Finally was m where we fired in just the prone position. I passed the m and m by the skin of my teeth — achieving a score of 48 with 48 being the minimum pass mark. I failed m the first time but managed 16 out of 20 on my reshoot which I was happy with. Today we practised snap shooting, firing at the target which would only remain visible for a limited amount of time. I spent the first part of the day as butts party where we held the targets up above the parapet and brought them down when prompted.
We could feel when the shots hit due to the vibration which made scoring easier. Afterwards it was my turn and m is now pretty comfortable for me. Thankfully I passed all 3 first time.
Back at camp our diaries were checked. Unfortunately mine was 1 day behind and I was given show parade among many other offenders. Despite being a slight hindrance, it keeps me on top of my kit and diary! This morning we went to a different range — this one using electronic sensors to aid in our shooting. I failed m so I had to retake but thankfully passed the retake.
We made our way to another range, had a brief and fired 15 rounds at 25m in the dark. I hit 10 which I was slightly disappointed with but still higher than a lot of others. Finally made our way back to camp and hit the sack. Our Troop Commander let us fire 10 rounds at each position with 5 being a grouping and 5 hitting the target and helping us adjust our point of aim which helped out a lot. I nailed the 50m and the m without many dramas. Then my luck ran out during the m with the target going down and refusing to come back up.
This rendered my m shoot void and I had to change lanes for the m shoot which I nailed. As my lane was faulty I was allowed another first attempt at m and was told I could drop 5 shots and still achieve marksman.
The pressure of this combined with frustration from having to reshoot however toppled me and I completely flopped. I calmed down and thankfully on the next go nailed it. We collected our rifles from the armoury and proceeded to spend the majority of the day giving them a thorough clean after a weeks worth of firing. The amount of carbon build up is mad! Today we also gained a new recruit into our section and Troop, and spent time inducting him into our group.
This morning we donned our webbing and headed to Worthy Down to tackle the 12 foot wall on the assault course. We were taught different methods of traversing the wall and took it in turns doing so as a section, adjusting the order we went over in to effectively get the last man over in good time.
Then we took the course on a couple of times which was exhausting. We changed into civilian clothing and signed out for the day. I went to Southampton again and did some more shopping before eventually coming back and finishing some admin. Great week ahead which will test our courage but also give us some much needed downtime!
We started off the morning with a practical orienteering challenge. We were given a map with bearings and our task was to make our way to said bearings, answer questions at each bearing and get back ASAP.
Unfortunately, both myself and my teammate were still pretty shaky at map reading and it showed. After an embarrassing display, by the time we did make it back we were dead last — and had minutes to change into our CBRN [Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear] suits to cap it off!
A frantic change ensued. In CBRN, we learned about the chemical safety rule and also immediate action and decontamination drills. We had PT which today was an indoor session consisting of 4 sets of 15 workouts for 20 seconds each. It became very sweaty very quickly! The last thing we had today was a cap badge nurturing lesson where a Sergeant Major from Larkhill came down to speak about the different regiments of the Royal Artillery in order to give us an idea of what to choose when prompted in Phase 2.
In the morning, we had PT which was the outdoor assault course. The warm up was brutal and for some reason the PTIs were angrier with us than normal. After much leopard crawling and running, we then hit the assault course until it was time to go back to camp. There was no more room in the coach and so I had to head back to the assault course with the others, and unfortunately this meant doing the assault course even more! By the time the coach came back I was wrecked, and proceeded to finish my water bottle on the way back thinking it was over.
Back at camp, we were tasked with all getting our knees in the air as a troop which took a while to achieve in itself. Then we saw sandbags. Kill or be killed. We ran to different corners of the pitch to keep us warmed up and also to keep us annoyed I think — anger was our fuel for this.
Once it was our turn, we proceeded to stab the sandbags, bellowing whilst doing do and then calmly checking the bayonet and walking away with controlled aggression.
