Language barrier

I always remember my basic training unit was composed of men from New York,
Pittsburgh and Puerto Rico. One young man from Puerto Rico faked not understanding English for eight weeks, so at the time he was excused from many mistakes and was generally funny. But a very young officer caught him speaking English to a buddy one week from graduation. I have to say, that must have been the longest week that this young soldier experienced in some time. I laugh every time that I think of this.

—Fort Gordon, Ga., 1969

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