What can you do or say at Basic to ensure additional smoke sessions?

2013-12-29T13:35:37-05:00

I thought this would be a good way to add some humor to the discussions list. Things like...: - Simply ask "Why?" for anything. - "That was easy." after getting smoked - Complain about the heat/cold - Touch the campaign hat.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2013 1:39 PM

2013-12-29T13:39:54-05:00

Never EVER leave your campaign hat unsecured more often than not trainees will feel the urge to wear it and unfortunately that leads to nothing but trouble! 

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Dec 29 at 2013 1:51 PM

2013-12-29T13:51:10-05:00

Leave your wall locker unsecured.  No good comes from that.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made May 23 at 2014 10:09 PM

2014-05-23T22:09:03-04:00

1. Tell your Drill Sergeants you don't like water.

2. Hand the Drill Sergeants your luggage. Ugh...what the hell was I thinking...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2014 10:10 PM

2014-05-23T22:10:36-04:00

Not only stash contraband....but sell contraband. We had a freakin' supplement mafia in 1st PLT.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2014 10:32 AM

2014-05-24T10:32:36-04:00

Knock down all the wall lockers in a dominoes effect way. Guaranteed smoke session until passing out. Haha

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made May 24 at 2014 9:46 PM

2014-05-24T21:46:38-04:00

Simply being in his platoon was enough for that, if I remember correctly.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2014 9:59 PM

2014-05-24T21:59:46-04:00

Smile while being yelled at!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 8:57 AM

2014-05-25T08:57:45-04:00

How about rubbing baby powder all over your face and arms, taking your sheets and cut holes into them, dress up as a ghost and walk to the DS Office and say Trick or Treat! Had two female privates think that would be funny..lol

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 9:03 AM

2014-05-25T09:03:34-04:00

Step inside the DS kill radius without being asked to do so.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 9:49 AM

2014-05-25T09:49:43-04:00

Eye ball the drill sergeant, and take dessert from the chow line when you aren't suppose to!

Response by SSgt David Handy made May 27 at 2014 12:58 PM

2014-05-27T12:58:44-04:00

Somebody goes sneaks out and goes AWOL.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2014 4:00 AM

2014-06-13T04:00:58-04:00

Eyeball your Drill Sergeant and when they ask you what you are looking at, begin your response with Sir. Anything after Sir, should get you squared away.

If the Drill Sergeant asks you if would like some ice cream be sure to order two scoops with sprinkles on top.

Tell the Drill Sergeant that you used to work in a western store and you would be willing to shape their hat for free

Ask them why you can't walk on the grass, put trash in the trash can, use your pockets, wear wet weather gear in the rain, wear more clothes when it is cold, or watch cartoons on Saturday morning.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Nov 4 at 2014 8:27 AM

2014-11-04T08:27:49-05:00

Fraternizing with the females was a big no-no in Basic. I've seen guys getting smoked just for saying "hi" to her.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 8:32 AM

2014-11-04T08:32:18-05:00

Leave out Drill Sergeant when addressing them. Saw that happen. It wasn't pretty.

Response by Cpl Matthew Wall made Nov 4 at 2014 9:15 AM

2014-11-04T09:15:25-05:00

Not sure about Basic, but in Boot Camp all you had to do was say anything besides "This Recruit". Such as "I", "We", "Me", or say anything without "Sir" in it.

Response by SSG Jason Cherry made Nov 4 at 2014 10:27 AM

2014-11-04T10:27:36-05:00

1.When your DS is walking out of the bay for the night after everyone "mounts their racks"...
yell " GOODNIGHT DAD "

2. When DS knocks over a rubber ducky M16, yell out " OOOOOhhhh five-oh! " because weapons hitting the ground costs you 50 pushups.

neither of them were me, but in my platoon bay hahahah #1 was the evening after graduation and DS gave us a good job speech.

#2 was at mail call... which after knocking over 1 rubber m16, the cry was heard, and then followed by an additional 149 rubber ducky m16's being thrown and we actually had to pay back 7500 push ups.... i think that was like our 2nd week in ugh

Response by SPC David S. made Nov 4 at 2014 10:39 AM

2014-11-04T10:39:38-05:00

1) Not making a hole when told.
2) Getting passed by another platoon on a road march
3) Showing up late for formation
4) In kill radius

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 11:45 AM

2014-11-04T11:45:19-05:00

When the Drill Sergeant finally lets up after a smoke session, DO NOT, I say again, DO NOT say "You can't smoke a rock." Because they'll 1) Say crackheads smoke rocks all the time and 2) make you do inchworms for a whole lap around the track. And they'll make you bring a battle buddy (me).

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Nov 4 at 2014 1:16 PM

2014-11-04T13:16:09-05:00

1. Roll your eyes. Drill SGTs love that!
2. Ask the DS if he/she would like fries with that everytime he tells you do something.
3. Call the DS "Sir/Ma'am/Your Highness"

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 4 at 2014 1:22 PM

2014-11-04T13:22:38-05:00

Smile. Happiness is never welcome...... or was that only at Benning?

Response by SSG Ralph Innes made Nov 4 at 2014 1:43 PM

2014-11-04T13:43:22-05:00

1. Getting caught trying to jam a half of a strawberry cake in my mouth while on KP.
2. Asking a DS who was Air Assualt Qualified why he couldn't get into Airborne school.
3. when the DS confronted us and told us that he had been watching us at night and to go ahead and admit what we had been doing (he hadn't been watching us...classic jedi mind trick he played), admitting we were going to the PX to buy dip.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Nov 4 at 2014 1:57 PM

2014-11-04T13:57:47-05:00

Fall asleep any time between revile to lights out.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 2:22 PM

2014-11-04T14:22:20-05:00

I told my DS I couldn't do pushups. BIG mistake! I ended up pushing up Ft. McClellan Alabama the summer of 1986! All my DS and Company CO had to do was shoot me a look and I was in front leaning rest. I got so good at them, I could do them incline.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 2:28 PM

2014-11-04T14:28:41-05:00

Ask the Drill Sergeant for a four day pass.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 2:45 PM

2014-11-04T14:45:07-05:00

Have a last name of Shorthouse, and be 6' 7"

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 3:36 PM

2014-11-04T15:36:57-05:00

When listing goals as a flight, add "not have to do MTI tools" (the Air Force's current version of getting smoked)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 3:52 PM

2014-11-04T15:52:04-05:00

Calling a drill sgt ma'am or sir. I know most of us have a habit of calling other people sir or ma'am but basic is not the place to do it. I found out first hand ROFL

Response by SSG Andrew Dydasco made Nov 4 at 2014 3:55 PM

2014-11-04T15:55:49-05:00

Wow! This thread really picked up out of no where! I first made it about a year ago and it didn't generate much discussion, but now people are commenting left and right! Keep it up!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 5:09 PM

2014-11-04T17:09:04-05:00

I guess in the Air Force you can do what you want these days.

Any USAF TIs want to disprove me?
I hope it isn't as bad as "they" say it is.

Response by SPC Kevin Lanning made Nov 4 at 2014 9:12 PM

2014-11-04T21:12:04-05:00

touch a drill sergeants 'round brown crown' at any time for any reason. After doing such a thing in the chow hall to clean up a countertop while on KP, the DS asked me for my last four of my SSN... got out an index card and said every time I saw him to show him the card and work off the pushups of my last 4.. 5927 pushups that cost me.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 3:02 PM

2014-11-05T15:02:23-05:00

-not "un-f**king" yourself fast enough
-Saying "but Drill sergeant..." usually followed by anything in a whiney tone
- comparing 1sg to a rooster *our 1sg in basic walked around and had this weird bob to his head and he looked like a rooster strutting around.
-impersonating a drill sergeant when not told to do so

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2015 7:22 PM

2015-03-01T19:22:54-05:00

When I was in basic at Ft. Benning, my dad sent only one letter . . . addressed to the Drills. It contained only six words, "Real soldiers graduate from Ft Knox."

Response by SPC Donald Tribble made Mar 29 at 2015 2:35 PM

2015-03-29T14:35:29-04:00

Have a father who is a Veteran...have him send you big ass care packages every week...it got to the point if I saw a round brown I just started pushing...

Response by SPC Kurt Weiland made Mar 29 at 2015 2:42 PM

2015-03-29T14:42:36-04:00

Simply by saying yup, yeah or what. I saw many guys earn us a smoke session by doing this.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 31 at 2015 3:28 PM

2015-03-31T15:28:09-04:00

Leave some buttons unbuttoned, talking during briefings, and asked the DS if you can get a sick day.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2015 3:29 PM

2015-03-31T15:29:50-04:00

Sing while getting smoked... Oh how I loved getting smoked.

My mouth just couldn't shut it sometimes. Once I was told I had a great voice tho. Bahahaha
I was the squad leader and plt Sgt so I got smoked quite often.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-03-31T15:35:19-04:00

In my day, the fastest way to get smoked was to tell a DS that "YOU CANT SMOKE A ROCK DRILL SERGEANT!!"

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-03-31T15:37:24-04:00

Back when Ft Sam Houston had Drill Sergeants 1994, in the Foxtrot Co 232nd MED BN, those Drill Sergeants were to be called Drill Sergeant. Woes to the individual that called them just plain old Sergeant

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 31 at 2015 3:38 PM

2015-03-31T15:38:33-04:00

"No".

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2015 3:50 PM

2015-03-31T15:50:58-04:00

I got a lot of smoke by my Battle asking stupid questions like "Drill Sergeant, Is that the Radio GI Joe uses?" I hated that kid.

And when he told the Drills "I think I am allergic to your tap water", I didn't even wait to be told.

Oh and who will ever forget, "My recruiter told me you would give me a midnight snack if i was hungry"

Funny now, but not back then.

Response by SPC K Webb made Mar 31 at 2015 3:56 PM

2015-03-31T15:56:53-04:00

I took pride in being a road guard for a variety of reasons. During one smoke session, the 6 of us at the front were as loud as about the 50 next to us, so they kept going and 1SG let us have a breather. During the 21k road march (That ended up being longer because of 'a detour', or maybe it was supposed to be 15 but the detour made it 21k... I don't remember), we'd do our job, and then jog back to the front of the formation.

However, on a march to turn in the gear from our final FTX, I turned the formation down the road we'd taken to the warehouses, and that's when a DS asked me what the hell I'd just done. After pushing for a few minutes, we continued on, and he later told me I'd been right. He definitely had my respect, and I got to do a few more pushups.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 31 at 2015 5:00 PM

2015-03-31T17:00:26-04:00

"Turn that light back out. I wasn't done sleeping. Need another 30 mikes."

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Mar 31 at 2015 5:10 PM

2015-03-31T17:10:22-04:00

Shouldn't the question be "What can you ever say that DOESN'T lead to an extra smoke session?" Sand Hill has gallons of my sweat!

Response by SSgt Joe V. made Mar 31 at 2015 5:55 PM

2015-03-31T17:55:49-04:00

Show up to basic in orange parachute pants and a white tank-top...

Two weeks into basic, have a 'guy' show up in civilian clothes asking for Van Ass in the middle of training...(MSgt Harris - Spec Ops recruiter)...good thing was my DI got smoked before I did for asking who the hell MSgt Harris was to his face and asking why he was interrupting training.

Tell your DI that he spit on you while yelling and you taste bacon and it makes you hungry...

Pass the PAST test three weeks into basic...(I think the 'muscle-man' nickname was funny since I was 5'8" and 155lbs...and my DI was 6'3" and about big enough to throw my wall locker across two bunks...)

I have more, but I digress...

Response by CPL Dan McCready made Apr 1 at 2015 3:57 AM

2015-04-01T03:57:00-04:00

1. Refuse to count out loud when told to do so, or get to about 5 and stop. When asked why you didn't count so the DS could hear you, reply I have no idea.

2. When the DS calls your name, and you jump up and sound off, he says, do you think I am psychic, or do you think you are in some sort of trouble. And reply in a smart ass tone that You think you are in some type of trouble.

Response by SGT Dylan Epp made Apr 1 at 2015 10:08 AM

2015-04-01T10:08:18-04:00

Do you even get "smoked" in basic any more? Hell you can't shout at or call them pvt's anymore!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 10:13 AM

2015-04-01T10:13:29-04:00

Give your female DS flowers and after being asked WTF you were thinking state "When I got here you told me you were my mother, my brother, my father and my dog....I give my mother flowers..."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 10:16 AM

2015-04-01T10:16:14-04:00

When told to strip and buff the floor, get completely naked and start buffing the floor, when asked WTF are you thinking...state " ...You told me...to...strip and buff the floor DS"

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 1 at 2015 10:21 AM

2015-04-01T10:21:06-04:00

Giggle while gigged.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 12:49 PM

2015-04-01T12:49:18-04:00

While running to formation in a gagle (because we didnt walk anywhere) we rounded a corner and i found a Drill in my path, i couldent move left because of the gagle and to the right was a dependant whith her child, i plowed into DS Love, knocking him on his butt. Yes it was his wife and child with him.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Apr 1 at 2015 2:18 PM

2015-04-01T14:18:09-04:00

Just say "Yes, Sir" when the DS tells you to do something.

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Apr 1 at 2015 2:29 PM

2015-04-01T14:29:00-04:00

When it looks like the recruits are about to get into a fight, find some reason to discretely slip away, along with the other drill sgts. Let the fight get blown out of proportion so there's blood and blackeyes, torn uniforms, all that. Then, slip back in as if teleported, give the two fighters a cold glass of water, seats, tell them they earned it.

Then smoke the shit out of everyone else who wasn't fighting.

Response by Sgt Tom Vaughn made Apr 1 at 2015 2:48 PM

2015-04-01T14:48:09-04:00

I got the entire platoon 1136. To go up and down mount MF 15 times because I did not hear the DI say NO F N JELLY
Then it was my turn

Response by MAJ Monique Ruiz made Apr 1 at 2015 4:26 PM

2015-04-01T16:26:05-04:00

SSG Andrew Dydasco I smiled...all the time! They made me push until I stopped smiling. As soon as I recovered and went to attention, I smiled again.

I don't smile out of spite or to prove a point, it's just me. I lived to see another day. I'm making a difference in my life. I'm optimistic about every situation. What doesn't kill me, makes me smile.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Apr 2 at 2015 5:32 PM

2015-04-02T17:32:03-04:00

"Oh no thanks, I don't wear hats."

Yeah, I said that.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Apr 2 at 2015 5:34 PM

2015-04-02T17:34:44-04:00

"I'm gonna beat you up this hill Carabello"

And I did... *Drill Sargent* Carabello however was not amused.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Apr 2 at 2015 5:49 PM

2015-04-02T17:49:43-04:00

"Drop what? I'm not carrying anything Sir"

Oh that first day was hard...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2015 5:59 PM

2015-04-02T17:59:06-04:00

I imagine a polite "No, Thank You" , might open the gates of hell.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2015 6:05 PM

2015-04-02T18:05:40-04:00

True Story: One day, we had a disgruntled Private in our Platoon. He took his grievance to the DS in the presence of the whole Battery. The DS, thinking he would up-the-ante, told the Private "Dont tell me, tell the Senior DS". Aforementioned Private walked into the Senior DS's office and shortly, we heard the Senior DS tell the Private to "Shut the F@#$ up". Imagine the terror we experienced when the Private said to the Senior DS, "No, YOU shut the F@#$ up".

Can you believe aforementioned Private survived Basic Training? We thought we were all dead.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 2 at 2015 11:03 PM

2015-04-02T23:03:17-04:00

Say... you can't smoke me...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 1:32 AM

2015-04-03T01:32:13-04:00

Having the last name Shipley...

MTI: "Shipley huh? You should've joined the Navy! Get it? SHIPley? God I'm hilarious."

Me (having the dumbest look on my face) : "Yes, yes you are sir."

Needless to say I pushed Texas closer to hell for that.

Response by SSG Christopher Parrish made Apr 3 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-04-03T10:36:24-04:00

Here's a couple that seemed to have worked well for me.

1. Get caught smoking on the injured truck coming back from bivouac. Apparently not everyone who was asleep, was really asleep.

2. During a midnight equipment check, after I passed, toss a canteen to a fellow trainee who had an empty. DS Morales seemed to have felt a disturbance in the Force and came at me from 2 platoons over. Do you know how hard it is finding a canteen that has been flung in to the darkness by a very angry, very large, DS?

