Page 35 - Chiron Issue 2 2014

We then had a two day period back in camp where the students completed written assessments and enjoyed the company of SSgt Hood on drill for Passout preparation. The Sections then took part in Command Tasks, and each member having an opportunity to lead a task.
Back into the field once more for the final exercise with the first phase taking place in Urban Dry Training Area (UDTA), and consisting of a Relief In Place (RIP) into a FOB then reassurance patrols with scenarios building daily including casevac, attacks and recce patrols. The pace is fast and hard with command appointments constantly changing. We then surged forward to area A, to begin the next phase of the exercise this time moving into conventional warfare, and straight into a platoon harbour where recce patrols began in preparation for the final attack. The platoon moved into the Forming Up Point (FuP) prior to first light and waited for H – Hour. The bangs started at H – 5 with hearts pumping (also potentially the arrival of the CO and RSM aided this). The fire support opened up, and the first section crossed the Line of Departure (LoD), and launched into the first assault under the watchful eye of the Platoon Commander. Eventually the Platoon finished the break in phase into the trench system, and started the clearance process. A special mention must go to LCpl Loyal who delivered a set of Quick Battle Orders (QBO’s) whilst repeatedly vomiting. With all ammunition expended and enemy depth identified and engaged, the Platoon Commander in honour of the seventieth anniversary of D-Day gave the order to go over the top and charge!!!
The final exercise completed we then moved back to camp and straight into post exercise administration. The following day began with a full morning of pass out practice under the expert tutelage of SSgt Hood. Then in the afternoon they moved onto the fifteen minute presentations that each student was given at the start of the course. This year the presentation theme included great battles in history ranging from Cajamarca to Blenheim. These presentations are aimed to demonstrate effective intelligence and to test a student’s ability to organise, plan and deliver a presentation in front of an audience which normally consists of RHQ and relevant OC’s. This year again produced a very high standard with LCpl Loyal being one of the stand out students.
We then moved into final preparation for the PNCO mess function. The theme this year being the seventieth anniversary of D-Day and the centenary of the First World War. Staff and students worked hard all afternoon to set up the Sgt’s Mess and guests finally arrived to be greeted by the opening scene from Saving Private Ryan being projected around the mess to set the scene. Prior to the dinner the guest speaker
Mr Robert Miller from the Royal British Legion gave a poignant opening address which was well received by all the students. We then moved into the themed meal (which Cpl Woolfe thought he would eat early) and listened to the key speakers. The Regimental Quarter Master Maj Brown led with his speech which as a senior LE sets the tone, and is of great value to the students. The night’s entertainment then began with the students who had planned presentations on World War One and D- Day including VC winners and poetry from the era. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable evening (with the thought of pass off in the morning) was had by both students and guests alike.
Finally the last day, the Regiment was formed up ready and the PNCO course took to the square we had the honour of CRE (Commander Royal Engineers) 1UK Div Col S Howard as our inspecting officer he presented the award for best student to A/LCpl Loyal. After the pass out its final interviews and course dispersal. All done for another year. A highly enjoyable and successful course with all students managing to achieve the required grade, and two students receiving in house remediation on their return to their Units.
Summary
This is potentially my last PNCO course as Training Sergeant and I would like to thank all the Directing Staff that have made the course happen and been of great value over the years. My main take away message for future students is don’t avoid the Regiment’s course it is by far the best in the AMS, and will prepare you to a higher standard for the remainder of your military career. It is the basis of what you can achieve and sets the standard for you to take back to your own Regiment and develop your own subordinates. Oh and whilst you are on course keep smiling!
‘Some day you may have to lead men into battle and ask them to do their duty, and you will do it through Love. You must always put them first. If you arrive somewhere half destroyed, half exhausted at the end of a hard march, do you worry about your food, your bed, and your rest? No you do not. You must make sure they are fed, rested and have somewhere to sleep. You must make sure arrangements are made for their safety and guards placed, runners sent, whatever is necessary, and it will be a lot. But, if you do this you’ll find that you never have to worry about yourself, because as you look after them, so they will look after you. As they come to know that you love and care for them, so they will love you, and through love for you and for one another they will be the best soldiers the world has seen.’
General Sir Patrick John Howard-Dobson GCB
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