Lesson

When I was in the Army, I learned a lot, like how to shoot guns and blow up stuff.  That used to be every young man’s dream.  But, I also learned about volunteering.

The usual method of asking for volunteers was for some sergeant to say, “I want three volunteers - you, you and you.”  It may not have been democratic, but it was efficient.  I made it a habit not to volunteer unless I could see a way it would benefit me.  For example, if I stayed and cleaned up the ‘day room’ I got to ride in a truck to the rifle range and unload ammunition.  The whole process took less than an hour, and I didn’t have to walk - sometimes run - 10 to 15 miles to get to the range.

But, I also learned the best advice on volunteering.  A sergeant ask for volunteers and did not get any.  So he walked up a young private and got right in his face and said, “Do you know what to do when I ask for volunteers?”  The young private answered, “Yes sergeant!  I should take one step to the left or right to get out of the way of any volunteer stepping forward.”

Lesson learned.

PMO
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