Response by PO2 Seth Carron made Apr 3 at 2015 5:01 PM

2015-04-03T17:01:26-04:00

We had a guy tell our RDCs that he took so long in the head because he was taking a dump. Also had a guy with a uniform that looked like he slept in it while the fleet master chief of the Atlantic sub fleet was present.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 5:14 PM

2015-04-03T17:14:44-04:00

-Have your cellphone ring in the middle of training
-Threat your DS's
-Tell you won't be doing it because you are too tired.
-Stay in bed after reveille

Response by SSG Stan Morrison Jr made Apr 3 at 2015 9:23 PM

2015-04-03T21:23:14-04:00

Forget to button a button on your jacket, roll your sleeves wrong, or blouse your boots wrong. Basically do anything wrong and you will find yourself pushing the dirt down! Hell, you could do everything right and still get smoked by an idiot move by anyone in the squad! Oh, and anyone who thinks having a pillow fight in the barracks after the drill sergeants leave is a good idea, think again. This is frowned upon, and you will get smoked for DAYS!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 2:38 AM

2015-04-04T02:38:31-04:00

"Wow Drill Sergeant, you have beautiful eyes!" She smiled the entire time she was smoking me.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Apr 4 at 2015 11:35 AM

2015-04-04T11:35:58-04:00

saying HUH

Response by SMSgt Bryan Raines made Apr 4 at 2015 7:50 PM

2015-04-04T19:50:03-04:00

Show up with a full beard at Christmas time. However I must admit that as soon as I was clean shaven the powers that be didn't recognize me anymore.

Response by SMSgt Bryan Raines made Apr 4 at 2015 8:01 PM

2015-04-04T20:01:53-04:00

My son would say have your TI (Air Force) go visit your E-8 father who just happened to be stationed on the same base and come back with a request from said father to do extra pt. TI loved it, my son not so much.

Response by CPT Bob Moore made Apr 8 at 2015 8:21 AM

2015-04-08T08:21:53-04:00

We had a guy show up with a Drill Sergeant badge on his uniform. By some strange twist, he was authorized to wear it, but they wore him out for the first few days....

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 8 at 2015 1:02 PM

2015-04-08T13:02:21-04:00

Responding with "SIR" as you where brought up to!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 1:11 PM

2015-04-08T13:11:23-04:00

1. Show up with a visible tattoo of your service branch's logo.
2. Engage in nervous smiles and giggling.
3. Make it a point to break bearing frequently.
4. Slump in your seat when sitting down.
5. Let your eyes wander around the room when an MTI is speaking to you.
6. Refer to your MTI as "Sgt."
7. Sir sandwich.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 1:13 PM

2015-04-08T13:13:15-04:00

Can't smoke me, I'll quit!

Response by SSG Anthony Shuta made Apr 8 at 2015 3:39 PM

2015-04-08T15:39:12-04:00

Try to answer my question with a question, That will get you some great PT

Response by SGT John Jennings made Apr 21 at 2015 3:48 PM

2015-04-21T15:48:21-04:00

Get mail addressed to you as General...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 1:11 PM

2015-04-22T13:11:15-04:00

Seriously, there we were. We were out on FTX in Basic, and my platoon was getting an AAR from one of my platoon DS's. Sun is setting. Ft Leonard Wood, MO. Just had chow and waiting for word to download gear and rack out. Its the perfect time of day. Until.........my whole platoon and DS start smelling smoke. So, my DS tells all of us to follow him so we can find the source in case the woods are on fire. We turn the corner of a line of trees, and there it was, the source of the fire. Two Privates from another platoon were sitting in front of their pup tent with a fire going. Naturally, my DS asks the two Soldiers what the hell they are doing. And, while still sitting and not missing a beat, look up and say "Having some coffee, SSG. Would you like a cup?" DS turns to us, and in a calm voice, tells us to head back to the platoon area. The cries of pain and anguish lasted a good while after that.

Response by SSG John Erny made Apr 27 at 2015 7:06 PM

2015-04-27T19:06:16-04:00

When the Rigger AIT unit takes off and leaves the rest of the BN in the dust during a BN run. Then we get dropped by the BC LTC for doing it, "in cadence exercise" Us "you cant smoke me, zero, you cant smoke me, zero, you cant smoke me, zero, you cant smoke me, zero" He lost it, something like, "you people think you are special just because you have been to a school no one else has!" He was pissed off! He must of yelled at us for an hour.

He leaves and the 1SG tells us that he is proud of us and that BC is wrong. He also told us that the BC washed out of jump school. I think that is only time I have ever seen 1SG say something behind an officers back.

I do not know about now but among the Airborne there was an US and them attitude for legs. Our PT standards were higher also, yes 60, 60, and 60 would pass but you would would get the riot act over it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 1:49 PM

2015-04-28T13:49:05-04:00

Story time. I think you'll like this:

Day 1 or 2. Just got to the barracks after getting past reception phase. We're getting smoked for the first time in our bay, surrounding the kill zone. I've already done more push-ups and sit-ups than I could count. The Drill SGTs are walking around asking the soldiers-to-be personal questions, like where they lived and if they're married, or whatever.

Struggling to continue my push-ups, Senior Drill Sergeant kneels down and yells in my face, "WHAT WERE YOU BEFORE YOU JOINED THE ARMY!?" I'm in robot mode already. Had I even a second to think about my response, I would have lied my ass off.

"Medical debt collector, Drill Sergeant!"

"WHOOOOO, I KNEW I WASN'T GOING TO LIKE YOU! YOU'RE GOING TO BE MY FAVORITE!"

Daily, sometimes more than once, I'd get smoked, alone, in front of the company. I was constantly at muscle-failure and getting tired of getting singled out just because the DSGTs were bored, but I didn't think anything of it. The exercises themselves were never embarrassing or demeaning in any way. I certainly didn't say anything to anyone; that's what started the problem. This is basic. It's supposed to suck. I guess eventually the 1SG caught wind of it after week 6 sometime. He wasn't happy. Had to sign a counselling statement instructing me to report such activities if I'm being treated unfairly directly to him or the commander from that point on.

I'm not sure if there's a morale to this story. Just thought y'all might enjoy it.

Response by SPC Tiffany Ivanov made Jul 21 at 2015 11:19 PM

2015-07-21T23:19:22-04:00

We got a solid 6 hour kill myself smoke session Right after chow... You know when you're starving and then they make you sprint to formation and you don't know if you're about shit yourself or throw up? It was during that moment that DS Andrade discovered that this one Private had stolen 27 packets of peanut butter from the Dfac. We were DONE! About half way through, I hear the soft sound of sobbing Just behind me. We're half way down in the front leaning rest, arms quivering, and it feels like One more burpee will end me. I glance over to tell them to shut up, and I see this 6'4", 250 lbs MAN crying like a child with a skinned knee. I lost it completely. I burst out laughing but tried my hardest to keep it quiet. DS heard, asked if I thought this was funny. "Yes, Drill SERGEANT!! "
.........DOWN!...... UP!....... HALF WAY DOWN!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 9:52 AM

2015-07-22T09:52:38-04:00

1. Tell the DS, they pronounced your name correctly, when asked how to pronounce your name.
2. Fail to cry or complain when being smoked the first time.
3. Fail to cry or complain when everyone else is.
4. When accounting for your PLT at morning formation say, 22 present for duty, 5 at sick call, 1 on KP duty and 1 refuses to train.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 10:21 PM

2015-07-22T22:21:02-04:00

Hey sarge (not drill sergeant), I bet you can't do more push-ups then I can.!

Response by CH (CPT) Ephraim Travis made Jan 7 at 2016 3:01 PM

2016-01-07T15:01:57-05:00

All happened during Chaplain Basic:

1) I arrived 14 minutes early to class.
2) I was on quarters on the 5th day in the Army and I hadn't received the guidance about not walking & talking on a cell. Well on the first day back, I committed this sin and while my PLT mates pleaded on my behalf, the PLT SGT paid no attention. He got up in my face and smoked me.
3) I accidentally stood At Attention while speaking to a Cadre NCO.
4) A classmate was caught plagiarizing on a paper.
5) If there was a lot of mail and/or care packages, we'd get smoked.
6) On Fridays, we'd get smoked for no particular reason before being released.

Response by PFC Brian Hamilton made Jan 7 at 2016 4:07 PM

2016-01-07T16:07:05-05:00

You mean like this? The drill sergeant walked out for just a few minutes. Long enough for us to run in, put on the hat, and get a photo before he came back.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Reese made Jan 7 at 2016 4:57 PM

2016-01-07T16:57:33-05:00

Or you could be the unfortunate one! we had a Guy named Grice Fell asleep behind his wall locker. After PT we went in and made beds showered and got in BDU's and most fell out for morning chow. The dinning hall was right across from our barracks. He went behind his locker and fell asleep after he made his bunk. So he ended up sleeping through morning chow and the unit left for the days training with out him. While doing Barracks Inspection the First SGT found him behind the wall locker asleep top broke his arm trying to get to him. That kid had HELL the rest of Basic.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Reese made Jan 7 at 2016 5:09 PM

2016-01-07T17:09:17-05:00

Back in the day if you really wanted to get attention get a care package while in training. For every unauthorized item in the package it was 20 push ups a pack of candy was 20 push ups for every piece in the pack you kind of get the idea a dozen cookies 240 push up's. Oh and you still didn't get to eat the stuff it went to the drill SGT's break area.

Response by SPC Brad Pratt made Jan 7 at 2016 6:52 PM

2016-01-07T18:52:38-05:00

On the 4th of July in basic training we got to watch "Full Metal Jacket." When the D.I. got shot in the movie, the entire company started cheering.... I was dark, before we got done with push ups.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 11:10 PM

2016-01-07T23:10:40-05:00

Tell your DS, "can't smoke a rock"!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 11:28 PM

2016-01-07T23:28:26-05:00

During a smoke session at AIT, a young 18-year old soldier in the class ahead of us told the senior DS, "You can't smoke a rock, drill sergeant!" The DS thought this was funny. So funny, in fact, he assigned the kid a new PT battle buddy...a 15 pound rock. They didn't let him run with the rock, but for every PT and smoke session, he rocked out with his battle. Maxed his PT test every time, too!!

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jan 7 at 2016 11:28 PM

2016-01-07T23:28:30-05:00

Awesome topic SSG Andrew Dydasco. I need to hear from an actual Drill SGT on this one: SFC Chad Sowash.
Maj Private RallyPoint Member What would the FTO do?

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jan 7 at 2016 11:30 PM

2016-01-07T23:30:15-05:00

Go anywhere without the beloved PT belt.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 11:22 AM

2016-01-08T11:22:24-05:00

Write a postcard, address it to yourself, and put the addressee in the return to sender area of the card. In the content of the card, criticize the drill sergeants use of foul language. I promise that mail call will never be the same!

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 8 at 2016 2:28 PM

2016-01-08T14:28:19-05:00

Offer a breath mint.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 4:51 PM

2016-01-08T16:51:43-05:00

I offered a Tic-Tac to my Drill SGT... that was the hardest day in my life...

Response by SSG Nathaniel Bendel made Jan 31 at 2016 11:18 PM

2016-01-31T23:18:55-05:00

I was a [insert rank] in the [insert prior service military branch]

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2017 1:09 PM

2017-05-15T13:09:23-04:00

This is easy. I let it slip that my father was an Air Force 1st Sgt.
Oh, so you think you fucking know everything already do you? It was very down hill from there.

Response by SSG Stan Morrison Jr made May 15 at 2017 2:11 PM

2017-05-15T14:11:57-04:00

Just about anything, as we are all aware, will get you smoked! I left the top button undone on my jacket, out of uniform, push! Our really dumb move was the barracks wide pillow fight just before lights out. Drill sergeant Sergei smoked us until he got tired. And he didn't tire easily! Barracks got destroyed as well. Bad move!

Response by SSG Jim Nixon made May 15 at 2017 2:12 PM

2017-05-15T14:12:09-04:00

Don't do anything to get in trouble. I was older when I joined and did not do some of the stupid things the young kids did. So I stuck out in a way you don't want to...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2017 2:21 PM

2017-05-15T14:21:49-04:00

The funniest thing I saw was a Private received a about 20 Reese cups from his wife for his Birthday. The Drill Sergeants put him in the front lean and rest with his feet in a chair. Everytime he went down they stuffed a Reese cup in his mouth until they were gone.

Response by PO3 Christopher Jonah Nelson made May 15 at 2017 2:37 PM

2017-05-15T14:37:20-04:00

We had a R-MA who couldn't stop smiling for some reason. He would be an hour in to extra discipline and he's have this creepy-ass grin on his face like nothing was happening even though he was sweating so hard it looked like someone was pouring water over his head.

It was eerie.

Response by LCpl Douglas Landrith Jr made May 15 at 2017 3:10 PM

2017-05-15T15:10:45-04:00

This was not at Recruit Training but have a Cpt. with the name Richard Weed and keep paging him "Capt. Dick Weed call on line 3"... First few times he laughed...

Response by LCpl Douglas Landrith Jr made May 15 at 2017 3:34 PM

2017-05-15T15:34:36-04:00

Out shoot your Sr. D.I. (and all the other D.I.'s) they just happened to have to qualify the week we were on the Range...

Response by CPL Mark Andersen made May 15 at 2017 6:02 PM

2017-05-15T18:02:17-04:00

Be a private

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 15 at 2017 8:27 PM

2017-05-15T20:27:53-04:00

We had to write a letter to the drill sergeant when we arrived. This letter was supposed to describe if we had any knowledge of the military and any leadership experience that we may have, so on and so forth. Well, I had originally enlisted in the USMC DEP before getting medically disqualified thus leading me to enlist in the army. Well, the first line of my letter was something to the effect of, "The Army was my second choice. I just figured that I would grace you with my presence. Semper Fi!" I knew what I was doing. Needless to say, it had the exact outcome that one would expect... Lmao

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2017 11:57 PM

2017-05-15T23:57:32-04:00

Yes Sir or Ma'am!! .. lol!...

Response by SFC David Fullmer made May 16 at 2017 12:28 AM

2017-05-16T00:28:41-04:00

Lose your ID card

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2017 3:44 AM

2017-05-16T03:44:55-04:00

Just refer to them as Drill, NOT Drill Sergeant.
And say Sir/Ma'am yes or no Sir/Ma'am.

Let them know that officers work for a living too, they just make more money & are more important. They will surely love you for that.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2017 8:07 AM

2017-05-16T08:07:40-04:00

Nothing TR 350-6 no longer allows "Smoking" Soldiers, its not my regulation but its a regulation all the same.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 17 at 2017 12:41 AM

2017-05-17T00:41:22-04:00

Using your best ventriloquist voice say "you can't smoke me Drill Sergeant" They love that.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Oct 19 at 2017 12:57 PM

2017-10-19T12:57:45-04:00

I know this is an old post, but back in my day at BCT, going into the chow hall you had to call out your component. "" RA Drill Sergeant" got you out of line and 20 to 30 pushups.

Response by SPC David Dougherty made Jan 12 at 2019 8:38 PM

2019-01-12T20:38:01-05:00

Lets party recruit!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2019 7:58 PM

2019-01-18T19:58:35-05:00

Female trainee called the civilian female working the DFAC a bitch.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 9:00 PM

2019-01-19T21:00:41-05:00

Had a DS ask where im from and told him Flint,Michigan...said he had family here and asked if i fucked any of his cousins lol said if its a female then probably...smoked for an hour lol

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2019 1:41 PM

2019-01-20T13:41:15-05:00

Had a drill sergeant say I don't want to hear a mouse piss on Cotton during lights out... and me being the guy she individual that I am let out a fart that could peel paint off a wall.. I had 1st and 3rd Fire Guard shift for the rest of basic

Response by CPL Matt Shoemaker made Jan 20 at 2019 2:17 PM

2019-01-20T14:17:42-05:00

My longest smoke session came from day one out of reception, which was when they were attempting the shark attack, and 3 of us weren't trembling. The Drill Sergeant asked us each individually. One guy stated that he had done all of Marine Boot Camp 5 years prior to this, while the other responded with how his dad was a Sergeant Major who not only was a Drill Instructor but also the commandant of what later became known as ALC in the Army. My response was, "Drill Sergeant, you ain't got shit on my step-dad, Drill Sergeant"

Response by SSG Fernando Algarin made Jan 20 at 2019 7:50 PM

2019-01-20T19:50:54-05:00

Try imitating your Senior DS and see what happens!!!

Response by SFC Jimmy Williams made Jan 21 at 2019 9:55 AM

2019-01-21T09:55:25-05:00

We we in quansut huts in AIT at Ft Leonard wood in 74. It was 3 barracks buildings one latrine building and one shower building per platoon. It was a cold trip to the latrine when the drills woke us us. so some of us would pee off of the deck at the back of our barracks before getting dresses. One morning I was the last to finish and I felt a presence behind me. I finished peeing and turned around to see DS Brock, all 6'4" of him. he asked me what I thought I was doing. "Taking a leak drill sergeant." There I was , in my underwear at O dark 30 doing push-ups. In addition it cost me a weekend of CQ runner. Knowing what I know now, I imagine he and the other drills had a good laugh about it.

Response by LTC Michael Parker made Jan 21 at 2019 11:37 AM

2019-01-21T11:37:51-05:00

Call him Sarge.

