Hot music training in the Middle East

Musn O’Brien

Musician Perry O’Brien is a member of the Band of The King’s Division. He was recently part of a short term training team along with members from the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band sent to Kuwait to assist with music training of the Kuwait Army Band.

Maestro masterclass

The Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band were recently tasked to provide a short-term training team for the development and positive forward direction of the Kuwait Army Band. Aided by members of the Band of The King’s Division, a team of five personnel ventured to the middle-east.

Upon arrival at Kuwait Airport, we were hunted down in the crowd by Kuwaitis from the British Embassy. We were humbly escorted to the VIP lounge to drink Turkish coffee and Chai (drinks we were to consume thousands of during our stay) while our baggage was being retrieved and visas obtained on our behalf.  We met with our point of contact who briefed us on local etiquette, discipline and culture before moving to the Moevenpick Hotel. We were very well catered for at the hotel and we could see that the Kuwaitis were very grateful to have us over there.

Our first day with the band added another 12 glasses of Chai (an extremely sweet tea with extra sugar but no milk). We met the band who demonstrated their day-to-day schedule and performed how they usually would.  Their ensemble consisted of 2 ‘Maestros’, 17 trumpets, 2 Flutes, 12 Clarinets, 6 saxes, 4 Trombones, 3 Euphoniums, 2 Tubas and a 10-strong percussion section.

Our aim was to focus on the improvement of the ‘Maestro’s’ technique and confidence to enable them to carry on improving the band after we had finished our short time there.  This was no easy job for the Director of Music Captain Riley as the Maestros did not speak English. Captain Riley was no silver tongue in Arabic, either! However, the local translators from within the band did a fantastic job of conveying his lessons to the Maestros.

The band in Kuwait

Short term training for the Kuwait Army Band

Almost instantly - with the help of the team sitting within the sections, a stern approach to reducing dynamics and the number of musicians performing at one time being decreased - we established the progression of significant musical improvement and our ambitious goal of improving the standard of the Kuwait Army Band soon became vastly more realistic. They already produce an incredibly high standard of pipes and drums so there was no reason why the wind band element could not be as successful.

By the end of the first week, the Kuwait Army Band had demonstrated significant improvement and set up a meeting to perform for the Chief Of General Staff, Kuwait Army.  With the help of the brass quintet and under the direction of Captain Riley, the performance was a huge success; The Chief of Staff was very pleased with the improvement of the band and it was clear to see that the work of the training team was having a monumentally positive impact on the standard of musicianship.

Back to the classroom

Over the next couple of weeks, we were hosted by British Officers of the British Military Mission. Our team formed a brass quintet to allow us to perform as a small ensemble whilst we were in Kuwait. We performed with dozens of talented British children to raise money for a charity supporting orphans in Argentina.  We also performed at the Raddison Club for the public and one night in the desert near Iraq, with cyalume® (light sticks) being our only source of light – this was the most interesting performance I have ever been involved in.

We were also due to provide musical support at the Queen’s Birthday Party, but this was postponed out of respect for the late Margaret Thatcher.

We visited Kuwait English School and The English School to deliver educational workshops to classes of children.  This added another interesting dimension to our already diverse visit.  The children thoroughly enjoyed our lessons on all of the instruments, even if it was just the teachers that were old enough to remember “Pigbag”!

Our drivers were on call 24/7 and had our every need catered for before we could even ask.  We were made to feel comfortable and welcome everywhere we went, visiting museums, bazaars, beaches, traditional cafés and impressive national buildings. There were only a few square inches of Kuwait city that we didn’t get to see!

Overall, Kuwait offered an extremely interesting and valuable experience to each one of us.  Not only did the Kuwait Army Band benefit from the effective and positive direction we delivered, but we gained a wealth of knowledge in return.  It was amazing to see the effect we could have on the Kuwait Army Band and to see their improvement as a direct result of our input. I suppose the 35 degree sun, incredible hospitality and interesting culture were the few added bonuses to a very rewarding mission.

Postman to Soldier – New Recruit becomes a Soldier

Rct-Richardson

Rct Richardson has recently completed Phase 1 training at the Army Training Centre Pirbright (ATC(P)).  He is set to start training at Blandford Camp as an Electronic Warfare Systems Operator shortly.  This new career move was to be a massive change for both me and my family, but I was certain that the upheaval would be worth it for such a challenging and rewarding career

 

Week 11 – Annual Combat Marksmanship

‘In the firing line’

This is undertaken by all soldiers in the army every year, but this was to be our first.  My shooting has been on a bit of a rollercoaster.  Some days I find I do quite well and others not so well, leaving me a little concerned about my today, so, as I was in the second detail I just sat and watched the others shoot.  This gave me a good chance to see how it all worked and in what order.  I was rather nervous when I started my ACMT, I messed up 300m and also 200m.  I had managed to compose myself by the end of the shoot and passed the 100m and 50m.  Disappointed, but I knew I had to perform well in order to pass the re shoot.  I passed both the failed distances second time round.  Not what I really wanted; a first time pass would have been nice, but at least I passed in the end.

The end of the week we had our output TAB; the first four miles as a squad, at around four miles an hour, then the last two miles where our best effort.  We were able to run or TAB and I knew I could pass it just tabbing, but I wanted to get a good time.  The first four miles were steady, with a bit of running to warm us up and then we were on our own.  I ran the first mile, then a combination of tabbing and running for the second mile.  We had 30 minutes to complete the two miles and I achieved a respectable 18 minutes, 11th in the troop.  I was very pleased with my result.

Apart from having to re-shoot a couple of distances in the ACMT, this week has been very enjoyable.  I have crossed a few more tests off the list as I move ever closer to the end.

Week 12 – Forward Operating Base (FOB)

This is the last Exercise we complete at Pirbright.  This is what we have to look forward to next week, but first we had two days this week in the FOB.  This gave us a chance to experience life in a FOB, working the gate and stagging on in the sanger.  We had a few lessons on various procedures to follow while on sentry duty on the gate and how to react when you come under indirect fire (IDF).  This rather amusingly meant when the Cpl let a dummy one off we had to lay face down in the gravel, arms tucked in; it looked like we were all playing ‘dead fishes’.  We also had our photos taken, our Section, with Cpl Verth in the centre flanked by us.  This will definitely make a good Christmas present for friends and family!

