'Twas the Duty NCO before Christmas, throughout all gov'rnment property in view Not a creature was stirring, those not on leave were few Having just toured the barracks, I made logbook entries with care, Futilely hoping my relief would soon be there.

Gallantly I fought against sleep deprivation, Drinking gallons of Rip-Its to fight the sensation. On duty Christmas Eve, it was just my luck, I settled down to endure a long post sure to suck.

When out on the quad there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the duty hut to see what was the matter. Straight to scene I shot like a flame, No matter what happened I'd likely be blamed.

The moon reflecting off the new fallen snow Gave the luster of mid-day to the smoke pit below When, what to my blood shot eyes should appear, But the battalion sergeant major, his face bent with a sneer.

Cruel eyes surveyed all the barracks in view, I knew in a moment we'd all be quite screwed. He summoned all the duties for reasons inane, And he whistled, and shouted…