This went on for some time, and then we were tasked with dropping to prone and getting up a lot whilst one man ran through the woods stabbing sandbags whilst another motivated him. My turn came and I used my remaining energy to thrust blade into sandbag. The fury and adrenaline kept me going and I put my all into each lunge. Unfortunately, due to a combination of heat and the brutality of a bayonet session with two infanteer Corporals, I was dead on my feet. My eyes had sunk to the back of my head and I was marking time on autopilot.
A Corporal saw this happening and swiftly took me off the line and into the shade. I had my shirt taken off and water brought to me and allowed to sit out for the remainder and was then taken to the medical centre.
I had to spend most of the day in there to rest and hydrate which was simultaneously gutting yet needed. Once free to leave, I made my way back to block to start on my admin. A crazy day.
In the morning we were taken by coach to the New Forest so we could practise our map reading. We made our way across the forest, the scenery was beautiful and the weather remained on our side. I managed to finally understand how to use the compass correctly and finally felt slightly competent on the matter. A great start to the day. When we got back, we had a functional skills lesson on budgeting our money — something a few recruits here definitely need lessons in!
Our PT was swimming which started off quite hard but thankfully turned into relay races which, although still hard work due to having to wear uniform, was an enjoyable end to the day.
This involved 2 minutes of press ups, sit ups and then the 1. I managed to pass the press ups and sit ups which boosted my confidence — then came the run. I gave it my all under the blazing sun and once across the finish line, was told !
I finally managed to pass and was absolutely thrilled. Up next was our BCD test where we were tested on different scenarios involving the application of field dressings, tourniquets, triaging prioritising the casualties and acting accordingly.
We also had to perform basic life support on a dummy which I thankfully revised that morning with the help of my roommate and managed to pass both tests. To finish off, we went down the welfare centre to watch the England game. The pace was extremely quick from the off and after a while most of our legs were suffering.
I tripped over a tree root and went down at one point, when I righted myself up I found myself near the back — not a great place for a short person on a TAB. The next part for me was brutal and at one point I thought a repeat of Tuesday was going to occur. I was made to get to the front but the damage was done by that point and I physically and mentally struggled to move at all. This rightfully earned me the wrath of my PTI who tried to get a second wind out of me.
Afterwards was CBRN, this time practising decontamination in the chamber. To finish the day we had DCCT at , and metres. We started our day by getting our admin done — such as cleaning our respirators, ironing etc.
Our only target for Monday was to have our block jobs squared away which we vowed to spend all of Sunday doing. Unfortunately, another Section Commander inspected our block during our admin time, with bins full from cleaning our lockers and other such wrongdoings. This led to multiple block inspections until it was up to standard. From 2 until 6 I was on work parade for leaving kit outside my locker.
This involved cleaning leaves off the road, acorns off the grass and taking down a gazebo. Although not the greatest way to spend a Saturday, my lesson has been learned and no kit has been outside my locker since! The recruits not on work parade were still effectively on one with the block getting a complete spring clean.
The floor has never looked cleaner! Another block inspection failed that evening with one in the morning to follow. As a reward, we were allowed to leave camp in the afternoon. Our morale soared and our civilian clothes ironed and donned in rapid time.
As a troop, we marched out the gates where we split into two groups, some going to Winchester and some to Southampton. I went with the latter and had a great day filled with shopping and a Nandos! A great end to a not so great week. Range week to follow however which should be awesome! After a great long weekend, the first thing we had on our agenda was the high wire.
We were briefed, strapped in and off we went. We took smaller obstacles first and then eventually the high wire itself came. A very nervous climb, and I was on top of the platform where I fell to pieces. After what must have been minutes, I eventually managed to drop where the rest of the Troop applauded me, which I appreciated immensely. Straight after a stressful start to the week was our first go on the outdoor assault course.
A good workout session though and a lot of fun too, a good distraction from the high wire previously. We started off with some map reading, this time relating the map to the ground. A lot of map reading is beginning to go over my head, but thankfully we have both our permanent staff and also our best books to consult.
Better hit the books. Another C-IED lesson where we were taught what to do should an explosion occur. The amount to remember to do when chaos is occurring is daunting. Endurance training for PT today, which involved max effort sprints around the playing field. We started off doing relay m sprints followed by m and then m.