Response by SSG Shauna Holmes made Jan 22 at 2019 11:01 AM

2019-01-22T11:01:36-05:00

My cousin (who was born a month before I shipped out) enlisted and went to FLW, where I was a drill probably six years earlier. Wrote him a letter with a return address of "Shauna Holmes, DS (ret)".
Let's just say I got some side eye when I saw him when I went back home a year after he completed AIT.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 11:24 AM

2019-01-22T11:24:17-05:00

Leave a coin or food item in view in an unsecured spot.

Response by CPL Eric Bedford made Jan 22 at 2019 11:26 AM

2019-01-22T11:26:40-05:00

While waiting in line at the Arms room a PVT asked the DS if he can have the day off from training because it was his Birthday. DS aks PVT how old he was and the PVT answered 19. DS made him do 19 push-ups each for the next 10 PVTs in line when they came out of the arms room with their weapons.

Response by SGT Michael Taylor made Jan 22 at 2019 11:50 AM

2019-01-22T11:50:48-05:00

We had a recruit in my unit that got off the bus from the reception station and stepped on a drill sergeant's spit shined boots. He didn't make is two steps past the D. I. Smoke city man!

Response by MSG Alison Klein made Jan 22 at 2019 12:27 PM

2019-01-22T12:27:15-05:00

Have the last name Williams with nine other idiot privates.

Walk around the first day in the bay barefoot. When DS asks if you are from West Virginia, answer truthfully, yes.

Have a bipolar battle buddy who cried until she was chaptered out or laughed insanely at inappropriate times.

Not me, but another: Stash or hide toliet paper.

Response by COL Tom Ritz made Jan 22 at 2019 12:54 PM

2019-01-22T12:54:07-05:00

Step on his highly polished jump boot.... SFC Thomas I am still sorry! I did it... bad move. SFC Thomas thank you for being such a strong influence on my future!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 2:14 PM

2019-01-22T14:14:01-05:00

1 smile
2 wear his campaign hat
3 take your sweet time getting things done
4 just being there
5 assigned to his platoon.

Hell I could keep going lol

Response by HA Jace Gallagher made Jan 22 at 2019 4:25 PM

2019-01-22T16:25:03-05:00

Cuss, talk at attention, move, forget to brush your teeth, insult them were my favorites. I did it on purpose to piss my RDCs off if I was in a bad mood

Response by PFC Rod Hauck made Jan 22 at 2019 4:47 PM

2019-01-22T16:47:56-05:00

Impersonating Senior Drill Sergeant SFC Arthur C Weathersby will get you some big arms. 2 years later he was on the cover of Army Times ( long ago maybe not right publication) with a Ranger patrol cover. D-4-2 Fort Benning.

Response by SSG Brian Edwards made Jan 22 at 2019 5:37 PM

2019-01-22T17:37:09-05:00

Smoke the PT test and smoke them on a run. Had a Drill make me run around formation on a 5 mile run then challenge me to 1/4 mile sprint at the end of the run, telling me if I beat him it was over if not he was gonna PT me till I puked. I beat him by 50 yards. Then he started yelling and telling me to drop other drill came up told me to recover and get the F out. The whole time that drill seen me he would tell me to drop while at AIT.

Response by MSgt Chandos Clapper made Jan 22 at 2019 5:58 PM

2019-01-22T17:58:58-05:00

We were filling out those little post cards to let our families know we had arrived safely. I had a US Government pen given to me that didn’t work. I raised my hand to tell the TI that the pen didn’t work. He told me to come to office immediately after he finished telling us rainbows how to fill it out. I reported to him and then made the mistake of putting the training manuals I had just been given on his desk. He literally exploded and threw them off his desk and proceeded to chew my ass out. BTW, he was a Buck Sgt.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 6:02 PM

2019-01-22T18:02:51-05:00

Be the wrong person

Response by SPC David Weddig made Jan 22 at 2019 6:34 PM

2019-01-22T18:34:13-05:00

Every time I was on line for mail call inside my position was across from 3rd platoons Drill Sergeants office. After sounding off "27 , last man on line drill sergeant", Drill Sgt. Pierce would ask "hey Private Weddig, what are you looking at?"
There is no correct answer to this question, so I would get 20-30 push-up from him then double from my own. It turned into some comradary towards the end.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 8:05 PM

2019-01-22T20:05:22-05:00

So we messed up, and didn’t clean the latrine the way we should have. First week of red phase at Ft Benning. So as we are already in the front leaning rest, Our Senior Drill Sgt made the statement “Quit your moaning private’s, you sound like a bunt of gay porn stars.” Next thing I know someone shouted “Drill Sgt, you watch gay porn?!” Needless to say the training day was cancelled and we got smoked for hours straight. Great times

Response by COL Jerry C. made Jan 22 at 2019 8:34 PM

2019-01-22T20:34:22-05:00

While in BCT at FT. Polk, all those years ago, a female friend of mine set me a letter. In humor (so she thought) she addressed it me as LT, AS MY RANK. Yep earned some serious "smoke" over that one---for several days!!!!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 8:43 PM

2019-01-22T20:43:49-05:00

I saluted the Battalion Commaner...with my left hand.

Response by SPC Larry Kivi made Jan 22 at 2019 8:55 PM

2019-01-22T20:55:15-05:00

Had one idiot at intake that couldnt keep his mouth shut and while in formation waiting to get id tags this idiot actually let out a whistle at this lady in civilian clothes well, as we go in for the tags we see the lady ( E-6) now in uniform and the bomb shell was yet to come it was our intake sgt's daughter. He regretted it later that night needless to say.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 10:00 PM

2019-01-22T22:00:28-05:00

Uncontrollable laughter worked out just fine for me. One of my DS looked and sounded just like Yusha Thomas so when he started yelling at us I just lost it...

Response by CPT Tom Fawls made Jan 22 at 2019 11:15 PM

2019-01-22T23:15:13-05:00

Pack all your uniforms in your checked bag on the flight to Benning. Show up to the first formation of jump school in Jean's, T-shirt and a pair of leather sandals (late 70s).

Thanks Delta Airlines.

Response by SSG Marcus Brothers made Jan 23 at 2019 1:37 AM

2019-01-23T01:37:06-05:00

Requesting to use the head (while in the Army), making reference to the deck or bulkhead, or singing Anchors Aweigh.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 2:34 AM

2019-01-23T02:34:44-05:00

That’s easy. When I went through basic, I would walk the halls on CQ singing the Marine Corps Hymm.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 9:09 AM

2019-01-23T09:09:50-05:00

Was told prior do not disclose whether or not you have a drivers license. By all means ask, you'll get to run all sorts of great things. Like a broom, a rock magnet, or the good ole d1 come time to police up the outside of the barracks. You will also have to conduct proper preventive maintenance on such things. This was back in 96, but it was funny to hear the nomenclatures they would give to simple hand tools. D1-shovel, rock magnet-rake, etc.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 10:23 AM

2019-01-23T10:23:38-05:00

Fort Jackson, Easter Sunday, 2016. Seemed like a calm morning. All we had to do is eat, change, clean some weapons in the CFA, don’t fuck up. People who wanted to go to Easter service were allowed to go. Everything going smooth. DS does random barracks check. 5 minutes later... DS kicks the door open yells that everyone has 5 minutes to get their weapons together and get into formation and that our battles just f*cked us over... DS found 2 females together on the same bed in the barracks alone. He then goes on to explain that because the only time we are supposed to be in our bunks is during lights out, he is going to go up and count every single bed in the company that isn’t made to the standard, and for every bed not made to standard, we will do 20 reps of an exercise. 15 minutes goes by... he counts (ironically) 69 beds not made to his perfect standard... some Quick maths: 20x69=1,380. We march to lunch chow and he says “enjoy your lunch privates, you’re gonna be tasting it later.” We March back. Seems DS had a change of heart. Instead of doing 1380 reps of one exercise, he instead takes the entire company up to each bay, the platoons responsible for the bay (1st and 3rd in a bay 2nd and 4th in a bay, females in a bay) will strip and remake every bed and remake it to his perfect standard while he smokes us. When bay 1 was done, we moved to bay 2, wash, rinse, repeat. Bay 3 was empty so we all went up to females bay. Now while all of this is going on, remember the people who are at Easter service? Yea, so they come back from having a good time worshiping and having a nice service, just to find their whole company in a giant smoke session. When they arrive back, they as well start to recive the same amount of smoke. Because while they weren’t there, they most likely also left their bed unmade to standard as well. So, in short, you want a fast pass to getting an extra smoke session? Fraternize while also making sure your battles didn’t make their beds.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 11:37 AM

2019-01-23T11:37:04-05:00

I think my favorite time getting smoked is when my entire platoon yelled no balls drill sergeant.

Response by SPC Joe Garcia made Jan 23 at 2019 12:32 PM

2019-01-23T12:32:43-05:00

On the day we learned about camouflage, We had to camouflage our buddies face with dark green on the high areas, and light green in theblow areas. I did so, but I wrote SHIT in dark green, on his forehead, and filled in the rest with the light green. We were sitting in the bleachers awaiting our next instructions, when the range drill sgt started yelling, “Hey shithead! Yeah you, shithead!” Everyone was looking for the shithead, including my buddy. Slowly it dawned on him the he was the shithead! “Get down here shithead! Who’s your ranger buddy, shithead?!” The drill was screaming. I got smoked, and since you never let your ranger buddy do push-ups without you, so did my buddy. The laugh was well worth the punishment!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 2:01 PM

2019-01-23T14:01:27-05:00

Ask them if you could wear the campaign hat.

Response by SPC Michael Dehn made Jan 23 at 2019 2:08 PM

2019-01-23T14:08:00-05:00

1. Calling him sir.
2. Referring to my M-16 as a gun.
3. Display boots looking like shit.
4. Sleeping during classroom training.
5. Falling out of the run during PT.
6. Finding your wall locker unlocked.
7. Forgetting your general orders.
8. Touching his Smokey the Bear hat.
9. Not knowing your left from your right.
10. Sneaking food in the barracks.

Response by 1LT Lou Baglietto made Jan 23 at 2019 2:55 PM

2019-01-23T14:55:43-05:00

Get caught wearing madras go-to-hell-shorts to the pay telephone. They made me put on my steel pot and do push-ups and t-bones for about an hour

Response by 1LT Lou Baglietto made Jan 23 at 2019 3:03 PM

2019-01-23T15:03:28-05:00

When my daughter was doing basic at Ft. Lost-in-the-woods, she was asked if she had any relatives in the Army. She replied that her Dad had been an Infantry Officer in the 1st Cav and her Grandpa had been in the 101 Div Arty. Big mistake.

Response by SFC Tim Mosher made Jan 23 at 2019 3:58 PM

2019-01-23T15:58:44-05:00

In 1980, Drill Sergeant Perrine imparted this wisdom to us:
If you hear any of these phrases coming out of your head, your are automatically WRONG!
- I thought,
- I heard, or
- Somebody told me
Wisdom of the ages right there.

Response by SFC Tim Mosher made Jan 23 at 2019 4:01 PM

2019-01-23T16:01:52-05:00

While being punished with the bear crawl, ask the DS if it's okay to growl and make bear sounds too.

Response by SFC Danny Leonard made Jan 23 at 2019 7:18 PM

2019-01-23T19:18:57-05:00

Drill Sergeant: 3rd platoon, this is my last basic training cycle.
Me: Drill Sergeant, this is my last basic training cycle.
It got real quiet, he gave me that stare that told me, “You just got your only free one “.

Response by LCpl Matthew Seacrist made Jan 24 at 2019 7:13 AM

2019-01-24T07:13:10-05:00

When i was at Parris Island my DI asked why my dumb ass joined the Marine Corps. With all the volume i could muster i yelled “Because chicks dig it and the foods free sir!!!” A recital of that statement was required of me at every quarterdeck session thereafter, of which there were many.

Response by CPL Christopher Admire made Jan 24 at 2019 6:13 PM

2019-01-24T18:13:34-05:00

True story, during Bct back in 2000, my PG and one of the SL decided to go eat at the Burger King. They were caught by one of the other Battalions DS and brought back to the company. Needless to say that night till 0200 we got a nice smoke session that resumed the next morning at 0530 as this was a weekend. The session lasted until 1600. Afterwords my platoon was stripped of our Guidon until just before graduation, and this happened halfway thru red phase.

Response by SPC Dustin Duncan made Jan 24 at 2019 6:18 PM

2019-01-24T18:18:23-05:00

I was in 2nd platoon and i was leaving the chow hall and said at ease make way when 1st platoons drill was walking by mind you i had a tray in my hand! So i only had one hand behind my back, well d.s. hannah was only like 5'4" 5'5" so he says hey private can you really go to parade rest like that i said negative d.s. he looks at me and says get on my level private.... My dumb ass bends my kneea and gets eye level with him..... I spent 2 houra in the mud pit at knox.... Looking back its hilarious...thinking i was gonna die in that damn pit not so funny

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Feb 3 at 2019 5:25 PM

2019-02-03T17:25:18-05:00

Call your DI a fuck face.

Response by CW4 Brian Hammonds made Feb 13 at 2019 8:31 PM

2019-02-13T20:31:31-05:00

Easy. Just say.. "I love the way that Smokey the Bear hat makes you look cute, Sir". And always add, "you can't smoke a rock!" Good luck!

Response by CW4 Brian Hammonds made Feb 13 at 2019 8:39 PM

2019-02-13T20:39:55-05:00

One more... Tell them that because you were in High School JROTC, you outrank them and they should salute you. Additionally, he was at Knox and was told he belonged at Jackson. The poor kid thought he was right; the response was priceless.

Response by CPL Chris Palmberg made Feb 13 at 2019 10:00 PM

2019-02-13T22:00:44-05:00

So because my parents were both veterans, I picked up just enough D&C knowledge to be dangerous. After a quick block of instruction on the handling of the guidon, I became its bearer on Day 1 of Basic. I smartly snapped to attention, stood in platoon formation for a while, and then Drill Sergeant Guillermo Torres, who was about 6" shorter than my 6', called "Parade Rest," and with equal precision I snapped the staff down, striking squarely the brim of his brown round, which now sat garishly at about a 45°angle on the back of his head.
Then I started making mistakes.
1) I saw a glimmer of laughter cross his
eyes and the edge of his mouth quiver upwards, which caused me to lose my composure, resulting in the predictable orders to push.
2) Only being a few hours in, nobody knew about the sacrilege of letting the guindon touch the ground, so I carefully put it on the concrete and complied with my orders.
3) When colorfully instructed by one of the other Drills (SSG Torres' accent was easily recognizable and often imitated,) on the error of my ways, I attempted pushups while grasping the staff in my fists and pushing from my wrists...

They corrected that one too... apparently, there had been a SNAFU with the post office, because I didn't receive the "be invisible" memo until a couple of days later.

Response by SGT Jay Costanzo Sr made Feb 14 at 2019 7:00 AM

2019-02-14T07:00:17-05:00

Basic, Fort Dix 1977. They had a kid selling newspapers at the mess hall. I bought a Sunday paper, double timed it back to barracks (you remember, you ran everywhere unless marching). Drill was standing outside barracks. Asked where the hell I thought it was? Holiday Inn? Drop and give me 200!. That sucked. Didn’t buy another paper after that.

Response by SSG Vincent Wilson made Feb 14 at 2019 6:37 PM

2019-02-14T18:37:39-05:00

When they get in your face offer them a breath mint.

Response by SPC Brent Turner made Feb 14 at 2019 10:00 PM

2019-02-14T22:00:31-05:00

I got dropped constantly for smiling. Seriously. My CC would say, "Turner-what the he'll are you smiling about? You like me or something? You want to hold my hand or something? You want to come to my house and have a barbeque, meet my wife?" I'd say (still smiling), no Chief! He'd respond, "Good! Cause I don't like you either! Drop and give me 50! And while you're at it give me 50 sit ups too, because you're looking pretty fat to me! (I wasn't)" I just found the whole thing humorous. He was easy compared to my dad.

Response by SPC Brent Turner made Feb 14 at 2019 10:26 PM

2019-02-14T22:26:24-05:00

Also, "letting" another recruit write in your log while on watch. Got sent to IT for that one. And lucky me stepped off the curb and fell onto the curb on my hip because it was icy on my way to IT.

Response by Cpl Clinton Britt made Feb 15 at 2019 6:29 AM

2019-02-15T06:29:19-05:00

In Marine Boot......refer to yourself as " I "
Have your parents come up so they have to give you a special liberty.......paid dearly for that one

Response by SSG Jason Berghammer made Feb 16 at 2019 2:28 AM

2019-02-16T02:28:56-05:00

Conduct Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego or MCRD Paris Island...I had plenty of smoke sessions at MARINE CORPS RECRUIT TRAINING.

