Page 101 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

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Military skiing
of the game is just one aspect of high-end performance. The characteristics and the mental capacity that delivers us to success must also be trained and developed in order to optimise their
effectiveness. “Ninety percent of the game is mental the other half is physical” (US Baseball legend Yogi Barra).
AT is rewarding, fun and also offers a non-scripted live environment that can easily become hazardous, far removed from the DII terminal and normal training formats. Not only do participants have to learn a new skill, they then apply these skills in sometimes arduous and demanding situations. Often, these skills must be carried out whilst managing the hazards in order to keep their companions safe. Tying a knot in the classroom is one thing, but tying the same knot when you’re cold, wet, tired, hanging from the side of a wind beaten mountain in order to protect the team is a whole new ball game. Attributes such as discipline, courage, trust and leadership all come to the surface whilst the participants are managing their own feelings and stresses. A well-trained AT Leader, just like a good manager, must have the empathy and understanding to manage these ‘out of the ordinary situations’ respectfully. These feelings and characteristics are the hidden jewels within AT and with the use of correct feedback we can make a direct link to our leadership and personal development models, adding in self-awareness.
Google ‘personal development’ and the rst hit you get is “personal development is a lifelong process, it’s a way for people to assess their skills and qualities, consider their aims in life and set goals in order to realise and maximise their potential”. Referring back to the title of this short article, “Does development training within AT enhance to operational capability?” The answer in my opinion is a very reliable ‘Yes’. With the use of mediums such as AT, and its ‘out of the ordinary’ stressful situations. Through AT, we can assess and develop skills and qualities that are sometimes unknown to the individual, maximising their potential therefore enhancing their operational capability.
We are all aware that Adventurous Training (AT) is recognised across all three Services and is conducted in order to enhance operational capability. The training effect that the Joint Service Mountain Training Centre (JSMTC) aims to achieve is to develop an array of peripheral skills such as planning, organisation, leadership, man-management and administration, furthermore it is without doubt that the Type 2 and 3 AT that takes places at unit level across the globe is a key element in preparing Service personnel for future and present operations. Skiing is one of the activities that JSMTC uses as a vehicle to provide professional and personal development for Service personnel. Along with the other AT activities that we undertake, skiing has the potential to make a signi cant contribution to military effectiveness, ghting spirit and personal development.
JSMTC delivers the Joint Service Adventurous Training (JSAT) ski scheme from dedicated Center’s both in the UK and overseas. The scheme is developmental, progressive and broad ranging. Initially it aims to teach personnel to ski safely and competently on a pisted slope in an alpine environment and/or on tracks in a Nordic environment. Subsequent courses introduce skills and techniques that are required for off piste skiing and ski touring. Courses start for the novice (ski foundation) and then provide opportunity to take Service personnel right the way up to achieve Ski Leader courses. Once Ski Leader quali cations (1, 2 or 3) are gained, Ski Leaders can deliver Distributed Training within their own Exercises and Expeditions.
In summary, the JSAT Ski Scheme isn’t in place for personnel to learn how to ski; it is there so we can progress towards ski touring in order to develop the Service persons peripheral skill set
which will be bene cial to their professional effectiveness, their leadership skills, their coping mechanisms, the development of their ethos and moral values, and the establishment of a growth mindset. We ski in order to achieve the Aims of AT.
Developmental skills
WHY DO WE SKI IN THE MILITARY
Sgt (SI) T Kirby RAPTC