We were absolutely hanging out by the end of it, and then we had core exercises such as sit-ups and crunches to finish off with. Our CBRN lesson taught us how to adjust our respirators for our personal use and how to don and doff said respirators correctly. We were then told we would go into the chamber filled with CS gas, in order to give us confidence that the equipment works.
Half of us were nervous, the other half including myself were strangely excited. Outside the chamber, when trying to tighten my mask, I pulled the strap incorrectly and broke it. I was now about to enter the gas chamber with a broken respirator. The signal was given and in we went! We had to walk around the chamber and the others did exercises whilst I was taken to one side just in case. One deep breath and off it came!
The Corporal asked me my name, rank, number and then a bunch of other questions. Eventually though, my face was on fire and breathing became harder by the second, I was allowed to leave and the fresh air on my face was both amazing and horrible. I walked up a hill and patted down my kit and sat back to watch the other lads leave the chamber in comical ways. An interesting end to the day.
In the morning we had our bergens checked as today we were off on Ex HALFWAY — an exercise that seems to bring smiles to the faces of our permanent staff when mentioned — a worrying sign. After being dropped off and tabbing for a while, we were briefed by our Troop Commander and then took it in turns to apply cam cream and grass up our helmets and webbing.
Upon trying to pick up my Bergen to move out, one of the arm straps completely snapped off. Luckily our Corporal made a makeshift knot which would hold for a while, and I had to leg it forward to my section.
We set up our harbour area and then were taken for lessons. These lessons included how to judge distances, how to draw range cards and how to call out enemy positions — a skill we would need for our section attacks which would follow in the exercise. To finish off, we had our evening meal and set up our bashas, beginning our night-time stag rotations. After re-education, we were to conduct our morning routine — something I still struggle to complete in time.
We spent a good portion of the day learning firing manoeuvres and how to both suppress, approach and assault the enemy in a firefight. We started off in pairs with one man providing cover whilst the other advanced and then vice versa.
This eventually grew into two groups of two, and finally finishing with the entire section attacking. It took quite a while to get the hang of it but we got there in the end. Once there, we then also learned how to withdraw and also how to peel left and right. The process is in itself exhausting but the adrenaline and excitement keeps you going.
We came back and had photos taken both as a Troop and also in our respective sections which was quality. A smoke grenade going off in the background was also a nice touch. After lunch we were taught about how to describe an enemy and also how to describe a vehicle using different acronyms.
Afterwards we had some time to rest or complete personal admin — mine was spent cleaning the rifle, an activity I really cannot seem to get good at for some reason. We went on patrol and were suddenly under attack. We used what we had been taught and managed to locate, suppress and attack the enemy. Afterwards we moved in and began to search the enemy position. I was given the job of covering the enemy soldier. After that we were all buzzing from the experience and finished our patrol in high spirits.
After dinner, our Section Commander decided that we were going to go on a night-time recce reconnaissance patrol in order to gather intelligence on the enemy, using the enemy description techniques previously taught to us.
Despite light flares going up and us using a previous lesson to avoid detection we managed to get close enough to be able to take down a faint description of the enemies and their harbour area. We had been previously warned that there was a threat to anyone who got themselves caught so we were all as stealthy as possible.
Luckily, we were in and out without being seen and made our way back to the harbour area to sleep. After our usual stand-to procedure, we got ourselves ready for our morning inspection test. Out of 27 of us in the Troop, 5 of us passed — myself not one of them.
For some reason, I truly cannot seem to be able to clean the rifle properly and at this point I was beginning to lose faith in myself.
The 22 of us who failed were treated to a stern warning from our Troop Commander about the unacceptable level of failure. Exhausted, I collapsed in my shell scrape and began to self-reflect. Despite knowing I can only do my best, my best needs to get better — sharpish!
Afterwards we were taught about the 6 section battle drills which is, simply put, a step-by-step process on what actions to take starting from preparing for battle right through to regrouping after the battle is won.
