Originally posted by VagueHart:
Tips for doing well in Spec Course??
1) Prepare.Take the intiative to prepare charts of quality for any mutuals. For example, if you have to teach about the M16 Stripping & Assembling, do your research and come up with a proper chart that does not photocopy everything from the manual/CD. Get info from outside sources...
e.g. US Army Field manuals:
US Army M16 Manual:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/3-22-9/index.html
There's also a manual called the Soldier's Manual of Common Tasks. It's US Army code name is SMCT1. Search for it online, it has a step-by-step guide and pictures on how to strip and assemble an M16.
2) Be Confident.No one is going to grade a quiet guy who doesn't talk much well.
3) Be a Leader.Volunteer. Speak up. Stand out.
You are only on course for a few DAYS. In the Army, we train for MONTHS. If you want to do well, you have to get people to notice you.
You will also be assigned to a group which might have people from other schools. If you stick to your friends and talk to them for the entire course, you will never be as good as someone who gets to know everybody regardless of school and can actually show that he can work with new people.
4) Be Humble.No one likes an asshole. Never tell people you're "damn good". Let people discover that for themselves.
If you want more info, you have to ask me specific questions and tell me what you're preparing for. I also have a soft copy of the NCC (Air) spec manual on my PC (When I was a CLT, I wrote a new version for HQ NCC (Air) before I entered Army)... I can always send you the chapters you need if you tell me what you're looking for.