To all who are interested,
One Shepherd will be starting their next semester of training this coming fall (WBC starts September 17-18, 2011). Many of you might not have a clue as to what One Shepherd is and what it is that they do. For those of you in this situation, here is some information about One Shepherd. (Information is taken straight from the One Shepherd website)
One Shepherd is a Technical Institute of Leadership. Their training and educational services employ live military simulation exercises to achieve immersion within the learning environment. Live simulation augments traditional classroom lecture and discussion, and creates a learner-centric explorative situation. For simulating combat, One Shepherd utilized the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES 2000). MILES 2000 is coupled with blank-fire munitions and adaptor/devices that meet government specifications for rifle and carbine firearms. Furthermore One Shepherd provides mission essential equipment such as night vision, radio, and navigational systems.
Academics
One Shepherd is an alternative training program that cultivates leadership, decision-making, and team building among its student membership. These skills are developed through explorative and experiential learning within a live-simulation environment at the tactical level of warfare. In addition to decision-making, each student member accumulates the ability to visualize, communicate, and direct peers and subordinates to achieve success.
One Shepherd employs tactical simulations at the squad and platoon level to promote:
i) Individual self-confidence and accountability
ii) Teambuilding and teamwork in a challenging environment
iii) Leadership development through experiential learning
The training that YOU will take part in will most likely be the Common Core Curriculum (CCC). The CCC entails up to 42 days of field training, spread over a two or three-year period. This training is both physically and mentally challenging, yet it will prepare you with the most essential leadership skills – the ability to make decision and communicate your vision.
The Warrior Basic Course (WBC) is the entry point to the One Shepherd community. The WBC is offered only once per year in early September. With the exception of the Land Navigation Course, the WBC is a pre-requisite for all other courses within the Common Core Curriculum (CCC). Covered in this course are the fundamentals of tactics – shoot, move, and communicate. Additionally, students are introduced to specific battlefield operating systems unique to the infantry platoon. The WBC culminates with squad force-on-force exercises. Meals, blank ammunition, tentage, and all battlefield operating systems (weapons, radios, NOD) are provided.
Required Items/ Equipment for the WBC
- Any Pants, Shirt and Hat
- Comfortable Boots
- Hydration Pack
- Hygiene Kit – Wipes/Bug Spray
The training and curriculum is based on US Army FM 3-21.8 as well as The Small Unit Tactics SMARTbook (The Lightning Press, 2008).
Now, I completely understand that this type of stuff may not be your cup of tea. That's perfectly fine, I just ask those who don't care to not belittle this post and make negative comments just because you feel like it. I appreciate your maturity in the matter. If you are sitting on the fence (that could be painful. Fence, ouch) it wouldn't hurt to simply give the WBC a try and see if you do like it. If you do not like it there is no harm done, right? If you do like it, you have everything to gain.
Finally, One Shepherd training is geared toward leadership development. With that said, there is plenty of training on battle drills, defensive, offensive, and enabling operations. So, whether you have an interest in leadership development, the military, or in the simulation of combat operations you owe it to yourself to give this a shot.
If you have any questions, check out their website (in my signature) or ask your questions here.
I hope to hear from you,
Bret