We had a live Fire + Movement assessment on the Tuesday; moving down the range one bound at a time then taking shots at electronically controlled targets.  As a section we had an inspection first and one of us got picked up for not having a clean barrel, not too bad though.  Once the inspection had taken place we commenced the live firing part of the competition.  We did well as a section, but unfortunately we didn’t win.  We were a respectable 2nd out of the seven Sections taking part.

The CS gas still stings a little

CBRN training

Wednesday and Thursday we had CBRN practice and then practical test.  We had been taught various drills to be completed in a CBRN suit and a respirator.  We had a practice on the Wednesday and it went well.  The CS gas still stings a little, but this time we didn’t have to breathe it in or open our eyes, so no ‘funny’ photos this time.  Thursday test went well, did my drills as practiced and more importantly I didn’t panic!

Counter IED (C-IED)

C-IED training

The end of the week we had our Counter IED (C-IED), practical and theory.  These lessons we’ve had on C-IED are some of the most interesting and I quite enjoy them.  We had our practical first; been able to spot possible IEDs and also markers and then we had our theory test.  2 Section had all rigorously revised so the test was relatively easy.

What mates are for! 

The highlight of the week had to be our day release.  This is where you are allowed off camp on a Saturday afternoon.  I didn’t have any money, but the lads in 2 Section kindly offered to put a couple of pounds in each to help me out; that’s what mates are for!  We enjoyed an afternoon in Guilford, wandering about in and out the shops.  More importantly we had time to go to Nando’s for dinner!  It was nice to be off camp and chill out for a bit, especially as we have Exercise FINAL FLING next week!

Week 13 – Exercise FINAL FLING

This was the week we would embark on Ex FINAL FLING; this was to be our last Exercise; a culmination of all the skills we had learnt in the last 12 weeks.  I was apprehensive about FINAL FLING, mainly because of the rumours you hear from Troops ahead of you.

Night Patrol

The Troop Commander briefed us on the situation in the area, enemy and friendly positions, strengths and weaknesses, all designed to add a little realism to the Exercise.  The weather was abysmal; the rain was bouncing off the ground and flooding the square outside our block.  While we waited to deploy we kept our spirits up by singing songs in the corridor, often attracting strange looks from some of the staff!  We deployed in the rain and tabbed to our chosen harbour location, once all that was set up we got into normal routine.  Later that evening we went on a patrol to gather intelligence on the enemy.  Patrolling at night is exciting, you feel very aware of your surroundings and strange noises you hear.  We returned to the harbour and set up stag; not fun in the cold rain getting out of your warm sleeping bag to sit for an hour.

Battlefield Casualty Drill (BCD)

Tuesday, after morning routine, we went on another patrol.  This time we came across two enemies laying IEDs.  Just as we approached there was a loud explosion; one of the IEDs they were laying went off.  This meant our recce patrol became a casualty evacuation (casevac).  We casevac’d the men to a helicopter landing site then continued on our patrol.  On the way back we came under attack and had to return fire and peal into a nearby wood block.  We regrouped then returned to the harbour, with a snap ambush injured both the ATO men.  We had to rapidly get them into the FOB and then perform our battlefield casualty drills (BCD).  What an exciting and eventful day.  I was crying out for a good night’s sleep, but it wasn’t to be; more stag keeping watch in the sangars.

Enemy attacks

Following the recent activities and the enemy increasing in numbers in the area, our Troop Commander decided that at first light the next day we would commence more section attacks on enemy positions and eradicate them from the area.

We woke at 0430 hours, prepped for battle then left the FOB.  We had planned two section attacks.  We patrolled out in arrow head formation, once the enemy made contact, we engaged.  I was in the flanking fire team and like the previous section attack on Wednesday we comfortably eliminated the enemy.  When we reached the last enemy position our Section Commander, Cpl Verth was injured in a blast.  It was then our job to casevac him out of the area as quickly as possible.  Cpl Verth is well built, and it took all our strength and determination to carry him to a safe location.

Once we arrived we were faced with friendly causalities lying on the ground.  We then had to administer first aid and carry out our BCDs.  This was made harder because we were all starting to feel the physical strain.  I dealt with the casualty with a severe limb loss.  I followed my BCD booklet; applying a tourniquet and field dressing and I think I did quite well.

Stretched to the max

Casualty Evacuation

Just when we thought the Exercise was over, we were shown two stretchers, each with a large dummy on.  We had to, as a Troop, run the stretchers what felt like 2km.  This was exhausting, but as soldiers we dug deep and with determination we finished the run.  We had done it, we had finished FINAL FLING.  We returned to the FOB for a well earned meal of bacon, sausage, eggs and beans, and of course a large cup of tea.  That had to be one of the best tasting meals I’d had, knowing we had completed FINAL FLING.

Ex FINAL FLING had to be the most exhausting and exhilarating experience of my life.  Not sure I’d do it any time soon, but never say never!

Week 14 – The end in sight

Richardson – Stick orderly

Our last week in Pirbright has finally arrived.  We just have a lot of drill to learn for our Passing Out Parade on Friday and of course a lot of bulling to do.  Monday to Thursday we learnt a lot of rifle drill, I learnt the drill, but on the day I won’t have to do rifle drill.  I won the award for Best at Drill, so instead I get to carry a stick and accompany the Colonel on the big day.  Wednesday evening we went to Sandes and had a cuppa and a burger with Cpl Verth, it was nice to have a relaxed chat with him as we were nearly soldiers in the British Army and no longer recruits.  Thursday we had a dress rehearsal for pass off, it went well, but it didn’t stop me feeling apprehensive about the day.

Friday had arrived; we got to wear our Section T-shirts to breakfast.  The T-shirts we designed ourselves and have our Section on, a little emblem and have our Section Commander’s and our names on the rear.  It felt really good wearing them, as we had seen so many Troops before us wearing them and looked forward to the day we would.  We got dressed, put on our number two suits, our well bulled shoes and our caps and were ready to march onto the square.

Marching with Pride

As the band started I felt nervous and excited.  The moment we marched onto the square I couldn’t have been any prouder.  The Parade went well; it was fantastic for all my family to see me on the square and also pick up my award.  All that hard work I put in over the last 13 weeks had finally come to an end.

