Report of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

Camp Pendleton Training and Peer Isolation

On January 18, 1957, Oswald reported to Camp Pendleton for further training, assigned to “A” Company, First Battalion, Second Infantry Training Regiment. After a little more than 5 weeks, he was rated 4.2 in conduct and 4.0 in proficiency. Fellow recruit Allen R. Felde stated that Oswald was generally unpopular and that his company was avoided by other men. On weekend leaves, Oswald accompanied the group on the bus to and from camp but did not stay with them in the city, instead leaving to be alone; this practice was repeated on other trips. On February 27, he went on a 2-week leave, possibly visiting his mother in Fort Worth.

Jacksonville Aviation Training and Security Clearance

On March 18, Oswald reported to the Naval Air Technical Training Center at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, where he attended the Aviation Fundamental School for 6 weeks, receiving basic instruction including radar theory, map reading, and air traffic control procedures. Both this course and his next assignment at Keesler required handling confidential material. He was granted final clearance to the “confidential” level on May 3 after local records disclosed no derogatory data. He completed the course the same day, ranking 46th in a class of 54, and was promoted to private first class effective May 1. He received ratings of 4.7 in conduct and 4.5 in proficiency, the highest ratings he ever attained.

Keesler Air Force Base Radar Operator Training

Oswald left for Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, the day his course was completed, traveling with a group of six marines led by Pfc. Daniel P. Powers. At Keesler he attended the Aircraft Control and Warning Operator Course, covering aircraft surveillance and radar use. Powers remembered Oswald as “a somewhat younger individual, less matured than the other boys” who was normally outside the group, noting his nickname was “Ozzie Rabbit.” Oswald generally stayed to himself, often reading, did not play cards or work out with others, and spent weekends alone, possibly returning to New Orleans. He finished the course seventh in a class of 30 marines on June 17 and was assigned MOS Aviation Electronics Operator on June 25. He went on leave June 20, possibly visiting his mother, and received ratings of 4.2 in conduct and 4.5 in proficiency, which Powers thought was “pretty good.”