Has anyone been on a recent Officers Senior Course / Squadron Commanders Course (depending on which bit of Sharepoint or what document you read?)
Would be interested in recent experiences, as I have been recommended to book onto one as soon as possible. Not because I am in charge of anywhere just yet though.
12 months back… whaddya wanna know?
As much as possible really, what it’s like, experiences, things to watch out for.
I did the SCC last month and thought it was a really good week. I enjoyed it much more than my IOC. The trick is to ensure everyone on your course is up to scratch uniform, deportment, timings etc and remember they are all about uniformity so make sure everyone turns up in the same uniform. If the DS see that from you they treat you like experienced ACO staff and just get on with the course. (I think my course only had one quick inspection second day and that was it). . Once you achieve this just don’t let the standards slip, as long as you maintain standards you avoid any time wasting boot camp BS.
There is not much needed on the preparation front for the course but I would strongly recommend that you get your drill up to scratch, get a good drill instructor to put you through your paces, there is only an hour of drill every day and being competent at drill is such an easy way to look good on the course. It is also emphasised that you as the CO (or future CO) will be seen by your Cdts and the public
Other than that, I went with a weeks worth of uniform pre-ironed and shoes highly polished so only needed a quick touch up every night.
And make sure you have a big paper pad and pens with you; I made so many pages of notes.
Be prepared for a hard work week, there is a lot of homework in the evenings, I was working every night except the last night. You do get to the bar every night just a bit later than some would like.
Take time with your homework to do it properly it ties into things you will do in class they want you to have thought about things so they can get stuck into the nitty gritty right of the bat.
The majority of the course is quite sedentary presentations, talks or interacting in discussions. You get plenty of breaks, etc but it does take its toll so you are brain tired at the end of the day.
Like the IOC there is a presentation task, which you have to give peer feedback on. There are lots of talks from visiting speakers from TGs, Media, bader, supply, H&S. Some of the guest talks are very informative. There is also a significant focus on Interviews, Welfare & Child Protection – all of which was well done and incredibly useful.
I left the course with a long to do list but enormously enthused about the ACO, particularly my Sqn
Hope that helps
Hm, this slipped by, must have been busy or heading to the pub…
But…
Obviously my experience is from 12 months ago, however I doubt little has changed.
As per Pamela’s comments to start. It’s teaching to suck eggs, but get the basics right. A quick refresh on Squadron Drill may be useful if you’re rusty (if nothing else it’ll get you on Mitch/SNCO ATF’s good side if you’re not a “numpty”!)
Admin on the first night, get there at a reasonable time, there is no real “brief” just a pack left for the candidates and someone nominated to read out some bunf - pay attention to JIs etc.
Ont he first night agree uniform for the first day - we did jumpers + ties, which lasted for a whole 5 mins before ties were ditched (hurrah!). But we looked smart, and were not subject to ANY inspections at all. Undoubtedly if standards slipped then inspections would have ensued. Uniformity was agreed amongst all course members.
Think of some interesting questions for the “guest speakers” TGs, Pers, Accts, Media etc etc. The estates staff will have up to date info if you have any building issues. Don’t be afraid to ask any “contentious” questions. I asked the Air Cdre what she was doing about the “differences” in the Regions/Trainsettery :evil:
Get involved.
On the senior course it is not acceptable to be the quiet man in the corner. If you have an opinion then state it, be prepared to back it up, and be prepared to be shot down in flames!
Enjoy the week (I certainly did, although the hot tub that was temporarily in the Dead Loss mess beer garden may have helped…) Be social (but not too social) and if you have SNCO ATC on the course, then arrange to meet at a mutual location for beers in the evening.
Any specifics feel free to ask.