Page 109 - MERCIAN Eagle 2015

Being a Screw at ITC Catterick
Corporal CT Crease, Cpl Instructor PoW 4Pl
In June 2014, I started my post at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) Catterick as a Corporal Instructor. I was placed in the Prince of Wales Division to instruct new recruits on the Line Combat Infantryman Course (CIC); originally I was from Recce Platoon, 2 MERCIAN, before my posting to ITC.
When you first arrive, you need to learn to adapt quickly because it is a totally different pace of life from your normal battalion routine. It opens your eyes to the administration side at Platoon level a lot more, and you also brush up on all the basics you think you keep on top of in battalion.
Since being in ITC, I have got my education sorted and also done some personal development courses which will come in handy later on in my career. I have also passed out a course, and I am half-way through my second course now.
It’s not all work and no play at ITC; in June 2015 I got to train the Jordanian Special Forces in Brecon for three weeks. This was a challenge because of the language barrier and also because of the cultural differences, but once we had set a routine in the first week it was good.
We had to learn to use the C8 carbine -- this is their weapon system -- and we
had to re-teach them as they were a bit rogue. We spent time on the ranges with them and I initially thought they might be at a low standard, but their shooting was a strong point; their weapon safety was not as strong, however.
They finished their time in Brecon by doing a shortened version of the FAN DANCE up the famous “granny track”. They got a great sense of achievement from this and were happy to have done it.
The Jordanians had a great work ethic by comparison with the ANA and ANP, whom I have also worked alongside.
The Jordanians took great pride in improving their low-level skills, as they saw it as a chance to show off their professionalism, which is something we drive for at ITC.
The three weeks with the Jordanians was a great opportunity for personal and professional development. It is
an opportunity I would recommend
to anyone wishing to improve on their soldiering abilities.
I am due to leave ITC in June 2016 and return to unit. If you are due to come to ITC soon, then all I can say is, you’ll enjoy it! It will open your eyes to the wider Army, and you’ll also see rewards for the hard work that you put into the recruits.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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