Basic Training has been like a ‘pick and mix’ – you never know what’s coming next but you eat it anyway

SuT Thomas

Soldier under Training Kelly Thomas, a new recruit at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, writes about her final week of basic training in the British Army.

Week 14

We all can’t believe this is the start of our last week. It feels a little like the first few weeks when we were sorting out administration, kit and practising a lot of Drill. Although this time it is Rifle Drill in preparation for our Pass Out. In sweltering heat we have been dressed up in smart kit trying not to let our weapons slip. There have been a few close moments but so far only one girl has nearly hit the deck as disco legs kicked in.

To break up our week we had a few fun PT sessions. One was map reading which did not initially sound much of a PT lesson but as soon as we were off it turned into a race and half an hour later the first team came back having pegged it round camp swiping all the check points and racing against each other. But it was nowhere near as competitive as rounders.

It was a great game as a number of people had never played before and didn’t know the rules. It turned out that catching the ball while running to base and throwing it to the girl on that base is not the way to play. We tried arguing a bit of Selfless Commitment for that one but the PTI wasn’t having any of it. Good job some of us do not require too much hand-eye co-ordination in our trades!

Back to Rifle Drill and surprisingly our bodies are aching all over. It is much more strenuous than it looks. Keeping step when your troop is right at the back is pretty hard but we are hoping the band on Pass Out day will make a difference.

Being the last week it saw the section competition draw to a close. With everything from map reading, physical testing, C-IED testing, field craft, skits, shooting and much more including penalty points for mistakes, the scores on the doors concluded 2 section the winners. Well done girls and enjoy your pizza!

These last 14 weeks have been a unique experience. For some of us have discovered skills and potential we didn’t realise we had and built confidence when there was not thought to be any. We have all developed qualities and formed bonds of a different kind. Having discovered our characters, emotions and beliefs we found ourselves working alongside people of all different qualities and personalities. Our eyes have been opened to opportunities not just within the Army from a career perspective but from a personal perspective of self belief and what we are capable of achieving for ourselves and for others.

The younger members of the troop have had a huge learning curve as they left home for the first time. Tears of home sicknesses were a daily occurrence, now those girls are more mature and independent and as much as they miss home the emotions are under control. The same goes for those who conquered fears. Everyone experienced something personal to themselves that developed them mentally. Not only are we physically stronger but we are all mentally tougher too. Army life is unique, Basic Training has been like a pick and mix, you never know what’s coming next but you eat it anyway!

On a personal note, I am proud of every soldier in my troop. I have felt privileged to be a part of and work alongside such a great group of girls. As I walk on to the Parade Square with my head held high I will feel proud of every one of you. There is not one girl who I haven’t worked with or had a laugh with along the way and not one who hasn’t overcome an obstacle (or two!) to be where we are.

You are all memorable to me in your own ways and this is one life experience that will stay with me to my grave. Thank you instructors and thanks girls can’t wait to bump into you in full swing Army mode in your trades or on the ground.

A soldier’s life is an all-encompassing one and these exercises carried the reality of it

SuT Amazu

Soldier under Training Einstein Chigozie Amazu, a recruit at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, writes about his last week of basic training in the British Army.

Week 14

Monday.  As expected, most of the day’s activities were channelled towards the long awaited Pass Out Parade. We rehearsed arms drill, paying particular attention to presenting and grounding arms. An exciting game of basketball afterwards rounded up a rather long day. Teamwork rocks!

Tuesday.  We besieged the parade square again today and went through the whole sequence of the Pass Out Parade at least twice. I believe that our confidence towards Friday was on the increase. Then came admin to complete the day.

Wednesday. It took a game of softball to get us started for the day. Then came an epic arms drill rehearsal involving all three Platoons on the parade square. This was something major. I felt I can cope with the parade on Friday alright.

Thursday.  How nice it was to have our ‘worn-out’ kit exchanged for new ones (Army life is so cool). Pt session then got us warmed up and set for the day and another grand rehearsal at the parade square eventually put us into the best frame of mind for Friday.

Friday.  Think about gleaming leather shoes, think about synchronised swing of white gloves, and think about a band and families cheering. All roads led to the parade square today. ON this day our 14 week journey came to an official end atATC (P). Adios Amigos!

