Basic II

[Disturbance]

Just to update you guys. I have started a pre-Ql2 course with the Seaforths....its goin pretty well actually. And I think I will be on the q2/3 course from july4-aug23.

I am still a lil sketchy on when to look at the person talking to you..sometimes the sr.nco will make me stand at attention when I am speakin to him so I assume I am to look straight ahead and not make eye contact but other time it seems like I should be....will they tell when to look at them and all the rest I just assume look straight??

Also say I am in the classroom learnin sittin down and I have a question...should I stand at attention before I ask or should I just ask from sittin down? these are pretty weak questions I know but I hate makin stupid mistakes that if I was told initially I wouldnt have made

[Cole]

Ha, looks like a bit of the bottom pile jitters...don't worry, you'll figure things out pretty quickly, especially on course. If any of this is wrong, please correct me.
When on the Parade Sqaure and addressing an NCO or an Officer stand at attention. Usually, they will tell you to relax, but until then, stand at attention and say what you got to say.
When your in the field it is a bit different. I just finished up a weekend field exercise. It was pretty relaxed and the sergeants just wanted you to spit it out....
However, always make sure you follow some basic military courtesies. When you address someone of a higher rank, always state their rank at the end of the sentence. For MWO's, CWO's and Officer's use Sir/Ma'am. Also, in garrison, salute Officers at the beginning and end of the night, and whenever your on the parade square.
If you in the classroom, just raise your arm. You can look at the NCO/Officer when you address them. Just remember, military courtesy.
Don't worry if you screw up, everyone sees the cornflake on your head and knows your new, and can be a little forgiving. But, you should only have to be told once, so be on your feet.

[towhey]

Congrats, Disturbance.

Another important thing to remember... part of being in basic training is getting ragged on. Don't worry too much about it. You will make mistakes, everyone does. As Cole said, learn from them and move on.

Don't take anything personally. Everyone on your course will get chewed out for something. If it's not something little, it'll be something big... or something made up entirely.
If you don't do anything wrong, the instructors will find something wrong. It's part of the process.

Don't let yourself get "down" because you get chewed out for looking someone in the eyes... or not looking them in the eyes. They're watching to see how you handle it.

Good luck.

towhey

[Disturbance]

I hate asskissers...but I would like to thank any of you guys who have bothered to help me out either now or in the past,cause remember "knowing is half the battle" and there is a lot I wouldnt know without you ppl there to tell me. so all said and done time for more questions heheh..

when I am on course will there be the chance (no matter how small) to lead...or demonstrate potential leadership. Its hard to explain but when the sgt or whomever addresses me to get the other recruits and do such and such (even when it is just me and 2 others right now) I like that feeling and I take it very seriously cause if I fuck up it may not be me he is talkin to next time.Maybe its the sense of responsibility or pride or even the fact that I can speak better english than the other two guys but its something that strive for and I will step to the challenge any day no matter how weak the task.

this is kinda related.....say we are doin a 5km run or something and I am on point but someone a lil ways back is havin trouble. Would the instructors want to see me stay on point and finish first or drop back and help my teammate out. Or do both sprint to the end then run back to my buddy http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif. cause being the best on course and being the best teammate can sometimes interfere which is what I am getting at....or maybe I am just wrong.

thanks and I apologize if this post confuses anyone cause now I think I am confused.

Disturbance



[This message has been edited by Disturbance (edited 05-01-2001).]

[towhey]

Normally, staff will appoint a "course senior" or equivalent from among the candidates. This normally changes on a daily basis and each candidate, in turn, will rotate through the appointment. So, yes, you will have an opportunity to fulfill some "leadership" roles. However, the basic courses are not designed to train or test leadership per se. Your role as "course senior" is largely administrative.

Staff will constantly be observing to see who has natural leadership capabilities -- one of the most important of these being the ability to be a good follower.

As far as the run scenario goes, if you are "point" -- meaning a safety marker -- you'll be running out front of the formed group and won't have the chance to see anyone fall out behind the group. If you do, you're not paying enough attention to what's happening in front of you.

If you're the rear marker, you should stay behind the slowest runner unless staff tell you to move up to the main body.

If you're running in the pack, you should be verbally encouraging to your team mates. If you're near the back of the pack, you could try and physically assist your teammate with a hand on the back, etc. -- however, realize that this can actually be a hindrance.

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Staff will normally be the first to notice someone having problems and will be observing. If they want you to do something different, they'll let you know.

Good luck.

[Cole]

Disturbance,
Don't burden yourself with all the little details and the "what if" situations, it'll all come in time. Just focus on what your sergeant's tell you, and show a good attitude, determination and personal initiative.

[Disturbance]

Roger that

[Cree Warrior]

Don't say "Rogar that" to your DS. Canadians hate that for some reason.

