Peter Hawthorn BELFAST BOUND

Peter woke earlier than usual that morning with a parched mouth. He flung back the wool army issue blanket and swung himself into a sitting position on his bunk, bare feet hanging over the edge of the bed. With a yawn and rubbing his fingers over his crew cut head he stepped on to the concrete floor of the barrack room.

”Fuck that’s cold!” He groaned to himself. After the initial shock he took his towel and wash kit from his locker. He took one look down the billet of D Company listening to the snores and grunts.

“England’s finest!” He thought. “Ok! TIME TO MOVE YOUR ARSES AND GET OUT OF THOSE PITS YOU LAZY BASTARDS!” He cursed at the top of his lungs.

“FUCK YOU!” and a whole other different kind of extremities resounded back in succession at him. Peter just smirked and laughed under his breath.

“NOW GENTLEMEN!” He said as he made his way to the barrack washroom.

Peter walked through the door then cocked his ear to listen for his troop making a move from their warm beds and when he heard the horse play and coughing and the usual cursing he made his way to the shower block.

Peter walked into one of the stalls and began to relieve himself in the toilet when all of a sudden a cascade of water came over the wall of the cubical to much laughter.

”You rotten …!”He froze as the cold water took his breath away. “You’re all a set of girls….and childish!” He shouted over the cubical wall at them.

“Hey Corp!” Wilco shouted. “We gonna stay here in this rat infested shithole for the rest of the year or what?”

“We’ll stay where ever the army tells us to Private Wilcox!” In his mind he too had had enough of Ripon army camp with its dated wooden barracks and dilapidated buildings built during the Korean War in the 1950’s.

After a shower Peter felt much better and refreshed after a heavy night out binge drinking the night prior.

“Here Wilco! Who was that bird you had your tongue down the throat of last night?” Mickey asked.

“I have no friggin idea but I got her number!” Wilco bragged.

“No way!” Dave said surprised “She was a looker; as long as I live I’ll never understand women!” Mickey cried out.

”You lot saying I’m ugly or something?” Wilco said feeling wounded.

Peter looked at Wilco then studied him from head to foot.

”What?” Wilco responded. ”Oh nothing mate!” Peter looked serious at Wilco again. ”For Fuck sakes… WHAT?” Wilco was getting angry now. ”Oh I just thought …you know with the looks like the arse-end of a bus you know you did pretty good pulling that bird last night!” The entire washroom burst out laughing; Wilco stunned had only one answer. ”Fuck off... Gob shites!”

“You gonna call her Wilco?” Blakie a podgy 26 something shouted over the toilet stall.

“Maybe!” Wilco said shrugging his shoulders.

“Here!” Peter said handing Wilco his cell phone. “Call her and that’s an order!” Wilco snatched the phone out of Peter’s hand and commenced to press the numbers into the phone key pad as Dave read the numbers off the bar mat.

“It’s calling.” He said. As the phone call picked up Wilco commenced to talk.

”Shit you call the right number off that beer mat?” Wilco asked Dave. ”Yeah of course I did why?” Dave looked at the paper again and re-read the numbers.

“Bitch! She gave me the number to a fucking Chinese restaurant!” Wilco was livid as everyone burst out laughing but even he couldn’t stop himself from cracking up with laughter.

”I really fancied her as well!” He said disappointed.

“Maybe next time son ….maybe next time!” Peter said with a grin.

Once everyone was showered and squared away in their combat’s Peter gave the order to make clean the barrack room whilst he checked for the arrival of the RSM coming to do his daily rounds.

Peter was observing out of the barrack side window in the bathroom when Dave walked in. ”Any sign of him yet mate?” He asked. ”Nah! But he won’t be long Dave, how they doing in there?”

“You know their getting there!” Dave said with a shrug. “Bored of this camp mate, it’s like Beeston cemetery!” Dave said rolling his eyes.

” Hahahahah, I know!” Peter said. ”Fuck he’s on his way!”

Peter could see the crisp clean uniform and highly polished boots of RSM Greenwood with his drill stick on his way from E Company barrack room on route to D Company.

“Quick go tell em to get ready to receive the RSM!”

Peter quickly checked the stalls and wash basins listening to the commotion of fifty pairs of boots rushing about in the next room before exiting the washrooms. Peter looked down both sides of the Barrack room for any signs of missed dust or out of place items and then the company stood at ease at their bunks.

