Page 104 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

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ADVENTUROUS TRAINING GROUP (ARMY)
Maj (MAA) L C Neville RAPTC
“To develop individual courage and leadership skills through controlled exposure to risk in a challenging outdoor environment in order to enhance Operational
Capability”.
The above definition is an extract from the overarching policy document. We all know that, right?
A brief history; The early 1970s saw the British Army introduce and adopt Adventurous Training in its training delivery. It was used then, as it is now in the modern era. Using adventurous activities as a medium for enhancing personal coping strategies, including the development of confidence, resilience, communication and ultimately leadership.
So, what has changed? To be brutally honest, not much. The principle is the same and we still concentrate on developing the inter-personal skills of the individual with the end state being preparation for the Battlefield. We do this by taking Service Personnel out of their comfort zone (at rest) and placing them in the “stretch” zone (uncomfortable, maybe bordering on being scared). There are times when the Service Person may encounter the “panic” zone (on exiting the aircraft whilst completing their first parachute jump as an example). All these attributes underpin the aims of Adventurous Training.
Granted, what has changed is the modern clothing and equipment. Governance, assurance and the well-versed risk management process in order to make these Risk to Life activities as safe as practicably possible.
As the Group Training Officer of Adventurous Training Group (Army) I am responsible for a very diverse and varied output. Our 2* HQ organisation is Army Recruiting & Initial Training Command (ARITC). We have two sub-ordinate HQs (ATFC & JSMTC) and eleven delivery wings sat under ATG (A) delivering safe, effective AT.
Being a lone staff officer in ATG (A) is extremely busy, as you would expect with the sheer volume and tempo of “staff churn”. On the positive, the tasks are broad ranging indeed and covering the G1-9 spectrum. For such a small Headquarters the output is impressive; Over 8000 Service Personnel under instruction per year on 107 courses. 20,000 Service Personnel on over 1100 Expeditions across 50 plus countries. Other outputs include wider assurance tasks to the Tri-Service environment, support to Battle Back (wounded, injured and sick Service Personnel) and Loan Pool Stores (Expedition Clothing and Equipment).
In closing AT has much to offer the Army and Defence as a whole. All RAPTCIs, Free Lance Instructors and our Temporary Employed Elsewhere Staff are at the forefront of the safe effective delivery of Adventurous Training. More importantly, we are at the forefront of Leadership Development with Defence, this in turn leads to a more credible, resilient and professional fighting force.
“On reflection I wish I had invested more time in simple team building exercises like sport and adventurous training. We would have done well to focus less on technical skills that soldiers pick up very quickly in theatre and foster instead the bonds of loyalty that lead men to extraordinary acts.”
Company Commander, Op HERRICK, Afghanistan 2009
Coping strategies
Team Building
Shippers