Military by The National Library of Medicine

Combat Psychiatry: the Battalion Medical Officer (US Navy, 1954)

This film is an introduction to combat psychiatry for medical officers, line officers, and corpsmen. At sick call the night before a battle, men present with physical symptoms such as upset stomach and headache that signal their mental distress. The medical officer decides, based on his own examination and on information gathered from officers or men in the patient's unit, whether the patient should be sent back to his unit or evacuated. The importance of emotional support is shown.

Psychiatric Procedures in the Combat Area (US Army, 1944)

The psychiatric impact of war on soldiers is addressed, and the U.S. military's approach to helping affected soldiers is described. There are battle scenes, men awaiting evacuation from the front, and a rehabilitation center where the soldiers relax, exercise, and are reconditioned with battle training. Psychiatrists interview the men. A chronic anxiety case is shown, as well as an hysterical amnesia patient. The need for men to actively participate in their own recovery is stressed. At the end, recovered patients are shown at a neuro-psychiatric clearing station.

Introduction to Combat Fatigue (US Navy, 1944)

This formerly restricted film was intended to be shown to patients suffering from combat fatigue. A medical officer/narrator explains the nature of fear and how it helps the body and mind cope with threatening situations. Profiling a soldier named Edwards, the narrator explains how combat fatigue begins, grows, and finally incapacitates the soldier. Aboard a ship headed for the combat zone, Edwards feels excitement and tension. In the combat zone, he behaves as expected -- he leaves his ship, wades ashore, penetrates a jungle area, and fires at the enemy. He is afraid but not cowardly.

For Which We Stand (United States Navy, 1950)

In this film, servicemen are strongly urged to forgo illicit and casual sex because it is degrading and contrary to divine will. The joys of marriage and family are stressed. Long-term happiness should be the goal, not immediate gratification. A medical officer discusses sexual abstinence, saying that it will not adversely affect a man's virility. A commanding officer points out that sexual promiscuity among troops is not just the concern of the medical officer and the chaplain. He says that self-control should be practiced by everyone.

Practical Rat Control: Ratproofing (U.S. Army and CDC, 1950)

This film presents in detail the aspects of design, fabrication, and installation of building materials so that rats are denied access to structures whether through doors, windows, basements, or roof areas. Learn more about this film and search its transcript at NLM Digital Collections: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9423676. Learn more about the National Library of Medicine's historical audiovisuals program at: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/collections/films

Drinking Water (US Navy, 1945)

A United States Navy training film In humorous animated cartoon format, the soldier is instructed to drink only water from safe supplies. The consequences of not rationing one's individual water supply when away from camp are shown. The dangers of drinking from untreated water supplies are shown. The locale is the Asian jungle; the enemy is Japan. Film aimed at marines engaged in jungle warfare.

Survival Stresses (US Air Force, 1961)

Presented as a film within a film, an Air Force officer gives a lecture to a class of fliers about survival skills, using a combination live action-animated film to illustrate the workings of the body and its reactions to difficult situations. Discusses major physiological and psychological stresses that may be encountered in a survival situation in the Arctic, in the desert, in the tropics, and on water. Describes methods of detecting, understanding, and combating such stresses as hunger, thirst, cold, fatigue, and fear. Shows how to recognize and avoid dehydration.

DDT in Control of Household Insects (U.S. War Department, 1947)

This film outlines the control of household insects in military establishments. Flies, roaches, and bedbugs can be controlled by good sanitation and the use of DDT. The equipment and techniques to be used are shown. Identification of presence of pests is discussed. Treatment of barracks, kitchens, and mess halls is shown. NLM Unique ID: 9432127 Learn more about the National Library of Medicine's historical audiovisuals program at: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/collections/films

First Aid for Non-Battle Injuries (US Army, 1943)

In this film, the elementary principles of first aid for soldiers in the field are presented. The emphasis is on what the soldier should do before medical help arrives. He is shown how to put everyday objects and personal items to good use in emergency situations. The film is narrated over footage of soldiers in the field.