“Looking good fellers!” He said just as he heard the stomp of the RSM and Sergeant Majors boots stepped onto the thresh-hold of the barrack room. With a dry throat Peter swallowed hard as the door to the room opened and in stepped the RSM.

“Company… Companytion!” Peter brought the barrack room to attention then smartly marched to the middle of the room right faced and with perfection saluted RSM Greenwood and Sergeant Major Bryant.

“D Company ready is for inspection Sir!” He called out on the top of his lungs to the RSM who returned the salute. ”Very good Lance, why is a Lance Corporal in charge of a Company?” RSM Greenwood turned to Sergeant Major Bryant and enquired.

“Lance Corporal Hawthorn inherited this company Sir when Sergeant Fowler was taken ill, Lance Hawthorn was the next highest rank and it was supposed to be temporary until we found out that Sergeant Fowler was forced Medical leave from the service, No one has been appointed and I take responsibility for that sir! Lance Hawthorn was doing such a good job we forgot about the position entirely sir.” Sergeant Major Bryant said getting a little hot under the collar.

“I see, not a good state of affairs Sergeant Major…Ok let’s see how well you prepared your barrack room gentlemen!”

RSM Greenwood walked up one side of the barrack room and then down the other looking in lockers and foot lockers at the ends of the bunks looking for anything he could chastise the company.

Peter stood motionless eyes straight forward at all times like a statue; he could hear the RSM in the washrooms.

“Hope he don’t go in the stall Blakie was in” He thought to himself almost laughing out loud as he recalled the image of Blakie sat on the toilet.

The sweat began to flow down the back of his shirt as he could feel it turn cold as it flowed making him feel uncomfortable.

The RSM and Sergeant Major came back in to the room and with the perfection of a dance move came to attention in front of Peter.

”Well done young man, best barrack room I’ve seen in a long while!” With this he saluted they turned to leave. “All companies get into their number two’s for drill Sergeant Major!” He said.

“Sir! You heard the man; move it you have 15 minutes!” Sergeant Major Bryant said.

Sergeant Major Bryant left but before he did he gave Peter a wink of approval and a well done.

“You heard the man get in to your number two’s now!” Peter gave the order as chaos ensued the men beginning to strip and dress into their finest uniforms.

“This is fuckin nuts mate!” Wilco called out as he struggled to pull his combat trousers off.

“Just get on with it Wilco!” Peter shouted across the barrack room.

Peak caps came out of their protective coverings with highly shined peaks and highly pristine Kaki Jackets and pants removed from suit covers.

“Looking smart Blakie! …with your fat belly there! “Dave ribbed him. ”Yeah…. yeah when I’m as skinny as you mate! Blakie replied. Peter just smirked then shook his head in disbelief.

RSM Greenwood marched onto the parade square with the crunch of fine gravel uniformly sounding beneath his boots and drill pace stick tight under his right armpit perfectly leveled; the peak of his cap was low to the line of his eyes. The sound of every step he took and the swing of his left arm, his posture and composure were unconditionally professional in every way. He came to a halt and as so many times before, brought himself to a smart attention before drawing a deep breath.

“Second Yorkshire Regiment will join me on the parade square; MOVE!”

His eyes scanned the barracks before him on the far side of the parade square as the chaotic noise of hundreds of pairs of boots began to rumble like thunder out of the barracks towards him, then the rumble turning to sharp scraping as they rushed about the gravel to the bellowing of Sergeants and the Sergeant Major to right dress and form their companies.

Once the regiment was in their company sections Sergeant Major Bryant came to an about turn and faced RSM Greenwood; Saluted then marched to his side and stood at ease.

RSM Greenwood took a deep breath filling his lungs again.

“Regiment will stand at ease, Stand at ease! “

With one single action in sync like a ballet the whole regiment stood at ease.

“What’s going on Pete?” Dave whispered from the side of his mouth. “Don’t know mate…but we’re in our best so maybe a visit or something from a VIP!” Peter whispered back.

“He’s coming sir!” Sergeant Major Bryant informed RSM Greenwood as he saw the office door open at the opposite end of the Parade ground. “Well Tom; now we find out what it’s all about!” RSM Greenwood replied.

“Officers on parade; Regiment …Regimention!” RSM Greenwood bellowed loudly as the whole regiment came swiftly to attention.

