AFOVA New Letter 2 of Year 2021

Section 7 – Panorama CV 2 No. 02 / 2021 Page 245 of 332 Camps Greenhorn / Rover / Torna took the juice out of you, But the Gole Market Halwai’s daughter lifted (?) the blue(s) Bivouacs, Tent Pitching, Ganna Raids galore (sigh !) Helping your buddy during “Josh” was the ultimate high. Strong bonds were built, good friends created, We knew for a fact that in future we will never feel cheated. But finally it came to pass and we parted ways, Fondly remembering our glory days. The Academy changed and so did the uniform As we went to our respective service, as was the norm. The Pongos were Green, the Air Force was Khaki, The Whites of the Navy could be seen from miles by every Paki. While the training in each service took on its respective hue, Somehow the bullshit and punishments continued on cue. Oh what have we done to retain this curse? Will it last us a life-time or will it somehow disperse? But as the training continued and we felt its weight, As professional soldiers we were proud of our state. The first fatality pierces all faith like a knife, An aeroplane crash took away Mandke’s young life. While we felt the fear, life must go on, The Chief Instructor bellowed, “Strap up and get airborne”. As the training reached a crescendo, our confidence was brimming, We were all looking forward to a brand new beginning. There were stories to tell and anecdotes to recount, Some tales were so tall that you needed stirrups to dismount. From Pith Hats atop Sudan Block to Besan Barfis in the tank, The list was never- ending and needed a bank.