No one speaks, as if the effort might be too much. Actually, though, talking's not allowed. An hour and a little over three miles later, the formation stops. As you drop your pack, you notice sweat has soaked through everyone's BDU blouses. You've got a 10-minute break, to hit the head and drink more water.
Some recruits sit on their packs and check their feet.
Too soon, the drill instructors are rousting everyone. The other platoon takes the lead this time and you really understand what the accordion effect means. Drill instructors tell you to close up. Just lengthen your stride. It doesn't work.