We had a lay-in today! 7:30 for a final 8:30 inspection before we left our block for the last time. The only problem was 99% of us were nursing sizeable hangovers from the end of course drinks.
Our final dispersal was overseen by an officer of the RAF Reserves and it was a great pleasure to see our OC from 606 Squadron.
Each successful member of the course was given a certificate of completion and course photo.
There were also three special awards for Top Student which went to a very deserving member of 606. Top score in the indoor range which was 70/70 apparently the first time this had been done, beating my 69/70, and Top Shot which went to Me :-) for my shooting on the 25m range.
This course was much tougher than I had imagined and as was pointed out it is not an attendance course. 22 out of 24 passed the course due to the determination of the students and the excellent teaching of the four Corporals. But 2 students did not make it through, this was a setback for the course as we all wanted our colleagues to pass, however it also highlighted the sense of achievement the rest of us had earned.
I met some great people on the course and strengthened the friendships with my 606 colleagues.
Thanks to Corporal E, Corporal C , Corporal M and Corporal F. (So called as F was his favourite word!)
Onwards to Flight Ops training in 2 weeks.
Dave (AC Beatley)
Monday, April 30, 2012
Final Exercise Part 2
"Wake up 3 section" came the call. It didn't feel like 2:45 and looking at my watch it looked more like 12:45. Bugger someone had woken up the wrong section, or had they, maybe this was the first test. So despite hearing 2 section getting ready we donned our kit and boots to report for duty. As I arrived 2 section were just getting their barracking "I said I'd wake you when I needed you now go back to bed". So 3 section were required after all.
I was given guard duty first with one other while two there's manned the CP and the remaining 5 were assigned as the quick reaction force.
Call sign 1-1, we were given notice that a vehicle was expected at 01:45. At 01:25 the lights of a vehicle approached. "Hello one zero this is one one, vehicle approaching wait out". I'd got the radio check done now to check the vehicle. It turned out to be the expected vehicle and after seeing some ID and confirming the vehicle had come straight from another base, we opened the gate. First job done and we switched roles and I headed to the QRF.
We then received IDF, indirect fire, and after taking cover we were asked to go out on patrol to look for damage or casualties. After a few mins we came across a casualty and after setting up a cordon and assessing the casualty we loaded them onto a stretcher and returned to base. I then had a final uneventful hour on guard duty before being relieved by 2 section and we went back to bed.
At 5 then we were back up and given 2 hours to wash, shave, remove all camo cream, cook breakfast and clean our rifles before inspection at 7. I ended up rushing my rifle cleaning and paid the price when the inspection came, not a great start to the day.
Next we had to break camp and get all the tents away. We were then issued our 60 rounds of black ammo, told to pack up with webbing, helmet, GSR, Bergen and rifle and prepare to move out. We then patrolled across to a large field where we were given lessons on judging distances, observation and arcs of fire. I wish we had more time on the course to learn and apply these skills properly.
During these lessons the heavens opened and in the time it took me to reach my gore tex I was soaked. Lessons continued with advancing under fire in pairs by covering and communicating when each of you was going to move. We then moved off for lunch and during lunch we had to camouflage our helmets with grass and leaves.
After lunch we then started one of the best parts of the whole 2 weeks, a simulated attack on an enemy position in pairs with 60 rounds each.
I was determined to show what I had learned and to be controlled and effective. A smoke grenade was thrown ahead of us and under this cover the two of us moved into a trench system and came under contact.
"CONTACT FRONT" returning fire It was almost impossible to hear my partner and after 4-5 shots I had not heard him shout MOVING, so I decided to move. As I did so he also decided to move and the pair of us advanced together with no cover. Oops!
This however was probably eclipsed by me attempting to run from the trench, falling over, getting up, stumbling over again before finally gaining my footing to make it to cover. IN. MOVE. I shouted and we began to work as a pair although I had no idea where my parter was. I was also cross that I had lost count of my shots so had no way of knowing when my first 30 round mag would be finished. All this time the enemy were pouring automatic fire in our direction.
