07/03/2026
It is one thing to talk about composure. It is another thing to test it on the edge.
Keltus recently supported the 1st Intelligence Battalion, Australian Army delivering a performance under pressure activity utilising abseiling and climbing as the medium.
Credit to 1st Intelligence Battalion for developing a broader program with clear intent. This was not a standalone activity. It formed part of a deliberate training package that included physical training delivered by PTIs, sessions with unit padres and psychology staff, and practical exposure to controlled stress in an unfamiliar outdoor environment.
Our role was to help participants practise the knowledge and strategies being developed across the broader program.
On the cliff, soldiers had the opportunity to observe how they responded to pressure, uncertainty, discomfort and fear. They then practised maintaining composure, communicating clearly, making decisions and continuing to perform as individuals and as a team.
The reel shows the arc of the day: nerves at the edge, trust in the system, controlled movement, climbing, abseiling, hauling each other, and working through the task together.
This is where well-designed experiential training earns its place. It creates a shared experience that can be reflected on, debriefed and connected back to the demands of the role.
Performance under pressure training is strongest when it has a clear purpose.
This had one.