Is training harsh? From videos and documentaries it seems so

Hello,

Phase 1 training is designed to test you and some parts will be challenging, however in Phase 1 training you will not be asked to do anything impossible. You may also find what some people find easy, you will struggle with. Don't let that put you off, as your training team will do their best to get you up to standard.

While TV shows may put a focus on some of the harsher elements of training, you should note that not every day will be doing a difficult physical task! However, there are some regiments that will require you to reach higher physical standards and complete specialist training, such as the Parachute Regiment with P Company.

I hope this helps,

Paul

Hi,

Through my career I have completed Reserve Basic training, Regular Soldier basic training and Officer basic training.

Each seemed daunting before I began, because I, like you, had only seen things on the TV and heard stories about how hard basic was going to be.

Once I got there, the first thing I realised is that I was in exactly the same position as 30 others in my group. All of us looking a little nervous and slightly concerned about what was ahead.

We all soon realised that the instructors are of some of the highest calibre in the Army, have served in some of the harshest environments in the world and have all the experience required to deliver really high quality training.

As soon as training begun, it was a whirlwind of activity, running places, collecting kit and learning how to soldier.

Nothing we were asked to do was too difficult, or beyond our abilities, but what it did do, was show us that our bodies and minds are more capable than we ever thought.

Training turned us into soldiers, and everyday in the Army we continue to train, learn and develop our skills.