Air Force Cadets Research Articles

Analysis of the relationship between body imbalance characteristics and physical ability in air force cadets: physical function and gravity acceleration resistance

Air Force pilots and some athletes (e.g., in sledding sports) are frequently exposed to high G-forces. High-intensity physical activity is essential to withstand gravitational acceleration, and morphological symmetry and functional movement are directly related to injury in those who perform these activities. However, the relationship between G-endurance and physical imbalance and the effect on physical performance is poorly understood. This study aimed to analyze the physical performance of those exposed to a high load of G-tolerance and who performed high-intensity physical activity. A total of 363 male cadets from the Korean Air Force Academy underwent functional movement screen tests, anatomical structure measurements, G-tests (fourth grade), and body composition and physical fitness tests. Participants were classified into the G-test-pass and -fail groups depending on the G-test results. The pass group showed significantly different bilateral imbalance in active straight leg raises (p < 0.05), while the fail group showed a significant difference in deep squats (p < 0.05), shoulder mobility (p < 0.01), rotary stability (p < 0.05), and functional leg length (p < 0.05). Leg length was significantly correlated with the hurdle step (p < 0.01), inline lunge (p < 0.01), and active straight leg raise (p < 0.01). Functional leg lengths on both sides and structural leg lengths were also significantly correlated (p < 0.01). High body balance positively affects gravitational acceleration and exercise performance. Therefore, functional movement and physical imbalance affect performance in pilots affected by gravitational acceleration. This study can also be applied to strengthen the performance of winter sports athletes affected by gravitational acceleration.

예비 공군사관생도들의 부상경험과 4주간의 체력단련이 근지구성 체력에 미치는 영향

예비 공군사관생도들의 부상경험과 4주간의 체력단련이 근지구성 체력에 미치는 영향

Physical strength, body composition, and G-test results of air force cadets based on nutrition knowledge differences

The Gravitational Acceleration Test (G-test) is a demanding, and sophisticated high-intensity physical activity, greatly influenced by individual body composition and physical strength. This study analyzed the general nutrition knowledge questionnaire (GNKQ) responses of Air Force cadets to identify the relationship between nutrition knowledge, body composition, physical activity, physical strength, and gravity-induced loss of consciousness. Based on the G-test results, 105 fourth-year Air Force cadets were divided into two groups: GP (G-test pass group) and GF (G-test fail group). The analysis items were GNKQ responses, body composition, and physical strength analysis, based on which independent sample t-tests , and logistic regression analysis were conducted. Physical activity according to the G-test results was statistically higher in the GP compared to the GF (vigorous activity reps/week, p = 0.017; mins/day, p = 0.011). The GP Group showed a statistically high GNKQ score compared to the GF Group: Overall (p = 0.003), Section 1 (p < 0.001), and Section 2 (p = 0.002). Based on this study, it can be deduced that analyzing the effect G-test through continuous research over the next years and applying them to physical training will have a greater impact on the cadets’ increased physical strength and their success on the G-test.

Deep Learning Detection of Early Retinal Peripheral Degeneration From Ultra-Widefield Fundus Photographs of Asymptomatic Young Adult (17-19 Years) Candidates to Airforce Cadets.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted ultra-widefield (UWF) fundus photographic interpretation is beneficial to improve the screening of fundus abnormalities. Therefore we constructed an AI machine-learning approach and performed preliminary training and validation. We proposed a two-stage deep learning-based framework to detect early retinal peripheral degeneration using UWF images from the Chinese Air Force cadets' medical selection between February 2016 and June 2022. We developed a detection model for the localization of optic disc and macula, which are used to find the peripheral areas. Then we developed six classification models for the screening of various retinal cases. We also compared our proposed framework with two baseline models reported in the literature. The performance of the screening models was evaluated by area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) with 95% confidence interval. A total of 3911 UWF fundus images were used to develop the deep learning model. The external validation included 760 UWF fundus images. The results of comparison study revealed that our proposed framework achieved competitive performance compared to existing baselines while also demonstrating significantly faster inference time. The developed classification models achieved an average AUC of 0.879 on six different retinal cases in the external validation dataset. Our two-stage deep learning-based framework improved the machine learning efficiency of the AI model for fundus images with high resolution and many interference factors by maximizing the retention of valid information and compressing the image file size. This machine learning model may become a new paradigm for developing UWF fundus photography AI-assisted diagnosis.