Peter watched closely as Colonel Davis and Lieutenants Mitchell and Landon followed closely by Captain Parkinson and Major Talbot marched onto the parade ground towards RSM Greenwood ,stopped and came to attention. RSM Greenwood and Sergeant Major Bryant saluted the officers and then the officers and Sergeant Major Bryant marched off to the back of the parade ground.

RSM Greenwood and Colonel Davis had a discussion among themselves. Peter watched them as they smiled at one and other. The Colonel had been a junior Lieutenant when Greenwood was a full corporal and had been in the same regiment ever since so a trust and bond was forged.

The Colonel was of average height at five foot eleven of thin build but tough as nails and hard looking but he loved his men and he had their backs but he had no time for nonsense.

RSM Greenwood like the Colonel was a career soldier and one of the nicest men you could meet, he looked after the Regiment and considered all soldiers as his sons but if you stepped out of line, it was at your own peril and if you did he gave you a choice… his punishment or the army’s punishment. This was usually a quick beating but once it was done that was the end of it whereas the army punishment led to loss of pay and a blot on your record or worse so most opted for the beating.

RSM Greenwood and Colonel Davis again saluted each other and then left and right turned to face the companies formed up.

“Front and rear ranks will take one step back and one step forward; Front and Rear March! “RSM Greenwood again bellowed as all the front and rear ranks stepped forward or back at the same time then Colonel Davis and RSM Greenwood began to march up and down the ranks inspecting each company at a time.

It seemed to take forever according to Wilco who was stood two up from Peter.

”Fuck Pete!” he muttered under his breath “How long’s this gonna take?” Suddenly the noise of boots on the gravel not far away could be heard as the Colonel and RSM came closer to D Company.

Peter could hear the Colonel and RSM discussing the uniforms and boots of men in his company then he saw the Colonel in his peripheral vision come around the rank at the opposite end of the front rank, he knew he was going to be the last inspected in his company.

“Where’s your company Sergeant; Lance Corporal?” The Colonel asked Peter, without hesitation Peter kept his composure and bellowed out.

“Sick Sir…I am the company Lance Corporal Sir!” Peter said then RSM Greenwood intervened.

“The Company Sergeant went off sick and then it was permanent sick Sir; He was pensioned out and Lance Corporal Hawthorn took command of D Company and as I understand it has been in charge for the last six months….doing a bloody good job if you don’t mind my saying Sir!”

“I see! Well, well done Lance Corporal.” Colonel Davis seemed to mellow after RSM Greenwood spoke up for him and after a few questions and suggestions from the Colonel both the RSM and Colonel made their way to the other officers and Sergeant Major Bryant.

The colonel then ordered the whole Regiment to stand at ease and easy.

“Gentlemen; I know you’ve had your fill of Ripon army camp and I know your itching to be assigned to another assignment; probably or rather preferably abroad somewhere nice and warm with sun and sandy beaches!” Colonel Davis quipped.

With this comment there was much laughter before the Colonel carried on with his address of the Regiment.

“I am happy to say that we have received new orders!”

There was a huge cheer from the whole Regiment. The Colonel looked back at his Officers and smiled then continued.

“Don’t cheer yet boys because it’s not going to be sandy beaches and sun; We have been given our marching orders as a straight exchange with the Welsh Regiment for a one year tour…..Yes their coming here and we’re going where they are based; Northern Ireland”

The entire Regiment went quiet.

“Fuck I always wanted to go to somewhere nice, poor bastards coming to Ripon haha!” Wilco said excited under his breath, Peter had to have a little chuckle at the thought.

“Now for the good news! Does anyone want to take a stab as to where we’re going?” The Colonel said.

Various shout’s where called out

“SHAMROCK COVE!”….. “A soldier from B Company shouted.

DERRY, ALABAMA SIR!” A shout came from A Company.

Even Hawaii was mentioned. The Officers and the Colonel were laughing.

“No, No Gentlemen, we’re going to Belfast! “ The Colonel said.

There was silence, and then a soldier from F Company shouted. “Belfast…Sir!”

“Correct! We’re being assigned to Belfast as an exchange with the Welsh Fusiliers to give them a break; they’ve been at the point of operations in Belfast for the last two years and have suffered numerous casualties at the hands of the IRA.” Colonel Davis informed them.

“They need a breather and we’re going to let them have a break. “ The Colonel continued.

“Aww Fuck! Wilco muttered under his breath.

”Fucking full of Irish!” He complained.

“Well you said you wanted out of this shit hole mate …well now you got your wish!” Blakie said.

