(ed. note: Silvia Pecota is an award-winning photo-journalist whose work has taken her around the globe. Just recently she “enlisted” in our Canadian military and was put through the rigors of boot camp. The photos on these pages reflect not only Pecota’s adventures, but the determination and spirit of our men and women in the armed forces.)

MEAFORD - BOOT CAMP. Since September 11th, there has been a heightened interest in our Canadian military and along with it, an increased sense of patriotism. With these thoughts in mind, I “enrolled” in the Canadian Army for a taste of a life like none other.

After all, I have a black belt in Taekwondo and box at Cabbagetown Gym. My camera is my weapon. I load my Nikon F5 with AGFA RSX II film, aim my 180mm lens and can fire off more frames than any platoon can shoot bullets on the rifle range. Having been described as possessing a “fighting spirit”, I was shocked at the reaction of all my friends in the Canadian Armed Forces who chuckled at the thought of me as a recruit.
But I argued that as a photographer I felt I had earned my “stripes” and many of them can parallel those of a soldier’s.

It must have been my convincing enthusiasm and perhaps the publication of a patriotic postcard dedicated to our troops, that convinced the Commanding Office of the Land Force Central Area Training Centre in Meaford to grant me the privilege to participate as “Recruit Pecota” during parts of their 16 week “QL3 Infantry Training” that began in early January.

Outfitted in the mandatory uniform, I was taught, among other things, how to properly pack my rucksack, handle a rifle and appreciate, on more than one occasion, dry socks.
I discovered that military talk incorporates acronyms. I must confess I was very relieved to learn that when Corporal Cleavland was instructing us on how to boil our “rats”" he was referring to “rations” and that road signs such as “C.F.B." Trenton do not refer to radio stations.

Out on the field I was dog-tired, cold and pushed to my limits and every night I yearned for the warmth and comfort of my own bed.

But I wouldn't trade a moment of my experiences.

I watched in awe as young recruits, averaging four to five hours sleep, spent their days stripping floors, marching in the parade square and training on a variety of weapons. They slept in hooches during ice storms, marched 17 km back to their barracks carrying 27 kg. (60 lb.) rucksacks on their backs after a week in the field and upon return conducted post-exercise drills which included cleaning all their equipment.

I photographed soldiers rappelling down cliffs, jumping from helicopters, conducting section attacks, night patrolling and digging trenches. I became aware of the bond and loyalty that exists among soldiers, the value of perseverence, disciple and sacrifice and the honour of serving one's country

This training course is considered one of the toughest in all of the Canadian military.
Out of the 35 recruits who originated from B.C. to P.E.I. only 18 graduated on May 17, from the Meaford Training Centre as fully qualified infantry soldiers. Within hours of receiving their RCR cap badges and a handshake from Lieutenant-General J. E. Vance, the new privates were sent off to different bases to continue their next phase of training -- one that may possibly station them in the next possible rotation to Afghanistan.

Through my camera lens, this is their story.