In early December 1966, I arrived at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio for basic training.
Our flight, as they were labeled, was assigned to a two-story open barracks, and after the traditional haircut and issue of clothing we began our training with the TI (Technical Instructor) explaining what our life and schedule would be for the next six weeks.
He then said that volunteers were needed for the housekeeping and good order of our quarters. Being young and naïve and not having learned the golden rule in the military of never volunteering for anything, I raised my hand. The TI gave what appeared to be a smile and said, "I'll talk to you later and explain your duties."
He then asked if there were any other volunteers. No one else raised their hand. I started to have a really strange feeling that I should not have been the first to volunteer.
The TI then went on to "select volunteers" for duties. As he progressed it became obvious that the duties were becoming more and more distasteful. Suddenly hands were going up to volunteer as it became apparent that the dreaded latrine duty was coming up! Some unfortunates at the end of the selection process ended up being the "Latrine Queens." I started to feel better.
After about a week, I had not been assigned any duties from our TI. I was uncertain what to do but finally decided that the best thing to do would be to ask the TI what my duties were. I approached his office. Slamming my open hand against the large flat board at his door indicating that I wanted to speak with him, I asked permission to enter. He answered with a loud, "Enter!" Somewhat shaken, I asked the TI what my duties were for our quarters.
He looked up from the papers he had been working on and with no change of facial expression and a lack of inflection in his voice, he said, "Are there any other questions, Airman?"
I only had a week of basic, but I had learned a lot. "No Sir, Thank You!" I replied as I did a perfect about-face and walked out of the office.