15 (UK) PSYOPS Group Annual Report - PsyWar.Org

‘ The major assets for this phase... are my Division’s media, psyops and civil affairs unitsand, at this time, these groups are as powerful as the big guns.’Maj Gen J Kiszely, quoted in Jane’s Defence Weekly, 18 December 1996Internal TrainingThe Group has a robust internal training regimethat prepares regulars and reservists alike tobecome PSYOPS practitioners to meet the manyand varied tasks they are required to undertakeat home base or on Operations. Personnel aretrained in the planning and conduct of PSYOPS,both operationally and tactically, and cross train onthe operation and maintenance of specialist Printand Broadcast equipment, as well as developingtheir physical fitness and core military skills to acommon high standard. The multinational natureof contemporary operations also requires Grouppersonnel to liaise and train with allied PSYOPSunits in order to enhance UK support to combinedoperations. Accordingly, Group personnel attend,support or instruct on NATO and other nationalPSYOPS courses and Exercises.The Group comprises combat and combat supportpersonnel from all 3 Services. To develop the commonlevel of military skills required when deployedon Operations and Exercises, both regular and reservistpersonnel undertake Army Military AnnualTraining Tests and Annual Personal Weapons Testas a basis for development during pre-deploymenttraining; these are over and above single Servicerequirements. The Group also deploys into thefield at home or abroad to conduct a testing AnnualBattle Camp to ensure and evaluate individualand team competencies of its regular and reservistpersonnel.In order to be able to fight and operate effectivelyon Operations, often under arduous and stressfulconditions, all personnel develop and maintaina high level of physical fitness through regularrunning and participation in team sports and gymwork, leading to formal military physical tests andassessments. The Group also places great importanceon personal and leadership development.Opportunities to introduce regulars and reserviststo new skills and challenges are exploited whereverpossible, including staff rides, driver training,project management and command and stafftraining. To develop self-confidence, fighting spirit,teamwork and a spirit of adventure, a high priorityis given to the organisation of, and participation inall kinds of adventurous training.