The Annual Journal of the Royal Army Physical Training Corps
Number 97 2013/14 First Published in 1920
Mind, Body and Spirit
CONTENTS Royal Army Physical Training Corps Association......................... 2 Honours, Awards, Commissions And Promotions....................... 3 Commandant’s Introduction........................................................ 4 Foreword.................................................................................... 5 Directorate Of Training (Army) – PD Branch................................. 9 Headquarters Support Command............................................ 12 HQ 38 (Irish) Brigade And Northern Ireland Garrison................. 17 Headquarters 42 (NW) Brigade ................................................ 23 Headquarters 43 (Wessex) Brigade PD Branch......................... 24 Headquarters 49 (East) Brigade................................................ 28 Headquarters 51 (Scottish) Brigade.......................................... 33 145 (S) Brigade – G7 PD Branch.............................................. 35 Headquarters 160 (Wales) Brigade........................................... 42 Headquarters 1st (United Kingdom) Armoured Division............. 46 20th Armoured Brigade............................................................ 48 HQ 102 Log Bde...................................................................... 51 7th Armoured Brigade And Signal Squadron............................ 53 The British Army (Germany) Weight Management Course......... 59 3rd (United Kingdom) Division................................................... 62 16 Air Assault Brigade ............................................................. 62 Headquarters London District .................................................. 72 Headquarters British Forces Gibraltar....................................... 80 Headquarters British Forces Cyprus......................................... 82 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles...................................... 84
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BATUS..................................................................................... 85 ARTD....................................................................................... 87 The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst ‘The Sandhurst Group’............................................................. 87
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SCHOOLS............................................................................... 99 The Army School Of Physical TraininG (ASPT) – Aldershot........ 99 The Army School Of Physical Training (ASPT) – Germany....... 102 ADVENTUROUS TRAINING................................................ 103 Adventurous Training Group (Army) – ATG(A).......................... 103 British Army Training Unit Kenya............................................. 106 BATUK .................................................................................. 106 Joint Service Mountain Training Centre................................... 109
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REHABILITATION................................................................. 114 SPORT.................................................................................. 123 ARTICLES............................................................................. 139 Be Careful What You Ask For – 12 Months In Kabul................ 139 The Afghan National Army Officer Academy Qargha, Kabul.... 140 A Female Perspective............................................................. 143 Land’s End To John O’Groats Cycle Ride............................... 144 RAPTC Scottish Tartan........................................................... 148 Skiing In The Tracks Of Heroes............................................... 150 John O’Groats – Land’s End Cycle – 7–15 May 2014 for Demelza House and Help4Heroes........................................................ 152
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RAPTC ASSOCIATION MATTERS...................................... 154 BRANCH REPORTS............................................................. 158 South East Branch................................................................. 158 Eastern Branch....................................................................... 158 North East Branch.................................................................. 159 North West Branch................................................................. 160 Scottish Branch...................................................................... 161 RAPTC REMEMBRANCE 2013........................................... 164 MUSEUM.............................................................................. 166 BEYOND THE GYM.............................................................. 168
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© Crown Copyright. This publication contains official information. It should be treated with discretion by the recipient. The views expressed in the articles in this journal are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise, of the Regiment or the Ministry of Defence. No responsibility for the goods or services advertised in this journal can be accepted by the publishers, printers or the Regiment and advertisments are included in good faith.
This journal is published on behalf of the Corps by Crest Publications. 1 Rothwell Grange Court, Rothwell Road, Kettering, Northants NN16 8FB Tel: 01536 317000 Email: jayne@crestpublications.com
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ROYAL ARMY PHYSICAL TRAINING CORPS ASSOCIATION Incorporating the Army Gymnastic Staff (Past and Present) Army Physical Training Staff Old Comrades’ Association and the Army Physical Training Corps FOUNDED 1919 PRESIDENT Major General James Bashall CBE (late PARA) (Colonel Commandant, Royal Army Physical Training Corps) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Brigadier JPS Donnelly CBE (late Cheshires) (Commandant, Royal Army Physical Training Corps) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE VICE CHAIRMAN Lieutenant Colonel (SMAA) SAJ Davis RAPTC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SECRETARY AND TREASURER Lt Col (Retd) GB Jones EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Brig JPS Donnelly CBE (Late Cheshires), Lt Col SAJ Davis, Lt Col K McDonald, Maj I Phillips, Maj M Warwick, Capt D Boocock, WO1 B Reese, Lt Col (Retd) G Davies QEM, Lt Col (Retd) P A Watkins MBE, Maj (Retd) J V Larkham, Maj (Retd) S G McNeish, Maj (Retd) C Wilkinson, Maj (Retd) D Kerridge, S Monk Esq
ASSOCIATION BRANCHES NORTH EAST BRANCH Yorkshire, Durham, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire CHAIRMAN: Ian Dean Tel: 07879 621880 Email: ickdean@gmail.com SECRETARY/TREASURER: Mr D Warburton Tel: 07796 064907 david@clifftopb7.plus.com Assistant Secretary: Dave Smith Dave.smithma@tiscali.co.uk NORTH WEST BRANCH Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cumbria, Herefordshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, North Wales, Warwickshire CHAIRMAN: Maj (Retd) T Goulding Email: goulditer@aol.com SECRETARY: WO1 (SMI) Shaun Carey Email : scarey4bounce@aol.com TREASURER: Mr C McBride Tel: 01743 272050 SOUTH WEST, MIDLANDS & SOUTH WALES BRANCH Cornwall, Devon, Oxfordshire, Somerset, South Wales, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Dorset CHAIRMAN: Lt Col (Retd) P A Watkins MBE Tel: 01980 654860 Email: philip.watkins811@yahoo.com VICE CHAIRMAN: Maj (Retd) J H Cork Tel: 01451 820597 SECRETARY: Maj Rab Lundie Tel: 01980 656620 Email: 43x-hq-opstrg-pd-so3@mod.uk TREASURER: Maj Bob Taylor Tel: 01264 886993 Email: taylortribe666@btinternet.com SOUTH EAST BRANCH Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Berkshire, Greater London, Buckinghamshire CHAIRMAN: Maj (Retd) D Sears Tel: 01252 629611 Email: denis.sears@ntlworld.com SECRETARY: WO1 (SMI) I Lester Tel: Civ: 01252 787152 Mil: (9)4222 7152 Email: raptchq-trg-analyst-8@mod.uk HQ RAPTC, Fox Lines, Queens Avenue, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU11 2LB TREASURER: Jim Pollock Email: jimrona@talktalk.net EASTERN BRANCH Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire CHAIRMAN: Lt Col (Retd) D McBurney Tel: 01206 572577 Email: don_mcburney@hotmail.com VICE CHAIRMAN: Maj (Retd) W Robson Tel: 01284 769587 SECRETARY/TREASURER: Lt Col (Retd) T Quare Tel: 01473 310726 Email: tandpq@btinternet.com
SCOTTISH BRANCH CHAIRMAN: Maj (Retd) S G McNeish Tel: 01887 829323 Email: stewartmcneish@sky.com VICE CHAIRMAN: Maj (Retd) J Gardiner Tel: 01667 455888 SECRETARY: Maj (Retd) D McGill Tel: 0131 3103639 Email: dougie.mcgill412@mod.uk BRITISH FORCES GERMANY CHAIRMAN: SO2 1 (UK) Armd Div Tel: Civ: 0049 5221 995 3555 Mil: (9)4882 3555 SECRETARY: SWOPT Tel: Civ: 0049 5254 822216 Mil: (9)4879 2216 Email: 1UKXX-G7-PD-SWOPD@mod.uk CANADA BRANCH CHAIRMAN: CTG-BATUS-OC Tel: 001 403 932 4281 Email: ctg-batus-tec-oc@mod.uk Trails End Camp, BATUS, BFPO 14 OVERSEAS POINTS OF CONTACT ASIA Mr J Noble Tel: +65 90239018 Email: noble.js@gmail.com AUSTRALIA No Nomination CYPRUS SO2 PD Tel: Mil: (9)4120 4537 Email: bfc-hq-j7-pd-so2@mod.uk Mr T Steel Email: rasteel@hotmail.com NORTHERN IRELAND SO3 PD Tel: Mil: (9)49163206 Email: 38X-G7-PD-SO3@mod.uk USA Mr N Hull Email: pass@satx.rr.com SPAIN No Nomination MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA Rob Price robpricepti@hotmail.com
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HONOURS, AWARDS, COMMISSIONS AND PROMOTIONS HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN’S NEW YEAR’S HONOURS LIST Lt Col (MAA) A Billings RAPTC – Order of the British Empire SELECTED FOR PROMOTION TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL Maj (MAA) P Appleby RAPTC PROMOTION TO MAJOR AMaj (MAA) J J Darby RAPTC AMaj (MAA) J P A Hughes RAPTC AMaj (MAA) P A McGregor RAPTC AMaj (MAA) B J Stoddart RAPTC OFFICERS’ REGULAR COMMISSIONS (LATE ENTRY) CONVERSIONS Maj (MAA) R Gilbey RAPTC Maj (MAA) I Phillips RAPTC COMMISSIONS INTO THE RAPTC WO1 (SMI) L Sawyer RAPTC WO1 (SMI) L J Crompton RAPTC WO1 (SMI) M Galley RAPTC WO1 (SMI) M R Horner RAPTC WO1 (SMI) R C Windard RAPTC WO1 (SMI) L James RAPTC WO1 (SMI) S A Chappell RAPTC SELECTED FOR PROMOTION TO WARRANT OFFICER CLASS 1 WO2 (QMSI) S R Baker RAPTC WO2 (QMSI) C L Burnett RAPTC WO2 (QMSI) E A Gillies RAPTC WO2 (QMSI) M A Greenwood RAPTC WO2 (QMSI) R J Griffin RAPTC WO2 (QMSI) G R Halliwell RAPTC WO2 (QMSI) C R Leare RAPTC WO2 (QMSI) C McIlroy RAPTC WO2 (QMSI) J R Miller RAPTC WO2 (QMSI) R J Pierce RAPTC WO2 (QMSI) J W A Street RAPTC WO2 (QMSI) B R Sweatman RAPTC Trophy
RAPTC ANNUAL AWARDS 2013 Awarded for
Awarded to
Littlehales Trophy
The Association Member who has contributed most to enhance the prestige of the Corps through Sport.
WO2 (QMSI) DP Herbert RAPTC
Loane Trophy
The Association Member who has contributed most to enhance the prestige of the Corps through Rehabilitation Training.
SSgt (SSI) M Arthur RAPTC
Rodgers Trophy
The Association Member who has contributed most to enhance the prestige of the Corps through Adventurous Training.
WO2 (QMSI) JWA Street RAPTC
Bredin Trophy
The Association Member who has contributed most to enhance the prestige of the Corps.
SSgt (SSI) D C Baker RAPTC
Gelder Trophy
The Association Member who has contributed most to enhance the prestige of the Association.
Maj (Retd) B Kelly
Betts Trophy
The Association Member who has contributed most to enhance recruiting into the Corps.
Sgt (SI) CD Armstrong RAPTC
Pearson Trophy
The Association Member who has contributed most to enhance the prestige of the Corps through Physical Training.
Sgt (SI) G Bowery RAPTC
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MBS EDITORIAL 2014 RAPTC Regimental Secretary Lt Col (Retd) G B Jones
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ecause we live in an ever-changing environment where each year seems to run into the next without a pause, it is sometimes difficult to stop and take a moment to look back and take stock; how often do we say “where has the time gone” and would we take the time to record our experiences if the MBS did not exist? For me, submitting articles and photos for the MBS is the ideal opportunity to do just that; stop and reflect on the achievements, highs and lows since the last time I put finger to keyboard to record for posterity our experiences for which the MBS is the ideal medium. I am pleased to report that many of you have the same view and have taken the time to look back, reflect and record your experiences, but I do understand that in our busy world, writing an article for the MBS is an additional task that can at times feel like a chore. However, when you do eventually get to the end of your military career and reflect on your time in the
Army and the Corps, I am confident that you do, or will, look back at past editions of the MBS and appreciate that taking the time to record your experiences was well worth the effort. We have a limit on the number of pages for the MBS so a few articles did not make the final cut for this edition, but I am most grateful to all those who submitted articles and photos for consideration. In an era of digital expansion we should all be very proud of the MBS which serves to highlight the can-do attitude of all our serving and retired members and provides an insight into the diversity and breadth of roles across the Corps. I have received many positive comments on last year’s edition and I am again, most impressed with the articles and photos contained within this year’s edition; well done.
COMMANDANT’S INTRODUCTION Brigadier J P S Donnelly CBE, Late Cheshire
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014 has been abundant with challenge and as always the Corps delivers with style. I am delighted to welcome Lt Col Steve Davis as the SMAA and we are in very safe hands as he negotiates the speedbumps and chicanes as A2020 ‘beds-in’ and the drawdown of BFG is completed. It was good to see Lt Col Brian Dupree return from 12 months in Kabul and take up the post of SO1 Health in Army HQ, giving us an unprecedented four serving Lt Cols, and increasing our influence in a key policy area. Operations in Afghanistan may be drawing down, although we continue to support the ANAOA in Kabul with Capt Al Humes, but our ERIs are kept busy with the vital rehabilitation of wounded and injured soldiers through the PCRFs, RRUs and the Battleback Challenge Centre. Congratulations to: Maj Shef Appleby on promotion to Lieutenant Colonel; Majors Ian Philips and Rich Gilbey for converting to Reg C; and WO1s Horner, James, Sawyer, Crompton, Galley, Chappell and Windard on commissioning. This bumper crop of commissions has allowed us to release Capt Tracey Doree to manage the UK Armed Forces’ team in the ‘Invictus Games’: a high-profile international sporting tournament for wounded and
injured soldiers and veterans, held in the Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park. The reducing operational tempo is seeing an increasing uptake in sport and AT across the Army and, unsurprisingly, our sporting prowess and achievements reach ever-higher levels, underlining the Corps’ reputation for the pursuit of excellence. We have had three notable retirements this year: Lt Col Alan Billings, who received the OBE in the New Year Honour’s List; Lt Col Garry Roderick; and Lt Col Dougie Peters after a successful tour as the Commanding Officer of the ASPT. Dougie bows out at the same time as CGS – which is fitting as they served together in 32 Engr Regt as CO and ‘Corpsman’. Being your Commandant is a tremendous privilege and great fun. I never cease to be amazed at the talent and versatility of every single member of the Corps: testament to the quality of the applicants attending the Class 1 Course. That in turn is dependent on all of you nurturing and developing the AAPTIs in the Field Army, our vital seed-corn. Recruiting is everybody’s business, so please play your part and do not leave it to ‘somebody else’ – whoever that is!
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FOREWORD Lt Col (SMAA) S A J Davis RAPTC
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thought at this stage in my career I would have been excused being chivvied along and pressed into completing my MBS notes, as I am harassed by the Regimental Secretary for my Foreword for this years Journal – how wrong was I. My constant, ‘I will get them to you this week’ is now wearing thin….! It is a little over 5 months since I arrived in post and I find myself drafting MBS notes, only this time it is the Foreword. It then occurred to me that I really do wonder just how many people read the MBS from cover to cover; I think this probably only happens once you leave the Corps as I sense, like I used to, people tend to have a targeted approach reading close friends narratives and then work outwards from there. If there is still time, the first couple of pages might eventually be read – of course I could be wrong and hope I am, because I will be using my Foreword as a type of ‘one stop shop’ of topical issues and happenings. Why do I mention this well, since I have been in this most privileged position as the SMAA, I have really come to understand just why this Journal is so important and why the Association is so valuable to our Regimental system and the history of this illustrious Corps. No more apparent was it to me than at the RAPTC Golf Championships and Festival of Golf held in June and attended by some 36 young serving and some slightly older non-serving members of the Corps, all engaging in sporting endeavour. Some by way of an introduction to an 18-hole golf course, whilst others were old friends, but what struck me was that when past and present do get together you realise that not much has changed over the years, the stories being told were all of a very similar theme irrespective of who was telling them, young or old. It is clear to me why we must continue to drive our Association and the Branches that support us. We must encourage more of our serving members and those who have most recently left the Service to engage with their Branch Representatives and come along to the dinners – more often than not these days they will also include a round of golf. As I say the first 5-months have gone in a flash and I know not where the time has gone, so much has occurred. What I must do at this stage is to thank my team in the Headquarters for ensuring that I stayed on the straight and narrow, particularly in the early days when I found myself far to often straying off-piste – your diligence, loyalty and above all patience, is very much appreciated. I will use this opportunity to update you on some of the wider issues that are occupying my time currently and give you a sitrep on some issues that might affect us all going forward and I know that there are some other issues that I have not touched upon here, but will be covered in our HQ RAPTC notes later on. I would like to point out that I remain absolutely enthused by the quality and positive attitude of all of our Officers and Instructors across all specialisations; it really is gratifying to see. JSATI So where are we: You will be aware that after many years of training our Class Ones in Adventurous Training at LLanrwst, we are in the process of conducting a review that will ultimately see our training delivery move to JSMTC Indefatigable, with an aspiration to commence training from Sep 14. This is in response to a move by the RAF to rationalise their AT output and a possible closure of JSATI during 2015. I’m sure it will be a sad day when it closes, but the memories of LLanrwst will live on.
