Navajo Enlistment and Reactions in WWII

The transcript details the involvement of the Navajo people during WWII, highlighting their initial sacrifices and the challenges they faced in enlisting due to language barriers. It describes the recruitment of Navajos for special work as code talkers by the Marine Corps, the impact of the recruiter's speech on Navajo youth, and personal reflections on enlistment decisions. Despite initial barriers, the Navajo played a crucial role in the war effort.

What was the initial reaction of the Navajo people to the news of the air raids on Hawaii?

• They were indifferent.

• They were eager to help despite their own hardships.

• They were confused and uninterested.

• They were angry and refused to participate.

Why were most Navajo men initially unable to join the U.S. military?

• They were physically unfit.

• They lacked proper documentation.

• They were too young.

• They only spoke Navajo or their English was insufficient.

What was the initial belief about the duration of the war?

• It would last for a few years.

• It would never end.

• It would be over quickly.

• It would last for decades.

What change occurred in April 1942 regarding Navajo enlistment?

• Navajos were given leadership roles.

• Navajos were banned from enlisting.

• Navajos were specifically recruited for special work.

• Navajos were required to enlist.

What was the requirement for Navajo men to join the special work in the military?

• They had to have prior military experience.

• They needed to be physically strong.

• They needed to be fluent in both English and Navajo.

• They had to be over 30 years old.

What impressed the Navajo youth about the Marine recruiter?

• His promises of high salaries.

• His wealth and status.

• His ability to speak Navajo.

• His uniform and the way he carried himself.

What was the main allure of joining the Marines for the Navajo youth?

• The ability to avoid combat.

• The promise of immediate promotion.

• The chance to earn a lot of money.

• The opportunity to travel and learn new skills.

Why was the narrator unable to enlist in the Marines immediately?

• He was not interested.

• He was too young.

• He lacked the necessary skills.

• He did not meet the physical requirements.

What did the narrator's parents decide regarding his desire to enlist?

• They encouraged him to enlist immediately.

• They forbade him from ever enlisting.

• They asked him to wait until he was older.

• They were indifferent to his decision.

What was the narrator's reaction to his parents' decision?

• He was disappointed but accepted it.

• He was angry and rebellious.

• He was relieved and happy.

• He ignored their decision and enlisted anyway.