Fresh out of high school, I joined the Army in 1951 and reported to Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in Pennsylvania for basic training. While Indiantown Gap had been one of the Army's most important training camps during World War II, it had been out of commission until the Korean War ensued. Its new mission: Train more than 30,000 troops as replacements in Korea.
Trouble was, there was a shortage of equipment, including the M-1 rifles that were standard during that time. So, during my first week of basic training, we had to improvise. I was issued a stick to carry over my shoulder and my buddy got a broom. Just as we prepared for a close ordered drill, my buddy said, "Sarge, I just have one question. I really don't think we'll be attacked, but just in case, am I supposed to sweep the enemy to death?"
Contrary to the hardcore image of Army sergeants, ours appreciated the humor and shared a good laugh with all of us.

Thomas J. Darr, Lexington, Ky.