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Im pretty much taking the kit list and spray starch. Nothing else really. Cant really afford to at the mo even if i wanted too.

I hope my phys is back up to scratch now, i think it is or close to it anyway. Besides were going to get nailed either way
Press up 35/40 80+ sit ups 8 pull ups. And havent timed myself running so im not 100% sure. Ive just tried to nail it.

I bought my lovely navy blue speedo's today. Any excuse to get in tight fitting lycra.

5 days boys! enjoy the last few days as a civvi.

Cheers Ian.

Gunn, what exactly du recon we should take m8?

Also wat is everyone thinking of as far as insurance goes. Is there a navy PAX scheme? Im using abacus for kit simply cos its free for nods...

WOOOOOAAAAAAHHHHH there lads. Now im really confused. Most of the kit you guys are taking isnt even mentioned on my kit list. Theres just a section on it that says "£30 to cover sundry items when you get there" or words to that effect, so I assume the money is to buy these items. Should i go out and buy the things you lot have said or go off the kit list? The kit in question is:
Soapdish (It tells me to take just shower gel)
Maglite and filter
tea towel
padlocks
bungees
paracord
vaseline?????
furniture polish
Also some other items but i cant remember them, sorry!!!

Top tip for browny points -
Forget you king of shave oil, you'll be told that it's no good in your line of work because it freezes when it gets cold and explodes when it gets hot.
What you need is a shaving stick and brush - ok they take up slightly more room but they're more realistic.
Sewing kit as well, some DS will critisise your choice of smally needles and there ability to sew up webbing and the like. You can get some really nice guchi little DPM sewing kits from surpluss stores but make sure you find a couple of nice big F**k off heavy duty needles to include.
What else... This is all obviously optional, chances are you'll be told when you get out in the field, but it will make a nice impression if you anticipate it and show that you got a head on your shoulders.
There are infinate little tips and bits and peaces you'll come across and learn about, the trick is - as I say - to anticipate it, it all makes life easier.
Get some of that DPM masking tape from the naffy shop, you'll proberbly find yourself taping everything up with it because it's so guchi, fairly expensive for what it is tho.
REMEMBER TO LABLE EVERYTHING!

JZ

When i did basic training at Glencorse, I took a shaving stick on exercise and one of the corporals had a go at me about it. He said thet the sticks get soggy and all the soap runs all over your other kit. Yet it was recommended to me by another corporal... I find that there's always someone who's got something to say about your kit. This was Infantry, not Marines, so I don't know how different the staff would be.

You can get little containers for them to keep them from getting wet and 'melting', you'd have the same problem with some of the soap if you didn't have a container for it which is one of the reasons for having a soap dish.
I just thought of another good bit of kit, when your doing a night NavEx and your fumbling about every couple of minutes for your maglight to check your map it can become a bit of a pain in the arse, there are two ways round this that I know of, one - Head lamps, but i have never actually seen any Nods use these, and i wouldn't use one myself. What i used was one of those small LED keyrings cliped onto my smock pocket, just cover the light in red tape and secure it by rapping Black Tape round that. They are pretty indistructable and lighter, smaller and easier than a maglight. Get them from any camping shop.

JZ

viewtopic.php?p=88717&highlight=shaving+oil#88717
Have a look through this link. The shaving issue is covered here.
Basically there are about a hundred shaves per bottle. it's oil and doesn't freeze or explode, utter rubbish idea. It saves carrying a wet messy shaving stick, in or out of a tube; it also saves on heating water.
Try it, can't lose anything can you?
Basically as far as Royal is concerned, if it works use it!

Take a 1/2" or 1" paint brush for quick cleaning of dust from your rifle and other bits, alternatively use th eold shaving brush you bought, and now don't use.

Sorry Stat, I was always told that King of Shave is the daddy. My small bottle lasted me all training. Well worth it and removes the mess that a shaving brush (or extra admin to counter this) can make in a wash bag. How are you mate? Enjoying RMR training?

Mac

When you get there a bloke called Mike will I think be in your troop. (he hails from Cheshire) Tell him the Artist is sorry for talking him into it! NOT!

Artist

Ok, ok, King of shaves it is. To be totaly honest i used king of shaves but seriously considerd changing to stick and brush after a couple of Corporals mentioned it (this was at CTC) and a few oppos switched Grooming allegence from bottle to brush.
Obviously I can't argue with those that have been in or those that have been in Regular training for more than a few weeks...
I stand firm by my LED tho, Sound. And with regards to the white light; i did mention the red tap over the bulb .

JZ

Dan,
Check your PMs mate...

At the grand old age of 17 years 6 months and 3 days all I did was wait for the wind, stick me chin in the wind, and Lo! Shaved!

Then I learnt all about Bootnecks and shaving! My DI had me shaving on the parade square at CTCRM! (Cheers Yorkie you Old Sod!)

We had to use "Safety Razors" a brush and a bar of soap. One bloke was caught using an Electric Razor................................Ooooops!

May have changed now but it was a learning curve to say the least. Get yourself a decent "Housewife" as well. (aint issued now)

Artist

Them were the days, when they issued you with a housewife. These days you've got to go out and find a bird, woo her, buy a bloody RING for her and then fanny about organising a wedding... Only then will she cook for you and clean your Y fronts etc. But these days, with the cuts in defence...