“PRIVATE JONES’S DIARY”: MEMOIRS OF AN AFC(H) JUNIOR SOLDIER

AFTER WEEK 1

“Coming to a place like this at the age of 16, just out of school, is quite a shock.  The Army is so very different from what I’m used to – and from what I expected after watching the video and talking to the careers people: the early mornings, the fitness, living with all sorts of people from all over Britain.  There are so many things to learn, such as drill, weapon handling, admin, learning who’s the Sergeant and who’s the Corporal.  It’s an awful lot to take in and I’ve found it really hard living away from home in an environment I’ve never experienced before.”

AFTER WEEK 2

“As I say, it’s a shock but, once you take it all in, this place is much more fun.  You learn things you never thought you’d meet.  I’ve got to know everyone and it’s good fun.  Weapon Handling I’ve enjoyed, but drill – that was hard.  Some extra advice from my platoon sergeant, on the quiet, as soon as he noticed, helped me catch up quickly and regain my confidence.”

THE FOURTH WEEK

“The NCO’s seem quite stern and strict when you first arrive as a 16-year-old just out of school – being given orders by someone so much bigger than you.  But in between lessons they talk to you about their own time as recruits, how they felt the same as you do, and their own life and experiences.  Now you realise why they do it.

THE SIXTH WEEK

“Adventurous training is a lot more fun than drill.  I’m enjoying canoeing, caving and hill-walking, although I don’t really enjoy rock climbing because I suffer with vertigo.  I had to go abseiling, which really scared me, but they made me do it and it really did help me overcome my fear.  It’s designed to make you work as a team and it really does work.”

THE SEVENTH WEEK

“My main hobby is athletics, which is my number one sport.  Since I’ve been here I’ve run for the local athletics club.  I  might be representing the Army if I get good enough.  I also do rifle shooting on Thursday evenings, which is good fun, in a relaxed atmosphere.  The sergeant is a real enthusiast.  As well as helping with the course, he has encouraged a few of us to go in for the marksman competition.”

 AFTER THE HALF-TERM BREAK

“I’d say the best things here are meeting new people and gaining qualifications, because if you decide to leave the Army then you have something to fall back on.  I also think it’s important to earn good money. With my pay I can go out of camp and enjoy myself.”

AT THE END OF THE FIRST TERM

“At first it was a shock to your system and it was hard, but you keep at it and you start not to miss home and your family.  The people here are great.  They become your friends and this place becomes your home.  I don’t regret what I’m doing one bit.  It gets better all the time.”