So, the tyrannical sergeant major is called to the Colonel's office: "Smith's mother has just died can you tell him?" So the sergeant calls his men to the parade ground....

"Squad attention!, Smith your mother's dead!", squad dismissed'.

Smith walks away tears streaming down his face. Later on the Colonel tells the sergeant that Smith's father has also died and can he break the news gently this time. So once again sergeant calls his men to the parade ground...

"Squad attention! All those with fathers take one step forward. Smith where the hell do you think your going!"