Improving pilots’ tactical decisions in air combat training using the critical decision method

Abstract In fighter pilot training, much of upgrade pilots’ (UPs’) learning takes place during mission debriefs. A debrief provides instructor pilots (IPs) the opportunity to correct situation awareness (SA) upon which the UPs base their tactical decisions. Unless the debrief is conducted with proper depth and breadth, the IPs’ feedback on UPs’ SA and tactical decision-making may be incomplete or false, resulting in poor, or even negative learning. In this study, a new debrief protocol based on the Critical Decision Method (CDM) is introduced. The protocol specifically addresses the SA of UPs. An evaluation was conducted to examine if a short CDM training programme to IPs would enhance their ability to provide performance feedback to UPs regarding their SA and tactical decision-making. The IPs were qualified flying instructors and the UPs were air force cadets completing their air combat training with BAe Hawk jet trainer aircraft. The impact of the training intervention was evaluated using Kirkpatrick’s four-level model. The first three levels of evaluation (Reactions, Learning and Behaviour) focused on the IPs, whereas the fourth level (Results) focused on the UPs. The training intervention had a positive impact on the Reactions, Learning and debrief Behaviour of the IPs. In air combat training missions, the UPs whose debriefs were based on the CDM protocol, had superior SA and overall performance compared to a control group.

From Trainee to Adapter: A Mapping of Leadership Competencies of Adapter Cadet in the Air Force Academy

The beginning of military training of those who join the Armed Forces is one of the most important stages of their professional lives. At the Air Force Academy (AFA), this period is known as the Military Adaptation Internship (EAM), and demands a lot of dedication of the candidates, called trainees, and of the Officers of the Cadet Corps Command, who are responsible for adapting inexperienced young people to the new and strenuous routine. In order to carry out such a challenge, it is necessary that the Officers should be assisted by a group of cadets to conduct the various activities that will positively influence the trainees during their first days in the barracks. These cadets, now called as adapters, are chosen by their Squadron Command through a selection process that should occur as uniformly as possible. In order to provide such an important service, it is essential that the adapters are properly trained, as they will reflect on their subordinates the main attributes of an Air Force cadet and serve as a reference to them. However, it is noted that nowadays, the selection process for adapters is not formally standardized. In this sense, the objective of this work is to contribute to the mapping of the competencies that the adapter cadet needs to have developed by the beginning of the EAM, in order to better fulfill the tasks to which he/she will be assigned during this internship. The transactional leadership theory will serve as the basis for identifying knowledge, skills and attitudes in the cognitive, affective and psychomotor fields of the students, in order to explain the importance of each one. The methodology consists of an applied, descriptive and explanatory research, using a questionnaire with the Officers of the Squadron Commands of AFA, to analyze the sample of competencies to be suggested and implemented. In addition, it was done a bibliographic review of the most relevant articles, books and academic works on the subject, and paying special attention to the publications of the Air Force Command that deal with the issues at hand. At the end of this research, the main aspects of an adapter cadet were highlighted, emphasizing the meaning of each item and how it can assertively reflect on the career of a future officer of the Brazilian Air Force.

Reliability of simulated combat tasks performed by Brazilian Air Force cadets

The Brazilian Air Force (BAF) has developed physical evaluations focused on the demands required in combat scenarios, giving rise to the Simulated Tasks (STs). Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine test-retest reliability and investigate learning effects of the five STs established among the BAF. Fifty-six subjects performed five STs three times, after completing a previous familiarisation session. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the occurrence of learning effects, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to identify the reliability of each ST. ANOVA revealed no significant differences in the subject’s scores across trials for all the STs, and the ICCs ranged from 0.75 to 0.92 (p < 0.01). In conclusion, this study identified that the five STs showed no learning effects across three successive trials and exhibited high levels of reliability.

