Outdoor exercises were many, spread all through the course. Many of us loved such exercises, especially those who were KKs (Keen Kumars), those who had extra initiative, those few who had to show Officer Like Qualities (OLQ) to the DS to earn extra marks. This was the time when some of us would forcibly take an LMG or extra administrative load off a buddy when the DS was watching or even literally give a helping hand to those lagging behind. A good GC would ‘bring up the rear’, as they say in the Army! Some other would lead the column like Montgomery! There were as many specimens as there were bright cadets. But beware, as soon as the DS moved away, the good GC would throw the load back to the hapless weakling. OLQ points earned, damned be the other guy!

We would walk endlessly, loaded badly with weapons, ammunition, warlike stores and other administrative items. Evenings were better as we looked forward to having a shower under the portable shower system brought in by the School administrative staff and then a good meal, followed by good night’s sleep. There were night duties and at other times there were other activities at night such as digging trenches and attacking or patrolling at night. Nights were dark and at times humid. Mosquitoes and insects were common.

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"No guts, no glory."

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Maj Frederick Blesse