Corporal Joseph Mijares reports on his recent attendance at the JNCO Course:
Along with CPL. S. Gordon, I attended the 40 / 13 Central Junior Leaders NCO Course which was held at RNZAF Air Base Ohakea on the 28th of September to the 5th of October. This course focuses on the skills and qualities needed to be a Junior NCO of the New Zealand Cadet Forces. Skills such as drill instructing / teaching, oral presenting, squad handling, and leadership.
Around 36 cadets from all over central area were split up into 4 syndicates. I was part of the “shoe” syndicate (Syndicate 2). Cadets in my syndicate came from places like Gisborne, Palmerston North, Wanganui, and down here in Wellington. It was amazing how we all got along together like a team. We even had our own beat that we would do everywhere…. (BOOM SNAP CLAP BOOM BOOM SNAP CLAP SNAP). We had a lot of free time on the course. During this free time, we would finish course work, watch movies, go to the gym and swimming pool, or eat junk food from the base store (Hotshots). I even made it in the Course Magazine Quotes Page for saying, “Lift your foot six inches above your own height” during drill instructing.
Overall, coming away from this course made me realise that I can do anything if I just believe in myself. I know that my presentation, drill instruction, squad handling, and leadership skills as well as my confidence grew. As a result of completing this course, I was eligible to be promoted which happened on October 21th. Now being a NCO, I know that I can utilise the skills I learned to be a successful role model and leader.