Unlikely Alliances: Lessons from Basic Training That Shape My Business Today

Military life brings people together who would probably never cross paths in the civilian world. That couldn’t have been truer for me back in Army Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

When I think back to those grueling weeks with Charlie Company, 1-3, two names immediately jump out: Cotton and Drumwright. Together, we were a force to be reckoned with.

The Gentle Giant: Cotton

Cotton, hailing from South Carolina, was my true friend from day one. In a place designed to break you down, Cotton was the steady anchor. Standing tall—a literal gentle giant—he had a calm demeanor that made the chaotic days at “Fort Lost in the Woods” a little easier to manage.
He had a heart as big as his frame, and having him in my corner made all the difference when the days felt endless.

The Terror of the Barracks: Drumwright

Then there was Drumwright, straight out of Philly.

If Cotton was the calm, Drumwright was the storm. To put it bluntly: Drumwright was mean as hell. He didn’t just dislike a few people—he pretty much hated everyone. He had zero patience, an edge sharp enough to cut glass, and a total disdain for almost every face he saw.

But here’s the thing about Drumwright: he was our friend. As tough and cynical as he was to the rest of the world, if you were in his circle, he had your back completely. His fiery attitude taught me about intense loyalty, relentless drive, and using pure grit to push through any obstacle.

26 Mile Road March, C-Rations, and Taking Over

On paper, the three of us made zero sense:

The steady, kind-hearted giant. The short-fused, anti-social fireball. And me, right in the middle. But when it came time to execute? We dominated.

You don’t truly know someone until you’ve eaten C-rations in the dirt together or pushed through a grueling 26-mile road march. Under the weight of a heavy pack, full gear, and an M-16—with bleeding feet and burning shoulders—trust isn’t just given; it’s forged in the sweat and exhaustion.

Above us, our Drill Sergeant pushed us past our limits every single day. He taught me what true leadership really means: how to stay steady under extreme pressure and how to carry yourself with unshakeable confidence.

Cotton brought the steady strength, Drumwright brought the aggressive fire, and with the leadership drilled into us, we crushed everything the Army threw at us.

Carrying the Mission to Indoff

Basic training isn’t designed to be survived alone, and neither is business. The lessons I forged alongside Cotton and Drumwright, and the confidence instills by our Drill Sergeant in Army Basic Training—along with my time in United States Navy Recruit Training—aren’t just old memories. I carry them into my work as an Indoff Partner each and every day.

In business, you meet all kinds of personalities. You face tough challenges, tight deadlines, and moments where you have to carry a heavy load. But my military background taught me how to lead, stay calm under pressure, build unbreakable trust, and stay disciplined no matter how tough the march gets.

Whether on the field or in business, success comes down to steady leadership, team loyalty, and getting the job done right.

Charlie, Charlie 1-3 with Pride, Drill Sergeant!