Thursday, August 27, 2009

Academy .... starting from the ground up.


The bus driver pulled the parking brake after coming to a stop. Marcus Moundges looked out the window. Standing in front of the building was five sharp dressed non commissioned officers. Not one seemed to show one sign of emotion or concern. If Marcus did not know any better one would think the group were statues.

One NCO at a time left the group and got on each bus. Swallowing and reminding himself to breath, Marcus looked forward to glimpse at his new NCO for the next eight weeks. The whole bus was quiet. The NCO stood there for a moment and then relaxed.

"Soldiers, my name is Sgt. Recco. I am your drill instructor for the next eight weeks. You will address me as drill sergeant. When I call your name, you answer MOVING DRILL SERGEANT. When I speak you listen. When I sing you sing with me. Remember you all can do this. You all signed the dotted line and volunteered for duty."

Some of the new recruits relaxed some while others still gazed at the drill sergeant wondering what was next. Soon enough everyone would find out.

" Now ..... GET OFF MY STINKING BUS! MOVE MOVE MOVE !!! " boomed Drill Sgt Recco's voice throughout the bus. All at once the bus's occupants stood up and attempted to leave the bus as fast as they could. Duffel bags, garrison hats and recruits piled in front of the door.

Drill Sgt Recco stepped over the large pileup and then squatted down in front of the first recruit he saw. " Why are you BLOCKING my recruits from exiting ? " "MOVE IT !"

The pile surged forward as recruits and materials began to separate. Recruits began grabbing items and moving to the assembly area. Drill Sergeants were yelling at anything wearing training fatigues. It reminded Marcus of his younger days herding cattle on the ranch. The drill sergeants were the cattle dogs while recruits looked like scared cattle.

Instead of thinking, Marcus grabbed his gear and headed for the assembly area.