To the Winds

[DISCLAIMER]

Attending United States (U.S.) Marine Corps Recruit Training (“boot camp”) at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in 1996, I was assigned to the 25th platoon under Kilo Company within the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion (3025). We were affectionately known as “Killer Kilo.”

Toward the end of boot camp, Killer Kilo received new drill instructors (DIs). In other branches of U.S. military service, non-commissioned officers who teach foot drill (close-order drill), military step, and marching are usually referred to as “drill sergeants.” Not so in the Marines.

For context, one source states, “Close-order drill comprises the formal movements and formations used in marching, parades, and ceremonies. Combat drill trains a small unit in the looser, extended formations and movements of battle.” In boot camp, there was lots of drilling.

In any case, the new DI received by 3025 is someone I’ll refer to as “Sergeant [Sgt.] J,” an E-5 Marine who was still in the process of honing his skills regarding close-order drill. Not to be confused with hazing, another seasoned DI played a prank (a mildly mischievous act) on Sgt. J.

As Sgt. J marched recruits in front of our barracks, he had no idea that another DI taught us a somewhat complicated close-order drill movement known as “to the winds.” Describing this relatively complex action, one source states:

A high point of the drilling came when the DI taught us “to the winds.” On the command “to the winds...harch [march]” the first rank would execute a left flank, the second rank would execute a to the rear, the third rank would keep marching straight ahead, and the fourth rank would execute a right flank.

Now all four ranks would be marching away from each other in four different directions [i.e., to the winds]. As we reached about 100 yards apart the DI would bellow “to the rear...harch” and all four ranks would execute a to the rear and be marching back toward each other. 

When they hit the counterpoint the first would do a left flank, the second would keep going straight, the third a to the rear and the fourth a right flank and the whole platoon would be back together marching briskly forward. 

When we executed that complicated maneuver with perfect precision on the very first try, we began to feel we were pretty damned good and I think the value of working as a unit began to sink in.

The meaning of “to the winds” relates to going in different directions. When Sgt. J’s fellow DI took over calling military cadence from the junior DI, it appeared as though 3025 descended into chaos (a state of utter confusion).

Yet, the close-order drill move described by the source above represents a form of controlled chaos (a situation that appears disorderly or chaotic on the surface, but is actually operating according to some underlying rules, patterns, or organization). Sgt. J was the only one confused.

During the episode, I recall hearing Sgt. J deviate from self-discipline by breaking from his military bearing (a set of outward behaviors or attitudes which demonstrate discipline, respect, and confidence—projecting a positive image of the individual and one’s organization).

“What the fuck!?” Sgt. J said in his DI voice. At that point, the DI who assumed command over 3025 also parted with his military bearing by laughing. It was the only time I recall witnessing either individual displaying human attributes (i.e., laughing in regard to use of humor).

Almost three decades later, I think of that event in regard to a psychoeducational lesson on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). In specific, I contemplate self-disturbance (how people upset themselves when using an unhelpful belief-consequence connection).

Unlike the controlled chaos of a “to the winds” close-order drill maneuver, an individual may unnecessarily throw caution to the wind. This idiomatic phrase relates to acting impulsively and recklessly, without regard for potential risks or consequences.

When one abandons rational thinking (in accordance with both logic and reason), foregoing prudence in favor of a more daring or impulsive approach to living, such unfavorable chance-taking behavior can cause potential negative outcomes. Self-disturbance can be expensive!

Therefore, rather than throwing caution to the wind, I invite you to consider a “to the winds” approach to rational living. This involves use of both the ABC model and unconditional acceptance. Noteworthy, these are the two main useful tools of REBT.

Of course, if the appearance of disorderliness or chaos on the surface – while actually operating according to some underlying rules, patterns, or organization – isn’t of interest to you, then you’re welcome to continue on with useless tools of living (i.e., throwing caution to the wind).

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

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