Page 88 - MERCIAN Eagle 2018

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Cpl Ball instructs Chindit Platoon how to clear buildings in the urban environment on Ex BUCS & LLUST
Infantry Training Centre Catterick (ITC) Pl Comds
The last year has seen the full integration
of MERCIAN recruits into the KINGS Division training sphere, which has been a resounding success. MERCIAN recruits now train alongside their Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and Yorkshire Regiment peers, which has contributed
and overall performance. This inclusion of modern IT systems into Infantry training serves to deliver better training to recruits, ensuring soldiers arrive at their Battalions fully prepared for their future careers.
The period has also seen the introduction of the new Physical
improving the ability of soldiers to deploy throughout their career.
2018 was another successful year at
ITC. Recruitment has remained steady
and looks to be improving into both the adult and junior entry courses. As ever,
the standard of training delivered remains exceptionally high. The continued hard work and dedication of all permanent staff will ensure the next generation of MERCIAN soldiers arrive at their Battalions physically and conceptually prepared for their careers and ready for the modern operating environment.
BC Williams Lt
OC Chindit Pl Anzio Coy
2 ITB
positively towards
forging the bonds that
will strengthen the
KINGS Division for years
to come. MERCIAN
permanent staff have
also been included
in all KINGS Division
gatherings and professional development events. Again, this has only strengthened the bonds between all KINGS Division Permanent Staff at ITC and displayed the wide range of career options available to both MERCIAN Soldiers and Officers.
The end of 2018 has also seen the implementation of the new Combat Infantryman’s Course (CIC) 18. The revised course will ensure recruits benefit from lessons learnt from recent conflicts while also preparing them for future operating environments. Training will now involve
the full range of Infantry weapon systems and all recruits will be issued the updated VIRTUS personal equipment, which is being rolled out across the field army. This ensures that recruits arrive at their Battalions able to contribute positively and ready for the full spectrum of modern operations. One of the main aspects of CIC 18 is the full integration of After-Action Reviews (AARs) using TES equipment. Sensors are fitted to recruits and their weapons, which allows training staff to review their tactics, marksmanship
Employment Standards (PES) into ITC. This is
a new way of thinking about how we physically prepare recruits for the demands of Infantry soldiering. Flexibility
and stretching sessions are integrated into training and focuses on
developing the whole-life physical education of Infantry soldiers, with the aspiration of reducing muscular-skeletal injuries, and
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
This is a new way of thinking about how we physically prepare recruits...
Sgt Hodgkinson and the MERCIANs of Chindit Platoon on their pass off parade