Another bound took me to a log and the next bound I headed for a drainage pipe. I took up a position behind the pipe at which point I heard GET IN THE ******* PIPE BEATLEY YOU ******* IDIOT. So now I am crawling through a pipe that I can't see the end of and have no idea where it leads, halfway down I reached a junction and saw the Corporal gesturing former to get out. I crawled out and started engaging the enemy again, in the back of my mind I was thinking I might need to Chang magazines soon. I then heard my parter shout STOPPAGE and realised he was changing mags. I upped my fire rate to compensate but after a few shots I also emptied my mag. STOPPAGE! Damn why did I let that happen, a quick mag change and the corporal suggested I switch the burst fire, automatic in other words. I didn't need a second invitation and opened up with several 2-3 round bursts. I had soon emptied the second mag and the exercise was called to a close. All I wanted was another go.
Getting back to the group, everyone had a big smile on their faces from the blank firing challenge. All that remained now was to pack up and patrol back to the hanger to de-kit and head back to the block.
We got back to the block around 18:00 totally shattered and relieved that we had come through the course. The only final challenge was to meet at the pub at 19:15 to bring the course to a close. Despite the exertions of the previous two days and night we still managed a post midnight finish.
It was also a nice opportunity to talk to the four lads who had taken us through our training. I cannot praise them enough for the excellent course they run and their ability to teach us reserves ranging in age from our 20s to 50s.
Dave (AC Beatley)
I was given guard duty first with one other while two there's manned the CP and the remaining 5 were assigned as the quick reaction force.
Call sign 1-1, we were given notice that a vehicle was expected at 01:45. At 01:25 the lights of a vehicle approached. "Hello one zero this is one one, vehicle approaching wait out". I'd got the radio check done now to check the vehicle. It turned out to be the expected vehicle and after seeing some ID and confirming the vehicle had come straight from another base, we opened the gate. First job done and we switched roles and I headed to the QRF.
We then received IDF, indirect fire, and after taking cover we were asked to go out on patrol to look for damage or casualties. After a few mins we came across a casualty and after setting up a cordon and assessing the casualty we loaded them onto a stretcher and returned to base. I then had a final uneventful hour on guard duty before being relieved by 2 section and we went back to bed.
At 5 then we were back up and given 2 hours to wash, shave, remove all camo cream, cook breakfast and clean our rifles before inspection at 7. I ended up rushing my rifle cleaning and paid the price when the inspection came, not a great start to the day.
Next we had to break camp and get all the tents away. We were then issued our 60 rounds of black ammo, told to pack up with webbing, helmet, GSR, Bergen and rifle and prepare to move out. We then patrolled across to a large field where we were given lessons on judging distances, observation and arcs of fire. I wish we had more time on the course to learn and apply these skills properly.
During these lessons the heavens opened and in the time it took me to reach my gore tex I was soaked. Lessons continued with advancing under fire in pairs by covering and communicating when each of you was going to move. We then moved off for lunch and during lunch we had to camouflage our helmets with grass and leaves.
After lunch we then started one of the best parts of the whole 2 weeks, a simulated attack on an enemy position in pairs with 60 rounds each.
I was determined to show what I had learned and to be controlled and effective. A smoke grenade was thrown ahead of us and under this cover the two of us moved into a trench system and came under contact.
"CONTACT FRONT" returning fire It was almost impossible to hear my partner and after 4-5 shots I had not heard him shout MOVING, so I decided to move. As I did so he also decided to move and the pair of us advanced together with no cover. Oops!
This however was probably eclipsed by me attempting to run from the trench, falling over, getting up, stumbling over again before finally gaining my footing to make it to cover. IN. MOVE. I shouted and we began to work as a pair although I had no idea where my parter was. I was also cross that I had lost count of my shots so had no way of knowing when my first 30 round mag would be finished. All this time the enemy were pouring automatic fire in our direction.
