Left: ASTP Insignia.
THE ARMY SPECIALIZED TRAINING PROGRAM was organized by the War
department in collaboration with civilian educators in
December,1942, and the program was launched early in 1943 under
thedirection of the Army Specialized Training Division. The
announced purpose of the ASTP was "to provide the continuous and
accelerated flow of high grade technicians and specialists needed by
the Army." To achieve this purpose qualified soldiers were sent to
colleges and universities selected by the War Department for terms
of prescribed study in fields where the Army's own training
facilities were insufficient in extent or character. While in
academic training the soldiers were on active duty, in uniform,
under military discipline, and received regular army pay.
