When I served in the army, the first weeks were really hard. Even meal times were extremely short - the last ones in the row had only around 10 minutes.

There was a really nasty petty officer, he was unbelievebly erratic, loud and full metal jacket like. Since I was 6´23 and the second tallest one in the company, he being much smaller, had his fun picking on the two of us: KP duty, cleansing of his barrack room and the closet.

I don´t know how I could take this at that time, but I got aware, that the officer was about to leave his active duty at a certain date, and I knew of plans of fucking the dude up that day, we had 6 month time to prepare the event.

Over the weeks I lost any interest ramming the man into the soil. At this time the avarage time to journey home was each 12-13 weeks. I was 26 and married and had a small kid. Never before I have experienced such undignified and nasty people like the petty officer.

Pass was once a week. By time in case he wouldn´t allow it was no problem anymore, you smiled and said: No pass? Ok!

Somehow I found no reason to be really impressed by the guy. I felt comfortable in my situation.

One day I wanted a second portion of dinner and went back to the release. Suddenly the petty officer was standing behind me and said to the man: Give him what he wants! And to me: Take your time and eat! while slapping on my back. And he looked at me and smiled.

I have not forgotten this story over the years. Btw, he left the barrack not as usual, but at a time nobody was in there. Obviously they knew what asshole he was and wanted to protect him. I have never again heard from him since...