Sua Sponte

Just giving you a hard time there hero.

[Disturbance]

heh yeah I already assumed we dont use it up here, however I do say it from time to time when I am not in uniform.

[Disturbance]

Goin on my first ex this weekend even if it is just three days I am still stoked. Talked to a MCpl in the mess and he said we (recruits) will prolly be used as an enemy force or something. Anyways Training tonight then leave tommorow morn to Ft Lewis. I will report back when I get home sun night.

-Disturbance

[2381_Irish_Fusialiers]

I might be going on that ex with another Cdt Corp down 2 Fort Lewis, no lie, might run into ya, or somthin

rank: Fusalier(equalvant to Private, waiting promotion to Cpl) Lane

going in with teh 12th Svc Batt Cdt Corp, i might be going not sure
out

[Disturbance]

T - 16days.

I have stepped up my training the past few weeks and have developed quite a good running workout if anyone is interested just ask. As well as started to do some hiking fully geared up (terrain in North Van is nice and steep)

lets see....gettin some new industrial strength insoles pretty quick, gettin some hefty big zip lock bags, maybe gettin some moleskin or something of that sort, have tons of buggoop and sunscreen....if you guys have any suggestions or lil things to pick up now is a good time to let me know. But I think I am pretty well prepared.

Any workout suggestions or supplements to take or what ever would be dope as well.

And finally I asked to the guys on my last training night...any advice for the courses.

you guys have my full attention from now till I leave.

Disturbance

[beachbaby]

To help protect bones, take extra calcium (in milk, in supplements, whatever's easiest - there's some bottled water with added calcium now). Calcium on its own isn't enough - make sure you expose that body to the sun. You need vitamin D to absorb calcium into the bones and the best source of vitamin D is sunshine (plus you get a tan).

Something else you might want to consider - apparently, a vitamin E capsule taken every day may help prevent injury from exercise.

Neither of these could possibly be classed as 'performance enhancing' substances.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

[This message has been edited by beachbaby (edited 06-19-2001).]

[Marauder]

Well, here's my update:
Got all of my kit issued today, leave for Meaford out of Chatham @ 0900 this Sunday, getting psyched to get this ma-fah started and on the road. "Lost" all my hair so that it's not a disgusting mess after being under a Kevlar/bush hat all day (got rid of my goatee too), got all my school and housing shit for this summer and early fall outta the way (meaning I got my courses registered and my rent paid), and going shopping for toiletries and such to take with me at Shopper's Drugmart tommorrow.
So, a few last Q's before I head out:
a)Do any of you guys prefer a certain type/brand of insole for your black Caddilacs?
b)Speaking of boots, what's the best way to break in brand spankin new boots? Does the "soak-and-wear-dry" method work? Can I do that and then coat them with silicon?
c)Will the DS's be pissed if I show up with my beret pre-shaped and shaved with the liner cut out? Anyone in LFCA know what the deal is about that? I don't want to sound like I wanna look like a Ranger when I show up (like anyone would make THAT mistake hehe), I just want to sorta look like I know WTF.
d)Last, what do you guys out there use as a "sewing kit"? Couple of needles and some OD thread? Or do you carry more? (Hey, it's on the list of shit to bring, I'm not making this up) http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/wink.gif
Anyways, D, Cole, and anyone else heading through boot, I'm with ya there brothers. Kick ass, take names, and I'll see ya all on the other side of August. Later guys.

[enderr]

Meaford eh, sucks to be you. First, don't cut the liner out of your beret, unless you like doing pushups. For a sewing kit, if you parade at Moss Park, the Save Less shop has some German ones which work really well. And for boots, I use Superfeet insoles from MEC; don't be too concerned about breaking in your boots beforehand there'll be plenty of opportunity in Meaford. And remember, if by some chance you find training to be a cakewalk, don't get cocky 'cause there is no stupid rules about extra PT, or running in Combat boots at your unit.

[Barney]

Good luck to ya. As for boots, I've always done the wet & wear dry routine. Nine years and several pairs of soles later, never had a blister (honest). I always wear two pair of socks too, grey wool outer, and white sports inner.

As for insoles, I've used several, but I like the Spenco ones.

Since you seem to be dedicated enough and articulate enough, you won't have to worry about an attitude or stupidity RTU'd. But, I'll tell you - watch your knees and ankles! Especially when you're tired, and it's dark. Meaford used to be a tank training area, and the old ruts are still there, but well hidden under the grass.

Medical RTU's for knee and ankle injuries are common enough.

Finally, have fun. This is the course that you'll tell war stories to you non-army buddies on campus about for the next year (just remember, they always start with 'no shit, there I was.....).

------------------
Death to the Purple One