I wouldn't for one moment wish to compare the time on the hills with many of the Army marine courses, but spending several days cold, miserable and knackered certainly brings out the best or worst in people and is a very good leson in human nature and natural leadership. There was an ex Yorkshire Miner Eng Student on our course who really stood out from the crowd as a leader. Always willing to put himself before others and very enertaining without an ego. Probably the only person to do a 15 minute talk on changing tappets, bringing his own car engine into the classroom to use as a prop, oil and all. Even Lazz and Reves lost their cool and cracked up during that particular talk.
Conversly, it was noticeable that one or two other individuals became quiet and self contained on the hills putting very little into the team effort. Miraculously, they always seemed to come out of their shell in a big way when the DS were around watching and when it was their turn to lead. Two I can think of went to cranners and came back as AEO's.
The best part of the AAITC wa the fact that unlike Cranners, no time was wasted dressing up and running around with guns pretending to be soldiers.
The other important lesson from the whole AAITC experience is if you are on a hill in pitch dark with an objective to achieve, never give the map to a Navigator.