Before I could've regained consciousness, there was a strange tug on my bed sheet causing me to roll off and hit my body hard against the cold concrete floor. Rubbing my head while getting up, I was told to put on my uniform and get ready for training. My head shifted towards the clock to notice it was only 4:30 in the morning. Everyone else already started to suit up and so did I. There weren’t any separate bathrooms so you can see the other guys peeking on the girls who were changing. I paid no mind and chuckled slightly to myself as some of them got slapped by the girls. With the last of my shoes tied and gear equipped, we were on our way to the facility.

Upon entering we had to leave our weapons and gear behind and head to the obstacle course. This was a test to certify us as soldiers. "No one ever has failed this segment at this base", one of the high-ranking officers said while approaching us. "OK, you maggots! Time to show everyone here what you're made of. I expect no failure in this exercise and beyond. Make your country proud", as we exchanged salutes and proceeded to the field. Without any notice, a blank was fired into the air to signal the start of the test. Off we go, racing to determine who would complete the course the fastest.

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Everyone was on board until the second portion of the course. The laziest and youngest were already wanting to call it quits. I don't blame them since what's ahead would be more traumatizing than this. I tried to save some of them but most rejected and walked off the course. The remainder of us didn't get such good timing but it was good enough to pass. That night we celebrated our promotion but I can't help but wonder what happened to those that didn't complete the course since none of them ever returned to us.