KSS July eKourier 2023

FEATURE

"WE HAVE YOUR BACK" – A SIMPLE TEAMWORK LESSON FROM MY ARMY DAYS

D uring my time in the Army, I undertook a promotion course to obtain the rank of Corporal. Due to an injury, I was unable to complete the initial course and was eventually parachuted into a different course with soldiers who had been together for some time. Imagine – here I was, the new kid on the block with no previous connec- tions or friendships, the only female in an intense, harsh environment with a dodgy ankle to boot. As I was a Signalman, I was lucky enough to initially carry a heavy pack with the radio and at times I looked like a turtle stuck on its back as I tried to get off the ground – this didn’t help my bush credibility with the boys. Once we made base camp, our task was to lead a Section of 8 soldiers, outline the objective, navigate 10kms through the bush with the enemy (fake obviously) attacking and complete the mission.

Despite my efforts – I was no GI Jane, I was marked as a fail by the head of the course with one attempt left to pass. Feeling alone, isolated, doubting my ability I was caught off guard as the Team who didn’t know me from Adam, individually rallied around me offering support and encouragement. DURING THAT TIME WE WERE A TEAM WITH A COMMON GOAL, REGARDLESS OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT BOUGHT US TOGETHER ‘

During that time, while we were being tested individually, we were a team with a common goal, regardless of the circumstances that brought us together. We had to trust and rely on each other to overcome the challenges in front of us. This reinforced the Army ethos that as a team the importance of support, focus, trust and ignoring negativity is key. And yes, I passed the course, had a successful mission called in mortar fire and only 2 members had to fake die.

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They shared ideas, offered advice and reassured me that whatever the circumstances or difficulties they had my back.

Judith Robinson Chief Financial Officer

8 Kennards Kourier July 2023