TF recruits home

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 322, 6 February 1990, Page 6

TF recruits home

From page 4 hand grenade, grenade launcher and rocket launcher, so our attitudes changed to respect them and the importance of safety precautions. As soon as we started having to clean our Steyrs the novelty wore off and they became a cleaning nightmare. "We learnt about camouflage and concealment, giving fire control orders, judging distances and how to make a ration pack remotely edible. With

this knowledge fresh in our minds, we 'attacked' Karioi State Forest in search for an elusive enemy. There in the field, we were able to apply most of the theory we had learned, including ambushing and digging 'shell scrapes' in the wee hours of the morning. "The Regular Force Instructors were excellent and without them I do not think I would have carried on with the whole training. "I wish I had now joined the Regular Force as an officer but I'm proud to have completed my training and I will no doubt miss the friends I made during my seven weeks of Army life." Rebecca Easterbrook 19, student Otago University, studying Commerce and Law. 'Overall I've really enjoyed Army life. The first tow weeks of training was quite hard especially being the only female in my platoon.

"The things I've particularly enjoyed were drill, - the meals (the food was excellent), shooting the steyr and other support weapons. "It's a pity we weren't out in the field more often, as infantry I thought we would be out a lot more than we were. "Generally though, I think the set-up and the regular force staff are really good. One thing I can honestly say is I'm glad that we haven't any physical training classes (P.T). At times 1 felt like just going straight to sleep after doing PT. _ "The highlight of training was being selected to sit the Potential Officer Selection Board (POSB) test which I passed. "I think everyone should do something like this. It develops team spirit and it makes you realise how much you really can do with a little 'encouragement.' Its character building."