Gravitational Acceleration Test Results by Lifestyle and Physical Fitness of Air Force Cadets

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze G test results according to the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), body composition, and physical fitness of fourth-grade air force cadets. This was done to identify the relationship between the TFEQ, body composition, and G resistance, in order to provide basic data for pilots and air force cadets to strengthen G tolerance.METHODS: From the Republic of Korea Air Force Academy (ROKAFA), 138 fourth-year cadets were assessed using the TFEQ and for body composition and physical fitness. Based on these measurement results, a G test result analysis and a correlation analysis were conducted.RESULT: The TFEQ showed statistically significant differences in several areas when comparing the G test pass group (GP group) to the G test fail group (GF group). Three-km running time was significantly faster in the GP group than in the GF group. Physical activity levels were higher in the GP group compared to the GF group.CONCLUSION: The TFEQ demonstrated utility in predicting whether cadets will pass or fail G-LOC testing. G test success for any cadet will require improvement in continuous eating behavior and physical fitness management. If variables affecting the G test are analyzed and applied to physical education and training through continuous research over the next two to three years, it is expected to have a greater effect on the success of the G test for every cadet.Sung J-Y, Kim I-K, Jeong D-H. Gravitational acceleration test results by lifestyle and physical fitness of air force cadets. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2023; 94(5):384-388.

Gravitational Acceleration Test Results According to Functional Movement Screen and Morphological Symmetry Results of Air Force Cadets

Objectives: Strong physical abilities and morphological symmetry are important factors for pilots to withstand aerial G-tolerance. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the symmetry difference between cadets by measuring functional movement screen (FMS) and functional leg length of Korea Air Force cadets for the first time and to understand the pass–fail relationship of the G-test by variable. Methods: Altogether, 72 fourth-year cadets (male, 72; mean age, 23.8 ± 0.6) were included in the study, and their body composition, FMS, functional leg length, and G-test results were measured. Results: The G-test results according to the FMS score revealed that the G-test passed (GP) group scored significantly higher than the G-test failed (GF) group in terms of the following: hurdle step (p =0.000), inline lunge (p = 0.006), active straight leg raise (p = 0.001), and T = trunk stability push-ups (p = 0.001). Conclusions The G-test results according to leg length demonstrated a significant difference between both groups. Morphological symmetry of leg length is an important factor in the functional aspect of exercise and exercise persistence. Moreover, a high G-test success rate can be expected if a follow-up study is conducted to improve the symmetry and balance of the body of air force cadets.

Serum Hormone Concentrations and Body Composition in Brazilian Air Force Cadets During Rainforest Survival Training.

Physiological adaptations in military jungle survival training have not yet been studied. Knowledge about the relationship between the insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-I)/insulin-like growth factor binding protein type 3 (IGFBP-3) system and survival activities in a jungle environment can improve readiness and prepare Brazilian Air Force cadets for this kind of battlefield. Our goal was to assess changes in body composition and serum concentrations of the IGF-I/IGFBP-3 system in Brazilian Air Force cadets during five-day Amazon rainforest survival training and whether differences in sex influence these variations. In the five-day survival training, variations in body composition and serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were observed. The sample consisted of 14 male cadets (21.71 ± 1.64 years) and 6 female cadets (22.00 ± 1.41 years). Changes were assessed before and immediately after the survival training. The male cadets' body mass (pre: 73.89 ± 8.79 kg; post: 69.57 ± 8.44 kg), body fat (pre: 11.43 ± 4.15%; post: 10.16 ± 4.19%), IGF-I serum concentrations (pre: 252 ± 72 ng/mL; post: 140 ± 42 ng/mL), and IGFBP-3 serum concentrations (pre: 4.90 ± 0.67 ng/mL; post: 4.22 ± 0.73 ng/mL) were significantly reduced (P < .01). In the female cadets, the mean body mass values (pre: 60.98 ± 8.82 kg; post: 57.91 ± 9.01 kg), body fat (pre: 19.20 ± 5.03%; post: 17.19 ± 4.77%), and IGF-I serum concentrations (pre: 202 ± 50 ng/mL; post: 108 ± 29 ng/mL) also decreased significantly (P < .01) after survival training. Finally, the cadet's sex does not affect the variations of IGF-I (P = .46) and IGFBP-3 (P = .205) serum concentrations. These findings all suggest that changes in body mass and body fat, as well as variations in the IGF-I/IGFBP-3 system, corroborate the need for military readiness preparation. Equivalent changes in both sexes indicate probable equal recovery intervals after survival training.

