Chapter 3 Summary

Rico undergoes basic training at Camp Arthur Currie in the northern prairies, where a cold climate, new time zone, and tough military discipline make a difficult adjustment. Turning out for calisthenics at dawn, the recruits meet their company commander, broad-shouldered, mean-looking Career Ship’s Sergeant Zim. Zim explains the significance of the instructor’s baton and makes an example of Jenkins, who sneezes in the ranks. Zim looks over the rest of his charges and declares theatrically they are pitiful, mommy-coddled, sickly monkeys. He asks if anyone believes he can whip him, breaks the arm of the first hulking recruit to step forward, flattens a pair of German recruits who follow, and gets the best of – but does not destroy – the son of his martial arts instructor. Rico dislikes Zim from the start, but admires his style. Food is hot and plentiful, and...