Sounds like a lot of hard yakka, and definately a lot more hoops to jump thru than I did back in 94/95.
Best of luck in your future endeavours, and remember - never give in, never give up, never back down, accept any challenge, and go hard or go home! There is a lot more at stake here than your pride. Once the peer pressure is on, you'll know exactly what I mean. During trg, I was singled out many times because I was a foreigner DE'd as a SGT at that too, and I had to 'prove' myself before being accepted by the troops, and I usually still do, as again I am posted at yr's end, and to a different Bde in the tropics, which means all new faces. At 44, I take no shyte anymore. PERIOD.
There was times I was cained so hard, I wanted to give in on occasion (one time after a wicked caining after a hell march in the heat), I wrung out the blood from my socks, and the lads just thought I was nuts), but I always seemed to get this second wind from somewhere within, and I sure did not want to embarass myself, my rank, fomer CF corps, and the CF.
I used to say to myself many times 'alright you bastards, I'll show ya what this Canadian is made of'. Sheer determination to gain respect of my peers, subordinates and superiors, which paid out on assessments over the years. Lots of times the blokes I was trg with were +10 yrs younger than myself.
Anyways enough of me 'flashing back'. I am sure you'll get what you're after.
Time for a Queensland beer (XXXX Gold) and a nice 'rare steak' on the barbie, she's pushing 1800 now.
Cheers,
Wes