The infamous Belgian Camo outfit!

[1Cie GevGn]

Home for a weekend, week 2 during basic, everything is going ok, had some big NBC, FNC (weapon), Mapreading, and Rules tests on Friday that went very good, the feet are holding, ankles a little sore but they should be ok. We had some camouflage exercises on friday aswell, it was great fun, for the first time some actual field-work, altough it was small-time ofcourse.

I was polishing the boots, and though I'd make some pics of the gear before I'm off again, so here goes!

http://img39.exs.cx/img39/1369/Camo.jpg

Shirt, pants and boots ofcourse

http://img20.exs.cx/img20/6523/CamoVest.jpg

One more of the shirt

http://img20.exs.cx/img20/764/Boots.jpg

These boots were made for walking, so watch it

http://img20.exs.cx/img20/2584/Socks.jpg

But boots are useless without... Belgian Army standart issue winter socks worn in summertime, doing a great job protecting my feet so far!

That's everyday wear, we have a camo'd baseball cap aswell, for terrain work we have a thicker jacket-like vest and pants, but they were still in the washing machine.

And yes, those boots need to get another polishing :oops:

[percell_086]

Hey, are you doing your basic in leopoldsburg??
my bro, cousin and friend of ours did it there, in the CBO.

Keep on going! I hope you do well on your tests!

Belgian Percell

[1Cie GevGn]

Yep, the CBO in Leopoldsburg. I found the tests quite easy, but let's wait for the results ;)

http://img3.exs.cx/img3/7388/FNC.jpg


I managed to dig up a pic of the weapon we use, the FNC rifle, 5.56 x 45 mm calibre. One tough rifle to clean :D

[Dutchman2]

Every rifle is tough to clean! We are issued with the C7 Diemaco! Talking about tough, the Diemaco is a nightmare!
Anyway, that red thing ontop of the receiver of your FNC, is that a case deflector? Does it throw the cases to the ground with that thing installed? We had a thing like that for the FAL. It was issued after a soldier get a hot plastic blank in his eye!
The boots looks a bit like our Dutch army boots.
Keep sending photo's! I think that we all like to see how you coplete your training! Good luck dude :hug: !!!!!

Greets,

Roger

[1Cie GevGn]

Yeah, I guess every rifle is hard to clean.

It is indeed the "deflector", we also put a "blankstop" on top of the barrel, the deflector's purpose is to make sure the ejected casings from the blank ammo eject to the right, and don't get thrown back too far.

I would also like to finish training, but it's a long way! I'll see about those photo's :lol:

[1Cie GevGn]

This HAD to be shown, the way the bed needs to be made rofl rofl rofl

http://img9.exs.cx/img9/1097/Afbeelding64.jpg

[Fearless-Falcon]

NP!

Do you also have a pic of how your locker must look like for inspection?

[1Cie GevGn]

It's a new rule, they only expect your locker to be in order, there are no rules (just keep everything tidy), they can open it and search for food that can go off, of just things you aren't supposed to bring.

http://img9.exs.cx/img9/3393/Room.jpg

Room overview. We were lucky enough to be in a renovated part of the barracks, I must say the rooms look like a hotel, only the beds are still old style. 4 Beds, 4 sinks, you have a 2 door closet per person, with on 1 side room to hang some clothes, the other side is drawers and place for tshirts.

http://img3.exs.cx/img3/8379/Rucksack.jpg

Your rucksack needs to be on top of the locker, with the opening to the right, helmet on top. You also need to put a label with your name, rank, unit etc on it, aswell on your bed, but you get the labels from the Platoon staff. The rucksack has 2 little side-packs (you can see one) that can be zipped off, and put together for a smaller backpack. Some good quality material.

http://img9.exs.cx/img9/6330/Bed.jpg

Another label on the bed, your flak-jacket (scherfwerende vest) with open canteen and shovel on the right side. I'm 1.95 metres, so I hang the jacket in the closet at night and put it back on in the morning. At the bottom, right the boots, then the sport shoes. During the day, only sport shoes. Your 2nd pair of boots in the closet.

A short overview, how we do it. Some rules are different, we don't have to make our beds before breakfast, but we do.

05.40 Awake
06.00 Shave, clean, dressed
06.00-06.15 Make bed, make sure everything is stowed away.
06.15-06.20 Assembly at the mess hall
06.45 Return from mess hall
06.45-07.50 Clean the barracks (by way of a list that is made by pupil of the day)
07.55 Assembly at the classroom (or before the barracks)

Then classes till the morning, I don't know the exact hours yet so I won't post them. At noon, we eat at around 11.45, usually you gotta be really fast, 10 minutes to eat is a lot.

