Self

After a relaxing and well needed weekend, it was back to the normal routine. The morning began with inspections, so everything had to be immaculate - oh well we tried - press ups are good for you anyway! We had weapon training most of the morning which was enjoyable, or would have been if I hadn't trapped my finger in the chamber of the rifle! The rest of the day went well with PT - even though there were three instructors racing around keeping their very keen eyes on us - followed by lectures later in the afternoon. Sadly, Musician Ware left us today, he decided not to pursue a career in music anymore and has enrolled in a sports course at college, we wish him all the best.

Tuesday

Today was mainly weapons training where we were learning the different positions used when firing a weapon. We had a PT lesson and the troop actually got told we are improving! The highlight of the day has to be tea and biscuits at the Chaplaincy though!

Wednesday

We all passed our rounds inspection this morning and haven't got them again until Monday - Hooray! After rounds we went on a three mile run during PT, just what we needed to celebrate passing rounds! Before lunch saw us having an alcohol abuse lecture. In the afternoon we had a signals lesson where Bugler Challis and I kept dropping off to sleep and so had to stand up practically all afternoon! We were all sad to see another member of the troop go today, Musician Benn. He decided he did not want to do music anymore and we all wish him luck in whatever he decides to do in the future.

Thursday

If you ask any of our troop what the highlight of the day was, you will get the same answer from everyone - DRILL. "Drill" I hear you gasp… the reason for this was that our drill instructor, Sergeant Whysall, showed the troop a new way of changing from quicktime to slowtime. This involved his legs flying about and landing on his backside in true cartoon style! Of course we laughed and found it very hard to keep a straight face for the rest of the morning. In the afternoon we had a wonderful PT session of circuit training which absolutely killed us all, but we were rewarded with the rest of the afternoon off.

Friday

Drill first thing this morning involved us marching alongside the Training Band enabling us to practice marching to music, so our morning was enjoyable. We also had a signals lesson, where we got to communicate using radios, and a map reading lesson where we all learnt how to fold a map properly - except for Musician Cleverly who somehow manage to fold his map to half the size of everyone else's!

Saturday

At last the weekend is here, and with weapon training in the morning we had the rest of the day to ourselves. The rest of the day involved the troop getting together in the evening for a drink (or two) in the cheapest pub we could find.

Sunday

Again another day to ourselves, except for church parade in the morning where we all sang very enthusiastically - mentioning no names, Musician King! We were all looking forward to an early night once we have got our kit sorted out and accommodation ready for inspection.