Initial experiences

Hi all,

This is the first opportunity I've had to access a PC - it's literally been non-stop every day from 6 'til 10:30. We're all really tired but also enjoying every minute of it.

The first week was mainly death by Powerpoint. Lots of lectures/welcomes. I'm in Cornwell division, starboard class (each entry has a port and starboard class, from week 3 we each earn points for various things - drill exam, assault course, exams, etc. and there's a trophy up for grabs to the class with most points at the end of week 9).

We had several pass/fail fitness tests too, mainly the 1.5m run and swimming test. There are lots of tests throughout training which you need to pass in order to progress. Failure results in recieving "remedial" training in the evening - which eats into your spare time. I passed these without any problems.

Scran (food) isn't too bad, there's lots of choice (toast and/or cereal and/or full-english at breakfast; 4 choices of lunch and a salad-bar; 4 choices of dinner and a make-your-own omlette, followed by desert). Certainly getting a much needed high calorie intake!

The second week was more involved, we did lots of outside activities like the low ropes, some team-building excersises and more running. The lectures were more interesting and some led to extra privileges. After the "Marks of Respect" lesson we could freely move around the base without supervision. If an Officer walks past, you come to attention, salute, he'll salute back and you both carry on. It's pretty weird at first but soon becomes normal like other Naval traditions.

Next week we have our first kit muster, parade exam, ship/submarine visit and Pier Cellars (an old harbour used by Raleigh and used as a team-bonding, let-your-hair-down experience. We'll get 3 cans of beer, do a lot of orienteering and perform a Sod's Opera in the evening - basically extracting the urine out of our instructors, can't wait! Week 4

I'd go into more detail, but time is very limited at the moment