Kit arrives 3 days b4 summer BMQ -- HELP!

[drebk]

hey all,

I'm new to the forums, and new to the army (reserves), Sworn in not 1 month ago, just as everything was winding down too, I have yet to meet a single person from my unit, aside from the clerks and the recruiter, but anyways, I think i might have a problem:

All my kit arrives 3 days before I leave for the summer BMQ in Chilliwack, there are others in my unit in the same boat as me, and even a few others that probably won't get their kit till the first or second day on course, I was wondering:

What is the most important thing to do once i recieve my kit? how, can i break in my combat boots in under 3 days, I need cheats and shortcuts please =) and any usefull pointers you can add to a fresh private who still cannot find his a$$ w/o both hands and some help!

Keep in mind i won't even know what any of the equipment looks like =P, so if you could maybe describe it aswell as using names, (ie. the GRZ302 ("gripper") is that black thing with the 5 laces, it goes on yer X,

I'm hoping they will explain everything on course, but i also believe in being prepared

Thanks alot!

 

[Da_man]

Thats why there is basic.

btw you should use that rank since you are not a trained private yet.

 

[combat_medic]

I think that mostly everyone will be in the same boat as you. One of the first things the course staff will do will be to teach you what every piece of kit is, how to assemble it, how to use it an so on. They don't expect you to know everything. Just bring it all with you, and it will all, eventually be sorted out.

 

[drebk]

hrm, people in the armoury address me as private... ?

thanks btw!

 

[combat_medic]

They would be correct to address you as "Private" as that is your current rank. However, the rank insignia you have displayed is that of Private Trained; one who has completed their DP1 trade course. To show a single chevron indicates that you are trade qualified, which you aren't, and so people will not be pleased as it is misrepresentational. If you want to keep the image, you may want to put something in your profile or signature that indicates you are a recruit. This should alleviate any confusion.

As for breaking in your boots, that IS something you should do before you go. The best way (in my opinion) is as follows:

1. Soak 1 pair of combat boots in boiling hot water in the bathtub. Let them sit in it until the water is cool and the leather is soft
2.  Drain the water from the boots and put in insoles, if applicable
3. Put on your socks (liner + outer) and put on the boots. The leather should be very soft
4. Lace up the boots nice and tight and wear them all day until they are completly dry (takes a good 8 hours in warm weather)
5. Repeat with 2nd pair

Once this is done, the boots will harden to the shape of your feet and will make wearing them far easier on your body. I highly recommend a good pair of insoles (Dr Scholl's sport are my favourite) and at least 2 pairs of socks; one thin liner sock, and a thicker outer sock. If you can get this done before you leave, it will save you a lot of heart ache later.

 

[yot]

are the boots used before? I thought we will be given the "second-hand boots."

sry for my poor english

 

[combat_medic]

yot: That sentence made no sense. Could you rewrite it please as I have no idea what you're asking.

 

[Noyon]

Think hes asking if they are previously worn boots.

I sure as heck hope not! Get some bad foot fungus or something past on to you from the previous persons feet.  :

 

[combat_medic]

You should be getting new boots, but if yours are second hand, it still wouldn't hurt to break them in to YOUR feet and get the feel of them before you leave.

 

[drebk]

Thanks tips!

 

[pegged]

If you're lucky like I was and it rained the entire field ex, you won't have to worry about breaking them in!!
My boots felt great on our BMQ grad parade, haha. The field ex was great.
Good luck on your BMQ!

 

[AlphaCharlie]

8 hours for boots to dry? Thats encouraging.

I still havnt done that even though I finsihed BMQ about a month ago.... maybe I should do it before I leave on course in a week?