Although the basic steps for running a course on operations are the same as those for running a course on a base, there are logistical differences that need to be identified.

1. Contact the Alpha for Forces office
Try to do this before you leave as we can provide you with an Alpha deployment pack and may be able to provide specific advice relevant to your deployment.


2. Attend an Alpha conference
For the reasons outlined in the previous section, it is useful if you can try to attend before you are deployed.


3. Planning your team
Although ideal, it may be very difficult to achieve a ratio of eight guests to four leaders. If it is appropriate, try to get the guests to help with some of the tasks. This makes them feel involved and takes some pressure off you.


4. Training your team
Again, try to do this before being deployed. It is useful to have at least one Alpha Leaders’ Training Manual to share with the team. If you do not have time yourself to talk to the team, all the talks are available on tape and can be shared around.


5. Register your course
This may seem unimportant but it is vital to keep records of where courses have taken place. This gives us the ability to link others to you who may be in your area, even on operations!


6. Set the dates and select a venue
A regular time and location is obviously preferable, but if you are always on the move then just setting aside an hour, either every day, every two days or once a week - wherever you are - can also be a great success.


7. Order resources
The Alpha course talks are available on DVD, which can be shown on laptops. If you will be taking a laptop on operations or have access to one, the Alpha course CD-ROM contains the chapters from Alpha – Questions of Life, as well as presentation aids.

Lightweight camouflaged Alpha Course Manuals are also available. Soldiers in many Armed Forces are issued with a small bible - make sure they bring them! If they are not, we can suggest suppliers of small lightweight bibles.