Im currently assisting a Sgt at my Sqn as part as gaining experience to gain skills that will benefit me if I get promoted, and as part of this I have to help him ensure the intake are doing what they are told, that includes drill movements and if anyone needs to disclipine. Im not sure how teach them what they are meant to do in a way that teaches but also shows them disclipine in their drill.
For example, last parade night I was helping the Sgt with marching drill and dressings but the intake would keep misbehaving and I tried to demonstrate what they were meant to do but I dont feel like were paying attention.
I know the title might not make much sense but Im not sure what to do with the intake.
1 Like
That’s an excellent question, and a great one for a first post!
Part of the problem might just be that they need to bed in and get used to the environment and expected behaviour.
Generally keeping cadets engaged during lessons is tricky, but something that comes with practice and experience. Hopefully the Sgt is supporting you during these lessons and taking the lead on managing their discipline.
If it’s a consistent problem then I would suggest someone needs to speak to those misbehaving about what we expect (they should go over the Code of Conduct and ACP1 in their first couple of months anyway). Don’t take that on yourself though, speak to the Sgt about it.
You could also try getting them to practice with other cadets who won’t misbehave, as that will allow them to see the standard we expect and are less likely to mess around if other around them aren’t.
I hope that helps.
*quick footnote - people often forget to make sure the cadets understand why we do drill and the benefits of it, which could help them focus if they’re not taking it seriously.
2 Likes
As Jimothy said, great first question.
New intakes can often be really quite difficult to work with - you have cadets that haven’t been in the organisation very long, and you want to instil good values in them that will stick with them.
In terms of drill, I would agree with Jimothy that they need to know why we do drill. This may help you with certain cadets that are misbehaving during drill lessons.
If there are cadets still misbehaving, I always like to ask them why they are doing this (preferably not in front of everyone). Sometimes, they just say that they don’t like drill - other times, they don’t really know. In any case, make sure to stress that it is an integral part of being a cadet, and that it will serve them well in the future if they can learn the skill correctly now - especially if they are hoping for a promotion in the future.
Also, you can’t expect perfection from brand new cadets in terms of the drill. Make sure that they are getting loads of breaks before they lose focus. Also, try your best to stick to the AP818c guidelines for time taken. Don’t spend a whole parade night practicing a single drill movement - a couple of cadets will always struggle, they will improve over time as part of a larger squad. That said, don’t neglect them and let them fall far behind - sometimes they do need extra support.
Finally, make sure that the Sgt is supporting you. He/she shouldn’t be letting you struggle with discipline, that’s the Sgt’s job!
1 Like