An update on response to the recommendations
made in the Directorate of Operational Capabilities Appraisal
of initial training
DGTE
See Ev 340.
Current Situation
1. The Seventh DOC Progress Report (D/DGTE/4/20
dated 26 January 2004) showed that 33 of a total 58 recommendations
had been completed. (6/11 major and 27/47 minor)
2. The DMB approved a total of £23.225
million to be made available in STP04 to implement further recommendations.
The breakdown of funds by Service is:
3. Use of this funding will mean that the
implementation/completion of DOC recommendations would be: 42
of a total of 58 measures (9/11 major; 33/47 minor), as well as
providing the necessary funding to sustain 11 minor measures throughout
STP 04. This will leave 16 measures to complete (two major; 14
minor).
4. The Army has significantly increased
the numbers of out-of-hours supervisory staff at training units
by taking NCOs from front line units. Additional civilian welfare
staff, such as WRVS personnel, have been recruited to help run
out-of-hours recreational facilities such as non-alcoholic cafes,
a number which have internet access. Confidential access to these
personnel has been reported as being of considerable benefit and
comfort to trainees. Similar access to Chaplains has been improved
and better publicized.
5. DGT&E has taken on the role of "central
champion" for good practice in training and maintenance of
a corporate memory of recommendations made and implemented. Instructor
training has been refocused to include a specific course on the
Care of Trainees (which includes an understanding of today's young
people), a Coaching and Motivation course and a Mentoring of Instructors
course. Together with existing instructional technique courses,
these packages offer an excellent grounding for our instructional
staff. Money has been allocated in this year for the provision
of a new school for Army Phase 2 instructors (Initial Training
Group Instructors School, co-located with Army Training Regiment,
Lichfield) to receive this training. RN and RAF personnel will
be trained at the Defence Centre for Training Support, located
at RAF Halton.
6. The ongoing programme of MP visits has
confirmed that there is a keen focus by the Chain of Command on
the welfare of recruits and trainees in Initial Training. Access
to empowered individuals outside the chain of command, clear codes
of conduct for staff and students, zero tolerance of any unacceptable
behaviour and strident efforts to provide good recreational facilities
out of hours, all go to the heart of DOC's recommendations.
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