After that was an induction and run through of the bottom field assault course. There were various games that were played, some individual, some based on working as a team. That's when natural leaders came to the fore, and that's what our instructors were looking for. But apart from the physical, it was a test of motivation and determination, not from those watching, but to gee each other up. None of us wanted to see anyone fail. We all wanted to become officers, though we knew that likely wouldn't happen.

It was also the first time we saw recruits injured. One guy snapped his ankle and he was out immediately....