Chapter 9 Summary

Angus Austin arrives as the unit's new Papa Sierra (Platoon Sergeant). He reported to Hodges and is questioned thoroughly about his background. He tells Hodges he was the Police Sergeant at the airbase the year before. Hodges chuckles and asks him if he did anything more than trash duty. Angus is embarrassed, but tells him he did do other things as well. Hodges continues by filling him in on the previous night's events.

Angus tries to reassure Hodges that he'll have the men treating him right in no time. Hodges is surprised by this, but tells him the men are treating him right and he's very happy with the way things are going. Angus continues by explaining that he takes great pride in being a Marine, and to see a man out of uniform or unshaved would bother him. Hodges wonders about this...