Page 73 - Wish Stream 2023 CREST

‘EN GUARDE!!,’ ‘HIGH PORT!!!,’ ‘CHECK BAY- ONET!!’ Cries that will be familiar to all who have lived or worked at the Royal Military
Academy ring out to usher in a new Senior Term. Although considered by some as archaic and out- dated, the bayonet lane is seen as a rite of passage. It asks OCdts to draw upon their grit, determina- tion, aggression and will to win in the face of chaos, exhaustion, and noise. Often tagged as ‘the snow- flake generation,’ it is certainly reassuring to see the next wave of Army leaders, display the fighting spirit and tenacity that has served the British Army well throughout history.
The Senior Term perhaps offers that most strik- ing example during the Regular Commissioning Course. Complex, fast paced and brimming with content, it is a term that tests all the teaching that has gone before. Whether it is the confusion of urban warfighting and house clearance, or emo- tional intelligence and tact required for dealing with a post conflict civilian population, Seniors can surprise even the best performing OCdts. A word to the wise, don’t believe everything you hear about ‘Hotel Seniors.’
This term on Ex TEMPLER’S TRIUMPH, we were joined in Copehill Down village by Royal Marine Young Officers (YOs) from the Commando Train- ing Centre down in Lympstone, who would play the role of the local people. Initially nervous of the YOs ‘hoofing’ reputation and ‘toppers’ fighting spirit, the OCdts soon realised that physical prowess was only one measure of effectiveness in achieving the mission. Rising to the challenge of robust crowd control and delicate negotiation, before redeploy- ing into a quagmire for further rural actions, Gaza Coy showed their own ability to demonstrate some Commando Spirit, particularly cheerfulness in the face of adversity.
After only a couple of weeks turn around, the intake was then off to Germany for their final test, Ex DYNAMIC VICTORY. First up was the fun and excitement of Live Fire Tactical Training, combining their fieldcraft training with marksmanship, building to the adrenaline rush of live grenades and bayonet
Capt Wensley RE
charges to clear the enemy. Next, the OCdts faced their biggest tactical leadership challenge in finally facing an adaptive enemy that fights to win, in the form of Blackfoot Company of the US Army. Ini- tially struggling, and at times overwhelmed by this new threat that refused to sit still and be destroyed, the intake adapted and evolved to regain initiative and win their engagements. Added to this was the creeping in of combined arms manoeuvre with the introduction of UAS, Armoured Fighting Vehicles and the emerging ability to call in fires.
For the majority, the Senior Term is less about meeting the Commissioning standard and more about their chance to be the best they can be arriv- ing at their new ‘tribes’ or cap badges. As such, the onus is on them to make the most of that oppor- tunity and face the reality of their soon-to-be per- manent command appointment. For the staff, there also begins the delicate transition from instructor to imminent senior colleague as soon our OCdts will no longer be Mr/Miss but be reunited with their first names.
Being a Platoon Commander in Seniors isn’t with- out its challenges. With a significant amount of time away from camp, and a daunting paper bur- den of commissioning reports, the pace of life is unrelenting for instructors as well as OCdts. How- ever, as the end finally draws near, it is with no small amount of pride that you get to watch some outstanding efforts be recognised with prizes and know that there are some highly talented and capable junior officers about to join the Field Army.
The Senior Term – A Platoon Commander’s Perspective
SANDHURST 71