As a member of a heavy bomber team, in combat you will be living and
fighting in a world where man has no business--from three to six miles
above the environment for which nature designed you.
Successful and effective operation of combat crews at altitudes in
excess of 15,000 feet requires that EVERY crew member be familiar with
altitude problems. You must be so thoroughly familiar with your oxygen
equipment that you will use it PROPERLY without giving it a thought. The
time to acquire this experience is during operational training--not
after you have pulled several boners in combat.
Through long hours of tiring training you have developed superior
judgment, ability to make decisions quickly, and efficiently in firing
and in other duties. Most of your training has been confined to
relatively low altitudes in a relatively "normal" environment. Now you
are going to continue this training "upstairs". To maintain the
superiority and efficiency you possess OXYGEN MUST BE USED above 10,000
feet. Above 18,000 feet oxygen must be used to maintain consciousness
and life itself.