In the "Heat" of Basic Training

The year was 1974. Out of college, out of a job and out of money, I had plenty of time to date. One of the most handsome guys available just happened to be the local Army recruiter.

We dated for about a month before I decided we were not meant to be together, but our time together had interested me in the Army. Wanting to "see the world" I joined up and was promptly sent from Wisconsin to Basic Training at Fort McClellan, Alabama.

Although it's been many years, I remember it like it was yesterday! The very first day I arrived on post, our Drill Sergeant introduced me and my fellow recruits to our barren little "home" (much like a chicken house) for the next 8 weeks. Eighteen beds along one wall...eighteen beds directly across from them on the other wall. Each with two folded sheets, an ugly green, scratchy blanket and a limp pillow with pillowcase on the end of the bed.

Aside from our cot, there was a beat-up wall closet and a small table with a single drawer for our pens, pencils and paper etc. Being a gum chewer, my father had bought me a ten-pack sleeve of Wintergreen Gum -- 50 sticks of gum altogether. I put it in the drawer of my little shelf next to my bed.

With instructions to get our "area" set up, we were left to unpack and get our bearings. Before leaving us, she made one stern announcement. "After supper," she barked, I will be coming through here with a large box to collect all contraband!" Huh? Contraband? What the heck was she talking about?

Soon a listing of what was "forbidden" made it to my bunk and I was stunned to see that chewing gum was among the items. No way was I going to give up all the gum my father had bought for me! Being in my 20's, my mind was quick and sharp and it didn't take me long to devise a plan to keep my gum!

Writing paper and envelopes were something we could keep, so in the time we had left to relax, I carefully and quietly unwrapped all ten packs of gum, throwing the wrappers away, piling scrunched up kleenex on top of them. Next, I took ten sheets of writing paper and wrapped five sticks of gum in each. Finally, I inserted all of those sheets with my total of 50 sticks of gum, into ten envelopes and sealed them.

After supper, as promised, the drill sergeant came through opening and shutting lockers and drawers in search of contraband. Seeing only my comb, toothpaste, writing paper/envelopes and a few pens, she quickly passed me by and was none the wiser.

I had survived my first day of Basic Training. I tallied the score before the lights were turned out. ONE - Me! ZERO - Drill Sergeant!