Not-so-clever Fox

smith841, on 02 March 2014 - 02:37 PM, said: So there I am. Not yet 18 years old and driving a CVR(W) Fox armoured car on my first major exercise in Germany. Our troop of 6 vehicles had been on the go for 10 days, being the eyes and ears of the brigade non-stop. It was about two in the morning and the troop was in position on a wooded ridgeline looking out for the enemy while the rest of the brigade fell back. Engines were off and we were parked in cover in silence, ready to move at a moments notice when we got the word on the radio.   One hour passed, then two.   One skill a soldier learns very quickly is to get some sleep whenever and wherever he can. So it was that both me, the vehicle commander and gunner all fell asleep in the Fox. Then I heard my commander over the intercom, "start up". I promptly started the engine and turned the headlights on!! However I was still asleep! Suddenly the troop sergeant was at the front of the vehicle throwing something at me. "Turn those f&$king lights off! and kill that engine. What the f*%k are you doing" He climbed onto the vehicle and looked into the turret. He commander and gunner were also asleep!   The commander had given me the order whilestill asleep and dreaming!! The incident was kept quiet from the rest of the squadron but our crew was point vehicle for the rest of the exercise.   True story.