From around the 1950s to the mid-1980s, if you wanted to join the Police before the age of 18/19, it was possible to become a Police Cadet from 16 onward. It didn't give you any police powers but did provide you with a good insight into 'the job'. You got the uniform and went out on patrol with regular officers and undertook attachments to every section within the force to see how each one worked. But prior to all the excitement came 12 months of 'character building' at a residential establishment called Cadet Training School. This book looks back at those days within Hampshire and to a time where self-discipline and physical fitness were key to that character building. Today it might be classed as institutional bullying, but most of us loved it..........except for the morning run, the constant uniform inspections, the walks across Dartmoor, punishment press-ups, bulling boots, the food, the blisters and making bed packs.