Special Forces Team Building: the problem avoided
Start with the premise that team members are unlikely to have served on a hostage rescue team. The event is therefore a totally closed book to all participants. Everyone starts from square one, with no prior knowledge. Among the teams a buzz of anticipation mixed with trepidation is apparent, and a strong feeling of 'We are all in this together' quickly emerges.

Participants are dressed in the full black SAS assault kit right from the outset. While obviously appropriate for the mission there are other factors involved. The uniform creates not only an immediate sense of team, but also of anonymity since participants are now identical in every respect. The same starting point, the same outfit, a feeling of standing together - these have the desired effect of breaking down barriers and setting aside rank and seniority. And this before the event has even begun.

Training Objectives
To plan and execute exacting missions, evaluating problems and risks, and working as part of a team - under the supervision of some of the country's leading counter-terrorist experts. The missions are so uniquely complex that no individual can assume the dominant role. Delegation of responsibility is essential if the missions are to succeed. As the situation develops leadership constantly changes, and each team member must be prepared to step in at a moment's notice and assume control.

This is Team Building at the highest level, and the lessons and experience gained from this training can be successfully applied in the most high-pressure results-driven organisation. These techniques have never before been available to the commercial world. And while the more advanced and secret elements of hostage rescue have of necessity been edited out the course retains an authenticity that is both highly effective and adrenaline charged.

THE TEAM

BONDING - Due to the unique nature of the courses a very strong element of bonding is displayed by all members of the team, regardless of rank or seniority.

INTERACTION -The scenarios played out during the training ensure that the input of each team member is vital to the overall success of the plan.

IDENTITY - A strong sense of team identity is developed as the training progresses. All obstacles may be overcome when working in close harmony.

TRUST - Working closely together team members must have trust and faith in each other's ability during constantly changing situations.

UTILISATION - The team learns to utilise the strengths of its team members and use it to their advantage. It also learns to make allowance for any shortfalls.

COMMUNICATION - Since no team member will have prior knowledge of how to resolve the situation everyone has a valid input that must be listened to and carefully analysed before the final plan can be formulated.

DELEGATION - The complexity of the situations are such that no single individual can control all aspects of the planning stages. Many of the various options must be delegated, where they can be considered and then added to the overall structure of the plan.

LEADERSHIP CHANGE - The successful outcome of a mission is the responsibility of every team member. It is rare that the execution goes exactly to plan, and impossible for a leader to control every movement of his team. All team members have the capability to redirect the actions of part of the team in order to resolve an immediate problem and get the mission back on line.

MOMENTUM - For the mission to succeed it is critical that every element of the team maintains forward momentum. If this momentum is lost the mission fails.

DETERMINATION - The determination to succeed will become paramount to every member of the team. They will not allow any obstacle to interfere with a positive outcome.

INVINCIBILITY - To the team, working as an integrated unit, there is no problem they cannot overcome regardless of the level of difficulty.

THE INDIVIDUAL

RESPONSIBILITY - Every member of the team is given areas of responsibility that will determine the success or failure of the team as a unit. They are never alone in these responsibilities as the team works together and provides mutual support. This gives the individual the opportunity to display their abilities as a team member and potential leader.

CONFIDENCE - As everyone starts from the same knowledge base individuals feel confident in expressing their opinions as to how to resolve a problem without the fear of being overshadowed.

STATURE - In many cases, having participated in this unique mission, the individual tends to display a level of confidence that was not apparent at the start of the training.