Future Leaders: Protective Services Students Claim Third in Army Competition
Earlier last week, Protective Services students earned third place in a challenging intercollege competition at Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell.
Organised by Headquarters Centre (HQCen), the event saw teams from seven local colleges tackle six demanding tasks, each designed to test their skills and teamwork.
Serving as both a teaching and testing experience, the competition challenged students as they immersed themselves in life on a working Army camp. A small military village, staffed by Army Reserve units, gave students the chance to meet soldiers from a variety of roles and trades. Through meaningful engagement with service personnel, they gained insight into military life, explored career pathways in public service, and developed essential transferable skills.
Across six challenging tasks, students tested their ability to adapt under pressure while strengthening teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership. For those considering careers in uniformed or public services, these practical tasks provided a unique opportunity to experience military training firsthand.
Task 1: Blue Light Incident Management
Emergency response skills were put to the test in collaboration with Notts Police and Notts Fire and Rescue. A simulated road traffic accident (RTA) required teams to assess casualties, apply triage methods, and perform essential first aid. Following the 4Cs (Confirm, Clear, Cordon, and Control) helped structure their approach before delivering a METHANE report to emergency services, reinforcing communication skills under pressure.
Task 2: Marksmanship and Airsoft Range
Weapon handling skills were introduced through a focused training session, covering safe use and the four core principles of marksmanship: position and hold, aiming, breathing control, and trigger operation. A competitive shooting event followed, where students put their accuracy and composure to the test.
Task 3: Mine Clearance
Careful movements and sharp concentration were needed to navigate a simulated minefield. Patrols worked with the VALLON detector, a military tool designed to locate hidden explosive threats. Learning how mines are detected and cleared gave students a detailed look at an essential military operation.
Task 4: Command Tasks
Leadership, teamwork, and adaptability were essential as students tackled a range of problem-solving exercises. Each task required clear communication and strategic thinking to overcome challenges. Roles shifted between leaders and team members, encouraging students to build confidence in different positions.
Task 5: Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
Up-close demonstrations from serving EOD operators revealed the precision and skill needed for bomb disposal. Military personnel showcased specialist equipment, including robotic vehicles and protective suits, while sharing insights into the realities of working in this high-risk field.
Task 6: PT and Obstacle Course
Physical strength and stamina were put to the test on a military-style obstacle course. Climbing, crawling, and sprinting around the course mirrored elements of the Army Soldier Conditioning Review (SCR). Challenging fitness levels and debunking misconceptions about military training, the course also included a competitive element, pushing students to go beyond their limits while reinforcing teamwork and resilience.
Find out more about Protective Services courses at North Notts College