04 May, 2007

Take It To The Pit!

Just remembered a morale device that was useful in the Army that would shock the hell out of my civilian co-workers (especially because it would be presented by HR).

A device known as "the pit".

The Pit was an approximately 8' by 8' sand filled box (or ground tires if you prefer) that would be strategically located near all main company areas. If two soldiers had a disagreement, the could agree to take it to the pit. There, their BDU tops came off (for those non-military, the "coat" over their brown t shirt) and the would begin to duke it out. The only rule was once the other person tapped out, it was over. Obviously the code of conduct was no biting or moves that would lead to life long injury. But male, female, rank, it pretty much didn't matter.
The morale part was ironically it seemed it actually brought two soldiers closer together. Because once it's over, the winner technically won the dispute, and helps the other one off the ground...and will most likely buy him/her a beer.
Does the Army as an institution approve of this? No. Could I imagine a bunch of corporate suits going at it in a pit built in the middle of a conference room. Please give me time to laugh and pick myself up off the floor. Would it still build morale? Maybe.

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