A New Family

‘Passing Out’ Parade

I felt relieved it was all over.  I was looking forward to spending some time with my family before starting my Phase 2 training.  I am excited about my trade training at Blandford Forum in Dorset, but also a little sad to say goodbye to the lads of 2 Section who I have lived with for the last 14 weeks.  I am so happy I did what I did in choosing to join the Army; I am part of another family.  With that in mind I finally wish the lads of 2 Section all the best in their future careers; Horrix, Carr, Stanley, Hughes, Colvine, Doherty and of course my Section Commander and mentor Cpl Verth.

Army Career – This was definitely the stuff I joined up for

Rct Horrix

Recruit Horrix is currently undergoing Phase 1 training at the Army Training Centre Pirbright (ATC(P)). Upon successful completion of the 14-week course he is set to start training at Blandford Camp as an Electronic Warfare Systems Operator.

I was born Terry Dean Horrix in Slough, Berkshire and have lived in and around London for the majority of my life. I had been working in London for the previous three years as a recruitment head-hunter for the investment banking sector. It was a good career but I felt that I wanted more from life and to challenge myself more than I currently was. Fitness has always been important in my life, I represented Arsenal FC as a schoolboy and have Boxed since I was 13. I was looking to find a career which encompassed fitness, travel, new experiences and a job where I would be making a difference.  The British Army to me amalgamated all of these ideas and I decided to go for it.

Week 8 – ‘a Four Mile tab’

So week eight is here and we have our halfway exercise. This is an exercise I have heard a lot about, good things and bad. We started the Monday morning with a four-mile tab, I guess it is just to get the blood going prior to deploying on exercise on the Tuesday morning. The tab was hard going and you need to grit your teeth, but everything comes to an end eventually. We then spent the afternoon preparing our exercise kit and ensuring we had everything required.

Early rise on the Tuesday morning, get a good breakfast down and then get your exercise head on. We deployed about 10 am. When we got there it was straight into the exercise, loading up with ammunition, getting into a defensive formation and camming up. We then walked up to our harbour area. This felt like about a two-mile walk up some pretty steep hills. I’m sure the training team wanted to test our mental strength even before we got the harbour area. After ensuring the harbour area was safe we started to dig our beloved shell scrapes. After about four hours’ hard graft, they were complete. After this, the rest of the first night was spent getting into routine and completing rotations on stag.

This was definitely the stuff I joined up for

Early rise on Wednesday morning, completing our morning routine and ensuring we completed this within the hour allowed prior to our test the following morning. This was a pretty intense day, where we were taught many different things which we were to be tested on the next day. These included; fire and movement, observation, target indication, judging distance and camouflage and concealment. This was a really good day as you were learning really important soldering skills, and that you know you would utilise throughout your career. We were taken on a patrol in the evening and taught how to complete this properly, which was really good. This was definitely the stuff I joined up for. Following this was evening routine and more joyous stag!

Thursday is test day on Exercise HALFWAY. First test was our morning routine where we had an hour to get ourselves and our rifles combat ready, i.e. clean. Completed this fine and passed first time which is always a big relief. We then had our test on fire and movement which was intense. Again I passed first time but it was really hard work and you definitely exert a lot of energy. Following this, we had our judging distances, observation, target indication and camouflage and concealment tests. These were all fine as long as you had paid attention the previous day, although you don’t find out until the Friday if you have passed or not.

We went on another patrol in the evening, learning more patrol formations and learning how to get over obstacles as a section, i.e. roads etc. This was really good fun and something which really gets you going. When we got back it was late at night and we went straight into routine. After about an hour we got out first contact, where we had to ‘stand to’. We had about a 30-minute firefight with an ‘unknown enemy’. Once this stopped we were re-issued ammo and told to get some rest, although everyone was on edge waiting to be attacked again. The inevitable happened about four in the morning where was were attacked with some force. We returned a heavy amount of fire and then heard the words ‘prepare to move’. This means our harbour area has become compromised and we need to move. We packed the harbour area up whilst still in a fire fight and ‘bugged out’. We had to run with our full bergans up a steep hill to our hasty harbour. Everyone completed this successfully and it definitely gets the blood pumping.

Once secure in the hasty harbour, we went into morning routine and then went to clear out the old harbour and see how much kit had been left. To everyone’s surprise, hardly anything was left behind so the training staff were happy. The last thing we completed on the Friday was section fire and movement, where you are moving in two pairs opposed to one. This was good fun and a good way to end the exercise. We had some lunch and then marched back down to our pick up point. Back on barracks we cleaned all of our exercise kit and slept. I’m struggling to think of a time I have been more tired, I feel like I got about six hours’ sleep over the four days. Halfway exercise was hard, but enjoyable!

Week 9 – Respirator Testing

Horrix before CS

Back to reality this week with being on barracks, although it was a strange week as on Friday we were breaking up for a two week summer leave. However, before this we had an appointment with the respirator testing facility and this was only going to end one way, with me hurting!!

Monday started with a BCD lesson, learning how to deal with bleeding, dislocations and breaks. This was a really important lesson as it’s not just about passing a test in weeks to come but stuff which could enable you to save someone’s life in the future. Then we had circuits where we got worked pretty hard, doing pure circuits and combat conditioning. We were then on the DCCT range in the afternoon completing tests at 100m, 200m and 300m, in preparation for live firing on Wednesday. This went really well, my shooting is really coming on well having been consistent over the shoots to date, but I need to carry this on into our Annual Combat Marksmanship Test (ACMT) in week 11.

How many fingers?

Horrix after CS

Tuesday was the day everyone was apprehensive about, this was the day we were going in the chamber to be exposed to CS gas for the first time. Prior to this though we had our first outdoor assault course lesson. This was good fun, but I know this is going to get a lot harder when we have to tackle it with all of our equipment on.

Following the assault course was the chamber. Our corporal seemed to be looking forward to this very much. I was put in the last detail to go in the chamber, which meant there would be more CS gas in the chamber meaning we get it worse. We also, got to watch people coming out the chamber coughing and claiming they were blind, which was amusing but I knew my time was coming. So into the chamber I went. Our corporal made us do some dancing in there, to give us confidence in our kit and then it was time to take off my gas mask. Off it came, I got my regimental number out, the corps I was joining, then I took a deep breath. This was when I started choking and couldn’t open my eyes, but the corporal made me tell him how many fingers he was holding up before letting me out – what a gentlemen my corporal is! Coming out of the chamber I was coughing my lungs up and I thought I had gone blind. It wears off after about two minutes and you look back and laugh, but not with fond memories of when you first take your gas mask off! Was a fun day all in all though.

