Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Oct 18/02) - Arthur Lafferty left for Esquimalt, B.C., earlier this week to begin 10 weeks of basic training with the Canadian Armed Forces.

Arthur Lafferty - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

It was just a few weeks ago that he returned from Saint Jean, Que., where he graduated from the military's Aboriginal Entry Program. It wasn't easy, but he persevered.

Living in barracks for 10 weeks the daily wake-up call -- a simple knock on the door -- came at 5:30 a.m. for Lafferty and his 36 platoon mates.

If you don't get up, you get blasted, with an intimidating dose of verbal discipline from a master corporal or a sergeant, Lafferty said. "It's not something you want either ... but you can't take it personally, it's meant to help you."

Inspections were held regularly and everything was scrutinized. The inspecting officer would use a ruler to measure the exact fold of a

T-shirt and the sheets on the bed. If dust was found anywhere there was trouble.

"If your quarters aren't 100 per cent perfect, you're not going anywhere," Lafferty said, referring to weekend leisure passes.

The arduous 18-hour days consisted of much physical training, mostly running, push-ups and sit-ups. Those who ate too much prior to training wound up leaving their breakfast or lunch on the ground.

Classroom theory took up another few hours daily. The cadets learned about the military's policies and code of ethics.

A few more hours were spent on drill, or marching.

"It's the backbone of discipline and teamwork. If all those people don't work as a team, the machine breaks down," Lafferty said. "It's positive stress ... you adjust and you start to look forward to the day."

Other instruction included weapons training with a C-7 automatic rifle, map and compass exercises, repelling and first aid.

Lafferty said he's pursuing a military career because it will offer him educational opportunities, it will enable him to travel, and it entails a great deal of adventure.

Foremost, however, he said he has enlisted because his father, Bill, is a proud veteran of the Canadian Army Corps of Engineers.

"I want to keep (the family tradition) going," Lafferty remarked. "When I have kids, maybe they'll join."

His objective is to become a member of Joint Task Force 2, Canada's counter-terrorism and hostage rescue squad.

"I want to learn more about my limits. Those guys will help me out with that."