Warrant officers and NCOs-The Key to Battle Discipline

For any soldier, even just a whispered rumour that the unit’s Regimental Sergeant Major was in the immediate area became sufficient for a multitude of brain cells to respond. They sent warning signals that imminent danger was close. If time permitted, there was a rapid assessment,( albeit clouded with growing fear for survival) of reasons which may adversely impact on your immediate future. No matter your possible innocence, you were about to enter a time frame where sacrifices from the ranks were selected and found guilty without further deliberation.

If a familiar terrible scream of anger pierced your immediate area, then it simply confirmed that it was too late for escape and evasion. The right hand of God has created “Danger Close” and you were now in the target area.

Such are the ways of an RSM, one minute screaming for blood and then on another occasion, perhaps, just perhaps, be understanding. Whatever the personal experiences, the end result is individual discipline, personal and collective pride and sound teamwork which in turn significantly contributes to battle discipline.

Old Joe was such a mentor. He knew in advance what mischief was most likely to occur; when and where. His mystic power prevented much flaunting of military rules and regulations. It was with the Wisdom of Solomon, he would often administer minor punishments then and there before the mischief crossed the start line and became a military offence.

Such was the case at midnight when mentors are supposed to be asleep, he discovered a soldier about to raise female garments on the unit flagpole. In a very short time, the offender, now issued with a baseball bat was given the task of guarding the flagpole for several nights.    

In more serious circumstances when there were doubts, exhaustion, hunger, thirst and searing heat to add to the challenges of a soldier preparing for a long night in the middle of madness; Joe was there.  A smile, an encouraging word here and there were comforting medicines for the troops.  They would not let their military family down, no matter what the unknown challenges.

He had harassed, screamed, punished and driven them to the point of exhaustion in the demands of sound battle discipline and perfection. He with his sergeant- majors and disciples wearing chevrons had well prepared their young warriors for war.     

Look Out; Here Comes Old Joe

For WO1 Joe O’Sullivan MBE, -Company Sergeant Major 1RAR and Regimental Sergeant Major 3RAR

He guided us in our journey of military life

A true compass to follow in peace and strife

For us, he was a proven leader, true blue

Never missed any flaw, even a soldier’s slightest sin

On room inspections, you were definitely dead if he found rum or gin

No leave, extra duties and more drill were among his battle dins

If you broke any sacred rule, be it even out of his sight

He would surely find out and cause terrible fright

I swear he knew already the wrong you intended to do

Thus sometimes a warning or hint of encouragement to save you

He was a mother, father and older brother to all of us under his care

When he gave orders, we readily obeyed, no matter why, when and where  

Years later, for a reunion he was there with us at the table

A sharp mind and steely glare showed he was still able

One soul confessed he had been the cause of a noisy drunken fray

Our senior nodded and said “I know, but it was your 21st birthday”

Now he has gone where all old soldiers finally go

But those of us left, still talk of our beloved old Joe

How well his footprints are on the parade ground this very day

As yet another generation is taught the military way

Discipline, mateship, unit pride and rules that must be obeyed

Shrill orders as warriors are merged, toughened and made

“Double time, stand-to, watch your front, fix bayonets, follow me

Horrible soldiers, wear your regimental badge with pride for all to see”

The ultimate goal is for you, today’s warriors is to be ready for war

No time for debates, shirking or questioning what for

Your mentors with chevrons and crowns strive to make you the best

They too as young soldiers stood the angry storm and passed the test

So when you march as a trained team ready as ordered to go

Watching with pride from far, far away will be our beloved old Joe

George Mansford © April 2018