My biology teacher taught me that peanut oil causes cancer. Can't get that out of my brain 30+ years later.
Encyclopaedia sets were expensive but there were all sorts of things you could subscribe to for facts. My parents subscribed me to an animal fact thing where i got some sheets to collect in a folder every month. I'd read the hell out of it and eagerly wait for the next issue. It allowed me to memorise a lot of information about animals.
I also visited the library a lot more before the internet, and there was also Encarta which died as soon as the internet became mainstream.
I don't know. Considering that these guys feel through the cracks and failed to meet the expected height, weight and fitness and were deployed, I do question the quality assurance process and the competence at the top level.