ASPT (G) Clearly with the draw down of troops from Germany over the next few years as part of the A2020 transformation programme, the requirement to retain ASPT (G) will inevitably diminish. Work is currently being undertaken to ascertain whether outputs can be consumed within the existing construct of the ASPT course programme and whether or not we can relocate the four RAPTCI posts back to the ASPT in the future – uncertain times but we are clear we do not wish to give these posts up or diminish our PTI through-put. A2020 With the Army’s AF and RF Bde structures confirmed, it is now apparent that the Generating Force needs to reconfigure in order to service the requirements of the Feld Army, but this appears to be coming at a price. We are firmly in the throes of justifying all our liabilities within the ARTD against the back drop of a need to make manpower savings. There is still much work to be completed before we are out of the woods, but Maj Bob Taylor, SO2 PD ARTD, has our interests at the heart of his engagements and we await further direction from the Army Command Group later in the year. Manning In terms of managing the Corps, I believe we are moving in the right direction, although I expect the flight path will have some manning turbulence over the coming year or two, so I would ask for your patience and that you persevere with me until things settle down. We have seen a gradual slow down in our inflow into the Corps over the past few years, at a time when our outflow has increased – the net result is we are not covering all our liabilities across all specialisations. We have now been advised to up our game in terms of recruiting (although I believe this to be a responsibility that befalls us all) and I have directed that the ASPT look to fill our Class One courses to capacity at 35 pa. If we can achieve this – of course, without lowering standards – I believe we will achieve steady-state but it will not be easy and we will all have to experience a degree of soft gapping from time to time. AAPTI and Class One cse External study It has been a long time in coming, however an opportunity has arisen for a funded, external study to be conducted on our AAPTI and Class One PTI cse with the potential to also cover the Field Army Employment Course. The study will be project managed by one of our officers and will involve a root and branch review of how we train our instructors as we move into a new and largely unknown ear of Contingency Operations. Scoping work has only just started, so I have little more to tell at the stage, but I will keep you all informed as we take this vital and groundbreaking work forward. Operations As the rest of the Army draws down from its operational commitments, the Corps continues to lead the way. This year has seen us establish a WO1 post in Camp Bastian, currently filled by WO1 (SMI) Gillies, we have had an Instructor Sgt (SI) G Bowery deployed into Libya on Op VOCATE, as part of the British Governments drive to assist in the training of Libyan Defence Force personnel and of course we remain committed to ANAOA. To all those who have served on operations since the last edition of the MBS, and have flown the flag for the Corps, I would like to extend a huge vote of gratitude to you all for your continued efforts as they really are making a difference. Army Reserves You may be aware that we now have an Army Reserve liability of 54 posts to fill over the next 4-6 years, a difficult challenge, but
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one I am clear we will meet. In the first instance I would suggest this is an ideal opportunity for some of our Instructors who seek to continue to ply their trade following discharge. We could also look to the AAPTIs fraternity who, providing they meet the laid down criteria to fill the post including a positive recommendation for promotion to Sergeant. Finally, we are looking to organically grow our own, following a TNA and review of the Army Reserve PTI course/scheme. Sports Representation This is one area that never ceases to amaze me, but one area that we do not exploit or promote to the wider Army audience. RAPTCIs are never backward in coming forward, but we are not good at promoting ourselves. My aim here is to place the RAPTC at the forefront of the Army Sports Awards, something I don’t think we have achieved for far too long. There are too many sports men and women to name them all, but your achievements have been many, varied and above all OUTSTANDING, I therefore implore you to continue with your efforts and I will do all I can to have them recognised at the highest level. Sports Dinner This years Sports Dinner was the best yet – 85-seated, but it can get better. I am hopeful that this year will see us have an official sponsor for the first time, which will help take the Sports Awards to the next level. To that end, not only will we award our normal Sports Colours and individual sports trophies to the best player, most improved etc, but we will seek nominations for the Sports Man, Women, Team and Coach/Official of the year across all
sports and disciplines; the winners will be put forward to the Army Sports awards. RAPTC Display Team As one of the official display teams in the Army, the RAPTC High Horse and Edwardians remains the epitome of the RAPTCI, whether we agree or not, gymnastics is very much in our DNA and I know we can always throw the odd trick when asked – lets face it, we are all performers at heart. Our team has performed at a number of high level events this year with at the time of writing, one still to come on Thu 30 Oct, in Covent Garden, London, which forms part of the RBL Poppy Day Appeal launch. Therefore I ask for your continued support for the team and if you are a newcomer and interested in throwing a trick, please contact Capt Barney Barnett, at HQ RAPTC for details. I hope this foreword has given you a flavour of some of the issues that are impacting on the Headquarters and the Corps at large over the last year. I assume that other authors will delve deeper into some areas that I have touched upon and of course cover some of the areas I have missed. In the meantime, we live and work in an era that is experiencing considerable change and with it difficult challenges, but for my part I am clear on what we are trying to achieve and I sense we are all doing our bit to achieve CGS’s intent. I would ask that you continue to support all that we do, don’t push back or fight the system, but remain flexible and respective, but above all else, have fun doing what you do – I can think of no better job / role in the Army. My very best wishes to you all.
HQ RAPTC Maj (MAA) T P Scarr SO2 Policy & Plans
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he RAPTC and its contribution to the Army effect is recognised at the highest levels of command and it has been yet another superlative year in terms of achievement within the Army and across Defence. It has been a privilege and a pleasure for the staff of HQ RAPTC to serve to support RAPTC personnel in delivering their respective roles. RAPTCIs should be justifiably proud from a personal and Corps perspective. Examples of the various achievements of RAPTCIs are many but none more significant than that witnessed at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA). A majority of Corps personnel were present at the dedication ceremony of the RAPTC Memorial. Whilst this event was covered extensively in the previous MBS, two aspects of the day linger; first of all the sheer number of personnel, both serving and retired, who were able to attend and secondly the overall event itself. To see quite so many Corps members gathered to remember and support was, from a HQ RAPTC point of view, very impressive; it signifies the deep bonds we all have with those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. The event was immaculate from start to finish and all those that worked behind the scenes to deliver at such a high standard deserve our sincere thanks. The memorial piece, dedicated in a moving and inspiring ceremony, captures the essence of the RAPTC perfectly and also stands out amongst a wonderful array of Regimental and Corps memorials. This
NMA event was one we should be rightly proud of now and in the years to come. The Army has now emerged from an era of reductions with the delivery of Tranche 4 Redundancy. This is now complete (and the RAPTC has emerged unscathed) and the Army focus has now switched to retention in the Regulars and a continuing drive on Reserves. For the RAPTC, Reserves will be the priority going forward. The Corps has been given liability in 58 Reserve units, which creates a level of parity with Regular counterparts in terms of RAPTCI manning. This provision is concrete recognition of the significant contribution the Corps delivers to the Army. As such this fact, when considered in light of the overall reductions the Army has undergone, highlights that the Corps has effectively grown as a force through a period of reductions for the wider Army. It is very reassuring our contribution is valued and is testament to the hard work and achievements of all RAPTC men and women. There are challenges ahead, not least of which is recruitment of personnel into the rank ranged Sgt-SSgt positions and we all have a vested interest in ensuring we do our utmost to get personnel into these positions. This is my last update as SO2 P&P and I would like to thank all those in HQ RAPTC and the wider Corps for their support and hope my replacement, Maj Mark Lewis, is fortunate enough to receive that same support.
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SO2 TRAINING DEVELOPMENT Maj (MAA) S D Collinson RAPTC
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ife in the HQ continues apace and most days present their individual challenges. For me, the last 12-months have been filled with a wealth of experience, some of which I’ll share with you in these next few paragraphs. Early in the year I had the opportunity to deploy to Afghanistan for a 2-month advisory appointment with the Afghan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA) in Kabul. My task was to help design and develop a PTI Course to train the Afghan soldiers who would form the PT Department for the Academy. I was ably assisted by SSgt (SSI) ‘Reg’ Spence, who himself would remain in theatre for another 6-months after I’d returned to UK leaving him to implement the PTI training and mentor the Afghans as the Academy commenced training. I’m sure that, elsewhere in this edition of the MBS, you’ll hear more about his personal experiences and those of others that have worked as mentors at ANAOA during the last 12-months. Whilst at ANAOA, we were also roped into assisting with establishing the fitness components of the Academy’s selection process, it was at this time that you really began to appreciate the challenges that would be faced by the individuals aspiring to join the ANA as Officers. The picture below is a snap-shot which demonstrates the backgrounds from which candidates were coming, just a quick look at the variations of footwear worn for their fitness test (press ups, sit ups & 2.4 km run) captures it all; and yes, one of them wore football boots! Another of my memorable experiences was as the Project Officer for the Dedication Ceremony of the Corps’ Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA). I won’t dwell on it here, as it was included as a late entry in last year’s journal, but I’d like to record a vote of thanks to the members of the Training Development Team (TDT) and the students attending the PTI Class 1 Cse that made the day the success that it was. It was certainly a memorable day for me. Within TDT, our primary task has been the Job Analysis of the TA PTI Scheme and subsequent production of the Army Reserve PTI Scheme which will be introduced in September this year. Only time will tell, but it’s hoped that the new scheme will better support the fitness needs of the Army Reserve as they become part of an integrated Army.
The footwear variations of aspiring ANAOA Selection Candidates
The department continues to be an excellent place for individuals aspiring to broaden their knowledge and help shape the future of the training provided to our PTIs and ATIs. Admittedly, the job is not for everyone, but for those that have the inclination and are prepared to put in the hours behind the computer, the recent promotion results speak for themselves. I was really pleased to see both SMI Richie Windard selected for Commission and QMSI Mark Greenwood selected for WO1 – both well deserved. WO2 Ian Lester continues to provide the continuity which comes from a Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) appointment and SSgt Rus Hughes helps provide a fresh perspective from the more youthful end of the Corps. Another year beckons and my tenure as SO2 Trg Dev is expected to finish during that time. It’s a great job that really gets you into the thick of what the Corps is all about. Whilst I haven’t yet managed to accomplish all of the tasks that I would have liked, I hope to have created a platform from which these can be developed in the future.
ANAOA PT Staff – The very early days SSgt Reg Spence, Sgt 1st Class Mirza, Master Sergeant Shariff and Maj Steve Collinson
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HQ RAPTC TRAINING DEVELOPMENT TEAM WO2 (QMSI) MA Greenwood RAPTC
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nother year passes by like a flash and the signs of getting old are now beginning to show. More evident in the past 12 months due to contracting Plantar Fasciitis in both feet, no sympathy required. This has left me with little choice but to take up swimming and cycling and placing running on the ‘back burner’ for the time being! Coupled with this disappointment was the unexpected news in Mar 14 that my uncle had developed terminal Prostate Cancer and given 3 months to live which lasted approx 2 weeks. That leads me onto the important roles we hold as ‘Health Trainers’ ie, promote, provide advice and signpost but at the same time ‘practice what we preach’! Appreciating the facts that currently each year 40,000 males in the UK are diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. This will soon be the most common type of cancer in men. In short, if you’re in the bracket (40 yrs plus) get tested……. In support of Prostate Cancer UK I decided to raise both awareness and donations by cycling 180 miles over 2 days (Fri 21 – Sat 22 Mar 14) from my home in Church Crookham, Hampshire to Metheringham (uncles residence), Lincolnshire. At the time of writing this article I have raised a hearty sum of £2383 for which I am sincerely grateful to all who have contributed. Secondly, I would
like to thank those who gave me some valuable cycling support along the route: Maj (Retd) Jim Wood MBE BEM, Capt (MAA) Chris Oakes RAPTC and WO2 (QMSI) Lee Swann RAPTC. On a more positive note, gaining promotion to WO1 (SMI) will soon see me vacate my current role as the TDT Senior Analyst and undertake the role of SMI Sport G7 PD within HQ Sp Comd at the beginning of May 14. A relatively The finish line Metheringham short move in location to War Memorial Montgomery House which is located within our ‘old hunting ground’ of Hammersley Barracks. In finishing; “Live each day as if it’s your last and more importantly, keep smiling!”
Happy to see the sign of Metheringham
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HQ RAPTC TRAINING DEVELOPMENT TEAM SSgt (SSI) R Hughes RAPTC
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nother year has passed in the TDT with another year of being unsuccessful in the weekly baking competition. There is no way I can compete with the Michelin star chefs of SMI Ritchie Windard and Maj Collinson. The level of offerings has been at its highest standard with the marking system being at an all time low. I have fallen foul of the system with achieving a re show with QMSI Mark Greenwood. I am hoping to up my game over the next offerings and try to win the sought after red apron. HQ RAPTC and Association have been providing Operational Welfare Packs over the past few years to all RAPTCIs and Officers currently deployed on Op Herrick and Op Tosca. The Operational Welfare Packs include: RAPTC T-shirt, RAPTC towel, RAPTC water bottles, magazines and sweets. The packs are sent on behalf of all current and retired members of the RAPTC to show our gratitude for all the hard work that the RAPTCIs and Officers have done whilst preparing the Unit for Operations.
“RAPTC Cycling Team” Looking forward to the year ahead.
On a sporting front I have represented the RAPTC in numerous athletics, cycling and triathlon events. I am looking forward to completing and representing the RAPTC
in Ironman 70.3 Haugesund (Norway) which is taking place later this year.
DIRECTORATE OF TRAINING (ARMY) – PD BRANCH
SO2 PT Maj B Taylor RAPTC
SO1 PD Lt Col G Roderick RAPTC
SO2 AT & Sport Maj P Appleby RAPTC
“IT’S HELLO FROM ME AND IT’S GOODBYE FROM HIM” Lt Col Garry Roderick, SO1 PD
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hilst getting my thoughts together to write the opening section of this DTrg submission, I thought it might be useful to reflect on my intent for the branch when I started 18 months ago as the first RAPTC SO1 PD in Jan 13. It had been pointed out that the previous SO1s had been DE officers and that I and indeed the RAPTC would be judged on how well I perform when measured against my DE predecessors. After a week or two of observing how the department worked, I sat down with the SO2s to set my stall out, my notes read ‘forward thinking department’ and ‘look for opportunities to get on the front foot’. I soon found that working in the Army HQ is
a quickly evolving environment and the rate of change to meet A2020 and Contingency was both clearly high priority and hectic with Physical Development playing a significant role at all levels. The forward thinking and front foot strategy proved, in the early days at least, a challenge too far. Since those early hectic days however, I am delighted to say a number of front foot initiatives have been completed not least the publication of the A-FORM Fitness Doctrine providing the framework for unit fitness in time for the contingency era. Ultimately, how successful we have been in achieving front foot aspiration will be for others to judge, however, I am more than happy to judge the enthusiasm, professionalism and
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personality of the Branch SO2s which has, as you would expect, been a continuous drip of morale not only to the department but also for the wider DTrg branch. In my last submission to MBS as a serving officer, I can not sign off without naming my branch SO2s who have made my last two years in the Army so memorable. I am therefore indebted to Maj’s Bob Taylor and Tom Scarr (SO2s PT) and Bob Whitaker and Shef Appleby (SO2s AT/Sport), (oh,
and our associated branch member, Capt Russ Reid) for their work capacity, vast knowledge and experience, wise council and endless humour. Finally, my parting shot is: any aspiring RAPTC officer who aspires to progress in our Corps should have one of the DTrg jobs high on their list of job aspirations; it is an excellent professional experience.
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL OR IS IT A TRAIN? Maj Bob Taylor, SO2 PT
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y the time this article goes to print I will be a free man. Released from the chains that have bound me to DTrg and sent back to the delivery space. Yippee! With my time in the policy branch almost at an end I can reflect on a few achievements during my two and a half years of penal servitude! I have always believed that all we ever need to do in any appointment is to do our best and try to move things along and improve on them where and when we can. There would be quite an extensive list if I were to detail everything I have been involved with, however I have just chosen to highlight three key bits of policy that I am pleased to have been involved with. Funding for Physical Training Equipment (PTE). We have achieved unprecedented success in gaining substantial funding for PTE for both Regular and Reserve Personnel. Circa 10 Million in the last two years, with hopefully more on the way. This is against a backdrop of ever present financial scrutiny across the board and very tight budgets. Whilst we can all easily see the benefit in justifying this type of expenditure, budget managers in Army HQ are not so easily convinced when this requirement is balanced against other higher priority funding requests. Constant lobbying and persuasive argument have been key to success. A-FORM Fitness Doctrine. This key piece of work represents a shift in the way the Army need to approach fitness training in the
future. We have, as an Army in the past had an over reliance on cardio-vascular and aerobic training. There are many reasons for this, and whilst we absolutely have to develop those components of fitness it should not be at the expense of the others. In an uncertain world you just never know what you will need to be physically capable of. Train all components of fitness in equal measure, then specialize when you know the specific task. AGAI 7. I am delighted to have considerably updated our PT Bible. The aspiration has always been to have a document that is a one stop shop for all things related to PT. Thanks to ever advancing Information Technology we have included over 50 links to other related documents. Additionally, as we have embedded numerous hyperlinked bookmarks within the document it is very easy to navigate within the document. There is also additional information because we have moved information from Fit to Fight Pamphlet Two which has now been discontinued. In summary, and now that the light at the end of the tunnel is getting very close I can say that I am pleased to have taken my turn at DTrg and feel I have gained from the experience and hopefully moved our policies on a bit. Good luck to Major Tom Scarr as he takes over the baton and my next MBS offering will be from HQ ARTD.