Pilot Behavior Recognition Based on Multi-Modality Fusion Technology Using Physiological Characteristics.

With the development of the autopilot system, the main task of a pilot has changed from controlling the aircraft to supervising the autopilot system and making critical decisions. Therefore, the human–machine interaction system needs to be improved accordingly. A key step to improving the human–machine interaction system is to improve its understanding of the pilots’ status, including fatigue, stress, workload, etc. Monitoring pilots’ status can effectively prevent human error and achieve optimal human–machine collaboration. As such, there is a need to recognize pilots’ status and predict the behaviors responsible for changes of state. For this purpose, in this study, 14 Air Force cadets fly in an F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter simulator through a series of maneuvers involving takeoff, level flight, turn and hover, roll, somersault, and stall. Electro cardio (ECG), myoelectricity (EMG), galvanic skin response (GSR), respiration (RESP), and skin temperature (SKT) measurements are derived through wearable physiological data collection devices. Physiological indicators influenced by the pilot’s behavioral status are objectively analyzed. Multi-modality fusion technology (MTF) is adopted to fuse these data in the feature layer. Additionally, four classifiers are integrated to identify pilots’ behaviors in the strategy layer. The results indicate that MTF can help to recognize pilot behavior in a more comprehensive and precise way.

Analysis of G-test Results According to Fatigue, Physical Fitness and Body Composition of Air Force Cadets Using Smart Watches

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the G-test results based on body composition and heart rate of fourth grade Air Force cadets, identify the relationships among body composition, heart rate, and G-resistance, and provide basic data for pilots and Air Force cadets to strengthen the G-tolerance.METHODS: This study used wearable devices to measure the heart rate and fatigue of 27 fourth-grade cadets of the Air Force Academy. Physical composition and physical fitness were assessed. Based on the measurement results, G-test result analysis and correlation analysis were performed.RESULTS: G-test results showed a steady heart rate (p=.015), deep sleep time (p&lt;.001), and fatigue (p=.008) which have significant differences. Further, a 10-second heart rate at G-test (p&lt;.001) and maximum heart rate (p&lt;.001). There was also a statistically significant difference.CONCLUSIONS: Effective G-test success for Air Force cadets would require improving aerobic performance, continuous fatigue, and physical fitness management. If various variables that affect G-test are analyzed and applied to physical education and physical training through continuous research over the next 2–3 years, it is expected to have a better outcome on the G-test success for every cadet.

공군 사관생도의 복합운동에 따른 신체조성, 하지 근기능 변화 연구

Objectives The purpose of this study is to analyze the difference in body composition and lower extremity muscle function according to the body fat percentage level of air force cadets, and to provide basic data for body composition management, improvement of lower extremity muscle function, and injury prevention. Methods Groups were set according to body fat percentage for 20 first-year cadets, and 18 students were selected as final subjects, excluding 2 cadets who could not attend due to injury or other reasons. Compound exercise was performed for 8 weeks, and body composition and lower extremity muscle function tests were measured in the pre- and post-test. Results In body composition, there were significant differences in body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage in the borderline body fat (HB) group. In the lower extremity muscle function, there were significant differences only in the LB (low body fat) group in the muscular strength (right extensor) and the HB (borderline body fat) group in muscle endurance (right extensor). Conclusions The 8-week compound exercise showed positive results in the body composition of the cadets, and it can be seen as an effective exercise for the body composition. In future research, it is judged that a greater effect can be expected if the exercise load setting and exercise period are extended to more than 8 weeks and various exercise programs are applied.

