Page 72 - The Wish Stream Year of 2020 Crest

indisputable experience of being on arduous terrain.
It’s clear from that week that AT pushed both the personal and professional growth of the members of the platoon – AT isn’t just about physical capability, but rather extends one’s lim- its outside of their comfort zone, testing their abilities and encourages a ‘growth mentality’. In terms of leadership development, the platoon learnt about the 5 Ps (Prisoner, Protestor, Pas- senger, Participant, Pilot) and the importance of self-assessment (for personal learning). This is
essential for a leader’s emotional intelligence so they can understand the group and ensure there is a robust learning environment for all. As well as this, the platoon looked at ‘The Three Pillars’ which includes the Army’s Values and Stand- ards, LEADERS and Coping Mechanisms and, when combined, allows for effective leadership. At the heart of it, AT encourages and develops through the testing of both mental and physical limits. What was grasped and understood by the end of the week by everyone was the essential- ness of AT for all army personnel.
Leadership Development Course 203 End of Term
Denton’s Yard Basement is the home of the Leadership Development Course. This platoon of motivated individuals strives to embody the mantra of Field Marshall Slim: ‘Defeat into Vic- tory’. Each member of the platoon started with one thing in common – a second
introduction to drill and the life in Old College. A multitude of lessons followed with the platoon slowly coming to grips with CSgt Grant’s call for panache. Under the watchful eye of Sergeant Felix, the platoon continually kept ‘banging them
out’ as they learnt to ‘empty the bucket’ and the limits of how crisp a short crease can get.
As the course progressed, the pla- toon became more exposed to the developmental aspects. In many ways this was a more enhanced version of Westbury, designed to grow the areas of improvement highlighted by AOSB. In particu- lar, the ability to analyse and make coherent plans was targeted by Captain Rampton’s rigorous ques-
chance to earn their place at the
Royal Military Academy Sand-
hurst. Akin to the experience of the
14th Army in Burma, the potential
officers were defeated by the rig-
ours of AOSB yet hope remained.
After a nerve-racking wait, these
individuals opened their letters to
find themselves offered the ‘Lead-
ership Development Course’. This
little-known opportunity was, for
many, a jump into the unknown,
but now it can be said without
doubt it has been an incredibly
formative experience. As the course draws to an end, the platoon can hold their heads high and declare victory, with every potential officer achieving personal development.
On the 13th September, 21 new potential offic- ers entered the gates of Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and were greeted by the imposing figures of CSgt Grant and SSgt Brunton. The immediate feeling was one of apprehension as the platoon settled into their new surround- ings. However, there was little time to reflect as they were swiftly thrust onto Denton’s Yard for
This little-known opportunity was, for many, a jump into the unknown, but now it can be said without doubt it has been an incredibly formative experience
70 SANDHURST