Page 19 - QARANC Vol 17 No 2 2019
P. 19
would turn up already familiar with the BFAC content and the Master Trainer Course would focus on Instructional Techniques. However, in the early days the BFAC is required to be taught at the start to ensure all students have this basic knowledge. The BFAC element of the course was taught by Mr Trent O’Brien who works for UN Mine Action Awareness. The UK instructors then lead the delivery of the Instructional Techniques part of the course.
Following instruction from myself and Staff Sergeant Kirsty Slane (instructional techniques: (roles and responsibilities; student engagement; planning and preparing a lesson; lesson structure; skills analysis; delivering training; selection and use of training aids; confirmation of learning), the students were then required to teach back lessons and scenarios based upon the BFAC syllabus. All directing staff conducted assessments and ensured complete collaboration with decisions.
Working with many nations can be a real education on politics and ensuring any bias was eliminated was essential. Over the course of the week it soon became apparent there was a wide range of abilities and that not all students would reach the level of a certified UN BFAC Master Trainer. Unfortunately, some personnel were unable to successfully pass the UN BFAC course. This clearly indicated the real need for this project to be successful. It was agreed students would be awarded one of the following four levels:
Certified as a UN Master Trainer and able to train trainers.
Certified as a Trainer to deliver UN BFAC to students.
Mr Tent teaching in Galway, Ireland
The Gazette QARANC Association 17
Successfully passed the UN Buddy First Aid Course (not certified to deliver training).
Certificate of Participation for attending the UNBFAC Master Trainer Course (not certified to deliver training).
Overall, the UN BFAC Master Trainer Pilot Course was deemed successful; 22 students attended the course and 15 nations were represented. The concept of the cascade training was tested and over 70% of students attending achieved trainer status; with 50% being accredited as UN BFAC Master Trainers.
The follow up course took place in Renmore Barracks in Galway, Ireland over the period 10-16 March 2019. Under the direction of Major Martin Neary, the Irish Defence Force were exceptional hosts, providing co-located accommodation and classroom facilities a short walk from the cook house. The Irish are renowned for their hospitality and this was no exception. The Meet & Greet
on the first evening, complete with Irish Coffee and traditional music, was a new experience for many participants. The cultural trip around Galway mid- week provided the opportunity for many to understand Irish history and to stock up on St Patrick Day gifts to take home. The formal dinner on the final evening of the course cemented the friendliness and generosity of our Irish hosts.
The course comprised of 18 students with 13 nations represented. This time the UK supported the delivery with two directing staff and with two UK students attending. Three students who had been successful in Brindisi were invited to instruct on this course along with myself, Lieutenant Colonel Tomer Koler (Israel), Lieutenant Colonel Shuichi Kawano (Japan) and Mr Trent O’Brien (UN) who were all present on the December pilot course and provided continuity.
Sergeant Lou James
Squadron Leader Brooker at the United Nations Global Service Centre, Brindisi, Italy
Lance Corporal Fay treating a simulated casualty