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Zonk- Unofficial army command. Typically used during PT (physical training) formation as a way of dismissing a unit from duty. After the command of “Zonk!!” is given the entire unit runs off screaming and shouting to their barracks rooms or cars.
I recall my favorite. We just started what we were led to believe a 5-mile run in formation. We just were running by the barracks and all of a sudden a "Zonk!" rang out. It was utter chaos as we ran off in all directions. I will say they were few and far between but they were priceless.
The video isn't of my unit but it shows what a "Zonk" is.
I recall my favorite. We just started what we were led to believe a 5-mile run in formation. We just were running by the barracks and all of a sudden a "Zonk!" rang out. It was utter chaos as we ran off in all directions. I will say they were few and far between but they were priceless.
The video isn't of my unit but it shows what a "Zonk" is.
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Physical Training Morale
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 14
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Zonk is not only an unofficial army command, it also seems to hold some kind of healing power. Once the word Zonk is uttered from the words of command I've noticed that about 90% of all lower body/no running/no pt profiles are magically cured. The shackles of injury and disability are cast off as the service member runs free for POV/barracks room/Out of sight.
Now the story:
It was a cold Friday morning in Germany, it had snowed heavily all week, and it wasn't letting up. Naturally the whole squadron was standing in formation, freezing, waiting for the SCO. Squadron CSM was standing about 25m behind my company formation. He was pacing back and forth. Thoughts I assumed lost in CSM things IE the ever worsening condition of his once pristine grass under this blanket of snow. regardless I did not look back to inquire.
The SCO finally arrived and began giving us our end of the week motivation morning squadron talk when behind us bellowed a command. "Snowball fight" it dawned on me that CSM was actual back there building up a small ammo point and began "lead" down range at all the companies. Immediately a formation of combat tested, combat approved professional soldiers reverted to 12 year olds as companies initially retreated to establish a brief defensive hold behind whatever they could. This went on for about 30-45 min.
Following the index and with the squadron formed up the SCO gave us what resembled a safety brief, which was unusual, normally he saved that for COB formations. He turned to the CSM to ask if he had anything to add and the man whispered Zonk.
As a established member of the E4 Mafia... Myself and others similar immediately began to fade, as if Scotty was calling us back up, last memory of seeing the faces of confused looking pvts as to why the entire formation just scattered was priceless.
Now the story:
It was a cold Friday morning in Germany, it had snowed heavily all week, and it wasn't letting up. Naturally the whole squadron was standing in formation, freezing, waiting for the SCO. Squadron CSM was standing about 25m behind my company formation. He was pacing back and forth. Thoughts I assumed lost in CSM things IE the ever worsening condition of his once pristine grass under this blanket of snow. regardless I did not look back to inquire.
The SCO finally arrived and began giving us our end of the week motivation morning squadron talk when behind us bellowed a command. "Snowball fight" it dawned on me that CSM was actual back there building up a small ammo point and began "lead" down range at all the companies. Immediately a formation of combat tested, combat approved professional soldiers reverted to 12 year olds as companies initially retreated to establish a brief defensive hold behind whatever they could. This went on for about 30-45 min.
Following the index and with the squadron formed up the SCO gave us what resembled a safety brief, which was unusual, normally he saved that for COB formations. He turned to the CSM to ask if he had anything to add and the man whispered Zonk.
As a established member of the E4 Mafia... Myself and others similar immediately began to fade, as if Scotty was calling us back up, last memory of seeing the faces of confused looking pvts as to why the entire formation just scattered was priceless.
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Bringing this topic up because I was going to create a post for it....but no point since you created one already. My best zonk story was quite a memorable one. My story took place in Baumholder, Germany. All of the officers were supposed to be called out to attend a meeting at the Battalion headquarters or something to that effect. Then the CSM and LTC decided to address the Battalion and the LTC started talking. After about 20 minutes (while standing in near freezing temperatures) I heard him say something like , " You all don't hear a word I'm saying do you?" Then I heard him yell, "Zonk" A whole battalion just running every which way, was definitely a sight to see.
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Fort Polk 2007. We were supposed to be going on a 12 mile road march. So there we were in company formation with ricks on our backs while 1SG gave his speach. At the very end of his speach he looks around the formation and yells "ZONK!!", the winter company echoed his command as we ran into each other trying to get away, rucks on our backs and all. Good times!!
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Damn. A zonk with rucks on the back. I can only imagine what that sight looked like
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