Time To Ditch Annual Camp?

[Truck Driver]

All

Saw a thread on this subject on ARRSE.

See >>HERE<<

... for the full thread

So I thought I'd throw it out here aswell and see what kind of answers we get from our posting fraternity.

- Should we continue with unit level camps for units in the summer as before?

- Should there be more inter-operation of units on an annual training basis, e.g;
Inf Bn with supporting Corps units in attendance?

- Should he have a unit camp once every two years, using the alternate year to do training courses on weapons, equipment, etc.

- Bearing in mind the Integrated Reserve will involve an increased level of access to equipment, but also in committment, can the non Integrated elements be making their end more appealing?

The TA seem to have mixed views on it, judging by the replies over there.

Am eagerly awaiting your replies....

TD

[rod and serpent]

That idea is a non starter for a start. Alternative courses already count as a camp.

[HavocIRL]

I personally would like to see more inter-corps exercises.

Cav recce-ing a target
Arty doing prep fire on it
Infantry going in and taking the target
Medics sitting on their arse

[Goldie fish]

Thats not very fair.

I have often seen medics lying down too.

[Truck Driver]

That idea is a non starter for a start. Alternative courses already count as a camp.

What idea are you referring to?

What I meant was rather than constantly going with your unit on camp, the alternate year could be utilised to get trained up in a relevant area, on a new weapon, etc. That's what I meant. Indeed, some people are lucky that they seem to have loads of time off and are not beholden to anyone, so can do both the camp and the course...

[rod and serpent]

I personally would like to see more inter-corps exercises.

Cav recce-ing a target
Arty doing prep fire on it
Infantry going in and taking the target
Medics working like slaves

Its called a Bde Ex

[DeV]

Some units can't have annual camps due to the amount of personnel being sent on courses, doing duties, providing personnel for PDF exercises or the unit has been given responsibility for running a course.

We are getting well trained individuals (those that have the time to go on lengthy but quality courses) but they are spending so much time on the courses they can't go on annual camps are pass on what they have learnt. But as a result the collective quality of training and unit cohesion may be suffering.

In the days of the FCA Brigades (eg 21 Inf Bn was in the 11 Bde). The whole Brigade used to go on camp to Waterford together. Unfortunally their isn't enough accomodation.

[rod and serpent]

What idea are you referring to?

What I meant was rather than constantly going with your unit on camp, the alternate year could be utilised to get trained up in a relevant area, on a new weapon, etc. That's what I meant. Indeed, some people are lucky that they seem to have loads of time off and are not beholden to anyone, so can do both the camp and the course...

Without giving too much away camps are rotated every year. One year may entail a military exercise, the next year trade training the following could be adventure training. Depending on the needs of the unit this will usually dictate the training needed eg a unit needs x amount of hgv drivers they go and do their course this will count as their camp. The same unit needs x amount of radio op they go of and do their training this is their camp.

It is a common occurence in the TA.

[Truck Driver]

Without giving too much away camps are rotated every year. One year may entail a military exercise, the next year trade training the following could be adventure training. Depending on the needs of the unit this will usually dictate the training needed eg a unit needs x amount of hgv drivers they go and do their course this will count as their camp. The same unit needs x amount of radio op they go of and do their training this is their camp.

It is a common occurence in the TA.

That sounds like the kind of thing I would like to see.
Variety in the annual training would aid retention of personnel in a big way.

And, yes, I do appreciate your comment about "Without giving too much away"

We too have our secrets :wink:

[rod and serpent]

That sounds like the kind of thing I would like to see.
Variety in the annual training would aid retention of personnel in
a big way.

And, yes, I do appreciate your comment about "Without giving too much away"

We too have our secrets :wink:

It works on 2 levels the career needs of the soldier and the needs of the unit.

That reminds me there are 2 IMO members doing trade trainng currently in the TA.

[hptmurphy]

PSO s were a form of brigade ex..and despite the obvious failings they were actually a very good idea..exercise time was far too short and PDF input was limited. I acatully learned a lot from having PDF staff assigned to the unit for the exercises...and it was a step forward in that it brought a lot of the elements of the brigade in to close contact for the duration.

maybe a higher level of intergration with RDf enlisted working on a par with PDF counter parts would yield higher results...alot of the NCO's and officers need to do basic advanced courses followed up by TEWTs before bring their enlisted to higher levels.Its ok for RDF to learn from PDF enlisted..but their leaders need to be on a par with their own counter parts as well rathe than the officers and NCOs on RDF exercises being led by PDF enlisted...this has ben a failing of brigadetraining as the leaders have been expected to know all rather than it being a learning curve for thme as well.

it might be an idea to have every alternate year as a traininng camp..and every other year as an actual exercise. this would show the level of training achieved by units..rather than just sending back notices that certain levels have been achieved.

[DeV]

Why not have week one as training for the ex (should be revision) and other training as required. With week two consisting of a 36 hour ex.

[Goldie fish]

This is what the PSO used to be. One week learning the basics..intensively, and the second week in exercise mode.
This year they had a similar format, but without experienced or motivated troops to participate.

[apod]

Im just gonna throw this out to gauge opinion.If rdf pers can now participate in joint courses with us than whats to stop rdf pers from taking part in certain modules of pdf basic training.By this i mean recruit/2-3* and cadet training?I used the word basic as opposed to induction cos trust me ye dont want that.Example a platoon of pdf recruits going on tactical training could have a sectionof rdf recruits attached.They would recieve the same training to the same level.Rdf pot officers should do parts of their training alongside pdf cadets.The pdf pot officers course started this a few years back in an attempt to do away with the us and them attitude of some new officers?Like i said its just an idea,what do ye think.The rdf inf y.os course is a step in the right direction.

[trellheim]

Hi apod,

good idea, main issue is timelines , program setting

and most importantly getting the time off to marry up with the PDF course.