Some say it was a lesson in learning how to shave RMC-style; others remember the purpose differently.  But, notwithstanding faded or exaggerated memories, this photo shows some of the 4 Squadron Recruit Spartans about to learn yet another valuable lesson (recruit term was full of many lessons… some of them were even useful!).

In our version (the correct one), it had been another day of intense blathering from our fearless rook-flight leaders.  These seniors firmly believed they had been imbued with the wisdom of ages and with the sudden and divine imperative to pass this wisdom on to us.  That being the case, we had quickly gathered an understanding there would be “severe” consequences if we, the lower than snake-poop-in-a-chariot-rut rooks, did not pay immediate heed to the instruction and advice from the 'holy of holies' – the covenant of the fourth year!  

Although it may not be obvious from the photo, our attention was directed towards one of our fellow Spartan Warriors, Bernie Boland.  One of us, no names no pack drill [Chuck], had carefully placed a Trojan device filled with freezing cold water on his head, and then added copious quantities of shaving cream, so Bernie was now sitting precipitously on the wrong side of the razor!

Perhaps because we were lacking some empathy or wanted desperately to show off our superior leadership qualities, it is true that all those of us standing may not have been as concerned for poor Bernie's well-being as we should have been!  It is also true that early on most of us had quickly figured out this was not going to end well, so we were just as happy to have Bernie lead the recruit flight in this battle!   Bernie would have to show the rest of us how to persevere through this weighty lesson.

Ultimately, as you may have guessed already, the Spartans were victorious in "Slaying the Trojan."  In doing so, our brave Spartan Bernie Boland rose to great honour amongst his recruit comrades.