Page 79 - MERCIAN Eagle 2022

RMAS SNCO Instructor Cadre 221 – Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
CSgt Hutton
It’s an old cliché, but this could not have been more apparent when I arrived and looked at my peers standing alongside
me. Being two years into being a CQMS at Regimental Duty and due to commitments at the time, I was not able to attend a RMAS pre-cadre, this meant I had to play catch up in the first week and dig deep to stay motivated and keep going. Looking back, I am glad I stuck with it, although
the pressure and pace of the RMAS Cadre never eased it did start to become more manageable and I found my feet from week two onwards. So the message I would really like to get across is to make sure
you prepare. Preparation is the way to give yourself the best possible chance of being successful and passing well, which matters and could determine how quickly you have your own platoon of OCdts.
As I am sure that anyone putting themselves forward for the RMAS cadre
will understand, the competition is high.
You will be on course with a group of
highly motivated, highly competent and
fit individuals. This should not deter
anyone from attempting it but see it as an opportunity to learn from others, work as
a team and play to your own strengths. Along with being competent, projecting your true character is key, so don’t be afraid to express your authentic self.
Ultimately, if you remain true to your character and try your absolute hardest, you may still be unsuccessful. This doesn’t necessarily mean you are not good enough but that on this occasion you were not what they were looking for, or as with my cadre, there were plenty of other individuals that were excellent, but there were just too many good individuals and only so many spaces available. My second piece of advice here, would be to be a team player, regardless
of how well you prepare, you will ultimately need the support of those within your
syndicate and therefore need to return that favour as often as you can.
OCdts at RMAS are trained by a mixture of commissioned officers and SNCO Instructors. The instructors assist in developing OCdts’ courage, character and competence to the level demanded of an Army officer in their first appointment. The role of the SNCO instructor is therefore vital to the successful training and education of OCdts. RMAS requires the highest calibre of instructors from all Arms and Services, who are selected during the RMAS SNCO Instructor Selection Cadre.
The RMAS SNCO Instructor Selection Cadre is a three-week selection process that is designed to expose and assess all aspects of a candidate’s ability, character, teamwork, fitness and intellect. Candidates are required to deliver lessons in BCD, tactics, fieldcraft and rifle lessons. They
are also required to teach lessons on basic drill movements. Within the three weeks, candidates undertake all of the key physical assessments that the OCdts undertake throughout the 44-week commissioning course. They will also undergo academic assessments including presentations
and a Combat Estimate assessment. Candidates are assessed throughout, and their performance debriefed each week. The final selection takes into consideration all aspects of a candidate’s performance.
Candidates who are successful in being selected for service at RMAS will undertake a period of post Cadre training. This will include drill, CBRN, DTC Ph 1 + 2 and
the Sandhurst Staff Context Course. All of this will lead up to your posting here at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, having the pleasure of working with motivated
and highly competent peers, in a great working environment to produce the future leaders of the British Army and international equivalents.
The Mercian Regiment Sovereigns Banner Party CC213
With the announcement of 14 Platoon, The Somme Company, winning the Sovereign’s competition for Commissioning Course 213, a rare opportunity presented itself to the Mercian Regiment Permanent Staff. As the CSM of The Somme, it would be my job
to escort the Banner onto the Sovereign’s Parade, escorted by two Mercian Colour Sgts. An all-Mercian banner party consisting of myself, CSgt Dean Geoghegan and CSgt Matty Bourne. This was the first time the Mercian Regiment had performed this role at the state ceremonial parade, and we were determined to get it right. The parade itself turned out to be the hottest on record with it reaching 35 degrees Celsius. In the presence of the Col of the Regiment Lt Gen Cave CB, it was an excellent way to culminate our hard work on the Commissioning Course. The final validation was receiving a message of congratulations from the Academy Sergeant Major on a job well done.
Reflections after a year as Old College RSM WO1 J Timperley
The last 12 months have been extremely enjoyable as the Regimental Sergeant Major in Old College. I am hugely privileged to occupy this post as the first Mercian ever to behold such a position. The focus on Junior term is to provide OCdts with the morale foundations and leadership skills at both section and platoon level before moving to New College and the greater complexities that Intermediate and Senior Term provides. The College also oversees
the Reserve Commissioning Course, Professionally Qualified Officers Courses and the Late Entry Officers Course.
RMAS Coaching Advisory Team
CSgt David Tomlinson
Continuous improvement is at the heart of everything we strive for at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. It is this learning environment that allows us to continually develop even the most competent of instructors throughout their time at RMAS.
Upon arrival at the Academy, every member of permanent staff attends the Sandhurst Staff Context Course. This induction process guides staff members through all aspects of life at Sandhurst ranging from welfare facilities all the way through to ethical leadership. Instructors will
also attend the Mental Resilience Training course and the Teaching International Learners and Trainees course. It is these courses that give the instructor a fresh perspective on the potential mindset of an Officer Cadet and the tools required to overcome the challenges it may bring.
Every instructor is allocated a qualified Army Trainer Mentor (ATM) who through the use of lesson observations will continue to coach and refine the instructors’ abilities throughout their time at RMAS. The ATM
is also at hand to assist with matters like Continuous Professional and Personal Development (CPPD) signposting and advising the instructor as to where they can find training and courses. Encouragement of CPPD in the training environment also
allows the instructor to take ownership of their development while also looking ahead and gaining competencies that will aid them further in their career.
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst prides itself on being a learning organisation and any potential instructor can be assured that their development will be second to none.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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