Soldier Training
Training is at the heart of Territorial Army (TA) life. Whether it's in a classroom, on an exercise or at camp, your training will be key to your personal development throughout Summer Challenge 08.
All recruits taking part in Summer Challenge 08 will learn the basics of being a soldier. Spread over seven weeks at Malta Barracks and the local area, you'll learn a range of skills such as fieldcraft, first aid, map reading, weapon handling and shooting.
This is known as phase one and phase two training. On successful completion of this training you will be a fully qualified soldier (at basic level).
To be selected for Summer Challenge 08 you will have to pass a fitness test. Click here and view our fitness programme which will maximise your opportunity to pass this test.
Everyone who is recruited onto Summer Challenge 08 will firstly learn to become a TA soldier and qualify as one. Once this is achieved we are particularly keen to train recruits as officers, infantry and logistics.
Officer training: you may be unaware of your leadership potential. Summer Challenge 08 will test many attributes that you thought never existed - getting the best out of you. If you want to lead and you have the potential we are keen to develop you.
Logistics: Summer Challenge 08 is designed to allow non-drivers to conduct their theory test and pass their driving test achieving a Category ‘B’ licence. For existing drivers we will show you how to drive across country...properly!
Infantry: The nature of the role of the Infantryman today has led to a host of specialisations in various fields, be they Riflemen, Snipers, Mortarmen or Anti Tank weapon operators amongst many others.
As part of Summer Challenge 08 you will learn
Fieldcraft
The art of camouflage. You will be taught how to hide your appearance in different surroundings. You will also be taught how to detect others who are using the same techniques.
Physical training
All soldiers need to be physically fit. Starting off slowly and gradually working your way up you will be trained to the basic level of fitness required for everyone who is in the Army.
First aid/Battlefield Casualty Drills
Military battlefield casualty drills differs from that of civilian first aid in that you will learn how to treat casualties with injuries sustained on the battlefield, such as, gunshot and shrapnel wounds.
Map reading
As a soldier you will need to be able to find your way from one point to another in all types of terrain and weather conditions by day or night using the aid of a map and compass.
Adventurous training
As well as being trained in military procedures, Summer Challenge 08 also offers the opportunity to take part in a range of adventurous activities. These typically include canoeing, rock climbing, trekking and loads more. This training is designed not only to be fun but it will also build your self-confidence and develop vitally important teamwork skills.
After Summer Challenge 08
On successful completion of Summer Challenge 08 you will return to your unit where you will commence your trade training. The specific trade you learn will depend not only in the requirements of your particular unit, but also on your existing skills. It could be anything from driving a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) to operating a radio.
Your trade training could mean learning to adapt your civilian skills to a military context and passing on that knowledge to the rest of your unit, developing entirely new skills or expanding on your area of expertise.
Once trained you will be expected to attend training at your unit throughout the year. The minimum days required from you is normally 27 days, which tends to be split over some weekends, one mid-week evening training session per week, and once a year you will do a 15 day camp.