Response by SPC David Schuler made Feb 16 at 2019 10:11 AM

2019-02-16T10:11:02-05:00

Suddenly drop off the radar. My Drill called me out and said " I haven't dropped you since- it must be 2 or 3 days. You're up to something. I don't know what it is but I'll find out". The next time I reported to him I made sure I had a pocket unbuttoned. After I recovered it was all good again.

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Feb 17 at 2019 8:50 AM

2019-02-17T08:50:09-05:00

Ask your DS when is this shit going to get hard.

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Feb 17 at 2019 8:51 AM

2019-02-17T08:51:14-05:00

Ask the DS when is this shit going to get real.

Response by MSgt Jerry Waters made Feb 17 at 2019 9:32 PM

2019-02-17T21:32:01-05:00

Quit smoking

Response by Frank Leverett made Feb 17 at 2019 10:26 PM

2019-02-17T22:26:43-05:00

I'm guessing "smoke sessions" doesn't mean smoke breaks, and you're asking to have your ass kicked for a few hours or longer?

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Feb 18 at 2019 12:08 AM

2019-02-18T00:08:17-05:00

The best thing to do is keep a low profile, do what Your told and keep Your mouth shut. Basic isn't forever finish it and move on. I kind of enjoyed hearing some of the expressions the Drill instructor had anyway but knew enough not to look entertained by it. I had already learned at a Military Academy how to behave in formations etc. I could do all the push ups and running without a problem by why tempt things ?

Response by CPT Kirill Russian Varshavskiy made Feb 18 at 2019 9:48 PM

2019-02-18T21:48:11-05:00

Tell them that you are Russian. Ouch. had to earn my duffle back the moment I got off that bus. You can say the rest of OSUT at Knox wasn't much better.

Response by LTC Zachary Hubbard made Feb 19 at 2019 3:28 PM

2019-02-19T15:28:55-05:00

Sorry I f?#$ed that up drill sergeant, but I was having a nicotine fit!

Response by SGT William Nixson made Feb 24 at 2019 6:10 PM

2019-02-24T18:10:08-05:00

ask your DS if he bought his hat the same place Smoky the Bear got his!
Be prepared to push until HE gets tired!

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 17 at 2019 10:53 PM

2019-03-17T22:53:32-04:00

Order pizza delivery.
I'm kinda like Farmer's Insurance. I know a thing or two, 'cuz I've seen a thing or two...

Response by PO1 Steven Siepp made Mar 24 at 2019 1:18 PM

2019-03-24T13:18:35-04:00

we had this guy in boot like Moose from the Archie comics and he liked push ups. till the day we graduated he said nope or yeah. like I said until "We" graduated

Response by SFC Wayne Theilen made Mar 26 at 2019 2:06 PM

2019-03-26T14:06:24-04:00

Find the smallest drill sgt. And punch him in the nuts.

Response by SPC Joel Alioto made Apr 8 at 2019 5:57 PM

2019-04-08T17:57:15-04:00

Give the drill sergeant the "jarhead" response Sgt to Pvt " Why are you in my beloved Army"? Pvt to Sgt. "Sir. The private got lost on his way to college"! LMAO!

Response by 2LT Earl Dean made Apr 12 at 2019 9:44 PM

2019-04-12T21:44:46-04:00

Answer yes mam to make drills or yes sir to female drills, you could ask when is quitting time? Ask, do all drills have bad breath? Ask if you can take tomorrow off because you want to go to a party?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2019 2:38 PM

2019-04-14T14:38:02-04:00

Why do we have rain gear,? It doesn't look like it's going to rain.
Why do we carry cold weather gear that we can't use?
My MOS is supposed to be transportation, why do I have to walk everywhere when I'll be driving trucks?
Why do we have to pull fireguard in the barracks? There are fire alarms everywhere.

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Apr 14 at 2019 9:34 PM

2019-04-14T21:34:41-04:00

Smokers used to get a longer smoke break by putting as many cigarettes in their mouth, all of them were lit, then a big bucket was put over your head.

Response by LCpl Milton Morales made Apr 18 at 2019 10:52 PM

2019-04-18T22:52:10-04:00

Unless your a Marine and, you where made in Parris Island.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2019 11:57 AM

2019-04-22T11:57:43-04:00

If you're a Recruit at Army BCT, call a Drill Sergeant 'Sir!' (then hold on to your @$$...)

Response by Cpl Raymond Hottinger made May 7 at 2019 2:22 AM

2019-05-07T02:22:08-04:00

Lol. My aunt sent me a letter in 3rd phase (USMC) of bootcamp addressed to Corporal Hottinger instead of recruit Hottinger. Yep I was have fun on the quarter deck for that one.

Response by SPC Damon Hairston made May 14 at 2019 1:26 PM

2019-05-14T13:26:58-04:00

Back in OSUT 1987, Fort Benning, Harmony Church, just come out of the PX with a fresh haircut, hands in pockets, whistling. That's I got a smoke session....

Response by SPC David Cooper made May 17 at 2019 8:45 AM

2019-05-17T08:45:21-04:00

Cant smoke a rock Drill SGT.

Response by SGM Debra Bradshaw made May 17 at 2019 7:20 PM

2019-05-17T19:20:30-04:00

Yeah, ok, or ‘whatever’ will certainly get you smoked.

Response by CW3 Dan Mackey made May 19 at 2019 10:02 PM

2019-05-19T22:02:38-04:00

Be careful what you ask for because the group will want to kick your ass for bring hell down on the group!!! If you just want to get yourself into better shape ask the drill how they would recommend you go about that. Realize that smoke sessions are never solo in basic and when I was in basic as a platoon leader one of the drills pulled me aside before we went on our field experience. He told me he wanted me to take our platoon trouble maker in the woods and give him an attitude adjustment. He also informed me if he had to recycle it would not come back on me. We talked things over the next night and he told me to F OFF and I broke his nose and jaw. He recycled. Be careful that was old school army but some things never change.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made May 20 at 2019 6:53 PM

2019-05-20T18:53:26-04:00

Like many others, my natural expression is a smile. What can I say? I am an optimist and I grew to really enjoy Basic and consider it my new home. So, I got smoked for that.

Also, drop your gear on induction day and instead of leaving it behind to join your unit on the pad, chase it and try to pick it all up. That got me almost half the drill sergeants in C Battery for the whole damned day.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made May 21 at 2019 12:05 AM

2019-05-21T00:05:48-04:00

Simple, breathe, nothing else is needed.

Response by SPC Joel Alioto made May 21 at 2019 12:52 PM

2019-05-21T12:52:01-04:00

At the time of the cold war I had all the guys in my platoon marching like Russian soldiers on parade in red square until the senior drill caught us and asked what the hell we were doing and my battle buddy replied "practicing march tovarishch starshiy serzhant! My battle buddy spoke Russian.

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made May 21 at 2019 1:04 PM

2019-05-21T13:04:07-04:00

I thought I was tough so I was the last off “his bus” on purpose and when he told me to get down and beat my face I got on my knees and started slapping my face When I started pushing until he got tired I was amazed at the fact that he in fact didn’t get tirec

Response by SPC William Anderson made May 22 at 2019 6:24 PM

2019-05-22T18:24:15-04:00

I went to Fort Bliss for basic and we in the barracks doing cleaning and someone had order some pizza's and just as the the pizza's arrived so did the drill sergeants, well needless to say we did push up's and the drill sergeants had pizza for a snack.

Response by SFC Tim Mosher made May 23 at 2019 8:33 AM

2019-05-23T08:33:55-04:00

Waaay back in 1980, our drill Sergeant imparted this wisdom to us:

"IF YOU HEAR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PHRASES COME OUT OF THE FRONT OF YOUR HEAD, CONSIDER YOURSELF AUTOMATICALLY WRONG, AND JUST DO PUSH UPS!
I THOUGHT,
I HEARD, OR
SOMEBODY TOLD ME"

Still words of wisdom today.

Response by SGT Stan Setliff made May 26 at 2019 11:37 AM

2019-05-26T11:37:58-04:00

It wasn't basic, but I had a Black Hat in Jump school ask me where I was from. I replied "Texas". He replied "YOU AIN'T FROM TEXAS! WHERE YOU FROM ?!" And my smart ass kicked in - " I'm from my Mother, I was raised in Texas". You can pretty much guess how the rest of jump school went for me.

Response by CWO3 Dave Alcantara made May 26 at 2019 10:49 PM

2019-05-26T22:49:16-04:00

In my first week at Basic, I had to report to the OOD shack. I hustled there and stood on the mark until the Company Commander bellowed the command “Come”. I marched sharply to the window, and popped off the most impressive British Style salute, Bernard Montgomery would have been proud. Unfortunately I was in the US Coast Guard.

I never found out why I had been summoned. But I did earn 6 hours of disciplinary tours. Run 2, walk 1, 25 cranks at the bell, high porting all the way.

Response by SPC Stiv ChenRobbins made May 27 at 2019 8:03 PM

2019-05-27T20:03:14-04:00

I was a bit older than most when I hit Basic, so got into trouble less. I was standing in line at the chow hall when a woman walked by (probably an officer's wife) and one person in our formation whistled at her.
By the time they finished with him, *I* was ready to cry -- or something.

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made May 29 at 2019 3:53 PM

2019-05-29T15:53:04-04:00

Your there to train and learn, not to go on a smoke break

Response by CPL Tara Kimble made Jun 6 at 2019 4:40 PM

2019-06-06T16:40:22-04:00

What smoke breaks. Our cigs and lighters were confiscated

Response by MSgt Mike Evans made Jun 9 at 2019 9:55 AM

2019-06-09T09:55:22-04:00

My wife wrote the MG on base (Ft Knox) and complained I wasn’t getting my mail. Good day...Sarcasm

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2019 9:28 PM

2019-06-14T21:28:32-04:00

A little story: I joined the Army in early 2011, when the cutoff age was 42. I was 40 at the time. Went to basic at Relaxin' Jackson. Had a female DS that busted my chops one day about being so old. Out in the field she said to me, "You're old enough to be my mom!" I replied, "That means I'm old enough to date your mom". She laughed her ass off and made me do a whole lot of push-ups. After that, she'd make sure to say stuff like, "Hey V, I talked to my mom this morning..." and I'd always tell her to tell her mom hello.

Response by SSG Peter Kriz made Jun 19 at 2019 3:39 PM

2019-06-19T15:39:39-04:00

That’s great,
C co. 3/32 1989

Response by SPC Robert Passini made Jun 28 at 2019 4:48 PM

2019-06-28T16:48:42-04:00

OK, in my platoon here were a couple things that would get us smoked. 1. Be late for formation. 2. Be early for formation. 3. Be on time for formation. Also, do not casually stroll between a DS and his platoon. And the one that works everytime.... dip your shoulder while pulling back the charging handle during Inspection Arms.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Jun 29 at 2019 8:32 AM

2019-06-29T08:32:33-04:00

Most of the stories that I'm reading must be army stories. Because 99% of what you all are saying never took place our did not exist when I was in Marine Corps Boot Camp. The only incident I can remember happening in my platoon was this one private left formation we were in dress greens everybody was at attention. This kid had a bladder problem he walked outta formation dragging his rifle walked up to the Di and asked could he go to the Head. All 3 drill instructors Properly dressed him down like no tomorrow had told him to give back information. The recruit Return to formation stood at attention and properly peed his pants in front of everyone. That Went over real good, We all pay the price that day they threw us in the pit in a dress green uniforms and we dear bins and thrust until a buttons popped off. This happen at MCRD San Diego November 1979

Response by SSG Bill Sier made Jun 29 at 2019 12:46 PM

2019-06-29T12:46:09-04:00

Call a Drill Sergeant. Sergeant. It worked for me. I didn't notice the Drill Sgt "Pumpkin"on his blouse. Not so much push ups, but a very long Front Leaning Rest session- until he got tired.

Response by SPC Michael Brink made Jun 30 at 2019 1:47 PM

2019-06-30T13:47:09-04:00

Last week of basic (EOCT) at Ft Leonard Wood 1988. I did 400 push ups and a half hour of grass drill because I got 2 spoons of jello lol. It was lemon with pear wedges I WILL NEVER FORGET!! Wasn't so funny at the time but I lmao about it now.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2019 7:41 PM

2019-06-30T19:41:26-04:00

Breathe

Response by SGT Jd Cox made Jun 30 at 2019 10:23 PM

2019-06-30T22:23:32-04:00

An even better question is, why would you want to piss off the Drill Sgt? If they don't know your name, you doing it right.

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Jul 1 at 2019 9:24 PM

2019-07-01T21:24:23-04:00

Nothing! My motto is and always has been, keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut. Just passed 86 and doing great!!

Response by SGT Mike Edick made Jul 6 at 2019 12:43 PM

2019-07-06T12:43:01-04:00

Chuckle in formation while another recruit is getting smoked... That was the one and only time I received a personal smoke session. Learned my lesson.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2019 9:11 PM

2019-07-06T21:11:52-04:00

When the DS says something, give him a response that somehow includes his mother. I'm sure that will ensure optimum physical training, maybe with a bonus of wall-to-wall counseling.

Response by SGT William Nixson made Jul 7 at 2019 11:57 AM

2019-07-07T11:57:22-04:00

1) Curse at the drill sergeant
2) Ask where you can buy a Smokie The Bear hat
3) Complain about the food, lack of privacy, drills shouting, or just basically anything
4) Tell them your high school football coach was tougher

Response by Cpl Tyler Therrien made Jul 7 at 2019 12:30 PM

2019-07-07T12:30:33-04:00

smoking in basic? Fellow recruit got caught at parris island with cig smoke on his breath- DIs about pt'd his ass to death

Response by Sgt Frank Lingelbach made Jul 9 at 2019 9:06 PM

2019-07-09T21:06:18-04:00

If you went through Marine Corp boot camp the answer is nothing. Your DI owns you and your time on earth until you graduate. You get what the smoking lamp is lit for, usually one or two cigarettes.

Response by SPC Michael Tucker made Jul 11 at 2019 4:38 PM

2019-07-11T16:38:12-04:00

My family sent cupcakes to celebrate making the 2nd week of basic at Ft. Benning!!! When I got done being smoked, I couldn't raise my arms high enough to put a cupcake in my mouth....

Response by SPC Steve Mason made Jul 15 at 2019 4:03 AM

2019-07-15T04:03:31-04:00

As a just under the wire 34 year old "private" in basic, I was summoned to the DS office on about day 3. All 3 platoon DS's were in the office and they informed me they were going to make me platoon guide and asked me what I thought about that. I replied "ask me in a week Drill Sergeant." The oldest of the bunch could barely stifle his laughter and the one who informed me they were going to make me "guide" just told me to "get the hell out of his office." I think he was ready to bust out himself. I guess being almost as old or older than they were caught them off guard..

Response by SSG Russell Moon made Jul 30 at 2019 2:33 PM

2019-07-30T14:33:23-04:00

My retired Marine great uncle sent me a letter in basic, complete with large, shiny EGA on the upper left corner. After the obligatory individualized smoke session, I open the letter...

Dear Russ, hope you enjoyed the PT...

Response by CPT Keith Whitter made Jul 31 at 2019 4:19 PM

2019-07-31T16:19:14-04:00

I recall asking my drill instructor if I could put some push-ups in the bank for the future after having gone through an entire day without getting dropped and attempting to push Ft Benning closer to sea level. Lets just say it didn't work out so well!

Response by SFC Michael Barnes made Aug 1 at 2019 12:05 PM

2019-08-01T12:05:58-04:00

During Basic at FT. Sill in 89', a fellow trainee had big plans to be an officer through OCS after enlisting. Standing next to him at attention while a Drill was dressing us down, this trainee interrupted the Drill in frustration and said, "Drill Sergeant, after I am an officer, I am gonna come back here and click your heels!" Needless to say, at the end of basic training, he scored really high on the push-up and sit-up portion of the PT Test.

Response by SFC Patricia Tucker made Aug 1 at 2019 7:41 PM

2019-08-01T19:41:41-04:00

I had a drill yelling at me about something or another and she asked, "Can't you hear me, private?' and I said, "S#@t everybody can hear you!

Response by PFC Charles Sanders made Aug 4 at 2019 7:25 AM

2019-08-04T07:25:48-04:00

“Can’t smoke a rock, Drill Saern’t!” We had a guy holler this at the Drill Sergeant one day. He took it as a challenge from the entire platoon...

Response by TSgt Michael Williamson made Aug 4 at 2019 1:16 PM

2019-08-04T13:16:26-04:00

"Are you getting smart with me?"
"Sergeant, if I were, you obviously wouldn't know."

Response by TSgt Michael Williamson made Aug 4 at 2019 1:16 PM

2019-08-04T13:16:38-04:00

"Are you getting smart with me?"
"Sergeant, if I were, you obviously wouldn't know."