“We leave in a week so from now until departure time I want all affairs in order and equipment checked. There will be briefings throughout the week and instructions will be passed on through RSM Greenwood and Sergeant Major Bryant, that’s all Gentlemen….RSM!” Colonel Davis gave permission to dismiss.

“Regiment …Regimention!” RSM Greenwood ordered and the Regiment stood smartly to attention. ‘Dismiss!” All companies’ right turned and fell out.

“Shit Pete of all places to get posted they give us Ireland, don’t seem fair mate!” Dave said.

“It’s not but hey it’s got to be more welcome than this shithole huh?” Peter smirked.

“Come on let’s go and get breakfast!” Peter said as Dave and the rest of D Company went back to their barrack room and collected their canteens then headed to the mess hall.

As they approached the lineup A Company had beaten them to the mess.

“Here they come, Dumb Company!” One of the rivals from A Company, a known loud mouth called out.

“What you’re an arsehole, is that what the A in A Company means dickhead!” Wilco shouted in retaliation.

“That’s enough you two!” One of the full Corporals called out from A then gave Peter a nod of the head ,Peter smiled back and gave a wink. Rivalry had been common among A and D Companies as long as Peter could remember but all joking aside when it came down to it they knew they had each other’s backs.

The lineup moved along at a steady pace much to the chatter and back ground noise of a mess hall. “Hurry up….up there will you I’m starving!” Complained Blakie.

”You’re always starving Blakie, best be careful you don’t end up 900 lbs. mate!” Dave called back to him.

“He already is the fat twat!” Wilco shouted in agreement.

“Fuck you lot!” Blakie responded with two fingers to much laughter from the mess hall.

Suddenly the door to the mess flung open and RSM Greenwood stood in the door way.

“Lance Corporal Hawthorn?” RSM Greenwood hollered as Peter froze for a moment.

“SIR RSM!” Peter screamed out while standing to attention.

“CO’s office… at the double!” RSM Greenwood shouted, with that Peter immediately exited the mess hall and made his way to the Commanding Officers office with RSM Greenwood closely behind.

“Fucks that all about?” Wilco asked Dave.

“Don’t know but I’m sure we’ll find out!” Dave replied.

“Into the CO’s office march, left, right, left, right halt …salute stand at ease!” RSM Greenwood ordered Peter.

Peter stood looking down at Colonel Davis as he continued to write in one of his reports without so much as looking up at Peter, once he finished the report with his signature completing it he looked up at Peter then began to speak.

“Lance Corporal Hawthorn it’s come to my attention that ever since Sergeant Fowler was taken ill and sadly his illness meant he had to leave the service, you have run D Company in his place.”

“Further I hear that you were forgotten by us and that you’ve commanded with professionalism so much so that RSM Greenwood and I have decided on the recommendation of both Sergeant Fowler and Sergeant Major Bryant that the position would be well suited to you.” Colonel Davis looked up at Peter and smiled.

“I’m inclined to agree with them, well-done young man now you can continue to grow D Company Sergeant!” Colonel Davis added.

Peter stood there in awe still trying to process what had just happened.

“You’ve got your orders!” RSM Greenwood said.

“Attention Sergeant, Salute, bout turn march, left, right, Left, right!” Peter marched smartly back outside and with a large smile.

“Nan’s going to be proud.” He thought to himself.

RSM Greenwood called Peter back to him and as Peter approached him RSM Greenwood held his hand out.

”Congrats Sergeant, don’t let me down; now you’re going to have to pick a new Lance and a full corporal. Who are you thinking of?”

RSM Greenwood wanted an answer there and then as Peter thought carefully for a moment.

”I would say Private Dave Spinney for full Corporal; he’s got a good head and brains about him!”

RSM Greenwood agreed.

“And for Lance Jack …Private Joe Blake; he maybe a little over weight but nothing the gym couldn’t sort but he’s a good guy and a team player!” Peter said then he saw the look on RSM Greenwoods face change to a frown. RSM Greenwood looked at Peter from under the peak of his cap.

”Fuck Sergeant he’s a fucking abomination but I’ll give you the benefit, he just might surprise me.” RSM Greenwood started chuckling to himself.

”Ok go draw the stripes from the quartermaster and get them sawn on by 09:00 hours, the entire regiment is getting a visit from the top at 11:30 hours that’s why we’re all in number two’s, well lad you’ve got your orders ! Move it Sergeant?”

