Module participation “strongly recommended”
Trainers educate themselves

A further training module for the army’s apprentice trainers took place at the Seebenstein training and seminar center in mid-June.
Apprentice training is not always easy in practice. Especially not when the necessary theoretical tools are lacking. When there is a lack of knowledge in dealing and communicating with young people. Knowledge about teaching and learning motivation. Or addiction prevention. All these points are therefore on the agenda of a training module for apprentice trainers in the Austrian Armed Forces, which was coordinated and compiled by Vice Lieutenant Gottfried Schneider from the Army NCO Academy. Gender, bullying and bossing as well as health-promoting measures are also part of the five-day training program, which is offered three times a year. “It is regrettable that the previous three modules have been condensed into one week for cost reasons, but at the same time I am glad that we can offer this week,” says Vice Lieutenant Gottfried Schneider during our visit to the Seebenstein training and seminar center in southern Lower Austria. Although the module is not a must for apprentice trainers, it is “highly recommended” according to Schneider. “After all, it not only teaches you the necessary theoretical basics, but the trainers also get to know each other, can exchange ideas and help each other with problems.” This networking factor is another reason why the feedback from participants is consistently positive. Another reason for this is that all training content is taught by internal and external specialists who respond individually to the needs of the participants. Psychologist Günther Kreiml from the Army NCO Academy, for example, covers the areas of bullying and bossing, while Lieutenant Colonel Richard Wosolsobe (Drug Coordinator of the Ministry of Defense) is responsible for the addiction prevention course together with the Pro Mente association. “Drugs are a social problem that we cannot avoid, even in the armed forces. It is therefore important to recognize the signs so that we can react in good time if necessary,” says Wosolsobe in an interview with Militär Aktuell. According to Vice-Lieutenant Schneider, each module is designed for up to ten participants and interest in taking part in the course is high. No wonder, after all, around 200 apprentices in 30 professions are currently being trained by 150 instructors in the armed forces and the entire range of methods is used in the module. “We want to convey the content in the best possible way,” says Schneider, “to ultimately make everyday life easier for both trainers and apprentices.”
LOWER AUSTRIA
Finnish ambassador and delegation visit the ARWT.

The Armaments and Defence Technology Agency received a distinguished visitor in October: Finnish Ambassador Anu Laamanen stopped by the water training area during a reception in Krems and visited the test workshop of the Pioneer Technology Department with her delegation. The main focus of interest was the new assault and shallow water boats manufactured by the Finnish company Alutech.