WHILE I WAS A DRILL SERGEANT at Fort McClellan, ALA., I served on a panel to select outstanding soldiers from basic training.  When a candidate appeared before the board to answer questions, the company commander would begin, “In about two minutes, tell us the most important thing you’ve learned during basic training.”  One soldier looked at him blankly, so the commander asked, “Did you understand the instructions?”  “Yes, sir,” the private replied confidently.  “I’m just waiting for the two minutes to pass, as instructed.”
–Contributed to “Humor In Uniform” by MSgt. James M. Kirkland