I visited the Army Staff and Leadership School (ASLS) at Pirbright on Thursday. I was accompanied by my Human Resources & Development Manager, Saskia Larsen, and by my Head of Adult and Professional Faculty, Karen Biggin.

We were hosted very warmly by the Commanding Officer – Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Davis Royal Logistic Corps – a former colleague.

The ASLS delivers ‘Train the Trainer’ training (predominantly for Soldiers) under the ‘franchise’ of the tri- Service Defence Centre of Training Support. It is responsible for training the Army’s trainers, from corporal section commanders and trade instructors to Commanding Officers, as well as administrative and support staff.

We joined on the last day of the course and sat in on the final test where the individual has to smash a 3/4″ thick block of wood with his/her bare hand. Naturally this exercise is a teaching vehicle that allows the syndicate lecturer to draw…