United States Military Academy West Point - Howitzer Yearbook (West Point, NY)

Page 31 text:

During the first day we had been introduced to our squad leaders for the first time. For the next eight wee cs these in- dividuals and their Second Detail counterparts would at once be slave drivers, big brothers, and mother hens. Our early impressions and much of our future attitudes as cadets would depend on them. Not for at least two years, when we ourselves stepped into their shoes, would we fully realize the magnitude of their task.

Page 30 text:

l ' Rl Upper Right: The uphill trot to the obstacle course is a perennial favorite. Bayonet training taught us the aggressive spirit of hand-to-hand combat, and allowed us to release our pent-up hostilities. Beast seems almost like a dream now, but it was real enough at the time. After the initial shock had worn off, the days settled into a routine of drill, calisthenics, lectures, and myri- ad other diversions. To break the monotony, there were planned group activities such as shower and clothing formations — grand old in- stitutions now lost forever. Bayonet training taught us the aggressive spirit of hand-to-hand combat, and allowed us to release our pent-up hostilities. 26

Page 32 text:

Having thought of ourselves as a fairly intelligent lot, we were surprised to learn that there were vast quan- tities of essential information of which we had been totally unaware. Being in complete accord with our upperclass advisors that such a deficiency should not go uncorrected, we soon made Scott ' s Fixed Opin- ion, the Definition of Leather, and much similar lore part of our permanent repertoire. In so doing, we be- came thoroughly acquainted with the Plebe Bible, and many midnight sessions by the light from the halls made the bond a firm one. 28