In early 2002, John Hawke received a new assignment: he would be an instructor at the OTC course, responsible for training new recruits seeking to become members of the elite Delta Force. The command's decision came after a series of operational successes led by Hawke overseas, in addition to the recognition of his enhanced skills thanks to the serum.
John walked through the halls of the base, now wearing the uniform with the unofficial Delta symbol on the beret. His face still carried the same determined look, but there was something different. The responsibility of training the nation's next warriors was not something he took lightly. For John, it was not only about teaching combat techniques, but also about instilling the values of leadership, honor, and courage that had always guided him.
As he arrived at the training camp, he observed the new recruits, who were arranged in impeccable formations. They were young and experienced soldiers, most of them from the Rangers and Green Berets, ready to be forged into something even more lethal. John knew they had no idea what was coming. The OTC course was not for the faint of heart, and he would make sure to push them to their limits and beyond.
"Attention!" the sergeant shouted as he saw John approaching. The recruits immediately stood at attention.
John stood in front of the group, his gaze serious, assessing each face. He could feel the anticipation and anxiety in the air. Some recognized his name, others knew his reputation, and there were those who looked at him curiously, still not fully understanding who was standing before them.
"I am Captain John Hawke, and from today onwards I will be your instructor in the OTC course. You are here because you were handpicked, but make no mistake," his voice was firm but controlled. "From now on, none of what you have done up to this point matters. Being in Delta Force is more than a title, it is a sacrifice. You will be forged in the fires of the world's toughest operations. And not everyone will make it. Some of you will be broken here," he paused, his gaze defiant. "And those who can't handle it don't deserve to be here."
The recruits didn't move, but the weight of his words echoed across the training ground. John knew that over the weeks ahead, these men would face physical and psychological challenges that would push them beyond what they believed possible.
"What will set you apart from any other special operations soldier?" John continued, walking slowly down the line. "It's not your strength, or your combat ability, though that's important. What will set you apart is your mind. It's the ability to stay calm when everything around you falls apart. It's the ability to lead, even when your own life is at risk."
He stopped in the center of the formation, turning to face them head-on.
"You will be trained to fight the impossible. To survive where others fail. And I, personally, will make sure that each and every one of you is prepared for it."
The recruits' eyes were fixed on John. He was more than just an instructor to them; he was a living legend, a soldier who had become something more than human. But John didn't want them to see him as an unattainable hero. He wanted each of them to believe that with the right training, they could become the next great leader.
After the induction, John spent the day observing the recruits in various physical and combat activities. He monitored their every move, paying attention to how they handled the stress and pressure. While some showed unwavering discipline, others began to falter.
Later in the day, John called some of the recruits together for a hand-to-hand combat training session. The training area was surrounded by punching bags and training dummies, but the real test would be against John himself.
"Okay, let's see what you've got. Who's going to go first?" John challenged, placing his hands on his hips.
He knew they would hesitate for a moment, but he was curious to see who would have the courage to face him. One of the recruits, a sergeant from the 7th Group of Green Berets named Daniels, stepped forward. He was a stocky man with broad shoulders and a determined look in his eyes.
"Me, sir."
John smirked, nodding. "Very well, Daniels. Let's see what you've got."
They positioned themselves in the center of the makeshift ring, with the other recruits watching in silence. Daniels lunged forward quickly, trying to land a direct blow to John's chest. However, within seconds, John dodged, grabbing Daniels' arm and knocking him down in one swift movement.
The sound of Daniels' body hitting the ground was loud, but John helped him to his feet, without missing a beat.
"Nice effort, Daniels, but you're thinking too much. In real combat, there won't be time to think, only to react. Your body needs to know what to do before your mind does."
Daniels nodded, clearly frustrated but determined to improve.
"Next," John called, looking at the other recruits.
The combat session continued for hours, with John taking them down one by one, but always offering advice and guidance. He wasn't there to humiliate them, but to show them that with the right training, they could improve.
By the end of the day, the recruits were exhausted, and John approached them while they were still catching their breath.
"Remember one thing," he said, looking each one straight in the eye. "It doesn't matter how many times you fall. What matters is that you get up and keep fighting. Here, at Delta, the only real failure is quitting. If you want to be here, if you want to be part of the most lethal team in the world, never quit. Ever."
The recruits stared at him, the respect evident in their eyes. John knew he had begun to mold them, not just as soldiers, but as future leaders.
In the weeks that followed, John continued to instruct the OTC course with the same level of intensity. He pushed each recruit to their limits, teaching them not only combat tactics and techniques, but also how to think like a level one operator. The combat simulations became more complex, and the level of pressure increased with each passing week.
But as time went on, something else happened. The recruits began to trust him in a way that went beyond a simple instructor-student relationship. They saw John not only as a legend, but as an example of what they could achieve if they persisted.
"Captain Hawke," one of the recruits said one night after a particularly grueling training session. "I just wanted to say that… you inspire us to be better. Not just as soldiers, but as people."
John looked at the young recruit, feeling the weight of his words.
"That's all I can ask, soldier. You're not here just to fight. You're here to lead, to protect, and when necessary, to sacrifice everything for the greater good."