By Cpl Belinda Mepham
THE first trial of the Subject 1 Corporal non-continuous course of its type in Townsville has been successfully completed.

RSM RTC-NQ WO1 Ian Biggs said the non-continuous method of training had initially raised a number of questions regarding the suitability of this course for 3 Bde and other high-readiness Townsville-based units.

“It is essential to have junior NCOs undertake high standards of training to be effective in their role as leaders–the Subject 1 Corporal Course is their starting block,” he said.

“The non-continuous course, four part-time months, completes the same competencies and assessment criteria as the continuous course, therefore the suitability lies in a soldier’s potential to be a junior NCO.”

Each month trainees are required to complete specific modules using Technology Based Training (TBT) and be available for two days of the month to be assessed by instructors at RTCNQ.

WO1 Biggs said because of the reduced time trainees spent under the scrutiny of instructors, the non-continuous method provided challenges in assessing some aspects the course.

WO2 Chad Hughes, instructor at RTC-NQ, said trainees had been given the same tools to complete their requirements as a soldier attending an eight-week course.

“A soldier identified by their unit as a potential junior NCO is already practising the raw qualities required to be a NCO – we provide the method to obtain the qualification,” he said.

“Trainees’ access to computers, pams, advice and guidance from instructors is limitless. The flexibility of this course is not a disadvantage.”

WO2 Hughes said a motivated trainee would succeed regardless of the method they were to learn Subject 1 for Corporal.
Under arrangements negotiated with the trainees and their unit, soldiers were required to complete the TBT modules in their own time.

Sgt Mark Tweedie, instructor at RTCNQ, said unit mentors and commanders provided assistance and monitoring as required and the end result was a fine-tuned asset returned to the unit.

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