Moulding
rookies a routine skill
Position:
Military skills instructor
Name:
CPL Korey McGregor, 1RTU
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CPL
Korey McGregor demonstrates a weapon handling technique
to ACWR Amy Lotts at 1RTU.
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Photo
by CPL Greg Walls
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How
do you handle the responsibility of looking after so many recruits?
When a lot of recruits have issues or problems at once, it gets
a bit stressful, but MSIs work in pairs, so there is someone else
to help.
Has
this job given you a newfound respect for your MSI (GSI) from
rookies?
I actually enjoyed rookies when I went through.
How
do you keep track of everyone?
We appoint a course orderly who is responsible for the course
when we are not around. The recruits inform us prior to attending
any appointment and we compile parade stats every day.
What
do you do in your job?
I instruct in drill, weapons training, theory lessons (ie. customs
and traditions, etc) and basic military skills.
What
were your expectations of the job and have they been filled?
I expected to work fairly long hours as a routine and be on show,
not only to recruits but also to the rest of the base. My expectations
were pretty much on the money except for long hours every day.
I enjoy the authority and like being in command of 30-odd recruits.
I enjoy instructing and I wanted to get a more “hands-on” role.
What
do you think are your job perks?
Moulding civilians into airmen and airwomen. Watching them turn
into a proud and professional member of the Air Force. First posting
preference after tour is nice, too.
What
have you found most challenging?
Catering for individual needs of all the recruits, different backgrounds,
learning styles and abilities.
What
do you think makes a good MSI?
Professionalism, fitness, the ability to instruct on such things
like drill and weapons (and be good at it).
How
much of a changed person do you think you’ll be at the end of
this experience?
I think I’ll be a lot more confident and a better NCO.
This
is our first article in what will be a regular series about jobs
for airmen and airwomen and officers in the Air Force.
If
there’s a job you’d like profiled or you’re willing to be profiled,
please email CPL Simone Liebelt at
simone.liebelt@defence.gov.au
or phone her on (02) 6266 7613.