Another bound took me to a log and the next bound I headed for a drainage pipe. I took up a position behind the pipe at which point I heard GET IN THE ******* PIPE BEATLEY YOU ******* IDIOT. So now I am crawling through a pipe that I can't see the end of and have no idea where it leads, halfway down I reached a junction and saw the Corporal gesturing former to get out. I crawled out and started engaging the enemy again, in the back of my mind I was thinking I might need to Chang magazines soon. I then heard my parter shout STOPPAGE and realised he was changing mags. I upped my fire rate to compensate but after a few shots I also emptied my mag. STOPPAGE! Damn why did I let that happen, a quick mag change and the corporal suggested I switch the burst fire, automatic in other words. I didn't need a second invitation and opened up with several 2-3 round bursts. I had soon emptied the second mag and the exercise was called to a close. All I wanted was another go.
Getting back to the group, everyone had a big smile on their faces from the blank firing challenge. All that remained now was to pack up and patrol back to the hanger to de-kit and head back to the block.
We got back to the block around 18:00 totally shattered and relieved that we had come through the course. The only final challenge was to meet at the pub at 19:15 to bring the course to a close. Despite the exertions of the previous two days and night we still managed a post midnight finish.
It was also a nice opportunity to talk to the four lads who had taken us through our training. I cannot praise them enough for the excellent course they run and their ability to teach us reserves ranging in age from our 20s to 50s.
Dave (AC Beatley)
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Final Exercise
Thursday marked the start of our final phase of training and would turn out to be the most demanding and rewarding two days of the course.
Before the exercise however we had to pass the CBRN theory and practical tests. So packed up with Webbing, helmet, respirator, Bergen with full kit including sleeping bags and roll mats we headed off for the days training.
The theory test went well for me, another 100% but this is testament to the course rather than my ability to learn. We were then into full CBRN kit for the practical test.
Despite a small flap with my drill I managed to get the respirator on in 9 secs and complete some of the other drills outside before heading into the CS gas environment for the remaining tests.
The first drill involved decontaminating the face and head for which the respirator needs to be removed. After my last appointment with CS, this was not a prospect I was looking forward too. Helmet off, hood down, a deep breath and close the eyes and the respirator is off. Straight away the CS burns the exposed sweaty skin but this is where the training kicks in. Keep calm and keep the eyes shut and it's no where near as bad as the other day. Respirator back on and a sharp breath out the clear the gas and I'm breathing again with just a little of the gas in my nose. We had to repeat this task 5 times and each time I looked to my buddy next to me and the look in his eyes must have been the same as mine for we both understood. Do we really have to do this again! With some hesitance but increasing confidence we finished off the remaining 4 removals and then the final drill of eating and we were back in the fresh air. All relieved and all passed, a great feeling.
We then had a full kit inspection ahead of the night exercise to ensure we all had the correct kit and were not taking anything we didn't need. The kit was heavy enough. Lessons on map reading, IEDs and then tents followed. We were briefed by the Sergeant on the forthcoming exercise and given a basic introduction to patrolling as a section.
We then set up camp with 6 tents for the 3 sections plus wash tent, quick reaction force tent and command post. Next we were given an introduction to reaction to effective enemy fire. This involved the leopard crawl, the classic army style belly crawl and the monkey run, a kind of knee drag. This was practiced on an open field and even 25m of movement was extremely tiring. We then moved in bounds over maybe 100-125m in short running bursts. By the end of this with just empty webbing and a rifle we were all puffing pretty hard. It's hard to imagine how hard this is in Afgan with full kit, radios, water, ammo and body armour in 40 degree heat.
We returned to camp for a lesson on the 24h ration pack and I had beef stew with sliced apple pudding. The rest of the rations were packed away for tomorrow.
It was then back to the hanger to get a lesson on face camo. Basically the idea us to apply a light brown base coat enough to make the face dirty and then add darker streaks to break up the shape of the face. We were warned not to look like a Malteaser. After a while three of the team wee placed out front so we could observe their work, and in true 3 bears fashion one was too light, one was too dark and one was just right. The lad with the dark face looked hilarious as if he was part of the black and white minstrel show.
