With Thanks to 12186 Tom Keogh

Back in the mid-70s, during our first two years, the highest ranking non-commissioned member on the military staff was Regimental Sergeant-Major (RSM) CWO Cox.  To junior cadets, it was “Yes, Sarn’t Major!”  Some of us eventually met the man behind the myth --  Danny Cox. 

RSM Danny Cox's legend lives on. From the parade square to the hockey rink, and beyond, he presents a brilliant and indelible image in the cluttered hallways of our memories from those early years. Built like a brick shithouse, somehow he still had a lightning quick step and click in his drill movements.  And he was never, ever, without his shiny Sergeant-Major's pace stick.

We all remember RSM Cox’s unmistakably shrill and blood-curdling command voice during parade practices, but for me the memories that clearly come in to focus are instances like when the whole Cadet Wing was practicing for our Parliament Hill centenary performance on the grass field beside Navy Bay.  RSM Cox, spotting a poor first-year, delighted us with his high-pitched guidance: “Young fellow, left then right, then left then right!  That’s better!” 

Even more memorable was his encouragement to cadets who were wilting in the sweltering sun on the parade square during drill periods: he would grab the young man’s belt and, showing great compassion, hold him up straight while screeching: “Young man, it is bloody hot out here.  Wiggle your toes!”  Then, to our collective delight … “PINCH A PENNY!  That’s a good lad.”  The very alarm caused by the volume and pitch of those conversations was enough to bring even the most withered cadet back to his senses.

 Little did we know then, but he was exactly what we needed -- to the Nth degree.  He embodied what an RSM should be for young officers.

RSM Cox was a friggin’ living fount of knowledge to learn from, but also one to steer clear of, especially if you did not meet his high parade drill standard ... and, sadly, I did not.  For me, being in step was difficult, as I always marched to my own drum, both literally and figuratively. But to RSM Cox, that only meant I was easy pickings. I often joked to the RSM that I was the one who was in step and perhaps he should be correcting the rest of the Cadet Wing instead.  Well, that didn’t work so well.  I had plenty of time to ponder a more fitting response during circle parade that night!

When not on the parade square, RSM Cox often accompanied the varsity hockey team on road trips.  What a huge morale booster that was for us.  He loved to share his experiences while on the bus or in the dressing rooms – it was often hard to separate the real from the surreal, his experience in the military was so vast and compelling. We were all charmed by this side of the legendary drill god!

One of his favourite things to do was ask the younger players if they knew what the hardest hit in hockey was. Well, when he asked me, I momentarily hesitated, not wanting to get the answer wrong, but was then quite surprised when he then proceeded to simulate punching me in the chest. "That, Mr. Keogh, is the hardest hit in hockey ... a right to the heart!" 

 What a guy!  I learned a lot about how I would survive and flourish as a military officer during those formative times.

 RSM 'Danny' Cox ... legend.