PRTC

So, I've just back from my Pre Recruit Training Course at RAF Halton. To be honest, it wasn't great, but it was an essential part of the process. Basically, it's a chance for applicants to see the station and facilities, meet current and ex recruits, ask any questions that may still be nagging, get boots issued so they can be worn in and to take the RAFFT.

To be honest, I knew more about recruit training then I did about PRTC before I turned up. Apart from getting boots and doing the fitness test, I really didn't know what to expect.

Arrival was on the Thursday between 10 and half 11, wearing nice smart clothes and carrying everything you're asked to bring on the kitlist. Now the kitlist isn't great at all, I took a bunch of stuff I really didn't need. First thing we all did was fill in 'next of kin' forms, read and sign some orders and get some lovely coveralls to wear for the 2 days. They really are horrible.

After a couple of quick briefings about what's going on, we were all 'marched' (more attempting to walk in step really) to out barrack block and told to chance into something more comfortable underneath our coveralls. Then it was back to the classroom for a spot of lunch and yet more briefings (lots of these over the 2 days). Lunch was sandwiches (in containers that didn't close, because "the RAF doesn't waste money on things that work, otherwise we wouldn't need mechanics"), a pasty, crisps, apple and a couple of juice drinks.

After that we were split into 2 groups. One group went to get boots and the other went a took this little test thing. The test was a simple literacy and numeracy test that had absolutely no bearing on your application or training. Something to do with finding out if you need extra help with keyskills or something.

The boot fitting part then. We got marched off to supply where we sat in little cubicles and took our shoes and socks off before being sized up and having a pair of boots and thick socks thrown at us. This is the forth pair of Assault Boots I've owned in my life, and I still hate brand new ones. They're stiff, tight and generally painful. The idea is that by issuing them to you in advance, you can have them worn in and save yourself from some discomfort and injuries when you get to training. Thankfully I have become quite good at this so mine will be fine. If anyone wants any tips, ask away.

After all this is yet another brief. This time about the evening and morning. Timings, the social evening, bed, reveillie etc. And then it's off to the mess for dinner and then back to the barracks to prepare for the social event.

The social event is a 'dry bar' event, meaning no alcohol. It's basically a chance to get to know each other a bit better and talk to the staff and any current recruits that are mingling (who generally try to scare you with talk of beatings and 20 mile runs). I spent most of the night in the smokers shed chatting to the recruits about training and got some pretty good gem to help with training.

At half 9 it was time to head back to the barrack after one last fag and start getting ready for bed. The beds are horrible. I've had better nights out in the field but I should have remember what those beds are like really. Reveille is 0545 and everyone is expected to be showered, dressed in PT kit with coveralls over the top and formed up outside at 0615 ready for breakfast.

Unfortunately, the fitness test is straight after brekkie so as much as I was looking forward to the messes full English, I felt I should refrain and have a nice bowl of cereal. At the gym, we were split into 3 groups. First group was to do the fitness test and the other two had a couple of briefs (sensing a theme here?) before all swapping round. I took the fitness test first and it's by no means easy. Level 9.10 on the bleep test, 20 pressups and 35 situps in a minute. For blokes between 18 and 29 that is.

Be aware that the gym queens hate anyone that doesn't run EVERYWHERE or doesn't stand upright in the 'at ease' position in the gym. And they constanly overuse the following phrases; 'max effort!', 'good form', 'bad form' and 'happy days'. Play their game and it makes everything easier and for gods sake don't lie about your test scores, they WILL know if you only got 8 pressups.

Back to the barracks for another shower and change, and a short chance to start packing and cleaning your bedspace and amenities before lunch. A final couple of briefings and a last chance to get any questions answered and it's back to the barracks yet again to make sure everythings spotless for a mini inspection. Providing you've done enough to make the CPLs happy you get to go home.

And that's it really, lots of information and question asking, bit of social and of course the boots and fitness. You do get to do a bit of 'walking in step' and there is an element of discipline but be aware that's it's nowhere near the amount you'll encounter on training. You're still a civillian so they can't give you full on military discipline.

There's nothing more to say about the PRTC really unless anyone has any questions. I do have a short list of things not to say or do that I'll post up soon, though I'll probably keep updating that throughout my career as I'm sure there'll be plenty more. I'm sure any RAF or military guys that read it will recognise some of the very same things aswell.

That's it for now from me. More soon