We completed our live firing 7 on the ranges on the Wednesday. This was live firing in different positions at 100m, 200m and 300m. I fired really well and got 159 points out of 180. That put me 3rd in our troop, so I was pretty pleased with that. Also, gave me more confidence going into my ACMT as long as I keep applying all the marksmanship principles. On Thursday morning we had a swimming PT session which was hard graft. You think it might be easier than circuits or a run, but it’s really not. We then had a lesson on BCD, and our map test. We had 40 minutes to complete it, which went well. Map reading is actually pretty good fun.

So on Friday morning we had our last hurdle before two weeks off. We had an outdoor PT assault course lesson. This was a lot harder than the first one, but really enjoyable. Takes you back to being a kid and jumping over things although you seem to have a lot more fear now. Once the assault course was completed we got changed and went home for a nice long two week break, oh and of course a nice few beers!!!!

Week 10 – Adventure Training

A huge culture shock upon coming back to Pirbright this week after having two weeks off and sunning myself in Spain. Coming back was good though to see all the lads and catch up what everyone got up to. Also, I was looking forward to this week as we were going to Wales (Soldier Development Week) for a weeks adventure training. This is spoken of as a good opportunity for us to get to know our troop staff better in a more relaxed environment.

After a four-hour coach journey we finally arrived in Sennybridge, South Wales (After stopping off for a Burger King of course). When we arrived we were shown around the camp and shown to our living accommodation, which encompassed all of Mather Troop sleeping in one room. The rest of Monday was relaxed, not really completing any activities apart from preparing for our hill walking the next morning.

Rct Horrix and the other recruits hillwalking

Our first activity was hill walking which was walking ten miles across the Brecon Beacons in our group of five with a corporal. This was a really hard but really enjoyable day. We walked up some of the biggest hills I have ever seen (and down them luckily). The day was very relaxed, but had a serious undertone in map reading to ensure we could all navigate effectively. We even got treated to a burger at the end of the walk so as they say every cloud has a silver lining.

On Wednesday, we completed a day of abseiling and rock climbing. These was two activities I was looking forward to but a little apprehensive about due to the heights. Firstly, we abseiled in the morning. We had to go down the rock face backwards, blindfolded and change the karabiner which attaches us to the ropes. To incorporate the Army’s core values we had to put trust in a fellow recruit who had to direct us how to change the karabiner, whilst I obviously couldn’t see anything. This was massively nerve racking even if you know the instructor has a separate rope holding you. Eventually my feet touched the floor again and I must say I was pretty relieved.

Leap of faith

In the afternoon we moved on to rock climbing. We had three different routes to scale the rock face, all pretty difficult. After trying and completing all three we had to blindfold our partner and direct him up the rock face. This was interesting to do as they can not see and some parts of the climb you need to jump up or across, which meant they fell off the rock face. Overall, was a good day of activities. Wednesday evening was ‘skit’ night. This is where we completed skits on our training staff. Skits are taking the mick and role playing any situations we have found funny or any mannerisms they have. We performed two which were well received although my corporal did say ‘hope you look forward to Final Fling Horrix’. I sensed a little sarcasm in his voice! Thursday we went caving. This I was looking forward to but had never done it, so was interested to see what it was like. We had to move through the caves in ridiculously tight spaces, going down rivers in the caves and turning our lights off and working as a team to get to a point even though it was pitch black. The tightest space was called the letter box which looked too small to fit anyone through, but we all did even if we had to exhale to compress our chests. Caving was really good fun even if it is a little hairy at times.

Rct Horrix and the other recruits about to embark on the high ropes.

Friday our group was on camp completing the high ropes and orienteering. The high ropes we worked as a team to get up different ropes and logs, whilst having someone blindfolded and assisting them up. This was good but pretty hard. We then had to do a leap of faith, by climbing up about 20 meters and jumping to grab a bar and hang onto it. This was fairly scary due to my fear of heights, but I was glad once I had done it. We then completed our orienteering in the afternoon which meant running around the barracks in pairs for an hour trying to navigate to twenty points and get the numbers. This felt like an hours PT sessions, but was well needed. We got 5 points off the main score and got 16/20 markers.

Overall a really good week and we enjoyed seeing a different side to the training team and having a good laugh with them. Also, really good to do some Adventure training and push my boundaries to do things I had never done before. Now back to the real training and a lovely five mile tab on Monday to get us back into the swing of things.”

A Career Change Signals.

Rct Horrix

Rct Horrix is currently undergoing Phase 1 training at the Army Training Centre Pirbright (ATC(P)).  Upon successful completion of the 14 week course he is set to start training at Blandford Camp as an Electronic Warfare Systems Operator.  He has recently completed Exercise HALFWAY and is currently in week 8 of training.

The Early Days

I was born Terry Dean Horrix in Slough, Berkshire and have lived in and around London for the majority of my life. I had been working in London for the previous three years as a recruitment head-hunter for the investment banking sector. It was a good career but I felt that I wanted more from life and to challenge myself more than I currently was. Fitness has always been important in my life, I represented Arsenal FC as a schoolboy and have Boxed since I was 13. I was looking to find a career which encompassed fitness, travel, new experiences and a job where I would be making a difference.  The British Army to me amalgamated all of these ideas and I decided to go for it. 

Army Selection

The process to get into the army was a long one and fairly challenging. After completing my BARB test and interviews I attended ADSC.  I was given an in-depth and thorough explanation on what to expect, but still it is one of those things that you never really know until you get there. I was fully prepared due to a very good recruiter at my AFCO and was looking forward to getting the process started. My ADSC was on a Monday and Tuesday, so I had the pleasure of battling through the mayhem at London Waterloo to get my train down to Brookwood in Surrey. 

On turning up at Pirbright we got changed into our tracksuits and completed our medicals.  I was quite nervous as I had heard numerous stories of people failing due to heart murmurs which are out of your control, however the medical went fine and I was passed fit to carry on ADSC.  The rest of the Monday consisted of giving a talk to a group about me, jerry can carry; bag lifts, a Technical Selection Test (which is a maths test and a grenade lesson).  Tuesday morning started with a test on the grenade lesson from the previous night to test our ability to retain information.  This is not hard, but you definitely need to take note and revise from the night before. We then completed our 1.5 mile best effort run, where I got a time of 9.16 which I was fairly pleased with.  Following this, we completed our team tasks, which are imperative to getting a high grade at ADSC.  I ensured I put across strong ideas, whilst listening to the group and pushing the activity along to completion.  I then finished my final interview, where I was told I had received an A grade. 

