JNCO Training Course
A weekend JNCO Training at Garelochead.
Cadets and staff from 1701 (Johnstone) Squadron, 1740 (Clydebank) Squadron, 2175 (Rolls-Royce) Squadron, 396 (Paisley) Squadron and 122 (5th Glasgow) Squadron dawned Garelochhead Training Camp this weekend for a Junior NCO Training Course. The purpose of the course was to give new and potential NCO's the skills and knowledge they would need to lead the younger cadets of their respective squadrons. Friday saw the normal arrival, security and course brief from Flt Lt Falconer, Course Director. He introduced the directing staff for the weekend; Fg Off Callan (2175 Sqn), SGT McGill (1740 Sqn), Mr Maloney, Mr Russell, CWO Gralko (1701 Sqn) and ICFS Bainbridge (1740 Sqn); and discussed what the course cadets would be doing over the next few days. Next it was off to the store to be issued with bedding as the course cadets would be required to make bed packs for their morning inspection.
If the bed packs or room inspection was not to a high enough standard, the beds were stripped and cadets told to start again. After a few beds being flipped they got the hang of it and their beds were so neat and tight coins could be bounced off them!
After settling in to their accommodation the cadets returned to the classroom for some ice-breaking exercises with Mr Maloney. During these exercises it gave the cadets the chance to get to know one another and familiarise themselves with the staff. This type of activity leaves cadets in their comfort zone, something they were soon taken out of.
The Saturday began with various lessons in JNCO expectations and requirements, dress regulations, discipline and drill theory. In between each topic the course were taken outside for some drill instruction with the SNCO's, during which all the cadets were given the opportunity to command their flight and practice giving commands. At first this can be very daunting, particularly for those who have never done it before, all of the cadets performed very well and overcame their initial fears.
During the discipline lectures with SGT McGill the cadets were shown the correct way to deal with various situations and told what they can and can not do as a JNCO. Fg Off Callan, CWO Gralko and FS Bainbridge demonstrated how to formally reprimand cadets who have been insolent. CWO Gralko reprimanded Cadet Stevenson for swearing at a Corporal; FS Bainbridge reprimanded a cadet for answering back to NCO's and Fg Off Callan reprimanded a cadet for refusing to do as a Corporal had asked; all of these are common situations that JNCO's would find themselves in.
After dinner the training continued with Mr Russell teaching the course cadets all about leadership theory. Leadership skills and qualities are essential for any JNCO as they will be required to lead and motivate their cadets on a regular basis; the lecture covered motivation, standards, FALA (Functional Approach to Leadership) and some basic hints and tips from Mr Russell who was himself an ex-CWO of the squadron and an ex-Army JNCO. After this the cadets were split into their syndicates and given information on how to present information effectivley. Each syndicate were tasked to present information about an ATC related topic. Each group went off and prepared for their presentation and the next morning came the moment of truth. Everyone performed very very well with the course DS giving constructive feedback on each person and the group performance.
Finnally, the two flights performed their 'Magic Circle' continuity drill routine infrom of the Course Director and the DS.
All in all the course was very successfull and each cadet left with a greater knowledge of their role and a higher sense of self-confidence in their own abilities.
A SNCO Training Course is planned for later in the year and hopefully another JNCO course to follow.
Below is the course photo with cadets and staff.