ANOTHER YEAR OLDER AND ANOTHER YEAR WISER Maj (MAA) P Appleby RAPTC SO2 AT & SPORT
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s I sit to contemplate this years MBS notes, I reflect on how quickly the year has passed and how much has changed in such a short space of time. The juggernaut continues to travel at 150 MPH but the incumbent would have appeared to have mastered the rapid speeds it constantly produces! I believe it’s called getting used to the processes and practices of a very busy Headquarters. The Branch has moved yet again around the corner and is now in close earshot, on one hand, and grabbing distance on the other of the AD, Col Spook Pittman and DTrg, Brig Ben Bathurst who most of you will know from his time as Commandant RAPTC. We believe this is due to the additional emphasis being placed on and around PD by the Military and Civil hierarchy since CLF published his 2013/14 Directive and CGS gave direction regarding Sport. It may also have something to do with reducing the noise level being heard from the PD branch desks! CLFs direction regarding the reinvigoration of Adventurous Training (AT) has seen marked improvements across all Types of AT. The Joint Services Adventurous Training (JSAT) Steering and Working Groups have conducted some major groundwork in the preparation of a Statement of Training Requirement (SOTRs) for all AT activities with an improved methodology that incorporates some science behind them that stands up to fiscal scrutiny.
Additionally, it was agreed that the Army would transition to the lead Service for Mountain Biking NLT Apr 2016 from the RAF. The long lead in time is to ensure that all finances are in place to provision the Scheme across the 3 Services as well as the loan pool store requirement. Further direction from CGS and CLF has seen unit sport gaining traction in the majority of units with more personnel participating at Unit and Area/Bde/Div level. Whilst SEPF (Sports Equipment Public Fund) took a slight reduction initially last year. In Nov 13 Front Line Comds (FLCs) – (Div/Dist in old speak) received significant uplifts surpassing the previous years spending. Additional funding was also found to increase allocations to the renamed Swimming Training & Testing Grant (STTF) (previously known as Swimming Training Grant to the FLCs. This was gleefully accepted and has aided units to conduct essential swim testing for which they have not previously been provisioned. The end of another frenetic year within DTrg(A) marked with satisfaction by improving things for the boots on the ground but it doesn’t stop there, it’s quickly followed with pretty much the same breakneck pace but focussed on other key areas within these two key PD pillars. The challenge continues, life goes on but another year older and a little bit wiser!
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Headquarters Support Command
Maj (MAA) IM Phillips RAPTC, WO1(SMI) CM Hames RAPTC, WO1 (SMI) M Horner RAPTC
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upport Command has developed rapidly since its inception just over 2 years ago and A2020 promises much change as the new structures establish. Support Command remains the firm base element providing Physical Development (PD), Sport and Adventure Training (AT) support as always with an extended reach throughout all of the Regional Brigades. The relatively new change of having RAPTC SO3s in each of the Regional Brigades has been a complete success story and will continue to provide further advantages as we integrate and grow the Reserves. The Physical Training Equipment (PTE) procurement plan is approaching its 3rd year roll out and has been a great success to date with over 300 units (Regular and Reserve) benefitting from a substantial amount of updated PTE. Regular and Reserve unit pairing is beginning to prove fruitful with clear guidance now set on Reserve PT policy. Regular unit RAPTCIs are free to engage with their Reserve counterparts, the filling of PID’s for the eagerly anticipated RAPTC Reserves will be a force multiplier in ensuring Reserve PD is moved in the right direction. Utilising the former Divisional formation boundaries as a delineation point, sport within the UK South, UK Midlands and UK North regions has continued to increase at a rapid pace. CLFs direction for a greater participation of sport and adventurous training by all personnel has given the Chain of Command the necessary push needed to ‘increasing the habit of sport’ at all levels. As we start to see the drawdown of troops from Afghanistan and a move to contingency operations it is
hoped this greater emphasis to participate in sport is continued as a regular feature across the Army. Sitting on both the Army Sports Steering Committee and Army Sports Control Board (ASCB) monthly meetings has provided an opportunity to engage on the much wider issues affecting sport within both the Army and National Governing Bodies. This closer engagement has provided better communications, a greater understanding of the requirements throughout the regions and an interface between sport in the Army and Army Sport. As the names suggests, a key function of our role is to ‘Support Command’ which takes many guises. To assist units with the reduction of their personnel under remedial PT a trial is underway utilising GPS technology which will dovetail into the new Rehabilitation PT Plan allowing much more sophisticated monitoring of individual PT throughout every aspect of training, regardless of their location. It is hoped that this will be developed further in the coming months. In closing I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the excellent work done by my two SMIs. SMI Hames took up the reigns of SMI PT very quickly and immediately added value and SMI Horner has given both my predecessor and I invaluable support with his outstanding staff skills, and wish him the best of luck in his future post as HQ 49 Bde SO3 PD. The Support Command and Regional PD Branches are there to offer PD, Sport and AT guidance to all, supporting Command and those wanting to embrace the many opportunities encompassed within PD and should be utilised accordingly.
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P COMPANY ITC CATTERICK
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Block 3 – 3 ½ weeks (including test week) of Physical and Mental tests under conditions of stress. PPS Block 3 is delivered by the RAPTCI and Parachute Regiment Staff of P Company at the ITC Catterick. In July ’13, P Company hosted Gloucester RFC as part of the team’s pre-season training. The entire squad including Mike Tindal were subjected to elements of PPS including the Log and Stretcher events. The visit was commended by Gloucester’s management and coaching staff as it gave them the opportunity to see their premiership players in a completely different environment. Between all the courses P Company are responsible for and organised two Type 3 Adventure Training Expeditions; firstly a 2
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week Freefall Skydiving Expedition to “Skydive Spain” in Seville (Oct ’13) and secondly, a 1 week Alpine Skiing Expedition to Val D’isere, France (Jan ’14). Congratulations go to Sgt (SI) Roberts RAPTC for successfully completing AA PPS in Nov ‘13. Sgt (SI) Roberts finished in the top third of a very strong course and should look forward to a rewarding career within 16 Brigade. All Corps instructors are invited to attend; course dates and Joining Instructions can be found on the P Company MOSS page. Successful completion of AAPPS will open the door to diverse employment opportunities within Airborne Forces across the Army and Ministry of Defence.
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21 ENGINEER REGIMENT SSgt (SSI) LP Addison RAPTC
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ith a move completed and a new chapter just started, I think back to my role with my previous Regiment (3 Medical Regiment) and how welcome I was made, especially whilst on tour with them (Op Herrick 17) and the role I played. Hopefully I did make a difference to one or two of the soldiers and can clearly state that they are a fine Regiment and I wish them all the best for their move to Preston early next year. Probably the highlight of the time with 3 Medical Regiment was when I was awarded the Bredin trophy by the Colonel Commandant RAPTC, Major General J Bashall CBE at the unveiling of the RAPTC Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum for the outstanding services to UK troops whilst on tour and contributing the most to enhance the prestige of the Corps.
As stated earlier, I took on the new task post Herrick 17 with my new Unit, 21 Engineer Regiment and what a job it has been so far. Great team, great facilities, great command structure and most of all, fit soldiers who actively want to do sport and fitness, what more can an RAPTCI want. The new post started with a reshuffle of all the facilities including works requests, indents and restructuring to get the place back to the standard it should have been. Not taking anything from any previous RAPTCI’s as this place has been gapped for quite a while, however it needed the crossed swords and crown touch to bring it back to life. As alluded to, the chain of command are very supportive in all that the Gymnasium does, to the point where the Commanding Officer Lt Col P B Nicholson OBE calls the gymnasium staff the peacocks of
FOB Price
SSgt Addison NMA
Waiting for heli
SSgt Addison Regimental TAB
the Regiment, “Walk tall, make the other soldiers want to be PTI’s” What’s on the cards for 21 Engineer Regiment? More movement, more restructure and more tasks including 1 & 4 Armoured Engineer squadron visiting Kenya Mid 2014, 73 Sqn disbandment, 7 HQ & Sp Sqn helping out with tasks in Kenya and also Op Pitch pole (Flood defences) Movement from 4 Brigade to 8 Engineer Brigade and lastly, the 2 Reservist squadrons coming on board May 14. What for me? Another year with this fine Regiment and then who knows, however one thing I do have in the back of my mind is my time in the Armed Forces is approaching fast. A scary thought after already doing 21 years.
SSgt_Addison-Standard bearer
4 REGIMENT ROYAL ARTILLERY SSgt (SSI) V Blackburn RAPTC
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fter completing another successful tour of Afghanistan, 4th Regiment Royal Artillery returned back to Alanbrooke Barracks after a well deserved rest. At the start of the training year, the Regiment well known as the North East Gunners made a significant milestone which saw the Regiment transform from an AS90 role to a light gun role. Although the Regiment is a very busy place, the Regiment still finds time to compete in many sports. They have been unbeaten in a number of sports and position highly in Rugby, Football and TOW. The Football team have won the Yorkshire Services 6-a-side football competition and are currently in the quarterfinal of the Army Challenge Cup and the RA Challenge Cup. The TOW team started with 10 new pullers in May 2013. It went onto become the Army Inter-Service Champions at 640KG and all pullers earned their Army and Combined Service colours in their first season. Three pullers
earned their England colours pulling for their country in the U23 category at the UK Championships and European Championships. In Oct 13, the Regiment travelled to the Yorkshire Dales to take part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge takes place in the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, usually in this order, and in under 12 hours. These peaks form part of the Pennine range, and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The challenge saw 170 soldier’s and Officer’s advance across all three peaks carrying the necessary clothing, food and equipment along the way. All teams successfully crossed the finish line, with the fastest team finishing in an unbeatable time of 7 hrs and 25 min. 2013 ended on a high with 3/29 battery completing a successful exercise in the Falklands with the remainder of the Regiment left
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battling it out to win the Inter Sub Unit Boxing Tournament. The guest of honour for this event was the Super-Middleweight WBC International winner Callum Smith. The tournament proved to be a fantastic spectacle and unearthed a number of budding boxing stars who now sit within the Regiment’s permanent and dedicated boxing squad. The main focus for 2014 is the RA Championships and the Army Boxing Individual Championships. A recent highlight comes from the latest exercise; “Ex Sunderland Dagger”, a full scale regimental exercise on Salisbury Plain, where each battery implemented a multitude of training exercises which included the best detachment competition. The competition consisted of teams completing numerous strenuous and challenging stands, ranging from a night navigation exercise to a march and shoot stand. Although taxing on the mind and body, in short this was an occasion where the Commanders and their team were able to bond and test their own capability and aptitude for getting the job done. My time so far has been enjoyable and I look forward to supporting the Regiment throughout the coming year and the fun and challenges it also brings.
4th Regt RA Inter Sub Unit Boxing Tournament
LIFE AS AN RSM WO1 (SMI) G Maslin RAPTC Intro Having just served 5 years at Hereford, 2 years with 18 (UKSF) Signal Regt and 3 years with 22 SAS as the Trg Sqn QMSI, an inevitable new assignment was on the horizon and I was looking for something that would be new and a challenge. As a gentle release into the ‘real’ Army, I volunteered for Op Herrick as there was an opportunity to gain experience as an RSM for 9 months. I will be standing toe to toe with an Infantry and Grenadier Guards RSM, no pressure! 5ft 6in small, challenge 1, find a pace stick small enough!
Having to enforce discipline to soldiers, UK and Afghans my initial adjustment period was interesting. Some fine tuning and a bit of PDT and IMST at the RMAS was all I needed before jetting of to sunny Afghanistan again. I was excited and thriving for the challenges which lay ahead. 4 days with 17 flight changes later I was on RSOI 5hrs after stepping off the C130 and there was snow for the first time at Bastion for ‘the whole campaign‘ and was -10. Treat.
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The shared misery of the RSOI, which we all know brings joy to all, brought the 2nd Kandak team together, well, minus the ‘Brize 11’. Another story for another day! Job Role My job at the ANAOA is the RSM of the UK, Danish, Australian, Kiwi and Norwegian troops of the 2nd Kandak, all of which are extremely professional and a pleasure to work with. The other duty, which takes precedence, is to Mentor the 2nd Kandak RSM called Sergeant Major Mohamed Sharif. As an RSM mentor, the daily challenges can be as menial as getting transport to our place of work, to receiving death threat reports, both of which is now taken in my stride. You have to be on your toes and remain as enthusiastic as possible to make this mission work. Those that have served in the southern provinces of Afghanistan and living in a FOB may find this hard to comprehend, and believe me, most of the coalition here are on on their 2,3 and some 4th tour here, most of which living in a FOB. This is great for prospective and each problem here is relative with problematic Afghan solutions; Nepotism-Dishonesty-Corruption.
Perspective From an RSM’s perspective, the footprint that the RAPTC men and women have had on this mission, not forgetting the fantastic impression the previous RAPTCI’s to me, is overwhelming, from doing the main stream PT mentoring to Platoon Sergeants and Platoon Commanders. Given the people skills needed as an RAPTCI, coupled with the ever increasing insider threat, everyday presents itself with some great challenges that develops patience as much as cultural understanding whilst holding the RAPTC in the highest regards. Whilst writing this I am 3 months into the tour and so far enjoying the responsibility of an RSM, the challenge of working with various coalition forces and most of all, showing everyone how adaptable and diverse ‘The Corps‘ is. If you’re thinking of volunteering for any position at the ANAOA, should the opportunity arise, I would recommend it. There are significant daily threats which disrupt training but It’s by far a kinetic tour where you’ll be bombing your 8th mag by 0900hrs each day. It’s a mentoring responsibility for you to pass on your knowledge and experience in order to make this mission a success.
HQ 38 (IRISH) BRIGADE AND NORTHERN IRELAND GARRISON Capt (MAA) R L Bailey RAPTC
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t was a privilege to have served as the SMI 19 Light Brigade. I merely walked 400 metres to a new desk and take up my new post as SO3 PD 38X. I have now been in post for 11 months which has gone by in a heart beat and made ever simpler due to a fantastic handover by Maj (MAA) Mark Gresty RAPTC, which I am
extremely grateful for, although he did manage to forget to leave his mythological little black book behind! UK Ops in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland spent quite a bit of time last summer in the media spotlight. Much of this has been good news and the sun certainly shone on a safe and secure G8 Summit in Fermanagh. Other events, not least this year’s Marching Season, serves to remind us however that some divisions endure. G8 Summit (Op SPONSOR). ‘Safe and secure and in Fermanagh’ – end states were met in full and, although the military support was largely invisible, it was substantial and required a significant planning effort in collaboration with HQ Standing Joint Command (SJC). Of pre-eminent importance was the first deployment of Mutual Aid Police Officers to support the Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) here in Ulster.
Captain Russ Bailey overlooking silent valley on day one of the Mournes Marathon
World Police and Fire Games (WPFG). August saw the WPFG held in Northern Ireland. Almost 7,000 competitors slogged it out across 56 different sports ranging from 10 Pin Bowling to the ‘toughest competitor alive’. These were held at 41 venues across
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Northern Ireland, with Ballykinler ranges looking immaculate as the shooting venue.
Force as we continue to promote sporting opportunities in the Army.
Real Life Support to PSNI (Op SOLENTINA). The flag protests of Dec 12 and beyond made Parading Season 2013 more contentious than usual. Over 1500 Mutual Aid Police Officers from GB returned to support the PSNI in handling the street disorder. We provided accommodation, food, vehicles and RSOI facilities throughout the period.
One Army Sport. All sport in NI is inclusive; Regulars and Reserves compete against each other in (orienteering, x country, golf, football and boxing). Units within Northern Ireland have also competed in various cross-community events; cricket matches with the Comds XI, Rugby teams in the Carrick 7s and hard fought boxing tournaments.
All this happened against the enduring backdrop of Op HELVETIC, our continued low level and discreet support to the PSNI through the provision of specialist ATO and search support. 321 EOD Sqn continue to deal brilliantly with lethal devices on a regular basis.
Excellent and Diverse Sporting Facilities. From well equipped gyms, swimming pools and quality pitches, through to the surf on the north coast, mountains in the south, well stocked fishing Loughs in Enniskillen and a sailing centre in the east, Northern Ireland has a lot to offer.
Finally, the Army Reserve thrives in Northern Ireland with the average length of service coming in at 11.8 years against a national average of 3.8. Sport in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland and 38 (Irish) Bde promote sport as a means of developing leadership, enhancing team spirit and encouraging community engagement. As the Bde moves into the age of contingency, sport provides a great platform from which to integrate the Regular and Reserve elements within the Adaptable
2014/15 promises to be just as busy….. The Bde will continue to drive integrated sport that sees teams competing amongst, with and against the community in which it lives, works and trains. Northern Ireland and 38X welcome military competitors, teams and fans. The only thing 38X insists upon is that visitors check the NIGSAS website for the latest Security and Force Protection information.
ALDERGROVE STATION GYMNASIUM – JOINT SUPPORT UNIT WO2 (QMSI) P Martin RAPTC
Aldergrove Gymnasium
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ince assuming the appointment as Aldergrove Flying Station QMSI in Jun 13 there have been a number of challenges in the short period that I have been in post. As well as managing the station gymnasium I am also responsible for looking after Joint Support Unit (JSU) which is made up of support staff across the Station and attached personnel. In addition I also manage the station swimming pool and the civilian employed lifeguards. To add to the challenge shortly after I arrived in post I unfortunately lost my one and only PTI (Cpl ‘Stu’ Stewart RAF) on change of service leaving his post gapped for a period of 10 months, therefore I will be flying solo and eagerly looking forward to Cpl ‘Nigel’ Wood RAF assuming post as Station/JSU PTI in Jun 14 for a 2 year assignment.
