 When ordered by the battalion commander, the picket would occupy and then hold a hilltop that the battalion itself would later occupy; the danger was found in rushing the top of the hill, which would risk being fired upon by hostile tribesmen, as well as running fast down the often steep hill to withdraw and rejoin the battalion.Although his first 'column' was only a practice exercise, the political situation around Razmak rapidly worsered during Poett's time at the camp, and on further 'columns' he found himself fired upon a number of times.Poett did find one positive feature of the patrols, however – his fitness levels quickly increased, and he was later of the opinion that he reached the peak of his physical fitness whilst serving at Razmak.