Another Behind The Tweet, this one took off like a rocket and I never thought it would. It struck home with me because it reminded me of a now defunct old Navy tradition called Smokers.
No, not cigarettes, that was called lighting the Smoking Lamp so Sailors could go smoke when it was safe to do so, but that's another story. (I always say that don't I?) This about an event called Smokers.
Essentially, Smokers was another name for boxing matches. Sanctioned ass beatings by the Navy. It was a hoot. Here's how it went down:
Every so often, both at sea and on shore duty, the Command Master Chief would set up a time for smokers. Remember, this is old school Navy. It was done under the guise of physical fitness, training and morale improvement.Â
The hangar deck or ships deck would be set up with a boxing ring. You had the chance to call out anyone, in advance, and challenge them to a 2 round boxing match. It was a time to settle beefs, pissing matches and sometimes, provide that bit of "rudder correction" to a wayward Shipmate.Â
The command provided gloves, helmets and coaches from the Navy Boxing Team. (Almost every base had a representative from the Navy Boxing Team) You got some very rudimentary training and then DING DING, it was on like Donkey Kong.
To be honest, it was truly a lot of fun. And you didn't have to have a retribution case to settle. It was good PT and you learned a lot. Boxers will know.
Much like Teddy, it was a good vigorous exercise, good fun, morale building and a training aid. It relieved the stress from high tempo operations, and provided esprit de corps, something sorely needed these days.
So be like Teddy, man up, put on the gloves and get in the ring. Be that a real ring, the gym, the road, a bike or a trail. Get out. Get moving.
Bully!
Semper Fortis
Chief Chuck