I learned things I did not know at NTC, so first, not everyone has the
same level of knowledge going in. Second, my NTC was 99.5% free of
nasty stuff, but the regimen was very stringent. When I had time to
think about it, I figured out what I really learned there, and it wasn't
camping skills. NTC taught me the power of teamwork. We never would have
been able to accomplish all the things we needed to if the patrol hadn't
pulled together as a team with all members contributing all they had.
It was really work to complete it. LTC did not provide the forum for this
kind of learning or experience, but 4 days in Wilmot NH in 1996 did.
I think it was this that they wanted to teach so we would have already
done what we want to teach the boys to do: learn first by doing, then teach.
It healped me a lot.
I like your idea for the LTC requirement, and teaching the patrol stuff at
LTC a bit more. Then, NTC would be a practicum. I would love to see outpost
management stuff, especially for the senior commander included in the LTC.
As far as I know, this is in the works. I saw a presentation at National
Council for the LTC overhaul, and it looks very good. You may find that
you have already got your wish.
This does not mean that I blindly endorse the current NTC. I personally know
people
who went, and were shocked at the lack of Christian character they encountered
in the NTC staff. Regimented is one thing, cruelty is quite another. I don't
mind a stern, regimented camp, and I can see the good in it, but I have come
to think that each NTC is an expression of those who staff it. We all know
that some folks are good at some things and others are not. While we might
focus on the format, we would do well to remember that the character of the
staff will determine the flavor and atmosphere of the event. I would
concentrate
more on picking the right staff. I experienced a good NTC. It is my heartfelt
wish that all of you could do the same.
White Buffalo
Commander Pier wrote:
>
> OK, now that we've beaten the NTC as "boot camp" thing to death, there's
> another aspect that was not mentioned. That is the overall utilitity of NTC
> as it exists today even with the "mean" Sr, Guide removed. If the camp was
> not run like a poor imitation of a Marine boot camp, it is still not worth
> much. Let me explain.
>
> The "classes" conveyed very little useful ranger camping skills. I did not
> learn anything new at NTC. If the whole purpose of the camp is to see the
> program "through the eyes of the boys." then it is a colossal waste of time
> and money because that was not proactively taught - it was implied, but not
> stated (except for a brief 10 minute lecture at the end).
>
> The things we did at NTC were done at LTC, which by the way is not a
> requirement for NTC. I think the patrol thing should be taught at LTC, and
> then they can teach new Ranger skills - both outpost management stuff and
> camping skills. Then make LTC a requirement for NTC. Doing so would create
> a training progression - LTC, NTC, ANTC, ETC.
>
> KLP
>
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