Back to base camp then and 1 section were on first watch from 11-1, 2 section from 1-3 and my 3 section from 3-5 with everyone getting up at 5. So at least we had 4 hours sleep to look forward to. I got into my bivvy bag with my Rifle, I wasn't going to let anyone get hold of it while I slept and settled down for the night.
Dave
Before the exercise however we had to pass the CBRN theory and practical tests. So packed up with Webbing, helmet, respirator, Bergen with full kit including sleeping bags and roll mats we headed off for the days training.
The theory test went well for me, another 100% but this is testament to the course rather than my ability to learn. We were then into full CBRN kit for the practical test.
Despite a small flap with my drill I managed to get the respirator on in 9 secs and complete some of the other drills outside before heading into the CS gas environment for the remaining tests.
The first drill involved decontaminating the face and head for which the respirator needs to be removed. After my last appointment with CS, this was not a prospect I was looking forward too. Helmet off, hood down, a deep breath and close the eyes and the respirator is off. Straight away the CS burns the exposed sweaty skin but this is where the training kicks in. Keep calm and keep the eyes shut and it's no where near as bad as the other day. Respirator back on and a sharp breath out the clear the gas and I'm breathing again with just a little of the gas in my nose. We had to repeat this task 5 times and each time I looked to my buddy next to me and the look in his eyes must have been the same as mine for we both understood. Do we really have to do this again! With some hesitance but increasing confidence we finished off the remaining 4 removals and then the final drill of eating and we were back in the fresh air. All relieved and all passed, a great feeling.
We then had a full kit inspection ahead of the night exercise to ensure we all had the correct kit and were not taking anything we didn't need. The kit was heavy enough. Lessons on map reading, IEDs and then tents followed. We were briefed by the Sergeant on the forthcoming exercise and given a basic introduction to patrolling as a section.
We then set up camp with 6 tents for the 3 sections plus wash tent, quick reaction force tent and command post. Next we were given an introduction to reaction to effective enemy fire. This involved the leopard crawl, the classic army style belly crawl and the monkey run, a kind of knee drag. This was practiced on an open field and even 25m of movement was extremely tiring. We then moved in bounds over maybe 100-125m in short running bursts. By the end of this with just empty webbing and a rifle we were all puffing pretty hard. It's hard to imagine how hard this is in Afgan with full kit, radios, water, ammo and body armour in 40 degree heat.
We returned to camp for a lesson on the 24h ration pack and I had beef stew with sliced apple pudding. The rest of the rations were packed away for tomorrow.
It was then back to the hanger to get a lesson on face camo. Basically the idea us to apply a light brown base coat enough to make the face dirty and then add darker streaks to break up the shape of the face. We were warned not to look like a Malteaser. After a while three of the team wee placed out front so we could observe their work, and in true 3 bears fashion one was too light, one was too dark and one was just right. The lad with the dark face looked hilarious as if he was part of the black and white minstrel show.
Back to base camp then and 1 section were on first watch from 11-1, 2 section from 1-3 and my 3 section from 3-5 with everyone getting up at 5. So at least we had 4 hours sleep to look forward to. I got into my bivvy bag with my Rifle, I wasn't going to let anyone get hold of it while I slept and settled down for the night.
Dave
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Day 12
We were afforded the luxury of a little extra time in bed today as we had no special duties to perform before breakfast. This little extra sleep really helped as I was pretty tired from yesterday's CBRN training.
Today then we had a little more theory to digest before moving on in the afternoon to some more drills. Nuclear attack and self administering injections in a chemical environment among others. Today then should have marked the end if our CBRN training with a final trip the the gas chamber, I mean confirmation testing facility, to demonstrate our drills in a hostile environment. No cheeky breaths or open eyes while changing our respirators then.
We were however disappointed to find out the CTF had been double booked and we would have to delay the test until tomorrow. Another day of nervous anticipation. Instead we practiced all the drills again in the hanger. Hot and timing work in full IPE kit with suit, rubber overboots, rubber gloves, respirator, hood and helmet.
