Army Instructors Go Mobile For Drill Courses

A team of instructors from the Army School of Ceremonial based in Catterick has become mobile in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The school normally delivers drill training to 350 would-be instructors each year, but the COVID-19 crisis has made it difficult for everyone to make it to the Yorkshire base.

Instead, instructors have been deployed around the UK so the courses can continue.

The pandemic has stopped many activities in 2020, but anyone in the Army thinking they would be spared drill practice, would be wrong.

Socially distanced lessons have taken place on the parade square at The Army Training Centre in Pirbright.

Colour Sergeant Mick Parker, The Army School of Ceremonial, told Forces News: “It’s a basic drill course for instructors who are already instructors at Pirbright, but instead of them coming down to us at Catterick, sending the 22 students, we’ve come up as a duo to conduct the course up here.”

He said instructors are also going to Winchester and Harrogate.

Students on the parade square are all instructors at the Army Training Centre.

For a change, they are the ones receiving lessons, but first they must ensure their own performances are up to scratch.

Colour Sergeant Parker said: “All the bad habits that they’ve been doing for 10, 15 years, trying to iron them out within two weeks. They’ve been doing a certain thing for so long, to try and iron that out of them, that’s the hardest challenge.

“All we’re looking for is pride, their own individual personal drill, and the pride. Chest out, shoulders back, arms straight, and obviously, it’s observed by everybody, so you’re a bit under pressure.”

Each turn and step is scrutinised, but operating this way has made it safer and more convenient for those taking part.

Corporal Shaun O’Shea, Army Training Centre Pirbright, said: “My wife is actually shielding herself so if I was to get on this course in Catterick, that wouldn’t have been an option for me, however, due to the fact I’ve been coming down here, it’s brilliant, it’s squared me away because I don’t think I’d be getting on this course for quite a long time if it was still in Catterick.”

The course lasts two weeks and each soldier will be assessed at the end in quick time, slow time and rifle drill.

The programme aims to ensure the Army’s standards are maintained and the courses continue, albeit in smaller groups and a lot closer to home.