Sgt Savage is the base commander for the GI Joe team. He's a seasoned veteran with an iron will. When it is time for morning PT, everyone gets PT. He'll make General Hawk sweat just as much as the newest recruit. New GI Joe recruits bear his wrath during their first six months on the team. It doesn't matter what your code name is, for the first six months, it's Bambi. It doesn't matter how well you passed the entrance trials, you still have to face Sarge.
"Something about that bambi, Blackout, just doesn't sit right with me."

Hawk, "Sgt Savage is the only man on the base that makes me cringe. When the Sarge is running his drills, I'm expected to push myself just as hard as any of the other guys. And I wouldn't have it any other way."