Maj. Malcolm A. Powers:
I want this battalion to be the class of the division. I expect my non-commissioned officers to lead by example. Public fighting and insubordination to civilian authority are not what I call good standards!
Highway:
It was a minor altercation, sir.
Maj. Malcolm A. Powers:
That seems to be a habit with you, Gunny! A year ago you hit an officer. I went to Annapolis with that man. You try that with me, Gunnery Sergeant Highway and you'll drag your butt in a sling for a month, you hear me, marine?
Highway:
Yes, sir.
Maj. Malcolm A. Powers:
I don't know what strings you pulled to get back into this division but I can assure you that I don't like it. This is the new Marine Corps. The new breed. Characters like you are an anachronism. You should be sealed in a case that reads break glass only in the event of war. Got no tolerance for you old timers who think that you know it better and can have it all your own way. Understand?
Highway:
I understand a lot of body bags get filled if I don't go my job, sir.
Choozoo:
Major, division has assigned Gunny Highway to our reconisance platoon.
Maj. Malcolm A. Powers:
Yes, recon. Their last sergeant was an old time combat vet, too. But he went road on me. Retired on active duty. Had a few months to retirement. Figured he'd coast. Allowed the men to lapse into mediocrity. You're close to mandatory retirement yourself, aren't you, Highway?
Highway:
That's right, Major.
Maj. Malcolm A. Powers:
Well, I ask for Marines, the division sends me relics. The men in recon platoon are less than highly motivated to say the least. I want those men in shape.
Highway:
I'll make life takers and heart breakers out of them, sir.
Maj. Malcolm A. Powers:
Dismissed.
Highway:
[after leaving the major's office]
Is he always like that or is he just trying to make a good impression?
Choozoo:
Word is that he consults the Marine Corps Manual before he mounts his old lady just to make sure that he performs in an...
Highway, Choozoo:
orderly proficiant military manner.
Choozoo:
Yeah, eat chow with Helen and me tonight, she can't wait to see you. Then later we'll go out and stomp some brain cells and tell some stories.
Highway:
Well, I'd like to, Chooz, but I think I better get organized.
Choozoo:
Sure, I understand.
