Training
Military
Training
Military
training takes up approximately 70% of the training
that is conducted throughout the academic year, the
other 30% consists of Adventurous Training, sport
and other activities.
Military
Training is conducted at two levels:-
Although
both wings operate a different training syllabus,
there are times for joint wing training normally on
unit weekends.
Adventurous
Training
Adventure Training
(AT) is an important part of life in the Army. AT
can be distinguished from sport in that it involves
progressive, challenging activity by definition involving
some risk to life and limb that requires individuals
to develop qualities of fitness, courage and endurance.
It is also a very valuable way of developing leadership
skills that are required in the Army in peacetime
and on operations - indeed the qualities and skills
that are needed in most organisations.
AT provides valuable
training in planning, organisation, leadership, man-management
and administration for those involved, especially
for the leaders or instructors who are wholly responsible
for the welfare and care of those in their charge.
In the Army, it is mandatory for leaders and instructors
to hold the relevant qualifications (eg a Sub-Aqua
Diving Supervisor (SADS)) or a Joint Services Mountain
Expedition Leader (JSMEL) or the lower Mountain Leader
Trained (MLT), which are subject to formal approval
before any AT can begin. So we at Southampton UOTC
are always on the look out for qualified personnel
(both Officer Cadets, staff, Regular Army & TA
and civilians) and Officer Cadets who are interested
or capable of going on the various courses.
At Southampton UOTC
we carry out a range of AT during the Academic Year,
with the aim of including as many Officer Cadets as
possible. There is a week long AT exercise at Easter
which might include abseiling and top-roping/rock
climbing, canoeing/sea kayaking, mountain walking/trekking,
caving, sub-aqua and parachuting. There are also several
days of AT during our Annual Camp after exams in the
Summer. We run a number of hill-walking exercises
over a long weekend in such places as the Cairngorms,
Snowdonia and the Lake District. And we ran a week's
AT in Jersey last year (with a second planned this
summer) so there is plenty of opportunity!
Finally, we try and
mount a number of expeditions, which are the 'flagship'
events of AT, usually involving a more demanding challenge
over a protracted period of up to a month overseas.
Teams are usually between 10 and 20 strong, with participation
by selection although we will always try to ensure
there is a balance between first and second-final
year Officer Cadets and that, wherever possible, any
Officer Cadet takes part in no more than 1 event per
year. These expeditions involve considerable time
and effort in planning and organisation, and cost.
Participants are expected to make a personal contribution
during the build-up to the trip (eg as sponsorship
coordinator, equipment manager, trainer) and a financial
contribution although the expeditions tend to be very
good Value For Money. Further details are on the Expeditions
Page.
In
sum, AT is thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile, and
at SUOTC it provides excellent opportunities for self-development
whether you are a 'sporting gladiator' or someone
with less experience.
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