Hi All,
I will be going away for one week starting the 32rd of this month to the British Parachute Regiment in order to get a "taster" as a recruit.

Apart from physically training for the event in what other ways can I prepare myself? I'd really like to see some tips from the people who've been there and done that.

I already had a few in mind myself:

1. when the kit is packed check with the check list and check again...and again. There is nothing worse not having a piece of kit with you which you should have. Imagine explaining to the Sgt that you forgot it <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> (NOTE we were told to bring certain things - not everything is supplied for us)

2. Don't take everything personal. Except/accept lots of shouting, rushing, getting dirty, being pushed beyond your limit

3. Be the grey man. Dont try and stand out. Most important of all don't chew gum or talk when an instructor is talking.

4. Check for the tricks: for example i once read a story where a PT instructor told his recruits to do a 1.5km lap when he shouted "GO!". After explaining the route he shouted "start!". Of course when the recruits came back nackered he asked them why he ran off as he didn't shout "GO!". Naturally they had to do it again. Please let me know if you know any variations of these trics.

I think thats about it. So plz dont hesitate posting, it would be a great help.

Reinhardt Woets

hey reinhardt: i signed up for three years when i was seventeen years old for infantry/airborne.. their was no ''trying out period''in the u.s. army.. i got most of my info from my dad who was also airborne and from vets.. i hope you like it ..i did.. but keep in mind,being a airborne/infantryman is a very very demanding job..with alot of risk to your personal safety and i do'nt mean just jumping out of planes and heilocopters but the use of weapons and ordnance and the fact you might use your skills for real...also keep your mouth shut and do'nt make the same mistakes twice,do what your told to do with urgentcy..also do'nt wait around and be told to do something be proactive...i hope this helps and let me/us how you did..vince g..

Basic training in the military is one of the few 'Rights of Passage' for manhood in our societies. There is no kidnapping by painted and down covered elders followed by circumcision, no entry to dark caves painted with animals or killing your first lion. Have fun.

ditto chris...and man thats deep!!!... vince... <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

"I will be going away for one week starting the 32rd of this month ..."

I have found that starting ANYTHING on the 32nd of any month, Feb in particular, is not a good idea...

Sounds like you have the right idea, so far.

My Father, a 32 year veteran of the military gave me some very special advice on the morning ( 4 am at the front door ) I left for U.S. Army Basic training. I'll never forget it....

His advice:

" Be like a tree full of Owls... All eyes, all ears, and very little mouth..."

" Take it all in stride.... Nothing you are about to go thru is as bad as it seems, regardless of how you feel about it when its happening.."

"Listen and Learn what they tell you. There is a damn good reason for it, and it WILL keep you alive. "

"This is an experience you will look back on and think fondly of for the rest of your life...."

He was completely correct. Good Luck to you. It is a passage in your life you will cherish forever.

Matt

<img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />. Would that be the 32nd of Febtober by any chance?

Have fun.

Ok guys,
thanks for all the tips i will write em down and look at them when neccesary.

Last Thursday I ran 6.4 Miles in 46.09min so I feel ready and cant wait to get stuck in.

See you all in one week

Reinhardt