I was a leader even during basic training, a Squad Leader.I was in the barracks alone when a basic trainee carried his duffle bag into the barracks and reported to me. He had been phased back to my squad and was crying.He told me he had expected Drill Instructors to help him and be on his side.I told him that, during combat, those Drill Instructors would risk their lives to save him. However, their job during basic training was to take city boys and county boys, from all walks of life, and focus their attention on becoming integral parts of the Aerospace Team. To stop functioning as individuals and start functioning as a team.I don't know what happened to the guy after basic but I have a feeling he did fine.I knew some Drill Instructors who were not up to the task 60 years ago. That power went to their heads just as it does today. Your attitude and tenacity will go a long way toward your success in any endeavor.Having said all that, our Armed Forces are struggling like our Country. Years ago, Air Force Recruiters told me that only 1 out of 10 applicants could even qualify for service. Issues included unable to pass entrance exams and physicals along with police records, tattoos and drug use. Youth, with high school diplomas, can't all read and write. Very little in the Armed Forces is not high tech these days. Muscles are less necessary than brains and there is a scarcity of intelligence throughout society.
In Album: Gene McVay's Timeline Photos
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