Chepstow Barracks
Wednesday 28th March 2012
Today was the day that me and the rest of my Public Service group departed for Chepstow barracks, this was essential to go to, to gain a grade for this particular unit, we had to leave school at around 09:00am to get to Wales by coach, we where staying at the Army barracks which is located under the lowering end of the Severn Bridge, this provided alot of noise and vibrations throughout the time we were staying there.
By traveling together this showed uniformity as we travelled as a unit instead of getting lifts from family memebrs or friends for a better drive, we all took the under went the same conditions.
By traveling together this showed uniformity as we travelled as a unit instead of getting lifts from family memebrs or friends for a better drive, we all took the under went the same conditions.
At our arrival, we collected all our belongings (bags, clothes, food and drink) etc. from the coach we travelled on and then walked down a road to the 'recruitment' area we were going to be staying for a few days. We were then told to stand on a line and place our stuff on the floor by the soldiers who were taking charge, after they introduced themselves we were split into 3 different sections and given a diferent coloured bib to help determine which team we were in. The sections were (1 section, 2 section and 3 section), I was placed into the 1 section with a red bib along with; George Bean, Cameron Weathers, Ashley Ruddick, Jamie Gillum, Ben Fussel and Rhys, 2 section were given green bibs and 3 section being blue bibs.
With the colour use of the bibs, we were able to notice who was in which section, we were seen as 'reds' rather than our actual name, so we were all seen as the same instead of individuals.
With the colour use of the bibs, we were able to notice who was in which section, we were seen as 'reds' rather than our actual name, so we were all seen as the same instead of individuals.
Before we were sent to our section cabin, the sodliers had told us that when they shout 'line', we had to drop whatever we were doing and get to the line as quick as possible with the bib on and water bottle in hand. This is very important to the Army, as they expect all soldiers to listen and get to the meeting point as quick as possible as something may be about to start or support is needed in a certain situation.
The word 'line; was very important throughout everyones stay as this introduced the main role of discipline and respect by following the orders given, and by doing so, this puts the Armies interests before your own as you have to drop what you are doing (no matter what it is) and get to the line in respect of the soldiers/instructors.
We then had to collect a sleeping bag and a water bottle and we then had to go to the cabin and place all of our stuff on the bed or under, keeping the area as tidy as possible.
Everyone had to collect a sleeping bag which was exactly the same, so you do not have the option to bring more confortable equipment as you are all treated the same.
Discipline is key to keeping a tidy area, you have to ensure that rubbish and other belongings are put away, this is always something that the Army will work on because when it comes to a situation where you have your regiment in any terrain, leaving things behind could allow enemies to find out who was there, where they are going and could possibly use it for information.
The word 'line; was very important throughout everyones stay as this introduced the main role of discipline and respect by following the orders given, and by doing so, this puts the Armies interests before your own as you have to drop what you are doing (no matter what it is) and get to the line in respect of the soldiers/instructors.
We then had to collect a sleeping bag and a water bottle and we then had to go to the cabin and place all of our stuff on the bed or under, keeping the area as tidy as possible.
Everyone had to collect a sleeping bag which was exactly the same, so you do not have the option to bring more confortable equipment as you are all treated the same.
Discipline is key to keeping a tidy area, you have to ensure that rubbish and other belongings are put away, this is always something that the Army will work on because when it comes to a situation where you have your regiment in any terrain, leaving things behind could allow enemies to find out who was there, where they are going and could possibly use it for information.
After we had set everything out in our cabins, we were called back to the line where we then had to fill our ater bottles up and were then called off with a different soldier, my section had Danny, who is in the Para regiment, this making him a Paratrooper.
The first activity was the 'Ice Breaker', this involves telling the rest of the group about our lives, this such as; Family, friends, pets, weekday adn weeekend life, hobbies, sports we enjoy etc.
Ina recruitment process, this allows the group to come together and get to know each other, this is key to communication and the way that certain person works and talks to people. This helping with team work, this being key in the Army in which ever job someone is applying/training for.
After explaining ourselves to the others, we were then introduced to the competition which will be happening over the next few days, this competition involved paintballing, assault course, PFA (Personal Fitness Assessment), Aka 1.5 mile run, football, reaction testa and a Dragon's Den styled invention.