Spr Peters raising the bar at the NI Power Lifting Champs 2013
NI Volleyball Champs in action 2013
Aldergrove station gymnasium is a large facility which is situated in an old large aircraft hanger that houses many facilities under one roof. Facilities include an enclosed resistant and weights suite (fully equipped), open planned CV area, 5-a-side indoor enclosure (with over arching guard
net), 2 x squash courts, cricket practice area, boxing training area, 9 x badminton courts, 2 x basketball courts and 2 x volleyball courts. Other sports facilities on station include a fully functioning sports pavilion, 2 x football pitches, 1 x rugby pitch and a large enclosed all weather
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Cancer UK and ABF Charity Fun Run dressed up
astro turf pitch for football and hockey. We also have a swimming pool that has recently undergone a major refurbishment. The gym has recently received a large uplift to replace/renew all cardio-vascular PTE, also, additional funding was secured to purchase a Functional Training Rig (Commander), wattbikes (these have been a great addition and have been heavily used by both military and civilian gym users), powerbags, kettle bells, battleropes, dumbbells etc. all of which
Families doing their bit to raise money for Race for Life
have allowed the gym to provide a wider/ better service to all its users. Aldergrove station gymnasium has hosted a number of competitions/events such as the Northern Ireland Power Lifting Championships on 6 Mar 13, NI Volleyball Championships 2 May 13 and the NI Badminton Championships 22 Nov 13. The gym has also hosted a number of charity events such as, Race for life on 9 Mar 13, organised by Mrs Sarah Jackson
and a Charity Fun Run for Cancer UK and ABF on 23 Aug 13, organised by WO2 (RQMS(T)) Limb 2 Mercian which raised ÂŁ500 for both charities. We also have several events coming up such as Sports Relief indoor families sports day on 22 Mar 14, NI Rowing Championships (27 Mar 14), NI Super Teams (10 May 14) and many more scheduled in the calendar. I look forward to giving you an update on the many events to follow over the next 12 months.
NORTHERN IRELAND GARRISON SUPPORT UNIT (NIGSU) WO2 (QMSI) J Stephenson RAPTC
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t is with heavy heart and a tear in my eye that I draft my final MBS notes at the end of a lengthy career. I began my service back in Feb1990 as a Trooper in the Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars, transferring to the RAPTC Apr 02, during which I have had the luxury of experiencing a variety of posts, and before the curtain comes down on my service my final assignment is (QMSI) Northern Ireland Garrison Support Unit (NIGSU), a post that had previously been gapped. NIGSU is based in Thiepval Bks, Lisburn, Northern Ireland and shares the camp with HQ 38X, 174 Pro Coy, WIS Coy, 225 Signal Sqn and a number of attached smaller units. Lisburn station leisure centre has a wide variety of users including the reserves. The facilities within Thiepval Bks are outstanding. The Station has two gymnasiums, Menin Gate Leisure Centre is where my team and I operate from and there is a magnitude of facilities on offer ranging from a fully equipped CV Suite, which has recently been refurbished with brand equipment along with my favourite the Beaverfit Commander Frame. Meningate has an indoor sports
Participants 24 hr PFA Challenge
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NIGSU & 38X Health Fair Yoga Display
hall complemented with a large indoor climbing facility and finally an immaculate 25m indoor swimming pool. The alternative gym is situated 400m from Meningate leisure centre and doubles up as the PCRF where Sgt Martin Potter works out of. Lisburn Station has several sporting facilities which include football pitches, Rugby pitches and a flood light astro turf with running track. 2 RIFLES are due to move into Lisburn Station in Sep 14 so the last few months of my workload has been getting facilities uplifted and ready for the Battalion to move into. Couple that with the transformation of 38X becoming and Adaptable Force (AF) Bde, I see the leisure centre becoming a hive of physical activity. Away from the upcoming transition and the day to day workload, we have had a very eventful and successful year. The team have ran a number of events and competitions, and organised the
Lt Poulton during ABF 24 hr PFA challenge
Garrisons annual AT camp and hosted the Bde Festival of Sports, strongman competition and recently held the Garrison Health fair, which received fantastic feedback and was a huge success. The most recent event held to date was a charity 24 hour PFA challenge in support of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), an arduous challenge taken on by, Lt Poulton 32AEC who completed and passed all 24 PFA’s in the 24 hours on the hour every hour! Final Thoughts I would recommend this posting to any RAPTCI, the work is demanding and challenging, yet very rewarding. NIGSU is located 12 miles from Belfast with amazing facilities and the local amenities have plenty to offer. The Airports along with the ferry port are a 30 minutes drive, and with 12 annual leave warrants, you will be home quicker and cheaper than from some destinations on the mainland. I wish all readers the best for the future. RED ON!
2 BATTALION THE RIFLES Sgt (SI) S Hughes RAPTC
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s I write this article 2 RIFLES are conducting their predeployment package to get ready for OP Herrick 21/ OP Toral assisting with the withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan, with the vast majority of the Battalion scattered to the four winds supporting exercises in Castle-martin, STANTA, Magilligan Training Centre, Oman and also running a JNCO cadre in Galloway forest as I write. My main effort is the Physical Development of the Battalion and making sure the troops are fit for courses and fit to fight. Amidst all the training and general duties, the Battalion is preparing to up sticks and move to another location within province (Lisburn Station). No escaping the MAA on a daily basis! With his golden membership card to Costa. The Battalion are currently located in Ballykinler, 5 Miles from Newcastle and right beside the beach, but the weather and the beach definitely do not compliment each other! However the training facilities and the area are a fantastic playground for AT
and PT, an RAPTCI’s dream. The move to Lisburn in the coming months will have great challenges and changes including me trying to find a new sunbed shop. Since arriving the Battalion has achieved success at judo in the Army championships but unfortunately only reached the quarter finals of the Army boxing tournament in a close fought contest against 2 Mercian. Although the Unit is busy it maintains its sporting ethos and long may it continue. To summarise a physically tuned unit with the right attitude towards PD. I am yet to work out the calls to order by the sound of the bugle and the several different drill movements that only a rifleman understands but I am getting there! I am yet to learn more as an infantry sergeant on the ground as I embark on an Op tour with the unit deploying to Kabul. God speed – I will see you all on my return. “Mens sana in corpore sano”
CO’s PT – “simulated casualty drag along the beach in Ballykinler”
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2 MERCIAN Sgt (SI) J Corkhill RAPTC
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y assignment to a busy Light Infantry Battalion was always going to be a challenge. During the first 12 months of my arrival I was deployed on Ex Askari Storm assisting with the AT package, back in Barracks and NI wide I have been involved with cross-country, football, boxing and more recently the relocation of the Battalion back to Chester. Filling WO2 (QMSI) Johnny Stephenson shoes were easy! Only Joking Johnny, the Battalion still misses you. Prior to EX Askari Storm, the focus of training was on endurance based loaded marches with heavy weight over long periods. This was a constant challenge of the imagination as the security pressures of Northern Ireland meant that most training was done inside the wire. The Soldiers/Officers are like hamsters in a wheel and know every inch of the camp! However, all the hard work and training was a success, the fitness of the battalion ensured a low number of heat injuries in the testing conditions of the Kenyan heat. My role in Close Protection to the CO allowed a return to infantry role and the Kenyan Adventurous Training package required recce and direction of the activities of some 900 troops within the battle group so I was busy to say the least. The AT was fantastic though the Kenyan bush occasionally left me dreaming of my blue RAPTC Jacket and white vest and the love of all things physical. The return to Palace Barracks saw a whole-hearted drive towards sport. I was lucky enough to be a player-coach of the battalion football team reaching the latter rounds of the Army and Infantry Cups. As well as aiding in the development of a cross country team – who are currently the Northern Ireland Champions. I have a particular passion for boxing, and assisted in the organisation of an inter-company boxing tournament, the night was a success and identified talented boxers within the battalion. At the time of writing the battalion team are training full time and drawing from a
Sgt Jimmy Corkhill learning to read and write with the local school children in Kenya
wealth of experience as we coach them towards the Army Semifinals with a hope to reaching the Army finals in May 14. The battalion move to Chester is an exciting prospect and for some it means being closer to home. Access to a broader range of civilian clubs will allow the unit to build on our sporting success, and the surrounding area offers considerably more space and options for exercising the troops. Watch out for the 2 Mercian boys taking the North by storm as they attack their sports and prepare for the heat of OP TOSCA.
The Battalion boxing team
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39 ROYAL ENGINEERS – 25 FIELD SQUADRON 5 REGIMENT ARMY AIR CORPS Sgt (SI) C Morton RAPTC
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n completion of my PTI Class One Course at the ASPT Aldershot, I was assigned to 39 Engineer Regiment, 25 Field Squadron, based at Aldergrove Flying Station Northern Ireland in Jan 13. I was very much looking forward to my first post as a newly badged RAPTCI and the challenges that lay ahead. Unfortunately on starting my first post 25 Field Squadron had recently received news that they were disbanding and one of their final tasks was to deploy to Gibraltar on Exercise Tarik Patrol in April 13 to undertake the duties of G Company of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RGR), who were conducting Overseas Training Exercises, for a period of 4 weeks. My task was to come up with a suitable AT package for the 4 weeks which included Rock Climbing Kayaking, Sailing, and water sports in the Gibraltar sunshine, needless to say I quickly started to enjoy life in the RAPTC. During the Squadrons stay in Gibraltar three of my AAPTI’s were selected for the Gibraltar Field Gun team and got the opportunity to compete in the Field Gun competition held in Portsmouth, sadly this would mark the final time the 25 Sqn flag would be flown. I extremely enjoyed my time with 25 Field Squadron and would personally like to thank everyone for welcoming me and wish each and every one all the best in their future postings. I was posted to 5 Regiment Army Air Corps in July 2013, having shared a Gym with my previous unit, 39 Engineer
25 Field Squadron – Field Gun Team
Regiment, 25 Field Squadron, it didn’t take me long to settle in and move a mere 5 meters to my new office. 5 AAC continues to support Police Service Northern Ireland operations within the Province. The Regiment also provides Gazelle pilots who deploy on exercise to the British Army Training Unit Suffield (Canada) throughout 29 (BATUS) Flight Army Air Corps. There are also personnel stationed on the mainland at RAF Northolt and Waddington, this would make getting MATT’s done a lot more challenging to say the least. Sport still remains a positive focus for the Regiment with Football, Rugby, and Cross Country being the main sports. In November 13 the following personnel deployed to Cyprus on a Sports Tour to take part in the Cyprus International 4 day challenge, myself, Cpl Woodman LCpl Scott and LCpl Scholefield.
The Cyprus International 4-day Challenge is a staged running event, covering a distance slightly longer than a marathon with mountain running, trail running & cross country running. The event successfully combines a 6km time trial, 11km mountain trail, multi-terrain half marathon and a 10km city run over four days. This was a welcome break away from Northern Ireland in the Cyprus sunshine. The team achieved a respectable overall 6th position out of 24 teams, in addition, LCpl Scott finished in first position for her age category for both the 4 Day Challenge and 10km road race. I have enjoyed my time so far with 5 AAC and look forward to what challenges lie ahead for the remainder of my posting and RAPTC career. 5 AAC Cyprus 4 Day Challenge Team, Sgt (SI) Morton, Cpl Woodman, LCpl Scott and LCpl Scholefield enjoying a well deserved beer after the 4 day challenge
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HEADQUARTERS 42 (NW) BRIGADE WO2 (QMSI) A Halliday RAPTC
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Q 42 (NW) Bde Physical Development (PD) Branch has been reinvigorated in the last six months with the appointments of an SO3 PD and QMSI PD alongside WO2 (QMSI) Shaun Carey RAPTC who has manfully held the fort for some years as well as fulfilling his primary role as Army Training Unit Warrant Officer (ATU)(NW). Capt (MAA) Andy Clark RAPTC and WO2 (QMSI) Andy Halliday RAPTC came into their posts at the start of Sep 13 and have taken on the roles of Secretary and Assistant Secretary of UK North Sport as well as their other roles in Bde PD Branch. These are big jobs for us both but ones which are hugely worthwhile and rewarding and ones which are starting to see a real upturn in sport participation within the UK North area, delivering Commander Land Forces intent of “re-creating a habit of sport” within the weekly routine. Having covered several 15 Bde PDIs due to Capt (MAA) Andy Dunne RAPTC leaving the Army, along with Sp Comd’s upgrade of equipment to units, it has been a busy time getting on top of the various actions required, whilst reorganising UK North Sport picture as well. We have also found time to fulfil our own sporting interests with my continued football refereeing exploits and Capt Andy’s attempts
Capt (MAA) A Clark, WO2 (QMSI) A Halliday, WO2 (QMSI) S Carey
at playing football for the RAPTC and Shaun’s continued squash pilgrimage despite his age!! UK North Sport will only get bigger and better as the years progress and we are all ready for the challenges it throws up and relish the thought of seeing as many gladiators as possible out on the Army Sports Arenas.
4TH MECHANIZED BRIGADE – THE BLACK RATS WO1 (SMI) G Webster RAPTC
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he first part of my tenure as the 4th Mechanized Brigade SMI began in Bloodhound Camp, Cyprus. It is here that I took on the mantel of the Decompression Regimental Sergeant Major (DcN RSM). As far as appointments’ go, this was an interesting one. Job satisfaction came ensuring that Service personnel returning from Op HERRICK 17 passed through DcN smoothly and efficiently. On the other hand, mentoring a team of 70 young individuals was problematic to say the least and it certainly came with its fair share of G1 issues. I would just like to thank my predecessor, Capt (MAA) Billy Young for “Sharing the G1 love”. On return from POTL, the HQ descended on Halton Training Camp for a weeks worth of AT. A multi-activity package, which included: Climbing, Kayaking, Hill walking and Mounting Biking. Highlight of the trip was watching a Staff Officer trying to operate a Blackberry whilst paddling. There was only going to be one winner. Op VOCATE – Is a 4X task which currently sits very closely behind Op HERRICK in the list of priorities. The task sees initially 360 Libya General Purpose Forces (LGPF) via a screening process, descend on Bassingbourn (now called the VLTU) for a 24 week basic training package. The first crank of the handle will be conducted by 3 SCOTS. The 3 SCOTS team along with
the HQ staff have been extremely busy trying to resurrect Bassingbourn to make it fit for purpose. The PT syllabus has mirror imaged the Infantry Training Centre, recruits’ programme. The LGPF will also conduct a degree of Adventurous Training at the Soldier Development Wing, Sennybridge (SDW). The manning level within the VLTU has now been finalized at: 1 x SSgt (SSI), 2 x Sgt (SI), 6 x AAPTIs and 6 x IOs.
The start date for Op VOCATE has been moved to the right on more than one occasion, I’m hoping by the time of going to print, we are full steam ahead with course 1. On a final note, I would just like to thank all the RAPTCIs that have been part of the Black Rats within my tenure. It has been a pleasure working with you all and I genuinely wish you all the very best for the future.
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HEADQUARTERS 43 (WESSEX) BRIGADE PD BRANCH FOREWORD Capt (MAA) JE Ecott RAPTC
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y the time you read this, 43 (Wx) Bde will have become 1 Arty Bde and HQ SW; the PD branch will deliver the same output answering to Sp Comd but the HQ OPCOM will change to Force Troops Command (FTC). The last six months has seen the branch increase its manning by 100% with the arrival of WO2 (QMSI) Daz Crowle in the FTRS post; he has been welcomed with open arms and the level of support that can now be offered to the units and RAPTCIs within the Bde region has dramatically increased. However, just as we have started to get on top of all things PD, and have developed good links with our regular and reserve units, we are now set for all the changes that will occur in light of A2020. The SW area already has the largest number of major units and therefore an extremely large cohort of RAPTCIs, and in the next couple of years we will see that number increase further. Various new RAPTC posts such as 5 Bn REME, 4 MI Bn and 2 MI Bn will be established and a selection of additional units will be moving into the region. This year we hosted our first 43 (Wx) Bde festival of sports which saw entries from 18 different units and in excess of 350 participants. We also put on the first regional Boxing Championships expertly hosted by SSgt (SSI) Thomas from 2 RTR and are now looking into other sporting events that can become part of the SW calendar.
RSM 2RTR requesting permission from the Brig Comd to start the evening’s events
Capt (MAA) JE Ecott and WO2 (QMSI) D Crowle
As part of the HQ staff, the branch has also been fully involved in the organisation of an AT and MATT camp which saw many of the HQ staff put out of their comfort zone on a mountain bike or sea kayak. Fortunately the Bde Comd was understanding about my reluctance to organise another ski expedition this year…my knee is still in recovery from last years trip! I hope you find the articles submitted from the RAPTCIs within this regional Bde informative and interesting.
Action from a female bout
Action in the ring
24 COMMANDO ENGINEER REGIMENT TRAINING TEAM Sgt (SI) L Spires RAPTC
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he 24 Cdo Engr Regt Trg Tm delivers the Commando Conditioning Course (CCC) which is conducted over a four week period and is run at a steady and progressive level. The course facilitates all ranks (Spr-Officer) and can accommodate all cap badges. Once the soldiers have completed the CCC they then attend a four week Pre Commando Course (PCC) which is run by Commando Logistic Regt (CLR) also based at RMB Chivenor. On successful completion of the PCC candidates then attend the All Arms Commando Course (AACC) and if successful, earn the coveted Green Beret.