After an eight month wait, my time to start Phase 1 training had finally arrived.  It was quite tough leaving my previous life which had been very comfortable and one where I had pure autonomy as to what I wanted to do, where and when.  I knew though, this ‘comfortable life’ was not for me and I needed to be challenged even though I was not sure what to expect!

Pastures a new

Week 1 – Fit for purpose

The first couple of days primarily consisted of administration. We were sized up for all of our kit, made to fill in all required forms and complete another medical to make sure we are fit to complete Phase 1 training.  Again, the medical went fine, but we had to receive a number of different immunisations, so if you hate needles, you won’t enjoy this part of training!  The rest of the week consisted of introductory briefs regarding different lessons we would be having on the course and we also completed our fitness tests again to make sure we had come to Phase 1 in good shape and not ‘monged it’ as the corporals like to say.

Week 2 – Physical endurance and ‘Skill at Arms’

This was the week where I really felt like we started training properly.  The two main focuses were physical training and skill at arms (SAA).  SAA is lessons on how to use and handle the SA80 A2 rifle correctly, understand how the rifle works (mechanics) and how to clean it in adverse weather conditions.  I really enjoyed these lessons as you start to feel more like a soldier, but there is a lot to learn and there is a lot of revision, these lessons do move at some pace. 

Going back to the physical training, we completed our first endurance run.  This incorporated “fartlek” training and hill runs.  This was a session where I thought I was going to die.  We had to run up the lovely ‘concrete hill’ six times, which definitely tests your mental and physical endurance, but on completing the run you do feel really good and have definitely pushed yourself harder than you would training on your own, obviously with a little ‘encouragement’ from the training team.

Week 3 – Upping the pace

The pace of the course really starts to pick up.  We completed more skill at arms lessons to get ready for the Weapons Handling Test the following Monday. The rest of the week consisted of lessons on injury prevention, drill, physical training, map reading, substance misuse and a swimming test, a pretty intense week all-in-all.

Week 4 – All fired up

Started with the Weapon Handling Test, this is a test to ensure you are competent and comfortable working with the SA80 rifle, which I am pleased to say I passed.  This meant that I was ready to go on the DCCT shooting range.  This is a computerised range which is very accurate in seeing how good your shooting is I’m pleased to say I got 2^nd best shot in the troop.  We also had our first boot run which was hard and an experience I will remember.  You just need to grit your teeth and push through.  We also had our first live shoot on the range; it is a strange experience firing a live rifle for the first time, but one which I definitely enjoyed.  Additionally, we had our first counter IED lesson which was really interesting, definitely my favourite subject so far.

Week 5 – ‘Dig In’

Week five is mostly based around Exercise FIRSTNIGHT.  This is a three day exercise where you learn how to operate in the field, build a base called a harbour, camouflage and concealment, firing manoeuvres and many different things.  My favourite was learning all the firing manoeuvres as this felt like proper soldering.  The worst experience was digging shell scrapes.  These are your living quarters where you dig a hole in the ground to sleep in, this was tough. After four hours of hard graft I finished,  We then had a three mile tab back from our first exercise which tested your resolve as you were tired, hungry and moving along at a fast pace, but like everything in the Army, you need to grit your teeth and get through it.

Digging In

Week 6 – ‘Hell Week’

Into week six, this is referred to by recruits as “Hell Week”.  This is due to the large number of inspections we had, coupled with completing lots of drill….not my idea of fun.  Monday morning started with our Troop Sergeant’s inspection which went well.  This helps your confidence for further inspections, but you cannot rest on your laurels.  Following this, we had an interval training session on the running track, this really pushes your fitness to its boundaries and definitely assists in bring down your 1.5 mile run time. 

We also had our first battlefield casualty lesson which I found really interesting.  This is a critical skill, so it is a class you pay the utmost attention in.  We also spent a lot of time at the shooting ranges completing our LF4 and LF5 (Live Firing) which we fired at 50m and 100m. This went well and I got some good groupings with my shots.  Shooting is something you have to really concentrate and focus on otherwise the smallest movement means your shots can spray all over the target.  Our mid week was taken up with inspections and practising drill ready for our drill test the following Monday.  Drill is not the most exciting activity, but is essential for teaching discipline and it does look good when we are all in step.  We also had others lessons this week, map reading and CBRN (Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear).  We learnt how to put on our CBRN suits and gas masks ready for the respirator test facility (gas chamber) in week nine.  I get the feeling our corporal is looking forward to this!

Week 7 – Passing Inspection

The Monday of week seven is hugely important. The week started with our Sergeant Major’s inspection, which is the big inspection we need to pass.  This went well; I got picked up on a couple of things, but nothing major so I passed….a big relief!!!!  Following this, we had out PFA, fitness assessment, to see how and if your fitness had progressed since being at Pirbright.  I completed all the lifts and carry fine.  I then got 9.06 for my 1.5 mile which I was fairly happy with but I did really want to go under 9 minutes.  The afternoon consisted of our drill test. The most nerve wracking thing is the inspection prior to completing your test.  All of your kit has to be immaculate which mine pretty much was apart from losing half a point for a mark on my shirt.  The drill test went well and I passed which was a big relief, even if we did make a couple of mistakes. 

The Tuesday of week 7 consisted of our Phase 2 visits, which I had been really looking forward to.  I had only seen one military barracks here at Pirbright, so I thought it would be interesting to see the standard of Blandford Camp.  First impressions were good, look clean and have some good amenities to use when we get there, i.e. a bar!  As I am going into Electronic Warfare there was only so much we could be told due to our security clearance, but nonetheless the day was highly informative and really gave me a good buzz in regards to getting to Phase 2 ASAP. 

That evening was spent getting ready for our final ‘official’ inspection.  This is by the Officer Commanding 1 (Fowler) Squadron.  So, first thing Wednesday morning was the OC’s inspection. This went well and was a relief to get the last inspection completed.  We had heard rumours that we were having bayonet training on the Wednesday afternoon! It seemed as if we had annoyed the corporals as they kept sending us for runs around the block and press ups, we were then told we were being worked up for bayonet training. The actual bayonet training was really fun but extremely hard, probably one of the hardest sessions I have completed in Phase 1 training. The corporals also made us realise the sacrifices made by our fellow soldiers killed in action and told stories of their tours of duty. 