This evening then we had more practice to complete, revision for the CRBN practical first thing, kit cleaning but most importantly our packing for tomorrow nights 24h exercise.
Tomorrow we will be putting all our training into action with an exercise where we will play the part of a defending force whilst being attacked I am sure frequently. So tomorrow we have webbing with ammo, rations, mess tins, water bottle etc... Bergens with clothing, sleeping bags and personal admin items, Respirator, CBRN suit and Rifle to carry!
No blog tomorrow as I'll be up all night on sentry duty probably so an update when we get back on Friday. Unless I become a POW :-)
Dave (AC Beatley)
Today then we had a little more theory to digest before moving on in the afternoon to some more drills. Nuclear attack and self administering injections in a chemical environment among others. Today then should have marked the end if our CBRN training with a final trip the the gas chamber, I mean confirmation testing facility, to demonstrate our drills in a hostile environment. No cheeky breaths or open eyes while changing our respirators then.
We were however disappointed to find out the CTF had been double booked and we would have to delay the test until tomorrow. Another day of nervous anticipation. Instead we practiced all the drills again in the hanger. Hot and timing work in full IPE kit with suit, rubber overboots, rubber gloves, respirator, hood and helmet.
This evening then we had more practice to complete, revision for the CRBN practical first thing, kit cleaning but most importantly our packing for tomorrow nights 24h exercise.
Tomorrow we will be putting all our training into action with an exercise where we will play the part of a defending force whilst being attacked I am sure frequently. So tomorrow we have webbing with ammo, rations, mess tins, water bottle etc... Bergens with clothing, sleeping bags and personal admin items, Respirator, CBRN suit and Rifle to carry!
No blog tomorrow as I'll be up all night on sentry duty probably so an update when we get back on Friday. Unless I become a POW :-)
Dave (AC Beatley)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Gas Gas Gas
What a day!
Today started pretty early at around 5am as we had to have breakfast before the Warrant Officers inspection at 7:25. 2 and a half hours souls a long time to get ready but the time races by when you have so much to get spot on. At the end of the inspection it seemed as if we had passed with what was somewhere close to flying colours.
So down the the hanger to start the day of CBRN training and we started off with some very lengthy classroom sessions on drills and respirator fitting. There is an awful lot to learn in terms of the sequences in which you must perform each task. This is important for obvious reasons in a chemical or biological environment.
After lunch we were detailed to report in dress state 4. This meant our normal uniform plus CBRN suit, a fabric suit containing a layer of charcoal, rubber overboots, cotton and rubber outer gloves and hood with helmet. Believe me even in the cool Spring day I was already sweating.
In the suit we carried out the drills we had learned in the morning. Masking up which we had to do in 9 seconds. Decontamination of our face, respirator, hair, ears and neck. Taking a tablet or eating and the drinking drill.
Then we were onto the final and most dreaded stage, the CTF confirmation training facility or the Gas Chamber to you and me.
We were all to be exposed to CS gas by first entering the room to ensure our kit was protecting us and then removing the respirator. The training serves a number of purposes. Gain confidence in the protection offered by the kit. Understand the effects of CS and allow you to try and remain calm when exposed to a little of the gas which I think is yet to come.
So filing into the gas filled room and I could smell nothing, feel nothing or taste anything funny. One by one we were called forward and asked to remove our respirators, place them away and state our name rank and number. One lad went before me and removed his kit and started to cough and struggle to speak to the corporal and was finally ushered out of the exit.
My turn. I was expecting a stinging to the eyes like perhaps bonfire smoke along with a runny nose and for the gas to make me cough again like smoke and for the effects to take a few seconds to take effect. As soon as my kit was off I felt a stinging to my face like an intense sunburn, followed by my eyes burning like having rubbed them with chillies and the almost instant cough from a burning in the throat and mouth. I blurted out my main 3 and then the corporal asked me another question, I choked a response then another question and another choked response. By this time I really wanted to get out a final question and I had no air left to form a response and I was thrown out into the air to recover. The stinging grew worse for a few seconds and my nose and mouth were streaming, this soon subsided after a walk and ensuring I did not rub my eyes or nose.
