Territorial cadets to graduate
By
Julie
Grantham
The second graduation of the Territorial Forces commissioning course at Army Training Group, Waiouru is to be held on Saturday 14 November. The seven week courses were initiated in January of this year. Courses are run bi-annually, starting January and September, to coincide with the release of tertiary students from universities and polytechnics. The aim of the course is to instil students with leadership qualities and give them the knowledge necessary for service as officers in the Territorial Force
oi the INew Z-eaiana Army. Cadets graduate with a better understanding of themselves and of others; they are taught how to work under pressure and have a high level of physical fitness, according to instructor Captain Phil Gentry. Capt. Gentry said cadets achieve "a hell of a lot" in just seven weeks.
Their day begins at 5.30am and ends at the conclusion of the last period of the day, at 8.30pm. Students work six days a week. Sunday is a day off and is a chance for students to enjoy sport or catch up on some sleep. The block syllabus teaches such subjects as battlecraft and tactics, general service knowledge, map reading and navigation, and weapon training and shooting. Three weeks of the course is devoted to field training. Capt. Gentry said physical fitness plays a major role in the course, but the development of the cadet's mental attitude is more crucial. By the end of the course, the successful cadet has the leadership ability to manage a platoon of soldiers in the field. Capt. Gentry said self motivation and enthusiasm are the key to whether a cadet makes the grade. . The school enjoyed a pass rate of 75 percent last graduation, which is higher than the Regular Forces' rate. Capt. Gentry is optimistic that this month's percentage will be higher. "The course is a challenge the cadets want to test themselves and develop themselves," he said. Graduates have the option of re-enlisting for a further 12-month course.
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Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 23, 3 November 1987, Page 1
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334Territorial cadets to graduate Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 23, 3 November 1987, Page 1
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