Name:   architect - Subject:   The army version Date:   6/25/2015 5:04:05 PM (updated 6/25/2015 5:15:53 PM)

A lifer master sargeant was called into HQ and told that word had been received that private Johnson's father had passed and that the sargeant was to inform the private.  The sargeant called his men together and immediately said "Private Johnson your father is dead, funeral leave is granted." An officer who is passing by is appalled and calls the sargeant into his office and reads him the riot act about his lack of sensitivity and instructs him to not let it happen the same way again.  A few weeks later the sargeant receives word that private Wilson's mother has passed.  He musters his men and says "all personnel whose mother is living take one step forward". Almost all the men begin to step forward at which point the sargeant barks "not so fast there private Wilson."