Walking alongside Lieutenants and Auxiliary Lieutenants
While we wouldn’t exist without them, the Officer Formation Stream isn’t only about Cadets. We also continue to walk alongside Lieutenants in their first five years after commissioning as well as framing the development of Auxiliary Lieutenants. June was a busy month where we shared in significant events with each of these two groups, which had added excitement given the inability to hold these types of events over the past two years.
In early June, 24 Auxiliary Lieutenants travelled to EBC to share in their first ever Academy. A further 12 joined some aspects online. This event brought together a number of elements for a bespoke event. Peer connection, camaraderie and prayer support set a valuable foundation for these days. It was a truly collaborative event as we drew on the skills of a number of OFS, HE and L&D staff to lead workshops as well as holding an expo that also included Vocational stream and a number of staff from Mission Resource, sessions with Pastoral Services as well as sharing some time with our Territorial Commander. We were blessed to have Rev Dr Arseny Ermakov guide us through the Songs of Ascent and spent our final moments in a sensory and creative setting writing our own personal psalms of ascent. We were also well-catered for by the EBC facilities team.
Later in June, the Third and Fourth Year Service Seminar for commissioned officers was held on the Gold Coast. In normal times, this event takes place in year 3 marking the midpoint of the first five years after commissioning but we slightly expanded the eligibility given covid restrictions over the past couple of years. Those in their fourth year had met in late 2019 at the end of their first year, whereas those in their third year haven’t been together since their commissioning. Strengthening existing bonds took place over bible studies (with guests Majors David & Michele Terracini), an online session with our Territorial Leaders, input from the Pastoral Services team, formal and informal discussion, food, fun and fellowship. Our time together concluded as it had begun – quick conversations where every person got to speak with every other person but the finale kicked it up a level with the conversations being intentionally focused on prayer and encouragement. We are thankful to Tweed Heads Corps for their hospitality and venue.
Major Sandy MacDonald
First Five Years of Officership and Auxiliary Lieutenant Development Coordinator