I've had a good couple of days getting more regiment presentations, PT and drill. The instructors are trying more and more inventive ways of keeping us awake and even more inventive ways to punish us if we do. The funniest being hugging the person to your left in the middle of the lecture theatre.
The guys with glasses were issued their military glasses today so we have a collection of Ronnie lookalikes in the platoon.
This evening was spent prepping kit for our first field exercise that leaves tomorrow, maticulously taping up straps and labeling kit. I have a funny feeling it's going to be harder than it's being made out, but we'll see.
The next one will be longer I promise, when I've got some time to write it properly.
Rob
Thursday 30 September 2010
Wednesday 29 September 2010
Day 16 - half way there
The length of days almost make them feel like two. Anything before lunchtime is the day before in our minds.
We have reached the half way point and I am still here. All be it a very tired version of me. The last two days have been concentrating on choice of arm selection, which basically consists if being subjected to shiny presentations from all of the regiments and corps of the army with the intent of recruiting you later on. In a couple of weeks we will have to express an interest in two regiments which you will confirm subject to interviews etc.
We also conducted rifle shooting on the DCCT, which is basically a life size computer game, which I got the highest score obviously. We also conducted grenade throwing training and tests as well as a night navigation exercise in the rain.
We are now preparing for our first field exercise that leaves Friday, and then again on Tuesday for a further three nights.
We are still working hard as a team, working for the duty cadet which I had the pleasure of fulfilling today.
2 weeks and 1 day and I'll be back. Not that I'm counting.
Keep the texts and messages coming!
Rob
We have reached the half way point and I am still here. All be it a very tired version of me. The last two days have been concentrating on choice of arm selection, which basically consists if being subjected to shiny presentations from all of the regiments and corps of the army with the intent of recruiting you later on. In a couple of weeks we will have to express an interest in two regiments which you will confirm subject to interviews etc.
We also conducted rifle shooting on the DCCT, which is basically a life size computer game, which I got the highest score obviously. We also conducted grenade throwing training and tests as well as a night navigation exercise in the rain.
We are now preparing for our first field exercise that leaves Friday, and then again on Tuesday for a further three nights.
We are still working hard as a team, working for the duty cadet which I had the pleasure of fulfilling today.
2 weeks and 1 day and I'll be back. Not that I'm counting.
Keep the texts and messages coming!
Rob
Sunday 26 September 2010
Day 14 - it's the little things!
The last few days have been quite good. particularly today, we had chapel service today, so we all got dressed up and went down to church for a few hours. It was a welcome relax for most, including those that fell asleep, only to be abruptly woken buy a very angry RSM.
We were then given a couple of hours to sort our personal administration out, most of which was spent asleep. But the best thing was that today we were able to take our cars for a spin around camp to stop the battery becoming flat. Those 15 minutes were carefree with no worries about being late for anything or having a colour sergeant breathing down your neck. We all thought about making a dash for the gate but knew the consequences would be dire. We returned to the car park only to find one of the lads in our platoons car rolling away, with him stopping it. Turns out the handbreak gets stuck on so he never puts it on. It's still in the car park, God knows where now though.
This week hopes to be good with a field exercise, some range work and the begginings of our choice of arm instruction. Tomorrow we are getting lessons on instructional techniques which should be interesting.
I've got my room done in quick time today so I'll be in bed this side of midnight!
Rob
We were then given a couple of hours to sort our personal administration out, most of which was spent asleep. But the best thing was that today we were able to take our cars for a spin around camp to stop the battery becoming flat. Those 15 minutes were carefree with no worries about being late for anything or having a colour sergeant breathing down your neck. We all thought about making a dash for the gate but knew the consequences would be dire. We returned to the car park only to find one of the lads in our platoons car rolling away, with him stopping it. Turns out the handbreak gets stuck on so he never puts it on. It's still in the car park, God knows where now though.
This week hopes to be good with a field exercise, some range work and the begginings of our choice of arm instruction. Tomorrow we are getting lessons on instructional techniques which should be interesting.
I've got my room done in quick time today so I'll be in bed this side of midnight!
Rob
Friday 24 September 2010
Day 12 - what's next?
