"Compared to other measures employed by the Army for the relief of labor shortages impeding war production, the furloughing or release of soldiers for employment in essential industry was by far the most direct intervention of the War Department in a matter which was normally the primary responsibility of private managements and other government agencies. Although for this reason, and others set forth in the text, the practice was limited to the maximum extent possible, its significant contribution to vital production should not be underestimated. In any event, the policies and procedure described in this monograph are sections of the larger picture of Army operations in the manpower field." -- Headquarters, Army Service Forces memorandum, 4 January 1946.

"62 p. text plus 29 appendixes. Typescript." -- from old catalog card. "A study of the program for the release of military personnel for the purpose of relieving critical manpower shortages in key war production industries." -- from old catalog card.

Origin of Release Procedure for Key Personnel -- Release of Military Personnel to Non-Ferrous Metal Mines -- Special Release Programs Utilizing Key Personnel Procedure -- Release of Maritime Workers -- Release of Former Employees to West Coast Aircraft Industry -- Release of Heavy Tire Workers -- Release of Foundry and Forge Shop Workers -- Action to Relieve Material Shortages Which Accompanied German Military Success in December 1944 -- Release of Skilled Railroad Workers -- Disposition of Enlisted Reservists Released to Industry -- Summary and Conclusions -- Appendices (1-29).