With that Peter began to make his way to the quarter master in the stores at the far end of the barracks.

Peter walked into the barrack room and sensed how peaceful and quiet it was with D Company still at the mess.

“Might as well get these beauties sawn on since I’m here!” He muttered to himself.

He removed his jacket and took his needle and thread out of his locker, selected black cotton and a needle and like an expert marksman threaded the thread through the eye of the needle then commenced to saw the three stripes on his jacket sleeves.

“This is piss easy to do, thanks Nan for teaching me sawing!” He thought to himself.

“Done!” He cried out with the snap of the cotton between his teeth.

Peter put his jacket back on and made his way into the washrooms. Looking in the mirror and looking down at his stripes Peter felt he had finally achieved something worthwhile.

“Nan’s going to be so proud, first chance I get I’ve got to get a pic taken for her!” He commented.

Peter could hear the banter and horseplay as the Company where making their way back to the barrack room from breakfast and then the doors flew open as Wilco and Andy Harrison burst through clowning around into the barrack room. Peter walked out of the washroom proud as a peacock he brought himself to attention then filled his lungs with air.

“Right you lot; you’re a fucking abomination, call yourselves D Company …you’re a fucking shower! Spinney and Blake front and center! Move!” He shouted.

The horseplay was stopped in its tracks when they all saw Peter standing there with three stripes on each arm.

”What the fuck!” Wilco commented.

“What the fuck Sergeant; Private Wilcox!” Peter shouted.

“Sergeant…are they for real?” Wilco made his way to a smug looking Sergeant with a grin from ear to ear. “Can I touch them?” Wilco asked gingerly fingering at the stripes.

“Sure! It’s the closest you’ll ever get to any of your own.” Peter said to much laughter from the rest of D Company.

Blakie and Dave came up to Peter as ordered.

“Sup Pete?” Dave asked.

“Bring yourselves to attention.” Peter ordered as both Dave and Blakie stood to attention.

“It gives me the greatest pleasure to promote you Private Spinney to the rank of full Corporal and you Private Blake to the rank of Lance Corporal with immediate effect!” Peter shook their hands and presented them with their stripes.

“Fucking no way!” Wilco retorted at the news. ”Blakie! A fucking Lance Jack?”

Blakie looked at Wilco and with a huge smirk on his face. “That’s Lance Corporal to you Private Wilcox!” He said.

“Still a fat fuck!” Wilco muttered under his breath.

“Down and give me 20 push-ups Private!” Blakie ordered. Wilco dropped to the barrack room floor and commenced to do push-ups.

Peter laughed under his breath. “Never learns.” He thought to himself. ”Ok get the stripes sawn on by 09:00; we have a special VIP coming at 11:30 hours for a special visit!” Peter announced.

“So that’s why we’re in number two’s?” Wilco muttered as he pushed and strained his body up and down on the floor.

“Serge, Corporal and Lance congrats!” Wilco called as he finished his last push-up.

Peter looked towards the barrack room door instinctively as it opened when he saw RSM Greenwood enter.

”Company-tion!” He called out and immediately everyone stood to attention where he stood.

”At ease lads!” RSM Greenwood said.

“Sergeant Hawthorn come outside with me.” RSM Greenwood and Peter went outside.

“Right Sergeant, VIP visit is cancelled so your lads can get back into their combats, prep for exercise in the field tonight. D Company is to be infiltration; A, B and E Companies will be the enemy. Briefing this afternoon at 16:00” RSM Greenwood informed Peter.

“Sir!” Peter responded then with a salute returned to his barrack room.

“Ok lads! Back into your combats…visit is cancelled however we are on exercise tonight all night and A, B and E Companies are the enemy.” There was a cheer and then a groan.

“Sarg, can I have a word?” Blakie asked. “Sure, if it’s about you being promoted and as to why? I can tell you this….I feel you’re qualified and worthy of the opportunity to shine!” Peter said as Blakie was taken aback at hearing this and it showed on his face.

“Blakie if I thought you couldn’t handle it I wouldn’t have recommended you for promotion and the way you came back at Wilco proved it.” Peter said grinning then gave Blakie a pat on the shoulder.

“Thanks Sarg!” Blakie said feeling empowered.

“Your attention everyone! Tonight we go to war with A, B and E and who is going to win?” Peter called out.

“D COMPANY!” The barrack room erupted at once.

“That’s right; we’re going to kick butt tonight!” Peter said feeling like a lord knowing he had a good Company of men.

