This paper critically examines the general standing of geology among its sister sciences, and evaluates the subject's present usefulness versus its potential utility in the total economy of a nation either at war or at peace. An attempt also is made to appraise the present position of the earth scientist as compared with that of non-geological scientists in the war effort; and ways are suggested for improving the situation not only for the good of the individual geologist, but for the welfare of the country as a whole.

The present rather unsatisfactory position of geology and geologists has had, and will continue to have, unfavorable repercussions for the petroleum industry, and indirectly for the nation at large. This fact is well indicated by a number of situations herein described, but in no fashion is it more strikingly demonstrated than by the results of the graduate record examinations. These results show that the quality of the students entering graduate schools of geology, and not long thereafter the fields of geological endeavor, urgently needs improving. Suggestions are made for securing this improvement, and for elevating the standing of the science itself without which elevation the difficulties of attracting outstanding young men to the profession will increase rather than diminish.

In the belief that an elevation of the standing of geology will eventuate and that, therefore, the subject will attract future national leaders, some consideration is given to the curricular modifications which may be needed adequately to train the new recruits for leadership.

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