The CCC is, as already mentioned, progressive and designed for soldiers to develop as well as finely tune their soldiering skills and drills. They learn everything from the basic level and are coached effectively. Some of the techniques on the course stretch peoples’ ability, for example, the full regain. This proves to be challenging to many soldiers, especially when attempting it fatigued and carrying 21lbs webbing weight and their personal weapon. It usually leads to the soldier getting well acquainted in the static tank until they have grasped the technique. Basic navigation and field admin are key areas we concentrate on, and having the local areas of Exmoor
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and Dartmoor within range are of great benefit to those on course, as they prove to be demanding and testing in all capacities. The Physical Training is progressive yet arduous and is designed to put the soldier under slight physical duress. Having the students understand and execute the basic drills and techniques enables them to effectively tackle any obstacle or arduous lesson and minimise the chance of injuries. The combination of the Commando and Engineer ethos that is developed during the CCC has ensured that 24 Cdo Engr Regt continue to boast the highest pass rate on the AACC within 3 Cdo Bde. The Training Team would like to say Farewell to SSgt (SSI) “Sticky” Stevenson RAPTC – posted to SRR, LCpl “Baz” Mairs RE – Attending PTI Class One Course and LCpl “Jez” Jessermino RE – Posted to 1 UK Civ Div. We wish these men the best luck in whatever the future holds and look forward to seeing them again.
The Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, on a recent visit by Sappers of 24 Cdo Engr Regt
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ARRC SUPPORT BATTALION WO2 (QMSI) D Herbert RAPTC Routine The Physical Development (PD) department at Innsworth caters for many different units within the local area. Some of these are HQ ARRC, ARRC Sp Bn, JCCC, SVPA, CEA governance, 6 Rifles (TA), GCHQ Cheltenham, elements from JCCU, JSSU and Innsworth station. Due to the wide range of units a wide variety of PD and fitness testing is delivered. Most of the aforementioned units are tri-service and require the relevant test to their service and arm. HQ ARRC is tri-service and multi-national; this presents a multitude of challenges for the staff coupled with HQ ARRC being a 3 star command. During the last 18 months the site has seen a number of uplifts and improvements to a site which is already well established. These have ranged from the installation of a Beaverfit frame, gym division curtain, wall beams and an out-of-hours access swipe system.
The station PD branch has also conducted various Charity fun runs, a boxing event – which was the first time ARRC Sp Bn have boxed since the move from Germany almost 5 years ago. In Dec QMSI Herbert was asked if he could assist a potential world record attempt. The goal was for the station troops to dip eggs the previous record of 100 dips in unison was set by the Coldstream Guards and Grenadiers in 2012. The goal was to get 250 troops to eat egg soldiers simultaneously. This was co-ordinated by the station QMSI to the words: “Pick-up!” – the toast soldier was picked up. “DIP!” – the toast soldier was dipped into the egg, “EAT” – all the participants eat.
Innsworth station conducts a weekly hare and hound style 5 Km run. This regularly draws the multi-national offices from HQ ARRC to the run which often has a wide spread of ranks competing from Maj Gen to LCpl, all of which try to complete their run as fast as possible in order to gain the coveted last man to start spot.
The process was repeated 4 times. The Station mustered 179 soldiers from HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) and ARRC Sp Bn in unison dunked their toast soldiers into soft-boiled eggs at Imjin Barracks. After the evidence was sent to Guinness World Records, to be verify the record was agreed and set.
WO2 (QMSI) Herbert World record attempt
QMSI Herbert – facing boxers – Innsworth-inter station boxing
9 REGIMENT ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS SSgt (SSI) S Mansfield RAPTC
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he last year has seen the successful deployment of 9 Regiment RLC to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 18. The Rear Operations Group (ROG) has remained busy throughout but has successfully managed to maintain a presence particularly on the sports field. Support to those deployed on operations and the families left behind were the main priority for the ROG; this saw a number or events taking place, including visits to various local attractions and family-focused activities organised. The Regiment has had several recent sporting achievements. The male and female athletics teams recorded several successes at Army and Corps level events, and the Regiment entered a strong team for the Army Football Championships in Grantham and were placed second. In the Regiment we now have LCpl John who is the Army Golf Champion and LCpl Abijo
who is the Corps and Army 100m & 200m sprint champion. The Cross Country team has again had a very successful season, in particular the ladies team. Having competed in the Support Command South Cross Country league, both male and female teams are currently placed high in the points table. The ladies team has just won the RLC Championships, which has seen 7 members of the Regiment being selected to represent the RLC. Additionally, the female team returned from the Army Championships as winners; this was an exceptional performance from a team which included the Commanding Officer. Additionally, 2 members of the Regiment have now been selected to compete for the Army; an outstanding achievement. Adventure training remained a key theme for the Regiment; several Type 2 activities were conducted including Kayaking and Mountaineering with the main event being
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a Type 3 exercise where Sub Aqua diving was conducted. Taking part were 16 soldiers. The aim of the expedition was for all personnel to develop their sub aqua diving skills and obtain a professionally recognised qualification. Diving in the Red Sea is amazing and everyone that went on the exped had achieved something they had not been able to do or had not done before. It was an amazing experience and we would definitely go back to explore more of the dive sites Dahab has to offer. A similar activity is planned for this year, however the current situation in Egypt may force us to choose an alternative location. The ROG conducted an inter squadron challenge comprising of 6 events, with the ultimate aim of winning the CO’s cup, which was won by the LAD. This year’s inter squadron will comprise of 12 events of which we have already had the basketball competition. The next event is the steeplechase competition, a 5 mile arduous route over 30 obstacles including a river crossing carrying 35 lbs. This has certainly been a busy year in 9 Regiment RLC. Their achievements and their commitment has been outstanding and I have been fortunate to work alongside a Regiment that places physical development high on their agenda.
LCpl Herbert and Pte Purdie Diving Red Sea
19TH REGIMENT ROYAL ARTILLERY (THE SCOTTISH GUNNERS) SSgt (SSI) R Lennan RAPTC
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he transition to the Army 2020 structure has presented many challenging phases of alteration, which has seen the restructuring of the Unit’s role and the changing of the Regiment’s name. The Unit’s adjustment to AS90 role and restructure has meant that the Unit now has the capability to provide 3 fully equipped Gun Batteries, into the fully converted mechanised armoured AS90 role. The new title still makes me laugh, ‘the Scottish Gunners,’ I think I’m the only Scottish one in the Regiment. The Unit is still to include further additions to the 2020 structure, which will bring further transition, adding 176 Bty from Kinloss. They will form the GMLRS – guided multiple launch rocket system battery, finalising the process before Mar 2015. These significant changes have certainly kept the Unit very much on the seat of its pants. Whilst not being focused on Op Herrick, bizarrely this year it has remained extremely busy, more so than most of us had wished for! We have witnessed this
Jasper National Park, Canada – Lake Annette. SSgt (SSI) Tom Clemens, SSgt (SSI) Si Ward and SSgt (SSI) Ricky Lennan trying out for the RAPTC display team.
in many phases of frantic internal courses, supporting exercises and new AS90 rolerelated training exercises, BATUS to name one of many. Canada was an immense time for me personally, supporting 12 Bde in the delivery of its Adventure Training packages, instructing on the Bear Dawn 5 day multi-event package. My second experience of Trails End Camp once again completely surpassed my expectations. Working alongside some newly found Corps comrades, not to mention the fantastic civilian instructors, provided some much needed separation time from my DII terminal. It definitely wasn’t
a planned trip with the two weeks’ notice I received, but highly recommended to anyone who has not yet experienced the Canada AT lifestyle; you will certainly not feel disappointed. It wasn’t long before Canada seemed like a remote memory, painfully returning back to reality with a bang and back to the grindstone. “Hello DII.” A truly essential catch up with the family, giving the wife a refreshing break that she has longed for and getting back to Corps business. Not to mention the mass of making up I had to do with my boys as being absent from so many of their life highlights.
SSgt (SSI) Ricky Lennan Living the hard life!
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HEADQUARTERS 49 (EAST) BRIGADE WO2 (QMSI) L Swann RAPTC
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aving completed 24 years Colour Service of which 10 years in the Royal Engineers, 14 years in the RAPTC then 14 months at Bosworth Academy as a Military Mentor and finally now a return to a Brigade Headquarters, who would have thought that !!. The return back into Military life and PD work strands in particular has been seamless with some sage guidance from Capt (MAA) A Riley RAPTC who after his own colourful career has finally decided to broaden his horizons and embark to pastures new.
The RAPTCI’s have been the main players with this task and, without doubt made a significant impact with regards to MST statistics recorded on JPA. In support of the MST the Brigade also conducted 4 Non & Weak Swimmers courses which were held across the AOR and administered superbly by Sgt (SI) J Stapleton RAPTC. The regain made from Non Swimmers to MST passed during this phase has been very encouraging and this initiative will be developed further during the next training year.
This Regional Brigade has been very interesting with new challenges that a 1 Star Headquarters brings with its territory. Support to the Reserves has been one of the Brigade Commanders main effort with unit PDI’s, Advisory visits, distribution of Physical Training Equipment, the pairing of Reserves alongside daily PT, AT and general sports business has kept me on my toes. Sport within the region has seen a significant increase with each G7 PD Branch in the Midlands actively promoting unit participation. In particular boxing and cross country have been very well supported with cross country seeing an overall increase of participation by 60% this training year. 49 (East) Brigade Festival of Sport Competition takes place at Grantham Station during May this year with a plethora of events which I hope, will continue and enhance sport for all and increase unit participation. Swimming has been at the forefront this training year with many hundreds, if not thousands of soldiers within the Brigade AOR completing the Military Swim Test (MST).
One observation that has become apparent with the formation of 9 new Brigades is; we are most definitely providing a better service to our units and RAPTCI’s with an enhanced personal and professional approach to Military and Corps business thus promoting daily interaction and communication with the Chain of Command as well as providing clarity and brevity on all matters PD. With the new format in its infancy, the rebasing and renaming of many Brigade Headquarters the challenges are coming in thick and fast and something I am looking forward to and adding further value. It finally leaves me to thank the team at HQ Sp Comd, Lt Col (SMAA) SAJ Davis, Maj (MAA) I Phillips RAPTC and SMI Chris Hames for their continued support, and of course, welcome SMI Jack Horner to the Midlands when he takes the post upon commissioning as SO3 G7 PD 49 (East) Brigade.
1ST ROYAL TANK REGIMENT Sgt (SI) S Burnell RAPTC
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his has been a busy period for the 1st Royal Tank Regiment (1RTR). For the past 13 years 1RTR were employed as specialists working along side the RAF as the Joint Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Regiment. The time came to reroll back to their battle tank capability. 1RTR have conducted live firing exercises in Castle Martin and BATUS in preparation for amalgamation with 2RTR in the coming months. It has not been all work and no play, adventure training has been high on the agenda within the regiment. A number of sailing competitions have been entered by the REME LAD with some promising individuals for the future. Numerous personnel managed to take full advantage of the AT package on offer at BATUS and Exercise Snow Warrior was enjoyed by all who participated. The sporting achievements have been outstanding this year ranging from Nordic Skiing to Water Polo. The highlights have to be winning the Cavalry Cup in Football, beating 9/12th Lancers 2-1 in a very hard fought match. The regiment retained the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) Hodgson Horse Inter Unit Cup for the second year running. The good fortune continued in the winter sport disciplines. The 2 man Bobsleigh Team consisting of Lt Hague 1RTR and myself finished as second novice in the Army Championships. LCpl Brady 1RTR won the novice title in Skeleton, and Tpr Cree 1RTR won the novice title in Luge. Both LCpl Brady
1RTR Bobsleigh Team
1RTR Bobsleigh Team in full force
and Tpr Cree went on to represent the Army in the Inter Services. Could these be the Olympians of the future? In my time at 1RTR I have been extremely impressed on the regiment’s achievements. The raw talent the regiment generates is incredible. The future for The Royal Tank Regiment looks promising!
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16 REGIMENT ROYAL ARTILLARY SSgt (SSI) M Freeman RAPTC
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ost of my time since joining the unit has been spent progressing and generally updating a fitness programme that better suits the Regiment. With the unit having a permanent presence in both Afghanistan and The Falkland Islands, a specific fitness plan had to be formatted for a unit working outside of a standardised operational form cycle. Further to this, the Commanding Officer’s main intent was to reduce unit statistics with regards to the amount of service personnel who are downgraded, injured or on remedial fitness training. With the organisation of a better structured and progressive return to fitness programme, numbers returning from injury have decreased which was welcomed by the chain of command. This coupled with the implementation and greater emphasis on strength and conditioning, functional exercise formats and a tighter injury reduction plan will only improve unit fitness levels in the future. All of this aside, the unit has just returned from a busy three week exercise to the Hebrides in North West Scotland undertaking unit primary roles. This was an ideal time for me to deploy on exercise with the Regiment to better gauge the multiple roles of unit personnel, and in turn
Land Yachting North West Scotland
32 Bty Archery Lesson
enhance the various fitness modalities within PD suited for each battery when on tour. Whilst on exercise I was also tasked with the organisation and running of a unit AT programme which was to include mountaineering, mountain biking, kayaking, archery and land sailing of which the latter I had no idea but seemed to be a massive hit. Further to this, the running of a structured PT programme was developed for personnel on exercise
and individuals unable to deploy back in the unit. All in all my transition from ERI to a true main stream role has been enjoyable, with the unit having greater assurance in PD policy, procedure and implementation. The future involves a trip to The Falklands Islands to deliver battery level PT, and I am currently in the process of assisting with the development of a Injury Workshop for Brigade Staff.
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2ND BATTALION THE ROYAL ANGLIAN REGIMENT ‘’THE POACHERS – OP HERRICK 19” SSgt (SSI) J Marke RAPTC
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fter successfully completing what seemed like a lifetime of the mandated pre-deployment MST for Op HERRICK 19 the time had finally come for the Battalion to begin its somewhat fragmented deployment in Sep 2013. The tour would see the Poachers broken down into Company’s and even small teams assigned with specific roles and responsibilities such as; A Coy providing force protection within MOB Lash during its close down, a 10 man team working within the OCCP located within Lashka Gar, 25 personnel training and mentoring the Afghan Police and Recce Platoon providing force protection in Kabul for the SF to name only a few. My role would see me as a team leader responsible for the training and mentoring of a 70 plus strong Afghan Police Security Platoon sited within the Lashka Gar Training Centre (LTC) Lashka Gar. Daily Routine within the LTC was soon engrained into us all; daily PT mostly improvised was conducted at 0530hrs followed by our daily mentoring/training of the Afghans. In addition, most days we would conduct a variety of pistol CQB shoots simulating possible scenarios that we could encounter whilst mentoring the Afghans. 2nd LT Zamari the Security Toli Commander would be the Officer I would be mentoring/training for the next 4 months. Each day I would go to his office for a cup of tea….I think that’s what it was, and discuss the days training which seemed to be mostly time on the range conducting AK 47 and PKM shoots from various positions and cover. Although at times we would ensure they
were conducting sanger trg, unarmed combat, vehicle searching, biometric enrolments, and not forgetting their daily dose of drill. As time was nearer to coming home, our Afghan counterparts were beginning to conduct their own training and administration thus giving us more time to conduct our own in-house training which would see me running an ETL Course and SERE training. In addition to the above, we even managed to fit in a 25 mile (32 laps around the range and HLS) stretcher run weighing 90kg in order to raise money for the Stuart Kyffin campaign, a former poacher who was badly injured in a motorbike crash in Thailand and therefore has been in a coma since suffering terrible brain injuries. This was both physically and mentally demanding for all who took part (3 teams of 8), even though we conducted some training the event itself soon became challenging, but the pain was for an extremely worth while course and we completed the event in a time of 4 hours and 4 minutes. At the time of writing, most of the Bn have returned from Op HERRICK 19 and are about to take their well earned POTL. The main focus for the Bn when they re-form in July this year will be to ensure all ranks (work pending for some) get away on the AT packages and expeditions that have been planned whilst they were away on tour. In addition it’s also intended to participate in as many sporting events as possible to help bring life back to normal after an extremely busy two years.
SSgt Marke carrying out his mentoring duties
The final lap
7 THEATRE LOGISTIC REGIMENT (7 TLR) Sgt (SI) C M Charles RAPTC
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he Regiment has developed since its return from Germany to its new base at Kendrew Barracks in Cottesmore and I was swiftly ushered into 7TLR life with PFA, MST, BCM and AFT stats as the post was gapped for several months.
after the unit move. 16 Tank Transporter Squadron based back in Fallingbostel, have finished off their training cycle and deployed on Op HERRICK 19 as the heavy Lift Troop attached to 2 Logistic Support Regiment.
9 Squadron has been busy with the training of its troops for Op ESCALIN in preparation of the fuel workers strike action, while the main focus for 68 Squadron has been its recent tasking on Op FORTIFY, the Army operation to deliver a trained Volunteer Reserve of 30,000 by 2018. 617 Squadron, in particular the Comms Troop, returning from a hard earned leave have been busy fitting the BOWMAN radio (yes my eyes lit up seeing them again with being ex Royal Signals) equipment back into vehicles
Within recent weeks, the Regiment was tasked with supporting Op PITCHPOLE which meant a logistic move to Kettering filling and distributing sandbags, what a great way to do PT on a Friday morning! However, it has not been all work and no play for 7 Regiment, with eight lucky people competing in the Army Waterskiing and Wakeboard Championships. Whilst clearly not blessed with great
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7 TLR arriving in Kettering on Op PITCHPOLE
Some members of 7 TLR on Ex SNOW WARRIOR
balancing skills and despite battering winds and driving rain, the team remained enthusiastic throughout (even Pte Creber, after losing a tooth in the first two hours) and managed respectable second and third place finishes across several categories by five of the Regiment’s personnel. The Regiment also participated in Ex SNOW WARRIOR with a fair number of individuals getting the chance to show off their skiing skills.
