# The Academy - Squad Chalenge

Author: SrA havenofimage
Tags: Bear, Bird, Fox, Military, Raptor, Snow Leopard, Training, competition, marten

#4 of The Academy

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The days all seemed to blur into one big torture session.&nbsp; Every morning we were woken early for PT.&nbsp; We were expected to learn cadet knowledge.&nbsp; I had to study every night, memorizing facts about the military and quotes from famous leaders.&nbsp; If a cadet asked one of us a question and he or she got it wrong, we all suffered.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pushups were the standard punishment.&nbsp; Forget a knowledge questions, pushups.&nbsp; Forget to great someone, pushups.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wear your uniform improperly, pushups.&nbsp; Stand incorrectly... you guessed it, pushups.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Luckily I had learned to eat quickly, so I wasn't going hungry any more.&nbsp; However, we were spending less time in the classroom, and more time exercising.&nbsp; This combined with our constant state of sleep deprivation made the academy quad a living hell.&nbsp; I was always tired, and every part of my body ached.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We lived for squad time.&nbsp; It was the only part of the day that wasn't filled with physical exertion, yelling, or studying.&nbsp; Lewis kept us in line, but he taught us well, and liked to have a good time.&nbsp; Our squad was soon the best disciplined at drill and knowledge.&nbsp; We had Lewis to thank for this.&nbsp; His style of teaching was effective and fun.&nbsp; He led us to become a coordinated team.&nbsp; We still had a few power struggles to work out, mainly between me and Thomas, but our squad could take on anything.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sooner than I thought possible, the first two weeks were drawing to an end.&nbsp; It was the second Sunday of "The Beast."&nbsp; We had just had a particularly good day spent playing various sports grouped up with other squads.&nbsp; I was wrapping up the day in my room, writing a letter to Traci.&nbsp; We still weren't allowed computers or phones, but Traci and I had exchanged a couple of letters.&nbsp; Seeing her writing always brightened my day.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Writing to Traci?" Teague asked.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes.&nbsp; It's nice to get a little sympathy every now and then."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I can't believe you're still into her considering the new stock."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What are you talking about?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Come on, you can't tell me you haven't been checking out that fine piece of marten."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Curry?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Damn strait."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You can have her, if you can fight off the tank."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He shook his head at me and turned back to his desk.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I looked over my letter for mistakes.&nbsp; Of course I had thought about Jessica, but she didn't seem like the type for me.&nbsp; Sure she was attractive and smart, but she didn't have the charisma I had always found in Traci.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Lights out!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I put the letter down and walked across the room to the light switch.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You good?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Teague nodded.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I flipped the switch and walked back to my bed.&nbsp; The light from the window lit the room enough to get changed.&nbsp; I climbed under the sheets and lay there listening to Taps.&nbsp; I fell asleep, an image of Traci in my mind.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Alright guys, Today is the end of the first section of BCT."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We had squad time after breakfast today for some reason and Lewis was talking to us.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I've watched you guys change from a group of scared individuals who were unsure of themselves into a strong, trusting, team.&nbsp; As you know there is a squad challenge at the end of each section of training.&nbsp; Today is the physical fitness challenge and I have complete confidence that you will excel."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I was excited.&nbsp; I had been looking forward to the squad challenge ever since we learned about it last week. &nbsp;This would be a chance for us to finally test ourselves, and hopefully prove ourselves.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We marched down to the football team's practice field and I took a seat in the bleachers between Teague and Trestan.&nbsp; We talked while we waited for the other squads to arrive.&nbsp; Soon Cadet Reese was standing in front of us with a megaphone.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Class of 37, congratulations on surviving the first two weeks of Basic Cadet Training!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "BCT, THE BEAST!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Today is the first squad challenge.&nbsp; Each squad will run the challenge course we have set up.&nbsp; First platoon will go first, followed by second platoon.&nbsp; Squad leaders, take control of your squads."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I followed Lewis, observing the setup as we walked past to course.&nbsp; It didn't look to difficult.&nbsp; We watched as first platoon started.&nbsp; I notice that two of the events would need planning ahead of time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hey guys," I called to the squad.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They gathered around me.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We need to plan the ranger pushups and order for the fireman carry ahead of time."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jessica spoke up, "The pushups will have to be done by me, you, Simmons, and Thomas.&nbsp; No offence to you Trestan, but I think your wings will get in the way."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "None taken"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Alright," I agreed, "and the fireman, who's going to carry Thomas?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I think Simmons will have to, he's the strongest next to him."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Alright," Teague nodded accepting the compliment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With that taken care of, I prepared myself for the challenge.&nbsp; It would be tough, but I have complete fait in the squad.&nbsp; I watched as, one by one, the squads of first platoon disappeared on the run.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We moved to the starting position and prepared for the ranger pushups.&nbsp; These were done in a square, each member's feet on the back of another.&nbsp; The problem wasn't so much the added weight, it was coordinating the pushups so that we were always level.&nbsp; Chris knew the team's limitations the best, so I delegated the task of calling cadence to him.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The whistle blew and we began.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Up!&nbsp; Down!&nbsp; Up!&nbsp; Down!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Soon we had the pushups knocked out and we took off running.&nbsp; We picked up the charge, a six foot long steel beam, and ran it to the fireman carry.&nbsp; I was the last to go through.&nbsp; I set down Jessica and we sprinted together through the suicide course.&nbsp; Next was a low crawl.&nbsp; A cadet standing there said that ten seconds would be added to our time each time someone touched one of the wires stretched across it.&nbsp; I dove to the ground first, tucked my tail down, and flew to the end.&nbsp; I helped pull my squad mates out as they reached me and we were on to the flutter kick with no penalties.&nbsp; We dropped to the ground and began, Chris calling cadence, and the rest of us counting the repetitions.&nbsp; We would be docked time if anyone's feet touched the ground.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "One two three."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "One!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "One two three."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Two!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My stomach muscles burned, my neck strained at every movement, and my legs were about to give out when we finally hit one hundred.&nbsp; I leapt up and sprinted with my team to the end of the field.&nbsp; A cadet took our time and told us we had a three minute break before the next event.&nbsp; We sat in a circle in the shade of a large tree.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Good work guys."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yeah!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hoora."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We were all tired but we had finished first in our platoon and felt good about ourselves.&nbsp; There was still a 5.3 mile run ahead of us, but right now, we could take on anything.&nbsp; One of the time keepers walked over.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You have a minute left in your break so start getting ready.&nbsp; The path is marked and you can go on my signal.&nbsp; Your time will be stopped when the last member of your squad crosses the finish."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I pulled myself to my feet and took one last sip of water.&nbsp; I stretched a few of my tired muscles and prepared myself.&nbsp; But it was time to get the squad ready.&nbsp; Somehow, I didn't know how, I had become the unofficial leader and the four of them looked to me to lead them when Lewis wasn't around.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We stick together in a line.&nbsp; No one falls behind.&nbsp; Trestan, you have the best pace, can you lead us?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He nodded.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Curry, you're the fastest, bring up the rear and make sure no falls back."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Can do."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We lined up at the start.&nbsp; I was in front of Jessica with Teague and Chris in front of me.&nbsp; I heard the whistle blow again, and we were off.&nbsp; The run was probably the most enjoyable part of the whole event. &nbsp;It winded its way through the more scenic parts of campus and we all were feeling pretty good until the finish.&nbsp; I looked up at the trail.&nbsp; It was three quarters of a mile steep uphill.&nbsp; I knew we could do it though.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Come on guy!&nbsp; We got this!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My legs were on fire and it felt like someone had pulled a belt around my chest.&nbsp; I gritted my teeth and dug in with my claws.&nbsp; My mind was telling me to quit but the end was only one switchback away.&nbsp; Someone near the front let out a loud hunting growl.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "COME ON!" Jessica shouted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I yelled something incoherent.&nbsp; In that way, encouraging each other, we crossed the finish as a team and I dropped to my back panting, dripping with sweat.&nbsp; I closed my eyes and stretched my arms above my head taking deep breaths.&nbsp; Someone squirted water in my mouth.&nbsp; I looked up spluttering to see that it was Lewis.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Great work guys.&nbsp; I don't know yet, but from what I've seen, we may be in first."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I sat up.&nbsp; He extended a hand.&nbsp; I grasped it and he pulled me to my feet.&nbsp; Jessica was standing as was Trestan.&nbsp; I walked over to Teague and gave him a hand.&nbsp; Chris got up and joined us.&nbsp; We were all covered in sweat, grass stains, dust, and grins.&nbsp; Lewis led us to a group of senior cadets who handed us MREs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sloppy Joe, not bad," Teague commented. "What did you get?

