Lt David Clark, Divisional Training Officer BRNC
Lt David Clark, Divisional Training Officer BRNC
Job description: Delivers officer training to make sure cadets leave with the character attributes and skills needed to do their chosen job.
Nickname: Nobby
How long have you been in the Navy?
25 years. I’ve been at the college for nine months. Most training officers are moved around every couple of years to meet the needs of the service.
How does that fit in with family life?
You do have some say on where you go. I’m actually from Torquay so this job is ideal as I get to live at home and see my family. It’s fantastic to see my wife Sarah and children Lucy and Ben every day.
Tell us about your job?
We have 450 cadets pass through the college every year. It’s my job to transform civilians into courageous leaders with the spirit to fight. It’s imperative I understand each officer cadet as an individual – identifying their strengths and weaknesses. They are here for 30 weeks and during that time we have to instill the Navy’s core values such as courage, discipline and loyalty.
What does a typical timetable look like?
The training is extremely diverse and no two weeks are the same. Aspects include leadership training, river exercises and a variety of lectures. The cadets also have ‘stand easy’ times when they can relax - unless they’re working out a punishment. If they haven’t made their beds properly or tidied their locker they have to be inspected during their free time. The day often starts at 0530 and ‘pipe down’ is at 2230.
What happens on a river patrol?
We set up a scenario on the Dart. It could be that the Navy’s been asked to provide disaster relief or there’s a terrorist on the run - land based forces have driven him or her towards the river and the team has to work together to find and detain them.
Are there a lot of rules?
Yes, there are even rules about how to arrange your locker. It’s not being petty, it’s installing in them the various disciplines that they will need as they move through the military. They have all worked hard to get here so the majority of people don’t tend to misbehave!
How much pastoral support do you provide?
Lots. There’s often a knock at my door from someone who’s homesick or has a family issue. A fifth of our recruits are from other countries so they can require a lot of extra support.
What makes you want to come to work each day?
The thought of Passing Out day and the proud mums and dads smiling with their cameras in hand. It’s the kind of job where you really can see the results of your work. We are shaping these people into disciplined, strong men and women who’ll serve their country.
Did you always want to be in the Navy?
No! I was going to be a footballer. That’s a big passion of mine. (I’m a Torquay United supporter.) One day my mum walked into my bedroom and gave me a load of career leaflets and said, ‘you need to do something.’ I wasn’t interested at first, then one night I read the top one which was about the Navy. I went down the next morning and said; ‘that’s it, I’m going to join!’ I’ve never looked back.
First published By The Dart July 2016 issue