The first five weeks, we were told, were suppose to shock the 'civilian-ness' out of us, which it is definately in the process of doing. But what we weren't told was just the sheer amount of information we were going to be taking on board.
If we aren't learning the safe handling of weapons or learning new drill techniques on the square, we are cramming officer leadership and management methodologies along side information communication systems concepts. The whole time attempting to keep our heads down, avoiding the enevitable shouting session that a variety of officers and NCOs are itching to deal us. Speaking of which I had my first run in with the CSM, the less said about it the better.
We had a historical tour around RMAS today which was a welcome break from the normally busy schedule, which was actually really interesting. We also got a lecture from the commandant about Army Ethos. he told us that when he was at Sandhurst he weighed 7 stone 9, so it's not just me a skinny as a rake! it wasn't all pleasantries as one of our overseas cadets found out though when he fell asleep during the speech, we all found it utterly hillarious when he came to, and muttered something in Arabic, which only added to the generals anger.
Tomorrow we are going to Aldershot training area to practise some nav ex skills, our first trip out of camp!
Unfortunately we have a platoon commanders room inspection tomorrow morning so I better get some sleep to give me time to finish my room in the morning.
I hope everyone is doing well in my absence. 2 weeks 6 days and I'm back. YAY!
Rob
If we aren't learning the safe handling of weapons or learning new drill techniques on the square, we are cramming officer leadership and management methodologies along side information communication systems concepts. The whole time attempting to keep our heads down, avoiding the enevitable shouting session that a variety of officers and NCOs are itching to deal us. Speaking of which I had my first run in with the CSM, the less said about it the better.
We had a historical tour around RMAS today which was a welcome break from the normally busy schedule, which was actually really interesting. We also got a lecture from the commandant about Army Ethos. he told us that when he was at Sandhurst he weighed 7 stone 9, so it's not just me a skinny as a rake! it wasn't all pleasantries as one of our overseas cadets found out though when he fell asleep during the speech, we all found it utterly hillarious when he came to, and muttered something in Arabic, which only added to the generals anger.
Tomorrow we are going to Aldershot training area to practise some nav ex skills, our first trip out of camp!
Unfortunately we have a platoon commanders room inspection tomorrow morning so I better get some sleep to give me time to finish my room in the morning.
I hope everyone is doing well in my absence. 2 weeks 6 days and I'm back. YAY!
Rob
Wednesday 22 September 2010
Day 10 - routine, routine, routine.
Today comprised of a series of weapons handling and communication information systems lessons. For whom many of use already know, but we still give it our all to seem interested.
The whole platoon is starting to get use to our colour sergeant banging on about routine. Morning routine, training routine, evening routine. Everything is set up to so that we get use to an order of doing things. The only problem is that it is intentionally designed to be so long that it is impossible to fully meet the required tasks in time. Finally realising this we set a limit of when to go to bed and we stick to it. It doesn't make staying awake in lessons any easier but it just takes the edge of it.
We've also started to pick up little tips and tricks not only to make our jobs easier but also to get one over on the DS. Today we sent a team to get a stash of chocolate bars for the platoon, which was the best tasting treat I've had in a long time.
It's funny how you look forward to the little things, like 5 minute breaks, meal times (no matter how short they are), the occasional choclately sweet or the most morale lifting if all, messages home from friends and family, whether it's a full blown letter, a facebook message or even a text. The entire platoon suddenly chirps up when 22.00 comes along because we can have our phones back for a while.
On a sad note we lost one of the platoon today, he decided that army life was not for him and was offered a high paying job in the alcohol industry, he goes home tomorrow. He will be missed and no-one blames him for what he is doing, good luck buddy!
Anyway I'm knackered. Until next time!
Rob xx
The whole platoon is starting to get use to our colour sergeant banging on about routine. Morning routine, training routine, evening routine. Everything is set up to so that we get use to an order of doing things. The only problem is that it is intentionally designed to be so long that it is impossible to fully meet the required tasks in time. Finally realising this we set a limit of when to go to bed and we stick to it. It doesn't make staying awake in lessons any easier but it just takes the edge of it.
We've also started to pick up little tips and tricks not only to make our jobs easier but also to get one over on the DS. Today we sent a team to get a stash of chocolate bars for the platoon, which was the best tasting treat I've had in a long time.
