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The drill sergeants continue yelling, "Line Up! Come on, line up you lunk-heads! Four deep! Four deep, not five, you idiot! Move it, move it!"

Finally, everyone is lined up. The three "Smokey-hats" are standing in front.

"Attention!"

The "Smokey-hat" in the middle looks up and down the ranks and slowly shakes his head. He's rather short, but has broad shoulders and a very thick neck. Even in the relative darkness, his belt-buckle shines brightly from the street lights.

"My name is Staff Sergeant Fear. I am your drill sergeant. My assistants are Sergeants Bellows and Grunts."

While speaking, Staff Sergeant Fear paces up and down the ranks. "We have just 10 weeks, no more, to find out which of you geeks got what it takes to be members of the United States Military. Many of you won't make it. Some of you will goof up enough to be 'recycled,' that is, a chance to be set back to do it all over again. Those that can't cut it at all will be washed out."

"Anyone here think they have what it takes to be in the U.S. Military?"

"Yes Drill Sergeant!"

"I'm a particular man. When I ask a question, I want to hear the answer, and I didn't hear you. Now, Sound Off!"

"Yes, Drill Sergeant!"

"Your lungs are weak, maggots. But that's what we're here for, to build you up. Everyone drop to the ground!"

Everyone drops down into a push-up position.

"Hands out, shoulder width. Now, push up. That's one! Keep your ass out of the air, fat boy. Back straight, dimwit. Now, down, and up. That's two!"

The dust on the concrete is getting to you. It's tickling the back of your throat. You really have to cough.

You:

	Cough as quietly as you can to clear the dust from your throat
	Time your cough as the drill instructor says "three!," hoping no one will hear.
	Try as hard as you can not to cough.
	Return to Beginning (Part I)

Above Graphics Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard