Spare Parts

Shortly after returning home, Williams is awakened by his mother turning on the light switch. Still experiencing the stress of training, Williams shouts at her. He explains that Marines often turn to anger when any emotion strikes them, and Williams has not yet assimilated to civilian life from training.

At his first weekend drill in the reserves, Williams still thinks like a recruit. As he meets the other members of his platoon, he is made fun of several times for his “new-join” attitude. In the field, Williams is first given guard duty, at which he impresses the commanding officer. Later he helps prep and launch mortar rounds with Lance Corporal Baker, who, after a time, lets him fire one. After the mistake of “hanging” the mortar round almost hurts him, he learns a valuable lesson about Marines—that even their egos can get in the way of training. He also vows to never unquestionably follow orders without thinking them through.

During a “hip-pocket” class, Williams, after learning proper procedure, begins teaching others. He gains recognition in the unit, and after creating a more efficient system for preparing rounds to be shot, Williams wins the honor of Outstanding Marine of the Drill.