It's funny how you look forward to the little things, like 5 minute breaks, meal times (no matter how short they are), the occasional choclately sweet or the most morale lifting if all, messages home from friends and family, whether it's a full blown letter, a facebook message or even a text. The entire platoon suddenly chirps up when 22.00 comes along because we can have our phones back for a while.
On a sad note we lost one of the platoon today, he decided that army life was not for him and was offered a high paying job in the alcohol industry, he goes home tomorrow. He will be missed and no-one blames him for what he is doing, good luck buddy!
Anyway I'm knackered. Until next time!
Rob xx
Sunday 19 September 2010
Day 7 - Ouch!
Today has been a strange day. Lots of drill, followed by more lessons where a stream of nodding heads from over tired cadets is always found, followed by my personal fitness assessment (which I passed by the way). The day was going well! That was until I played some basketball and twisted my ankle.
I spent the remainder of the evening in various medical waiting rooms waiting to have an x-ray, luckily it's not broken and I'm on my feet so it's back to normal tomorrow!
I'm still waiting for you guys to send me a variety of chocolate and sweets in aid parcels!
Rob
I spent the remainder of the evening in various medical waiting rooms waiting to have an x-ray, luckily it's not broken and I'm on my feet so it's back to normal tomorrow!
I'm still waiting for you guys to send me a variety of chocolate and sweets in aid parcels!
Rob
Friday 17 September 2010
Day 5 - zzzZZZzzzZZZ
I'm feeling a bit sleepy writing this it has to be said.
Every morning we wake up and get 'on the line' (stood in a line outside our rooms) we all sing the national anthem which is then followed by downing a litre bottle of water, for some it is a gag inducing event, but it sets up our hydration for the day. We get ready, sort out our rooms and are ready to start the first lesson of the day. Today we had signals, weapon handling, a visit to the academy library, where we proceeded to fill our pockets up with sweets left unguarded at the reception. We had a gym induction and fitness test and a few more introductory lectures on PT, sport and chaplaincy. We all love the padres because they are a ray of humanity in an otherwise more angry cloudy day.
This evening was spent ironing yet more kit, 'squaring' our rooms away aswell as several hours of boot bulling, which I don't really mind because we can all sit together and chat merrily away whilst shining our shoes. I then spent another hour typing up stuff for the platoon. That's what I get for admitting my degree.
8 platoon is getting on well now, we are all becoming really close, our drill is coming on leaps and bounds and we are avoiding more of the telling offs. We have been joined by 3 overseas cadets, a Saudi, a Jordainian and a Bahraini, who are a real key part of the team. They are funny to be with and are always smiling... mostly.
I am missing home but I am having a good time here despite the tiredness. But as the commandant says "look to the finish".
I wonder if anyone is actually reading this stuff.
Until next time,
Rob.
Every morning we wake up and get 'on the line' (stood in a line outside our rooms) we all sing the national anthem which is then followed by downing a litre bottle of water, for some it is a gag inducing event, but it sets up our hydration for the day. We get ready, sort out our rooms and are ready to start the first lesson of the day. Today we had signals, weapon handling, a visit to the academy library, where we proceeded to fill our pockets up with sweets left unguarded at the reception. We had a gym induction and fitness test and a few more introductory lectures on PT, sport and chaplaincy. We all love the padres because they are a ray of humanity in an otherwise more angry cloudy day.
This evening was spent ironing yet more kit, 'squaring' our rooms away aswell as several hours of boot bulling, which I don't really mind because we can all sit together and chat merrily away whilst shining our shoes. I then spent another hour typing up stuff for the platoon. That's what I get for admitting my degree.
8 platoon is getting on well now, we are all becoming really close, our drill is coming on leaps and bounds and we are avoiding more of the telling offs. We have been joined by 3 overseas cadets, a Saudi, a Jordainian and a Bahraini, who are a real key part of the team. They are funny to be with and are always smiling... mostly.
I am missing home but I am having a good time here despite the tiredness. But as the commandant says "look to the finish".
I wonder if anyone is actually reading this stuff.
Until next time,
Rob.
Wednesday 15 September 2010
Day 3
The past few days have been unbelievably busy, we have been going none stop. We march at about a million miles an hour from lecture to lesson, only stopping for food which is consumed as quickly as we march.
