Infantry Phase Trg vs basic Infantry Training

["Michael O'Leary" <moleary@bmts.com>]

Albert,
Following their Basic Officer's Training Course (BOTC), officers will
proceed to their corps/branch school for a series of 'Phase" courses to
learn the technical, tactical and intellectual requirements to perform as a
junior officer in their classification. I can speak on the Infantry
approach, but cannot assert that every corps approaches things the same
way. Depending on the scheduling of courses and their career entry path,
new officers today often take their phase courses during the summer between
years at university (at Royal Military College or a civilian institution)
and/or attending secind language training.
In the infantry, BOTC is followed by Phases 2, 3, and 4.
Phase 2 is very similar to an infantry section commander's course. Weapons,
navigation, writing and delivery of orders, small unit (section) tactics,
recconnaissance patrolling, and leadership encompass the focus of this
course. It teaches the young officers the basics of their trade in the
infantry, as well as an understanding of their soldiers' roles, duties and
technical responsibilities.
Phase 3 is a dismounted platoon commander's course, very similar in context
to the QL6B (Warrant Officer's course). Platoon tactics, orders, fighting
patrols, more leadership, and introduction to battalion weapon systems
(theory) are found at this training level. Also covered is the conduct of
training and conventional (static) ranges.
Phase 4 is a mechanized platoon commander's course. Tactical training
includes platoon mechanized operations, an introduction to company/combat
team tactics and a basic familiarity with battalion operations. Conduct of
field firing ranges for all platoon weapon systems is covered in detail. 
Each phase course is ten weeks long. While many officers today take one
phase per year, it was once not unusual for new officers (particularly
those not being put through university by the system) to take them all
back-to-back. BOTC before Christmas, followed by Phase 2, 3 and 4 from the
first week of January to the third week of August. (I can tell you that
could be tough.)
The above gives a VERY light overview of infantry phase training. Other
list contributors are invited to update and refine my comments, or to
discuss the approach found in other trades/corps.
Beacuse the infantry phase courses are not taught in discrete regimenatl
platoons, regimental history is not covered. This is left to the Regiments,
The RCR used to run annually a Regimental Officers Indoctrination Course
that introduced these subjects (it's now run less regularly).
As to whether one is 'tougher' than the other, it's hard to say. Even those
officers who came from the ranks and went through both would have a skewed
view, certain aspects the edge would be taken off Phase training with prior
experience. Basic Infantry training and infantry officer training, while
having some overlap in skills and knowledge, demand very different
expectations and performance requirements of their candidates. Each is
demanding on the participants, neither is 'easy.' Neither is meant to be.
Pro Patria
Mike
At 09:22 PM 6/5/00 +0000, Albert King wrote:
> What exactly is the traing that officers must undergo after Basic? Even
>though all infantry officers train together in one place, is regimental
>history taught in the same manner it is to NCM's or do they get the "bigger
>picture." Would battleschool (can't call it that anymore) be mentally (I'
>don't think so) and physically (?) tougher then officer training?  Thnaks. 
Michael, Miriam and Roland O'Leary
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