Response by Lt Col Leo Shockley made Aug 4 at 2019 6:48 PM

2019-08-04T18:48:08-04:00

Quit smoking. You aren't there for a break.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2019 8:20 PM

2019-08-04T20:20:23-04:00

Ask your drill sergeant if you can sleep in. Or better yet just tell him or her that your tired and would like to take a nap.

Response by CPL Steve Freeman made Aug 6 at 2019 11:21 AM

2019-08-06T11:21:51-04:00

Smoke sessions? Wth is that? Why do you need more smoke sessions? How bout do your job?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2019 2:39 PM

2019-08-28T14:39:23-04:00

Tell them they cannot smoke a rock

Response by SGT S. Ivey made Aug 28 at 2019 4:21 PM

2019-08-28T16:21:29-04:00

Don't need to say or do anything to get smoked; someone else will do it for you!!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2019 7:39 PM

2019-08-28T19:39:43-04:00

Here's a couple of pointers for you. laugh in the ds face, say thank, say sorry, and always smart back to the ds. oh and dont bother having any weapon handling discipline

Response by PO1 Anthony Sam made Sep 1 at 2019 1:27 PM

2019-09-01T13:27:44-04:00

Saying I'm going to Shart is good start.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Sep 1 at 2019 2:04 PM

2019-09-01T14:04:37-04:00

We were required to " stand up an eat" in mess hall regularly if we didn't perform to S DI standards, front leaning rest in front of mess hall if anyone dropped a utensil

Response by 1SG Steven Borts made Sep 1 at 2019 8:59 PM

2019-09-01T20:59:12-04:00

Say: "What the fuck, sarge! I thought we were buddies!"

Response by SGT Debra Jahnel made Sep 2 at 2019 5:24 PM

2019-09-02T17:24:05-04:00

In 1981, Ft Jackson, Tank Hill, one of the first "coed" basic training battalions. Cute little female (so tiny, her boots were specially made!) greeted the Captain with a flip of the hand at her brim & "hi-ee!" She was out the day after the boots arrived.

Response by SN Joel Penhallegon made Sep 2 at 2019 7:24 PM

2019-09-02T19:24:54-04:00

You don't need and shouldn't want any smoke sessions in BT. We never had any when I was in Navy Basic Training from 2/28-4/27/07.

Response by SGT Timothy Duffield made Sep 3 at 2019 8:30 PM

2019-09-03T20:30:43-04:00

DS: Why are your hands in your pockets?
ME: Because they are cold sergeant.
DS: Drop and give me 20.
(me - beats face for 20)
DS: Are your hands still cold?
ME: Yes, Sergeant.
DS: Drop and give me 20 more.
(me - beats face for 20)
DS (now with other DI's raising eyebrows in the background): Are your hands still cold?
ME: Yes, Sergeant.
DS (with other DI's behind him raising their eyebrows about where this is going): Duffield, What. The. F***. Is. Wrong. With. You?
ME: The Concrete is cold, Sergeant.
DS (with other DI's snickering in the background): Well G**D*** it, give me 20 sit ups.
ME: (crunches out 20)
DS: Hands cold now?
ME: No, Sergeant. (wasn't going to push my luck about my ass being cold)

(true story - Fort Leonard Wood - approx late October 1988)

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2019 9:39 PM

2019-09-03T21:39:17-04:00

We had a guy in basic that did a perfect imitation of the Sr. Drill's voice....lol. Somebody snitched him out and was "invited" to let the Sr. Drill hear for himself... he did an excellent job of impersonating a bullfrog when he tried.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2019 12:35 PM

2019-09-04T12:35:47-04:00

Drill Sergeant I lost my pricky 6.

Response by SSG Omar Ruiz-Canales made Sep 4 at 2019 3:04 PM

2019-09-04T15:04:50-04:00

They like being called "Sarge"..

Response by SGT George Reimuth made Sep 4 at 2019 7:48 PM

2019-09-04T19:48:41-04:00

When I went through basic training back in 1979 , we did a lot of fitness and I do mean a lot , we were allowed to have a smoke break only when requesting permission .

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2019 3:59 PM

2019-09-08T15:59:35-04:00

1. Always ask Why? They really love that.
2. Let them know you are too tired. They will take care of that.
3.It's not fair. They will make it fair for you that got a group smoking. Got to be fair
Or my favorite. Somehow have a pine needle stuck to the bottom of your canteen during an inspection. Ouch still sore and that was in 1983

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2019 10:34 PM

2019-09-09T22:34:02-04:00

I sent my younger sister a small box with a can of cherry Skoal, some twizzlers and a tampon.

The letter read something along the lines of

“Hello Drill Sergeant, I really appreciate everything you guys do so I decided to send a package with things that PVT. Ortega thought you’d enjoy. She said you were all a bunch of “Cherries”, not sure what that means but it sounds sweet. Thanks for your service, Hoohaa Siempre Fideos Soldier.”

Response by SGT Jeremy Boyd made Oct 2 at 2019 10:33 AM

2019-10-02T10:33:47-04:00

Drill Sergeant, your breath smells like whiskey and dick.

Response by LCpl Stanley Wilcox made Oct 3 at 2019 12:57 PM

2019-10-03T12:57:15-04:00

1. While at the rifle range I was told to get coffee for the Lt. Came back with it in my right hand & tried to salute.
2. While at boot camp in San Diego. A friend send a letter with a California Map. D.I. though I was planning to go A.W.O.L.

Response by SP5 Danielle Young made Oct 4 at 2019 8:33 AM

2019-10-04T08:33:21-04:00

Stand at Parade Pretty!

Response by PFC Ray Aquila made Oct 5 at 2019 12:37 AM

2019-10-05T00:37:53-04:00

Ft. Benning was the best and still is. Remember folks that's where all the HUEY's came from. All those from Ft Knox........STAND DOWN!!!!!!!!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2019 3:44 PM

2019-10-05T15:44:35-04:00

Ask any Drill Sargent if Reserve Drill Sargents are actually “real” Drill Sargents. They’ll find one to help you figure it out.

Response by SSG Robert White made Oct 5 at 2019 6:51 PM

2019-10-05T18:51:46-04:00

Ha, the answer, when I went through basic in 1983, Would be: Anything!

Response by SPC Michael Lewis made Oct 5 at 2019 6:57 PM

2019-10-05T18:57:55-04:00

Tell your DS, "This is easy".
It will only take once.

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Oct 7 at 2019 9:02 PM

2019-10-07T21:02:54-04:00

Ask why the food is so bad

Response by SSG Doug H made Oct 8 at 2019 1:34 PM

2019-10-08T13:34:18-04:00

Tell them that your dad was a Drill Sgt for 10 years and they don't scare you.

As a side note, My Father in Law was a Viet Nam vet, and a Drill Sergeant but had a long break in service and had to re-attend Basic. None of his Drill Sergeants knew, until he was in his Dress uniform for graduation.

Response by Ralph Howard made Oct 8 at 2019 9:39 PM

2019-10-08T21:39:51-04:00

Arriving at company in Basic to meet the drills, one of which was a wacko E-7 named Stone.One of the new boots was named Stonebreaker,and made the mistake of grinning when Sgt Stone fronted him.

Response by CPT Earl George made Oct 12 at 2019 7:29 AM

2019-10-12T07:29:29-04:00

B-15-4 Ft Knox, Kentucky: WE had company t-shirts that read; WE BRING SMOKE SMOKE SMOKE SMOKE

Enough said

Response by Capt Karlos Nordinsifeller made Oct 13 at 2019 2:15 AM

2019-10-13T02:15:01-04:00

The postcard saying “I got your letter- so what’s it like having gay drill instructors “

Response by PO2 John Winters made Oct 17 at 2019 5:07 PM

2019-10-17T17:07:20-04:00

Send a musical greeting card that plays the hymn of another service. Nothing like an Army recruit opening a card only to have it play "Anchors Away"

Response by CPL Tom Walker made Nov 5 at 2019 5:30 PM

2019-11-05T17:30:44-05:00

Interesting question. When I went to basic (1972) I had just quit smoking and was surprised, if not dismayed, by the way smoking was subtly promoted. "Smoke break" and everyone but the non-smokers lit up. At least 3 recruits I knew STARTED smoking during basic just so they didn't have to "waste" the smoke breaks.

I am still smoke free and think a better question would be "What can the Army do or say to discourage smoking at all?" It's a nasty, filthy habit with well known, serious health hazards. How is that good for the Army over all?

Response by Cpl Jason Clinton made Nov 5 at 2019 10:22 PM

2019-11-05T22:22:01-05:00

Have the same last name as the current CIC

Response by SGT Jack Stevens made Nov 5 at 2019 10:42 PM

2019-11-05T22:42:55-05:00

Puke on a DS's Shiny New Jump Boots, and work your way up to his new BDU's. I did this at FT Jackson, (Food Poisoning) and again at Ft Knox caught the stomach flu. Oh yeah, both puked as well. Which turned into a one giant puke fest for both platoons.

Response by 1SG Thomas Jasak made Nov 6 at 2019 4:16 PM

2019-11-06T16:16:33-05:00

My battle buddy in basic training father was a drill at Fort Leonard Wood literally across the street from where are company was for basic training. Our DS's found this out on the first day and they made it hell for him everyday

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2019 6:10 PM

2019-11-06T18:10:08-05:00

A spring loaded glitter bomb. You can buy them online

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2019 8:35 PM

2019-11-06T20:35:50-05:00

I'm laughing at how many (old-timers?) think we're discussing actual smoking of tobacco.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Nov 7 at 2019 7:29 AM

2019-11-07T07:29:34-05:00

Basic Training 1990, Orlando, Florida
First Aid Class
Instructor (1st Class Corpsman): Sucking chest wounds. Sucking chest wounds are characterized by bubbling bleeding....Yes, Recruit
Me: Ma'am, I was under the impression that all chest wounds suck!

That was an interesting day....

Response by SSG Michael Hathaway made Nov 7 at 2019 12:58 PM

2019-11-07T12:58:47-05:00

I think breathing can induce additional smoke sessions. I remember my time at Ft Benning, grueling but so worth it.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Nov 7 at 2019 2:35 PM

2019-11-07T14:35:06-05:00

Compliment the Drill Sergeant on his keeping his wife and kids in line..

Response by Sgt Ivan Boatwright made Nov 7 at 2019 2:57 PM

2019-11-07T14:57:55-05:00

A solution that worked for me in 1965. I was a PFC on an outpost. A VC came down the trail and another Marine put a bullet through his head because he had a cigarette in his mouth. I quit the next day and never again. I knew two other Marines shot for smoking between 1965-1968. Get a friend, (excellent shot) to shoot one out of your mouth, you will quit.

Response by SPC Joel Alioto made Nov 8 at 2019 12:51 PM

2019-11-08T12:51:40-05:00

I was asked to sing cadence just once in A.I.T. I was in a mixed formation with a female drill. So in a "thunderous voice" I sang "I know a girl who lives in France honey honey. I know a girl who lives in France babe babe. I know a girl who lives in France, she got a Mohawk in her pants. Honey oh baby oh my!" I shocked her so bad that my drill sergeant tripped when her feet hit the curb and she feel down in front of all of us.

Response by LCpl Stephen Arnold made Nov 8 at 2019 1:56 PM

2019-11-08T13:56:36-05:00

My mom sent me a box of Oreo cookies, and the drill instructor made me open them and, while mail call was conducted, "Mark time" on them, making a huge mess on the quarter deck! Wanna guess which numbnuts got to clean THAT mess up? Thanks Mom.

Response by SSG James N. made Nov 10 at 2019 8:34 AM

2019-11-10T08:34:43-05:00

My Frozen Chosin stepfather told me to tell them on T1 that they could not break me. He also times a letter to teh Head DI and DI team, saying they could never make me a strong Marine becuase they themselves were weak maggots who best parts ran down their momma's ass crack after the was gang raped by soldiers. All things said, I graduated boot camp a very strong Marine. I think I was pretty tough too. Have you ever been face down in a pool of salty water dreaming of waves but you could not move? Yeah, that wasn't waves and that quarterdeck was slick as hell with sweat when I finally could get up...after the DI's said, let him lay, he has enough strength to get up by himself you cocksuckers.

Response by SSG Jason Penn made Nov 10 at 2019 10:17 AM

2019-11-10T10:17:17-05:00

I have a couple...... First, we had a guy in our platoon by the name of Condron. We jokingly called him Captain Condom, and changed his name plate on his bunk to reflect such. Once the drills found out (didn't take long), they gave us the Jane Fonda workout (for those who don't know, that is a smoke session in MOPP 4) that lasted at least an hour. They only had a problem with us referring to him as a Captain, since that is all they referred to while giving us the session. Secondly, one of our fire guards went through the DS office and dug into the contraband (candy that was sent through the mail) while wearing the Senior Drill's display Brown Round (the DS had it mounted on the wall but found it on his desk with sweat marks on the liner). Since they couldn't find the guilty party, the entire platoon got smoked. D/2-28 Fort "Relaxin'" Jackson - Summer of '89

Response by PV2 Morris Graham made Nov 10 at 2019 12:57 PM

2019-11-10T12:57:44-05:00

I was stationed at both places. Both good areas. Drill instruct was mean at both places. But Ft. Benning was nasty sand every where. I was at Sand Hill. Yuk. 6 months of it.

Response by PO3 Joseph Mcleod made Nov 10 at 2019 4:17 PM

2019-11-10T16:17:20-05:00

Quote the UCMJ to the Top at mail call, then demand that all the cookies be returned!!

Response by MSG Lonnie Averkamp made Nov 10 at 2019 7:38 PM

2019-11-10T19:38:20-05:00

I have a young man who was in our Scouts at Church for years and was "the Troublemaker". He just left for Basic at Fort Benning. I have some spoof Business Cards with my name & E-8, USAR Retired and "18Z4X, Vietnam Alum, Wars Quelled, Governments Overthrown, Brothels Managed, Taverns Run...." I was thinking of mailing one to this kid and telling him to give it to his Senior Drill Sergeant, and that he would know what to do. I have written on the back of the card, "Do NOT give this guy a break" and initialed it.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Nov 11 at 2019 7:20 AM

2019-11-11T07:20:59-05:00

When I reported to AIT, one of the NCO's at the table asked if I had any personal problems. I foolishly said, "Only the Army." Wrong answer.

Response by PO1 Orlando Miller made Nov 14 at 2019 8:03 AM

2019-11-14T08:03:17-05:00

Tell the Drill Instructor his breath smells like a**.

Response by SGT Stephen Jaffe made Nov 17 at 2019 7:37 PM

2019-11-17T19:37:44-05:00

I went through basic at Ft. Jackson, S.C. Feb. 1965 through April 1968. We didn't mess with anyone in those days. That included E-3s and E-4s. We just kept our mouths shut and hoped that we weren't noticed until we graduated and got our packets. I think the cadre in basic are 'kinder' these days. When I went through, there were some WWII NCOS and lot of Korean War NCOS. They didn't mess around.

Response by 1SG Richard DeBilzan made Dec 6 at 2019 5:49 PM

2019-12-06T17:49:41-05:00

Ask your DS “Are you worried at all about Jody, with the hours you have to put in here?”.

Response by SSG Omar Ruiz-Canales made Dec 7 at 2019 4:54 AM

2019-12-07T04:54:50-05:00

They always like "but Sarge!"

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2019 9:22 PM

2019-12-07T21:22:42-05:00

"But Drill Sergeant, today's not run day!"

Response by SSG Gregg Mourizen made Dec 10 at 2019 12:57 AM

2019-12-10T00:57:54-05:00

Putting your hands in your pocket is a good start.
Or tell the Drill Sargent you feel cold.
Motivational exercises should warm you up just nicely.

Doing Drill Sargent impressions, is another direction to go. Especially in front of them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2019 12:22 PM

2019-12-10T12:22:20-05:00

I remember when I was at Fort Benning I was in line at the chow hall at the position of prayed rest, when I got up to the cook to receive my food I said hook it up bro, and the drill sergeant heard me I’ll never forget. I had to yell hook it up bro outside as loud as I could until my voice was completely out at the same time doing the eight count push up.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 10:38 AM

2019-12-11T10:38:05-05:00

Wear cold weather gear in Georgia in June. The DSs will make sure you're never cold again.

Response by PFC Christoph Flanders made Dec 28 at 2019 2:43 AM

2019-12-28T02:43:25-05:00

have the last name Flanders and when they roast you during mail call say " oakalie doakalie muther fuckin drill Sargent"
or have a brother in the marines mail you a care package addressed to drill Sargent Flanders when your in basic and a pfc
or have your mother write a letter to your drill sgt stating that she has not recieved any letters or calls from you amd she is writing them to see if i am doing ok
i could go on benning in july sucked ass and we got smoked for everything oh the summer of 99'

Response by CDR Robert Osburn made Jan 25 at 2020 8:31 AM

2020-01-25T08:31:23-05:00

While in Navy basic the company commander was correcting my son and told him he was his daddy now. My son said, nope, I'll keep the one I've got. He outranks you.

