Fern Marja Eckman

About the Author: Fern Marja Eckman is a freelance writer.

At Fort Dix, a United States Army training base in New Jersey, the sunny day crackles with gunshots. Drill Sergeant Upright, a tall, dashing figure in woodland camouflage, combat boots and swashbuckling headgear known here as the Smokey the Bear hat, strides over to two young recruits waiting to take their M16 rifle qualifying test.

The sergeant crisply assigns them their testing stations. Each replies, “Yes, Drill Sergeant.” Grasping the first trainee’s rifle, Upright snaps, Let go of that,” then swiftly demonstrates the correct hold, returns it and adds, “Good luck.” The two respond, “Thank you, Drill Sergeant.”

As they walk toward the shooting range, Upright comments with a smile, “They’re getting nervous,&rdquo...