AIRN Weekend

Well it was the first Army weekend of the year, a chance to clear all our admin in preparation for the big year ahead. We kicked it off with a BFA (Basic Fitness Assessment). For me I need 40 push ups, 70 sit ups and run 2.4km in 11.18. I did the mandatory 40 push ups, saving myself for the run, definitely my weakest part, and pushed through 100 sit ups. On the run I ran close to a personal best, 10.27 on an unfamiliar track. I was ecstatic about it. The last time I was close to that time I was 16kg lighter! All my running this year has really been paying off.

Next on the list was an ID card. I have been getting away with my old rank on it for ages and saw an opportunity to change it over without doing all the paperwork that goes with it. The Army loves it's paperwork. After taking the photo and about to walk out the door with my lovely new ID I gave one final check to realise I had been promoted. Lieutenant Colonel Wayne Beales!!! I was so tempted to walk out with a smile on my face, but my conscience got the better of me, so I handed it back in. My commanding officer, a Lieutenant Colonel himself heard about it and 'congratulated' me on my newfound promotion. I can only dream of ever reaching that far.

Medical checkup. Apparently I need to eat more regularly according to the medical staff, which made me feel less guilty when I kept making sauce sandwiches while waiting at the Army hospital. We need to have a dental check up every 5 years. It's due in a year, but we hardly get the opportunity to do it. I tried to have it done the same day but was denied. During my medical I got questioned why I didn't get a check up last year, and was told I need to get one done. I couldn't believe it. My teeth are fine, I look after them, if there's a problem I will check it out myself. I even asked them to give me one, I was there anyway and wanted it but my pleads were overlooked. Army double standards.

I then had to go and do my bi-annual shoot at an indoor simulation range. I shot one of my worst scores ever, 158mm. A pass for the Army is under 200mm, but it use to be under 150mm for infantry, which is what I still aim for, although I'm usually around 110-120mm. I did manage to shoot a 60mm group, which is pretty good.

At the end of the night I felt like going for a run. I headed off not knowing where or how far I was going for, but I ran for an hour, I think about 10kms, insane.

Lots of mandatory lectures aka death by light pro. First up, suicide awareness, how appropriate. Good weekend admin wise, but good to be home.