ST. JOHN'S, Antigua - Soldiers from the Florida National Guard's 211th Regional Training Institute (RTI) returned to Antigua to share their knowledge and expertise with members of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) during a Leadership seminar, Aug. 12-16, 2013, in St. John's, Antigua.
The training opportunity was part of the ongoing National Guard's State Partnership Program Exchange and is intended to help the process of further developing junior non-commissioned officers within the ABDF and the Antigua Police Force. This is the second year the seminar was held in Antigua to give the ABDF more in-depth leadership training, with emphasis on proper communication.
"I think a lot of the leadership material being conducted during this exchange is very beneficial," said 1st Sgt. Jason Moak, a facilitator for the Florida Army National Guard's 211th RTI. "With this, they have the tools to be better leaders and to broaden their minds."
The Guard members used their experiences and backgrounds to expand on the participants' abilities to strategize and plan for managing day-to-day struggles, conflicts, breakdowns in communication and even crises. With individuals from different components within the ABDF, the seminar introduces them to various techniques where participants begin to view each other as a resource and a team that can continue to share new ideas after this seminar.
The seminar's goal for this year was leadership development with emphasis on resilience. This was a continuation of last year's course, where the ABDF were able to thrive under pressure, while still succeeding in the face of adversity, and when to shift tactics as well as being able to help subordinates and peers cope with personal and professional stressors.
Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Seaman, also a facilitator with the 211th RTI, who handled the resilience portion, stated: "They really enjoyed some of the take-home work. It was a way for them to grasp some new concepts in a fun manner."
"For some people, certain aspects are an eye opener and for others it's a refresher," said Army Sgt. Lisa Goodwin, assistant to G-3 Cpt. Bertla Benjamin, ABDF liaison, "I'm happy that we can achieve this and to have the police force involved, so when it comes to situations, we can all be on the same page."