Team Leader

Leading a hike for the SV Trailblazers is no easy feat, and it requires an individual to bring their own style of leadership. It's a big responsibility to take on, but it can be incredibly rewarding in the end. To help new team leaders get started, here are some tips on getting ready for the role.

Good Team Leaders should have the following competencies:

  1. Strong communication and organizational skills.

  2. Good decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

  3. Strong knowledge of hiking safety, navigation and first aid.

  4. Ability to motivate and inspire the team.

  5. Flexibility and good judgement to handle unexpected situations.

  6. Time management skills and empathy to work with different team members.

Competencies

Roles

  • Team Leader - The Team Leader (TL) is ultimately responsible for the success or failure of the hike, maintaining overall situational awareness and exercising initiative to address factors that can affect success or failure.

  • 2IC - The Second-in-Command (2IC) assists the Team Leader to ensure mission success and executes anything that the Team Leader needs, typically monitoring the morale, discipline, and health of the hikers.

  • Pacer - The Pacer (PA) takes the lead point position at the front of the hike, charged with ensuring correct route navigation and maintaining the correct group pace as defined by the TL.

  • Sweeper - The Sweeper (SW) makes sure that no one is left behind and helps to monitor if there are too large gaps in the group. The SW acts as a second pacer to ensure the pace is maintained.

Safety

Hikers should prepare for emergencies, carry a first-aid kit, map and compass, and a means of communication, as well as proper plan and prepare for their hike. Sticking to designated trails, not disturbing wildlife, checking the weather forecast, wearing appropriate clothing and gear are essential safety measures that can help hikers enjoy the experience safely.

Outcomes

Competence

Hiking helps soldiers build physical fitness, stamina and navigation skills; as well as mental resilience, toughness and problem-solving skills. Challenging terrain, long distances and unfamiliar environments can help them prepare for the demands of combat and build camaraderie and morale.

Confidence

Hiking helps soldiers build confidence by helping them overcome physical challenges, develop self-reliance, sharpen problem-solving skills, build resilience, enhance mental toughness and foster camaraderie. It also provides them with a sense of accomplishment and pride in their own capabilities, aiding better preparation for combat situations.

Commitment

Hiking can build trust and teamwork among soldiers, boost communication, foster camaraderie, develop mutual respect and sharpen problem-solving skills. Unexpected challenges in the wilderness help them understand each other's strengths and weaknesses better and reinforce commitment within the group. The shared accomplishment further creates a stronger bond.

Here are some important pieces of equipment that each hike should have:

  • First Aid Kit. A first aid kit that includes basic medical supplies, such as bandages and gauze.

  • Communication. A group communication device, such as a two-way radio or mobile phone, in case of emergency.

  • Signaling Device. A signaling device, such as a whistle or an emergency flare, for emergency signaling.

  • Navigation. A group navigation device, such as a GPS unit or a compass, and the knowledge to use them.

  • Torches. Torches needed for light and visibility, enable hikers to navigate safely and efficiently.

Equipment

If you want to take a look at an extensive Kit List that one of our OGs takes on the hike, take a look here: Nadim’s Kit List (PDF)

For reference only! We’re not suggesting you carry all this… unless you want to!

Pre-Hike Briefing (WhatsApp Channel)

As Team Leader, brief hikers on route, conditions and other important info for the hike's success. You'll be added to a WhatsApp group with the hike members for sharing last-minute information.

Check the CAT1 status on Telegram and then join the channel Army Lightning Risk Update: https://t.me/ArmyCAT1

On the Day Pre-Hike Prep

As Team Leader, ensure pre-hike safety with FLAW check: Footwear, Load, Aid and Water. Conduct FLAW check to be aware of team condition; ask 2IC for help if group is large.

Briefing

Give briefing on route, management and safety info. No set way to do it; but you can use the following as a guide:

  • Route for the Hike - distance, route outline, points of interest, points of note

  • Hike Management - pace, estimated time of return, allocation of groups, and allocations of roles

  • Safety - note any hikers that need extra caution due to injuries, identify who has first-aid kits, and note any specific cautionary safety issues with the hiking route.

Conduct an informal water break before the hike starts.

Hike

Conduct the hike accordingly.

Debrief

Debrief to sum up hike, encourage hikers and ask for feedback.

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