We also entered two teams into the RLC Six-A-Side Football Championships, with the ‘B’ team bowing out in the semi-finals and the ‘A’ team going on to secure the overall competition out of nineteen entries; Pte B Rose even managed to get the Player of the Tournament award!
MILITARY CORRECTIVE TRAINING CENTRE COLCHESTER (MCTC) WO2 (QMSI) E A Gillies RAPTC The Armed Services’ one remaining corrective training establishment continues to be a centre of excellence. MCTC continues to support the military justice system by providing the means to detain, deter, educate, rehabilitate and resettle appropriate personnel in order to return effective servicemen and women to their units or reintegrate them into civilian life having received the necessary support for both.
Services the Military Provost Staff (MPS) have ensured that the correct detainee handling is paramount to all units. Their work mainly goes unnoticed; however, they continue to work tirelessly to achieve perfection.
Although unique in the services and distinct from our civilian counterparts in the Prison Service, MCTC is the home of the Military Provost Staff, (MPS), and an integral part of the Provost Branch within the Adjutant General’s Corps. This custodial facility continues to perform to the highest standards. The establishment undergoes inspection at the highest level by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons, (HMIP), which provides independent scrutiny of the conditions and treatment of detainees.
By the time this article goes to press I for one will have moved on from within the peaceful confides of MCTC and onto pastures new. Following successful selection for promotion, we often find ourselves concentrating on the new chapter ahead and packing up our offices. For me, this is no different. As I prepare to move on, I will be taking up the Senior PTI role from WO1 (SMI) Rod McLeod within Camp Bastion, followed by my new residence within the London District area as the LONDIST SMI. This article will not only provide an overview of life at MCTC during the past 12 months, but also as a sombre farewell to all of those who have supported me during my 3-year assignment.
MCTC is in every way imaginable a very different breed of organisation. Its people both staff and detainees are its most vital asset. We should never underestimate the efforts that the MPS go to, to ensure safe handling of Tri Service detainees whether that is within the wire of MCTC, across the MOD’s geographical footprint or that of the Temporary Handling Facilities (THF) provided in Afghanistan. Although a very small Corps of individuals, and relatively unknown throughout the wider Tri
A lot can happen within a year. In May 13 I found myself volunteering as the first ever RAPTCI to enter the MCTC annual Pace Sticking competition. A scratch 3-man team consisting of, an FTRS MPS ex guardsman drove a military training instructor a RAF PTI/ERI and an RAPTCI. To say the least we were on the heel and looking sharp by the day of the competition. Pacing up and down the parade square in time and adding a pace stick into the mix, whilst drinking port
Proud Winners at the MCTC Pace sticking Competition
always were the ingredients for a winning combination. My RAF PTI, Sgt Simon Taylor came away with the best novice pace sticker on the day, whilst I joined my fellow Sergeant Majors to secure the winning team event. All in all a productive in sight and successful day for the gym staff. Unfortunately we didn’t quite make the cut for the World Championships at RMAS later in the year. In terms of sporting prowess, MCTC continues to uphold its name within competitions throughout the UK Midlands AOR.
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Playing on Dedham River
On Wednesday 25th September a strong and brave brood of MCTC’s finest kitted up and travelled the short distance to Friday Woods (all of 250m) for the UK Midlands Inter Unit Summer Mountain Bike Competition. The 3 disciplines put forth were the 24km endurance race, a skills course challenge and also a time trial. SIO PT Martin Johnson stepped up to the plate for the endurance race against some stiff competition and managed a respectable 2nd in a time of 1 hour 2 mins. Sgt Kris Mulley put Dougie Lampkin to shame on the skills course, putting in the first clear run of the day but ultimately being pegged back to also achieve 2nd place. Finally in the toughest of the 3 disciplines, SIO PT Alex Dorrington stepped up, whizzing in and out of trees on the time trial stage. After his initial run he was in 3rd place but with
his legs still suffering the effects of his 1st run he stepped up again and was nothing short of majestic on his bike. Knowing the course better this time he finished with a time of 8.43, 2 seconds short of 1st place and 20 seconds clear of 3rd place. After an enjoyable day out MCTC placed 2nd in the overall competition and had the silverware to show for it! Detainees continue to be rehabilitated, re-educated and for those leaving the forces, re-integrated back into society. Although not much adventure training has taken place over the last twelve months, plenty of purposeful activity has taken place on the local rivers for detainees and staff alike. As the OIC for the 16 Air Assault Brigade Colchester Garrison and MCTC kayaking Club, there have been opportunities for club members to take MCTC Mountain Biking Competition
trips over to Lee Valley Olympic kayaking park. There are too many stories to be told about those who have fallen foul of the Legacy course but returned on another day to conquer her. As I draw these notes to a close, I have less than 1 week remaining in post at MCTC. It is befitting for me to thank all of the MPS, FTRS, No1 Company Reservists and civilian staff who have supported me throughout my time at the MCTC. I would also like to thank all of the 16X RAPTCI’s who have assisted in various events throughout my 3-year tenure, more over Sgt Ronnie Cordner for his continued support to the kayaking club, and wish each and everyone of them all the very best for their future.
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HEADQUARTERS 51 (SCOTTISH) BRIGADE ‘ONE YEAR IN’ Capt (MAA) S Semple RAPTC
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s with all MBS notes, they all seem to start with “it hardly seems like yesterday when I was writing the last article for MBS”, but I can honestly say that this year seems to have disappeared without trace. As I write these notes, 51 Scottish Bde are days away from being re-rolled to become 51st Infantry Bde and HQ Scotland and the first of the Adaptable Force Bdes to stand up. This will be a huge challenge to the Bde as we take control of all Regular and Reserve units in Scotland.
and very quickly grabbed the bull by the horns and settled into post. Neil left the army in 2012 as the WO1 (SMI) for 2 Division before it disbanded, and the experience and knowledge he had acquired in that post quickly became apparent. Neil has been covering the PD desk alone since arriving and has been doing a fantastic job.
A thread which I am sure most of the other Regional Bde SO3’s will follow, is that the role has grown significantly as Regular and Reserve units within the Bde boundaries realise where we work and what we do. Much of the work done here in Scotland is with the Reserve units and working on the ‘pairing’ system, where a Reserve and Regular unit are aligned together for training, deployments, and routine tasks to encompass the one army concept. A plan which will continue to develop as the Reserves grow in line with FR20. I have unfortunately been employed away from the PD desk for much of the last year, flying the Ops and Commitments desk here in Bde due to that post being gapped. A post which deals with unit manpower, equipment, trawls, contracts and any other job which doesn’t sit neatly on anyone else’s desk. Not something which comes naturally to an RAPTCI, but another string to my bow, or so I have been told. However in Jan this year, WO2 Neil Beattie arrived in post as the long awaited FTRS Warrant Officer,
The proposed Bde HQ move from Stirling to Edinburgh as part of the Basing Review is still no further to being a reality as the future location has still not been confirmed. The future plan is for there to be an integrated HQ with the PD and AT branch co located within 51 Bde wherever that may be. This will allow for the AT Desk Officer, Maj (Retd) Dougie McGill and his very capable assistant Liz Korda to work alongside the PD desk and share their wealth of experience in both AT and PD. I would like to add that Dougie is due to retire in Jul this year after 14 years in the job, this will be a real loss and I will miss Dougie for his friendship and advice, but I wish him well for his retirement. I will have moved on to sunnier pastures by the time this is published when I take up my new post as OC JSATC in Cyprus from Capt Barry Stoddart, a post which will be a real change of direction, but one which I am looking forward to. Capt Billy Young will be replacing me, but not until Sep this year, and I wish him well and I am sure he will relish the challenge that the new formation will bring.
143 (WEST MIDLANDS) BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS – SHREWSBURY ‘STEPPING UP TO THE CHALLENGE’ Captain (MAA) C Oakes RAPTC Instead of detailing the tasks and challenges that we, as the newly formed Regional Bde SO3’s have been experiencing over the past 24 months I am going to present this article from my perspective detailing how I have dealt with the transition from WO1 to a SO3. Therefore, I will try to give an explanation of what has been going on throughout this first year as the G7 PD SO3 at 143 (WM) Brigade in Shrewsbury. Capt (MAA) C M Oakes RAPTC Moving into the SO3 role hasn’t quite been the crippling, stressful experience I was anticipating or had been forewarned about. Having worked previously at 5 Div and 16 Air Assault Brigade HQ’s, I feel these previous RAPTC roles have enabled the transition from Soldier to Commissioned Officer to be smoother than anticipated. I believe this is due to the high tempo and intensity of staff work that I was exposed to and experienced on a daily basis whilst working
in these particular HQ`s. The situation has improved further with almost all of the Regional Bde FTRS, WO2 (QMSI’s) posts becoming occupied, as this has allowed for better SO3 interaction regarding RAPTCI MS, PDI`s and Advisory Visits for both Regular and Reserve Units. The newly formed Regional Brigade, RAPTC, SO3’s Capt’s appointments have now taken shape and are fully established. WO2 (QMSI) C R J Woollass RAPTC It has been very rewarding communicating with all of the other SO3’s across the UK for guidance and advice on their previous experiences and in particular, I have benefited from listening to the tasking that other SO3’s receive. The Sp Comd, PD Branch, SO2 and SMI’s have been absolutely instrumental in ensuring the standardisation and continuity of many aspects of PD. Having this support element has ensured that all info and
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WO2 (QMSI) Craig Woollass RAPTC – 143X G7 PD (UK Midlands Angling Secretary) showing how’s it’s done
Heavyweight training by Monster
Fishing, Thailand Style
statistics are neatly in place and take away much of the time consuming statistics requests that come along. They have been key to the success of these new appointments and have proved to be the Oracle of knowledge for PD every time they are called upon. A key responsibility that I chair and am passionate about is the UK Midlands Sports Secretary appointment. I have gained great pleasure by visiting the sports events and personally seeing all the hard work that the UK Midlands, RAPTCI, Sports Secretaries have been undertaking. With the reinvigoration of sports and the Army Sports Trophy Award initiative being distributed to all units, I have seen a clear focussed increase in Sports across the UK Midlands AOR. This has not only provided hundreds of Midlands based soldiers and officers with the chance to partake in a myriad of different sports, but has also enabled RAPTCI`s to meet up and demonstrate their planning, officiating and motivational skill sets. A great tool to enable them to showcase their individual managerial and organisational talents that, for an RAPTCI, seems to be endless. Even the PD Branch here has enjoyed some Angling Sport on the odd day out of office. The next milestone and challenge that the 143X HQ faces is the merger of 143X with 11 Sig Bde and the relocation to Venning, Barracks in Donnington, Telford from Nov 14 onwards.
Capt (MAA) Chris Oakes’s Iron Eagle leaving present to 16 Air Assault Brigade HQ
22 SIGNALS REGIMENT – MOD STAFFORD SSgt (SSI) M Pun RAPTC
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fter finishing a 2-year posting at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick (ITC (C)), I was posted to a major unit within the Field Army. I was assigned to 22 Signal Regiment at MOD Stafford. My first Royal Corps of Signals unit showed me the massive potential the Corps has to excel in sport and fitness. 22 Signal Regiment’s mission is to deliver, at readiness, information and communication services (ICS) to the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) in support of NATO operations. It is heavily committed all year round and this presents a unique challenge for the PT staff. The Regiment is stationed close to Stafford town centre and is just part of the MOD Stafford set up. The camp is shared by the RAF’s Tactical Supply Wing (TSW), Stafford Support Unit (SSU), and 22 Signal Regiment. By 2015, there will be 2 other major units arriving from Germany, 1(UK) ADSR and 16 Signal Regiment. In the past year alone, 22 Signal Regiment has gained many notable sporting accolades. Its Football and Tug of War teams won the respective Army Championships, and the 1 Sig Bde Boxing Champions. The Regiment has also produced some
SSgt (SSI) Pun after Gun Run
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excellent results in Cross Country, finishing fourth overall in the Army Championships. It is home to both the junior and senior Corps Cross Country champions. Although these are the major sporting achievements for the Regiment this training year, the Regiment is also very keen on other sports and regularly takes part in many of the sporting events throughout the UK Midlands, Corps and Army. To name just a few, 22 Signal Regiment achieved second place in the UK Midlands Volleyball Competition, entered three teams in the Ultra Marathon Trail Walker (62 miles), a team in the 40 mile Keswick to Barrow (K2B) and a team in the Corps 40 mile endurance march, Lanyard Trophy. Recently the unit also established a novice Biathlon team, who competed in the Army Nordic Ski Championships.
The Regiment is also highly involved in using its physical fitness to aid various charities and it has actively taken part in marathons, half marathons and various other endurance races for the benefit of the community. A great source of pride within the Regiment is its military and sports competitions in the CO’s cup. This prize is competed for throughout the year by all 5 Squadrons and includes events such as athletics, swimming, orienteering and a march and shoot. The Regiment moves forward into another heavily committed year supporting the ARRC, but this time with a new CO bringing much change to the Regiment and Station. I have no doubt that the winning mentality within its soldiers will continue to put the Regiment in good stead for yet another competitive sporting year.
145 (S) BRIGADE – G7 PD BRANCH WO2 (QMSI) M R Wigley RAPTC
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Q 145 (South) Brigade encompasses the central South East of England. To the East is 2 Infantry Brigade. These two Brigades will shortly merge to form HQ 11 (UK) Infantry Brigade and will incorporate both Reactive and Adaptive Force elements. With an Area of Responsibility (AoR) now spread over eight Counties and with personnel taken from Regular, Reserve, FTRS, Civil Servants and Civilian contractors, this change is likely to present challenges. Not least because it will be a beast with two heads, serving both GOC 1 UK Division and GOC Support Command. Capt Stuart Irving has recently replaced Capt Dave Boocock as SO3 PD and, supported by QMSI Matt Wigley, the G7 PD Branch is now fully manned. Internally, the Branch provide support to 145 Brigade Commander for MATT2, Adventurous Training Expeditions, Unit and Brigade Health Committees and any FIRMBASE tasks which may emerge through the year; OP PITCHPOLE being a good example which saw Bde Staff stepping up to provide support to UK Ops. Externally, it has RAPTC responsibilty for AOR MS reporting on Sgts, SSgts and AWO2s, PDIs, information proliferation and data collation. In terms of Normal Daily Routine HQ 145X is a very rewarding and “grown up” environment with a general feeling of cooperation and respect. PD Branch provide a wide variety of PT opportunities for all HQ personnel spanning early morning PT and swimming, afternoon sports sessions, loaded march training and mountain biking. Notable recent events include a fifty mile mountain bike trek for ten personnel over the South Downs in September 13, and a skiing trip in January 14 to Sauze d’Oulx in Italy for 24 personnel in three ability groups. Planned for later this year is a team building AT expedition to Sweden, again involving 24 personnel, with the aim of navigating a
HQ 145X Staff at Swinley Forest
wilderness river on self made rafts. The team will pitch and break camp en route each evening and will incorporate daily mountain bike and open boat canoeing sections. Pre-training includes mountain bike familiarisation on local training areas and a variety of events at open water venues. The inclusion of a preparatory build up phase was seen to be very effective in preparing our personnel for skiing recently, and is now included as a vital element in all HQ 145X AT ventures. Personally, I have enjoyed the transition into this environment from my previous role at a Reserve Phase 1 establishment. I am engaged on a 24 month FTRS (HC) contract which “is what it is”. Certainly, it could be seen as less favourable than the TACOS enjoyed by my Regular Army counterparts. However, until they begin recruiting 51 year old QMSIs I will soldier on as I am – who needs Medical and Dental cover anyway!
THE ARMY INSPECTORATE TEAM WO2 (QMSI) D Taylor RAPTC
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he Army Inspectorate is located in the Army HQ, Andover and provides independent assurance and regulation for all Army activity across Defence to protect the reputation of the Army. The role is very different to that of our normal RAPTCI roles and after receiving a swift handover from WO2 (QMSI) Mandy Harrington I was in the thick of business.
The Army Inspectorate is made up of four teams; Policy Branch, Information Management Team and two Review Teams. The Review Teams carry out Care and Welfare inspections of Individual Training establishments in support of ARTD, fieldwork and report writing for thematic studies and monitor issues presenting risk to life, reputation and
capability; known colloquially as Weak Signals. Evidence informing these activities is derived from many sources including; Army Competent Advisor & Inspector reports, CGS’ Briefing Team, Comd Sgt Majs’ Network and our own ‘Desk Top’ research. This diverse approach to evidence gathering allows the Army Inspectorate to take a balanced
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I am not feeling too good
and independent view on Army matters and subsequently inform the Inspector’s prioritisation of risk when briefing the CGS, ACG, ECAB and other 2* – 3*s. It is these reviews that the RAPTC WO is now mostly engaged with. Our particular team have been involved with a variety of assurance processes that have included: Op VOCATE, ANAOA, and the Army Recovery Capabilities (ARC). However the most complex study that involved RAPTC input was the Governance and Assurance of Adventurous Training which involved numerous visits to AT centres and units in the UK, Cyprus and Germany. The report will hopefully reinvigorate AT in the Army for all personnel which will be great news
Stop the boat, the gym is that way
for the RAPTC. There has also been an essential uplift of Directorates within Army HQ and restructuring our floor plate to accommodate CD CSS and relocating the Army Inspectorate to Blenheim building in Jun 14 is clear evidence that the transformation is well underway. My first task was to support the Lead Auditor in the conduct of an Individual Training evaluation at the School of Infantry and subsequently the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Both proved to be a steep learning curve, but a great opportunity to get out and meet-up with fellow RAPTCI’s. If anyone is thinking of working in Army HQ they should not be put off by the thought of the environment and definitely grab the opportunity with both hands as it’s a very ‘grown up’ affair. I would
recommend this role to anyone wishing to understand the broad complexity of the Army and what changes involve risk and assurance processes outside of the RAPTC and unit levels. Although the Army Insp is an eventful environment a few of us still managed to find time to conduct some AT by Sailing across the Baltic in the Kiel Trg Centre’s new fleet of Hallberg-Rassy 342’s which was a fitting event on the back end of the AT review. However sailing in the Baltic during March was definitely challenging and after I found my sea-legs it became a welcome break from Army HQ. An experience that I will never forget, it was literally Baltic by name – Baltic by nature.
