PLQ 0906

By Cpl Sullivan
8 September 2009

On 4 Aug 09 PLQ Course 0906 kicked off with the start of Mod 1. It saw 32 students, from different trades, learning how to conduct a proper PT class. For the next two days the students would be not only learning how to conduct a proper class, but how to keep on pushing their bodies to the extreme. On this Mod students learned how to stretch, components of the basic skeletal system, muscle groups, and the proper meal proportion, which would not even be enough for a starving dog but what is proper as per the Canadian food guide. After a good nights’ rest the course conducted one of the longest PT classes known to man. In the end all students were glad that Mod 1 was only two days in duration.

When Mod 2 approached many individuals had different expectations of what was yet to come but all assumptions were quickly stilled as we had to get our minds wrapped around the basic rules of all courses. That coming to proper attention when speaking to an instructor, marching, and remembering that skilled trades people built the building and don't need soldiers to hold up the walls as they are able to hold themselves up was all on the agenda. Mod 2 was the instructional learning of how to conduct a drill class, by using the proper words of commands and the overall fundamentals of foot drill. When we were not scheduled to teach we would direct our attention onto our fellow classmates. In hearing some of the commands being issued, it was hard not to laugh, but when being referred to as boy's, guys or monkeys during drill, it took a huge effort not to snicker. We were all quickly corrected on the proper terms to refer to our peers by. For most it was the first time that any had given drill commands, which made it entertaining at times for some, and not so entertaining at times for others. After conducting a timely intro to drill students were informed of the two classes that they would be teaching. One would be a practice without arms, and the other with arms. After working the vocal cords for lengthily periods, the end saw that all students had passed their drill portion but had yet to complete the remaining portion of the Mod. The remaining would be in the classroom where the students were to teach skill and knowledge lessons. Lesson plans were taught, demos were shown and each student was informed of the class that they would be teaching. Many midnight candles would be burning well into the wee hours of the morning as the students were to finish all tasks that they were delegated. The skills portion was divided into two parts, students started the class with the C-7 and when scored they were either teaching on the C-9 or Pistol. The second portion had students teaching classes on field craft and map and compass, which would assist us in the field on Mod 6.

Mod 3 found the course learning about the key positions on a range, as well as how to conduct one. First off, classroom introduction was a must. After that, students moved onto the ranges to learn how to coach soldiers, reminding them of the Marksmanship Principles. Other events on the range included running the ammo point, and background activities such as TOET's. The course was fortunate to have good weather on our side for the remainder of the day.

The following week was the start of Mod 4 which saw the course at the Debney Armouries learning QR&O's and the military Justice System which was taught by MWO Antony Batty. Students learned how to gain access to QR&O's, how to find the information and how to apply it. After the classroom theory portion, students were on the computers researching and applying the knowledge they had learned to find all the information they needed in the QR&O's to carry out the test that they would need to pass Mod 4.

Mod 5 would be held in the Debney Armouries where the students would be learning such topics as Approaches to Leadership, Interviewing, and CFPAS. Most of the learning is conducted on the computer, but homework assignments are a regularly part of the Mod.

We were glad to have completed Mods 1-5 and have all sorts of stories to share with each other and our friends. The next adventure is to set off and complete Mod 6 which is the last Mod. This is the field portion of commanding a section and small party tasks, held at CFB Petawawa, will be a difficult lesson for all of us, but we will all meet the challenge and be successful.