Joining the Army - Modular 2 (MOD2): Skills Development

I recently posted my experiences of undertaking MOD1 of the Army Reserve training programme. I thought it would be helpful to follow-up and share my experiences of MOD2.

For a recap. The UK Armed Forces Army Reserve training programme is divided into three blocks:

• MOD1:  Foundation Weekend.
• MOD2: Skills development (this post).
• MOD3: Battle camp.

In between each of these blocks you will need to undertake distance learning via an online distance learning environment (which is accessible via Defence Connect). Once you have passed your MOD3 you are a trained solider and ready for trade training.

You can undertake your MOD2 at multiple training establishments. But for me, my training was undertaken at Exeter - Wyvern Barracks. The course was delivered by Reservists. This is different to Pirbright, where is it delivered by the regulars. Keep that in mind when you’re booking a course, as your experiences will be significantly different. For MOD2 you can either do it as a one week consolidated course or over 4 weekends over 8 weeks.

Day 0 (Friday): Arrived at camp around 1930, assigned a bunk and unpacked and ironed as much kit as possible. I’d recommend arriving early to give you enough time to complete everything prior to lights out at 2200.

Day 1 (Saturday): We awoke at 0600 for 0625 parade and march to the cookhouse for breakfast. After the cookhouse we went to a briefing to explain the weeks events. Then we went right into PT.  This was not a maximal effort but on you obtaining the minimum required for your cap badge. As soon as you hit that number you were asked to stop. I’m infantry so my level was 8.7. After this we showered and went into uniform. For the remainder of the day we undertook weapons handling and were finished by 1900.

Day 2 (Sunday): We again were awake at 0600 for a 0625 march to the cookhouse for breakfast. We then had a map reading lesson. After this we had drill practise, and the remainder of the day on weapons training. We had no classes in the evening.

Day 3 (Monday): We again were awake at 0600 for a 0625 march to the cookhouse for breakfast. We then had another map reading lesson. After map reading we had another PT session focused on squat techniques. After this session we had more weapons training with the day concluding with a weapons handling test.

Day 4 (Tuesday): We again were awake at 0600 for a 0625 march to the cookhouse for breakfast. We then had a rifle aiming lesson, and then a 3km weighted tab (10kg) as a group, we then were shown how to clear weapons and then onto the Digital Close Combat Trainer (DCCT).

Day 5 (Wednesday): We again were awake at 0600 for a 0625 march to the cookhouse for breakfast. We then spent the day on the DCCT followed by a sexual conduct prevention on army standards.

Day 6 (Thursday): We again were awake at 0600 for a 0625 march to the cookhouse for breakfast. We then spent the day on the live firing range. Which was excellent fun.

Day 7 (Friday): We again were awake at 0600 for a 0625 march to the cookhouse for breakfast. We then took part in the Remembrance Day events and moved to Dartmoor for our night in the field. During that evening we were trained on how to stay alive in the field.

Day 8 (Saturday): We were awake by 0530 to start closing down the basher, and clearing the site after camping. We then did a 4km weighted tab (10kg) and returned to ATR Exeter for close down and dismissal.

Overall, I really enjoyed MOD2. It was a great continuation of military life. For anyone who is attending MOD2, embrace it, and enjoy your time on camp.

Key Messages
Below are some bullet point key messages I’d recommend taking onboard:

• Urgency is the priority in the military.
• Take extra food.
• Take a pen and notepad. You are expected to make notes.
• Grab sleep when you can.
• Make sure you take a shower (with flip-flops) daily.
• Be clean shaven as you’re attested.
• Fill your water bottle to the brim at every opportunity. If not, you’ll need to drop and do press-ups.
• Do not try to BS or lie to the staff as they will call you out.
• Take an iron. This will save you time.
• Take an extension lead as plugs are limited.