DEFENCE SUPPORT UNIT
SSI Mckenzie RAPTC on the right figuring what to
WO2 QMSI Babbington Taking In the views of Snowdonia
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4 ARMOURED MEDICAL REGIMENT BIATHLON TEAM SSgt (SSI) A Harvey RAPTC
Divisional Mass Start!
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owards the end of 2013, I was approached by my unit Nordic Skiing Officer, asking if I would be interested in taking up the role as team captain and as a conditioning coach of a male novice 4 Armoured Medical Regiment (4 AMR) team. And to take part in various exercises that involved undergoing a 5 week training package in Norway as well as competitions at Divisional and Corps level, both held in southern France. The novice team from 4 AMR consisted of myself at 38 years of age and five Pte soldiers aged 18, as you can imagine, I had to be on top of my game!
I was extremely happy with my novice team efforts, as we came 22nd in the Divisional competition and a very close 2nd to a very experienced 2 Medical Regiment team. This outstanding result caught the attention within the Chain of Command of the AMS who were intrigued to know what preparation we had done, to which I answered “Periodisation in Training”. As a result, 4 AMR have now started receiving biathletes; on posting from all over the AMS. The experience from start to finish was outstanding and I would highly recommend this to any unit RAPTCI.
23 PIONEER REGIMENT SSgt (SSI) C Mason RAPTC
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ince last year’s Mind Body Spirit article 23 Pioneer Regt have been very busy collecting all sorts of sporting trophies. Probably the most prestigious award within the RLC was won by the Pioneers on 12 October 2013 at the 20th Anniversary of the RLC Military Skills Competition, held at The Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut. Fifty-two Regular and Reserve teams entered the competition making a total of 312 participants. It was an excellent and tightly fought event ending with 23 Pioneer Regiment crowned the overall champions in what was the Regiments last year in this competition, as the Regt is being disbanded mid 2015 as part of A2020. If that was a good end to the year, 2014 also started off promisingly when the Regt put in a fantastic showing in the RLC Cross-Country Championship. Now at Minor unit status they even produced a last minute squad for the Sp Comd basket ball Championship. You guessed it, they won that too.
It is fitting to save the best for last, so its only appropriate that I squeeze in one more notification of the Pioneers dominance in any physical challenge they step up to. As a reminder to my previous article, The Commando Speed March is held annually. The race follows the original route used to select personnel for Commando training who, if successful, would be trained in and around the grounds of Achnacarry House. Achnacarry House was used as the HQ of the primary British Commando Training Centre during the Second World War. The route is conducted over undulating metalled roads, starting at Spean Bridge train station and finishing 7 miles later at the Achnacarry House gates. This year the Pioneer team retained the trophy along with several others and were awarded the following: Ser Cat 1 1st Team
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Speed march champions
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1st Individual Veteran
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Female
Title/ Trophy Notes Brig Joe Starling Teams consist of a Shield minimum of five competitors with no maximum. The first five runners’ positions are added together and divided by five to give an average score. The team with the lowest average score will win the competition. Spean Bridge First competitor whether part of a team or not. Achnacarry First competitor whose 40th Shield Birthday is on or before the 2 Mar. Cameron Shield First Female competitor whether part of a team or entered as an ind.
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LIFE’S A BEACH!! SSgt (SSI) M Harrison RAPTC
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ife with the Gunners has been eventful, like anywhere else I guess, although the Artillery do have a rich history of traditions than can take a little getting used to at first!! Living on Thorney Island, just on the fringes of Portsmouth is a real privilege. The island is a former RAF launch point which boasts its own long sandy beach, perfect for CO`s PT and summer BBQ`s too!! 12th Regt are a Combined Air Defence (CAD) Regiment, responsible for the majority of drone type flights and surveillance activity on Operations. Over the past year we have been as busy as the rest of you, engaging in a number of tasks, including redundancies, flood protection and the Op Herrick drawdown. The main focus for myself has been keeping the guys and girls in good shape on the PD front and getting involved in the vast number of sporting competitions across Support Command UK South. We held our annual weight management camp in Germany during November 2013, where we took our 20 most at risk soldiers into the Harz mountain region to carry out a health & lifestyle week, giving those that need it the tools to get themselves back on the right path to full fitness and deployability. This has thus far proved to be a huge success, with the majority of students already passing all areas of MATT 2 and showing positive signs towards a real change in attitude towards their personal health. In June 2013 we organised a charity boxing dinner raising funds for the Royal Artillery Charitable Fund (RACF). The night was an astounding success, raising close to ÂŁ10,000! I managed to get a number of good quality auction items through begging letters to high level sporting organisations, which helped raise huge amounts on the night. We are running this again in May 2014.
12 RA Combat Conditioning
RA Boxing Championships
12 RA Boxing Team
I have also been the UK South FA secretary for the past 18 months, running the league and cup competitions across the region, which has been a demanding but rewarding task. I am relinquishing this role in place of the UK South Boxing secretary in June this year. I am a member of the Army Boxing Association major panel of officials, which is highly rewarding. This role gets us appointed on a number of fantastic shows across the UK, officiating at both civilian and Combined Services shows. I am busy with lots of the UK South shows too, getting out and about as often as possible. The upcoming year already has a pretty packed forecast and I look forward to what is round the corner, I guess that is the beauty in this diverse role we all carry out on a daily basis. I wish you all the best for this next training year....
SSgt Harrison and SSgt Thomas at Army Boxing
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ROWING – THE ORIGINAL CROSSFIT EXERCISE By Ben Duggan
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o those in the know, rowers are the undisputed kings of cardiovascular fitness. Among athletes, elite level rowers are renowned for having the biggest heart and lungs in the business. Evidence of this is seen in British rower and double Olympic Champion Pete Reed, who boasts the largest lung capacity ever recorded – a whopping 11.68 litres! To put that into some perspective, Lance Armstrong’s lung capacity taken during his final Tour de France win was a mere (by comparison) 7 litres. Beyond its cardiovascular benefits, rowing provides a calorie scorching, full body workout. When correctly executed, the rowing action uses every large muscle group in the body (roughly 85% of total muscle mass,) building lean muscle and kick starting the metabolic system. The limitation of easily accessing boats, oars, and rivers etc. unfortunately means that we can’t all be Lycra clad oarsmen and women. And this is where the indoor rowing machine comes in. Indoor rowing has all the physiological benefits of rowing on the river, in a much more convenient package. It is no wonder that elite performers in a number of high profile sports use the rowing machine to achieve peak fitness. Famously, four-time Olympic sailing champion Ben Ainslie attributes having an edge in endurance over his rivals to hours spent on the rowing machine. That’s not to say the indoor rower is reserved for top level athletes. As people become more intelligent about how they exercise, the rowing machine is steadily becoming the workout tool of choice for amateur fitness enthusiast both at home and in the gym.
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1 ROYAL SCHOOL OF MILITARY ENGINEERING (RSME) REGIMENT WHERE WE ARE WO2 (QMSI) S Green RAPTC
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he RSME Group remains both complex and diverse with seven separate Unit Commands spread over six geographically disparate sites. In support, much of the group is enabled by the strategic partnership we have with Holdfast Training Services. The breadth and depth of the training remit is considerable, the outputs vary from combat engineers to army musicians, chartered engineers to veterinary technicians and counter-IED search dogs to specialist electricians! This year the group is on track to deliver over 11,000 trained serviceman and women on over 500 different course types: Impressive. With the design and planning of our future armed forces, including Army 2020, almost complete, it is imperative that the RSME group is optimised to deliver the capability required by defence. The RSME has been training the Army Reservists for a number of years, most notably in Plant, Command, Search and aspects of Combat Engineering. The future aspirations are that more training will be centralised at the RSME and the standard will be common with Regular training, against certain training objectives. 1 RSME Regt is an extremely busy environment that caters for not only the RE soldiers during their training but also has numerous lodger units based at Brompton Barracks all of which the RAPTCI is responsible for: • HQ RSME • HQ RE • Professional Educational Wing • RE Band • RE Insight Course (3 day selection course for future RE Soldiers) • RE Training Development Team • RE Troop Commanders Course
1 RSME Regt has also been extremely busy on the Sports Fields having staged 2 Regimental and 1 RE Corps boxing nights, 1 RE Corps Athletics Day, numerous Basketball events and the Army Bench Press Championships as well as copious CO’s Competitions, with the highlight being “Wainscott Mudder” a Tough Guy event involving the entire station, this was by far the biggest Physical Training event that the Regt had ever conducted, it involved the entire Plant Department creating a course that involved water obstacles, Tunnels, Bun Lines, Ditches, Hesco and to create that authentic military feel blank rounds, smoke and thunder flashes…oh and the small matter of 1800L of fuel being used to construct the course. The Gym also Introduced a new “right of passage” for all students called the Amherst 5 Endurance Race (Reinventing the “Hard Run” for all you ex Royal Engineers amongst you), this involves a section commander led event comprising of 5 miles, 5 hills carrying stretchers, logs and GPMG’s….The students love it…………..honest.. 1 RSME Regt is an evolving Unit that is constantly trying to push the barriers in order to improve the output for all soldiers based at Brompton Barracks whether that is in the form of keen and highly motivated AAPTI’s wanting to impress, organising regular AT trips or educational visits to historical venues in the form of Battlefield Tours. I am thoroughly enjoying my time at 1 RSME Regt and let’s look forward to another eventful year.
With the job comes the responsibility of making sure that the following RSME based establishments are PD compliant in all formats including MATT2: • DEMS Regt (Defence Explosive Munitions School) • RMSM (Royal Military School of Music) • DAC (Defence Animal Centre) Royal Visit It’s not every day that you get a royal visit, but the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, recently visited the new facilities at DEMS Trg Regt, Bicester. The visit took in many aspects of the new facilities and Princess Anne was very keen to speak to both instructors and students to learn about the DEMS Trg Regt. She was shown demonstrations in ammunitions maintenance in the field, underwater EOD and high risk search and IEDD.
Princess Anne visiting DEMS Trg Regt
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Soldier Leaving the water hazard
Getting Wet at Wainscott Mudder
Soldiers enjoying one of the many obstacles
CO getting muddy at the Wainscott Mudder
QMSI with students during the Amherst
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HEADQUARTERS 160 (WALES) BRIGADE Capt (MAA) IJN Bareham RAPTC
S
ince writing my last MBS notes the time has flown by and I have had to make a new transition ~ less crime fighting!. Being one of the newly established Bde SO3’s has come with its challenges but I can honestly say I am enjoying myself.
160X is slightly different to some of the other Bde’s in that I only have 1 Rifles, 14SREW, MoD St Athan and IBS as Regular units within my AOR. That said we are heavy on Reservists and Cadets and as you can see from below a lot of training is conducted in Wales: • 5% of Army are currently from Wales • 9% of Three services are currently from Wales • 3000 Regulars in Wales • 3000 Reserve in Wales • 4000 Cadets in Wales • 20% Army training estate is in Wales • 385,000 MTD were conducted on Private Land last year
For each post I have had in the RAPTC to date there has always been a form of handover/ takeover but this time the post had been gapped for a considerable amount of time. Maj Warwick had been pulled early from the post to go to RMAS and had only done a short time in 160X. So on arrival it was straight into the deep end and fight Capt (MAA) IJN Bareham RAPTC the nearest crocodile, for me I thought it would be the two thousand plus emails on the system but And it’s the ‘others’ that are creating the challenge unfortunately Brecon had seen the hottest day ever recorded the as such. For such a long time working with the Regulars there is day before I started and there had been numerous fatalities on some what of a routine and with the Reservists trying to build to Pen Y Fan. Whilst the event was not directly controlled by 160X it a circa of 30,000 we do need to invest some more time there in did happen within our AOR and the next few days were trying to assuring they have the support required. assist the local units on risk reduction. Finally it would be remiss of me not to say a few thank you’s. 143X I was fortunate to arrive from 1UKXX with some staff experience Capt Chris Oakes and WO2 Craig Woolass, 49X WO1 Lee Swann and I felt fairly content but the transition from Warrant Officer to and Sp Comd SMI’s ‘Jack’ Horner and Chris Hames. Gentlemen Commissioned Officer and then straight into a Bde HQ has been thank you for your support/guidance to smooth my transition. a steep transition.
1ST BATTALION THE RIFLES SGT (SI) L Spires RAPTC
S
ince arriving in January 1 Rifles has seen many changes. We were gearing towards deployment to Herrick 19 with 7 Bde but received the news that we were no longer required. With that in mind the unit became even busier having to supply RLS for all serials in order for 7 Bde to deploy. It has also seen a transition from 3 Cdo Bde to 160 Bde this year and a restructure for the Battalion due to Army 2020. The introduction of a well structured reconditioning programme which has seen many soldiers upgraded to fully deployable for the first time in many years and also med grades change in a positive
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manner. The programme is spread over a 3 month period and is progressive and measurable. The PT over that period had been very sparse but with the unit AAPTI’s being proactive it saw an increase in the amount of PFA and AFT passes for the last few years. After the summer leave period 1 Rifles returned to what some call a normal state, the idea of running the first 1 Rifles inter company boxing competition came to light and 48 boxers from across the battalion volunteered. Cpl Edwards and Cpl Pigeon (4 Rifles) lead the way and did a sublime job in getting the men ready for the prelims. The standard of boxing was well above that expected and credit goes to the coaches and the boxers for such a
great spectacle on the 12 Dec. 1 Rifles would also like to thank those RAPTCI’s that volunteered to officiate over that week. 1 Rifles has been conducting varied activities during each week accumulating in a Commanding Officers PT parade every Friday, the sessions have been arduous but exciting and most of all challenging the Riflemen’s mental and physical robustness and leadership. With the arrival of SSgt Billingham from 1 Royal Anglian, this unit is set for exciting times and it’s a shame to leave such a prestigious unit. The unit are now concentrating on sport and AT in order to see the soldiers’
CO Lt Col Hickman in Training
leadership qualities shine through, so far this is having a positive effect, with unit moral and fitness. 1 Rifles are competing well in a majority of sports, such as cycling, football, rugby, judo and especially the cross country.
14TH SIGNAL REGIMENT WO2 (QMSI) S Lingwood RAPTC
I
was posted to 14th Signal Regiment in June 2013. 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare) is the only British Army Regiment capable of conducting sustainable electronic warfare in support of national operations worldwide. As a consequence of this it is one of the biggest and busiest Regiments with Squadrons simultaneously on operations and in training at all times. Training has been adapted to focus on teamwork which is vital to the signals on operation as they traditionally work in small groups, such as the Commanding Officers mystery event. This event took place upon Newgale beach and was both physically and mentally challenging. The four field Squadrons entered a team of ten young fit individuals comprising of one officer, SNCO and one female. The team events included log and stretcher races along the beach, wading through the sea and obstacles, before the climb up Spartan hill along the coast path up to the barracks. When the teams thought they had finished the event they were surprised by physical elements within the gym before finishing. In the first instance you would think that due to its remote location in Pembrokeshire it would be difficult to keep ‘in the running’ within Regimental sports competitions. This has especially been the case in the past. However we are currently trying to put together some sporting teams to take part including a boxing team. The Pembrokeshire coastline has also been utilised, not only is it an extremely beautiful area, its rugged terrain and hilly coastal path has been an excellent training ground for getting P company candidates fit. It is also an excellent adventurous training ground, which will be included in the squadrons training
programmer’ in the summer months. Despite the planned regimental move to St Athan in 2018. The gym has recently acquired new modern CV and resistance equipment, which has encouraged some new faces into the gym. It’s not all hard work and no play! We have also enjoyed a trip to Chile where we trekked within the national park of Torres Del Paine in the Patagonian Andes. The aim of the expedition was to develop the personal qualities of the participants through adventurous training in a relaxed, but demanding environment. Individuals will be trained and tested in order to achieve the Summer Mountain Foundation (SMF) qualification. What’s next?! I am about to set off for my second jolly to France skiing! I look forward to the challenges ahead and making the most of my time here in the Regiment’s final years in Pembrokeshire.
