Army Specialist Corps

The United States Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson favored a separate body of skilled specialists in business, technical and professional matters who would be uniformed, but not have any command functions.

Men were commissioned in rank from Second Lieutenant to Colonel and enlisted from Corporal to Master Sergeant for the duration of the war and six months after.

[6] Skills in demand were: The Office of Strategic Services was initially considered by General George C. Marshall to be under the aegis of the ASC.

In July 1942, General Marshall authorized the wear of standard U.S. Army uniforms, but with grey plastic buttons and insignia; the "U.S." on the upper lapels of the dress tunic and "A.S.C."

Disadvantages of the increased complexity of duties in the Army, the reluctance of military commanders losing picked civilian aides and specialists, and the belated organisation of the Corps led to the disbandment of the ASC and recruits being enlisted into the Army Service Forces instead.