PT COURSE
Those who are accepted are then transferred to 1 Parachute Battalion in Bloemfontein, where they first complete the normal three-month basic training course, with some differences: PT twice a day, no walking in camp under any circumstances and a 5-10km run to end each day. Some 10 to 20 percent drop out during this phase, returning to their original units. All this builds up to what is called the ‘koeikamp’. It is 3 days of the ultimate challenge of physical and psychological endurance.
The would be parabats get 1 rat pack (ration pack) to hold them through this ordeal. During these days they are given tasks to perform in an allocated time slot. Night marches, boxing, digging trenches and the carrying of artillery canisters is just a few of the tasks that have to be completed under strict regulations. Each year the sequence of what ‘tests’ are done to get the strongest out of the ‘wannabees’, is changed so it comes as quite a surprise each year. Due to lack of sleep, hunger and extreme physical tasks, a lot of the men give up. Leaving the best! The only obstacle then left to qualify are the 12 jumps, which includes a night jump. Until the 90’s the PT course was 2 weeks, but due to national service being shortened to one year the army had a need to change and make the training more compact and fast paced. Some of the ‘older’ Parabats still do PT courses to make sure there’s no slack in the type of soldier that’s chosen.
After a six week ordeal, the selected few (about 40% of the original intake), will make the 12 jumps required to obtain their wings. During this time the chances of being disqualified are also very high.