Normally the day can end at 16.15, but usually we finish at 19.00-20.00. Then we return to barracks, I always shower, then have some dessert I take from the lunch (chocolate, biscuits) and have a can of coke while I study whatever we had during the day. You can go to bed as soon as you're outta class (technically), but I'm the room elderly (heh) so I have to stay awake till lights out (22.30), and present the room to the officer of the day.

I must say that we failed to be on time several times this week, resulting in leaving for the weekend at 18.00 :( But what are you gonna do :)

[Fintin]

where the hell is my omlet

[Lone]

Looks good, hopefully i'm there too in 2-3 years.
What are you going to do after your 6 weeks of basic training?

[1Cie GevGn]

6 weeks?

It's a bit longer then that, everybody has to do 8 weeks of MIVJOINT (basic for all components), and after that with the Land component (or army) you have to do an additional 6 weeks, the Medical, Sea and Air component members go directly to their units.

If I make it I'd be with the 11th Engineers in Burcht, as Communication Engineer.

And Fintin, we didn't have omelettes yet surprizingly, as soon as we get some, you can expect a package with one Belgian Army omelette!

[Lone]

ow ok.
A friend of mine always said he had to do his 6 weeks of basic training and then continue with the training for gunner in the Leopard 1A5.

But he had to stop his training due to medical problems.

[Fee Fi Fo Fum]

If I make it

thats the wrong attitude mate, you will make it! if you really wanna do this theres nothink stopping you, just remember all the fellas shouting at you had to go through the same thing, just suck it all in! you can do it mate! :backhand:

[1Cie GevGn]

If I make it

thats the wrong attitude mate, you will make it! if you really wanna do this theres nothink stopping you, just remember all the fellas shouting at you had to go through the same thing, just suck it all in! you can do it mate! :backhand:

There is no stopping me, whatever they throw at me I'll take it. I will never fail a test if I can prepare for it. I was referring to medical problems. If I pass, I want to pass with flying colours. I can't think of a greater punishment then having to stand by the side while your platoon runs trough the mud. I want to be able to be there with them, feel as tired as them, and get my boots dirty. If I fail, it won't be because of mental issues, but phisical ones. And that's what I'm a bit afraid of.

I spoke to a dude who had 1 week of big tests left, when his achilles heel gave way. He is now "medically re-attached" with a different platoon. That must suck bigtime.

[Fee Fi Fo Fum]

If I make it

thats the wrong attitude mate, you will make it! if you really wanna do this theres nothink stopping you, just remember all the fellas shouting at you had to go through the same thing, just suck it all in! you can do it mate! :backhand:

There is no stopping me, whatever they throw at me I'll take it. I will never fail a test if I can prepare for it. I was referring to medical problems. If I pass, I want to pass with flying colours. I can't think of a greater punishment then having to stand by the side while your platoon runs trough the mud. I want to be able to be there with them, feel as tired as them, and get my boots dirty. If I fail, it won't be because of mental issues, but phisical ones. And that's what I'm a bit afraid of.

I spoke to a dude who had 1 week of big tests left, when his achilles heel gave way. He is now "medically re-attached" with a different platoon. That must suck bigtime.

Good for you :D btw i have some questions.....

1) while your in training how often you aloud to come home?

2) has your laptop got the internet in the training camp? :P

[1Cie GevGn]

While your in training how often you alowed to come home?

Normally Friday at 16.15 it's over, or they make you stay as long as they want (yesterday it was 17.45 when we got our permits). We have to be back at 24.00 on Sunday the latest. Then there are the weekend exercises:

1st 8 weeks:

1 36-hours during the week.
1 48-hours exercise during the weekend.

Next 6 weeks:

2 36-hour exercises during the week.

We are not allowed to go into town during the first 8 weeks, the last 6 weeks we get 1 evening in the week free.

There is a bar on base we can go to at night, ONLY with permission, once a month.

Also, I'm lucky because in August they close, so I'll have 4 weeks, then 1 month off, then 4 weeks, then 6 weeks.


has your laptop got the internet in the training camp?

Actually that's not mine, there are no phone or internet connections in the barracks, but you can take one on your own risk, as long as it's put away during the day.

