As a young man, I attended Auburn University on an NROTC scholarship. The unit Gunny at that time was Gysgt. Nolan G. Henry. Gunny Henry had come to Auburn right from the P.I. Drill field, and is the one credited with creating the "Sand Pile" for the motivation platoon. My first or second day there, I was in the unit office trying to find info. about something or another on the bullitin board. The Gunny was standing behind me. I turned and asked "Hey sarge wh……" and that was all I got out. I then received a sterling lecture informing me that dog ass soldiers were called "sarge" and that he would be referred to as "Gunnery Sergeant or Gunny".
Welcome to the Corps, Midshipman.
J.M. "Mike" Jeffries
Capt. USMC Ret.