The first competition activity we done was the paintballing, we were not shooting each other as this was deemed 'inhumane', so instead we had to shoto wooden animals, we had to get into our sections, 1 section going first. We had to go individually to locate and shoot these animals, there was a total of 11 targets to shoot including the badger which you were not allowed to shoot, each successful shot was 1 point, but shooting the badger, this was minus 2 points. Everyone from my section did not shoot the badger which was a bonus. After all the sections had completed this activity, all the scores were added up, the winners were my team with a total of 45 points. Rhys was the highest scorer out of everyone with 10 points.
With this win, my section had an early heard start, 1 point clear of second place. it was 4 points for the winners, 3 points for second place and 2 points for third place.
On completion of this activity we headed back to cabins for 15 minutes of free time.
The instructors then shouted 'line', this calling us to the line outside so they could give some instuctions on what is about to happen.
This was a prime example of putting the Army before ourselves in regard for the interest of the Service, you have to have the unit you are with before yourself, so if you are eating or drinking etc. Drop it all or put it away quickly and then get to the line to ensure that the team is not punished.
They called us to the line as we were being sent off to have class about ration packs. This class was taken by Tristan who showed us about what was included in a ration pack, a description of each bit of food (main meals, snacks), he also showed us how the food is cooked and prepared. Ration packs can either be provided in individual packs or a pack for a group of people, this usually being able to feed up to 10 people. I learnt alot from this class, I found out that the food was very sugary and high in calories to provide the soldiers with plenty of energy for the tasks and training they do.
When Tristan finished his class we were allowed about one hour of free time, either being able to relaz in our rooms or play some sport (Football, Basketball or table tennis), coming near the end to our free time, 'line' was called and we were told we were heading off for dinner. throughout the rest of the day we were told how to set up ponchos, apply face camo (camouflage paint) and we also learnt how to organise a formation and the movement that comes with it.
It was important to listen to the instructions and information provided as this is essential in the Army, as all of the things soldiers have done during training will be used again in the future which could help save your own and others live if it does come down to a bad situation.
We then went to bed at around 10pm ready for an early start in the morning.
Thursday 29th March 2012
Today was an early start, we were woken at 06:30, this giving us time to get up and have a shower and then get ready for breakfast at 07:30am,
Getting up at this time was a struggle for most people as they do not usually get up at 6:30 to leave for school but it had to be done, I was usually the first up, I then made sure the others were up and ready for a shower or just to get changed as this would prevent the chances of my Unit being late and disrespecting orders and the importance of uniformity,
After eating breakfast we were allowed one hour of free time to allow our food to digest until we were then called to the line again for the PFA (Personal Fitness Assessment). Firstly we were shown the course which was set out for us (1.5 mile of track), we were then called to the line and told we have to give 100% to complete the course, with a pass time set by the Army at 12 minutes 30 seconds, I think I done very well with a time of 10 minutes 14 seconds. Discipline was very important in this run as you haev to be able to perform to the best of your abilities, My left hamstring had started to become tense after a lap and a half due to past injury and alot of running before hand causing me some pain, but I made sure I pushed myself through the pain.
I made sure that I completed the course for my team as I wanted to make sure we got as many points as possible to help the team win the 3 points again.
When it comes to fitness within the Army, effort and discipline is very important, the Army expect you to work to your best efforts and push yourself as hard as possible, even if it means fighting the pain to finish.
For example, if you were called to war, you would be expected to move at least 4 miles everyday, so fitness is a key area which is worked on.
Overall, my section wn the points again, leaving us 3 points clear of second place, afetr the run, we were given another hours free time to relax and loosen off from the run until we were called to the line for another class of how to set up a ruck sack of stuff needed when out of Army bases. This class was leaded by Tristan again, he showed us what clothing, equipment was needed when out of base and how to set it out in the bag, other than the bag, we were also shown how the webbing works and what it consists of.
We were then called together to go and have some dinner before the most anticipated activity from the three days we were there.
The main event that most people were looking forward to was the football tournament, with 1 section 3 points clear, it was impossible for my section to lose the competition so there was no pressure, each team was a section, the first fixture was 1 section vs 2 section, 1 section being the winners, 1 section then played 3 section where we won again, this leading us into the final of the tournament, leaving 2 section and 3 section a play off for the final, 3 section ended up going through to the final despite them being the under dogs in the match.
So the final was 1 section vs 3 section, it was a very good game but it finished with 1 section taking the win once again, final score being 2-1.
This gave us an insight into how the Army may be very disciplined and self motivated but they can still relax and have time to themselves and get away from all the pressure in training and admin etc. But straight after the football they were still strict, this showing that we can talk to them, have a laugh and play sport with them but this doesn't mean we can treat them like friends/colleagues, we have t see them as instructors/soldiers still.