These 6 steps put into place everything we have been taught so far and now we can see it all coming together. We were taught how to search enemies and enemy vehicles and were soon off on patrol to practise. We went off on another patrol and made our way to a bridge. We used our training and despite a few mistakes managed to win the firefight.
We began to search the enemy when one Recruit searched a bag to discover a grenade. We then had to casevac a stretcher with 4 huge Jerry cans up a hill towards the safety area. To make matters worse, one of the other four dropped the stretcher, bringing me down heavily with it!
We picked up the stretcher and carried on evacuating, however by this point I was done. Not a great feeling. That evening we were briefed on how we were going to launch an attack on the enemy at hrs, with each section providing a different role in order to effectively destroy the enemy and then went back to our routine. Unfortunately some recruits on stag were caught asleep and we knew trouble was coming.
All of our Troop were marched out into the field where our Corporal explained the severity of sleeping on stag — something I have come close to doing myself to the point but thankfully not!
Willpower and coffee granules work well for me. Halfway through the Corporal threatening to have the next sleeping stag thrown off the exercise, the scene was then topped off by a sudden thunder-storm hitting us. Not a cloud had been in the sky throughout the entire exercise and it seemed quite fitting for the weather to change at that precise moment. After you finish the final training events one week of field training and a kilometer march back to the post , you'll receive a day with your family to catch up on your recent experiences -- and you'll have plenty to discuss.
The next day, you'll graduate before moving on to your next phase of training usually advanced individual training, or AIT. We can put you in touch with recruiters from the different military branches. Learn about the benefits of serving your country, paying for school, military career paths, and more: sign up now and hear from a recruiter near you.
He describes what life A casket containing the unidentified remains of a WWI soldier was carried in a horse-drawn wagon into Arlington National Get the scoop on discounts and latest award-winning military content. Right in your inbox. View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps was established in and looks "to build leaders of character" through military instruction and In-flight refuelers, also known as boom operators, can pump more than tens of thousands of pounds of gas at a time.
The Judge Advocate General's Corps handles matters of military justice and military law, and acceptance requires a four-year Summer is not a restful period at West Point. Every class there is involved in some exercises during Cadet Summer Training. Admissions liaison officers act as a mentor, sounding board and guiding light rolled into one, and every service academy The U. The demonstration, which took place in A former US Marine, Trevor Reed, has gone on hunger strike in hunger to protest against his prison sentence Leave a Reply Cancel reply.
Loading Comments Email Required Name Required Website. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. This training teaches recruits how to live and fight in the field. Recruits start with the basics of constructing a shelter, cooking, maintaining themselves and their weapon, and personal camouflage.
Later, recruits master spotting the enemy and how to indicate targets, patrolling skills, obstacle crossing, and fire and manoeuvre as part of a team. Recruits are introduced to the 5. In later lessons recruits are taught how to hold and aim, moving with the weapon and fighting with a bayonet attached.
Once the basics are mastered, recruits fire the weapon from different positions at various ranges up to m. Throughout the course recruits carry out a wide range of physical activities which challenge them at a workable pace. Lessons are varied and progressive, with endurance runs, use of a fully-equipped gymnasium, climbing walls and swimming sessions.
Recruits also carry out Battle PT physical training and tackle the assault course. The Army operates by a set of strict values and standards which instils pride, professionalism and discipline in their soldiers.
Recruits learn not only what the values and standards are, but more importantly what they mean, and how they apply to their conduct. These values and standards are what make the difference between a civilian and a soldier, and are a pivotal part of Army life. Recruits are taught about the varied roles of the Army in deployed locations across the world. This helps recruits understand their own role and those of the unit they have chosen to join, and allows them to see the many different places they can look forward to seeing in the future.
This part of the syllabus introduces recruits to basic first aid as well as treatment of injuries specific to the battlefield. Recruits learn in a classroom before practicing their skills in realistic training. Many of the skills learned can help save lives, either in the Army or while off duty. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle allows recruits to function well and minimises the chances of illness or injury.
