Service Company
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Camp Croft, South Carolina
US Army Infantry Replacement Training Center

The Service Company was responsible for the training of many different types of specialists who were later assigned as members of other infantry units. Seven weeks of Basic Training in the use of the M1 rifle, M1 carbine, 50 cal machine gun, and grenades was followed by specialty training as a bugler, cook, motor mechanic, truck driver, clerk, armorer-artificer, or pioneer. Buglers received musical instruction but were also trained as messengers and scouts. Cooks obviously learned how to cook food for an infantry company, including field sanitation, preservation of food, and maintenance of the field range. Motor Mechanics had to be able to  competently maintain and repair motor vehicles, select and train drivers, conduct a motor convoy, operate a motor park/pool,  and transport motor equipment by rail or other means. Truck Drivers learned to drive and maintain various trucks, camouflage vehicles, read maps, and apply first aid. Clerks (also known as "brown collar workers") needed to be able to defend themselves and operate in the field under adverse conditions, including preparation of personnel reports, maintenance of records, typing, and shorthand. The Armorer-Artificer was responsible for ensuring the working order of weapons and equipment. Pioneers kept their assigned unit supplied with ammunition, repaired and built roads and bridges, built obstacles and destroyed those of the enemy, and generally cleared the path for others to follow.

Note: All of these photos were taken at Camp Croft!


Buglers
Motor Mechanics
Clerks & Stenographers

 Cooks & KP
 Pioneers
Chauffeurs (Truck Drivers)
Armorer-Artificer