[Fee Fi Fo Fum]

Thanks :D

[Fintin]

And Fintin, we didn't have omelettes yet surprizingly, as soon as we get some, you can expect a package with one Belgian Army omelette!

SWEET

[1Cie GevGn]

....

Just be sure to bring out the gasmasks and NBC suits

[GLax]

wow, we were only aloud to bring personal care stuff, and a few photos. are you aloud to call home whenever you want? we had 1 minute to call home after week 4. and another minute after 8 or 9. good luck though. and the boots look good too :lol:

[1Cie GevGn]

Cellphones are allowed between end of classes and lights out.

One dude got caught calling in between classes, he has to carry a stone with a cellphone painted on it, about 5 kgs in his backpack all the time :lol:

The boots are not that good, still need some sweating to be just right ;)

And yes, if you ask me the training is not as tough as it was. But they manage to squeeze around some rules though. There's a rule that states that the trainers are only allowed 10 push-ups (ridiculous I know)

But, they figure, when there's 3 trainers, they can give 10*3, and not break the rule :D

[khukuri]

Hi 1Cie GevGn

Well I used FN Fnc during service too.
And actually i find it the easiest rifle to clean of those i´ve had my hands on.

How long have you been in?
What branch

Very nice
thanks for the post

[DE_Six]

Good posts, 1Cie GevGn! :)

Very interesting, thanks for sharing!

[1Cie GevGn]

lol I'm about to start the 3rd week of basic ;)

Well, our platoon spend 2 hours cleaning a rifle that supposidly was fully cleaned and revised by the weapon depot, and they were not too clean. But the routine will come I hope.

[Tengu]

hehe good pics man and good luck.

I always doubted about joining our army because of...well.... the lack of war.

[khukuri]

If this is your third week its defenetly to soft man.
Not to be pushy or something, I know you can pull alot more. But ofcourse its not your fault.

You shouldnt even have time to be on this forum.

A tip when it comes to the fn fnc.

I dont know the parts names in english so try to understand.

When you seperate the fnc you take out the mecanism.

you have a smaller lower part / the part with the hammer.
Then you have a spring in the back / the one you twist 90 grades to get out.
And then you have that long metal bore thing at the front. the one which you put the "spring in".
At the top off this "metal bore thing", theres something that looks like a neck or a hat if you want. very small. This part was for me the hardest part to clean afterwards. If its dirty you will not get it clean after 1 hour. Some of the gunpowder will stay. And then you have abit more powder and a bit more.

One day when we were cleaning them, i did put a big chunk of fat on that part. Alot more then youre supposed. And ofcourse next time you fire with the weapon it will get smokey as hell, but its worth it trust me.
next time when we were cleaning the weapon even my officers were impressed that it was totally shiny on that part.

good luck

ps: did you get what i ment?

[1Cie GevGn]

I'll say the training is too soft when I successfully complete it ;)

And yes, I think I know what you mean.

http://img9.exs.cx/img9/182/Gunpart.jpg

We were issued a small metal "key" that fits in the groove, put a cloth between them and turn, and it will get clean, after a long long time. But I'll certainly check if your method works ty :)

[pipaz]

damn im gona join Belgian army :)

[Luxembourger]

Hey, are you doing your basic in leopoldsburg??

That s where the Centerparcs (erpeheide) is right ?

[szr]

Not bad. Some of those barracks pics remind me of my college dorm. p-) :lol:

Keep up the good work!

[dez000]

Great pics!

Hope you're doing good!

The 10 pushups rule is crazy? Is that another one of Flahauts great ideas? :bash:

[1Cie GevGn]

Pipaz, by all means, as long as it is for the good reasons :D

Luxembourger, Erpeheide is near there, but there are lots of smaller patches of military domain around Leopoldsburg, but the main base is located on either side of the main road.

Szr lol indeed, compared to the old ones these are great.

Dezzerx, the basic training used to be handled by the unit you were going to, but it turned out people who went to the air force had "less" training then the mary units, so they centralised the training. I personaly think they had some complaints from candidates with connections, they got slapped on the wrist and were forced to implement measures. So it's not neccessairy Flahaut. Not in this case :|

[percell_086]

your gpv, the training in your unit is going to be tougher ofcourse.
guys I know always took a gps handheld with them on marching, this making them ofcourse the most popular guys but also the guys who made it to the finish the fastest :D
hang in there

percell *out*

[1Cie GevGn]

Yeah, my further training would be with the engineers, I've heared people say it is some of the best training they even had, building things, then blowing it up. The unit I would go to has programmes running in Africa and elsewhere, they go there for 6 months to build schools and roads, sounds like something usefull to do woot

[Smintjes]

In three weeks time I'll be having training with the P90 in Leopoldsburg. I'll try to snap some pics if I'm allowed.

