The course drew on the experiences of 24 students from 17 countries
NEWS IN BRIEF
IMJIN 70
NATO SNCO COURSE SWITZERLAND
Sgt Dave Jeavons
I was selected to attend the NATO NCO Intermediate Leadership Course in Oct 2021 . This is a multinational environment course aimed at OR6-OR9 ranks and run by the Swiss Armed Forces in Herisau , Switzerland as part of the Swiss contribution to the Partnership for Peace ( PfP ). Course attendees are chosen from countries within NATO , and the NATO partnership schemes . 24 students from 17 countries took part in my course .
The course focussed on developing student ’ s understanding of different cultures , and how to manage both enlisted and commissioned personnel in a multi-national environment . Lessons steered participants towards a better appreciation of both cultural and character differences , through a series of open and frank discussions , as well as numerous team tasks . Leadership , teamwork , and communication were all thoroughly tested .
Students explored cultural and intra-personal sensitivities in a safe classroom environment .
Training sessions were particularly effective due to the ‘ what happens in Herisau stays in Herisau ’ principle . This meant that conversations about culture and student ’ s views on controversial topics could be discussed in a mature and open manner . This was instrumental in bringing the course students together and without this principle , conversations would almost certainly have been far more stilted . In one discussion on national stereotypes , it is perhaps no surprise that Britain was famous for fish and chips , cold weather , and excessive drinking of alcohol . All accurate and arguably positives !
The Swiss Armed Forces were outstanding hosts and instructors . Set amongst a beautiful mountainous landscape , the training camp was more reminiscent of an Alpine haven than a typical conscript training depot . But don ’ t be fooled by the concept of Swiss neutrality , as a nation they are quite possibly one of the most highly trained and personally armed populations in the western world .
The adventures didn ’ t stop during downtime . Students were taken to visit the Rheinfallen , and for reasons best known to the driver , Sgt Jeavons was allowed to drive the boat for a time .
Extra-curricular activities arranged by the Swiss provided life experiences and lasting memories . Visits to a chocolate factory , brewery , wine-specialist , and the local canton House of Parliament were all educational and entertaining . As were the weekend trips to a stunning local castle , and the Rheinfall ( Europe ’ s biggest waterfall ); for reasons best known to the Rheinfall boatman , I was even allowed to drive the boat for a short period !
The networks forged by initiatives like this course are instrumental in maintaining excellent working relationships across NATO ’ s international headquarters and partners - a vital element of NATO ’ s collective strength and something I am keen to continue to promote .
The course is open to all serving SNCOs in the British Armed Forces , but with a priority for those working in a NATO environment . Prospective students are selected by their Command Senior Enlisted Leader ( CSEL ). I would highly recommend the course to any ARRC SNCOs who may have the opportunity to attend . The next course will run in May 2022 , where I am delighted to say that I will be part of the instruction team , having been invited back by the course leader as an instructor .
Participants were invited to experience playing the traditional Alpenhorn .
NATO troops from the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps , headquartered at Imjin Barracks , helped mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Battle of Imjin River with a remembrance service at Gloucester Cathedral and a parade through Gloucester on 26th September .
The event aimed to commemorate the sacrifices made by the Glorious Glosters at the Battle of the Imjin River in 1951 where Korean and British civic and military dignitaries rendered honours to “ remember them .” In attendance were Korean War veterans whose stories were recounted during the ceremony to many in attendance .
“ It was brilliant hearing about all the different stories from the officers who fought at the Battle of Imjin ,” said Lieutenant Rachel Humphrey , an operations officer with 1 Signal Brigade , ARRC , who led the NATO troops in the parade . “ I think it ’ s really , really crucial , more than ever , to look retrospectively at our former campaigns and lessons learned , and draw inspiration from that as we move forward .”
the imjin WINTER 2021
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