Page 97 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2015-16

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provides them with the opportunity to be employed delivering ski foundation training during Ex Snow Warrior. This means that for alpine skiers with a good level of experience they can complete Ski Leader 1 (SL1) and gain the pre-requisites for SL2 during a winter season.
Prior to delivering the SL1 course JSMTC instructors complete a three day staff training package. This focuses on how to teach the basics of skiing. The British Association of Snowsport Instructor’s (BASI) central theme method is used. As instructors usually work in isolation the opportunity to observe and share teaching information is a valuable resource. The skiing area on the Glacier sits around 3000 metres above sea level, so these three days also serve as a short period of acclimatisation.
The students attending the course arrive at the Alpine Training Centre (Bavaria) in preparation for onwards travel to Neustift, Austria the following day after all equipment has been issued at the ATC Bavaria. The students understandably are itching to get skiing having travelled to the Alps by coach so the rst day is mainly spent getting the ski legs in and getting used to the new equipment accompanied with a few posture and balance exercises.
For the remaining nine days the focus is split between developing personal performance, and working on how to teach ski foundation students in accordance with the course Formal Training Statement (FTS). Personal performance is developed by gaining lots of ski mileage on the excellent terrain that the Glacier provides conducting numerous exercises and drills. Video analysis is regularly used and new projector cameras meant that we were able to review performance ‘on the hill’ then implement the changes immediately.
The delivery of ski instruction is developed by regular teaching practises and increasing awareness of coaching theory both on
SL1 Teaching Practices
the slopes and in the classroom. Students often nd revisiting basic skills such as plough turning and plough parallel turning dif cult as their personal skiing has moved on from this basic skill set. Due to evenings often being taken up with video analysis, lectures, lesson planning, ski waxing/maintenance the course does have an intensive feel. But on successful completion of the course the newly trained instructors should be able to con dently deliver an SF1 course as part of Ex Snow Warrior or as Distributed Training for their own units.
JOINT SERVICE MOUNTAIN TRAINING WING BALLACHULISH (JSMTW)(B)
After spending many nights as a student sleeping in the “Bear Pit”, I continually wondered what it would be like to be assigned to JSMTW (Bal). I was soon to nd out when I took over as the Of cer Commanding in July 15. I would like to thank Capt (MAA) Gary Logan for a very comprehensive hand over. Thankfully, Gary’s experience and knowledge has remained within JSMTC as he has only relocated to JSMTW (I). Gary, best wishes to you and your family.
Throughout my entire time in the military, I have never encountered a team of individuals that are so helpful, proactive and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the experience our students receive is always rst class. Annette, Jason, Jenny and Margaret, thank you for making my working life very simple! Anyone who has visited Ballachulish in the latter part of this Training Year will know that the standard of food has increased due to the arrival of Cpl Ross Pirie. Cpl Pirie is an outstanding chef and an ambassador for the RLC.
Capt (MAA) G Webster RAPTC
Old JSMTW (Bal) Store
SSgt (SSI) Andy Hogarth has now dekitted and taking on the mantle of a SIO (that is a civilian instructor to most of us military folk). On my arrival, it was really pleasing to hear SIO Hogarth would remain on the team. He is a very talented individual with a wealth of knowledge. SSgt (SSI) Scotty Mayled should be congratulated on his promotion to SSgt, great achievement from an accomplished and gifted ATI. SSgt (SSI) Mayled will now take over the responsibilities of the Wing Sergeant Major (WSM) a management role which I’m sure he will relish.
New JSMTW (Bal) Store
The biggest on-going project is the rebuild of the new Wing store. Some individuals may remember at the rear of the Old Drill Hall lay the Wing store which was a standalone building that was constructed prior to 1960. Records show that the store was rst constructed as a garage to house the centre’s transport for those personnel under taking AT. Recently, a very large sum of money has been spent on the new project and when complete, this purpose built two tier building will enhance this centre and create a better, more ef cient working environment for staff and students.