Summary.

I still remember vividly being picked up at Brookwood Station with other enthusiastic lads on a bright Monday morning. I have by conditioning my mind with the fact that the next 3 months was not going to be a picnic at all, and it wasn’t.

Getting four jabs at the medical centre and being asked to march around confirmed my anticipations. I had heard a thing or two about getting inspected but I was really taken aback by the fact that we had to iron polyester shorts and even make smiley faces with white socks. I think ‘uniformity’ is the word I am looking for and there were loads of things we had to do to achieve this.

I cannot readily say that I was adequately prepared for the series of physical training I encountered here. I believe it was sheer determination and a burning desire to succeed that saw me through the TABS, assault courses, several hills, circuit training etc. It’s going to require a book to adequately write about the exercises but it took me a lot of getting used to i.e. digging shell scrapes, doing admin in the midst of a dirty environment and keeping my weapon free from rust. A soldier’s life is an all-encompassing one and these exercises carried the reality of it.

I enjoyed most of the lectures too, ranging from map reading, health and safety, Skill At Arms, Military Knowledge, IEDs BCD etc. There’s no prize in guessing that there were tests in almost all we learnt, which I am glad I was successful in. I said special prayers each time I went to the ranges because of the thought of the live round made my heart skip a bit initially but like everything else, I got used to it eventually. I believe I enjoy shooting now and I look forward to the next ACMT. I also reserve special praises for my Training Team for a job well done. They are good at what they do, feeding and accommodation was alright. My time here after the second seven weeks went like a breeze. What an experience!

My nose was streaming and my throat felt like the striker from a match box

Recruit Greenhalgh

Soldier under Training Robert Greenhalgh, a recruit at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, writes about his experiences of basic training in the British Army.

Week 4

This week started with our weapon handling test, perhaps I could have done a little better.  I made a few mistakes but nothing that could prevent me from passing , so I was happy with the result.  Today was our first boot run and my feet were rather sore, but this was my entire fault due to me not paying attention to the section commanders telling me to tighten my boots properly and wear two pairs of socks. We also went on a DCCT range which is like a big, nearly realistic rifle range. I did a lot better than I thought I would and passed but it wasn’t a test.

Marking time… what an effort, marching on the spot, whilst bringing your thighs parallel to the ground, it took me a while to get the timings right, but managed to get it squared away.  The second DCCT session was good today. This time we fired from different firing positions, I found squatting really tough, but kneeling and standing I was fine with.

This was the first day that I have fired with live rounds. It took me a while to get used to the recoil. Luckily we got to have a second go which helped a lot with my accuracy.  Five mile run! I can definitely tell that my fitness has improved, I never would have been able to complete such a distance before my training.

We went out of camp today to do a high ropes course, which was brilliant fun. Sunday was spent sorting out my kit ready for our first nights exercise which will hopefully be awesome.

Week 5

Well what a week this has been! This week was exercise First Night which entails 2 nights and 3 days in the field.  I was really nervous as I didn’t know what to expect from a military exercise.  When we first got to the exercise area we had to dig a shell scrape, which is a hole deep up to your knees and big enough to fit 2 people in plus bergans.  This was really hard work but I felt a sense of achievement once I had completed it.  I really enjoyed learning all the drills on exercise but I don’t think I would have got through it if it wasn’t for my team mates.  When it rained moral hit the floor; it was cold, wet and muddy but we all picked each other up and got through it. 

I have really loved training so far; it’s amazing how much you can achieve.  Training is now starting to step up and it’s only going to get harder but if we all remain motivated and keep a positive attitude, I believe we can all get through anything!

That weekend we were taken off camp to study the realities of war which was really interesting. We were taken first to Westminster Abbey, which is a magnificent building with beautiful architecture, here we were given a VIP tour and saw lots of places where the civvies (general public) aren’t aloud to visit , such as where prince William and Kate were married and lots of other places.  I also found out that Sir Isaac Newton was buried there and not too far away was the founder of penicillin this I thought was very interesting. 

