform). **Key selling point:** Employers are cooperating by granting paid leave without jeopardizing jobs or advancement, removing financial barriers. **Historical context:** These camps trained "citizen soldiers" as preparedness during rising international tensions. The central eagle emblem and patriotic framing suggest mobilization sentiment before America's 1917 entry into WWI. There is no cartoon satire here—it's straightforward propaganda promoting voluntary military readiness as both patriotic service and wholesome vacation.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LES?” VE pearnrces ery time, 1, N.Y, f yer ceeps ands rost- The Military Training Camps at Platts- rg and elsewhere last summer were a g iccess. Over 4,000 men, many of them promi- nent, rich, successful, left businesses, or gave up vacations, and were well repaid. They learned enough of military service to be valuable to their country in case of war. Their vacation benefited them men- and physically. This summer you have an opportunity to do the same thing. Will you do it? Fifteen Camps at Seven Points Every man who is willing to make this splendid sacrifice will now have full op- portunity. Camps have been established at the following points: Plattsburg, New York—June, July, August, Sept. Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia—May, June, July. Monterey, Califor al Salt Lake City, U! American Lake, Washington: Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind. — San Antonio, Texas—June. Under the instruction of US. Practically every able-bodied man of good moral character, between the ages of 18 and 45 years, is eligible. Plan now to spend four weeks this summer at the camp nearest to you. You will enjoy a clean, healthy, active life in the open air, with work enough to make you tired at night and hungry at mealtimes. You will associate with men like yourself who are alive to the needs of your country, and who are leaders in this work because they are leaders in everything they undertake. The Expense Is Small The War Department furnishes tents, equipment and arms. United States Army officers instruct and drill the men. The board, $25.00 for the four weeks, uniform $12.80 (not including shoes), and railroad fare are all that you will have to pay. Federal Training Camps Where else, for so little money, can you get camping, outdoor life, plenty of exer- cise (rifle practice, hiking, swimming), first-class food and good fellowship? Employers Are Co-operating Many of the largest businesses in the country are making it possible for their men to attend these camps. They are giving every man who is willing to go four weeks’ vacation and full pay, without jeopardy to his position and future advancement. Every one is doing his part. Will you do yours? Write for full information, descriptive booklet with pictures by the best known and enrolment blanks. with your employer or your part- hers or your subordinates to be away for four weeks this summer. Persuade every man of your acquaint- ance that he should go also, Military Training Camps Association 31 Nassau Street, New York City Army Officers yy comicbooks.com