Explaining this course to your employer
The Platoon Commanders’ Tactics Course qualifies successful participants to command an infantry platoon of around 28 soldiers in barracks, on exercise and, if necessary, on operations such as in Afghanistan. It is a mandatory training course for all new Platoon Commanders in the Infantry and candidates will have already passed the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst commissioning course to become an officer.
The course places a heavy focus on leadership abilities, which will already have been honed at Sandhurst, but are now put to the test through a series of challenging exercises over a sustained two-week period. The Army is well respected for developing leaders and this course is designed to take them onto the next level of responsibility.
In addition, prospective Platoon Commanders must demonstrate a wide range of skills and aptitudes beyond the ability to lead. They must be able to make effective plans, demonstrate flexibility in adapting them according to constraints and available resources, conduct tactical problem solving and execute complex tasks. And last but not least, they must show exemplary levels of effort at all times.
What does the training involve?
- At least 12 hours training a day
- Combat fitness test
- Lectures and individual tuition in leadership, tactical planning and communication
- Field exercises
- Simulated military scenarios such as platoon attacks, patrolling, defensive operations and casualty evacuation
- Managing subordinates
- Planning training for others
What would it cost?
According to research endorsed by the Chartered Management Institute, if your employer was to pay for training to deliver equivalent employee development it would cost them in the order of £4,875 This only relates to the skills that would be relevant to a civilian workplace - areas such as team building and planning skills.
How does it benefit your employer?
This course develops the following skills:
- The ability to build a solid team of supporting staff
- Excellent communication skills to direct personnel through complex tasks in a high-pressure environment
- The ability to make difficult decisions in time-pressured situations
- The ability to solve problems and adapt plans to work within shifting constraints and using available resources
- Planning skills using situational analysis to select the best way forward
- Self-motivation
- Confidence
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