Wilmer Carlsen discusses joining the smokejumpers under the Civilian Public Service program (CPS) in 1943 because he was a conscientious objector during World War Two. He describes his experiences as a smokejumper including the fires he worked and his relationships with regular Forest Service employees as well as other religiously-affiliated conscientious objectors. Carlsen recalls his training as well as the duties to which he was assigned in the off-season including cooking and working on construction projects.