Fuzz, in basic training you are taught the value of guard duty....Even if you are guarding a Latrine (toilet) you guard that latrine with your life...A GI may have to take a large bowel movement, and you better make sure he has a safe and secure place to relieve himself...
In the bush I had friends that died at their posts, making sure I was safe, and this peace of excrement was called honorable by the Obama administration for deserting his assigned post...Unbelievable.
Fuzz when you are assigned to your position as a guard, there is a feeling "of danger" that goes with it, at least for me it did...I had visions of all the enemy guards I had seen in war movies as a kid, getting their throats slit...I was always extra cautious...
In AIT, the captain had a contest for us, that whomever could look the most strike (sharp) they could be honorary captain of the guard, and be his aid for the day....I spit shined my shoes until they sparkled and shaved extra close (several times) for his close order inspection....
Well, I was chosen, only because the other guys went to the PX and goofed off, and didn't apply themselves, but I did.....It was great riding in the captains jeep and checking on the rest of the platoon that had guard duty and having them recite their general orders to me....Power is addictive..LOL
I took a lot of good natured ribbing from the other guys in the platoon....Later, when I went to the latrine, they really scuffed up my boots, and cut my strings....I just laughed it off...All part of being a unit.