Excerpt from Aviation Physiologists Bulletin, Vol. 9: January-February 1945 The personal equipment problems encountered by an operational air force depend on the nature of its mission, the geography of its Operational zone, the climate conditions in that zone, and the competency, preparation and experience of the service facilities available to it. The problems encountered, therefore, will vary for each air force. It was anticipated that the difficulties met by the Eighth Air Force would be great, conditioned as they were by the great strength and long preparation of the enemy, the hazards of flights over treacherous waters, and the rigorous climatic conditions present over its base in Great Britain. Moreover, since it was the first American air force to embark on large scale operations, it served as a proving ground for the testing of protective flying equipment and.the adequacy of the training or Air Forces personnel in its use. Further, since it began its functions before the complete 'mobilization of the technical and productive resources of the nation had occurred it was anticipated that defects in, and shortages of, equipment would occur. In anticipation of these difficulties a new type of medical organization was set up in the Eighth Air Force. This unit, now designated as the First Central medical Establishment (sp), has served as a prototype for similar units in other air forces. One of its main sections, the Department of Physiology, was charged by the Surgeon, Eighth Air Force, with the testing and modification of all personal and safety equipment used or required by flying personnel. Its staff consists of trained air corps and medical officers, the latter consisting of both flight surgeons and aviation physiologists. The 4lst Altitude Training Unit is attached to it. By means of field trips and the Personal Equipment Officers' School, which it conducted, the organization maintains a close liaison with the combat squadrons in the field, primarily th