Page 120 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

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This was an enjoyable experience for me as not only did I instruct on some of their courses, I was also their first point of contact throughout their 3-month stay. It was a rewarding experience to see them progress through the courses, learning new skills and developing their physical and mental resilience, using the tools from Army Leadership and Resilience Training (ALeRT).
This could range from discussing action centred leadership to highlighting how an individual’s coping mechanisms affects their performance. It was vital that the students understood these processes, as they will be expected to deliver JSAT to military personnel, using tools from ALeRT. It was also important for the students to understand that the skills taught on ALeRT can be transferred to a soldier’s role in the Field Army.
The TEE courses provided plenty of opportunities to develop my teaching style, subject knowledge, as well as office administration – planning, course reports and management; all contributing to my development as an a SNCO.
One of my biggest observations in my role as an ATI is to avoid having an ego, which thankfully I do not (at least I don’t think I do), as I have fallen into bogs, gone over my handlebars and woken up with the tent in my face; I have even had the students help me dig the van out of a ditch. These are just a few of the situations I have encountered in my first year as an ATI. In order for me to improve these experiences are sometimes necessary: by reflecting on previous courses I always aim to make improvements on the next.
Although the year has been shortened considerably by COVID 19, time spent in work was extremely productive and I even managed to gain further AT qualifications through MCT: Open canoeing in Bavaria followed by an outstanding week of kayaking in Scotland.
Ski School - Sgt Roberts on pre - lockdown trip to Bavaria
At the time of writing, the UK is back in Lockdown which is frustrating not only for myself, but for JSMTC as a whole, as we were due to be developing our winter mountaineering skills in Scotland. We all have our fingers crossed that the conditions remain favourable for a couple of months yet!
Overall, even though there have been times of frustration, I have had a great first year as an ATI at JSMTW(L). I look forward to achieving a lot more in the year ahead.
Mountain Bike training – Yes, but is it JSAT terrain? Sgt (SI) Davison – Webb showing everyone how it is done