Lesson learned. The kit works well, I never want to be gassed again and so I'll pay attention to ensuring my drills are completed correctly.
So a long and tiring day and lots of cleaning of kit tonight to remove the CS effects and lots of respirator practice.
Tomorrow is the last day of CBRN before we move to field craft and our overnight exercise. I cant wait to put all our training into practice on Thursday night.
Dave (AC Beatley)
Today started pretty early at around 5am as we had to have breakfast before the Warrant Officers inspection at 7:25. 2 and a half hours souls a long time to get ready but the time races by when you have so much to get spot on. At the end of the inspection it seemed as if we had passed with what was somewhere close to flying colours.
So down the the hanger to start the day of CBRN training and we started off with some very lengthy classroom sessions on drills and respirator fitting. There is an awful lot to learn in terms of the sequences in which you must perform each task. This is important for obvious reasons in a chemical or biological environment.
After lunch we were detailed to report in dress state 4. This meant our normal uniform plus CBRN suit, a fabric suit containing a layer of charcoal, rubber overboots, cotton and rubber outer gloves and hood with helmet. Believe me even in the cool Spring day I was already sweating.
In the suit we carried out the drills we had learned in the morning. Masking up which we had to do in 9 seconds. Decontamination of our face, respirator, hair, ears and neck. Taking a tablet or eating and the drinking drill.
Then we were onto the final and most dreaded stage, the CTF confirmation training facility or the Gas Chamber to you and me.
We were all to be exposed to CS gas by first entering the room to ensure our kit was protecting us and then removing the respirator. The training serves a number of purposes. Gain confidence in the protection offered by the kit. Understand the effects of CS and allow you to try and remain calm when exposed to a little of the gas which I think is yet to come.
So filing into the gas filled room and I could smell nothing, feel nothing or taste anything funny. One by one we were called forward and asked to remove our respirators, place them away and state our name rank and number. One lad went before me and removed his kit and started to cough and struggle to speak to the corporal and was finally ushered out of the exit.
My turn. I was expecting a stinging to the eyes like perhaps bonfire smoke along with a runny nose and for the gas to make me cough again like smoke and for the effects to take a few seconds to take effect. As soon as my kit was off I felt a stinging to my face like an intense sunburn, followed by my eyes burning like having rubbed them with chillies and the almost instant cough from a burning in the throat and mouth. I blurted out my main 3 and then the corporal asked me another question, I choked a response then another question and another choked response. By this time I really wanted to get out a final question and I had no air left to form a response and I was thrown out into the air to recover. The stinging grew worse for a few seconds and my nose and mouth were streaming, this soon subsided after a walk and ensuring I did not rub my eyes or nose.
Lesson learned. The kit works well, I never want to be gassed again and so I'll pay attention to ensuring my drills are completed correctly.
So a long and tiring day and lots of cleaning of kit tonight to remove the CS effects and lots of respirator practice.
Tomorrow is the last day of CBRN before we move to field craft and our overnight exercise. I cant wait to put all our training into practice on Thursday night.
Dave (AC Beatley)
Monday, April 23, 2012
Day 10
Today marked the start of our CRBN training so we had a lot of kit to prep for the day ahead. Hopefully we had all remembered to bring everything as last Monday we received a bit of a dressing down.
The day started with the first aid test to see if we could recall the weekends training. All but 1 passed so not a bad result and hopefully another re-sit tomorrow will ensure we have all passed.
So onto CBRN and using the new respirator which is a fantastic piece of kit. We had lessons on how to fit it, use it and clean it which we will be doing for the next 3 nights. We also started to learn about the different types of agents which could be deployed and how to counter them.
After lunch we got what we had been waiting for, another dressing down. Again it was deserved for a couple of transgressions and we all know why we need to sharpen up our training if we are to complete this course and become an effective member of the RAF. So several kit inspections and repacking drills later it had been firmly hammered home. Hopefully no more slip ups. The old adage firm but fair could easily be applied to the corporals here.