Peter, Dave and Blakie entered the briefing room to see the other NCO’s from A, B and E Companies already seated.

“Here they come the Marx Brothers!” Sergeant Tom McKenna from E Company said to much laughter from the others. McKenna was an old school Sergeant and had been in the army for almost sixteen years, he was a good man but had a temper to suit his six foot stocky frame, which is why he was busted from Staff Sergeant to private and didn’t rise any higher than Sergeant after the issue as they say when he punched an officer out cold. He did twelve months in the glass house and was on a thread to being kicked out of the army altogether.

Sergeant Cowley was in charge of A Company and had been in the army for ten years, he was five foot nine of thin build but strong as an ox, He understood his men and took the weak ones under his wing. He had a good heart and loved the army, B Company Sergeant was Paul Burton, eight years in the service with a stocky five foot ten frame he was known to be grumpy but he knew his job well and was considered to be one of the best Sergeants in the regiment.

“Need any advice Pete come see us we’ll put you on the right track.” Sergeant McKenna said to Peter.

”Much appreciated.” Peter responded.

Into the room came RSM Greenwood, Sergeant Major Bryant and Lieutenants Landon and Mitchell, immediately all NCO’s stood up.

“Sit down gentlemen!” Lieutenant Mitchell ordered them.

“Right Gentlemen!” Lieutenant Landon began.

“This is the scenario; D Company is the infiltration unit. A B and E Companies are the enemy Sergeant Major Bryant will command D and RSM Greenwood along with Lieutenant Mitchell will command the enemy forces. I will be doing the good job drinking Tea in comfort in the observation tent as the umpire.” Lieutenant Mitchell scoffed.

“I’ve noticed old chap how you always seem to get the comfortable jobs?” Lieutenant Landon smiled back and shrugged his shoulders.

”Bollocks!” Lieutenant Mitchell responded breaking the ice, everyone started laughing and cracking jokes.

“Ok the situation is that there has been a takeover by an enemy force in strength and it’s D Companies job to infiltrate the military base in question but before you can take the base you’ll need to eliminate the hostile forces on the outside in order to gain entry into the base and take the commanders prisoner that’s where you need to be stealthy and quiet.” He pauses

“Lieutenant Mitchell will be acting as the CO of the enemy force and RSM Greenwood is the forces second in command; any questions?” He asked

“Do we get to kick the RSM’s arse Sir? “Lance Corporal Blake said.

”RSM would you like to respond?” Lieutenant Landon asked.

“Gladly Sir!” RSM Greenwood replied.

“Lance Corporal Blake you’re bollocks will freeze over before you kick my arse!” RSM Greenwood responded to much laughter as Blakie went red in the cheeks.

”Dumb arse!” Peter scolded Blakie.

“Sorry RSM Sir didn’t mean to be disrespectful Sir!” Blakie apologized.

“No apology required Lance Corporal; it’s what makes a good soldier…a man who is not afraid to speak up!”RSM Greenwood said with a smile.

“Ok gentlemen; kick off at 18:00 hours for the defending team and 20:00 hours from here for the infiltration team. Let’s have fun and keep it clean.” Lieutenant Landon said as he wrapped up the briefing.

“Lance Corporal Blake!” RSM Greenwood called him over. Blakie went white as flour and began to sweat profusely as he walked over to RSM Greenwood with a parched mouth.

“Sir!” Blakie stood in front of RSM Greenwood almost shaking in his boots.

”You remind me of me when I was your age; don’t be afraid to speak up and when you do don’t apologize, it’s a sign of weakness that’s all!” RSM Greenwood turned about and then left the room.

”Fuck I thought he was going to kill me dead on the spot!” Blakie was relieved.

“Come on you idiot!” Peter said.

“Of all people you go and pick a fight with the RSM!” Dave said shaking his head. Then all three of them headed back to the barracks.

“We’re going to kick your fucking arses tonight D Company!” Sergeants McKenna and Cowley shouted to them as they parted ways.

“Yeah in your dreams, you’ve got more chance of making out with Carmen Electra, good luck!” Peter and Dave retaliated.

“Not going to let them beat us are we Pete? “Dave asked.

“No way, we’re going to wipe them out aren’t we Blakie?” Peter said.

“Kick their arses all over the field!” Blakie responded.

All three of them started making plans mentally on how they could defeat the enemy in the up-coming exercise and how best to utilize the resources and terrain to their advantage.