Junior Leaders Course
Headquarters Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Cranwell
Sleaford
Lincolnshire
NG34 8HB
email:
See Distribution09 May 14
JUNIOR LEADERS (JL) COURSE No 16 – SEPT 2014 TO APRIL 2015
1.Sqn Cdrs are invited to nominate suitable male and female candidates for JL Course No 16 which commences with a Selection Weekend from 5 to 7 Sep 14 at DTE Beckingham. FAQs are listed at Annex C as a guide for Sqn Cdrs.
2.The Junior Leaders Course syllabus moves beyond the Leadership Courses at CTC Frimley, Nesscliffe and RAF Cranwell and is aimed at senior cadets with a desire and ability to develop advanced leadership skills and challenge themselves personally. The Course requires candidates to learn new skills at an intensive pace and demonstrate their ability to be robust both physically and mentally in a challenging environment.
3.Candidates must meet the following criteria:
a.Be at least 17 years of age on 5 Sep 14.
b.Hold the rank of Cadet NCO.
c.Be competent in Land Navigation and Map Reading.
d.Be physically fit and sufficiently robust to complete this demanding course.
e.Have completed the ACP 16 Syllabus of Training.
f.Have successfully completed a Wing NCO Course or equivalent training.
g.Current L98A2 Qualified.
4.Preferable, but not essential criteria:
a.Attended CTC Frimley, Nesscliffe or Air Cadet Leadership Course.
b.Achieved St John Ambulance Youth First Aid Qualification (formerly St John Ambulance Young Lifesaver Plus).
5.Selection. Selection will includethe following elements after a period of introduction and briefings.
a.Command Tasks.
b. Presentation – Individual 5 mins, no visual aids.
c.Interview.
d.Group Planning Exercise.
e.Competence Tests in Navigation and ACP16 Fieldcraft.
f.Fitness Assessment.
g.Group Discussion.
6.Selection – Command Tasks. For this phase of selection, the candidate will be placed into a group with up to ten other candidates. You will complete one task as the leader and up to ten other exercises in either a key role or subordinate role. We are looking for evidence of the candidate’s confidence and resilience, oral communication, influence, problem solving and teamwork.
7.Selection – Presentation Phase. For this phase the candidate should prepare a five minute presentation without visual aids on a subject of their choice. We are looking for evidence of confidence, impact, relevant content and maturity.
8Selection – Interview Phase. For this phase the candidate will take part in an interview with one or two assessing officers. The interview will last up to ten minutes. We are looking at the candidate's manner, speech and power of expression, activities and interests, awareness, motivation and overall impact.
9.Selection – Group Planning Exercise. For this phase, candidates will complete a table-top planning exercise with both individual and group elements. We are looking at the candidate’s ability to make reasoned decisions using people, equipment and time effectively, as well as to communicate with and influence others.
10.Selection – Competence Tests. For this phase the candidate will take part in some practical tests in Land Navigation and Basic Fieldcraft (ACP16). These tests will be conducted in an outside environment. We are looking for a demonstration of your practical knowledge in both subjects.
11.Selection – Fitness Phase. Physical Fitness is a key attribute for Junior Leaders and students are tested using the RAF Fitness Test. The RAF Fitness Test is made up of three elements:
a.1.5 mile run will test aerobic endurance (Males Under 11 min 11 Sec, Females under 13 min 30 Sec).
b.Sit Ups will test core strength (Best Effort in 1 min).
c.Press Ups will test upper body strength and ability (Best Effort in 1 min).
We require a pass in all three elements in order to be offered a place on the Course. The required fitness standards and further outline of these tests will be given prior to selection.
12.Selection - Group Discussion Phase. For this phase, candidates must speak up for themselves and demonstrate listening and understanding skills over three or four subjects. The assessing officer will change the subject every few minutes. We are looking for confidence, oral communication and influence.
13.Course Content. The Course is timetabled from Sep to Easter and comprises nine training weekends (from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon) and a Test Phase of ten days duration. The main course comprises the following modules:
a.Phase 1 Training. This includes the necessary core skills required to be
applied during later elements of the course. They include transactional and transformational leadership, public speaking and presentation skills, social skills, group dynamics and syndicate work, Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 3 project work, physical training and endurance, weapon training, advanced navigation and preparation and delivery of orders groups.
b.Phase 2 Training. On successful completion of Phase 1 Training, Phase 2 Training works on application and practical training. This includes field leadership skills, section commander skills including planning, delivery and execution, practical leadership and management, mission command and physical endurance.
c.Test Phase. On successful completion of Phase 1 and 2 Training, candidates will be invited to Test Phase which comprises a realistic force protection exercise, an air power examination delivered by way of presentation, and completion of the student’s ILM work. Test Phase is designed to thoroughly test all aspects of the JL Course.
14.Key Considerations. In addition to the qualities already listed, the following 3 key considerations must be taken into consideration prior to applying:
a.Commitment. The candidate is to be available for ALL phases of the course without exception. (The course is modular with a pass or fail assessment at each weekend).
b.Financial. The candidate must able to fund a personal or Sqn/Wg-sponsored contribution of £250. This includes a returnable deposit of £25 for clothing and equipment.
c.Self Discipline. Many elements of the course must be worked on away from the training weekend e.g. ILM project work, airpower, orders and physical fitness. The candidate must have the self-discipline to complete this work on his/her own.
15.Equipment. The Course provides all field equipment and other learning resources. The responsibility to return all equipment to the course is down to the cadet however sqn cdrs and wgs will be expected to aid the efficient and timely return of equipment from the cadet as and when required. Otherwise the Squadron will be asked to refund the cost of equipment issued to the individual Cadet.
