Page 32 - Mercian Eagle 2017

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The Infantry Battle School
Capt Tom Onion, Ops Capt, Platoon Commanders’ Division, IBS
Having arrived at the Battle School in
May 17, I was impressed to see a strong cadre of Mercian staff in the ranks of the instructors across the Divisions; with CSgt Peake and Capt Randall working on the Junior Division, CSgt Sumner and Atherden with the Senior Division, and myself in the Platoon Commanders’ Division.
The courses at Infantry Battle School (IBS) have changed in some respects
since my time here as a student: notably the focus on fighting light and a lessened focus on Counter-Insurgency (COIN), one thing which has clearly not changed is that Brecon offers some of the most demanding training available for Infantrymen throughout the world.
One element of change in the delivery of courses is the implementation of a ‘blended learning’ environment. This includes the use of pre-reading by the students, SMART boards to create
The epic scenery of the Brecon Beacons forms the backdrop for some of the most challenging courses in the British Army.
interactive learning in the classroom,
a preference for smaller syndicate work and discussion over course lectures where possible, and greater emphasis
‘The nature of the terrain on Sennybridge training area means that the average exercise remains just as horrendous and manging as it ever has’
understand that whilst here at Brecon, they are in a learning environment, not simply one where they are being constantly put under the microscope.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t make the courses any easier. The nature of the
that the average exercise remains just as horrendous and manging as it ever has, pushing junior commanders’ to their limits.
As an instructor, the Battle School is a great place to work. Posts here remain career enhancing for our best SNCOs, in an environment whereby they are trusted with the delivery of the sort of training we all joined the Infantry to conduct, with highly motivated students, and a relatively stable forecast of events.
on the formative
development of
students prior to
summative testing.
Hopefully the output is that students
terrain on Sennybridge training area means
Capt Onion listens while young officers deliver Quick Battle Orders in Belize
Ex FAN DANCE remains a gruelling test for
all Platoon Commanders seeking to join the Regiment; here 2Lt Darkings leads the Platoon during the last 6km carrying an 80kg stretcher
THE MERCIAN EAGLE