From Marketing to Minefields (#4)

Week One is officially complete and after an engaging 6 days covering the all-important basics we are ready to move on to some more practical lessons from Monday.

In the last few days we have focused on some more specific information we need to know at IMAS Level 2 - such as the different Mine Action Clearance Assets, Non-Technical Surveys (NTS) and Technical Surveys (TS), Minefield Management (QA and QC) and Minefield Marking. We also did some map-reading and map-drawing exercises, which I loved - despite taking a while to pick it back up, it reminded me of my DofE and BELA days in school and the fun of wandering around (/getting lost on) the Mendips with my friends. Except this time with snow!

For me, I found learning about the International Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) really highlighted the number of minefields that have been cleared as well as the amount left to be cleared, and how vital information sharing is within the community. I find at times, even when connected to the industry, it is easy to keep a distance from the numbers and reality of it all, so it was great to have the opportunity to see and understand the importance of the system.

For me, the toughest part of the week has been the UXO Recognition Circuits, while it has been great to see the munitions up close and personal, I can't say my ego has enjoyed how many silly mistakes my brain has made. Although I am definitely getting more confident, I won't lie to you all and pretend I have picked identification up as easily as my coursemates. Thankfully, we have plenty of resources for me to turn back on my student brain, get my coloured pens out and make some revision tools to help me get ready for the assessment next week.

One of the nicest things about the last few days has definitely been how much we have all bonded as a group, and even though I have joked I would be moaning about them all in my blog, I have to say I feel very lucky to be doing the course with such a great bunch of people and instructors. Unlike a lot of people on the course, and a lot of people in this industry/community, I am a complete home bird who isn't a natural at being away from my loved ones, so it has been lovely to have the much-needed banter and support to make the distance not feel as far.

I hope you have all had a great week as well, and thanks again for all your lovely comments - they are very appreciated. Of course, I have to give a special shout out to the Alford Team after having a wonderful Thursday welcoming George Eustice and Dame Joanna Lumley with the Stop Sea Blasts campaign to the range where they observed alternatives to high order detonations using our charges. I promise the pictures are definitely not making me jealous at all...