Page 8 - Eagle Eye Spring 2021

1 ISR Virtual Core Training Period
By the Editor and SAC Kennard
In December, following the success of two previous virtual team building events, 1 ISR Sqn held a three-day Core Training Period (CTP). This was planned to coincide with a period of mandated operational equipment servicing and therefore allowing the capacity to undertake training. The CTP functioned using Defence Connect, phones, Skype and Zoom conferencing. All events and activities were conducted in accordance with government guidelines with participation carried out in safe places in a virtual environment. Squadron personnel were split into 12 teams with all team activities having a Christmas flavour taking full advantage of the festive season!
Day one of the three-day event commenced
with a squadron level telephone conference. This provided a situational update from the Squadron Execs and for personnel to field questions regarding postings, shift hours, tasking and of course COVID-19. This was then followed by a presentation regarding the process for new arrivals into 1ISR.
The afternoon of day one consisted of a Christmas themed, socially distanced orienteering competition. The orienteering challenge composed of the squadron being split into 12 teams; each of which was assigned a Christmas themed symbol. Personnel were also each assigned a list of festive themed items that were to be looked for within their local area and to take a photo of the item alongside their teams’ photo.
Each item was assigned a point value and team members worked together to accrue points for their team.
Day two Involved squadron members taking part in a bespoke “happiness course” delivered to great effect in the difficult circumstances by the Padre, Sqn Ldr Dawn Colley - a course that normally runs over the space of several weeks. The course focussed on what makes people happy, the meaning of happiness delving deeper into scientific factors that link people to long term happiness. The whole squadron were encouraged to share personal moments amongst each other and learn about ways to help maintain a positive outlook something crucial during the current climate we all face.
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