1.
LV Cubs seated around instructor with 500mm machine gun
0.03

2.
CU Cubs (2 shots)
0.11

3.
CU Cub assembles gun
0.18

4.
SV Instructor and cub with gun
0.26

5.
CU Cub watching
0.29

6.
LV Cubs and instructor on Centurion tank
0.34

7.
CU Cub in driving seat
0.37

8.
SV & CU Instructor and cubs looking (2 shots)
0.54

9.
LV & CU Cub at turret gun
1.01

10.
SV Tank moves off
1.09



Initials WLW/MR/MH/1232 WLW/MR/ES.1350



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: During the fighting in Jordan last month, Jordanian Army cubs were given a chance to prove themselves in battle. And the cubs, 15 to 17-year-old trainees, were said to have been as efficient and brave as their older, more experienced army comrades.

The Jordanian Armed Forces traditionally recruits teenage boys to train for its various armoured divisions -- allowing the boys to "grow up" with their tanks and armour.

Cubs entering the training centre must be volunteers, who have to pass medical tests before undergoing tough training and hard military discipline.

After going through basic training, they specialise in various trades - driving armoured vehicles in all conditions, maintenance, gunnery and wireless operations. Their skills overlap, so a killed or injured tank crew member can be replaced by any other soldier.

Some of the cubs with the Fortieth Armoured Brigade distinguished themselves in the fighting on the North Jordan border last month.