The Second Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles (2 RGR), Junior Leadership Carder (JLC) 2021 was a seven-week arduous and memorable journey.
With the motto of ‘Brilliance in the Basics,’ JLC 21 tested the drills, skills and leadership qualities of the young Riflemen of 2 RGR, who will be the Battalion’s future leaders.
JLC 21 started on the 25th of January when we moved off from our home in Tucker lines to Sittang Camp. The first three weeks of JLC 21 with its Army Leadership Development Programme taught us about different leadership types and where to apply them effectively. It also gave us exciting opportunities to earn our qualification to act as a safety staff for static ranges and to be able to conduct exercises with blank ammunition.
The next three weeks were spent in the jungle, which is recognised for being one of the most challenging terrains to operate in. Those weeks, filled with lessons and assessments on attacks, ambush and recce, definitely tested us on our physical limits and mental resilience. But what I would like to say is when you have your mates around who understand each other and help each other, it makes a huge difference not only under the canopy of the jungle but everywhere.
The last week of the course was spent back in Tuker Lines where we were tested on our knowledge of small arms and military knowledge with the cadre coming to a closeon the 11th of March 2021. With the battalion gathered and all of us eager to learn the results of the cadre, I felt regardless of the position, we had all learned much from the training and made memories to last a lifetime.
By Lance Corporal Bishal Rai, The Second Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
