What I Learned

 

At Basic Training in 1964 at seventeen,

I was taught how to shine my boots, and

how to properly recognise officers in passing

with a smart snappy salute.

I learned how to stand at attention in

formation, how to left face, right face

about face, and forward march in step,

and how to double-time on command.

I learned combat, hand-to-hand, how

to run, climb, jump and crawl up and

down, how to go around and through

obstacles placed in the way.

I learned how to lock and load, how to

ready, aim, fire, how to load magazines,

strip and clean the M-14 issued to me.

I learned how to pull guard duty and

KP, how to police the area and clean

the latrine. No shit, really? That’s an

order, Private. Get to it! The DI had

selected me. Yes, Sergeant!

I learned a hell of a lot in the Army

at seventeen. I learned to take orders,

but mostly to understand and take se-

riously the meaning of “on the double,

soldier!”

It took me three years of service to rid

myself of all I had learned when I was

seventeen. Hell, I even bought a pair

of shoes which never needed polishing.

                  -30-

Chris Hanch 8-31-2020