RECRUIT TERM Our new home hit us with a shock - the horror of the stark reality of recruit life quieted the "YUKS" of some light hearted arrivals and confirmed the fears of others. "Drop your baggage and DOUBLE" was substituted for the conventional greeting and immediately smiles gave way to bewildered looks which were a prelude to the changes each recruit had to make in order to survive in his "chosen" career. In the next few weeks we were introduced to a new language and the meaning of each word was indelibly stamped upon our minds. "PANIC RECRUIT'" we seemed to sleep in a panic, we woke in a panic, we pressed, shone and breathed in a panic. We could never cross the circle without hearing "close your mouth," "check those arms" or "recruit report here." We learned to dread "FRAUST" abhor "GASH," and above all to avoid circles. Circles we found, left a physical impression in the form of ruts in the pavement. As the first long weeks progressed we learned to play new games such as shower parade and white glove inspection (we never did win). We also learned that rugs were for rolling up, sinks were for covering up and stairs were for doubling up.
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" Watch that last step ... .it's a big one. "
Then suddenly" DOGG IE WEEK," that dreaded but necessary last phase in being a recruit was upon us. It seemed that fraust had developed a strong attraction towards us, for circles and charges came in mass profusion. Counting, measuring and memorizing competitions became our new "spare-time" activities for the week. But at last "DOGG IE DAY" arrived and with it the obstacle race which made each recruit into a dashing red-striped "JUNIOR". At last we were in.
"You mean all I have to do ls sign?" 48