After the grueling rigors of our basic training, the next chapter of our transformation was driving and vehicle maintenance training. It was a 22-week phase, though it was eventually shortened to 20 weeks when we reached the 11th week. This new phase brought a mix of challenges, excitement, and lessons that would stay with me for life.
First Five Weeks: Mastering the Simulator
The initial five weeks were spent on vehicle simulators. These devices were akin to the modern car-racing games, though far less forgiving. The simulators gave us our first feel of controlling a vehicle without the real-world risks. Every beep, every jerk, and every red light felt like a judgment on our reflexes and focus. While the learning curve was steep, it was thrilling to maneuver virtual terrains, dodge imaginary obstacles, and stay within prescribed speed limits.
We treated the simulator sessions as both training and competition. With every session, we aimed to outperform each other, laughing at blunders and celebrating small victories. Yet, every mistake was a reminder that driving wasn’t just about speed; it was about precision, patience, and decision-making under pressure. These lessons, though imparted in a playful environment, would become crucial when we transitioned to real vehicles.
Next Eight Weeks: On the Driving Court
The simulators soon gave way to real vehicles. From towering 3-ton trucks to nimble 1-ton vehicles, we got our hands on every type of military transport. Our training ground was a meticulously designed driving court, a mini-world of road signs, obstacles, and terrains. Hills, bridges, narrow passages, and even a self-made water crossing tested our skills. Every bump and curve was a teacher.
Speed breakers, however, were our nemesis. Forgetting to slow down over them often led to our instructors barking orders for push-ups or running laps. One particularly memorable punishment involved us pushing the very truck we were driving around the course. Despite the harshness, these moments bonded us as a team. We would laugh about our mistakes later, the camaraderie softening the sting of reprimands.
On the Open Roads: Five Weeks of Convoy Driving
After mastering the court, it was time for road training. For the next five weeks, we drove as part of convoys on various routes. The real roads brought new challenges—unexpected traffic, sharp turns, and the sheer responsibility of navigating military vehicles in public spaces. Despite the challenges, this phase was incredibly enjoyable. The thrill of maneuvering a massive truck on bustling roads, the sense of purpose as part of a convoy, and the sheer joy of watching the world roll by made these weeks unforgettable.
One of the most exciting parts of convoy driving was the communication. Our vehicles were equipped with basic radio systems, and the chatter—often serious, sometimes humorous—kept us connected. “Truck Number Three, maintain distance!” an instructor’s voice would crackle, followed by a mischievous reply from a fellow trainee: “Sir, Truck Number Three is following your lead, so don’t stop suddenly!” Such moments lightened the intensity of the training.
The Final Two Weeks: Passing Out Drill Practice
The last two weeks were dedicated to passing out drill practice. Our vehicles gleamed with fresh polish, and our uniforms were immaculate. Every movement, every command had to be executed with precision. This phase was less about learning and more about showcasing what we had mastered. The sense of accomplishment was palpable as we prepared to demonstrate our skills to our instructors and peers.
A Lesson for Life: The Night That Changed Me
Amidst the structured training, one night etched itself deeply into my memory. It was during the simulator phase when I was assigned the first shift of night duty, starting at midnight. Exhausted, I slept until 11:45 PM, relying on the guard before me to wake me up. True to protocol, he did, and I reported for duty on time. But fatigue got the better of me.
Sitting in one of the simulator seats, I rested my head on the front table. Sleep took over before I realized it. The next thing I felt was a sharp slap on my back. Startled, I shot up to see a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) standing before me, his expression a mix of anger and authority. Instinctively, I saluted him, but he raised his hand again, stopping short of another slap.
“Bewakoof, raat ko salute maarta hai,” he barked. “Savdhan khada ho... Aur apni belt baandho.”
I fumbled to buckle my belt, stammering, “SssSorry Sir!”
His anger flared. “Galti karke angrezi bolta hai... Chal, dus front-roll laga.”
The punishment was swift and exhausting, but his parting words haunted me: “Subah second parade se pehle milna, teri raat ki neend udaata hoon tab.”
Sleep eluded me that night. The anticipation of facing him again kept me restless. When morning came, I reported to him promptly at the parade ground. Standing at attention, I braced myself for more punishment. Instead, he simply asked, “Teri neend acchi lagi raat ko?”
“Nahi, Sir,” I admitted.
To my surprise, he smiled. “Achha hai. Ja training join kar le. Bas yahi teri saza thi.”
Relief washed over me, but the lesson stayed. From that day forward, I never let sleep or negligence interfere with my duty. It was a moment of humiliation turned into lifelong discipline.
The End of Vehicle Training
As the final weeks of driving training wrapped up, a sense of achievement filled the air. We had not just learned to drive; we had learned responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance. Each punishment, each reprimand, and each small victory had shaped us into better soldiers and individuals.
The next phase awaited us: Tank Driving Training, a specialized 12-week course designed for my professional trade as a Driver-Gunner. The thought of handling armored beasts brought a mix of excitement and trepidation. But as I looked back on the journey so far, I knew I was ready. Every challenge, every lesson, and every experience had prepared me for what lay ahead.
And so, with renewed determination, I stepped into the next chapter of my military life, ready to face the roaring engines and formidable machines that would soon become an extension of myself.
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