Skip to main content

Ground Observer Corps records

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0706

Summary

The collection consists of training materials, completion certificates, local and national newsletters and administrative documents from the Twin Falls Post.

Dates

  • Creation: 1953 - 1959

Historical Note

The Ground Observer Corps was a civil defense organization directed by the U.S. Air Force. Civilians received training to work as volunteers in observation posts around the country. The purpose of the observation posts was to watch for and report aircraft activity.

The training consisted of learning how to identify aircraft by general type and to report approximate location, altitude and heading. The goal was to help protect the United States from a surprise air attack from long-range Soviet bombers.

The Air Force began the campaign in 1953 and ended it in 1959, as technology was able to take over the duty of defending the skies.

Extent

0.5 Cubic Feet (1 document box.)

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

Folder 1: Recruiting bills Folder 2: Training materials Folder 3: Certificates of training completion Folder 4: Twin Falls Post records Folder 5: "Vigilane," monthly newsletter Folder 6: "Aircraft Flash," official Ground Observer Corps magazine, 1953-1959

Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Idaho State Archives Manuscript Collections Repository

Contact:
2205 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise ID 83712
(208) 334-2620