First Day

Day 1 started rather early at around 5 am. Not because one of the corporals decided that would be a good way to shape up the new recruits but rather that the more mature recruits tend to start their days early. A comfort break a cup of tea a little bit of housework etc.. and so by 6 am the block was a hive of activity.

I relented about 6:10 and stored from bed we had until 7:30 to get ready enough time for us all to get ready for the day ahead.

First off we marched to the mess for breakfast and pick up our packed lunches. Fry up for me today but I can't see that lasting past a day or two before I need to switch to the healthy option. A couple of hours marching around the base followed on a familiarisation tour, should have broken the boots in a bit more.

Then a brief from the training Sergeant and we were on to the GSK exam. It was all going well for me until I hit what should have been the easiest of questions and a mind blank. But paper completed and handed in we would all have to wait and see how we did.

The afternoon was spent on classroom lessons which as always were expertly run by the corporals. It can't be easy switching from teaching 17/18 year olds and then to a group of 20-50 yew at olds but they do it with some style. These young guys would be a credit to any blue chip organisation and certainly outstrip a lot of trainers in divvy street. (they might have to tone down the language a bit however)

GSK results followed and I passed with 86%. 80 was a pass and I was a little disappointed I didn't do better but pass I did. All my peers from 606 passed with good marks do we were well pleased that was out of the way.

This evening after dinner (which was excellent) was given over to cleaning the block for tomorrows inspection and I must say the teamwork was fantastic and I think we have done an excellent job. Whether the corporals think so in the morning is yet to be seen.

As we have no planned phys to do during training most lads wanted to do some gym work or running this evening so after the block was done I headed off with a couple if lads for a little run. 11k and just over an hour later we were back at the block, how I managed that I will never know. I'd only ever run 10k 3 times in my life, lets hope I can still walk tomorrow.

Tomorrow we have a quick test in today's lessons and some more theory.

Until tomorrow.

Dave