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"Time for chow, girlies! You'll be happy to know that U.S. Military Basic Training uses Navy cooks, so you'll have the best chow in the World while you're here."

Staff Sergeant Fear begins to quickly recite: "Here are the rules: We will march to the chow hall -- excuse me -- the 'Military Dining Facility,' and line up in front. When I tell you to, and not a second before, you will march quietly, single file into the facility."

" You will grab a tray from the stack, one or more glasses, and a set of utensils. You will not talk. You will point at what you want in the line, and the recruit behind the food bar will serve it to you. You will then proceed to the end of the counter, where you may pick up your own choice of rolls, donuts, whatever, from the selection."

" You will proceed QUIETLY to the drink dispensers and choose coffee, tea, soda, milk, water, whatever. At the end of the line you will sign the meal roster with your name and the last-4 of your social security number. You will proceed to table number seven, eight, or nine, and you will remain standing at attention until there is someone standing in back of every chair at the table. The person at the right, front of the table will then command, 'Ready, Sit.' At that point, you may enjoy your meal, and talk QUIETLY among yourselves."

"You will have 20 minutes, NOT 21, NOT 20 1/2, to finish your meal. You may return to the line for 'seconds,' or even 'thirds,' but you will consume everything you take within the 20 minute time-frame. Uncle Sam is paying for this food, and you will not waste it. When I tell you to move out, you will take your EMPTY tray to the window by the exit, where it will be examined by a drill instructor before you put the tray up. Do I make myself clear?"

You:

	Ask him politely to repeat the instructions, as you didn't quite get it all
	Answer, "Yes, Drill Sergeant" in chorus with the others
	Return to Beginning (Part I)

Above Photo Courtesy of U.S. Navy