Starting at square one

So, if you were to assign a serial number to the Number 1 soldier in your aviation school, what number would you give him? If it was back in the mid-20th Century, it might be something like this:

1944
Harry S. McGlinchey, student at the San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center, was named "No. 1" solider [sic] of the area. His serial number: 11111111. His enlistment date: 11-1.

(from San Antonio Remembers)