The Study On Troop Service Of United Service Organizations (1941-1947)

The United Service Organization, Inc.(USO), established in February 1941, was organized by YMCA, YWCA, the Salvation Army, the National Jewish Welfare Committee, the National Travelers Aid and The National Catholic Community Service. It was a large private non-profit organization specializing in military service. During six years its existence, the USO have provided for millions of American soldiers and its allies who took part in World War Ⅱ with logistic and entertainment services through its branches in and outside the American continent.The establishment of USO was deeply influenced by the tradition of American military service. The American Revolution first witnessed the army service. By the mid of nineteenth century the magnitude of the military service developed. During the World War I associated military service which was dominated by the government and joined by the communities found itself in solders because of the expansion of the war. Some of its original bodies, such as YMCA, Salvation Army, acquired rich experience through its long time service. The immediate reason for the establishment of USO was the American large-scale conscription in 1940.The USO had a complete corporation structure and fund-raising channel. This organization with the Board of Directors, Administrative Departments and Specialized Committee, and its National Campaign Organization and the National War fund to raise donations for maintaining operations, achieved professional and efficient troop service. During World War Ⅱ troop service carried by USO could be divided into living service and entertainment service. Living service mainly implemented by USO, provided accommodation, shower, leisure and entertainment, social activities and other life convenience. Entertainment service mainly implemented by USO-Camp Shows, Inc. This company had organized volunteers which include big stars to provide free theatrical performances for soldiers both in front and rear.The military service of USO was characterized by its multiple services and high efficiency. It contributed tremendously to the victory of the war for the US Soldiers’ living condition had been improved a lot by its services, so did the troops’ morale.