Sword Drill

by David Epps

Though disbanded forever in 1993, the Citadel’s Junior Sword Drill existed for over 60-years, requiring immeasurable sacrifices from cadets who aspired to become a member of the elite precision drill unit. Providing only one 14-minute performance, the Drill’s activities were always secret and steeped in controversy. The biggest question was always, what could possibly motivate someone to take on such a challenge? Sword Drill is a fiction-based-on-fact story of one man’s aspiration to join the ranks of the 1980 Junior Sword Drill, and what drove him to make endless sacrifices just for the chance to endure the trial of his life. Enter the secret world of the 14 Nights, and experience the heartaches and hell of being a “roach” who seeks the glory and honor of knights from days gone by.

630 pages, Paperback

First published November 26, 2002

Reviews

[Brett C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this one. The story is a simple one but the details and plot quickly got me hooked. It was a page turner and kept me enthralled of "what's gonna happen next?". The pace went back and forth from being fast to being a little slow at times. But that didn't take away from the story.

This book was especially sentimental to me as it brought up old memories from my Knob year I had tucked away and forgotten about until I read this book. Though my experiences in the Fourth Class System couldn't have been as intense as the Old Corps, I still found the 2002-2003 school year a challenging and unpleasant experience. Like the main character I had doubts and fears but perseverance drove me through to the end. I grew up a lot during my four years at The Citadel and is an experience I will forever cherish. Thanks!

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My GOSH! Do NOT begin reading this book unless you have time to read all 628 pages, because you will NOT want to put it down! Written by a Citadel grad (class of 1981) this based-on-fact novel sets the stage by breezing through "John O'Bryan"'s high school years leading up to his matriculation into El Cid. As a Knob, John watches the Junior Sword Drill performance and becomes determined to do whatever is necessary in order to qualify, his junior year, as an aspirant to the Drill. He does achieve the necessary rank to try out, and then the nail biting 14 nights begins. Blended throuout the book we see his life while on furlough, adn (of course) a love story. One interesting coincidence,the Drill he is trying out for, is the Drill that held the sword arch for my husband.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had heard about this book several years ago and when a friend mentioned she had it, I asked to borrow it. I am from South Carolina and wanted to know more about the Citadel but this book took me by surprise. I will admit that I read 3/4 of it wondering why in the world anyone would want to attend there and do the things it takes to make "Junior Sword Drill" but, by the end of the book, you will understand perfectly. Although it seems like a teenage boy's diary account of his life at the Citadel, you will watch him grow and mature to become the best of the best. The writing gives a true voice to the main character. You feel like you know him inside out. While worrying right along with him, you will become enthralled in the story and want to know exactly how it ends. Quickest 628 pages I have ever read!!

[Erin Garber · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

the writing was very simplistic and hard for me to get into, but I went on hoping it would get better. And then the author compared hell night to the Holocaust… I put the book right down.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sword drill is a book written by a Citadel grad for Citadel grads. It breaks the silence and reveals some, but not all, of the mystery surrounding the now banned Junior Sword Drill. While many of the terms and phrases would be intimately familiar to graduates of The Citadel now grads would find the book perhaps a little difficult of a read.