So onto the CBRN suit and wow it's hot. Even in a coolish climate like Wendover it got absolutely redders in the suit within a minute or so. Trousers, coat, rubber boots, hood up, cotton gloves, rubber gloves and respirator complete the kit. In the desert this must be unbearable. I had developed a good sweat just dressing and undressing. The chamber awaits tomorrow when we will rest with CS gas.
Tonight however has been all about the block and tomorrows inspection by the Warrant Officer. As usual the teamwork was great and the place is gleaming with uniform pressed, respirators cleaned and kit ready for tomorrow. An early start awaits as we have to have breakfast before the inspection before moving down to the hanger for the days training.
Nervous anticipation for tomorrow then to have a faultless inspection and also to ensure we don't let our Corporals down again. They work hard for our benefit and they just ask that we do the same.
Dave (AC Beatley)
The day started with the first aid test to see if we could recall the weekends training. All but 1 passed so not a bad result and hopefully another re-sit tomorrow will ensure we have all passed.
So onto CBRN and using the new respirator which is a fantastic piece of kit. We had lessons on how to fit it, use it and clean it which we will be doing for the next 3 nights. We also started to learn about the different types of agents which could be deployed and how to counter them.
After lunch we got what we had been waiting for, another dressing down. Again it was deserved for a couple of transgressions and we all know why we need to sharpen up our training if we are to complete this course and become an effective member of the RAF. So several kit inspections and repacking drills later it had been firmly hammered home. Hopefully no more slip ups. The old adage firm but fair could easily be applied to the corporals here.
So onto the CBRN suit and wow it's hot. Even in a coolish climate like Wendover it got absolutely redders in the suit within a minute or so. Trousers, coat, rubber boots, hood up, cotton gloves, rubber gloves and respirator complete the kit. In the desert this must be unbearable. I had developed a good sweat just dressing and undressing. The chamber awaits tomorrow when we will rest with CS gas.
Tonight however has been all about the block and tomorrows inspection by the Warrant Officer. As usual the teamwork was great and the place is gleaming with uniform pressed, respirators cleaned and kit ready for tomorrow. An early start awaits as we have to have breakfast before the inspection before moving down to the hanger for the days training.
Nervous anticipation for tomorrow then to have a faultless inspection and also to ensure we don't let our Corporals down again. They work hard for our benefit and they just ask that we do the same.
Dave (AC Beatley)
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Day 9
We are well over half way through the course now and the days are flying by. The pace last week was relentless and the weekends do allow for a slightly slower pace, that said however after the day is done there is still washing, ironing, boots and kit prep for the next day to do. As well as the ever present revision.
Today we had our final first aid lessons and some practical work before we took our resuscitation practical test. The whole course got a green light which was fantastic so we just have the final theory test tomorrow and we can move on the CBRN training.
CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) covers the protection against such attacks. So we have lessons on the respirator ( gas mask) and chemical suits to undertake. This will culminate in a trip to the test facility where we will try out our kit against a room full of CS gas.
No training today as the legs ate quite tired as well as the mind. One of the corporals did offer to show us a 7 mile route taking in 7 of the largest hills in the area, but it didn't seem like a popular idea in the mess tonight.
Maybe tomorrow Corporal!
Dave (AC Beatley)
Today we had our final first aid lessons and some practical work before we took our resuscitation practical test. The whole course got a green light which was fantastic so we just have the final theory test tomorrow and we can move on the CBRN training.
CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) covers the protection against such attacks. So we have lessons on the respirator ( gas mask) and chemical suits to undertake. This will culminate in a trip to the test facility where we will try out our kit against a room full of CS gas.
No training today as the legs ate quite tired as well as the mind. One of the corporals did offer to show us a 7 mile route taking in 7 of the largest hills in the area, but it didn't seem like a popular idea in the mess tonight.
Maybe tomorrow Corporal!
Dave (AC Beatley)
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