Question
You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:
Write a story, or part of a story, about disobeying an order.
Model Essay
The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the training grounds of Camp Valor. The air was thick with anticipation as the recruits lined up for their final drill of the day. Among them was Private James Carter, a young soldier with a reputation for bravery, but also for questioning authority.
Sergeant Major Richards, a stern and uncompromising figure, barked out the orders. “Today’s mission is a simulation of an enemy ambush. Your objective is to follow the planned route, stay in formation, and eliminate any threats. No deviations. Is that clear?”
“Yes, sir!” the recruits shouted in unison, but James’s mind was already racing. He had studied the terrain meticulously and noticed a potential flaw in their route. The dense forest to the east provided perfect cover for a real ambush, something the simulation planners might have overlooked. He knew that raising concerns now would be seen as insubordination, yet the thought of walking his squad into a potential trap gnawed at him.
The drill began. The squad moved through the designated path, the weight of their gear pressing down on them. James’s eyes darted to the east, the darkened forest looming ominously. As they neared the midpoint of their route, his unease grew. Finally, he made a decision.
“Hold up!” James whispered urgently to his squadmates. “We need to change direction.”
Private Thompson, his closest friend, gave him a questioning look. “Are you crazy? We’ll get in serious trouble.”
“Trust me,” James insisted. “I have a bad feeling about this.”
Reluctantly, the squad veered off the planned route, moving cautiously toward a small ridge that provided a better vantage point. As they approached the ridge, the sound of rustling leaves and snapping twigs confirmed James’s worst fears. Hidden in the forest were several enemy combatants, their weapons trained on the path the squad had just left.
A flurry of paintball shots erupted, and the ambush was thwarted. The simulated enemy, caught off guard, was quickly subdued by James and his squad. The exercise concluded, and the squad returned to camp, adrenaline still coursing through their veins.
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Sergeant Major Richards awaited them, his face a mask of controlled fury. “Private Carter, step forward.”
James complied, standing at attention. “Sir!”
“Explain yourself,” Richards demanded, his voice low and menacing.
“Sir, I believed the planned route was compromised. I noticed the forest to the east provided perfect cover for an ambush, so I made the call to change our path and avoid walking into a trap,” James explained, his tone steady despite the tension.
Richards studied him for a moment, then turned to the rest of the squad. “Is this true? Did Private Carter’s actions save you from the ambush?”
The squad nodded in agreement, murmuring their support for James’s decision.
Richards sighed heavily. “Private Carter, you disobeyed a direct order. Under normal circumstances, this would result in severe disciplinary action. However, your initiative and quick thinking likely prevented a complete failure of this exercise.”
He paused, his stern expression softening slightly. “In the field, such decisions could mean the difference between life and death. While I cannot condone disobedience, I also cannot ignore the fact that you acted in the best interests of your squad. Consider this a warning, and remember that orders exist for a reason. Dismissed.”
James saluted, a mixture of relief and pride washing over him. As he rejoined his squad, Thompson clapped him on the shoulder. “You did good, James. Really good.”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, James knew that the line between right and wrong was often blurred in the heat of the moment. Disobeying an order had been a gamble, but one that paid off. He resolved to continue questioning, learning, and growing, knowing that the safety of his comrades depended on both his obedience and his ability to think critically.
Word Count: 642