A hectic introduction to full-time army life

ONLY seven days, but already it feels like I've been in uniform for a long time - it's been amazing how quickly everyone in Corunna Company has made the transition from civilian to soldier.
Of course, we're only at the beginning and there are a hundred and one things to organise - everything from getting desert boots that fit to the complexities of organising our training, getting the company running smoothly and all of us learning how each other works.
This week, we have been going through the system of making the transition to being soldiers, so in the past few days I've filled in more forms than I care to think about, been given three bags full of kit and equipment which I will need in Afghanistan, had my teeth examined, had a very thorough medical examination which involved uncomfortably careful scrutiny of body parts which I won't mention on a family website, sat for some time with a pay clerk making sure I'm getting what I'm owed when I'm owed it and - a stark reminder of some of the realities of conflict - had my respirator (or gas mask) tested.
There is no threat of being gassed by the Taliban, but the respirator test is pretty vital - and quite comical. One dons the respirator, is plugged into a computer and stands in a tent while the Staff Sergeant outside give you commands to move your head in odd directions while you stand above a candle. Slightly surreal, but it gives you confidence that a very important bit of kit works!
Once the day's work is done, there is finally a bit of time to sort out my personal "admin" - get some laundry done and phone home before (in about five minutes' time) collapsing into bed ready for the next day, which includes the moment everyone grumbles about but secretly quite enjoys: the personal fitness test. We will do press-ups, sit-ups and a 1.5-mile run, all to a set standard.
After that, it's more lessons and weapon handling tests before we go on the rifle ranges this weekend to shoot our weapons test, proving that we're worthy of the name of Riflemen, and beginning our training proper for taking on the challenge of Helmand Province.