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Boston students enjoy lesson in Army life

Fifty students attended the action-packed day organised by the Army Training Regiment (Grantham) at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham.

Enjoying a ration pack

The young people who were all aged between 13 and 16 years completed a series of tasks that tested their teamwork, discipline, leadership and team spirit to the limit – all key attributes for a serving soldier.

One of the problem-solving tasks saw them working in teams to move a container out of ‘shark infested waters’ with rope. The students also had to put their trust in one another when they guided a blindfolded friend to a ‘safe area’.  They also tacked a First Aid and STEM (Science, technology, engineering and maths) tasks.

The Head of Haven High Academy Matthew Van Lier who serves as a reservist with the Army Training Regiment (Grantham) said: “Part of the day is about developing teamwork and leadership skills. These are skills we try and teach in the classroom environment but essentially there is nothing better than seeing it in practice outside the classroom.

“I joined the Army Reserves in university then took a 20-year gap and re-joined in 2015. It’s just an amazing career. Its definitely complimented my civilian career.”

Student Damien Baly said: “I thought it was a really nice thing for the Army and school to do. It’s good to see what it’s like in the Army.”

Amie Webber, aged 13,  said: It’s been really fun.  I didn’t expect to enjoy myself this much.  There’s been lots of different activities to do.”

She continued: “Normally you think of soldiers marching and shooting but really it’s more than that. If a soldier hurts themselves there are soldiers trained to help. It’s really changed my view.”

The command tasks improved leadership and teamwork

Lunch was an Army Ration pack cooked by the students on a portable stove.

Bradley Donachie, aged 15, thought the day had been awesome and said the food wasn’t bad either. Tucking into a feast of chicken sausage and beans he said: I thought the food would be really, really bad, but it wasn’t. It was really nice.”

Jack Tait, aged 15,  who enjoyed sausage casserole and sticky toffee pudding agreed saying: “It was better than I thought.”

The Commanding Officer of ATR (Grantham), Lieutenant Colonel Alex Forsyth, said: “We hope the students enjoyed the experience and gained a lot from the day. We certainly enjoying having them.”

He continued: “We wanted them to have fun whilst learning. We also wanted to help build their confidence and leadership skills whilst helping them get better connected with their Army.”