New Recruits Diary: Week 3, Day 6 – 863 New Recruits 2024 Shoes Polishing Demo & RAF Police Briefing

863 New Recruits 2024 - Today marks a significant milestone for our new recruits, as they entered Day 5 of Week 3 with two pivotal sessions aimed at sharpening their skills and discipline. The day was split into two independent sessions, both of which provided valuable insights and hands-on training. After a quick break at 2000 hours, the recruits rotated between these sessions.

Shoes Polishing Demonstration by the NCOs

The first session of the evening was led by our Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), who gave a live demonstration on the art of shoe polishing. As every recruit knows, maintaining pristine shoes is not just a matter of appearance but also a symbol of discipline, attention to detail, and respect for uniformity.

Recruits were taught the essentials:

• Proper cleaning techniques before applying polish.

• The best type of polish and materials to use.

• The water and polish technique, which has been passed down through generations of military personnel.

By the end of the demonstration, the recruits were not only equipped with the knowledge but also given the time to practice under the watchful eyes of the NCOs. With time and repetition, their shoes will soon reflect the same gleam of polished perfection seen on the parade ground.

RAF Police Briefing by James Stuart-Young

The second session was a briefing by the esteemed RAF Police Officer, James Stuart-Young, who has a solid history with the force. His wealth of experience provided the recruits with a unique perspective on the role of the RAF Police, its duties, and its importance within the RAF structure.

By the time the recruits finished the sessions, they had gained a deeper understanding of the importance of personal discipline, both in terms of presentation and behaviour, as well as the crucial role the RAF Police plays in ensuring the safety and order of RAF operations.

With each passing day, the recruits are being moulded into disciplined, knowledgeable, and well-rounded individuals ready to serve. Week 3, Day 5 was another step forward in their journey.