MALARIA DISCIPLINE [Main Title]

United States Army Air Force training film focusing on the need to adhere to strict procedures regarding preventing catching malaria when stationed in countries where the disease is rife.

Reel 1: Corregidor, prior to US surrender to Japanese, 85% (nine out of ten) of US troops "had surrendered to a different enemy". Other theatres of war had experienced the same enemy – the female Anopheles malaria carrying mosquito. Map of the areas covered by malaria and the areas of operation of the USAAFs explanation of how malaria is transmitted from sick person to healthy. Procedures in place to prevent spread of malaria. Survey squads role in checking areas for existing malaria risk prior to moving in to establish forward bases, water samples taken, mosquitoes captured and checked by medical staff for type. Removal of suitable habitat for mosquitoes by engineers and chemical treatment of areas. Treatment of living areas, aircraft etc that pass through malarial zones with spray and 'aerosol bombs'.

Reel 2: When the aerosol bomb is not available, hand sprayer is used. Screening of buildings practised. Night time personal protection measures essential, wearing of anti mosquito head nets, gloves etc. and exposed skin treated with repellent. Pilots Graham and Wald return from checking their aircraft. Importance of checking bed netting prior to sleeping. Failure to use repellent during air raid resulted in Graham getting bitten while sheltering in foxhole.

Reel 3: Personnel lining up for regular dose of Atabrine. The "story" of one pilot, Graham, who didn't take his dose due to one side effect of turning skin yellow and his reluctance to take the drug resulting in him suffering the symptoms of malaria two weeks later during a sortie. Jumped by Zeros his malaria symptoms affected his ability to outfly the enemy and he ends up getting shot down. Picking items from his survival kit he discards the Atabrine and other survival items and sets off to return to his base. Worsening fever and vomiting ends with his death in the jungle which could have been avoided if he had taken his Atabrine. Medical officer briefing new CO and his responsibility for ensuring malaria discipline in his command. Knock-on effect on unit efficiency if one person (tail gunner) fails to observe good anti-malarial prevention - his aircraft is grounded until a replacement is found - his squadron is one aircraft less for missions. Non flying personnel can affect efficiency just as much – a cook, crew chief, a private, intelligence officer.

Reel 4: Medical Officer reinforces important points of malaria discipline to new CO using posters he has on his office wall, "Take your Atabrine", "Check your bed net", "Spray Regularly", "Dress Properly", and his role in ensuring his personnel observe good practice.