Page 23 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

The structure of 1st Infantry Training Battalion pre-April 2017
Exercises (IntroEx). These somewhat resemble you set will shape the recruits’ performance for the
combat camping at the start, but the lessons are learnt quickly and soon we able to set up decent patrol harbours and conduct personal admin properly. Basic tactics is covered, but that is less of a priority at this point as there are plenty more exercises to complete.
The Ri emen get to wear their berets from week 10, when they conduct the drill test. From that point the standard expected of them increases with the aim that they take more responsibility for their own training after leave.
Overall, the new CIC allows a smooth transition from civilian to Ri eman with a reduced rate of injury and failure. The rst 12 weeks of the CIC is successful in developing a positive attitude towards training and promoting learning. It remains to be seen how effective the new Ri emen will be long term.
Lt Alex Gillies, Ri es 5 Platoon Commander
The Infantry Training Centre: A Corporal’s Perspective
Being a Section Commander Instructor at the Infantry Training Centre has been one of the most demanding and rewarding job roles that I have had so far. Days can, at times, feel long and the work never ending with well over eighty percent of the lessons being conducted by the Section Commander Instructor. This said, I have enjoyed every minute of my time spent here Catterick.
The Combat Infantryman’s Course (CIC) is broken down into three terms; term one being the ‘phase one’ element. Term two is predominantly ranges and Tactical Exercises, with signals, Battle eld Casualty Drills (BCD) and Chemical Biological Radioactive Nuclear (CBRN) training as well. Term three involves Live Fire Tactical Training (LFTT), Final Exercise and drill for the passing out parade.
Term one is the most demanding for the Section Commander. The recruits need a duty of care NCO at all times throughout this stage. With the recruits not passing off the square until week ten it can be time consuming ensuring that not only the whole platoon gets to each lesson on time but also individual recruits who have appointments throughout the day. This is the most important term in the whole course as this is where the standards
remainder of the course. As demanding as this term is, with a hard working training team this period runs smoothly and quickly.
Term two will see the introduction of Light Machine Gun lessons and weapon handling tests, BCD and CBRN. Within each training team it is bene cial if there is at least one instructor for each subject (being quali ed in these prior to arriving is even better). During this term the majority of ranges are conducted as well as Annual Combat Marks- manship Tests and you will be able to use the recruits’ eagerness to achieve marksman in order to garner impressive results. It is during this term where you will teach the recruits everything from section attacks and standing patrols to Operating in Built Up Areas (OBUA) and Fighting in Woods and Forests (FIWAF). This is when you come into your own as Section Commander/Instructor, and where your own experience both on operations and exercise will help shape the recruits into Ri emen and future NCOs. You will see how your recruits will try to emulate you at every opportunity and therefore you must ensure that all you do is correct and professional.
Term three is rewarding for the Section Commander/Instructor as you will watch your recruits progress to LFTT at Warcop and conduct both live section and platoon attacks. Off the back of this the recruits will deploy to Otterburn for nal exercise and at this stage you will have slipped fully into the Section Commander role rather than the Instructor role.
Final Exercise is demanding for the recruits and gives them a good taste of what exercises in a battalion will be like. When nal exercise is over it is time to prepare for the next demanding part of this term, the Commandants’ March and Shoot competition. Consisting of a four-mile tab, two miler, obstacle course, shoot, and stretcher race, this event pushes the recruits and you see them work hard to win the coveted march and shoot trophy. Finally, the recruits, now Ri emen, prepare for the pass off parade by conducting numerous uniform inspections and drill practices, much to everyone’s delight!
After this is done, it is time for a well-earned period of leave before repeating the process again...
Cpl Ray, Ri es 5 Platoon instructor
FINAL EXERCISE IS DEMANDING FOR THE RECRUITS AND GIVES THEM A GOOD TASTE OF WHAT EXERCISES IN A BATTALION WILL BE LIKE
THE RIFLES
TRAINING 21
The structure of 1st Infantry Training Battalion post-April 2017