THE ORDER

While at the Bassingbourn ATR, in Cambridgeshire, during my phase one training of my army career, I smoked.

It was soon evident that if I wanted to pass my training I would have to stop. The stress it was having on my lungs was having a detrimental effect on my ability to pass all the fitness tests I had to pass.

My concern and my wish to stop smoking were overheard by a corporal.

We were standing in formation outside the armoury one day and while waiting for something or another, the corporal in question, (who alas I can’t remember his name, said to me):

“Taylor, I hear you want to stop smoking?”

“Yes, Corporal” I replied in traditional army fashion.

“Well, I’ll help you. I order you to stop smoking”

“Yes, Corporal” was my predictable answer.

The squad laughed and no more was thought about it.

But I wanted to show them what a good soldier I am. Willing to carry out an order asked of me. Including an order to stop smoking.

So, from that moment onwards I didn’t smoke for the rest of my training. I passed all my fitness tests and made it to the end.

By God, I was a soldier.

The corporal later said to me that he had no authority to order me to stop smoking and it was only said in jest.

But still, an order is an order.

Alas, once the training was over and we were allowed to let our hair down at the passing out party, I started again.

 

© Copyright 2007 Matthew Taylor