On the Sunday we spent half the day at Brookwood military cemetery where we paid our respects to soldiers that had fallen in previous wars to prevent us being overrun.  At the end of our tour we were aloud to roam around for a while and find a head stone that we had some sort of connection with. The only one that had any close connection with me was that of my grandmother’s maiden name, so I laid down a poppy as a sign of respect. After we had all done that we had a little service which was wonderful.

Week 6

The first day of this week was tough. We had an inspection first thing which I let myself down on by not dusting my lockers and not cleaning the bottoms of my boots, so we ended up having to have a re-show of our lockers at 21:00 hrs. 

We spent all day on the ranges that Tuesday getting our groupings from 50 and 100 meters some of my shots were pretty shocking, but I managed to pull it off in the end by getting a nice cluster all close to one another.  I can definitely tell that my shot is getting better.

Our first CBRN (chemical biological radiological and nuclear) lesson today during which we were just taught the basics like what piece of kit is and what it is used for and made out of.  Some more drill and a battle P.T lesson which was really tough, but I pulled myself through and afterwards felt amazing.

Another day at the ranges which was really good, this time we were zeroing our weapons to our eyesight so that the shots that we were firing would hit the target in the correct place as long as we aimed at the correct place. The day after we only had one lesson and this was strength and conditioning which I find really enjoyable and our instructor was a real laugh. That Sunday we had a compulsory church service which was definitely the best so far I really do think that every time we go they get better.

Week 7

This week started off well with the OC’s inspection; he walked round our section room and tested us on our knowledge of the things that we have learnt so far during our training, luckily he asked me what the marksmanship principles are, which I easily rolled off my tongue.  Afterwards we had our drill test which we failed miserably, due to everyone flapping about it, but we passed it by the Wednesday.  Before that we had our phase two visits which was brilliant and we found out a lot of information about what we will be doing and what will be expected of us.  Families’ day on the Thursday; this was nice to see my dad and after all it felt like we had been here a lifetime already.  When I walked into where we were meeting our parents, he looked up at me in shock then said that I looked like a man. After they had been shown a taster of what we do and what we have been learning, we went home for our long weekend then came back that Sunday.

Week 8

Our first weighted tab, we were only carrying 10 kilograms but my shins were on fire for the first mile or so, then they died down and it got a bit easier.

We went off on our halfway exercise the day after, a twenty minute coach journey, and then the fun began starting with a tab to our harbour area.  The exercise was a real laugh and I really enjoyed getting into all the interesting lessons. Saturday after we were back we spent hours cleaning our rifles which started to annoy me but managed to pass the inspections that they were doing on them.  Sunday was a day for us to sort out our admin.

Week 9

This week started with our Platoon Sergeant’s inspection which did not go well at all, so we had to have a reshow that night which went a lot better.  That afternoon we were on the DCCT range again but this time it was a bit different because we were scored by a point system, this I managed to get third in, which was a real achievement.

Tuesday was a fun day; we had to test our respirators in the RTF (respirator testing facility). This was really horrible; once I had taken my mask off I had to say my name, rank and number which I managed to do but then the NCO started asking me what my favourite colour was. By this time I had run out of breath so had to inhale, as soon as I did the CS gas hit me it was like I was breathing fire when I inhaled but I held it and it cooled down but then I had to inhale again. After my third breath my eyes were watering, my nose was streaming and my throat felt like the striker from a match box, so I had to get out. Once the fresh air hit my lungs it made everything worse, but only for a short time.  Some people were heaving which we all found hilarious, some even thought they had gone blind and were running around like headless chickens which was even funnier.

Ranges all day today this time live rounds which is a lot better than those ‘air rifles’ on the DCCT. We were firing from 100 meters in all the positions 200 meters in all the positions and 300 meters but only in the prone position.  We also got to work down in the butts too which was different, because it was the same points system that we used on the DCCT, so we got scores. Mine was miles better on the DCCT.

Friday was the assault course which was really tough but we had a really good time.

Week 10

This week we had our adventurous training which was absolutely awesome. The group that I was in was called India, luckily I was with some people that I got along with. The first two days we had our hill walking. The scenery in south Wales(Brecon Beacons) was breathtaking. We walked quite a few kilometres before we finally set up camp for the night. It would have been a lot easier if it wasn’t so damn hot, but still we all managed to cope. Waking up to the views of the hills really was spectacular then some wild horses decided to come over to us to investigate. The next day our group went caving which was by far the most exciting thing I have ever done and would love to do it again. Some of the gaps we had to squeeze through were quite small, but we all managed.

