3 Star Career course.

[Big Al]

Originally posted by Bravo20
Due to the high turnover there appears to be a rush to push people from 3 star to PNCO. Back in my day (I seem to be using that expression more and more lately) you had to be a 3 star (line) or a 2 star (tech) for a minimum of 2 years before you were eligible for a Pots course,

You still do, in theory. Some units still abide by this, some dont.

[Bravo20]

Due to the high turnover there appears to be a rush to push people from 3 star to PNCO. Back in my day (I seem to be using that expression more and more lately) you had to be a 3 star (line) or a 2 star (tech) for a minimum of 2 years before you were eligible for a Pots course, and then the course was limited so not everyone in your 3 star section could go on it. In the intervening period there were other courses available which would enhance the skill base of the 3 star. Primarily weapons course (84, 60 and 91), also there has been (in the E Bde anyway) assault pioneers course, tactics (basic and advanced) course and of course the ubiquitous Regimental Signals Course. Those who were selected for the Pots course were expected to have completed at least one of these courses (all other things being equal). Those students selected for the POTs course were usually taken out of their normal training some months before hand and were assigned to understudy more experienced NCOs and given lessons on MOI, Screed, Guard Mounting, Roles of Section Commander in tactics and principles of leadership. Of course there were units out there that didn't give any of their students such preparation and they usually found life a bit more difficult on the course.

The current problem regarding what to do with 3 stars stems a lot from the high turnover. Given sufficient numbers (i.e. section plus) you can do a lot more than just the 2 weeks, and depending on the interest of the officer and NCOs that happens. You also have to consider that the 3 stars are the operational element of the unit. You will always need security details on ranges, guard on camp, numbers for guards of honour, people to run the buts and other work details. There are too many people who just want to do the fun stuff but aren't willing to do their share of the work.

[Come-quickly]

That would be a tad more ambitious, it would take f-all effor to get this instated.

[Come-quickly]

Hmmm unit commanders are subordinate to brigade commanders....time for some of the Overgrown scout leaders to remember that.

[DeV]

Re: 3 Star Career course.

Originally posted by Come-quickly

After all every three star should be capable of running a section.

Any rank in the Irish Army is supposed to be able the job to two above, ie Pte 3* takes on Pln Sgts job.

But I agree with you, they used to do it for recruit training (or be it under a specific unit) and it worked very well for that, so why not. Unfortually I can't see unit commanders agreeing with it, as then there would be even less on camp.

[Come-quickly]

Given the fact that apart from the MOI segment PNCOs courses in reserve tend to just turn out three stars should there be a similarly run three star course in the BTCs, with tactical and fieldcraft skills refined and homogenised to make reaching three star a more fulfilling achievement for the individual reservist and to give the organisation a much better trained and prepared force.

I.E. Weekends focused on learning various personal admin and operations skills as well as weapons qualifications and the two week tactical period being pretty much as it is.
After all every three star should be capable of running a section.

this way by the time troops are actually sent on a PNCO course valuable time is not wasted on finding a universal standard.