[Dutchman2]

I dont know the parts names in english so try to understand.



you have a smaller lower part / the part with the hammer. Triggergroup
Then you have a spring in the back / the one you twist 90 grades to get out. Recoilspring
And then you have that long metal bore thing at the front. the one which you put the "spring in". Piston
At the top off this "metal bore thing", theres something that looks like a neck or a hat if you want. very small. I don't know that name :D

ps: did you get what i ment?

With the FAL, we use sigaret ashes with a little oil to polish the piston. It worked great. Also soft steelwool with oil works great to remove that hard carbon from the piston.
With our Diemaco theese day's, we need al sorts of special designed and formed tools, and modified toothbrushes to clean all difficult corners and edges. Its a bad designed rifle to maintenace, and because that fool of designer made the hot gasses guide directly IN the bold/ boldcarrier, the rifle becomes realy dirty!
The FNC looks like a relaible and strong rifle. I saw Belgium troops with the FNC, and it looked that they where very happy with it. The FNC is avaible for civilians here also, and I saw a guy shooting a high score with the FNC during a match.
BTW, the guy's from left winged labourparty's made "physical punishment" illegal in the Dutch army to. Push-ups are "physical punishments" also...
Again,

Goodluck!

[1Cie GevGn]

WHOHOOOOOOO

Tomorrow = National Holiday

=> so tonight free, and return tomorrow evening woot

We spend 2 hours cleaning the rifle on monday, and it was spotless. It is alot of work, but looking at all this, it could be worse.

On another note, not to brag :oops: but I had the highest score of the peeps in my platoon;

NBC 22/25
Mapreading 16/20
Rules and Regulations 13/20 (confused about girl showers :oops: )

and last but not least...

FNC (weapon) 20/20!

Not a bad way to start your third week ;)

[percell_086]

congrats mate!

[khukuri]

I dont know the parts names in english so try to understand.



you have a smaller lower part / the part with the hammer. Triggergroup
Then you have a spring in the back / the one you twist 90 grades to get out. Recoilspring
And then you have that long metal bore thing at the front. the one which you put the "spring in". Piston
At the top off this "metal bore thing", theres something that looks like a neck or a hat if you want. very small. I don't know that name :D

ps: did you get what i ment?

With the FAL, we use sigaret ashes with a little oil to polish the piston. It worked great. Also soft steelwool with oil works great to remove that hard carbon from the piston.
With our Diemaco theese day's, we need al sorts of special designed and formed tools, and modified toothbrushes to clean all difficult corners and edges. Its a bad designed rifle to maintenace, and because that fool of designer made the hot gasses guide directly IN the bold/ boldcarrier, the rifle becomes realy dirty!
The FNC looks like a relaible and strong rifle. I saw Belgium troops with the FNC, and it looked that they where very happy with it. The FNC is avaible for civilians here also, and I saw a guy shooting a high score with the FNC during a match.
BTW, the guy's from left winged labourparty's made "physical punishment" illegal in the Dutch army to. Push-ups are "physical punishments" also...
Again,

Goodluck!

haha thanks for making it clear in english too. i dont speak it good enough.

hmm... That ashes method sounds interesting!
I used steelwool too until my officer almost kicked my ass when he saw me using it. hehe

In sweden training is getting softer and softer due to laws like anti-punishment but not as catastrophic in belgium. But I guess you officers find ways to go throu that.


Have a good day!

Have a good day

[1Cie GevGn]

Yes, it's quite softer then it used to be, but let's wait untill I pass it before we complain :oops: ;)

[Pinhead]

Hi all

first 1Cie GevGn good luck with your basic and try to have some fun

I remember my basic training (and the large amounts of cheap beer, gotta love the belgian army), it was the best time I had in years. Running around in the forrest with my minimi, shooting rage, grenades, LAW, ... those were the days. I'd like to do it again anyday.

Your room sure does look alot better then the 'thing :|' I had to sleep in.

I'll try to dig up some pics from my basic, we wern't aloud but we took some nice "fieldwork" pics p-), I'll post them if I can find them

p.s. If any of you have questions about the belgian army, just ask them, and I'll try to answer them