After 17 weeks of intensive training, Recruit Intake 24 successfully completed our basic training phase of our infantry training. To mark this key milestone in our training, we were tested through an event known as Pass of the square (POS). This activity tested us on what we had learnt so far during the training. It encompasses army values and standards, Gurkha Kaida and discipline.
Our POS was conducted on the 14th of June on Bhanubhakta Square at Gurkha Company Catterick. We had eagerly awaited this moment as on passing this test we would get the privilege to leave the camp and travel around the local area to enjoy the amenities and see life in the UK. The POS includes a formal inspection of our personal living space by senior officers, a test on foot drill and close quarter combat (CQC) khukuri display. We prepared well for the day and gave our best as it wasn’t just only a test, but also a competition between platoons and we wanted to win it.
The daily morning routine of cleaning our personal bed spaces, communal areas and making our beds to an immaculate standard was all a build up for this day. This morning chores included ironing our beds, which I always found very unusual. But now I understand that this small act that I performed every day unknowingly instilled self-discipline within me, and I think that is the main aim of the POS.
We were inspected in the late morning on the day of POS and then were tested on our foot drill in the afternoon. After the CQC display, we waited for the results. However, as the results were announced we were disappointed as our platoon had not won. But we were happy for one of our numberi who secured the award for top trainee on the POS and his platoon secured the best platoon award.
I personally passed the test and I think it is important to take the lessons that we have learnt so far and conduct ourselves in a smart soldier-like manner on a day-to-day basis from this activity. This test was conducted to check our standards at this point in the training. However, it is our responsibility to maintain and uphold those skills throughout our careers.
