Best RF course in years

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 419, 14 January 1992, Page 12

Best RF course in years

During October through to December the School of Infantry conducted the best Regular Force Section Commander's Course in years. That was the verdict on the recent Regular Force (RF) course by Warrant Officer Class Two (W02) John Kaye, Wing Sergeant Major of the School of Infantry's Tactical Wing. He noted that all the students were highly motivated and keen to learn which made the conduct of this

demanding course easier. The RF Section Commander's Course aims to prepare selected RF Infantry Junior Non Commissioned Officers (JNCO's) to command a rifle section. It is an eight-week course which emphasises patrolling and mid-intensity section level tactics, but does address low level operations. The majority of the time on the course is spent in the field.

The final exercise is live firing and embraces the phases of war. For some on this exercise it was back to some soldiering which they claimed they hadn't experienced for a long time - digging in with overhead protection, the routine in defence, night-fighting patrols, open country battle drills and withdrawing in contact.

The Chief Instructor of the School of Infantry argues that this is the most important course for Infantry NCO's. "If they can get a good grasp of battle procedure, prepare and deliver good verbal orders, get a good understanding of section level tactics and be confident and assertive when in command, then they have a

solid base upon which to further develop their tactical and command skills," said the Chief Instructor. For each course a top student is awarded a trophy. The trophy was presented by a past American Army Defence Attache. The trophy went to Mike Greer, a section Commander from Linton.