My youngest daughter signed up for the army and joined in April 2011, 16yrs and 8 months old. Even though she had fought hammer & tongs to get in, only 1 in every 4 who apply actually succeed in getting in the army, I still thought it was a 5 minute wonder, as it all looks like fun and adventure. As in the run-up to joining she spent a week here and there on insight courses with various corps, doing all fun stuff, like flying in helicopters, camping etc etc.
Then the day came for her to sign her allegiance to the Queen, this was now becoming 'real' my little girl joining the army, a girl who loves her creature comforts, is proud of her appearance, all seemed very strange for such a girl, knowing that it wouldn't be that long before she would potentially, in fact almost definitely be in a conflict zone.
Off she now goes to Winchester Military Technical College for phase 1 training, 18 weeks of training. We all arrive, 130 new, wet behind the ears young adults, all looking somewhat anxious, some looking very confident, others looking like, well, wouldn't say boo to a goose, and of my little girl. We spent several hours there listening to Officers explaining the system, what would happen during their time there, whilst our children were off being kitted out, yep, kitted out with everything they would be needing, several uniforms, bergens, boots, helmets etc etc.
Then the goodbyes, yes, goodbyes, we wouldn't be seeing our children for approx 4 weeks, they would not be communicating in any shape or form for 2 weeks, mobile phones were confiscated, all they were allowed to do was write letters to us.
It was great the first time we all met again, a parents day to see our children, save to say that this time they were in uniform - yikes, what a difference, from civvies to uniform, we all as parents were very proud seeing them, what a change, a massive change, they all seemed so equal now, the over confident ones had become what appeared to be more settled, down-to-earth type of people, and the shy introvert looking ones seeming so much more confident.
During the 18 weeks my daughter came back home, on leave for a week here and there, and even then, what different daughter she was, washing, ironing her own kit, but, bored also, yes bored. Back in the barracks she was up early and doing things from the off, and continuously all day, all sorts of things, running, fitness training, weapons handling, all sorts.
Moving on, the final day came Pass off Parade, WOW, did they look fab or what, they now looked like proper soldiers, hold on, they WERE PROPER SOLDIERS, proficient in all sorts, amazing, just thinking about that day still brings a lump to my throat. Those youngsters had been through loads, carrying 70+ lbs of gear, week long exercise in the wilds, no toilets washing facilities, living off ration packs, difficult for most, but the girls, I reckon more difficult, for obvious reasons, which I'm sure I don't have to spell out.
These youngsters had gone through a massive transformation. Now on Phase 2 of their training, their specialised job, the corps they had joined. Phase 2 is shorter than Phase 1, my daughter now nearing the end, almost complete in her training, at 17 and half years old, she will very soon have her HGV class 1, 2, & 3, be proficient in weapons handling, can do a 6 mile march (tabbing) with full kit, and bearing in mind she probably only weighs about 8 stone!! She is now seriously fit. Potentially by October this year she could be in a conflict zone, putting her life in danger, and yes, she really wants to. These young people are prepared to put THEIR lives on the line for our safety, our protection, to protect and serve the Queen and her Nation.
Just for a moment think you yourself, could you be living in woods/fields for a week, no tents, no heating, rain, wet, windy, cold, dark, no toilet facilities, no washing facilities, same clothes for that period of time, standing guard at night on your own whilst others sleep until it's their turn, please, just think about it, could you do it? Then go to the next scenario, you are now in a conflict zone, you know your potential enemy, but you can't see them, mines, IED's, snipers, you never know when or how you could be attacked and killed, nothing for, miles around, baron land, and you and your troop are alone in that hostile environment, 18, 19, 20 years old, away from home, away from family - go on, just stop and think about it for a couple of minutes, could you do it?
So, please spare a minute a day, thinking our troops in a conflict zone, risking life and limb and in those conditions.
British Army - Be The Best
All the best to our Troops
