Getting Promotion

The Army is committed to ensuring that soldiers have the training and skills required for promotion. A Command, Leadership and Management (CLM) programme is mandatory for those selected for promotion to the rank of Non-Commissioned Officer.

The aim of the soldiers’ education programme is to improve the performance of soldiers both in barracks and on operations, and the CLM courses prepare soldiers for the tasks that they will undertake during their military careers. This is supported by a Skills for Life package.

The CLM programmes develop leadership and management skills as soldier’s progress through the ranks, including basic skills support and the development of professional military knowledge. The skills and qualifications that soldiers gain are accredited and transferable to civilian life when they leave the Army.

The Command, Leadership and Management programme

CLM training is developmental and provided at four levels:

• Pre Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO)
• Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO)
• Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO)
• Warrant Officer (WO)

Each training course is provided in three parts as follows:

• Part One is provided by Arms and Services Directors (A&SD), either in units or by the Army Recruiting and Training Divisions. Depending on the individual A&SD, Part One courses may be embedded within existing courses, run separately, or be a combination of the two.
• Part Two is work-based learning (not for PNCOs) provided by the A&SD with assistance from Educational Training Service Learning Development Officers.
• Part Three consolidation training (not for PNCOs) is provided by Army Education Centres (AECs).

Successful completion of Part One is a key element of qualifying the individual for immediate promotion, while completion of Parts Two and Three qualifies the individual for subsequent further promotion.

The education elements of the CLM programme are delivered in AECs. They are designed to prepare a soldier for promotion to the next rank by giving them the skills and knowledge they will require in order to operate effectively when in command. Each course builds on the previous one, while introducing new material as appropriate. The programme of courses cover:

• Leadership;
• Management;
• Communication;
• Professional knowledge; and
• Personal development.

All levels of the CLM programme count as credits for civilian qualifications, whereby soldiers can gain:

• Professional and vocational qualifications in management;
• Degree-level modules and credits; and
• Membership of professional institutions.

A soldier’s career will begin at the rank of Private and may rise to Warrant Officer Class 1.