16.Travel. Travel tothe Selection Weekend and subsequent training weekends will normally be by rail. Cadets are not permitted to drive to training weekends. Railtickets are normally booked through Wing HQs and costs for travel may be set against the HQAC budget (UIN F1595A).
17.ILM Qualification. Successful students will be awarded an ILM Award in Team Leading at Level 3 providing the requisite course work has been completed and assessed to a satisfactory standard.
18.Application. The attached Application, Consent Form, Medical Form and Initial Kitting Size Proforma are to be sent to the JL Adjutant at the address shown below, no later than 01 Aug 14:
Junior Leaders Course
ATF
Building 329
RAF Cranwell
SLEAFORD
Lincolnshire
NG34 8HB
LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED SO PLEASE APPLY IN TIME
19. Joining Instructions. Joining Instructions for successful applicants will follow in mid-August. These will be sent directly to students using the email address provided and copied to the relevant Sqn Cdrs and WHQs.
20. Further Information. Sqn Cdrs should not hesitate to contact the JL Adjutant for advice about course content or the suitability of a potential candidate. Additional Application Forms may be obtained by accessing BADER.
J A ROBERTS
Sqn Ldr RAFVR(T)
OC Junior Leaders
Distribution:
HQ AC (for COS, Wg Cdr TG, Wg Cdr CCF, OC ATF)
All ACRHQs
All Wg HQs
All Sqn Cdrs
Annexes:
A.No 16 Junior Leaders Course - Provisional Programme.
B.Junior Leaders - Contacts.
C.Sqn Cdr Notes and FAQ
Enclosures:
1.JL16 Application/Personal Profile.
2.CC1 Consent Form.
3.CC3 Health Declaration.
4.Initial Kitting Form.
1
ANNEX A TO
ACO D12-2
DATED 9 May 14
NO 16 JUNIOR LEADER COURSE – PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME
Dates
/ Phase5 – 7 Sep 14 / Selection
26 - 28 Sep 14 / Phase 1 Core Skills
17 - 19 Oct 14
14 - 16 Nov 14
12 - 14 Dec 14
9 - 11 Jan 15 / Phase 2 Advanced Skills
6-8 Feb 15
27 Feb - 1 Mar 15
20 - 22 Mar 15
1 - 10 Apr 15 / Phase 3 Test Phase
A-1
ANNEX B TO
ACO D12-2
DATED 9 May 14
JUNIOR LEADERS - CONTACTS
Officer Commanding - Sqn Ldr J A Roberts RAFVR(T)
Email:
Tel: 07714 230800
Adjutant – Flt Lt Neil Day RAFVR(T)
Email:
Tel: 07854 814234
Mail Address:
Junior Leaders Course
ATF
Building 329
RAF Cranwell
SLEAFORD
Lincolnshire
NG34 8HB
B-1
ANNEX C TO
ACO D12-2
DATED 9 MAY14
NOTES AND FAQ FOR SQN COMMANDERS
Q.Is the JL Course suitable for any cadet?
A.No, it is open to any cadet meeting the criteria as laid down in para 3 of this instruction. However,the Course is very demanding both physically and mentally and failure rates are high. Realistic, honest and constructive feedback will be given throughout the course.
Q.How does the Course ensure that selection is fair?
A.All assessors on the selection weekend are independent of the Course and come from a variety of backgrounds including regular RAF officers and experienced RAF Reserve officers who work to objective criteria set by the Course.
Q.Who pays cadets’ travel costs?
A.All the travel costs are paid by the Junior Leaders Course at HQAC. Wing HQs will need to organise the necessary travel arrangements. Travel is normally by train to a nearby railhead.
Q.What if I can’t supply my cadet with the specialist equipment required?
A.All the specialist equipment required, e.g. combat helmet, webbing. Bergen etc. is supplied by the course. As stated above it would be helpful if the cadet already possesses at least one set of Soldier 95 clothing.
Q.What if I need my cadet for an activity which clashes with one of the Course dates?
A.One reason we ask for 100% commitment is due to the intensive nature of the Course. Missing a weekend’s training will leave gaps in the candidate’s knowledge that cannot be filled later in the Course and would lead to failing the Test Phase. Consequently failure to attend a training weekend will almost certainly lead to removal from the Course. This is why we ask both the Sqn Cdr and cadet to sign the Application Form to confirm that they can meet this commitment.
Q.What if I need to discuss any issue arising during the Course?
A.Support is provided to all students throughout the course via the JL chain of command. However, any issues you have can be raised through the Adjutant in the first instance.
Q.I am worried that the course has a reputation for being army style, elitist and primarily focussed on infantry tactics rather than leadership?
C-1
A.The model used to test the candidate’s leadership skills is based on the infantry model, however, we are not teaching cadets to be soldiers. Notwithstanding we must teach some basic infantry skills to keep cadets safe and to create an appropriately challenging environment to develop and assess their key skills e.g leadership, command and control and decision making. Note that a student’s tactical ability is not assessed. The course/assessment also includes air power, presentations and physical fitness.
Q.I have an NCO who has no interest in joining the armed forces, can he/she apply?
A.Of course. The skills taught can be transferred into any walk of life. A former JL was put on his company’s management trainee scheme at work when they discovered what he was doing on the Course. We are not a recruiting course for the RAF or other services. We will happily assist and guide anyone interested in a career in the military but we are also seeking to put back into the ACO a number of good adult staff.
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