New Recruits Diary Week Three
Week 3 has now flown by and the Troop are astonished by how quick the days and weeks are going. We have all settled in well and are getting together and working as one.
Monday saw a day of weapons training, PT and signals lectures with the photographic memory of our clockwork soldier - Musician Richardson - being a source of amusement and awe for all.
Tuesday was full of panic with everyone preparing for Colour Sergeant Basford's rounds on Wednesday. Ironing Rig, polishing shoes, cleaning and folding clothes to Blue Band Magazine size (A4) dominated our time. Following a late night and an early rise at 0500, inspection began and was successfully passed by all. The Troop were extremely pleased and relieved.
Wednesday brought drill, swimming and even more signals lectures. The term 'nodeye' became apparent to us during these lectures - the nodding action as recruits fall asleep!
More drill followed on Thursday which Sergeant Smith was not too happy with, it didn't go well to say the least! People turning right when he said left, not having straight arms ( a skill which Long Hag - Musician Young is getting very good at, much to Sergeant Smiths annoyance) and not marching on our heels - it did not look like being a good day. A few moments spare whilst waiting for our next detail saw the Troop burst out into the 12 Days of Christmas (led by Bug Vyse) in anticipation for our pass out and our Christmas leave. A one and a half mile Troop run and a one and a half mile individual run followed a session of swimming during which we had to jump off the diving board - probably one of the most daunting moments of my life. Bug Johnson impressed all and caused raucous laughter by diving off the top board in comparison to everybody else's feeble jumps. The whole Troop were hanging out afterwards (Marine talk for being extremely tired). A fairly relaxing evening followed with socialising amongst the Troop and us planning our presentations for Jersey.
Friday was a good day with drill, which went well, map reading and signals lectures. An early finish allowed us to do our admin before scran and gave us some unexpected shore leave. Our only hiccup that day was when Musician Naylor got severely yelled at for chewing gum on parade! Silly girl!!
No work on Saturday brought cheers of delight and many smiles, followed by shore leave. Plenty of fun and Troop bonding allowed for much discussion at scran on Sunday morning.
The Troop attended the Annual Royal Marines Band Service Memorial Service at the Cathedral on Sunday morning at which the Portsmouth Orchestra played - we were all extremely impressed. Sunday afternoon was filled with an unveiling of a Memorial Stone, dedicated to those members of the Band Service who were killed in the Second World War. We attended the ceremony - our first public appearance - and then looked around the Royal Marines Museum. Everyone was eager to get back to the base so we could go ashore.
Our only musical experience so far came last Friday on Musician Thompson's birthday. Happy Birthday sung in harmony in the gym created a look of amusement on the PTI's face, obviously impressed by our skills as a Troop, or should I say choir.
Amongst our preparations for our locker inspection, the girls took time out to dress up as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, aided by our sleeping bags and battle bowlers. (See photo).
We are now a quarter of the way through our basic training and are full of confidence and enthusiasm. We are looking forward to our week in Jersey for the Resource and Initiative Training phase and our long weekend leave. We are also looking forward to the next challenges set by the Training Team in the following weeks.
Musician Kedditty
Teenage Musician Ninja Turtles
