UPDATE FROM ARMY TRAINING UNIT (NI)

It’s been a very busy few months at the Army Training Unit, (Northern Ireland) (ATU(NI)). Key personalities have moved on: the Commanding Officer handed over Command in December and we wish him well for the future. The Second In Command has been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and has moved on to Headquarters Infantry.  

We also said goodbye to the Officer Commanding and the Second In Command of Initial Training Company. Both have returned to Regimental duties with 152 (North Irish) Regt RLC. 

We welcome a new Commanding Officer, Second in Command and Officer Commanding Initial Company.  We also look forward to welcoming a number of new Instructors form various Reserve Units here in Northern Ireland. 

It’s been a very busy period with the steady drum beat of Common Military Syllabus (Reserve) Alpha and Bravo courses turning out Phase 1 trained Reserve soldiers to the Field Army.  ATU(NI) has the highest pass rates. –  90%, the highest of any Army Training Unit within Initial Training Group.

Of worthy mention was the recent presentation to one of our Physical Training Instructors from the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry (SNIY) by Commander Initial Training Group, who was awarded the National Army Reserve Trainer of the year award; our Instructor had to compete against other Reserve Instructors from across the whole of the UK.

Recently ATU(NI) and the Army Recruit Selection Centre (Belfast) have come together to produce a bespoke brief for all potential recruits who attend the Selection Centre.  The aim is to better inform reserve recruits on the support, guidance and paths that they can take as they progress through their recruit training.  The brief features Ballykinler Training Centre and includes an “Army Training Unit (Northern Ireland)” Recruit card for all candidates, which includes dates of courses, useful tips, QR Code links to helpful Army Videos and our Facebook and Twitter account details.  Initial feedback from recent attendees on our Alphas Modular and Consolidated courses has proved very positive.  It is hoped that this approach will be rolled out throughout the rest of the Army Recruit selection centres in the UK.

However, it’s not just all work and no play for the Permanent Staff; they can look forward to Adventure Training on the North Coast and a Battle Field Study to Monte – Cassino, Italy in June.

ATU(NI) remains a great place to work with a constant stream of willing and able reserve Recruits who go on to be successful Army Reservists with all units based in Northern Ireland and on occasion in GB as well.

Applications for Instructor positions are always welcome and anyone who is interested in becoming a member of the Staff should contact us on 02890 40126, also please follow us on Facebook ATU NI or Twitter @ATU_NI