The last 2 days have consisted of a number of lectures ranging from infantry platoon composition to finance and administration. We met the padres who are all top blokes and really nice to chat to. We were issued our uniforms which we've spent both evenings labelling and ironing. We've had various weapons demonstrations, drill lessons (lots of them!), a military swimming test and lots more kit has been issued.
Part of us longs for a classroom lesson just to rest our legs, but that longing fades when the warm cozy hall means you find the sleeping monster creeping up on you, which results in standing up in front of the whole company (not to me yet!).
The camera crew are focusing on one of the other companies so we don't get hassled by them often.
I have so much to say but it's 01.45 and I'm up at 5 so I'll write more when I can.
I'm still missing you all but I'm getting on alright here and I'm keeping happy!
Rob
The last 2 days have consisted of a number of lectures ranging from infantry platoon composition to finance and administration. We met the padres who are all top blokes and really nice to chat to. We were issued our uniforms which we've spent both evenings labelling and ironing. We've had various weapons demonstrations, drill lessons (lots of them!), a military swimming test and lots more kit has been issued.
Part of us longs for a classroom lesson just to rest our legs, but that longing fades when the warm cozy hall means you find the sleeping monster creeping up on you, which results in standing up in front of the whole company (not to me yet!).
The camera crew are focusing on one of the other companies so we don't get hassled by them often.
I have so much to say but it's 01.45 and I'm up at 5 so I'll write more when I can.
I'm still missing you all but I'm getting on alright here and I'm keeping happy!
Rob
Monday 13 September 2010
Day 1 - the chaos begins
I arrived today with mixed emotions about the future that lies ahead of me. Part of me was riddled with anxiety about the challenges that await me. The other part was excited to see if I was up to the task and keen to get going.
We were rushed to our accomodation and dropped off our kit, the mass piles of bags and an impressively long line of ironing boards were a sight to see. We said our goodbyes and the admin started. We were split into companies and platoons and got to meet our colour sergeants for the first time. Ours was a laid back Scot from the 4th scotts. We spent the next 8 hours being forcefed a huge amount of information which we all did our bests to remember. We were then given a couple of hours to complete some tasks for the next day, which took me up until now, 01.30.
It's been busy, or emotional as our colour sergeant would say, but an enlightening day none the less. And I've met some really good blokes too. Tomorrow the real work starts, and at 5.30 I might add!
I hope everyone is well, I am thinking of you all.
If you want to send me letters and/or parcels (and please do) the address is
30046643, OCdt McCrea
8 Platoon
Burma Coy
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
GU154PQ
That's all for now!
We were rushed to our accomodation and dropped off our kit, the mass piles of bags and an impressively long line of ironing boards were a sight to see. We said our goodbyes and the admin started. We were split into companies and platoons and got to meet our colour sergeants for the first time. Ours was a laid back Scot from the 4th scotts. We spent the next 8 hours being forcefed a huge amount of information which we all did our bests to remember. We were then given a couple of hours to complete some tasks for the next day, which took me up until now, 01.30.
It's been busy, or emotional as our colour sergeant would say, but an enlightening day none the less. And I've met some really good blokes too. Tomorrow the real work starts, and at 5.30 I might add!
I hope everyone is well, I am thinking of you all.
If you want to send me letters and/or parcels (and please do) the address is
30046643, OCdt McCrea
8 Platoon
Burma Coy
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
GU154PQ
That's all for now!
Friday 3 September 2010
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst - Rob McCrea
I've had countless friends and family asking me to keep them informed of my 'activities' at Sandhurst. Unfortunately I am fully aware that the little free time I will have, combined with the number of people who want to be kept informed, will make it almost impossible via mobile phone. So I have created this blog that I can cleverly attached to my mobile phone so I can jot down some thoughts and feelings (when I have the time) all in one place.
It will also mean that hopefully I can get some motivational and sympathetic comments from friends and family, and maybe even some fans!
Keep an eye here for posts as and when they arrive.
Rob
It will also mean that hopefully I can get some motivational and sympathetic comments from friends and family, and maybe even some fans!
Keep an eye here for posts as and when they arrive.
Rob
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