Trolley dilemma in the sky: Context matters when civilians and cadets make remotely piloted aircraft decisions.

Crews operating remotely piloted aircrafts (RPAs) in military operations may be among the few that truly experience tragic dilemmas similar to the famous Trolley Problem. In order to analyze decision-making and emotional conflict of RPA operators within Trolley-Problem-like dilemma situations, we created an RPA simulation that varied mission contexts (firefighter, military and surveillance as a control condition) and the social "value" of a potential victim. We found that participants (Air Force cadets and civilian students) were less likely to make the common utilitarian choice (sacrificing one to save five), when the value of the one increased, especially in the military context. However, in the firefighter context, this decision pattern was much less pronounced. The results demonstrate behavioral and justification differences when people are more invested in a particular context despite ostensibly similar dilemmas.

Determine the medical causes and diseases which led to early and permanent medical disqualification of military cadets

Background and Aim: Efficient manpower is the most important of military capital, and many studies have shown the relationship between personal health and organizational performance. The preparation of military cadet volunteers to enter aeronautical training and the provision of optimal services in the form of well-trained pilots requires many material spiritual resources that disabilities, make them waste. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study with target population of Iranian air force cadets with early and permanent medical disqualification from 1986 to 2016. Results: 80 cases were detected, including 25 kills and 55 early and permanent medical disqualification. The main causes were ear, nose and throat, psychiatry and cardiac, respectively. Common diseases include motion sickness, generalized anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder and epilepsy, respectively. The total number of lost service years was 1412 person years and the average of lost service years was 25.67 person years. Most of the lost service years were related to medical causes included ear, nose and throat, psychiatric and cardiac, and diseases included motion sickness, generalized anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder, respectively. Neurologic causes resulted in highest average of lost service years and high blood pressure was the major diseases, respectively. Conclusions: Due to the lack of similar studies, the results of this study were compared with the data, which extracted from previous studies in the pilot’s population. Because of occupational similarity between pilots and cadets, It was expected that the most common causes in pilots and cadets should be the same, but we found that the results are very different.

U.S. Air Force cadets study idea of Space Force bases on the Moon

U.S. Air Force cadets study idea of Space Force bases on the Moon

Effects of Kaempfera parviflora Supplementation on the Cardiovascular Endurance of Athletes: A Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Parallel Design Study

Background: Kaempfera (K.) parviflora (i.e., Thai ginseng) is believed to have medicinal properties associated with good health (e.g., increased vitality, metabolism booster) because it expands blood vessels, which allows for increased blood flow. These effects might extend into the realm of improving physical performance, specifically that of the cardiovascular system. Objectives: A randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel design study was conducted to determine the effects of 12 weeks of K. parviflora supplementation on the cardiovascular endurance of healthy male adults. Methods: Participants included 57 Thai air force cadets who were undergoing physical training for sports competition. Participants were randomly divided into either the treatment group (n = 30) (Age = 20.30 + 0.65 yrs.) or control group (n = 27) (Age = 20.37 + 0.68 yrs.). Treatment group participants received 360 mg of K. parviflora extract in capsule form, and those in the control group received a placebo capsule. Measurements included lactate threshold and heart rate recovery, assessed at baseline and weeks 6 and 12. Group differences were assessed using a 2 (group) × 3 (time) repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: No main or interaction effects were observed for the lactate threshold (all P &gt; 0.05). No group differences were observed for heart rate recovery (P &gt; 0.05); however, a significant time effect was observed for heart rate recovery at weeks 6 and 12 (P &lt; 0.05), which also marked the beginning of an interaction effect showing that those in the experimental group improved more than those in the control group (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: In this set of observations, 12-weeks of K. parviflora supplementation had no effect on the lactate threshold; however, it does appear that it might have improved heart rate recovery.

