Though dating from 1917 to 1960, this collection is primarily composed of material relating to World War II and its effect upon Alabama Polytechnic Institute.

The collection includes correspondence, official releases and directives, reports, bulletins, memorandums, and newspaper clippings. Letters and pamphlets, 1917-19, about training camps and corps (ROTC); Chewacla Civilian Conservation Corps Camp and 4-H Camp, 1938-43; National Youth Administration college work program 1937-43; curriculum study and proposals, 1942; war activities including Aeronautics Pre-Flight course, 1942-43; available facilities for training schools; National Defense related to Engineering Defense Training, Vocational Training Program, athletics and agriculture; deferment, 1941-44; Army training programs (ASTP and STAR); Navy training programs (Radio Code School); Reserve Officer's Pool, 1941; War Manpower Commission (Civilian Pilot Training), 1942-43; Post-War Plans and Rehabilitation Education, 1943-44; and Japanese-American Student Relocation, 1942. The Selective Service System material contains general information, 1941-43; data, 1940-45; official releases, 1941-53; directives, 1950-52; material from the Advisory Committee on Specialized and Scientific Personnel, 1954-60.

Photographs separated to photograph collection. Newspaper clippings, the bulletin of the American Council on Education, "Higher Education and National Defense," August, 1940 - August, 1943 and miscellaneous pamphlets are located at the end of the collection.

Major reports: (1) Proposals to Expand the Program of Training for National Defense through Schools and Colleges, July 27, 1940. (2) War Service Training Programs, A.P.I., December, 1942 (Vol. I and II). (3) Alabama Post-War Agriculture, A Preliminary Report of the S.E. Region Post-War Planning Committee, February 29, 1944. (4)Proceedings of the Special Training Program in the Advisement of Veterans, November 13 - December 9, 1944. (5) The Veteran and Higher Education, A Report to the President by the Director of War Mobilization and Reconversion, May 20, 1946. (6) Selective Service Regulations, A.P.I., 1944.

Incorporated into this collection is the World War I Materials of Auburn Alumnus. It includes correspondence, applications, testimonials, and personal index cards.