ARMY TRAINING UNIT (NI) CONTINUE TO PRODUCE THE HIGH CALIBRE RESERVES OF THE FUTURE

The Army Training Unit (Northern Ireland) (ATU(NI)) has had a busy year so far, delivering Phase 1 training to the Army Reserve in Northern Ireland, and increasingly to recruits and trainees from the mainland.

INITIAL COMPANY

During the training year 2016/17 Initial Company committed to an effective delivery of the Common Military Syllabus (CMS). Across the twelve month period, a total of 154 recruits successfully completed their initial Phase 1 (Alpha) and 101 Phase 1 (Bravo) training at ATU (NI), utilising the extensive facilities at both Ballykinler and Magilligan Training Centres.  Notably, ATU (NI) is the only ATU that delivers Phase 1 (Bravo) courses with Reserve Training Teams and this year achieved an outstanding pass rate of 97%. 

As a centre of excellence, ATU (NI) and in particular Initial Company, has been instrumental in maintaining opportunity for recruits by providing choice through both a modular and consolidated CMS(Reserve) Phase 1 (Alpha) course.  The high course completion rate has helped build capability at both the local and national level within the Army Reserve.  It has been pleasing to note that Initial Company has become the location of choice for a number of units based elsewhere in the UK.

Initial Company continues to build on its success in developing instructors through career courses, external qualifications and other opportunities in order to ensure 2018 continues to meet the needs of the Field Army. There are always opportunities for officers and soldiers from all units to enhance their career by playing a part in delivering the various functions carried out at ATU (NI).

UNIT FAMILIES DAY

In September the Unit held its annual Families Day.  Pathways Activities, part of RFCA, provided bouncy castles, archery, BB gun range, inflatable assault course and enjoyment for all ages of our loved ones.  The day ended with a BBQ.  Pathways set up and ran each activity and without them there would have not been a families day – their help was greatly appreciated.