In March 1970, we were in about the middle of basic at Ft. Lewis, WA, with Co. A-2-2. Our barracks were 3 story concrete type buildings.
It was a Sunday afternoon and we pretty much had the day off (well, that's what we thought). I was on the first floor when a fellow troop came in to tell us that our DI was on the 3rd floor raising hell with those guys. They brought them to the push-up position except on the elbows.
Let me back up just a little, the push-up position on your elbows was already introduced to us earlier in the first few weeks of basic! so we already knew how this feels, ouch and double ouch.
We knew they were coming and we had a few minutes before all hell broke loose on us, and I had time to think. I happened to be wearing my long sleeve fatigue shirt and I got the bright idea to stuff my extra pair of boot socks down into the sleeve to protect my elbows. Some of the other guys were saying, "man if you get caught you're really going to pay the price" I decided to take the chance anyway. Sure enough they came hollering and screaming "GET INTO PUSH UP ELBOW POSITION!"
So not to appear out of place I also started moaning and groaning just like everyone else not to mention a little bead of sweat on my brow (hope I don't get caught). After a few minutes of this torture the DI's left the barracks and the fellas around me could not believe what I just got away with, and neither did I.

Chuck Burgmeier, Stevensville, Mont.