Have you ever woken up to the same hellish nightmare of three-phase cycles repeatedly until you no longer know what day it is? Have you felt the uncontrollable urge to wield the greatest noncombative, yet lethal weapon known to mankind in every conversation? Does your forehead bear the markings of greatness from a wide-brimmed hat of woolen death?

There are signs. These are the signs you may just be or have been a drill sergeant.

8 signs you might be a drill sergeant
Marine recruits survive the first night on Parris Island (media.defense.gov)

You Are Basically a Vampire

It’s 4 a.m. on a good day and long before the crack of dawn. You’re there, in the dark, ready to delicately wake the trainees from their slumber. Likely, with an airhorn. Fast forward to sundown, and you’re three energy drinks in, waiting to put 200 almost Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, or airmen to bed. Up before the dawn, home under the moonlight. You’re basically a vampire.

Caffeine Is Your New Blood Type

The regulation states 6-8 hours per night, but cycle 2 has shown you humans can live (sort of) off much less. How do you function? Caffeine, copious and copious amounts of caffeine. Has anyone ever seen a drill instructor without a coffee or energy drink in hand? I think not. Pushing 18-20-hour days, seven days a week for two miserably long years requires such.

 

This article was written by Samantha Peterson and originally published on WE ARE THE MIGHTY.