Towards the end of the day we were given a task to invent something and try to sell it to two members fo the Army, my section came up with an idea to help snipers which can prevent them from being overhheard when a spotter passes information to the sniper, we called it the 'iSnipe', it consistss of a camera attached to the rifle and a screen to show the distance, wind speed and direction and the humidity of the surroundings, this preventing to much talk from spotter to sniper. During the presentation we were very controlled and calm and everyone pitched an idea and spoke about a specific area of the task. I personally spoke about the benefits and drawbacks of the invention.
After our presentation of the winning invention, we had to do another class involving 'first aid', we were given the main points in what to do during CPR and then everyone had to perform it. Overall, everyone done very well and learnt very quickly.
CPR is very important in all areas of life, this can be used anywhere at anytime, whether it is at war, or anywhere in civilian life, CPR is used when someones heart has stopped or if someone has stopped breathing or maybe both together.
We also learnt the saftey position and why it is used, it is used when someone is unconcious and still breathing, they are tilted to the side to prevent them choking on objects or the persons own mucus or vomit, once again this is in regard to the interest of the Service as you make sure you are there to help others if CPR or the safety position is required, this can save other peoples lives.
Friday 30th March 2012
Today we were woke at 06:30am once again, I was up first, the same as the day before. I was enthusiastic and ready for day as it was my 18th birthday.
Today we were set to leave for 1, but it was by far the hardest few hours we had to do, we learnt different ways to save an injured soldier, this being a drag across a floor whilst the injured person held your neck and another way when two people were carrying the injured person. This was very tiring but effort and determination were essential to saving that persons life, we were told that these life saving performances are worked on alot because when it comes to the situations when it's needed, they need to be performed very well and quickly.
We then moved onto the assualt course which involved alot of team work, we all had to talk, give ideas and then decide on an idea and then move everyone forward. The task was very hard but in the end my teamc ame through strongly after a few mistakes, but we learnt from them and won the task ahead of the other team.
The reason tasks like these are important to Army life is because team work is is essential to compelting tasks efficiently and safely meanwhile keeping morale high, the mainly communication is used alot, this applyign to all Army jobs.
After completing all of the tasks we were set to do, 1 section were rewarded with a goody bag due to the winning of the tournament with maximum points (20 out of 20), we were also given some food to take home with us.
We then collected our stuff, thanked all of the Soldiers/instructors adn then departed Chepstow barracks on the coach and headed for home.
This document below, we had to refer back to this throughout the week which consists of things such as intregity, discipline etc.
http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/v_s_of_the_british_army.pdf
The reputation of the British Army is extremely high. This tradition of excellence - and the public support it engenders - depends in
large part on the operational effectiveness of the Army that results from the high standards of professionalism, individual behaviour and self-discipline of the British soldier, both on and off operations.
Hierchical Structure
This type of hierarchy will also ensure that the person working is commited to their department, for example; a soldier whos know he is working for the Engineering corps, he stays loyal to them and does not abandon post to help other departments.
Armed Forces Act 2006
The Armed Forces Act 2006 was created by the parliament of the United Kingdom, It came into force on 31 October 2009. It replaces the three separate Service Discipline Acts (the Army Act 1955, the Air Force Act 1955 and the Naval Discipline Act 1957) as the system of military law under which the British Armed Forces operate.
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/52/contents
All of the information on the website provides people who work within the forces in Britian, this including the Army, Police and investigators., It covers areas such as 'offences' and 'stop and search' etc. This meaning that the Armed and Domestic Forces are legally allowed to do what they feel they need to do as long as it stays legal through the Armed Forces Act.
This Act helps disicipline the Army as they have to follow the rules and regulations when they are either on or off duty, away or at home, by following the rules, they can not do anything which is deemed wrong or innapropiate.
Throughout the soldiers training this is something which the leaders put in place to ensure that the trainee soldiers act professional and are dedicated to the job for as long as they are in the Army.
Queen's Regulations
The Queens regulations are a collection of orders and regulations which apply to the Armed Forces (Army, Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force), this provides guidance for officers of all the forces about the matter of Discipline and Personal Conduct.
The link below is the witness statement of which my teacher of this unit has filled out regarding my discipline, understanding and performance at Chepstow Barracks.
Witness Statement Chepstow Barracks
DISTINCTION
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