Originally Posted by
DODGYOLDFART
I can remember all sorts of threats concerning failure during the 1950's when National Service was mandatory. One in particular was that if you got chopped you ended up serving the reminder of your two years as an AC2 in the cookhouse.
One of the best books I've ever read is Chickenhawk by Robert Mason.
It's an autobiography of his experiences as a non-commissioned helicopter pilot, in the US Army, during the Vietnam War.
I remember in the first few chapters he wrote that what kept him motivated during his flight training was knowing they were trained to be infantry soldiers first and helicopter Pilots second. So if he got chopped, he would end up being Infantry in Vietnam.
I highly recommend the book.