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SECTION TRAINING
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NINE
I. SETTLING DOWN
The only break at the end of basic training was the normal weekend, which was not much since
the POP was on Saturday, 13
th
August and section training began on Monday, 15
th
August.
There was no change to the configuration of the platoons and sections. Strictly speaking,
each trainee was now a private soldier, but for some reason they were usually referred to as
‘trainees’, probably a force of habit. By now, however, the trainees had settled down to life at
SAFTI and nearly everyone took the regimented routine in his stride. Friendships and loyalties
had developed and housekeeping duties had sort of synchro-meshed. Collective punishment,
especially extra-drill and the threat of confinement, had made it in every trainee’s interest to
cover his barrack-mates and present a united front against the instructors. Physical fitness
had reduced the stresses of life and improved reactions to the unexpected. A perceptible
hardening had taken place in the last two months, and recovery from the previous day’s
exertions was usually complete after a night’s deep sleep, even when it was brief because of
late training. The sense of being constantly hassled was being replaced by a can-do spirit: the
instructors had become to some extent predictable and pre-emptable. Besides, less ‘mistakes’
were being made. One of the most significant and welcome changes was that the trainees no
longer had to move as platoons to and from the dining halls (exclusive to each company), but
instead, went on their own or in random groups during the scheduled times.
SECTION TRAINING
Tailgate party. Fresh rations in the field.