Taking BCT to another level

By Cpl Magowan, 63 Air Assault Support Squadron, 13 Air Assault Support Regiment

course but also uncertainty of how I might be perceived by the different infantry NCOs. Even though I was confident in my pre-course preparation, I also knew that it would still be a challenging experience as I would inevitably have less experience of infantry skills than most of the other students.

The first few weeks were certainly challenging and I had a steep learning curve. I quickly had to adapt and absorb as much information as possible to enable me to perform to the same standard as my peers. Weeks one to five included multiple pass or fail assessments on weapons, navigation, tactics and other aspects, but as the weeks went by my confidence grew more and more. By week six I was given my first command appointment, which went very well. This week was certainly my favourite due to the variety of training, such as FIBUA, FIWAF, and I was also nominated to be the Platoon Sergeant for my first experience in the trenches during a platoon attack.

Overall, I found the course to be really rewarding, especially the chance to prove myself amongst my infantry peers. When in a Section Commander’s appointment, you are required to choose your own 2IC and on the final exercise I was asked to be a Section 2IC on three occasions over the week. I was also given a command appointment for the final company attack, which was a great privilege. I was graded as the most supportive by multiple people within my section and even graded as top of the section by a few, which surprised me considering how challenging the first few weeks had felt. The experience has developed me, both as a Section Commander and immensely as a person. This is something I will take forward and use to develop both myself but most importantly, to help improve and develop those around me.

I would urge anyone who is potentially thinking about it to attend this course. It is tough but completely achievable and highly rewarding. If anyone would like help or information regarding any pre-training (especially important as the infantry NCOs routinely conduct six to eight weeks of preparation) or just a general insight into the course, please don’t hesitate to get in contact and I would be more than willing to help.