Chapter Three

A Promise Gone Awry

Bobby and Carl

Following the weight rules required a minimum weight tolerance of plus or minus one-half pound. Four ounces less would have disqualified Bobby for military service. He hung his head as he groaned.

A month of summer training swept in. Most of the instruction repeated the ROTC program from college. The speakers and teachers presented a platform utilizing veteran officers. The trainers submitted insight from those experienced in combat – pilots and the ones proficient in fighting on the ground.

Carl and Bobby received orders to report to Air Police Training School (APTS) at Lackland Air Force Base. APTS falls under administration. The first week AP training scheduled Practical Apprehension and Restraint Techniques (PARTS.) It is a softened military version of Multi Discipline Close Combat (MDCC.) To confuse the issue further, the civilian non-lethal version is The Brotherhood of Fraternal Fear (FF.)

One trainer said, "The PARTS methods used against a drunk Marine or soldier posed pathetic protection compared to the months of training and preparation they make. Neither is it helpful while fighting North Vietnamese or Chinese enemies. It is not likely you will have to fight them but expect challenges."

The instructor introduced a guest speaker, Colonel Lockhart. A Chief Master Sergeant (CMS) proceeded to the podium. He spoke with a slow southern drawl. "My commander calls me CMS Jerry Lee Lockhart." Then he held up a full Colonel's uniform with Lockhart on the identification patch above the left pocket.

The attendees murmured and twisted while seated. He exhibited a wide Mississippi grin. Some chuckled. He peered at the student attendees for another twenty seconds. "I am a CMS in the active Air Force and a leftover officer from World War Two. I am a Colonel in the Air Force Reserves. "I know how to kill a man with my hands and feet."

Jerry Lee asked, "What must you do without a firearm during the dark hours of the morning, and you stumbled into an area saturated with the enemy?" Most of the new officers shifted as their faces turned pale. Silence permeated the class. Lockhart scanned the classroom.

Jerry Bynum, the youngest officer in the class, said, "I would use my knife to kill as many as possible and take a rifle from a deceased adversary. As dawn approached, I would attempt to find a hole in the ground to permit me to hide and employ the retrieved weapon to blast my way free."

"You must have played 'hide and seek' with your brothers and sisters, or with the neighbourhood children in your younger life."

"We had seven kids in our family. Also, we played combat Army and Marines." The other students giggled.

"You received the best training for war in your backyard. We are offering MDCC training on a volunteer basis for Air Force personnel. It may save your life or the lives of those with whom you work."

Bobby and Carl volunteered for MDCC after regular classes. The previous classes from college provided them with confidence.

Upon completion of APTS instruction, the Air Force appointed Second Lieutenants Bobby Davis and Carl Hatton for advanced instruction of MDCC. A vivid vision of a Chinese soldier kicking Bobby in the gut and stealing his weapon flooded his mind. Carl relaxed while his body loosened. Bobby's stomach was churning parallel to an unbalanced washing machine. Had he engineered a mistake?

Carl and Bobby received instructions to report to Kelly AFB for air transport to McGuire AFB, New Jersey. An Air Force sedan parked near the debarkation site of the C 130. CMS Lockhart occupied the vehicle prior to their arrival. He informed both, "Fort Dix Army Training Base near McGuire AFB plans to house us for the coming five months. The advanced MDCC program offers novice MDCC and FF trainees the opportunity to become part of the top four hundred close combat fighters in the world.

Bobby said, "We are Air Force."

"Half of the combatants emanate from the Air Force. Each student fights twice a day. Some schedule additional exhibitions. You may develop bruises like working on a farm, ranch or other labor related jobs. It is difficult, but the confidence and satisfaction gained is worth the struggle.

The guys survived the first day with ease. Lockhart said, "You faked your fights like a bunch of grade school kids. The instructors scheduled the rest of the week's bouts with month four students. As time progresses, we will arrange month five students and those ranked in the top four hundred."

Carl touched Bobby starting a static surge. Bobby listened to instructions and viewed training films. The next four days he lost four fights and won four. The subsequent eleven weeks, he continued with fifty percent wins. In the fourth month his wins increased to three victories to one defeat. Carl said, "Those matches you lose are for appearance. You could have won them, am I right?"

"Yes, I believe it is better not to appear too good."

"But you could have prevailed."

"I do not want to seem arrogant."

The last month Bobby lost two matches and won fifty-eight. He received the title of Grand Master.

Upon completing the advance MDCC program, Carl and Bobby received orders for Scott Air Force Base near Belleville, Illinois. A smile painted Bobby's face. Carl remained placid.

Low ranking Air Force Officers developed into flight leaders. (A flight in the Air Force is comparable to a platoon in the Army.)

Bobby's breathing expanded as his face frolicked and beamed. His feet clogged a one-person country square dance. Shaking rushed through Bobby's limbs. Savors of sweat showered him with smiles. His arms shot up producing the victory symbol. His mind mellowed. Bobby's hands beat on his chest like Tarzan. He shouted, "Thank you..." and peered upward. Carl shared a soft smile.

Bobby greeted his fellow graduates with vigor. The instructor chastised him for not listening. The teacher said, "What we are teaching might save your life and the ones under your supervision."

"So what? I didn't expect it to happen." His brainwaves fluttered. A single tear floated down his cheek. A glow spread from his body.

Intense images invaded Bobby. The older Thai woman materialized several times while he slept or daydreamed. The lady wore a sharp snowy silk dress. She floated two feet above the floor. Her figure was translucent, and a motherly smile materialized. The window and dresser behind her were visible. She said, "My name is Mae Sua (แม่เสือ– meaning Tiger Mother. Mae Sua are not words in English. They are transliterations of the Thai words.) Carl and his father met me while I was alive. I am an apparition of my former self. You will encounter rough periods in your lifetime. Two wives will bless you." He awakened, only Carl, and he occupied the room. Carl was peacefully sleeping. He went back to sleep.

The night before reporting into their new unit, they checked into Transit Officer's Quarters at Scott AFB. A knock on their door and a shout from the clerk followed,

"An important message for Lieutenants Davis and Hatton."

Just when Bobby considered life was perfect – it raged. He sat on the edge of his bed and sobbed.