Change in Anthropometrics and Physical Fitness in Norwegian Cadets During 3Years of Military Academy Education.

High physical fitness is associated with increased occupational performance, better health, and reduced risk of injuries in military personnel. Thus, the military emphasizes physical training to maintain or develop physical fitness in their soldiers. It is important to monitor the effect of the physical training regime, but such information is lacking for Norwegian military cadets. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to investigate changes in anthropometrics and physical fitness among male and female army, navy and air force cadets during 3years of military academy education. 260 male and 29 female Norwegian cadets from the army, navy, and air force academies volunteered to participate. Anthropometrics, muscular power, muscular endurance, and maximal oxygen uptake were measured at entry (T0) and end of each year (T1, T2, and T3). Linear mixed models were used to examine the development in anthropometrics and physical fitness. We applied to the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics to review the study before start-up, but the study was considered exempted from notification. The study was reviewed and approved by the Norwegian Social Science Data Services. Male and female cadets significantly increased their body weight, fat-free mass, body mass index, and percent body fat by 1 to 5% from T0 to T3. Skeletal muscle mass was unchanged. Muscular power (medicine ball throw and vertical jump) and muscular endurance (pull-ups and push-ups) increased by 3 to 20% in male cadets, while female cadets only increased results significantly for the medicine ball throw (10%). Relative maximal oxygen uptake decreased by 4% in both sexes, while absolute maximal oxygen uptake only decreased significantly (by 2%) in male cadets. Most of the observed changes were classified as trivial or small, according to calculated effect sizes. The observed changes were generally of similar magnitude for male and female cadets, and similar among the three academies. Anthropometrics and physical fitness were relatively stable in Norwegian male and female army, navy, and air force cadets during 3years of military academy education. Observed changes were typically classified as trivial or small. The initial gap in physical fitness between male and female cadets did not narrow during the education years. Norwegian male and female cadets displayed relatively good physical fitness profiles, compared to sex-matched cadets and soldiers from previously studied military populations.

Longitudinal homogenization of the microbiome between both occupants and the built environment in a cohort of United States Air Force Cadets

BackgroundThe microbiome of the built environment has important implications for human health and wellbeing; however, bidirectional exchange of microbes between occupants and surfaces can be confounded by lifestyle, architecture, and external environmental exposures. Here, we present a longitudinal study of United States Air Force Academy cadets (n = 34), which have substantial homogeneity in lifestyle, diet, and age, all factors that influence the human microbiome. We characterized bacterial communities associated with (1) skin and gut samples from roommate pairs, (2) four built environment sample locations inside the pairs’ dormitory rooms, (3) four built environment sample locations within shared spaces in the dormitory, and (4) room-matched outdoor samples from the window ledge of their rooms.ResultsWe analyzed 2,170 samples, which generated 21,866 unique amplicon sequence variants. Linear convergence of microbial composition and structure was observed between an occupants’ skin and the dormitory surfaces that were only used by that occupant (i.e., desk). Conversely, bacterial community beta diversity (weighted Unifrac) convergence between the skin of both roommates and the shared dormitory floor between the two cadet’s beds was not seen across the entire study population. The sampling period included two semester breaks in which the occupants vacated their rooms; upon their return, the beta diversity similarity between their skin and the surfaces had significantly decreased compared to before the break (p < 0.05). There was no apparent convergence between the gut and building microbiota, with the exception of communal bathroom door-handles, which suggests that neither co-occupancy, diet, or lifestyle homogenization had a significant impact on gut microbiome similarity between these cadets over the observed time frame. As a result, predictive classifier models were able to identify an individual more accurately based on the gut microbiota (74%) compared to skin (51%).ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show an increase in skin microbial similarity of two individuals who start living together for the first time and who are not genetically related or romantically involved. Cohabitation was significantly associated with increased skin microbiota similarity but did not significantly influence the gut microbiota. Following a departure from the occupied space of several weeks, the skin microbiota, but not the gut microbiota, showed a significant reduction in similarity relative to the building. Overall, longitudinal observation of these dynamics enables us to dissect the influence of occupation, diet, and lifestyle factors on occupant and built environment microbial ecology.

