E Company News

Annual Skills Update 2012

After a busy day for E Company on Saturday 21st January the adult instructors poured into St Georges Barracks for an even busier busy evening.

They were quickly put through their annual tests; red book, weapon safety and data protection. Once completed it was time for a quick inter-detachment orienteering competition to check the standard of their map reading and compass skills. With prizes of chocolate biscuits at stake for the winners, SMIs Brackley and Machin appeared to turn into whirling dervishes as they tore around the course to ensure they had the shortest time.

After a run around the barracks we were all ready for the arrival of our supper which had been ordered from the local pizza parlour and chinese takeaway!
With our bellies full, we swiftly moved on to more training and platoon commanders orders. SMI Machin provided all the staff with a new orders book and time was spent going through the headings and understanding the differences and requirements between the platoon commanders and the section commanders orders.

Training finished, we still found time for a few mess games before bed!

Sunday morning, and after the CSM's parade to ensure everyone was still clean and smart, SI Brown talked us through voice procedure training to ensure all adults remain professional when on the air. There was plenty to learn and remember and it was clear that some found it harder than others to remember that they should stop talking once they have indicated they will!

After Brunch the CSA, SMI Taylor gave us all an MT (motor transport) update training. This allowed even the non drivers among us to understand the requirements and make them appreciate why they may be forced into covering more duties as the drivers have to have their legal breaks.

The final part of the weekend saw us polish off the remaining annual tests before packing up and going home ready and prepared for a new year of cadet training ahead of us.