Page 19 - Chiron Spring 2020
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 MWH Navigator navigating the decon lines with Technical Rescue
conducting an operational task in the UK becoming contaminated when the dog ran through an unknown substance. Both were “distressed” with burning eyes and coughing. Once again immediate action drills of “Remove, Remove, Remove” were initiated, dry decon conducted, and the dog and handler were successfully put through a space age looking mobile decontamination unit.
Safety was paramount during the scenarios, and it was determined right at the start that the exercise should not be distressing for the animals involved. One of the DATRs Veterinary Officers, Lt Karen Pettit, kept an eagle eye for both scenarios and her brief was to halt training should there be any signs of distress. Thankfully the animals either exhibited excitement (the dog!) or mild disinterest (the horses!).
Overall the day was a fantastic first step to see what realistic decontamination looks like in animals. The focus was on “can it be done?” to which the answer was a resounding yes. The next steps may involve asking the question, if we did it, how well was it done? Having decontaminated the animals, are they truly clear of the substance?
Our thanks for a truly innovative, interesting, and enjoyable day go to observers from Dstl, DEFRA, the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Association, James Marman for helping to set up the day and, of course, the amazing members of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
the pressure was ramped up by bringing in two more contaminated horses and handlers to really test the crew. The look of dismay on the Incident Commander’s face was a thing of beauty! Due to time pressures the second two horses did not go through full decon but the pressure identified some more potential learning objectives.
The fire fighters who were qualified Technical Rescue operatives (trained in animal rescue but not a qualification
held by all fire fighters) then took the opportunity to see if they would be able to lead horses in Gas Tight Suits. These are the bright green/yellow space suits used in hazardous environments and were expected to scare the horses terribly, though again they behaved impeccably!
The scenario was called at exactly 1 hour and following a brief lunch the second scenario was started with a different crew. In this case the subject was a Military Working Dog and handler
  As a JNCO in Initial Training Team, you have responsibility, and the privilege, to deliver training to the next generation of RAVC soldiers on a day-to-day basis. It has to be said, there is rarely a dull moment in the life of an instructor and there is certainly no ‘typical day’. At the Defence Animal Training Regiment, we run the nine-week course which includes an induction week, a Protection Handler and Practical Training Assistant course, field skills phase, veterinary first aid package and a key skills test week. Successful Recruits will complete their training with a Class 3 dog handler qualification before posting to 1st Military Working Dog Regiment.
An instructor has a duty of welfare and care to the Initial Training recruits. For many recruits, it can be very daunting when first handling a Military Working Dog (MWD) and therefore it is vital that we provide and maintain a safe physical
LCpl Davis
working environment for ourselves and the recruits. We must ensure that recruits are working a reasonable number of hours and have adequate rest throughout the mentally and physically challenging course. As an instructor, it is important that you are comfortable dealing with a wide variety of personality types and ability levels, while still treating all recruits equally.
As well as having a duty of welfare to recruits, instructors also have a duty of welfare to all MWDs on the Initial Training Course. This includes conducting and co-coordinating continuation dog training between courses. It is the part of the Unit Role to implement good MWD husbandry by ensuring inoculation, worming, grooming and kennel cleanliness is maintained. This must be reiterated to the recruits and ensure that they are following these procedures whilst on course.
Instructors must also ensure all training reports are completed to the correct standard and on time. They must also interact with students for pre- and post- course blended learning including the administration of forums, blogs and completion of MOODLE (Modular Object Orientated Dynamic Learning Environment) – based packages.
Throughout the course instructors provide coaching and personnel development to Initial Training recruits.
This involves planning and evaluating recruit’s performances. Instructors work to create lesson plans tailored to the recruit’s level of cognitive ability and interests. It helps to have a good sense of humour and the ability to think like recruits.
At all times an instructor must up hold the values and standards of the British Army. As an Initial Training Instructor, they are preparing recruits for their military career and therefore it is vital that they always conduct themselves to the highest standards.
Day In The Life Of An Instructor
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