So Far From Home: Royal Air Force and Free French Air Force Flight Training at Maxwell and Gunter Fields during World War II by Robert B. Kane

Reviewed by: So Far From Home: Royal Air Force and Free French Air Force Flight Training at Maxwell and Gunter Fields during World War II by Robert B. Kane Michael V.R. Thomason So Far From Home: Royal Air Force and Free French Air Force Flight Training at Maxwell and Gunter Fields during World War II. By Robert B. Kane. Montgomery: NewSouth Books, 2016. 152 pp. $23.23. ISBN 978-1-6030-6369-2. The United States contributed to the Allied cause in World War II long before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was determined to support France and the United Kingdom even before the German invasion of Poland in 1939, but he had to deal with isolationists in Congress who opposed American involvement in European affairs. The president moved cautiously to undermine his opponents in Congress even as France collapsed in the spring of 1940 and Great Britain and its empire stood alone against the Nazi juggernaut. He sent Harry Hopkins to meet with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and assess the needs and strengths of the United Kingdom as it endured the German air assault and the Blitz in the fall and winter of 1941-42. As a result, Roosevelt convinced Congress to embark on the policy of Lend-Lease, making the United States the "Arsenal of Democracy" for the Allied Powers. While American support was characterized by supplies of food, fuel, and weapons, it involved much more. Early in 1942 the United States agreed to give pilot training to Royal Air Force (RAF) cadets. A few months later that training was extended to the Free French who had fled France after its surrender, or who had been stationed in its overseas colonies. While such training was carried out at Army Air Force bases across the nation and by private entities such as Pan American Airways, operating under government contracts, the brunt of the effort took place at Maxwell and Gunter Army Air Force fields near Montgomery, Alabama. From 1941 to 1943, 7,800 RAF cadets passed through ground and flight schools there with 4,300 getting their wings and the rest being trained in other flying and support roles. By the war's end 4,100 French cadets were similarly trained with 2,100 earning their wings. The cadets from both countries were schooled in all aspects of flight training, but they also had to become [End Page 67] accustomed to American military discipline and practice, to the heat and humidity of the climate of central Alabama, and to southern culture and food. The challenges were considerable and the French cadets did not speak the language. Most of the British trainees faced linguistic difficulties as well. The Army had to find French speakers who understood airplanes to teach, or at least translate, the instructions for the Free French cadets. By all accounts the civilian population was hospitable, if somewhat mystified, by the foreign airmen. They invited the visitors into their homes for meals and entertained them at dances and other social functions when training allowed, but the men were there to learn to fly, not to enjoy southern hospitality. However, most managed to do both! This book is part of a long-term effort by Montgomery's NewSouth Books to explore the history of aviation in Montgomery, beginning with the Wright Brothers. Books in this series demonstrate the importance of the Army Air Force, and after 1947, the Air Force in central Alabama, an important role that continues to grow in the twenty-first century. The training of Allied cadets from Britain and France during World War II remains one of the signature achievements of Maxwell Air Force Base, and after the war the program was expanded to include pilots from Latin America and other American allies around the globe. Kane has provided us with an account of this remarkable story, and So Far From Home is an excellent part of NewSouth's effort. The author has assembled a great deal of statistical and technical information and tells his story in a straightforward and readable manner. People who are interested in the Army's handling of the considerable...