Bayonet range

Thursday finally arrived; today I get to wear my Royal Corps of Signals cap badge for the first time on “Families’ Day”. We had numerous demonstration stalls, I was selected to go onto the weapons handling stand, helping to narrate as I apparently ‘like to talk’ says my corporal.  I was also demonstrating firing positions and loading the rifle in front of the families.  After this was completed we were free to go and enjoy our long weekend….ah the sweet smell of freedom.

Armourer course fires all barrels

Latest blog from Craftsman Thomas Mortimore, currently on Phase 2 training at 10 Training Battalion, Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers.

Now that we’ve started getting into the actual weapons on the armourer course, we had to start with general principles. This covers the basics of all weapons including cycle of operations, types of weapons, types of operations and ammunition types. We also did a practical on barrel inspection where we had to look through 20 different barrels and find faults (if any). This was a good test of our judgement as even the tiniest thing could cause major problems in the future.

Afterwards we started work on the Browning Pistol; this is the pistol that the army have used for decades up until recently. We had to know how to strip the weapon to its individual parts and put it back together again, perform tests on certain components and identify faults.

Weapons testing

There are two practical tests to pass and a theory which is combined with GP’s. The first test involves examining four different weapons and identifying things that are wrong with the components or analysing failed test firings.

The second part of the test involves being given a weapon with previously identified faults which we then have to fix by replacing the parts. The trick though is that the spares you get given could be faulty, and there may be a fault which wasn’t identified previously.

Practice makes perfect

Our final weekend was spent on exercise at a nearby simulation of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) as one might see in Afghanistan. We started practise on various situations such as area cordoning and control, setting up vehicle checkpoints, crowd control, casualty evacuations, room-to-room clearance and patrolling techniques.

Learning room clearance techniques

We then moved to a bigger FOB and commenced our scenario. We started off with various patrols around the area using the skills we had learnt earlier. We set up vehicle checkpoints, cordoned off suspicious areas and had to deal with angry mobs and enemies, all played by members of our platoon. We then took a shift as the Quick Reaction Force who had to be ready to deal with any situation and react to it quickly. Finally we took sentry positions and guarded the FOB from any attacks. The whole exercise was really exhausting, but I really enjoyed it because it is much more modern compared to the exercises at Phase 1 training.

More to look forward to next month as the weapons systems get ever more complicated.

Culinary delights and Warthogs

Cpl Georgina Coupe

Corporal Georgina Coupe is the video camerawoman for the British Army’s Combat Camera Team (CCT) based in Afghanistan throughout summer 2012 as part of 12th Mechanized Brigade

Since we left Bastion just over week ago the CCT have covered a lot of miles both in vehicle and by foot.

We flew into Main Operating Base Price in good time for us to sample the culinary delights of “MOB Nice” as it’s commonly known and also to meet up with the Warthog Group formed by The Kings Royal Hussars. It was an eventful few days spent in some sweltering temperatures in the back of the heavily armoured tracked vehicles whose task, whilst we were there, was to provide a security screen for the largest Afghan operation of the year so far.

Variety adds spice

On the first evening I had a chance to put my night vision capabilities through its paces with the 26 Engineer Regiment whilst they reinforced a steel girder bridge in anticipation of the heavy access that would be required over the coming days.

The Afghan ground troops were inserted by helicopter in the early hours of the following morning and began clearing the heavily contested area. Because the area was heavily seeded with Improvised Explosive Devices (IED)s it was a slow and deliberate process.

During our time spent with the Warthogs we saw the impressive manoeuvrability of the vehicles, and saw firsthand their ability to cover a variety of terrain, with the help of the Engineers bridging the gaps over canals and wadis.

Warthog Crossing

I think the most memorable part that will stay with me was filming with Andy out of the top hatch as we crossed through the Helmand River. A few minutes later we were filming the Warthogs mid- recovery of a vehicle from along its banks when they came under fire. Although the contact was fairly short lived and no one was injured, the recovery and the subsequent maintenance took the guys’ hours of physical and mental work, but the sense of humour and camaraderie never failed them.

The Green Zone

After leaving them we have spent the rest of the time between Patrol Bases Rahim and Clifton, both in the Upper Gereshk Valley, in the Green Zone.

During this period we spent some time out with the Grenadier Guards and the Afghan Local Police. Due to a dose of luck and good timing we also happened to be there at the same time as the 12 Mechanized Brigade Commander Brigadier Doug Chalmers, so we were able to move out on a foot patrol with him along with various heads of the Afghan security forces.

Turning up the heat

Patrol Base (PB) Clifton has been a really nice place to spend time at. Although facilities would be deemed as basic back home, out here it’s a well set up with a really good atmosphere. Andy and I got stuck into documenting life at Clifton pretty much straight away, with my first stop being the kitchen, eating being one of my favourite pastimes. Rob and Martin, the chefs here, serve up some pretty impressive meals with a lovely roast dinner one day, and cake and steak, another. Depending on the deliveries, they serve a mix of fresh and frozen food, and also a mix of composite rations. The temperatures that they have to work in far exceed the ones outside, hitting the 70s for them on a regular basis. The kitchen and the food is an important source of morale for everyone at Clifton, and there is always lots of banter and laughter going on in the cookhouse.

Chef turns up the heat

‘Dhobi’ – Washing Machine

The washing facilities (known as ‘dhobi’) consisted of a washing machine cunningly disguised as a cement mixer and a welfare room which had a ping pong table, internet access and a TV and DVD player, and a makeshift outdoor gym.

Just in case people back home think that the guys and girls out here have got it easy though, you only have to watch the patrols coming back in, with some of them going out 2 or three times a day, and some for two or three days at a time. You can hear the gunfire and explosions going off in the surrounding areas, so it’s never too far from anyone’s mind here that we’re still in Afghanistan. Culinary delights and Warthogs – Cpl Coupe Blogg – British Army

School Curriculum

Captain Harriet Church, a Veterinary liaison Officer for the Provincial Reconstruction Team happened to be here whilst I was at PB Clifton, so I jumped at the opportunity to get out with her and her Afghan counterpart, a civilian who is known as a ‘Paravet’. Their role is to move around Helmand Province setting up short lessons for the local communities teaching them basic farming hygiene and feeding skills.