During this part of the course recruits receive advice on diet and nutrition, looking after themselves in hot and cold environments, and how to prevent injuries. The education support recruits receive is designed to prepare them better for military training. Recruits are encouraged to apply what they have learnt in the classroom to practical problems. For those who already have good English and Maths skills, there are opportunities to improve their learning skills and gain a better awareness of the military and its many roles in supporting the Government.
The AFC is supported by well-qualified civilian tutors who guide Junior Soldiers through their vocational education course. Whatever level of educational achievement a Junior Soldier arrives with, they will acquire additional skills and qualifications, and if a Junior Soldier needs additional learning support, this is available in class, in small groups and in one-to-one sessions in the Learning Support Centre. Wherever possible, the learning materials used in the classroom involve real military documents, exercises and working situations.
Junior Soldiers on the Short course undertake a programme of education that is dependent on the qualifications they obtained before arriving at the AFC. All Junior Soldiers both on the Long and Short course undertake military studies. This teaches them about the structure of the British Army and its place within society. It also looks at the various roles that the British Army performs in the UK and overseas.
He was a doctor and British Army officer, and one of only three people to be awarded a Victoria Cross twice. Attestation a formal ceremony to join the British Army , kit issue, administration, weapons training and Exercise Icebreaker the first night out on exercise. Exercise Final Fling a one week exercise, practising all of the skills learned plus fire, movement and map reading tests. Arms drill and sports culminating in a prestigious passing out parade in front of family, friends and unit representatives.
Attestation a formal ceremony to join the British Army , kit issue, administration, values and standards training and Exercise Icebreaker a night outside on exercise. Exercise Final Fling — a one-week exercise, practising all of the skills learned — plus fire, movement and map reading tests.
Arms drill in preparation for a prestigious Passing Out Parade in front of family, friends and unit representatives. Providing support to the two infantry training battalions based at Catterick Garrison Ensuring that both battalions are provided with the necessary resources to equip and conduct training of all infantry recruits on site.
Headquarters Company. Gym Physical Training Wing. Army School of Ceremonial. The Rifles Training Company. All platoons are named after significant battles that The Parachute Regiment took part in during World War 2. The extra time is spent covering ceremonial foot and arms drill training, which enables Guardsmen to move straight from training to ceremonial duties in London.
The Gurkha Company is made up of six platoons commanded by Nepali Gurkha officers. The remainder of the training staff are drawn from across the Brigade of Gurkhas, with the majority coming from the infantry units. The course is weeks long, takes a Nepali youth and moulds him into a British Army soldier. Anzio Company is made up of four platoons, each of which is named after the location of a significant battle: Ypres; Chindit; Barrossa; and Crimea.
The Company name is derived from the Anzio landing of January Personal administration means everything to do with looking after self and kit, in the field as well as in camp. The more organised a person is, the easier they will find it to live like a soldier. They start on simulators before moving on to ranges and field firing exercises. There is a five-day live firing exercise at the end of the course. Drill means military procedures and movements, such as marching and parading.
Learning drill makes a soldier disciplined and teaches him to take pride in his appearance and manner. The Pass Out Parade at the end of training is a public demonstration of these skills. These are the basic skills a soldier needs to work and survive in the field. Areas covered include camouflage and concealment, map reading, observation, first aid and defence measures.
Skills are tested in exercises during the course, culminating in a final exercise. There is lots of exercise in the course including sports, running, gym work, swimming, the assault course and general physical training. Fitness is very important. The training is tough, so it is important that recruits get in shape before they arrive at ITC Catterick. The fitter they are, the easier it is. It is vital that recruits do not let their fitness slip between selection and arrival at ITC Catterick.
Adventurous Training AT is an important part of the course, comprising of challenging outdoor activities, such as abseiling, kayaking and rock climbing. Soldiers work as a team, so it is important everyone shares the same values. But even then, the challenge will be only just beginning.
They must go on to understand what being an infantryman really means, and how they fit into the bigger picture of military life and operations. Acquisition of basic military skills as cadets transform from civilians into soldiers, focusing on teamwork and building confidence.
0コメント