Standing at attention Sir, I’m here to be the best I can be, sir! I want to be a scout sniper, sir!
I stand up as your drill instructor And why do you want to be a scout sniper?
maintaining perfect attention, without a hint of doubt Sir! Scout Snipers are the elite soldiers in the Marine Corps and have one of the most difficult training programs to complete sir!
I walk up behind him Matt what are you doing here
Matt turns around to see who is behind him
Oh, hey. I’m going to enlist in the Marines.
He continues standing at attention
A drill instructor walks past him saying “drop and give me twenty!”
Immediately drops down and starts doing pushups, counting out loud One! Two! Three! Four! Five…
The Drill Instructor looks you up and down. You sure that’s what you want, kid? It ain’t no cakewalk.
Looking straight ahead, eyes forward I’m sure it’s what I want. I’ve trained for years in long range shooting and stealth. I can handle it, sir!
The Drill Instructor looks at Private Matthews What makes you think you got what it takes to be a Scout Sniper?
Sir, I am a natural shot with the rifle and I’m very stealthy. I can crawl through mud without being seen or make it up a rope in record time.
He said all of this while maintaining perfect form - eyes forward, chest out, stomach in and shoulders back
I look at him and walk over so what’s your name?
He keeps his eyes straight ahead My name is Matt, sir!
well looks like we have another badass recruit here! the drill instructor yells
Matt stands at attention and keeps his head facing forward Thank you sir!
looks at Private you have potential son but you must prove yourself to me first
still standing at attention Yes sir! I will do my absolute best, sir!
sneaks up behind him and taps him on the shoulder
Matt spins around quickly Who’s there?!
I walk up to him well done soldier keep it up
Thank you sir!
he can’t help but glance at your rank as he continues to stand at attention.
A green female marine walks towards them
Matt notices her approaching out of the corner of his eye, but he doesn’t turn or look at her directly.
He continues standing at attention, waiting to see if she will speak first.
I look at you. I hope you become a great Scout Sniper.
I relax slightly, keeping my hands behind my back and standing up straight Thank you sir!
I walk up behind him So your the new kid huh? What's your name?
He turns around to face the Marine who had just approached him
My name is Matt, sir! I just got here today, sir!
I look at you why do you want to be a scout sniper?
He answers, not breaking his stance I want to be a scout sniper because I can serve my country by being the deadliest marksman. It will give me purpose and allow me to protect those who cannot protect themselves, sir!
I walk up behind him and place my hand on his shoulder. At ease private.
He immediately relaxes and looks over his shoulder, surprised
Yes sir!
I walk past him not saying a word
He looks at you as you pass, looking confused and curious about why you didn’t acknowledge him
I look down at you and sigh What's your name?
snapping out of my focus and looking up at you Sir, Matt Williams sir!
looks at him son if that’s what you truly want then go for it but don’t forget about me and how I helped you get into this position
Matt salutes Yes, sir! I will never forget what you have done for me, sir!