Response by CPL Gail White made Jan 26 at 2020 7:34 PM

2020-01-26T19:34:53-05:00

How can you smoke and still run all those miles?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2020 6:32 PM

2020-01-28T18:32:48-05:00

Doing the opposite of what your DS says.

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Feb 2 at 2020 10:30 PM

2020-02-02T22:30:40-05:00

Nothing ; stop smoking and live longer

Response by SFC Robert Falco made Feb 9 at 2020 2:07 PM

2020-02-09T14:07:40-05:00

Hey Drill Sergeant why don't you get your pansy ass down and knock out 20.

Response by Sgt Olen Howell made Feb 12 at 2020 4:49 PM

2020-02-12T16:49:09-05:00

Ha! Barracks inspection. DI looking into my locker and making up reasons to nail me. I recalled something my recruiter told me, “it’s all a mind game in the barracks. “ I chuckled. Bad move. Was picking my ass up from the floor.

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Feb 14 at 2020 9:46 PM

2020-02-14T21:46:31-05:00

Smoke sessions in my day (Late 75) weren't all that rare. They weren't exactly frequent either. As long as we didn't foul up and draw hostile attention to the company our CC was pretty decent. The only time the hammer came down was when an inspecting officer found a pair of worn skivvy shorts inside the company yeoman's clipboard box. I presume one and all can visualize the result...….

Response by PFC Kenneth Anderson made Feb 16 at 2020 4:22 PM

2020-02-16T16:22:24-05:00

Tell him, More PT Drill Sergeant! I graduated From Fort Knox, A 10/5 1972!

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Feb 16 at 2020 5:20 PM

2020-02-16T17:20:51-05:00

Ah you don't have to say anything, just wait until they call your name for something and don't respond.

Response by CDR Mike Haberthur made Feb 16 at 2020 8:48 PM

2020-02-16T20:48:21-05:00

In Marine boot camp, it was the guys who showed up already sporting USMC tatoos!!!

Response by MSG Charley F. Speir made Feb 17 at 2020 4:35 PM

2020-02-17T16:35:45-05:00

am one of the few that took medical basic back in the 40 at Ft Sam Huston, and after eight weeks we were on our way overseas, no AIT,

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2020 7:08 AM

2020-02-18T07:08:39-05:00

I cant make this up; in my BCT we had two guys go out across the street after lights out and check their accounts on the ATM without telling anyone. Wasn't in my platoon, no clue how they got past fireguard (unless they were sleeping). The entire battery got lit up..

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Feb 18 at 2020 5:30 PM

2020-02-18T17:30:53-05:00

I would say don't go into basic with the rank of PFC, you standout from day one!!!

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Feb 19 at 2020 11:10 AM

2020-02-19T11:10:38-05:00

Tell your TI that you missed the last smoke break. :)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2020 6:37 PM

2020-02-21T18:37:57-05:00

Got the best answer; Ft Dix Dec 1988 initial formation after pulling gear off cattle car recruit called a female Drill "a bitch" just about all the bears crushed his ass low crawling in the winter mud while just a few made the rounds. he was made their bitch through the whole rotation, then discharged "supposedly"?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2020 8:51 PM

2020-02-21T20:51:06-05:00

Ask if they could stop yelling on arrival from reception

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2020 7:18 PM

2020-02-23T19:18:14-05:00

You should check out anrgycops YouTube. His last video definitely shows how you can a smoke session of a life time.

Response by SGT George Reimuth made Feb 27 at 2020 7:25 PM

2020-02-27T19:25:33-05:00

actually if the solider is in training doing physical fitness I would stress to say wait until AIT if they want to smoke , yet you could tell them light them if you got them , I had smoked before I went in to boot camp and I was 110 pounds soaking wet , after boot camp and AIT I made the mistake of smoking today I am paying for it.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Mar 15 at 2020 8:49 PM

2020-03-15T20:49:41-04:00

"DAMN! You got ASS, DRILL SERGEANT!" Bad news, I didn't eat until dinner chow. Good news, I didn't lose my singing voice the entire time I was getting smoked as she had me singing love songs to her. GREAT NEWS, she gave me a "graduation gift" after AIT was done. I wish I would have known how wrong all of it was back then, though, because that could have killed our careers.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Mar 15 at 2020 8:57 PM

2020-03-15T20:57:30-04:00

One of my battles' drill sergeants was in charge of the whole battery this day in AIT. The DS had us chant "Pound Puppies" in the front leaning rest during first formation to Bravo Battery (Bulldogs) next to us. The Bulldog DS didn't like that too well, so he was waiting for my battery to get off the bus from class that day. There were all kinds of obscenities and expletives flying that afternoon from his face until he finally dropped us. You can probably imagine hearing, "Down!" "POUND!" "Up!" "PUPPIES!" for about 5 minutes straight while he was waiting for one of us to break. Me and my class started teasing him by doing one-arm push-ups while yelling it, too! It was a day!

Response by Col Robert Wallace made Mar 16 at 2020 5:35 PM

2020-03-16T17:35:11-04:00

Since I am Air Force, I don't know how true it is what I have heard - A "bitching soldier" is a good fighting soldier. The reference being that "bitching" keeps your emotions on edge & makes you ready to fight anyone. If there was nothing to bitch about, emotions would be calmed & complacency would set it, causing a lazy soldier. Basic Training (for all Branches of Service) is where one learns to follow/obey rules & regulations. This includes the "No Smoking" rules on all bases. So go ahead & bitch to become a fighting soldier.

Response by SP5 Rick LaJiness made Mar 17 at 2020 6:06 PM

2020-03-17T18:06:35-04:00

had a black DS doing inspection one morning at Ft. Polk (1972)...came up to me wanted to know how to pronounce my name....when I told him, he said something about bone my mom's ass then asked what I thought about that,...to which I replied...ready??....does that mean I can call you Daddy ??....I never knew how nasty red clay tasted with a size 11 jump boot trying to break your neck....all the other DS's were laughing their ass's off at him....nope..never did that again.....

Response by MAJ Gregory M. made Mar 17 at 2020 9:54 PM

2020-03-17T21:54:32-04:00

One of my platoon-mates at Sand Hill told our drill sergeants they reminded him of Ice Cube and Chris Tucker in Friday.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2020 10:29 PM

2020-03-17T22:29:18-04:00

Not on purpose, I was just a guy that smiled a lot. Well maybe to much and when they would smoke me I couldn't help but smile, needless to say I wish it would have gone away a lot sooner than it normally would.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2020 12:06 PM

2020-03-24T12:06:15-04:00

On day one they asked us if we had any military or experience. Some Clown volunteered the information that he was a JROTC Superior Cadet two years in a row. Every time he opened his mouth we got smoked..

Response by LCpl Todd Rimbey made Mar 26 at 2020 1:41 AM

2020-03-26T01:41:25-04:00

When my son was at boot camp he sent me a letter asking for some stuff. To make this clear I’m a Marine he went in the army. So once the box arrived. His DI asked if I hate him. He said nope he loves me but he thinks it’s funny. He asked for writing paper and something to write with.

Response by SGT Debra Jahnel made Mar 26 at 2020 8:56 PM

2020-03-26T20:56:58-04:00

1981, Ft Jackson, Tank Hill. BN's first "coed" cycle; Drill Sgt Dishmon (sp?)'s first female platoon AND a brand new female Drill.
One woman barely met height requirement - boots had to be special ordered in a child's size (i.e., handmade) - I was her escort when we went to town to pick them up on the day before she was discharged for cause.
Being her buddy got you all kinds of smoke. She saluted the BN commander with a flip of her hand at eyebrow level & "hiya!"

Response by 1stSgt Jeff Blovat made Mar 28 at 2020 8:32 AM

2020-03-28T08:32:20-04:00

“Sarge, can we sleep in tomorrow? You’ve been a little hard on us lately”.

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Mar 31 at 2020 4:37 PM

2020-03-31T16:37:27-04:00

This was not at the start of basic, I think it was about 3 or 4 weeks in. After things started to ease up.
We had some real hard ass Drill Sargeant's back in 1984 at Ft.Benning.
But when we did real good they let up on us. Well one day two of them were talking about what he was going to give his wife for her birthday.
Needless to say there is always the guy that does not know how far you go with talking to Drill Sargent.
This Dumb ass asked the Drill if he was going to give it to her good for her birthday.
I do not know if he just miss spoke or was STUPID, But the BLOOD was in the water. we all paid for about an hour but this guy paid the rest of the day.
He was on the shit list all the way to the end of Basic and AIT.
That is just one more reason to be a ghost in basic.
If they dont know your name you have, you dont get the hay you shit.

Response by SGT Donald Clark made Apr 15 at 2020 8:02 PM

2020-04-15T20:02:18-04:00

Answering any question with "Yeah".....

Response by CPL Arielphilip Flores made Apr 17 at 2020 1:42 AM

2020-04-17T01:42:45-04:00

“My recruiter said...”

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2020 4:55 PM

2020-04-17T16:55:51-04:00

B Troop 6th Cavalry. Ft. Knox. '85.

Response by PFC Jeff Vickrey made Apr 18 at 2020 5:07 AM

2020-04-18T05:07:04-04:00

I went thru basic at Ft. Knox in 1984 Delta 15-4 The Big Dawgs and Istayed in trouble it didn't help that I was voted most mischievious in High school. Anyway our Drill Sgt. Sgt Collier was a bad dude and would yell 4th platoon do pushups anywhere and we'd drop. He even went to his vehicle and would blow the horn from the parking 4 times and expect us to drop..lol.. He also would call on the intercom system from the Co Commanders office and yell 4th platoon do pushups. We would and we'd count them out and he'd listen to us in the intercom. Well I got smart and showed everybody to just take our dog tags and hit them on the floor and count . He caught on and came upstairs and busted us hitting those dog tags on the floor and counting out pushups. Let's just say we didn't do that again..

Response by SPC Tim Cook made Apr 19 at 2020 1:58 AM

2020-04-19T01:58:02-04:00

I had a bct buddy who put hangers and wet towels between his mattress and the bunk springs. He got hours of gorilla drills.

Response by SPC Alisha Dick made Apr 19 at 2020 6:04 PM

2020-04-19T18:04:48-04:00

Try having the last name Dick as a female soldier. A DS once thought he was being called a Dick by another DS...oops. Standing by Large, Green or Condon was bad, too. Every time a DS was caught laughing.. there u go. Respond with how when a DS tells u that u should change your name.
We also had girls that tried a strip show for the male DS in their sleep.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Apr 19 at 2020 7:52 PM

2020-04-19T19:52:04-04:00

I took my Basic at Fort Knox in February 1960. I contracted pneumonia but graduated anyway. I was in F-9-3 and had a drill sergeant from Korea that would take evil glee while teaching us bayonet drill. And yes, I traversed those big hills too but didn't remember their names. I made sure to keep my mouth shut having great knowledge of FM 22-5 (Drill and Ceremonies) from JROTC in Detroit. I soon wore the squad leader brassard.

I haven't been back since.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2020 2:41 AM

2020-04-20T02:41:03-04:00

When I went in if u talked to a DI without being spoken to 1st u automatically helped everyone get more exercise in the front leaning rest position. And if u in any way went outside what the DI asked u then everyone got to get in even better shape thanks to you. And heck I do not even recall ever being allowed to smoke period in Basic ever. U had to wait until u got part way through AIT for that.

Response by SGT George Stephens made Apr 20 at 2020 3:50 PM

2020-04-20T15:50:21-04:00

While at Infantry OSUT at Sand Hill, Ft Benning (where real soldiers live and are made)

One drill sergeant was delivering handshakes out to all the newbies and making a list of those individuals names.

Come Day 0, all Hell broke loose! That drill sergeant screamed, since you fagoots love touching me so g.d. much you and the ground can mate!

Another drill sergeant was smoking people who looked and another was smoking people in ABC order!

Mine used a flashbang to wake us up once and then asked why we were out of our racks and not sleeping, who in the hell was on fire guard! Then put all of us in the kill box and commenced to one of the worst smoking ever up to and including taking your barracks apart, take it down to the drill pad, assemble it, and make sure it was 100% exact or we had to take it all up stairs and do it again.

Ahh Fort Benning, where pain and sleep deprivation makes you a real grunt

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Apr 20 at 2020 8:44 PM

2020-04-20T20:44:44-04:00

Wear your rank...if you have any, upside down.

Response by PFC Jeremy McGill made Apr 22 at 2020 1:25 PM

2020-04-22T13:25:55-04:00

You can do what my battle buddy did at Ft. Sill. Walking out of the gas chamber with snot from his nose all the way down to his boot, he looked at the drill sergeant and said, “That was nothing; you’re a p**sy.”
Needless to say, that got him a little more than smoked. Lol

Response by PO2 Lawrence Janiec made Apr 23 at 2020 9:17 AM

2020-04-23T09:17:09-04:00

Shortly after I got to my first ship, a good friend of mine from high school went to Basic. This was 1991, just as a point of reference that snail mail was still a big thing back then. Getting letters from family and friends was always welcome and helpful. So after I had his address, I sent him a care package. I made sure the return address showed it coming from a Navy ship, just to add weight to what was inside.

A bottle or two of liquor (those little "travel" plastic bottles, worth about a shot or two each) - probably illegal for me to do, but not as big a concern back then
Pornography
Cigarettes
Navy propaganda (recruiter type stuff)
I think I also included stuff he might have actually received, like candy bars/chips/other gedunk

Does this count as something someone can do to get additional smoke sessions? "Get a package from your friend in the Navy containing over-the-top contraband"?

You're welcome.

Response by Cpl Shane Dickinson made Apr 23 at 2020 4:40 PM

2020-04-23T16:40:02-04:00

Call your DI “you”

Response by MSgt Eric Roseberry made Apr 26 at 2020 9:15 PM

2020-04-26T21:15:56-04:00

Why? Good go to for added upper body strength

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2020 10:00 PM

2020-04-26T22:00:07-04:00

Get some ice cream and look at the drill Sergeant as you enjoy it.

Response by PFC Rick Schuetz made Apr 26 at 2020 11:24 PM

2020-04-26T23:24:53-04:00

Be a smart ass , they love that!

Response by SPC Randall Wirth made Apr 28 at 2020 8:56 AM

2020-04-28T08:56:25-04:00

Do your best John Winger impression and always think like a 2 year specialist who's about to ETS. That ought to do the trick.

Response by SFC Lawrence Loughlin made Apr 30 at 2020 7:33 PM

2020-04-30T19:33:21-04:00

My Basic was two weeks with the week-end off

Response by PO3 Joseph Mcleod made May 2 at 2020 1:13 AM

2020-05-02T01:13:34-04:00

Show up at boot with the name John Wayne B..... the poor guy never stood a chance,

Response by PFC Craig Karshner made May 14 at 2020 1:04 PM

2020-05-14T13:04:18-04:00

The elite soldiers trained at Ft Benning infantry jump Ranger school lol. I did this there but we as soldiers know we all need each other no matter where.

Response by CPL Brian Baumgartner made May 14 at 2020 3:36 PM

2020-05-14T15:36:57-04:00

"The blue cord is nothing more than a participation prize."

And that is, in fact, the truth.

Response by SGM Ronald Cheatom made May 15 at 2020 4:54 AM

2020-05-15T04:54:43-04:00

My uncle, a retired Master Sargeant, gave me 3 pieces of advice, before I left for basic training. Do as you're told, do as you're told, and when in doubt, do as you're told. I followed that advice, and never got any personal " smoke sessions". I always gave that same advice to young enlisted troops, all throughout my career. Be the soldier, your DI doesn't know, and you will be fine.

Response by SGT James Jones made May 18 at 2020 1:35 PM

2020-05-18T13:35:15-04:00

Sent my son a letter with "More Flutter Kicks Please" bolded printed on the outside of the envelope. He has thanked me several times since... He also told me the rest of the platoon appreciated it also.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2020 5:36 PM

2020-05-18T17:36:44-04:00

We used to quietly sing the Super Golden Crisp song under our breaths - "Can't get enough of super golden crisps, it's got the munch with the crunch."

Response by LCpl Carl Butler made May 18 at 2020 8:41 PM

2020-05-18T20:41:13-04:00

Calling my Drill Instructor, Drill Sergeant!

Response by PVT Edward Roselle made May 19 at 2020 2:32 PM

2020-05-19T14:32:23-04:00

Sit on the Drill Sgt. hat when he calls you into the office... Had a trainee do that when I was in basic, the ensuing barrage of smoke sessions that we went through after that was a real pain... He got a welcome to the hate locker party that night.

