LEADERSHIP is more than just an honour badge or a reward.
For 53 young men from The Armidale School, it also involved problem solving, public speaking navigation, communication and learning how to take responsibility for others.
Held at New England University Company Depot (Army Reserve) and in the field at Jeogla Station east of Armidale over five days, the course was run by the TAS Cadet Unit for boys who volunteered to gain important leadership skills.
Operating concurrently, the courses – for junior leaders, senior leaders and cadet under officers – were conducted by instructors from TAS and the Australian Army and involved teens from Years 9 to 11.
Both the junior and senior courses involved introductory and advanced levels of training in leadership, navigation and communication, including navigation at day and night in different weather conditions, using map and compass.
Scenarios were designed to be realistic in order to test the students’ logic, leadership and resourcefulness.
In one of the junior scenarios, cadets had to boil a billy in a swamp, by first building a platform and keeping their fuel dry.
Another mock scenario had them working out how to retrieve a bogged ute from a toxic swamp.
“For the first two days we brushed up on our drills, perfected our navigation skills and learned about radio telecom procedures,” Year 9 student Charles Uren said.
“Then we camped out in the bush and put it all into practice.
“The course built confidence in our abilities to take on leadership roles when we take charge of the junior cadets later in the year.”