During basic training, every second counts. As soon as reveille sounds, we’re up, making our racks, brushing our teeth, shaving, and getting ready to move for the day. The drill instructors are already there, ready to roar.

Because time is so important, some of us found ways to save a little. For example, although the drill instructors have a small bedroom to sleep in, they didn’t always stay with us overnight. Some days, I suppose they went home to their families, even though technically they were supposed to be with us 24/7.

Knowing they weren’t always there, some of us would get up a bit earlier than the rest. We’d take care of personal business and sneak our socks on before going back to bed. Believe me, those few seconds saved a ton of grief come reveille. Sometimes we’d even shave and brush our teeth while others were still asleep. This was a nice luxury since by then, bathroom inspections were already over, and no one would get in trouble for using the facilities. Once everyone was done in the bathroom, that’s when you had to clean it up and using it for shaving or other things would get someone in serious trouble.

Hitting that sweet spot of getting things done early was an art, and I was pretty good at it myself. That’s how I took my first bathroom break during basic training. I was so backed up from the stress that it was quite the relief.

I remember one time we had some senior week guys patrolling our bay. They were from another flight and caught me getting up after hours while I was heading to the bathroom. However, they weren’t there to give me a hard time. They waved me over and chatted with me for a bit. Those guys were pretty intense for airmen, and I was fairly impressed by them.

These little tricks were really helpful. Even though we’re only talking about saving a few minutes, the relief was immense. To give you context, I cut my fingers and face the first few mornings while shaving and got in trouble for bleeding on the sink and floor. Get it?

I think it’s human nature to adapt and find ways to survive under any circumstances. This is just another example of resilience, surviving boot camp and beating reveille. I wonder what Sgt Koellner or Senior Airman Bridgeman would say if they knew what we were doing behind their backs.