Watch Video here

Because many of the children here are the primary carers for the herds of cattle Capt Church is in the process of trying to implement this into the local curriculum, following the success of a similar process for IED awareness for the youngsters.

Being out in the Kalays (villages) with all the children is always quite uplifting but it also makes me think about my nephews as well and how glad I am that they are lucky enough to be able to go to school, and not have to have lessons on how to recognise pressure plates and bombs. It definitely makes you appreciate what you would take for granted back home.

Whilst you’re out here living in such close quarters to others, the heat and the physical exertion can take its toll. Some days you would just like a day off and it can be hard to muster enthusiasm for work, but then you come across stories like this and you see how little things like this can make such a massive difference to the next generations of Afghanistan, and it re-inspires and motivates you.

A real mix of experience

We have only got a few more weeks here until our R and R (Rest and Recuperation) which we are all looking forward to. Before then we are in the process of trying to plan and fit in several jobs ahead of our R and R, including;  Afghans training their Heavy Weapons, Counter IED Training as well as some electrical and driver training. I think it’s going to be a real mix of stuff going on and will certainly keep us busy before we get a chance for some much needed down time.

Lap, butt and fillet: The art of welding

Metal working techniques – heating metal in the furnace.

My name is Craftsman Thomas Mortimore and I am currently on Phase 2 training at 10 Training Battalion, Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers.

April started off with the continuation of tool making where we completed our mini vice. A week of filing, sawing, drilling and more filing it was complete. Just like the strap spanner there was a theory test as well as a mark for the vice. The results were 77% for the vice itself and 83% for the theory exam where our knowledge of tools and their use were tested. Just before we finished this phase we had a week and a half of Easter leave, which gives us time to catch up on family and friends, and of course remembering some of the luxuries you had like a double bed and lie ins. The occasional break from training is important because it just gives you the time you need to relax before your back to duty.

At the beginning of April I went with the SEME shooting team to a shooting competition at Bisley over a weekend. We were firing 7.62mm target rifles at targets placed at 300, 600, 900 and 1000 yards.  I found it surprisingly easy to hit the target even at 1000 yards, but it was a lot harder to actually hit the centre. I will confess I came second to last, but I really enjoyed it and it was different to the normal Tuesday evenings because I had been used to firing smaller and lighter rifles with the weekly shoots after work.

The mini vice I made.

After bench fitting, we moved on to welding. Firstly we used oxyacetylene to make several joints including lap (one piece partially over the other), butt (one next to the other) and 2 kinds of fillet welding (one upright across the middle of the other). We then used an oxyacetylene cutter to cut pieces of metal. All this is something that I have never done before and it takes a while to get used to it. The last thing was Manual Metal Arc welding, which involves electricity and extremely high temperatures. I found this quite challenging and it took some getting used to before I made some improvements. The pieces we made would be marked along with the theory test.

Scorching hot furnace

The last thing we did this month was blacksmithing and heat treatment. This involves standing around a scorching hot furnace and heating up a piece of metal up to 900^oc and then hammering it until we got the required shape that was needed. We made several tools including a chisel, centre punch, hexagonal spanner socket and a junior hacksaw. All this requires time and patience as it could be tricky getting the right shape but after a few hours practise you start to get the hang of it and know what to do to correct something.

Next month involves sheet metalwork, workshop procedures and Surveillance Systems.

Team Medic Training with the TA (C Coy 6 SCOTS)

6th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (6 SCOTS) is the Territorial Army Infantry for the south of Scotland. C Company is a dismounted rifle company covering the Greater Glasgow area. Its main role is to provide officers and soldiers that are trained and experienced in dismounted close combat to support regular units on operations.

Members of C Coy taking part in medic training

Team Medic Training Weekend 13-15 April 2012

Members of all Companies of 6 SCOTS gathered at Motherwell TA centre to conduct Battle Casualty Drills and Team Medic Training throughout the weekend.

Stayin’ Alive

On Saturday morning officers and senior NCOs from 205 Field Hospital arrived to conduct the day’s instruction, bringing with them a large and varied supply of equipment used in training and on current operations.

The personnel were then split into groups to start their training. The groups under their appointed instructors were then shown how to perform Basic Life Support and the use of a defibulator; they then spent some time practicing this drill with us. The instructors explained our defibulator training could be transferred to a civilian qualification, and many of the troops took the chance to obtain this certificate.

We were then shown the equipment that a team medic carries. We were instructed on the use of the Combat Applied Tourniquet, two different types of application, how to apply a Emergency Care bandage, the new bowlan chest seal, and how to use Adult triage cards. Everyone was then given the opportunity to practice with the equipment that was available. There was even some attempts made to sing to ‘Stayin Alive’ to help get the right rhythm for carrying out chest compressions on the resuss models.

After lunch we were instructed on a primary and secondary survey, a NATO 9 Line Casualtry Evacuation request and other reports. We then practiced carrying out primary and secondary surveys on each other. Next on the programme we had Physical Training which was a steady state run down at Strathclyde Country Park, returning to the centre for another excellent meal cooked by our chefs.

After dinner we had a confirmation drill and some scenarios where we had to give reports.

Gunshot wounds

On Sunday training resumed with the instructors from 205. We carried out confirmation drills on the previous day’s training with casualty assessments, reports and further use of the team medic equipment. We then had a lecture in which we were shown slides of what is expected from a team medic and what injuries could be faced on operations, and how well injured personnel are treated when evacuated from theatre.  After this lecture we were again split into teams and tasked to manage actual scenarios and put into place everything we had been taught.

On one of the scenarios we were patrolling past a Charity Run ISAF Female school when an explosion went off and shots rung out. When assessing the situation we noticed two casualties, One an ISAF Soldier (Coalition Military) and the other a NCC (Non Coalition Civilian). Both had gunshots wounds to both legs and had arterial bleeds.

It was great to get hands-on training from the subject experts, including from a trauma surgeon. We are looking forward to conducting more training in a battle exercise when it’s more realistic and under pressure of gunfire.

The weekend showed us just how much is involved and required from a team medic. From the exercise phase of the training it was apparent just how much medic training we need to do as part of our job as infantry soldiers. A lot of us are looking forward to doing more hands-on training and putting into practice the skills we have been taught.

