Trainee Gunner Course 21/08/2005

[aes69]

With all due respect dj, he's not going to play with ships or planes, he's going to RAF Honington where he'll be out of sight of the tree huggers saying 'don't shout at the trainees' or 'don't use foul language'. He'll be beasted from dawn til dusk and then some.

So youngster, like people have said, if you can manage to take one, do so. If not, buy one when you get there. It'll be invaluble.

[skygod75]

If your going down to Hon in car take one, if not buy one from the naafi when you get the opportunity. Thats what I done when I was there. Just make sure you plaster your name all over it otherwise some smart tw*t will 'claim' it. Failing that just borrow one from your mucka when he's finished using it.

[PaulSyorks]

Thanks aes i think i will. It was just i was at the Afco last week with the other lads who are going down on the same day and there was much debate as to whether or not to take one so just thought i'd post on here to see what lads who have been there and done it had to say. All good replies cheers.
Paul

[sittingstress]

Trust me now; I'm a Gunner. As has already been mentioned you will be getting thrashed from dawn till dusk. Any time spent hanging about waiting for an ironing board will cock you up. GET ONE!! Tescos at BSE is only 15 mins away if the NAAFI run out.

As for ironing on the floor; hmmmmmmmm the RN instructors might accept the standard of kit that technique will produce but I promise you staff from 159 will NOT.

It sad to say but no matter what course you go on at the Depot you will need to spend a considerable amount of money on kit that makes your life easier. You don't need to worry about all the commanders kit and caboodle just stuff that keeps you warm, dry, hydrated, cool, fed, brewed up easily and PRESSED!!

Seriously matey an ironing board is essential.

Regards

ss

PS Get there, get it done, get on a Sqn, start having a great time.

[djmarkmclachlan]

lol, well they never actually found that out - and I had no problems with my kit, get a good iron and you can use the floor no probs I dont know what the standards are like at Hon, but I cant imagine they would differ much from what I went through in my Basic, and anything to save a little time, means a little longer in bed polishing the grooves on the bottom of my HLC's wasnt much fun. And congrats on making it this far, Paul, Good luck with your career.

Marko.

[PaulSyorks]

Good posts. Thanks again for the info fellas. Off to argos today to get an ironing board lol

[aes69]

Good drills Paul!

[sittingstress]

Well done fella. Just make sure you are well versed in the correct way to carry out a Regt Press-Up and you will be fine!

Regards

ss

PS See my previous post regarding Roll Backs!

[PaulSyorks]

Whilst on the subject of kit, i was advised to invest on a pair of sorbothane insoles but the place where i ordered them from have ran out. Does anyone have any ideas where to get some or any alternatives that are similar? Any ideas guys an gals?

[aes69]

Not sure if JJB or alike will stock them, but most independant sports stores will. Or get yourself onto one of the rugby mag websites (rugby world) they deffo sell them. Great bits of kit but don't wear them all the time.

[skygod75]

Wouldnt worry too much about them m8 to be honest. Breaking your boots in will be a priority anyway and you will be square bashing for a while at first not running around like gimps in stanta in your boots! You will no doubt at some point get a chance to visit Bury St Edmunds and buy any sh*t you may need so theres a few sports shops and a camping shop not to mention the market that you can check out for some.

[PaulSyorks]

Nice reply sky god lol. about clears it up. Not long to go now!!!!

[MikeB]

WHen you are allowed out on the lash in BSE be carefull of all the mingers! they are hard to escape!

Enjoy basics, i only recently passed out so i know how tough it can be.

DOnt get caught falling asleep.

[PaulSyorks]

Well done on passing out Mike. What squadron did you get posted to? How hard was the first 8 weeks?

[skygod75]

All the best mingers were/are in LF1. A quality establishment where all you have to do to pull is turn up p*ssed , have a shaved head and dance like a man possessed. The BSE wenches love the sophistication of the Trainee Gunner. I left last year but still visit mates down there for nights on the lash and we even.... shock... go into Brazillias (in my time it was WELL off limits). Its funny spotting the II SQN baby paras eyeballing the TG's for scraps... still.