I entered the Army at West Point, NY as a cadet on 1 July 1964 for New Cadet Training, or "Beast Barracks" as it was called by the participants. I don't remember a lot of what transpired except that I excelled at everything that was directed at me except PT as I was 6 ft 4 inches and underweight. I graduated in the top 5% and entered the school year where I couldn't seem to do anything right ultimately "flunking out" after one semester. Since I was not on active duty the necessary 14 months to avoid it, I had to go through basic training in the 'regular' Army. My orders said to report to Ft. Dix, N.J. on 18 July, 1966. The one thing that was in my best interest as a result of going to West Point was that when I reported I was an E-2 rather then the rank of E-1 as were all of my peers. My Drill Sergeant, Johnny Mathis (no, not the singer), counseled me that because of my rank, I should be the Platoon Guide, but, actually asked my permission to allow him to give it to another fellow who was to go to OCS after Basic Training. Of course, I said yes!
Now I knew even then that one should NEVER raise one's hand when asked to volunteer at formation, but at our first formation the very next morning, when the DI asked, I raised mine and got a newfound friend to do the same. Instead of digging ditches or cleaning the latrines, the DI wanted two volunteers to take driver's training! Since basic trainees do not drive jeeps or deuce and halfs, we were trained to drive sedans and stake bodied trucks, BUT because we volunteered, we were exempt from KP for the entire two months of basic training!

James W. Howe Jr.
SFC, MI, USA, Retired
Rutledge, Ala.