Vasbyt in the Veld

Vasbyt in the Veld is a project whereby we put together recollections of your service with the Transvaal Scottish Regiment. Help us preserve the history of the Regiment . . . Lest we forget!

We’ve put together a selection of leading questions which we hope will help cast your minds back and recall your experiences from your days in uniform. So let us have your reflections and recollections. Army days are full of colourful moments  . . . some cheerful, some challenging, and others that are a blend of both.

Please Note: These snippets will be published in the Jock Column, as and when we receive your responses. 
Each question is a separate submission. Should you choose to remain anonymous, please indicate this in the space provided and we will honour your request.

List of questions

  1. The look on a civvy’s face when you tell them you ironed your socks… Priceless. What’s the most baffling/weird habit you adopted during your military service? Answer here!
  2. Share your most outlandish excuse for missing parade. Bonus if you tell us how your RSM or CO reacted. Answer here!
  3. Deployments: where eating the same meal for the 100th time becomes a weird point of pride. What’s your most memorable rat pack story? Answer here!
  4. Civvies will never understand the sheer terror of hearing the words, “I need a volunteer…” What’s the worst task you’ve been ‘volunteered’ for? Answer here!
  5. What is the most amusing prank you have ever witnessed being played on a new recruit? Bonus if you were the victim. Answer here!
  6. What’s your favourite piece of military jargon that always gets confused looks? Then tell us about your most memorable FUBAR or SNAFU. Answer here!
  7. Civvies rarely understand just how intense a ‘quick nap’ can be. What’s the strangest place you remember taking a ‘tactical nap’ in? Answer here!

We’ll add more questions to this list as we go. Let’s have some fun with these.
If you have any suggestions for potentially humorous or thought provoking questions, please email: The Editor of The Jock Column