Page 84 - MERCIAN Eagle 2019

RMAS Mercian Representatives:
Training Coy OC: Training Coy CSM:
Pl CSgt:
Training Coy CQMS: Training Coy CQMS:
Maj N Lygo
WO2 (CSM) J Timperley
CSgt D Lawrence CSgt M Jones CSgt D Kolodynski
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THE MERCIAN EAGLE
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS)
Training the next generation of Army Officers
Maj Nik Lygo – OC Normandy Company
The Mercian Regimental family gains three quality young officers at the Sovereign’s Parade in Dec 18. From L-R; CSgt Coates, 2Lt Nicholson, 2Lt Tuck, Maj Gen Cave (CoR), 2Lt Davies, Maj Lygo, CSgt Massey, WO2 (CSM) Timperley
My RMAS post got off to a flyer; I was parachuted in to Dettingen Company and quickly found myself running the Commissioning Course Short (CCS) alongside the 2019 RMAS Instructor Cadre which was a real eye-opener. When that all came to an end, I became a company commander
for Regular Commissioning Course 192 which felt a bit more familiar, albeit 14 years after my experience as a cadet! The 44-week course is split into three 14-week terms and the OCdts enjoy an additional AT period (enjoyment level depends upon activity!).
For an OC, the first few weeks of the course proved to be anti-climactic as the cadets are kept amused for long hours by their Pl CSgts without the need for an interfering OC! That said, time quickly roles on and within a heartbeat (or even quicker for the cadets) you are in the Black Mountains for the infamous Ex LONG REACH; a 60-70km march over the beautiful but unforgiving Welsh terrain that includes command tasks, route selection and outright determination. There is no denying that it is an arduous event and for the cadets to plan and complete it after only 7 weeks of military training is impressive.
The Intermediate Term is broken down into two distinct phases, firstly, the hateful eight; three exercises in eight weeks. Once over the initial shock of deploying on a Saturday at least once, the exercises are well resourced and well executed. By this stage of their training, the cadets are on their way to becoming leaders and the summative offensive operation exercise culminated in a Deliberate Coy Attack that was executed with momentum, stealth and hints
of professional soldiering! Other Intermediate Term highlights include the Defensive exercise
where cadets are treated to digging down to Stage 1 in Thetford before donning 4R for a CBRN extraction. The second phase of the term is largely academic focussed, and cadets are educated in Defence and International Affairs, War Studies and Communication and Behavioural Sciences.
The Senior Term is where RMAS attempts to add polish to the cadets and prepare them as best they can for the rigours of platoon command. More academic work and the introduction of stabilisation operations are the theme for the first half of the term, the second half is dominated
by the two-week final exercise in Germany and preparation for the Commissioning Parade.
I write this having just witnessed my cadets march up the famous steps of Old College and into the Field Army. They are well prepared for the demands of a Young Officer and will hopefully add value to their units upon arrival. Most importantly; myself and the training team have stressed the importance of doing right by the soldiers they command which I hope will remain with them throughout their careers.
Sales pitch – an honest one. RMAS is the home of the British Army Officer and I have enjoyed
my two years here immensely. The days and weeks can be long, and I have lost count of how many working weekends I have been subjected
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