World War II found the geological professions without a mechanism through which they could act in unity. The weakness of this situation, which inhibited proper use of geology and geologists to the maximum benefit in the country, was one of the major factors which led to planning for the American Geological Institute.

Numerous conferences between delegated representatives of eleven national scientific societies in geology and closely related fields, and the support of the National Research Council, resulted in establishment of Institute headquarters in the N.R.C. building in Washington, D. C., on June 1, 1949. Additional support has come from the A.A.P.G., the G.S.A., several local societies and about 100 individual geologists.

The Institute has devoted its attention primarily to organizing a program of professional service to the geological professions, designed to supplement the scientific activities of the eleven Member Organizations. It has established an informative monthly News Letter, and has issued a number of reports. Seven standing committees covering activities in such areas as public information, finance, education, geological information and personnel have been active and are implementing a continuing program.

Prior to the Korean war, the Institute was actively working with other organizations toward a national policy for the allocation and use of scientists and engineers in case another war should occur. The outbreak of hostilities found it with recommendations already in the hands of the Department of Defense and the National Security Resources Board. Since that time, it has vigorously represented the value of geological science and geologists to the Military Services, has contributed to the formation of national policies concerning scientific manpower, and has disseminated up-to-date information to the profession concerning developments, particularly in the manpower area.

Since the United States apparently faces a decade or more of partial mobilization, the Institute has adopted a National Defense Program, designed to serve both the best interests of the geological profession and the country. This is divided into four major lines of activity which are concerned with (a) Supply and Demand studies, (b) Selective Service, (c) Utilization of Geological Scientists, and (d) National Scientific Manpower policy. Prosecution of this program is calculated to help the geological professions to continue a high level of scientific work; to prevent the wastage of geologists which occurred during the last war; to assist the highest use of geological knowledge and techniques in the national defense; and throughout to serve the best interests of the profession and the ation.

In order to prosecute both the normal peacetime activities and the National Defense Program of the Institute, a pattern for cooperative action on a national scale is proposed.

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