Their great Roman training has prepared them well. A new army recruit first learns to march properly. It is common for trainees to march twenty miles in five hours at the military pace in the summer months. They are expected to run, jump, swim, and carry heavy packs to build up their physical strength. Their physical training begins without arms and equipment, then begins to gradually add equipment as the young recruits improve.
Weapons training includes replacing real arms with wicker and wooden tools.
All of their skills are combined in one special form of physical training. This is vaulting on horseback, not just for the cavalry recruits but for everyone, even those beyond the recruit stage. Once recruits reach the field, they realize how important all of their training has been, especially the physical training, when they must carry heavy loads of at least ninety-three pounds. Their field training includes learning how to construct a camp at the end of each day s march. They learn how to stand guard and watch for danger.