First march out for 1989

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 274, 14 February 1989, Page 5

First march out for 1989

BY

myra

MacGibbon

Regular Force 252 Basic Recruits conducted a march out parade on Tuesday February 7, which marked the completion of their 10 week training course. During the 10 weeks several new skills, the recruits had to learn such as foot and rifle

drill. This they displayed to family and friends at the march out. Weapon training was another phase of the course, where recruits learnt how to fire the

Steyr rifles, as well as the drill procedures. To bring the recruits up to Army standards of physical fitness all were put through the Required Fitness and Battle Fitness efficiency tests. The Required Fitness test consists of a 2.2km run and a set number of situps and push-ups. The Battle Fitness test really pushes the young men's stamina as they have to complete a 12km forced march complete with full pack and rifle. If that were not enough, they then have to carry

another soldier of similar weight for some 200 metres, then climb a six foot wall, up a 15 foot rope and jump over a nine foot ditch. Camouflage, concealment and roughing it in the open for four days and being able to navigate their way to set points are also part of the ten week course. The Reviewing Officer at Tuesday's parade was Lieutenant Colonel Thomson. He took the salute as the recruits both quick and slow marched passed. The parade CommanFrom page 6

First 89 march out

From page 5 der was Second Lieutenant Bush. Platoon Sergeant was Sergeant G.J. Lindow. Several trophies were presented during the course of the march out. Some of these were: Drill section to - two alpha, - accepted by Private S.A. Namana; Best Shot - presented to Private M.J. Madigan; Most Improved Recruit - presented to Private B. Dawson; Best Recruit - presented to Private D.E. Cadwallader.