On our last day my group had climbing and abseiling. The routes that we had to do weren’t too tough apart from one which only had about six hand holds to get to the top, so I ended up using my elbow and jammed it into a crack just above my head and heaved myself up, then finally reached the top with burning fingers and limbs. That night we were meant to travel back to Pirbright but the coaches showed up at the wrong place so we stayed another night then went back to Pirbright the following day. Then we were off home for our two week summer leave which was definitely needed.

Still, it gave everyone else a good laugh…

Soldier under Training (SuT) Alastair Byrne writes from the Army Training Centre about the fourth week of his Phase 1 Training. It’s been a week of lessons, physical training and making the rest of his troop laugh!

 

SuT Byrne

 

This week started with lessons to brush up on our basic skills in English. We were also taught the marksmanship principles in our Skill At Arms (SAA) lessons. These are all to do with obtaining a more accurate shot when we get on the ranges, and weapon safety drills. We had to attend a meeting where we had to answer questions about our time here at Pirbright. We were asked what we thought of the food, accommodation and so on. The other Troop was there too, so it was a chance to tell them that our troop was better at everything (‘Premier Troop’).

For our last SAA lesson we were outside in a wooded area where we learnt about different firing positions and how to gain cover in small outbuildings and wooded areas. It felt more like soldiering and was a nice change from the classroom and practice – hopefully more of the same will come. Our next physical training (PT) lesson was battle PT. I had no idea what it was going to involve because I missed the last one. Soon enough we were climbing ropes and jumping over boxes, and another activity of the lesson was to do a ‘combat roll’. I did the forward roll fine, but couldn’t do the shoulder roll. I was rolling around on the floor – nothing combat-looking about it. Still, it gave everyone else a good laugh…

We also had a lecture on how to use blank ammunition and pyrotechnics on Exercise.

On Saturday morning we had a drill lesson where we attempted the move called ‘turn on the march’. This sent the ranks into chaos and we could all tell that this will take a while to master.

On Sunday we thought we were in for a day of ironing and generally strolling around the block – but we were all mistaken. Early morning briefs and litter sweeps brought an end to that idea. During the afternoon we all went to the gym for some troop activities. We played frisbee golf, rock climbing and did some team tasks. All in all, it was a good end to the week. That night we swapped ideas for folding shirts and tried to make boots shine. Some routine block jobs followed, ready for a Monday morning inspection.

Bring on week five!

Going up a gear

Soldier under Training (SuT) Alastair  Byrne writes from the Army Training Centre, Pirbright, about his third week of Phase 1 with the British Army. He writes about  a noticeably higher intensity of training…

SuT Byrne

The past week has seen a step up in the pace of our training.  With each day that passes you get a real sense of having started your Army career.  We have been given lessons in a wide range of subjects and the intensity of the course has increased – including our physical training (PT) sessions.  We had an enjoyable session on Saturday morning (always good to wake you up!) and we have been doing circuit training to build up strength.  We’ve also had a series of lectures on heart rate, training zones and injury prevention which were interesting and no doubt will be useful.  I’ve  also had the opportunity to try out some new activities such as vaulting and rope climbing – both were tough, but enjoyable.

We have, of course, been doing lots of other things too, especially drill.  This week we have learned to put ourselves into open and closed order, mark time, about turn and salute on open and closed order.  It’s always great to see the movements come together when we work hard as a Troop.

The main focus of the lessons we’ve had this week has been skill at arms (SAA).  We covered various drills on the SA80 rifle to enable us to operate it safely and effectively, and we now know how to strip and clean it too. We also studied the firing positions and rates of fire.  I found it very interesting to learn how to get into the different firing positions – there’s more to it than you  might think!  The SAA lessons are always of a good standard and I’m looking forward to putting the principles into practise on the ranges.