Response by CPT Robert Downey made May 20 at 2020 2:21 AM

2020-05-20T02:21:25-04:00

Laugh at the DS/DI and say "My mom is tougher than you." Yep, I had good times....

Response by SPC Ron Salsbury made May 20 at 2020 9:02 AM

2020-05-20T09:02:30-04:00

When going through Basic at Ft. Knox living in the old Disney Barracks, you would hear the phrase from the Drill, "Whats a Smoke Break Troop?" Those buildings were very old, the wood was dry as a popcorn fart having decades of floor wax laid down on it, I'm afraid the thing would have gone up like a Roman Candle, and just as fast to boot.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2020 10:40 AM

2020-05-21T10:40:18-04:00

True story ds put shoe polish on the inside of his campaign hat and left it on the ds table in our bay. Left the room and a couple guys rried it on. When he walked back in he just laughed and told us to head to the drill pad.

Response by SPC David Elzinga made May 21 at 2020 2:34 PM

2020-05-21T14:34:47-04:00

Call the drill Sgt private

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2020 7:00 PM

2020-05-21T19:00:04-04:00

If they ask what day it is say leg day. It worked every time

Response by SGT Lloyd Burge made May 21 at 2020 7:34 PM

2020-05-21T19:34:06-04:00

Send a friends drill sergeant a package containing; 20 feet of 550 cord, a flogger, and a dildo. Explain in a letter to the drill that you would like to have these to used as tools to become closer with your friend. Sign the letter with a false name like "Truly A. Scumbag, Senator State of _____"

Response by SPC Joseph Kenny made May 22 at 2020 10:17 AM

2020-05-22T10:17:42-04:00

Wait a minute, that's not what the recruiter told me!

Response by SGT James Hinch made May 24 at 2020 10:14 PM

2020-05-24T22:14:45-04:00

There was a guy in my Army basic PLT whose dad was a USMC 1SG. One day he sent him a letter that only contained a stick of Big Red gum with a sticky note that said "Start pushing, boy."
DS looked at him and said, "Hell, he outranks me, get to it!" Fucking hilarious.

Response by LCDR Mike Morrissey made May 24 at 2020 10:23 PM

2020-05-24T22:23:02-04:00

1st of all....seeking additional anything in any "Basic" environment is grounds for an old Section 8.
Secondly, If you are hell bent on it...,please don't be standing anywhere near your friends.

Response by CW4 Harris Smith made May 26 at 2020 12:21 PM

2020-05-26T12:21:34-04:00

As a Private E-2 during Combat Engineer AIT at Fort Leonard Wood in 1969, we had many Reserve and National Guard soldiers avoiding Vietnam the decent way. One day, while at parade rest and trying not to smirk, heard the Drill Sergeant say to one of the guard guys "What is your major malfunction hillbilly? (He called all of us hillbillies) What the hell is wrong with you? What do you want to be when you grow up?" The guard private responded with "I want to be a lifer!" Wrong answer.

Response by CPL Tommy Blackwell made May 26 at 2020 12:26 PM

2020-05-26T12:26:09-04:00

When my younger brother was in Navy boot camp at Great Lakes in 1984, West Point put up a solid win at the Army-Navy game. So I promptly wrote him a nice letter filled with brotherly encouragement....and put doodles and such on the back of the envelope, things like "Goatbusters" and a mule stomping a billy goat with the score in big bold numbers. Needless to say, mail call the day it arrived was quite an event. He still hasn't forgiven me for that one. :D

Response by SP5 Howard Moore made May 27 at 2020 2:37 PM

2020-05-27T14:37:02-04:00

DI said he wanted the toilets clean enough to eat of I told him as far as I was concerned they already were clean enough for HIM to eat off of,, Yep I volunteered to be road guard all basic training they didn't know I had been on the cross country team LOL

Response by CPT Keith Whitter made May 27 at 2020 2:50 PM

2020-05-27T14:50:10-04:00

I asked my drill sergeant if I could put a hundred in the bank for tomorrow once when I hadn't been dropped all day. He smiled, dropped me, and must have dropped me ten times the next day just for being a wise apple.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2020 9:35 AM

2020-05-28T09:35:10-04:00

Say “ You can’t smoke a rock Drill SGT”

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2020 6:30 PM

2020-05-30T18:30:16-04:00

Close call: the ONE day the squad leaders handed out mail for 4th Platoon was the day my Sunday-school teacher's letter arrived. This wasn't OCS or an officer-track "Basic," just summer-cycle BCT at Ft. Jackson. But I grew up in a military town, and his return label said "LTC and Mrs..."

Response by Sgt Jim Mullins made Jun 6 at 2020 11:28 AM

2020-06-06T11:28:17-04:00

In Marine Boot Camp in 1963 the Drill Instructors asked for a vote as to " non smoking or Smoking". The result was Smoking. The DI's then smacked around a couple of recruits and asked for another vote. We became non-smoking.

Response by CPL Vincent Messina made Jun 17 at 2020 1:11 PM

2020-06-17T13:11:03-04:00

Soldiers shouldn't smoke.

Response by 1LT Kevin Chapman made Jun 18 at 2020 3:31 AM

2020-06-18T03:31:30-04:00

I’ll never forget reception at Fort Benning we received a briefing from this CPT and she informed us that she wanted us to anonymously write her letters informing her of how the reception Drill Sergeants were. Long story short we had one particular Drill Sergeant who would flash on us constantly. So one of my peers writes in the letter “Drill Sergeant such and such is a ****bag.” Of course the said Drill Sergeant received this letter from the CPT. That following morning he literally smoked us for 2 hours straight until our Drill Sergeants from our respective company came to retrieve us for day zero. Good times lol

Response by SGT Michael McKeown made Jun 19 at 2020 10:18 AM

2020-06-19T10:18:58-04:00

I had gone to sick call on a Friday and by Army standards have a temperature of 99 is back to duty. So the next day Saturday I felt worse, but did not want to act like a puss and went through the training. At the end of the day two privates were overheard by a DS, "These Drills are not that tough they can't tell us what to do." Well our whole platoon was order out in formation with weapons and spent the next hour getting smoked with weapons PT." That evening, I went to sick call with a 103 degree temp. Strep throat. I was afraid of getting recycled.

Response by SPC Michael Koenig made Jun 20 at 2020 7:51 PM

2020-06-20T19:51:18-04:00

Well, while on B-40 at Ft. McClellan, I told my Drill Sergeant that he could pay for my uniform cleaning when he ordered us into full MOPP while I was walking to the latrine. Trust me - that earned HELLFIRE, not just smoke. :-)

Response by CWO4 Tim Hecht made Jun 20 at 2020 8:20 PM

2020-06-20T20:20:20-04:00

When you feel the urge to light up and it isn't a regular smoke break, yell, in a commanding voice (trying to imitate the DI's voice) "SMOKE IF YOU GOT THEM!" If that doesn't generate enough heat to light your smoke you may want to keep a very low profile!

Response by SPC Bill Ratajczak made Jun 21 at 2020 12:06 AM

2020-06-21T00:06:38-04:00

I went to Ft Jackson in 85 summer just burning us up. This pvt joker, musta been 6' 4", smart mouthed the Drill who was maybe 5' 6" or so, the Drill grabbed the guys BDU's and pulled himself up to eye level to chew him out. Some us laughed and the Drill went ballistic. We got a 4 hour session.

Response by SPC Jerry Jones made Jun 21 at 2020 7:23 PM

2020-06-21T19:23:20-04:00

Just start every sentence with "My recruiter told me..."

Response by PFC Nicholas Efstathiou made Jun 21 at 2020 8:37 PM

2020-06-21T20:37:20-04:00

Keep your cover off when you leave chow.

Response by PFC Cameron May made Jun 23 at 2020 6:04 PM

2020-06-23T18:04:57-04:00

I was super out of shape going in. Knew i needed extra training to pass. Called DS dad alot.

Response by SGT Greg Gold made Jun 29 at 2020 9:21 PM

2020-06-29T21:21:50-04:00

Just be yourself. The Army doesn't want robots. They want smart, thinking Soldiers. Always try and impress your training cadre with your ability to think and act independently. It WIL get you noticed!

Response by SPC Greg Campbell made Jun 30 at 2020 11:48 AM

2020-06-30T11:48:09-04:00

1st suad, dead middle of the formation so no way in hell to hide. after I figured out basic was mostly a head game , I developed the giggles. 20 days in to basic way my birthday and mom sent brownies, I got to do pushups and got some crumbs. the Stripes parade field had my handprints 3 inches deep

Response by PFC Stephen Marchisen made Jul 6 at 2020 7:45 PM

2020-07-06T19:45:06-04:00

Simply say anything other than yes Drill Seargent. You will be wrong. Smoke will follow.

Response by PFC Stephen Marchisen made Jul 6 at 2020 7:53 PM

2020-07-06T19:53:20-04:00

Try to remove an apple from the Messhall at the Infantry Reception center. Everybody gets a bite. Smoke follows.

Response by SFC Steven Hetletvedt made Jul 16 at 2020 2:04 PM

2020-07-16T14:04:16-04:00

Your not in basic training to smoke. You get smoked. You will be lucky if you get any.

Response by SPC Douglas Thompson made Jul 23 at 2020 7:41 AM

2020-07-23T07:41:12-04:00

From what I remember of basic, pretty much anything I said or did was liable to result in motivational exercise.

Response by PFC Matt Ochmanski made Jul 23 at 2020 3:46 PM

2020-07-23T15:46:43-04:00

I did my basic at Ft. McClellan, AL for MP school, a year later my best friend went to Ft. McClellan, AL for MP school. I would write on the envelope “Can’t smoke me“ and the address was written in different color inks! My buddy hated getting letters from me the first 2 months! He advised that he and his platoon would have smoke sessions, and the Drill Sgt’s would announce you all can thank PV2 Sealy for the letter from PFC Ochmanski from Ft. Stewart! I met the whole company’s Drill Sgt at graduation, they couldn’t contain themselves in reference to the letters when they met me!

Response by SPC Ray Blaylock made Jul 23 at 2020 3:52 PM

2020-07-23T15:52:42-04:00

Tell them you dont want to shave today

Response by PV2 M B made Jul 26 at 2020 5:02 PM

2020-07-26T17:02:44-04:00

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jul 26 at 2020 11:49 PM

2020-07-26T23:49:28-04:00

"DS French, you cannot run." PVT Bragg, still remember his name almost 30 years later.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2020 9:18 PM

2020-07-27T21:18:21-04:00

" Drill SGT, smoke us if you can!"

Response by CPL Tom Walker made Jul 28 at 2020 7:36 PM

2020-07-28T19:36:40-04:00

Call me crazy, but when I mustered in back in 1972 I had recently quit smoking (finally!)! It was a difficult enough transition that no incentive to resume smoking could have appealed to me. Still, I witnessed numerous formerly non-smokers take up the habit because of the deleterious "smoke break" incentive. How about this innovation? Start having "breaks." Eliminate "smoking" as the reason. I still remember breaking that nasty habit as one of the hardest things I've ever done. Let's not use military training as an inducement in any way at all.

Response by CPL Tom Walker made Jul 28 at 2020 7:43 PM

2020-07-28T19:43:42-04:00

I realize this was supposed to be in the humorous area, but my phone connection couldn't find the humor portion. Here's my advice: discourage smoking everywhere, all the time. Basic training included.

Response by CW2 Randy Whitten made Jul 29 at 2020 2:41 AM

2020-07-29T02:41:37-04:00

When your the Drill and you are the night NCO and you tour the outside as you hear some talking and find 8 PVT’s smoking weed. Let’s just say from 0145-0530 was the worst days of their lives. For the next 3 weeks the mess was so spotless that you walk in and it sparkles of cleanliness.

Response by SFC Thomas Lindsey made Jul 29 at 2020 11:53 AM

2020-07-29T11:53:38-04:00

Call the Drill Sergeant 'Sir' (Army, during the Cold War era, Fort McClellan) not only once but multiple times when asked 'WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST CALL ME?!?'. My arms hurt decades later from that debacle.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2020 11:23 PM

2020-07-29T23:23:16-04:00

When I was in BCT at Ft. Leonard Wood, they opened every package in front of everyone and my mom sent me a fidget spinner, colored pencils and other random shit that the drill sergeants made fun of the entire cycle

Response by SP5 Dennis Dorsey made Jul 31 at 2020 9:33 PM

2020-07-31T21:33:22-04:00

We were too busy doing push-ups, sit-ups and running. By the end of the day we were already "smoked".

Response by SPC Wendy Creel made Aug 4 at 2020 11:47 PM

2020-08-04T23:47:30-04:00

Correct the DS on the pronunciation of your last name and then have him come back and say “it doesn’t matter, does it?” All I said was nope

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2020 10:26 AM

2020-08-22T10:26:16-04:00

Call your Drill Sergeant sir or when your in the hallway, stare at your Sr. Drill Sergeant as he is walking towards you and don't say "at ease make way"!!!

Response by CPT Barry Naum made Aug 22 at 2020 4:49 PM

2020-08-22T16:49:39-04:00

Show up to basic as an E-4. Weeks of fun.

Response by SPC Edward Abney made Aug 22 at 2020 8:09 PM

2020-08-22T20:09:39-04:00

When I was in basic training at Ft. Ord, our "smoking sessions" were just that, "light em up if ya got em" was the signal to go ahead and smoke a cigarette. Of course, our DI's would call for a 10 minute break, we expected five, and usually got one!

Response by SSG Jess Peters made Aug 22 at 2020 11:22 PM

2020-08-22T23:22:15-04:00

Quitting is your best option. Smoke breaks are bad for your health and it affects everyone around you.

Response by MAJ John Vertido made Aug 23 at 2020 9:43 PM

2020-08-23T21:43:15-04:00

My brother and I went to visit my nephew/ son on visitor weekend at MCRD. We were both in uniform. I was a Army CPT and my brother was a Master Gunnery Sgt (E9). The DI gave me a parade ground salute and reported our Marine earned his EGA. After we left, my nephew call how he got smoked in the pit. Why? Not saying his father was a SNCO and for his Uncle being an soldier AND a officer. I never laughed so hard. But was proud of him at his pass in review dressed in his Blues.

Response by Cpl Tyler Therrien made Aug 24 at 2020 1:15 AM

2020-08-24T01:15:20-04:00

In the Corps, that's is referred to as be put on the quarterdeck in my day pretty much anything a recruit said or did would earn you a trip to the quarterdeck. foul up a drill movement? Mountainclimb! Not move fast enough? MOUNTAINCLIMB!

Response by SPC Paul Davis made Aug 25 at 2020 4:55 PM

2020-08-25T16:55:18-04:00

Tell the DS that Jodie was at his house banging his wife , Lol

Response by PO2 Carl Gustafson made Aug 25 at 2020 7:38 PM

2020-08-25T19:38:48-04:00

as a 50 year smoker my advice is quit

Response by SSG Frank Garvis made Aug 26 at 2020 7:25 AM

2020-08-26T07:25:38-04:00

Ask: "Once we finish here at Basic, does the real training start?"

Response by SSG Gregg Mourizen made Aug 27 at 2020 4:19 AM

2020-08-27T04:19:31-04:00

Impersonations, would be a good place to start.

Hell, just go get yourself an ice-cream cone, at the mess.

Response by SFC Joe Walsh made Aug 27 at 2020 8:35 AM

2020-08-27T08:35:22-04:00

If you're not Infantry, you're support.

Response by PVT Anthony Ramirez made Aug 27 at 2020 3:31 PM

2020-08-27T15:31:47-04:00

Always refer to your head cover as a hat

Response by PFC Alan Halliday made Aug 27 at 2020 4:33 PM

2020-08-27T16:33:28-04:00

The elephant in the room for me is, do NBC protocols no longer exist in the U.S. Navy? Yes, Covid19 is deadly as in the flu on steroids. This Captain ignored all that and basically showed a bunch of terrorists that all they have to do is to release a biological agent upwind of a U.S. Naval vessel and everything will come to screeching halt. In my humble opinion, he failed his country, he failed his mission, and ultimately, the failed those who were under his command.

Response by SSG Russell Moon made Aug 27 at 2020 8:54 PM

2020-08-27T20:54:47-04:00

Have your retired USMC uncle send you a letter with a huge golden EGA next to the return address (at Ft. Jackson).

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2020 11:23 PM

2020-09-02T23:23:53-04:00

just say drill instructor (USMC) or Drill SGT respectively I quote " say Drill bro what are we doing"

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2020 11:59 AM

2020-09-13T11:59:38-04:00

Anything .. literally Anything.

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Sep 21 at 2020 1:33 PM

2020-09-21T13:33:46-04:00

When I went to basic, we had one knucklehead that had been in JROTC and was on the drill team. He thought he already knew everything, but what he did was often not right and just made the DS angry. Poor kid was always in trouble.

