From lecture halls to tussock lands

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 315, 28 November 1989, Page 6

From lecture halls to tussock lands

Recruits of the 77th Territorial Force Intake at the Waiouru Training Depot ATG are now undergoing seven weeks' of Military Training. The officer com- rial Force Company manding of the Territo- Major Kevin Ashcroft

has kindly allowed the Empty Page to follow the 77th Intake through their whole time training. One week has passed since the Recruits 219 marched into Waiouru. The recruits training has been demanding and so far nine have been released from the Army. Major Ashcroft has ensured that the Territorial Force soldiers are given the drill, attending many lectures learning weapon handling, working as a team, and at the end of the day taking part in regular Physical Training which is supervised by the Army's Physical Training Instructors. The recruit's PT programme is designed to ensure that they are able to pass the RFL test at the end of their seven week training. To date many recruits have indicated that they are now becoming accustom to their new way of life. The major - ity have said it has been a 'culture shock' coming from a secure

civilian life to comforming to Army Regulations. However the recruits say they look forward to the challenging weeks ahead. The TF soldiers come from all walks of like and vary in occupations. They also differ in ages, ranging from 18 to 24 years old. This week we introduce four recruits to Empty Page readers and shares their impressions of week one. The four were selected at random, without favouritism. We'll follow these recruits during training run regular reports on how they are getting on in their training.

Impressions of week one: "I thought it was going to be really hard, however it is not as bad as what everyone had

told me. I was expecting jungle warfare all the time." "Our instructors have been very supportive however I was expecting the instructors to be strict on the recruits. I started off as the only female in my platoon and have found the men in my platoon very helpful as a team." Amanda Thorpe, 20, student, Waikato University, studying Busi-

ness Management degree. Reason for joining TF: "The territorials have always appealed and interested me. Army recruiters came to my hostel promoting TF. The more I thought about what they told me, the greater was my desire to join. Consequently I went along to the Recruit Day and signed up. Another reason for joining is that I enjoy physical and mental challenges which TF certainly provides."

Impressions of week one: "Frustration, tension, tiredness and satisfaction are some of my feelings that first spring to mind as I reflect back on my first week of basic training. jfe After several days of ' being subjected to rushed meals, hours of drill, inspections and physical training, I was beginning to wonder about Army life after k all. But I think that ev1 " eryone has these doubts and you've just got to put them aside. Already, ^ I have learnt a lot about self discipline and es-

teem and working together as a team. Janine Jameson, 18, student, Auckland University next year to commence Bachelor of Commerce degree. Reason for joining TF: "I have always been interested in the military way of life and the TF appeared to offer all that the Army had to offer, but only on a part time basis.

"The impression of fitness and discipline also appealed to me. I enjoy outdoor activities and th$ TF seemed to be an ideal opportunity to learn many skills etc. The TF is also very suitable for those attending university as a way of earning extra money throughout the year. Impressions of week one: "I arrived three days into training and have been catching up on all the basic information I missed out during that time. So far I have noted that the military way of life is not what people think. People tend to see the glossy side, whereas

Army territorial recruits

From page 6 really there is a lot of hard work and training to be done. Once over the initial orientation I seem to have settled into the routine. It is hard when you have no time to yourself but I feel that I will benefit from the training." Brett Lyons, 20, student, Otago University, 3rd year medicine.

Reason for joining TF: "My father, who was in the Regular Force, got me interested. I'm interested in the physical side, the challenge and the discipline of the army. I wanted to join RF as an officer cadet while at school. Impression of week one: "I initially found settling in very hard, especially being sepa-

rated from my friends from Dunedin. The guys in my platoon are all good with their own strengths and weaknesses which we help each other out with. It is a lot more "full-on" than I had expected but now I am starting to enjoy the challenge.