How recruits battle six months of hell
OVER 26 demanding weeks, infantry recruits are put through their paces in a course designed to test their fitness, marksmanship and battlefield techniques.
The first weeks are devoted to physical tests and organisational skills, first aid, weapons handling and navigation – all under the watchful eye of officers in the Army’s 1st Infantry Training Battalion (1ITB).
Newcomers are taught to operate and maintain the infantry’s SA80 Mk2 assault rifle, light machine-gun and grenades. Weapons training starts in the classroom before trainees are introduced to simulators and finally the rifle ranges – culminating in a week of live fire exercises.
Marches are carried out without kit for the first few weeks, before weight is gradually added.
As they progress, infantry recruits also undertake strength and conditioning sessions in the gym, and complete assault courses.
Fieldcraft – operational skills such as concealment and evasion – is a vital component of the course, and ranges from a single night known as Exercise Icebreaker to the seven-day Exercise Final Fling.
Recruits are responsible for cooking for themselves, maintaining their clothing and equipment, and must also learn to operate as part of eight-man teams known as sections.
Most of the training takes place on rugged North Yorkshire moors, with adventure training courses in the Lake District. There is also some academic work, and recruits can obtain NVQ qualifications in public service. They are also taught to drive.
Infantry soldiers must be able to march for eight miles carrying 55lb in two hours. Along with numerous gym tests that must be passed, shooting and weapons handling is also scored and high standards must be obtained. During the final field exercise, troops are graded on their movement skills and map reading.
The last week is spent preparing for the prestigious Passing Out Parade, which is attended by the soldiers’ family and friends.