When Drill Instructors Break Character: A Memorable Moment at Fort Sill
Fort Sill, Oklahoma, summer of 1980. I was part of an intense training exercise where we rappelled down Medicine Bluffs. My account of that experience, and a particularly memorable moment that occurred during my boot training, demonstrates the complexity of life as a recruit.
A Mission for Relieve
During our rappelling exercise, one of our instructors, SSG Ruhl, a normally imposing figure, asked, 'I don't mind being up here, but a little relief would be nice.' He then saw me and promptly reverted to his usual stern demeanor. This encounter set the stage for an unexpected and heartening incident that followed.
A Sprained Ankle and Stiff DI
One day, during our obstacle course training, a part of which involved descending a slanting rope over a shallow pond, I wasn't able to make the landing and sprained my left ankle. The pain was intense, and trying to swim to the side was much harder than anticipated. The DI's, who were convinced I was faking it, continued to march. Determined to keep up, I ended up crawling on all fours, much to their annoyance.
While the DI's continued to make their way, one of them returned to me and demanded that I stop pretending to be hurt. This demand fueled my anger, and I retorted, 'Why the F*** do you think I would be crawling on the ground like this if I wasn't in pain, Sergeant?' His face instantly softened, and he came to inspect my swollen ankle. Seeing the severity, he called for medics to transport me to sick bay where I received appropriate treatment for several days.
Drill Instructors and Humanizing Moments
Drill instructors are renowned for their strict discipline and composure. However, there are instances when they momentarily break their character, typically in lighter and more humanizing interactions with recruits. These moments serve to build camaraderie and provide a needed break from the intense training atmosphere.
A common anecdote shared by recruits is the unintentional humor displayed by a drill instructor during a demanding training exercise. For example, following a grueling day of physical training, a recruit may fall, and the DI, momentarily losing their stern demeanor, may laugh. This unexpected reaction humanizes the instructors, reminding recruits that they are, in fact, individuals who experience emotions and are not just discipline enforcers.
Such moments are rare but can leave a lasting impression on recruits. They highlight the balance between rigorous training and humanity, reinforcing the idea that while the demands of military training are severe, there is room for humor and personal connection.
Conclusion
The stories of drill instructors breaking character can serve as powerful reminders of the humanity behind the strict regimens. At Fort Sill, my experiences not only tested my limits but also taught me valuable lessons about human interaction and the importance of balance in training.