Page 74 - Wish Stream Year of 2016

Lucknow Cadets on the Range
and better prepared for the upcoming chal- lenges than when they left it. The bottom line is that going to the gym every morning makes you feel great and sets you up for a stellar day.
The second half of the day is dedicated to per- sonal and professional development from an academic and Of cership perspective through weekly themes such as leadership, tactics, com- bat estimate and capabilities. An Of cer Cadet Platoon Commander plans the lesson pro- gramme under staff supervision and delegates the lesson delivery to other cadets within the platoon, whilst an Of cer Cadet Platoon Ser- geant assists the Platoon Commander in man- aging the week and the platoon. For those in command, this provides signi cant exposure to managing people from different stages of train- ing, with varying competencies, welfare matters and personalities. It is important to remember the signi cant difference in competencies between those at the end of their Senior Term and those in the early stages of Junior Term; to strike the right balance in teaching and leading this level of diversity with the platoon is both challeng- ing and rewarding. For those delivering lessons, the opportunity to challenge their comfort zones and perceptions without the fear of impacting on their course ranking is unique. The desired end state is ultimately cadets with in-depth and var- ied subject knowledge that are far more assured with planning and presenting. Indeed, an Of cer Cadet’s exposure to presenting regularly in front of their peers and platoon directing staff results in a marked improvement to their public speaking ability; this is vital for a future young Of cer. These afternoon sessions are rst class; the cadets teach in a variety of ways, making them interac- tive and engaging, at a pace their peers enjoy and bene t from. This includes guest speakers, practicals around the Academy and trips across the United Kingdom.
Academy personnel often call upon Lucknow to provide Of cer Cadets for the various functions the Academy holds, which the regular CC time- table does not facilitate. These functions, ranging from drinks and dinner nights to presentations and awards ceremonies, provide opportunities to network with a wide range of people from civil servants to blue-chip business leaders, as well as a variety of former service personnel. These events are not only a privilege to be involved in, but they are vital to developing the cadets’ con- dence and personal skills. As the order of dress for these functions is often “blues”, they can also be a welcome opportunity for the Lucknovians to brush up on their boot bulling – fundamental Sandhurst skills.
In short, Lucknow Platoon is an ever-changing beast as it is the only retained platoon in the Academy with a continuous cross over of cadets and staff from different intakes, and at different stages of training. This brings a variety of chal- lenges due to numerous preconceptions and agendas from all involved. The key to success in Lucknow is a positive, professional and open mind to learning and growth. It is an opportu- nity for Of cer Cadets to try new ideas, pursue a range of interests and take ownership of their own development, which can ultimately pro- duce more well-rounded young Of cers, ready to begin their rst posting. Indeed, every Of cer you meet who has spent time in the Platoon as an Of cer Cadet will testify that they are better Of cers as a result. By building a shared ethos and vision, fostered by the current incumbents and etched into all new arrivals, the platoon can continue on the path towards a rehabilitation and professional development utopia, which is surely only a good thing for the Academy and the Army. It is about time the words “Lucknow Platoon” be rightly recognised, by cadets and staff alike, as the positive development opportunity that it is.
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