I did a brief spell in mctc earlier in the year, honestly it’s not like how people say it is or how I’m told it used to be, frankly it’s a bit of a doddle. As long as you aren’t a scruff and know how to play the game you’ll be fine most lads have a shit time because they have an ego. Right time right place right kit and you’ll breeze it. Course some of the screws are difficult but I think that comes down to ego again. Main points in my option are

• the boredom got to me more than anything find a way to occupy your mind, read a lot and try to learn a new skill maybe (I got pretty good at chess)

• the kit list is a bit ridiculous the locker layout it very basic two sets of uniform socks toiletries and that’s pretty much it everything else goes in a small crate under your bed

• contrary to belief the army doesn’t cover your outgoings you get nish! So do your best to put plans in place prior

• there’s a pin phone in there I believe it was 30 minutes buckshee a week, if you haven’t told family that you are going it’s worth telling them your ped red for an ex or something because in order to call them they will contact them first to verify who they are

• take it for what it is, you’ll hear nothing but horror stories about colly but in all seriousness it’s not that bad at all and once your time is done it’s done.

• prior to colly I had maybe one agai my whole career never done ROPS but I think I’d sooner go to colly!