We’re continuing to have locker and kit inspections daily, and so we’re always ironing and polishing like mad.  We also have to work together to get our block jobs (communal chores) done on time and to the required standards, which are very high. It can be tough going, but we work hard and get there in the end.  Before I came to ATC Pirbright I was quite concerned about coping with less sleep than usual.  So far, however, I am fairly happy – although it is never a pleasant experience getting up in the small hours of the morning.  We all have to work hard, even when tired, to make sure everything is ready in time.  If we are late we  know we will be corrected on our timings – so it is very important.

We also had a session this week where we were asked to give our opinions on a number of aspects of training.  This was very useful and it was interesting to hear the opinions of other SuTs on issues within their Troops.  All in all, it has been a busy week and we all know it will only get busier.  I am however having fun and I am definitely glad to be here.  Training to be a soldier is not easy but I know that I have an interesting career ahead of me.  Hopefully the coming weeks will be as interesting as this one.

I hope I’m a good shot…

Soldier under Training (SuT) Jamie Davies blogs from the Army Training Centre, Pirbright, about the second week of his Phase 1 training.

SuT Jamie Davies

On the Monday of week 2 we began our rifle training on the SA80 A2 (the standard British Army rifle).  Throughout the week we learned most of the drills that we need to know for our weapons handling test which is in week 4.  Once we pass our weapons handling test we can go on the ranges and fire the rifle using live ammunition.  I am really excited about the prospect of getting onto a range and practising the skills we have been learning.  I hope I’m a good shot – it would be brilliant if I could become a marksman!

Physical Training (PT) this week has been difficult but very rewarding. We have done a wide range of exercise from swimming to endurance runs and circuits.  I had really sore shins for one of the endurance runs and so afterwards I went to the Medical Centre to see the Doctor who referred me to the Physiotherapist. Thankfully my shins are now a lot less painful and I’ve been able to join in all PT sessions. On Saturday we had a football competition between our sections, which ended with a penalty shootout – and my section won! The football session brought all the lads together and morale was at the highest it has been so far.

Everyone is beginning to get used to getting up at 6am and getting to bed at 11pm.  It’s  strange living in 12- man rooms but it is quite useful for when we need to work together as a team.  We are each developing different things that we are good at.

My ironing has improved!

Soldier under Training (SuT) Alastair Byrne, currently undergoing Phase 1 Training at ATC Pirbright blogs about his second week of training and of learning the importance of punctuality!

SuT Byrne

Week 2: our first lesson on the SA80 rifle,  learning simple safety precautions to start off with.  My new boots were playing up a bit, so I went to the Medical Centre. They gave me some good advice on foot care and on using zinc tape to stop the rubbing.

At 7am on Tuesday morning we had a locker inspection. My ironing has improved, although I’m not a master yet!  We also had first endurance run and learned how to load and make a rifle safe.  In the afternoon, there was a swimming lesson (no slides or splashing!) before we had a lecture about the importance of insuring our kit.

Thursday started off badly – a few people were late so we were given a “time appreciation” lesson, where we had to change into different clothing within a limited time.  We had our first lesson on map reading and navigation, too. It found it interesting and am looking forward to the next.

On Saturday morning we all went for a game of indoor football. Our section won and we will be reminding the other sections regularly of our victory!  This was followed by a physical training (PT) lecture on training zones before we had the rest of the day to ourselves.  I spent it at  the laundry – which is always a good laugh – before playing some pool.

On Sunday I passed my locker inspection.  I was surprised – since  ironing isn’t one of my strengths – but obviously I have improved.  So I won’t be parading around the Guard Room next week.

Another trip to the WRVS building brought some normality back to us, before some heavy discussions continued late into the night on how to achieve the best locker layout. We all came to the same conclusion though, thank God!

Just keep going!

SuT Jamie Davies, a new recruit at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright writes about his first week of basic training in the British Army.

SuT Jamie Davies

When I first arrived at the Army Training Centre Pirbright I did not know what to expect.

Meeting new people was surprisingly easy.  Everybody is in the same situation as you. Everybody has questions and worries.  My main concern was fitness.  The training is hard but you just keep going.  Getting through the lessons benefits you in the long run because your fitness will improve.  I am really enjoying the training so far and I am looking forward to my career in the Army.

Soldiers under Training (SuTs) work hard on their fitness in one of the three gym halls at ATC Pirbright.