The Bluejackets Manual

[Jeffrey McGee]

I am trying to research the history of this particular publication. My other half found this book among her late step fathers belongings related to his military and police careers.The printing of this book appears to be the fourteenth edition from 1950. Published by The United States Naval Institute in Annapolis, Maryland, it appears to be a basic training manual for new recruits. I would imagine that my father himself probably received an issue also when he enlisted in the Navy during WWII as it was first published in 1902. I would like to research this book some. Was it a normal issue to new recruits? From what I've found out so far was that it saw more use in the Merchant Marines as most Navy recruits received the Recruits Handy Book until the 1920's. And I am still researching as I am writing this. Also, this particular book is in excellent condition. No apparent damage as far as I can tell. Any information will be greatly accepted. Thanks in advance.

[NavyDads CoAdmin Jim Gramza]

When we were in GL for our son's PIR, he went to the NEX with us and had mentioned to one of his shipmates that somehow he had lost his Blue Jacket. I had no idea he was talking about a book so I pointed to a rack of blue jackets! Then without saying a word to me, he went to a rack with about 100 of the manuals, picked one up and just let me read the front of the cover. 

[Robert J. Irvin II]

The Bluejackets Manual is not issued to recruits. It is usually given as a gift or purchased on their own.  It is a benifit to the recruit, and to Sailors as they continue in their military career.  My father gave one to my son prior to his shipping out for boot camp.  He found it at the Exchange.  The latest edition is the 24th. I was reading it prior to his leaving and it was very informative as to what the new recruit can expect as he or she transitions from civilian to military life. 

[Navy Dads Co-Admin Tom]

It is still issued to all new Recruits to this day....