Response by SGT Jodi WittBailey made Dec 3 at 2020 8:27 AM

2020-12-03T08:27:21-05:00

I was sent by one DS to sit down with another at the chow hall. That didn't go over well.

Response by PO3 Kevin Anderson made Dec 4 at 2020 3:19 PM

2020-12-04T15:19:47-05:00

The way we did it, when I was in Boot camp was the smokers got to take brakes with the Drill Sargent/Company Commander. And the silly/stupid people got to go around and pick up the Smokers butts. So it you wanted breaks...you smoked.

Response by SPC George Allen made Dec 24 at 2020 12:36 AM

2020-12-24T00:36:39-05:00

Reception station Ft Jackson 1984. Went there with the same mustache I had for two years. The drill told me to shave it. My LTC grandfather 30 years infantry and SF said not to worry 670-1 said I could have a mustache. So I told the drill that. Couple of hours later I shaved with very tired arms.

Response by PFC Kyle Runyan made Dec 24 at 2020 6:12 AM

2020-12-24T06:12:55-05:00

When we got off the cattle trucks at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, a female Drill Sergeant got in another basic trainees face and started yelling at him. He responded with “Get out of my face, BITCH!” Than idiot instantly had 4 Drill Sergeants in his face and he was getting smoked for about 3 hours. I know he was crying and begged them to stop. One of the Drill Sergeants replied “who’s the BITCH now, Private?”
I got nailed because the first and last words out of our mouths had to be “Sergeant” so everything was “Sergeant yes, Sergeant”. I was asked where I was from. “Sergeant, Nebraska, Sergeant”. Then they asked WHERE in Nebraska. Oh damn! I knew I was screwed. “Sergeant, Sargent Sergeant!” I was in the front leaning rest while my Battle Buddy went to my locker to retrieve my drivers license to prove I wasn’t being a smart ass.

Response by SPC Ted Heath made Dec 26 at 2020 6:50 PM

2020-12-26T18:50:37-05:00

Had a DS from Cuba. His favorite thing was to have the whole platoon roll right, and roll left anytime day or night. The winter of course was cold in Missouri, so there was lots of thin ice and cold water beneath. We broke through the ice, and he wasn’t satisfied until the entire platoon was soaked, muddy and cold. I remember our last platoon march with him we all dropped an rolled without him saying so. I swear I saw a tear in his eye as he told us how proud he was.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Dec 27 at 2020 3:39 PM

2020-12-27T15:39:18-05:00

I forgot another good one: We had a drill sergeant in my battery (not my platoon) whose name was Wulf. He was GRAY! I mean SUPER GRAY at 27 years old! In my head, I always referred to him as Lord GrayWulf. So on the day of the Rifle Bayonet Course/Pugil Training, he was extraordinarily upset that day and NOTHING could seem to change that. I was running through the obstacles on the course and he yelled at me to yell louder. To which I responded (not fully thinking bout it), "Yes, Lord GrayWulf!" He yelled out, "WTF did you just say to me, Blue?!?" And I responded, "Drill Sergeant, you told me to yell louder and I said 'Yes, Lord GrayWulf!" After I finished running the course, he called me over to him and smoked me until the whole damn battery finished running the course. All 150 trainees! But it didn't stop there. I fought my way through all opponents in the battery to become pugil champion. But he wouldn't let me claim the title until I beat him. I had him two points to nothing when he said, "You're not gonna beat me, Blue!" To which I responded, "Bring it on, Lord GrayWulf!" He snarled, "Shut the f--- up, Blue! Don't call me that!" I busted back, "Oh, sorry Drill Sergeant! Would you prefer Lord SabreWulf from Killer Instinct?" I think that sorta activated Ultra Instinct mode in him because each strike of his that followed was HARD! He couldn't connect properly, but each strike had everything he had in it. He pulled back to measure me a little, breathing pretty hard. I saw what he was about to do, so I parried his strike to my right which brought him forward and off-balance. I dipped down to my right and caught him under the chin while rising up. It looked kinda like a Dragon Punch from Street Fighter, except with a pugil stick. Knocked him on his butt pretty good. So I won. Then I walked over to him, helped him to his feet, and said, "Great match, Drill Sergeant." He responded, "That's Lord GrayWulf to YOU!" I said, "yes, Drill Sergeant." He and I became good friends after AIT and we trained together during the last 160 days of the extension during my first deployment. He was an advisor for the Iraqi Police at that time. We saw each other in the chow hall one day on Camp Liberty and made it happen from there.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2020 6:10 PM

2020-12-27T18:10:10-05:00

Ft Jackson 93 Blue Phase, myself and 4 other recruits all shoot possibles for final qualification. Drill piles the 5 of us into a truck and takes us the Burger King, says you all have a 10 dollar limit. So of course we all go to town and eat up. Drill piles us back in the truck and brings us back to the platoon bay. In front of the rest of the platoon he smokes us all till we were making a beeline to the latrine to puke our guts up.

Response by SPC Ken Kellar made Dec 27 at 2020 8:57 PM

2020-12-27T20:57:04-05:00

When I was in basic training at Ft. Dix the Drill Sergeant told us during a smoke break that if we didn't have cigarettes we should bum them from someone else. How time has changed. In Vietnam out in the bush on resupply day they would send out cartoons of cigarettes.

Response by SP5 Derick Johnsohne made Dec 28 at 2020 4:53 PM

2020-12-28T16:53:05-05:00

it would be a good time to get over your addiction and spare yourself cost and consequences . during my service my addiction was sustained at 19¢/pack . now when i'm behind someone paying for fags, my head calculator spins out of control to figure the lifetime cost, then my body reminds me my painful health situation . i did quit 21 yrs ago .

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2020 11:12 AM

2020-12-29T11:12:42-05:00

I did it a boot camp, Parris Island 1984. Yep, just request permission to get smoked. DIs thought I was crazy. Did it at least once daily. I got smoked, then requested more.

Eventually the DIs wouldn't smoke me.

Did get in incredible shape.
H Company
3rd BN

Response by SPC John Smith made Dec 29 at 2020 3:02 PM

2020-12-29T15:02:04-05:00

When I was in Basic, We were to return to to platoon bay and read the CEOI after chow until everyone was finished eating and the company was formed. I was reading the section about changing filters in the pro mask and one of the pictures resembled two finger spreading open an area of female anatomy (I was 17). I got a bit of a chuckle and showed my battle buddy who also had a chuckle. Unbeknownst to us, DS was standing directly behind us and watched the whole thing go down. We were both pulled to the gig pit for a smoke session. Lucky for me, my battle buddy lacked fortitude and was whining the whole time we were getting smoked. DS lost interest in me and focused all his attention on the whiner. I sort of felt like a Blue Falcon, but figured he would be better off for the personalized conditioning.
On a different note about smoking, I was the RTO for a few years and, as such, spent many hours in the field around our 1st Sgt. Top was a great guy with a closet smoking habit and I was one of the few guys around the CP who smoked Newports. In his big, booming voice, 1st Sgt would walk up to me and say, "Smitty! let's smoke and joke a while. I know some jokes." which meant give him a cigarette. He knew I always had a cig for him and would keep his secret safe. In return, he usually made sure I got plenty of chow, got the good radio handset, first or last watch on the guard duty roster, no concertina wire detail, etc. Fun memories, but I'm glad I kicked the habit.

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Dec 29 at 2020 3:53 PM

2020-12-29T15:53:16-05:00

Stop smoking

Response by SGT Greg Gold made Dec 29 at 2020 8:17 PM

2020-12-29T20:17:42-05:00

Ok, I got another one. I was a holdover and there was a trainee in the next cycle faking heart attacks. When the drills got on his ass he told them that he had a cousin that was a three star general, and boy were they gonna get it! Turns out he wasn't lying, this turd's cousin was in fact a USAF LT General. When the AF O-9 got wind of his kins shenanigans, he called the infantry school commander and 'convinced' him to TDP the twerp. Heart attack Jack was out of the Army in less than 24 hours.

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 29 at 2020 9:59 PM

2020-12-29T21:59:56-05:00

Laugh or smile.

Response by PFC Charles Sanders made Dec 30 at 2020 9:46 PM

2020-12-30T21:46:23-05:00

Keep repeating “You can’t smoke a rock, Drill Sergeant!”

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Jan 4 at 2021 5:37 PM

2021-01-04T17:37:30-05:00

Here I was thinking this question was how might you get additional smoke breaks.

Response by SPC Jerome Henehan made Jan 10 at 2021 9:36 PM

2021-01-10T21:36:14-05:00

Nice way to make the shitlist. Ha.

Response by SPC Larry Key made Jan 28 at 2021 7:44 PM

2021-01-28T19:44:22-05:00

One young man in my class told the Drills that he was allergic to vegetables. He realized he was not.....

Response by SPC Leland Keller made Jan 29 at 2021 4:33 AM

2021-01-29T04:33:16-05:00

I remember back in 1988 at Ft Lost in the Woods during blue phase our barracks weren't clean to the DS standards so after weapon range trainging guess what. We spent the next few hours in the parking lot doing weapon pt now mind you this was summer in Missouri. That year it was was the hottest on record with triple digits and 100% humidiy. It was ugly to me, because I come from triple digits and no humidiy. Here we are in blouse BDU doing all kinds of weapon pt (we had the Colt M16A1, steel pots, rode in cattle cars, used at reception station old WWII barracks w/ open latrines) with Charlie 2-10 4th Pltoon Engineers before going on to AIT with Alpha 577 Engineers

Response by SSG Gerald King made Jan 29 at 2021 3:40 PM

2021-01-29T15:40:23-05:00

"Smoke Sessions?" I thought you were talking about more chances to puff on those nasty cigarettes! Never heard the phrase smoke sessions.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Jan 30 at 2021 12:19 PM

2021-01-30T12:19:05-05:00

My nephew was in Boot Camp at Patti’s Island. I wrote on the back of the outside envelope “ Which DI did you say was cute?” A second letter said,” Which DI did you say you could whip their ass?” My son was getting ready to graduate Army Basic Training in SC. I was their to attend and met his DS. We talked about the military and I had an excellent conversation with him. As I left to go to my hotel that day, as visiting hours were over I said to the DS to smoke my son hard that night. Also to ask my son why he was getting smoked, and when my son replied why, to respond, “ Because your daddy loves you.” It was freaking hilarious. My son who is now in his mid 30’s still talks about it.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Jan 31 at 2021 9:08 AM

2021-01-31T09:08:10-05:00

Benning. Sand Hill. 1983.
Every platoon has one. Ours was named Osborne.
- BDUs caught fire during a rest in place after he put an unextinguished smoke in the cargo pocket, which ignited his little blue book
- got up to tuck in the corner of his bunk after lights out, just as DS appeared
- wandered off into a field during mid-cycle test training; took off his BDU, laid on it in the tall grass and drifted off to sleep. Woke up to three DS staring down on him
Every platoon has one. Osborne was a great guy...but he sure made it hard.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Feb 14 at 2021 8:54 PM

2021-02-14T20:54:04-05:00

The worse thing that happened to me during BCT is my Dad showed, a retired MSGT. He knew the Drill Sgts. Need I say more.

Response by CW2 Richard Athey made Feb 20 at 2021 11:57 AM

2021-02-20T11:57:48-05:00

It's been over 30 years since Basic at Fort Knox and if my memory is correct we could receive extra smoke from Drill Sargent Amos for breathing in oxygen that hadn't been issued for use yet.

Response by SP5 Jeffrey Ludwig made Feb 20 at 2021 5:39 PM

2021-02-20T17:39:27-05:00

Basic, Ft. Leonard Wood, 1976... As Platoon Leader walking back from evening chow after clearing the chow hall when we were specifically told to run back to the company area.

About halfway back I saw my DS watching us. We started to panic and decided it would be better to start running. When we got closer I could see he was with his wife (she was a looker and visited him a few times in the company area) He stopped us and asked why we were walking and only started running when we saw him. Being the instigator I replied, DS, I figured since we only walked hallway back you'd only be half mad... His wife burst out laughing and he turned beet red. We spent some quality time doing pushups in the gravel street paying for our lack of attention to orders...

Response by SSG Hank Ortega made Feb 22 at 2021 12:01 PM

2021-02-22T12:01:56-05:00

I sent home made cookies to my son in Basic. On purpose. Put "Pogie Bait" on the outside.
I could see the smoke across 7 states. They got to eat the cookies, thogh.

Response by SGT Jason Katayama made Feb 24 at 2021 12:19 PM

2021-02-24T12:19:30-05:00

If you go to Jackson - tell them, "Alright! Relaxin Jackson - when do we eat?!"

Response by SPC Steve Barusso made Feb 25 at 2021 6:37 AM

2021-02-25T06:37:31-05:00

Touch the campaign hat is a reall no no. Sir yes sir!

Response by MSG Clyde Mills made Feb 28 at 2021 7:46 AM

2021-02-28T07:46:56-05:00

Sorry Drill Sergeant, but we did more PT than this in our ROTC Class every day twice a day in High School.

Response by SGT Ben Barr made Feb 28 at 2021 8:29 AM

2021-02-28T08:29:05-05:00

Just ask for them.

Response by SSG Don Maggart made Mar 2 at 2021 5:10 AM

2021-03-02T05:10:12-05:00

I Am a OFC and I Can Outrun or Outgun You Drill Corporal...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2021 11:14 PM

2021-03-02T23:14:26-05:00

You sure do have purty eyes, Drill Sergeant!

Response by SPC Stiv ChenRobbins made Mar 3 at 2021 8:47 PM

2021-03-03T20:47:59-05:00

While queuing up at the mess hall one of my first days in Basic, the guy ahead of me decided to whistle at a woman who was entering the building. By the time they finished with him, I had a new respect for just how stupid some people can be and just how well they could be rewarded with opportunities for conditioning.

Response by SGT Brandy Underdal made Mar 16 at 2021 8:19 PM

2021-03-16T20:19:33-04:00

Can't smoke a rock; Dumber than a box of rocks, aren't you Drill? My AIT is elsewhere, no OSUT for me!; My tax dollars pay your salary, Drill. Touch me and I will call my State Representative.

Response by SPC Michael Kilby made Mar 17 at 2021 8:35 AM

2021-03-17T08:35:24-04:00

It's not something I said, we were 7 weeks in training. we were in the field and our female Drill Sergeant looked at me, "Private Kilby are you in my platoon?" "Roger Drill Sergeant."
"Front leaning rest position move!" She said, "I have never once had to smoke you i didn't even know you were in my group. Down, highspeed, UP!" I thought it was pretty funny.

Response by SPC Michael Kilby made Mar 17 at 2021 9:30 AM

2021-03-17T09:30:09-04:00

It was evening, we were toeing the line and counting off there was this 6'7" guy, he was number 14.
we are sounding off, one one!, one two!, one three!, one whore!, one five! the drill sergeant visually lost his composure gathered it back up and smoked all of us.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2021 9:14 AM

2021-03-28T09:14:51-04:00

I went to basic at Fort Knox KY in 1983. One of my drill sergeants liked to tell us "bedtime stories" about Vietnam. It was his way to take up what "free time" we had to polish boots, shower, or shave prior to lights out. One night one recruit asked the question, "sergeant, can you hurry this up? I have to write a letter to my girlfriend." The drill immediately said he was done, and put the recruit on an overnight marching patrol, but the advantage for the rest of us was the "bedtime stories" ended for the rest of basic. That taught me that the sacrifice of one benefits many.

Response by CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2021 6:52 PM

2021-03-29T18:52:20-04:00

Hmm. Yea, that's easy. Pretty much anything and everything you do as a recruit. At least 'back then'.

Response by SGT Robert Eddy made Mar 29 at 2021 10:05 PM

2021-03-29T22:05:00-04:00

Fort Know, February, 1969, fifth week of BCT. In the morning darkness before Reville, there was some sqabbling going on in the front rank.
D/Sgt shouted, "Why you talking in ranks?!"
Prior-service PV2 complained that his bunk-mate wouldn't shower and stunk."
Drill Sgt says, "When's the last time you took a shower?!"
PV1 answers, "In the Reception Center, Drill Sgt."
Drill Sgt shouts, "Why didn't you shower, when I ordered that you are to shower every day?!"
PV1 replies, "'Cause us Hippies don't believe in showers, Drill Sgt."
What happened next involved a G.I. scrub brush, lye soap, and cold water.

Response by SFC Tommy Favors made Apr 3 at 2021 1:48 AM

2021-04-03T01:48:34-04:00

Know it all... and you will get smoked

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2021 10:02 AM

2021-04-03T10:02:53-04:00

At Ft Knox in 88 it just took that split second of a pause or that look of why are we doing it that way?

Response by SSG Bryan Hollister made May 22 at 2021 11:41 PM

2021-05-22T23:41:08-04:00

What can you do to ensure more smoke sessions?

Nothing. Your existence is reason enough to get smoked.