Long Patrol Training Regiment for Recruits
(Master-Sergeant Cadwallader's season long program in Hellsgates for the average recruit)
The New Recruit
Upon agreeing to join the Patrol, the recruit is expected to commit themselves fully to the training which will make them into Long Patrol hares, going from a craven creature barely able to hold a pitchfork and unable to follow orders to the heavily disciplined private who is practiced with the spear, sword, sling, dagger, and other weapons; who follows the orders given by superiors without question or complaint, and stands firm against any adversity with the courage and steel that the Patrol is known throughout the land for.
Regardless of previous experience, training, or age, all recruits go through the same training.
No Recruits are to engage in battle or combat until their training is complete, unless in extreme circumstances!
The Basics
Before anything else is taught the following is drilled into the recruits until they are able to preform it perfectly even in their sleep. Further training is not undertaken until these skills are mastered.
Marching
All Recruits are taught how to march in synchronization as a unit to a beat of one, two, three, four. Once a week, a march of twelve (12) miles is to be undertaken in six (6) hours, marching six miles away from the training camp and six miles back in full campaign gear. Twice a month, a double march of twenty-four (24) miles is undertaken, to be completed in six (6) hours.
Ranks & Formation
All Recruits are taught how to maintain straight ranks and proper distancing from each other at all times, particularly when in formations, changing formations, and on the march. All Recruits are taught how to maintain and quickly switch formations.
This is the most practiced skill of the Long Patrol hare
Swimming
All Recruits are taught how to swim in the Sea or any other nearby body of water for the aid of crossing rivers as well as encourage muscle growth and strength.
Orders & Command
All Recruits are taught how to follow and obey the command and orders of superiors at all times, how to follow the chain of command, how to properly address commanding officers, and finally, how to properly salute.
Combat Training
Only after a firm grasp of the above does battle training begin; all recruits are taught to properly use the spear, sword, dagger, javelin, and sling in both single combat and formation fighting. All practice melee weapons are weighed twice that of real weapons, with the aim being better control, speed, and comfort when handling actual weapons. All Recruits are trained in melee combat at least six (6) times per day.
Stabbing vs. Slashing
All Recruits are taught to thrust and stab with the spear and sword while discouraged to slash. A stab is more fatal than a slash as it is less likely to be blocked by armor or weapons, a stab is easier and less tiring to preform than a slash as well as exposing less of the hare, and a stab is less likely to endanger fellow hares when side by side in ranks than a slash.
Paw-to-Paw Combat
All Recruits are taught how to box, kick, and otherwise fight while disarmed.
Daggers
All Recruits are taught to use a daggers in conjunction with paw-to-paw combat when swords and spears are too long to be effectively used.
Ranged Weapons
All Recruits are taught to use slings and practice javelins, weighed twice that of the actual weapons. All Recruits are trained in ranged combat with the sling and javelin at least three (3) times a day.
Slings vs. Bows
All Recruits are expected to master the sling. As the sling is smaller than the bow, it is easier to carry than the bow, easier to use than a bow, and easier to master than a bow. Some have argued the sling is even more effective than a bow, as the rocks flung from the sling are able to break bones and cause lethal damage on impact while being harder to spot than arrows. All ranking hares of the Long Patrol are expected to use slings effectively.
Bows
The strongest and most talented recruits are picked out for extra training with the bow and arrows, and are expected to carry the bow and arrows in addition to their standard equipment.
Training with bows and arrows is to be in addition to standard training and never at the cost of standard training.
Additional Training
All Recruits are trained in conjunction with the above in the following:
Sentry Duty
All Recruits are taught how to properly keep watch and patrol in pairs in shifts of three hours both day and night.
Camping
All Recruits are taught how to properly make camp: setting up tents, collecting firewood, and preparing basic defenses.
Cooking
All Recruits are taught the fundamentals of both cooking and foraging.
Manual Labor
All Recruits are taught the basics of digging, wood-working, and building fortifications.
Basic First Aid
All Recruits are taught the basics of healing such as how to clean and dress a wound, how to splint bone, and how to avoid wound infection.
Runner Training
The fastest and most fit of Recruits are picked out for half a season of additional training for the role of skirmishing, scouting, and couriering.
Training for Runners is to be in addition to standard training and never at the cost of standard training.
Scouting & Tracking
Recruits picked out for extra training are taught how to properly scout and track by veterans, and are expected to be able to follow any trail when finished with training.
Skirmishing
Recruits picked out for extra training are taught how to move in pairs in front of the main Long Patrol force, how to harass the enemy, how to pick off enemy commanders from afar, and how to safely withdraw. Training with the sling, javelin, and bow is increased to at least six (6) time a day.
Couriering
Recruits picked out for extra training are taught how to run for long periods of time with the express purpose of carrying messages to and from battle; unlike how the rest of the Patrol functions, this is undertaken alone and the hare acting as courier is to avoid entanglements with the enemy at all costs with their only goal being to bring the message where it is sent.
Healer Training
Recruits who show talent or express interest in healing are picked out for an additional season's worth of training under the veteran healers of the Home Guard Medical Section. As such, they typically 'graduate' from recruit training as a Lance-Corporal rather than a private due to the extra time spent training, so that when acting as healers they have some minor authority over regular privates.
Training for Healers is to be in addition to standard training and never at the cost of standard training.
End
At the end of training, all recruits are to take an Oath of Allegiance and Loyalty to the Badger Lord, the Long Patrol, and their fellow hares. After the oath is taken they are issued new uniforms of their assigned regiment and battalion and are officially granted the rank of Private of the Long Patrol.
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