By Lance Corporal Stoker

 

Find out more about C Company, 6 SCOTS:
http://www.army.mod.uk/infantry/regiments/17432.aspx

Here is the good stuff: my trade course started

My handmade strap spanner

My name is Craftsman Thomas Mortimore and I am currently on Phase 2 training at 10 Training Battalion, Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers.

March has arrived which means I finally start the part of my armourer course where I learn my trade.  Since my last blog I had to pass the rest of my foundation course which was marked in 2 parts. For the practical element we had to make a tool from scratch. The Strap spanner shown in the picture below is what we all had to produce, but there was also a theory element which took the form of an NVQ exam on paper and an Army exam on the computer. And thankfully I passed both with 73/100 for my strap spanner and 86% for the written/computer tests. After a few more NVQ tests the next day we had officially finished the Foundation course. The next week I did my Category C theory revision and test which is for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Monday was spent on the hazard perception test which is 19 video clips and you have to click when you spot a hazard. More points for the earlier you spot the hazard (passed that with 92/100).  Following this there are multiple choice questions to answer. 100 randomly generated questions and a pass mark of 85. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning were spent going on the computers and going through every single question that the test could throw at you. I didn’t find out what my score was but I passed it at least.

“you’re tired and just want to sleep”

Inevitably there are breaks in our engineering training when we have to refocus on our main job as soldiers. After 4 days of Soldier Military Training (which involved 6 visits to the gym and some orienteering) our platoon had a weekend exercise in Dartmoor. We left camp about 6pm and arrived at 10pm. After getting our briefings and setting up in a hangar, our section set off at midnight to head towards the first of 6 checkpoints. The whole thing took 8 hours and we must have walked about 15 miles. However our ordeal wasn’t over because after just 2 hours we were sent back out again, this time to walk to objectives and carry out command tasks at each one. These are designed to test leadership skills and teamwork even when you’re tired and just want to sleep (which was just as well as most of us had about 36 hours of no sleep). The tasks varied from putting up a tent blindfolded with only one person able to see and give directions, to being “elite commandos” who have to work out which is the safe route out of a nuclear reactor from a load of numbers on a piece of paper. This task took 11.5 hours and understandably we were all tired after that. Our final task on Sunday morning was to complete the commando assault course which involved jumping over things, crawling over things, wriggling through things, climbing things and of course the monkey bars with 1 metre deep water below (yes we all got wet). Overall it wasn’t the best weekend I’d ever had but it had been fun and we had learned something from it as well.

Getting up close and personal with the weapons

Foreign weapons, light machine gun, sniper rifle and more

Here is the good stuff though because my trade course started. The first 3 days were the induction where we played with a few foreign weapons, field stripped a Light Machine Gun, Sniper rifle and Grenade Machine Gun, had a look around the Warrior and Challenger 2, and also set up a presentation for some VIP’s which meant one of each weapon the army uses was out on display which gave us the opportunity to handle them and see each one up close and personal. Thursdays meant it was back to the workshops for part 2 of bench fitting.  As engineers we have to have very close control of our ability to manipulate materials, which is why we make tools. As I write, the current phase involved building a small hand vice.  Skills like this are important because soldiers often find themselves in places where the tools they want are simply not available; imagine trying to take every tool to Afghanistan when you have to carry everything!  Soon we will be fully immersed in learning individual weapons systems.  More soon…

Learning the trade of the Armourer: From classes to clay pigeons

Cfn Mortimore

My name is Craftsman Thomas Mortimore and I am currently on Phase 2 training at 10 Training Battalion, Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers (REME).Learn more about Thomas’s background here

Common Foundation Course

February for me this year is all about the Common Foundation course. This involves Technical Drawing, Maths, Science, Engineering Materials, Bench fitting and Health and Safety. The pass mark for the Common Foundation Course exams is 60% which may seems easy, especially as all the exams have multiple choice answers, but best advice really (and anyone will tell you this) is to revise thoroughly. The revision classes are 6-7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays (it’s not optional to go) and you usually just answer questions from an exercise book on the topics you have covered up until that point and there is always a Sergeant there to help you if you are stuck or don’t understand something.

One hundred per cent

Technical drawing took four days during which you will submit three pieces of work, all of which are dictated by the instructor so there really is no way to fail unless you don’t listen to them. Maths, Science and Engineering Materials overlap each other, but Maths and Science is a couple of weeks whereas Engineering is four days. Anyone who did Resistant Materials/Design and Technology at school will understand a lot of what is done. I passed Engineering with 75%. Maths covers a lot of GCSE grade modules like Algebra, Conversions, Area, Circles, Diameter, Trigonometry and Graphs. I passed Maths with 95% which I was really happy with. Science focuses on the Physics side and includes conversion from one unit to another, force, mass, work, power, temperature, friction and pressure. If anyone remembers drawing the “equation triangles” at school then they are extremely useful. I passed Science with 100%

Benchfitting is a key skill for REME tradesmen

Health and safety was two days long and consisted of a day and a half going through computer lessons and questions covering all the topics. The main purpose of bench fitting is to teach you the basics of engineering. The practical project will be a strap spanner which will be built in approximately three days worth of work. You start with a practice piece and learn all about drilling, taps and dies, sawing and most of all, filing.

Clay pigeon shooting for sport on a Wednesday afternoon.

Clay Pigeon

I do not wish to give the impression that it is all classroom work though.  There is plenty of time set aside for sports and physical training. There are a huge variety of sports you can choose to do every Wednesday afternoon and various clubs have extra hours after work. I had done swimming in the past, but after realising the full range of sports available to me (and the fact the swimming pool is 100m down the road and free to use) I chose something I never thought I would get the chance to do; Clay Pigeon. February had started off very cold and as a result when I spent my first time clay pigeon shooting I could barely use the shotgun, let alone hit the target. Later on I also took part in the target shooting with the rifle club.

Most of the PT during this period is all about building up strength, and there seems to be no better way to do this than an hour of squats every Tuesday and Friday. Whether you’re throwing 10, 15 or 20kg bags into the air, squatting with weight on your back/shoulders, or lifting up weights and trying to look like an Olympic weightlifter, you’ll know whether you have worked hard because your legs will be like jelly and you will barely be able to get down the stairs. All this however is extremely useful because it builds up your muscles in your legs allowing you to gain a better run time and carry heavy items for longer distances e.g. your back pack on exercise.

So hopefully by the time I write next month’s blog I should have a quicker run time and have completed foundation training. The next chunk of my training is the real meat where I learn my trade as an Armourer.