Powered suits are the main tool of the Mobile Infantry soldier. With more weaponry than a squadron of tanks but with extremely fine control, the suits enable an infantry squad to deliver precise pressure against an enemy and achieve specific ends. The suits make the wearer look like a weaponized gorilla; they greatly augment the soldier’s eyes, ears, and muscles. All telemetry is projected onto the wearer’s face plate; chin and teeth work the gauges and comm lines. The wearer can jump over buildings, crush large objects, and yet pick up an egg without cracking it. The suits vary, depending on need: They’re heavily armed for attackers, lightly armed for scouts, more highly jet-powered for commanders.

During practice, Johnnie cheats a little when deploying a simulated bomb. His action could have endangered his squad; he receives five lashes for gross negligence. Afterward, no one mentions it, and the record is stricken on graduation, but Johnnie never forgets the lesson. 

Floggings are rare; it’s easier simply to kick out the recruit. Lashings for lesser offenses often are administered to recruits who trainers believe are still salvageable as soldiers. Desertion during training gets 50 lashes, though the authorities rarely search for the offenders.