Page 34 - QARANC Vol 14 No 12 2016

32 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Role of a Troop Commander Army Training Centre Pirbright
My QARANC career to date had been following the standard path. The first 6 years of my Army career were spent training to be a nurse at what was the Defence School of Health Care Studies (DSHCS). This was followed by postings to MDHU Portsmouth and Frimley Park (with the PQO course at RMAS in the middle). Finally, I was deployed on Op HERRICK 20 with 34 Field Hospital. Whilst deployed I was sent a jobs list on which I spotted a Troop Commander posting becoming available at Pirbright. Having completed Phase 1 training there 6 years earlier, I decided that going back as a Troop Commander would be an opportunity I could not turn down; I was posted to Army Training Centre (Pirbright) in January 2015.
My responsibility as a Troop Commander is toward my training team, consisting of a troop sergeant and 4 section commanders, as well the overall delivery of training of up to 48 recruits. I am furthermore held in charge of planning and executing exercises. Within the first month of arriving I completed a Range Management Qualification course, which now qualifies me to plan and run live ranges – a fantastic qualification to gain as a QA! Troop Commanders instruct on map reading, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and welfare, discipline and military law.
Just a few weeks after arriving, I took command of Townsend Troop working alongside an RAMC sergeant and corporals from the REME, R SIGNALS and MERCIAN cap badges. Watching recruits nervously arrive on day one of training and saying goodbye to family and friends reminded me of my first day of training. The new recruits were soon whisked away by the training team to start 14 weeks of basic training, aimed at turning them from civilians into a Phase 1 trained soldiers.
An average day in training generally starts with a room inspection from the section commander, followed by lessons. My section commanders and troop sergeant have completed specialist courses that allow them to instruct lessons such as Skill At Arms, Drill, BCDT and CBRN. While the training team delivers the majority of training, other instructors, such as PTIs and the Padre, will take lessons throughout the week. When not directly involved in training, I often prepare for range days and exercises by conducting recces, and producing the required administrative and safety paperwork. I will also update any discipline or welfare documents and conduct requisite planning for events such as a Troop Commander’s Activity Day, Families’ Day and a Realities of War trip to Belgium.
For many recruits, going on exercise is the most enjoyable part of training. They are taught by the training team how to live and operate in the field. During the 14-week course the recruits go on four exercises, increasing in duration from one to four nights in the field. It is an excellent opportunity for the recruits to get out of the classroom-heavy environment of camp and learn field craft and soldiering skills in a hands-on fashion. By the time the final exercise comes around in week 13, the difference in the recruits’ abilities and confidence is clear to see. The exercise culminates in a final attack, which confirms to the training team that the recruits have met the standard required to successfully pass out of Phase 1 training. The final week of training is a whirlwind of parade rehearsals, prize giving presentations, as well as report writing
and interviews for the training team. Finally, the day we have all been waiting for arrives...Pass out Parade! It is a memorable day for the recruits and their families who come along to watch; the sheer sense of relief and pride that they have made it through training is clear to see on the recruits’ faces. I have been lucky enough to have the role of Parade Commander for my two most recent intakes – a fantastic experience!
Being a Troop Commander at a Phase 1 training regiment is undoubtedly one of the busiest jobs that I have ever done, but it is also one of the best. The job is unique and entirely different from any clinical role I could have applied for, which is part of the appeal. What I have learnt about working alongside other cap badges, the conduction of exercises, running ranges and the management of soldiers will be invaluable throughout my career. The Regiment is very supportive of getting its officers and soldiers away on AT, battlefield tours and career/ instructor courses where possible, and will actively encourage you to complete instructor qualifications; last year I completed a canoe instructor qualification in Cyprus. One of the benefits of the posting is the training forecast that is published over 12 months in advance - it allows you to plan when to take leave, or book AT or courses. As a nurse, my chain of command is very supportive of ensuring I have time protected to complete clinical hours or CPD in order to maintain my NMC registration. I have been able to attend conferences and have time to complete degree modules.
What I enjoy most about the job is being part of a strong team that works exceptionally hard to ensure that the recruits receive the best training possible. I work alongside some of the most talented JNCOs that the Army have to offer on a daily basis, and can have a positive impact on the recruits at the start of their Army careers. The first 12 months of this posting have flown by, but I am looking forward to the coming year, knowing that the opportunities for development as an officer here will have a positive impact on my future career.
Lt Amelia Charnley QARANC Troop Commander