Rowing Australia coaches recently embarked on a unique learning adventure at the Australian Army’s Jungle Combat Training Centre (CTC) in Tully, Queensland, as part of an innovative partnership.

Facilitated by the AIS High Performance Development team, this program is the result of a reciprocal learning agreement between Rowing Australia and the Australian Army. For five days, ten coaches ventured into the jungle, fully immersing themselves in a military training environment.

Living on the CTC base, the coaches experienced communal sleeping quarters, stretcher beds, ration packs, and ample mosquito spray. This hands-on experience allowed the coaching squad to observe and actively participate in a variety of activities.

One notable activity involved an urban assault exercise, where they watched Australian troops landing in Chinook helicopters and taking control of an enemy village. The coaches were deeply involved in the exercise, offering insights and providing feedback to the soldiers. Subsequently, they held a review session to discuss the various approaches used during the exercise.

Para-Rowing Lead Coach James Loveday was particularly struck by how soldiers made decisions in high-pressure situations. Watching soldiers within the same age range as the athletes they coach offered valuable insights, providing him with tools to support athlete learning in high-performance environments.

For Women’s NTC Senior Coach Ellen Randell, the opportunity to interact with the trainers and officers, observe their coaching techniques, and learn from their experiences was a highlight of the experience.

Paul Thompson, Rowing Australia’s Performance Director, emphasized the significance of leading under pressure, teamwork, and feedback loops in both sports and the military. The experience allowed the coaches to challenge their thinking and identify areas to enhance National Training Centres, Pathways, and Paralympic Programs.

This unique partnership is a testament to the mutual benefits of sharing knowledge and experiences between different fields and underscores the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in the pursuit of excellence.

In April, CTC Army Officers visited Rowing Australia’s National Training Centres (NTC) in Penrith and Canberra, where they observed the training environment and development process of high-performance athletes. Lieutenant Colonel Adam Reimers of the CTC praised this partnership, highlighting its positive impact on the Army’s ability to respond to crises and excel in combat situations.

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Photo Courtesy Australian Sports Commission

Courtesy Australian Sports Commission