I had no idea that barracks and schools have so much in common. They're actually treated very similarly when there's a virus on the loose. I imagine that it takes one hell of a teacher to  recognise 30 kids all wearing masks, which is probably why they're closing so many schools. Closing an army base isn't really an option. At least, our uniforms have name tags. And we're all adult and responsible enough to watch ourselves and watch out for each other.

Apart from that life has become pretty restrictive.

All leave cancelled. Some off-base training cancelled. No visitors. Masks at all times - and yeah, while sleeping too! All strenuous exercises cancelled, especially the ones leaving one more vulnerable to infection afterwards.

Good thing there's plenty left to do, even if it 's not survival training or even swimming. Time gets filled up with classes and chores and the shooting range… though they might stop that one if the lockdown goes on too long. Just in case. Or, as I'm told, they  might just stop live fire exercises.

Either way, we'll get through this. Most guys here are more worried about family and friends than about themselves. We're grateful we still have the phones.