Military research

Factual Questions
1

I’m doing some research about the armed forces in history, particulary the Marine Corps during WW2. I was hoping some of the dopers here could help me locate some information regarding various aspects.

The problem is, I need to find out stuff regarding the common soldiers in WW2. Some questions would be.

  1. What kind of Rations would soldiers in the field eat (I’ve heard of C and K, and there’s probably more)?

  2. What would be the age cut off date for enlistments into the armed services? I know the draft ends at 25, but was that the cut off for enlistments? Hypotehically, could a 25 year old who was pissed off by Pearl Harbor run down to the recruiting station and be able sign up?

  3. When sleeping out in the field on a campaign, did soldiers use sleeping bags or one man tents?

Could anyone suggest a book about the life of the common soldier during WW2(Marine if possible)?

Thanks

2

Watch Band of Brothers on HBO. It’s a 10-part miniseries about a company of paratroopers and follows them through most of WWII in Europe. I understand it’s pretty accurate as they had real soldiers from that company advising the production.

3

If you contact the USMC directly, they’ll probably be glad to help. They’re really serious about preserving the history of the Corps, and have amazing archives.

4

Remember: Military members of the US Marine Corps are referred to as Marines. Military members of the Army are referred to as Soldiers.

You can check http://www.usmc.mil and click on their History link.

5

The USMC Historical Center is on the Washington Navy Yard, DC. A quick google search will get their number, and a call should get you the ear of a historian.