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I looked down at the gray brown package in my hands.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Chicken enchilada."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Nice."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We sat in the shade of the bleachers, eating the stale, yet fulfilling food, talking contentedly, and enjoying the afternoon sun.&nbsp; It had been a hard two weeks for all of us but, this somehow mad it all seem like a far off dream.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That afternoon, we were fitted for new uniforms.&nbsp; For the next two weeks, we would be leaving the PT outfits behind, and be wearing our clean, new, ACUs.&nbsp; We received tan undershirts, gray digital jackets and pants, kaki boots, and ball cap stile hats.&nbsp; During squad time, Lewis showed us how the outfit went together, how to properly blouse the pants, and different regulations for wearing it.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After dinner, all the cadets gathered in one of the lecture halls.&nbsp; Cadet Reese walked onto the stage to talk to us.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I would just like to congratulate you one more time on making it through the first part of BCT.&nbsp; We only had three cadets drop out which ties the Academy record for fewest.&nbsp; Tomorrow, you will all be marching out to Camp Manadnoch for part two of your training.&nbsp; Tonight however, I'm sure you all want to find out the results from the squad challenge."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes Sir!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Alright.&nbsp; In third place... First Platoon, First Squad."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A group of cadets on the right of the stage cheered.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Second place was... First Platoon, Fourth Squad."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yells from the back of the room.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And in first place, the winner of our first squad challenge, current holder of the prestigious top squad trophy is... Second Platoon, Second Squad!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "HOORA!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We had done it, we had won.&nbsp; The last two weeks had paid off.&nbsp; The work and the training had brought us together and we had won.

Source: https://sofurry.com/s/P1E7dGAm
Part of the series The Academy
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