The JNCOs Get Dunked

For 27 soldiers of the KRH, their first day back after leave would not be spent on the tank park; instead, they would be travelling to the Underwater Escape Training Unit at RNAS Yeovilton, better known as 'the dunker'. While there, they would complete Air Course 319 and gain a qualification that allows night-flying over large bodies of water.

Although a useful qualification was gained, it is not essential in the life of an armoured soldier; rather, the trip was conceived as part of the KRH drive to bring the Army Leadership Code to life. Everyone who attended was pushed beyond their comfort zone, and it was a character-building experience for all. Many had to confront long-held fears; of water, of tight spaces, or of being trapped underwater while in a tight space and in complete darkness.

The course consisted of four stages, progressing from a warm-up run in slow-time to the final quick run-through, in the dark with a 180 degree rotation. The group returned to Tidworth exhilarated, and having learnt much about themselves.