Bringing RNZAF Training into the 21st Century
You’ve probably noticed there’s a lot going on in training these days. This makes sense – after all, if we’re not on operations, we’re training for the day. Front line upgrades are bringing new technologies and capabilities, and the need to adequately train and prepare our people is as important as ever. Training is fundamental to capability.
Technology is an enabler in this process, and we’re investing in new training aids, media and courseware. Ground Training Wing (GTW) is undergoing a classroom transformation, with follow-on plans to replace engines and airframes to keep up with the modernisation programmes on frontline squadrons. This will position RNZAF as one of the best providers of aeronautical trade training in New Zealand. The Kingair replacement will also bring glass cockpit technology and automation into flying training.
But we all know technology is only part of the story. The recent overhaul of the SNCO development courses, and this year’s roll-out of a redesigned Officer Training continuum are about empowering people, with a greater emphasis on professional development, leadership, operational skills, and critical thinking. A Recruit Course Review will get underway this year to look at how we best prepare airmen and airwomen for tomorrow’s Air Force.
People remain the most important ingredient in this. The ‘holy grail’ is getting everyone up to the required standard. Ground instructors are focussing increasingly on learning strategies, and study and exam techniques, to help students to not ‘get in their own way’. Release rates from training were way down last year, whilst the average pass rate at GTW across all courses exceeded 90 percent for the first time. This is not about lowering standards. I think you’ll find our graduates are as good as they’ve ever been. However, the reality is a competitive labour market, and it’s important to retain as many trainees as possible, and give them the best chance of success. Maintaining front-line capability depends on it.
We’re also looking at ways to better equip and support instructors – who of course are the critical link. CRTS are trialling ‘soft skills’ – which include facilitation and coaching – designed to get the best out of people. They have also introduced a ‘code of conduct’ for instructors. This doesn’t mean ‘softer’ courses. RNZAF training is designed to be challenging – both mentally and physically – and our trainees tell me they expect this. The All Blacks never got to be world class by taking the easy road. However, good instructors know that getting the best out of students means treating them right, and with respect.
An RNZAF ‘old boy’ told me recently that his recruit training was never easy, but he was always treated like an adult. He might have been shouted at occasionally, but only when he needed a sharpen-up, and never rudely or abusively. I think it’s a challenge – particularly for some of our younger instructors – to get this balance right. We have to create an environment where trainees know they are valued, and where the training relationship is a two-way street. We teach values by the way we live them. What we do speaks louder than what we say.
Yes, there’s a transformation going on in training. But people haven’t changed. Like any previous generation, today’s trainees seek knowledge, skills and qualifications. They also want responsibility and they will step up to a challenge. Military training offers all of these things. We need to stay ahead of the game, to benchmark with best practise, and to make smart investment in technologies that make a difference – without breaking the bank. But above all, treat our trainees right, and they will not disappoint. They are our future capability.