no. i.] PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINING IN THE UNITED STATES AKMY. 85 



Men able to read newspapers and write letters home, who had completed the third grade 

 (negroes, sixth grade), were given examination alpha. All others took beta, but were not 

 reported as "illiterate" unless totally unable to read and write. Failures on alpha and beta 

 were held during short scoring of the blanks or were recalled for further examination, except in 

 rush examination of negroes. 



Four psychologists worked with the psychiatrist on the general examining board during 

 physical examinations, examining individually cases suspected of mental defect. Most of these 

 were rejected at this point. Psychological examination followed as soon as possible after the 

 physical. It preceded the personnel interview, but the personnel officer did not have the intel- 

 ligence rating at this time. Report was made to personnel and commanding officers on the day 

 following examination, and for entry on the qualification card. The disability board referred 

 all cases before it for psychological examination before taking action. 



One of the most distinctive features of the work was the large number of individuals referred 

 by other authorities for psychological examination. Examining was done at Camp Knox, and 

 a report made on low-grade cases. The school for chaplains was examined, making an excep- 

 tionally high record. 



The staff made several statistical reports on examination beta, including one on the short- 

 scoring method thej T developed. 



Previous to April 27, 23,237 officers and men had been examined. After April 27 the total 

 number of examinations given enlisted men was 53,262; officers, 74. Number of individual 

 examinations given after April 27 was 2,319. 



CAMP TRAVIS, TEX. 



Capt. Pittenger reported for duty in March and Lieut. Stokes in April. Additional assistants 

 trained at Camp Greenleaf were Sergts. Briggs, Goldberger, and Munroe; Corpls. Krutch and 

 Rich, and Pvts. Rees and Gray. In the permanent detail was Sergt. Ullrich, whose services 

 proved invaluable in establishing the work at this camp because of his experience in army proce- 

 dure. 



Psychological service was permanently established here from the first in a f uU-sized barracks 

 building, which later was remodeled according to plans prepared by the staff. 



The basis for separation of alpha and beta groups was ability to read and write. Men who 

 did nothing on tests 1 and 2 in alpha or on tests 1, 2, and 3 in beta were stopped and sent immedi- 

 ately for individual examination. Obviously poor papers were scored before the group was dis- 

 missed. In this way the individual examining was completed, except for a few recalls, by the 

 time the papers were scored. To Spanish-speaking men individually examined the Stanford- 

 Binet was given in Spanish. The performance scale was used as a check on doubtful cases. 



Psychological examination was not given until 48 hours after inoculation. Ratings were 

 reported, and entered on service records and qualification cards. No transfer could be made 

 without this information; if the rating were E, or incomplete, there could be no transfer except 

 to a labor assignment or development battalion. Men recommended for consideration of dis- 

 charge were sent by orderly direct to the psychiatrist; 80 per cent of such cases were discharged. 

 Others found unfit for regular military service were sent, through the camp surgeon, to the dis- 

 ability board; men sent from other sources to the disability board were required to present a 

 certificate from the psychological examiner. 



Psychological scores were used in the selection of men for regular service, in formation of 

 white labor battalions, and in filling reqiusitions for special types of men and noncommissioned 

 officers. The transfer of men from the depot brigade to the Eighteenth Division was made in 

 accordance with psychological and occupational needs. The chief examiner assisted in the 

 reclassification of the development battalion. Additional examining was done at Brooks 

 Aviation Field for the 309th Cavalry, Fort Sam Houston, and at other camps near Camp Travis. 



Number enlisted men examined, 76,530; officers, 1,025. Total individual examinations, 

 7,449. 