Trekking around one of the glaciers in Torres Del Paine
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Headquarters 1st (United Kingdom) Armoured Division
WO2 (QMSI) C Burnett RAPTC
British Army Germany RAPTC Study Period Sep 2013
I
would like to open these notes with a massive thanks to Capt (MAA) Iain Bareham RAPTC for providing me with a superb HO/TO and a great insight into the SWOPD appointment at HQ 1(UK) Armd Div. I was posted into the appointment from 1LSR RLC, which I considered to be a busy and challenging post, but having now been in post at the Divisional Headquarters for 11 months, I understand what busy means, it has been a very steep learning curve and without doubt my most challenging but rewarding appointment thus far. 2013 has seen an 80% turnover of PD Branch staff, Maj (MAA) Bob Whitaker RAPTC took over from Maj (MAA) Sheff Appleby RAPTC in March 13 with myself taking over as SWOPD in June, Mrs ZoĂŤ Scarcliff and Mr Ryan Whitaker both assumed their respective roles as Chief Clerk and Sports Clerk in September, Maj (Retd) Clyde White BEM remains in post as the SO3 Sport and continues to put his boundless energy behind the organisation and delivery of sport across BFG. The Division is a real hive of activity and as in previous years has gone through a very busy and diverse period; the main focus
1XX Capt Bareham WO2 Burnett HO TO
throughout 2013 was ensuring 7 and 20 Armd Bdes were fit for their deployment on OP HERRICK 19 and 20. There has also been intense preparation for the transformation of 1 (UK) Armoured Division to 1st (UK) Division who will command
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the Adaptable Force (AF) under the Army 2020, this will include Units restructuring and rebasing from Germany to UK of over 7000 military and civilian personnel. As always the Branch continues to be proactive and remains open to new initiatives that underpin PD throughout the Division. One such initiative has been the introduction on 1st April 2013 of two competitions aimed at improving levels of MATT 2 compliance amongst Units and general fitness of 1XX personnel. Both competitions require a minimum of 75% of Unit held strength (not to be confused with available strength) to be fully compliant with MATT 2, Units achieving this qualify through to stage 2. On completion of the training year Unit MATT 2 data is extracted from FISS and analysed with prizes being awarded as follows: Rhino Warrior Trophy – Major and Minor Unit achieving the highest average PFA score over the year – meaning that every person in the Unit completing a PFA during the training year contributes to the overall score. Rhino 300 – Major and Minor Unit with the highest proportion of their held strength achieving at least one score of 300 points on the PFA during the training year. It has been hugely satisfying from a PD Branch perspective to see the improvements in what were already very good MATT 2 compliance rates and PFA based fitness levels. It is without doubt that the combination of these competitions and the continued hard work of the 1XX cohort of Unit RAPTCIs have resulted in a overall year on year increase of 7% in compliance with MATT 2 across the Division. The declared winners at the end of training year 2013/14 were 2 PWRR in both Major Unit competitions and our very
own HQ 1 (UK) Armd Div in both Minor Unit competitions. In September 2013 and with the SO2 being keen to ensure maximum attendance at RAPTC formal gatherings in the UK, a hardy group of BFG based RAPTCIs attended the historical unveiling of the RAPTC Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum. As I am sure all will agree the 32 hour return journey was more than worth it as it was an event executed to the very highest standards that this prestigious event in our “Corps” history deserved. Late October saw both the SO2 and SWOPD attend the Divisional Staff Ride to Stalingrad, attendance on this event was a huge privilege and it was a humbling experience to say the least, both of us enjoyed the experience immensely and it was experience neither of us will forget for a long time. In the coming months there will continue to be huge changes within BFG as the rebasing programme of units from Germany back to the UK picks up pace. In preparation for its new AF role 1 (UK) Armd Division, will undergo a name change on 18 Jul 14 and will become 1 (UK) Division, dropping the ‘Armoured’ from the title and the HQ will rebase to York in 2015.
1XX SO2 Russia BFS
1XX SO2 SWOPD Russia
Whilst these significant changes will remain challenging over the next 12 to 18 months, the PD Branch in the “Fighting 1st Division” will continue to remain focussed on supporting our Units in the delivery of personnel that are physically conditioned and robust for combat operations in any environment – Soldier First. “Mens Sana in Corpore Sano”
Eternal Flame Memorial Mamayev Kurgan Stalingrad
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20TH ARMOURED BRIGADE WO1 (SMI) S Collins RAPTC
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he 20th Armd Bde HQ has been one of the busiest yet most rewarding postings I have had to date. The Bde are spread over BA(G) and also has Units in London and Ballykinler. Upon arrival the Bde were preparing for BATUS and I was frantically chasing around gathering a team of ATI’s, drivers and chefs to support the AT packages at Trails End Camp. Our time at TEC turned out be very eventful as Alberta in Canada was suffering its’ worst floods in over 500 years. As you can imagine this had a major effect on training and weeks were spent rebuilding the Bear Dawn camp at Sundance Lodge, which had been almost completely washed away. SSgts Wooldridge and WO2 Pulham along with Sgt Gibson and myself volunteered for some local community projects, assisting with repairing the damage caused by the floods. This was extremely humbling and also good to see the RAPTCI’s in the middle of reconstructing damaged property, needless to say it became very competitive as we raced to complete more work than had been done in previous days by other groups doing similar tasks.
SMI visited by 20X HQ
Although the Bde HQ has been a busy and demanding role the team have still managed to get out and participate at most 1 UK Div sports events. We are currently BA(G) squash champions and I even managed to get in the team! With the drawdown of BA(G) and the return of OSG to the UK this has meant 20X have picked up the task of organising Ex Pipedown 2015. I was lucky enough to be involved in the recce to Les Contamines in the French Alps and thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to Skiing by WO2 (QMSI) Dean Foley. His words will live with me as I was travelling down a red route “what you mean you’ve NEVER skied!!!” The Bde have now completed the MST phase in build up to Herrick 20 and we wish them all a safe and enjoyable tour as they de-construct Bastion. We have also had 2 promotions to WO2 in the last promotion boards and congratulations to both SSgts Pulham and Newton for their dedication and well deserved promotions.
SSgt Wooldridge rebuilding Bear Dawn
WO2 Pulham, SSgt Wooldridge, WO1 (SMI) Collins and Sgt (SI) Gibson-Flood relief
WO1 (SMI) Collins enjoying the view
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5TH BATTALION THE RIFLES SSgt (SSI) P Newton RAPTC
B
attalion pace has continued to be full throttle with very few chances to come up for air. Herrick 20 is approaching fast and 5 RIFLES have been non stop in preparation to take over the manoeuvre Battle Group role. A series of high profile and demanding exercises has kept the Battalion challenged and focused on tasks ahead. Physical development has been at the forefront of preparation with a progressive ramp up in intensity and mission specific training. Physical Training within the Battalion has also been used as respite for the troops with an Inter Coy Sports competition kicking
off Salamanca day celebrations. A Coy were the victors with impressive displays at Football, Basketball and Tug of War. Monthly Commanding Officer Challenges have also been introduced to raise competitive spirit and Sub Unit cohesion. I myself am readying to deploy ahead of the Battalion to assist in the delivery of the RSOI package from Apr – Jul 14. On return from Afghanistan I will be leaving this Battalion for pastures new, although it will have been a fast paced two years I have thoroughly enjoyed every challenge this busy Armoured Infantry Unit has given me. Swift and Bold
SSgt (SSI) Newton leading a team in on the Bde Super-Teams Competition
1ST QUEEN’S DRAGOON GUARDS WO2 (QMSI) L Pulham RAPTC
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y first year with the QDG’s has come and gone in what seems like a blink of an eye, with the Regiment preparing to return to Afghan on Herrick 20 it’s been non stop. During the year I was lucky enough to deploy to Batus where I spent 3 months at Trail Ends Camp as part of the 20X AT staff, work hard, play hard was the mission statement and with the right balance we delivered a fantastic package and had an amazing experience. One of the highlights of the year was the 24hr PFA Charity event that involved a group of 11 QDG soldiers completing 1 PFA on the hour every hour for 24 hours. The PFA involves completing 44 press-ups in 2 minutes, 50 sit ups in 2 minutes and completing the 20 meter bleep test up to level 10.2. Although incredibly hard and emotional all 11 participants somehow managed to complete the challenge and by the end each team member had completed 1056 press ups, 1200 sit ups and covered just under 25 miles in 20 meter shuttles all in the name of charity. However it was all worth it and the Regiment managed to raise an amazing €2140 which was split 50/50 between the Noah Ark Children’s Hospital in Cardiff and the Royal British Legions Poppy appeal. The 24hr PFA Charity event team: OIC Event WO2 Pulham RAPTC, Lt Findlay QDG, 2Lt Dawes AGC, Sgt Driver AGC, Sgt Davies AGC, Sgt Ananins QDG, LCpl
The Regiment supporting the team on their final PFA
Maunder QDG, LCpl Chater QDG, Tpr Mole QDG, Tpr Cole QDG, Pte Gondwe AGC. Since the turn of the year and the imminent deployment to Afghanistan has meant we have stepped up the level of training, unfortunately for the troops this means there has been a progressive increase in the level of PT delivered to ensure the guys and girls deploying are at their physical peak and are ready for the demands of Afghanistan.
The 24hr PFA Team at the end of the challenge
WO2 (QMSI) L Pulham warming up before another PFA
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QUEEN’S ROYAL HUSSARS SSgt (SSI) S Wooldridge RAPTC
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eing my second year in post at the QRH I would like to write that after a hectic year this has been a little more ‘mellow’, this has not been the case. With BATUS under their belt the Regiment is now preparing for Infantry Exercise in Oman, an Operational deployment in Warthogs, and a number of ‘overseas’ trips are planned. During BATUS I had the privilege of working at Trails End Camp (TEC) for a number of weeks. With activities ranging from White Water Rafting to Horse Riding, there was a wide scope to keep the guys (and me) entertained! The area was hit with severe flooding and this put a halt to a number of activities. All that was left to do was chuck on my wellies and help the local people of Calgary ‘muck out’. This was gratefully rewarded with cold beers and free accommodation for the World Famous Calgary Stampede (the guys on the prairie were constantly in my thoughts – yeeee ha!).
20X RAPTCI’s on the Chiddle Challenge
A return from BATUS saw a steep rise in PT and the activities surrounding the deployments. Stretcher races, Gun runs, Logs and Tyres re-acquainting themselves with the Regiment, preparing
20X RAPTCI’s at Calgary Stampede
them to put the Tanks to bed and revert back to the Mk1 Black personnel carriers! Background activities including Regimental Boxing, sporting victories and Inter-Squadron competitions throughout the year which have allowed us to keep a foot firmly planted on the gym floor.
WO1 (SMI) Collins and SSgt (SSI) Wooldridge at work
With guys deploying on Herrick 20 later this year, Oman (including an excellent AT package after), and who knows what else! It looks like another busy but physically challenging and rewarding year ahead.
WO1 (SMI) Collins, SSgt (SSI) Wooldridge and SSgt (SSI) Pulham practice VBL
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HQ 102 LOG BDE WO1 (SMI) C Walbrook RAPTC Mission – A tactically proficient, technically capable and integrated brigade; imbued with fighting spirit and a determination to succeed.
Reserve Bde and as a result, an achievable PD Directive was created in accordance with Bde Comd intent. This outlined the importance of absolute fitness, sport and adventurous training that will contribute towards self-reliance, team spirit and leadership in the Bde. PDI/OSV has been conducted successfully for both 7 TLR and 6 TLR. Army Reserve units are the next in line for PDIs.
What a busy, adaptive and exciting year in the finest RAPTC. Apr 14, I completed an E2 OET post at QEHB which was a challenge, rewarding and sensitive job. May 14, POTL, I officially arrived at 21 Engr Regt for 6 weeks prior to posting. This gave sufficient time to implement the unit collective PT and design a collective programme The Bde is proactive on the PD frontage and for rehabilitation, downgraded and reconditioning. organised a successful RLC (G) Festival for Sport The feedback from 120 injured soldiers at the Sep 13 at Gutersloh and Bde units have exceeded last session prior to posting was inspiring, a AT % targets set by CLF for 13/14 and continue to WO1 (SMI) C Walbrook RAPTC sense of progression and achievement. Jul 14, provide AT opportunities for soldiers. 41 soldiers I was posted to 102 Log Bde as SMI to establish from 102X attended ESW 14 and gained basic a new post. Personal achievements this year include a double skiing qualifications. Next event – Bde Comd’s Bde Festival for promotional jump to level 6 football referee and application for Sport (14 sports included) is scheduled at Cottesmore Jul 14. The promotion to level 5 for season 14/15. Whist proudly continuing Bde Comd chairs quarterly BHC meetings which have provided to represent the RAPTC at squash, negotiations took place an effective method to ensure units comply with policy, MATTs 2 with Troop Aid (charity) who generously sponsored the RAPTC testing and effectively manage obesity. squash team. HQ 102X squash team regularly trains hard (SMI lead) and on 2/3 Apr 14 won the Inter units BA(G) Squash 3 Man Gutersloh Garrison RAPTCI/Key personalities have organised Competition – Outstanding. a plethora of events creating competition between the units including, inter unit indoor football, squash, touch rugby and golf. Bde Comd intent is to contribute to the successful conclusion of Additionally, Station RAPTCIs organised a successful Health Fair, combat operations in Afghanistan with a focus on redeployment RRU deliver BFG educational training days and battle continues – the HQ JFSp(A) 18 Main Effort (ME). In addition, the Brigade to teach soldiers how to swim and reduce the number of non will transform over the next two years to become the logistic swimmers in Gutersloh units. component of the Adaptable Force within 1 (UK) Division. Brigade transformation will include the growth and integration of the Reserve Jul 15, HQ 102 Log Bde HQ are scheduled to move back to units; both are vital activities, and the rigorous development of our the UK under the rebasing A2020 plan albeit, the exact location institutional resilience and contingent capability. Transformation is (potentially either Grantham or Dishforth) has not been finalised. the Brigade Main Effort during 2014-15 and will be achieved by A2020 will see the transformation and growth of the Bde to 16 harmonising the components of fighting power. Fighting power units (4 Regular, 1 Hybrid and 11 Army Reserves) so plenty of provides the Brigade with its ability to operate, to sustain combat, work for the Bde SMI! and, if required, to fight. The Brigade will derive its effectiveness from a harmonisation of the conceptual, physical and moral components of fighting power, building on solid foundations as simply and consistently as possible. In the first 3 months I completed advisory visits to 102X units to indentify at the ‘coal face’ areas of good practice and the problems and difficulties that units face. Additionally, it helped to sign post units (both Regular and Army Reserve) to the future change to PD and the units CofC. Visiting the units provided an understanding of a mixed Regular and Army
Bde SMI/German National Squash Team at Paderborn Squash Club
Winners of the BA(G) Inter Unit Squash 3 Man Competition 2/3 Apr 14
6 THEATRE LOGISTIC REGIMENT RLC WO2 (QMSI) S Hughes RAPTC
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Theatre Logistic Regiment RLC are a 3rd line unit, which provides logistical support to 102 Log Bde. This is the first time that I have worked with the RLC and I had no idea what to expect. I was told that they were a 3rd line unit and I didn’t have a clue what that meant. On arrival the ship was sailing in the right direction, soldiers were fit, participated
in sport and lots of AT. The unit has energy, determination and take pride in competing and winning sporting events. The unit retain for another year the holders of the Murray Cup. The Murray cup is an RLC Sports competition with 12 events conducted over a 12 month period. The unit competed in 19 different sports over the reporting period with success in the following:
• Athletics – RLC Mens Team Champions 13. • Badminton – RLC (G) and BA (G) Team Champions. • Basketball – RLC (G), RLC, BA (G) and Army Champions 13. • Tug of War – RLC (G) and BA(G) Champions. • RLC (G) Festival of Sport overall unit winners.
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Exercise Bavarian Fo
Ex Flying Fox
RLC (G) Festival of Sports
Cfn Adams Best Boxer
64 Sqn Inter Sqn Boxing Champions 2014
conduct Type 2/3 AT for over 58% of the unit in Trg Yr 13/14 and get a majority of the unit competing in external BAG Sports Competitions. An outstanding achievement especially when the unit are preparing for a future Operation.
Britain and who have been inspirational through their dedication, commitment and determination to sport throughout the year. The evening concluded with a 3 course meal and was truly a memorable and enjoyable event.
To celebrate the sporting prowess of the unit and to applaud the various individual sporting achievements, the unit conducted a Sports Awards night. The event was conducted in PRB Station gymnasium with over 275 people in attendance. The format was similar to ‘BBC Sports Personality of the Year’. Eight categories/awards were on offer to those sportsman and women that have excelled, represented the Unit/Army/ Combined Services/represent Great
6 TLR held a Inter Sqn Boxing Competition 6 Mar 14. An outstanding event held in PRB Station gymnasium. BMW sponsored the event supplying 2 executive cars to show case the entrance to the event and Jaguar supplied the new F type Jaguar sport for the gymnasium VIP area. Maj Gen Henderson CB and Brig Amison OBE were in attendance and presented the trophies to the best boxer and 64 Sqn who were overall winners of the event.
• Winners of the RLC (G) Murray Cup 13. • Howlett and Thorne Trophy 13 – Runners up. The unit deployed on Exercise BAVARIAN CHARGER, Graffenwoer Camp Bavaria between Mar and Jun 13 in support of 20 Bde. The exercise was conducted by the BATUS staff and mirrored Exercise PRAIRIE THUNDER. This was a fantastic opportunity for the unit to operate in conditions in preparation for Op HERRICK 20 (B). Aug 13, the unit conducted a Parachuting Expedition to the RAPA drop zone at Bad Lippspringe in Germany. The Exercise FLYING FOX was an amazing experience for the guys and girls of the unit in attendance and as a result, 6 individuals obtained their ‘A’ licences and 5 achieved their first freefall. It was such a great success that the unit is entering two 4 way skydiving teams into the Armed Forces Parachuting Championships in Netheravon in Aug 14. The RLC (G) Festival of Sport took place in Sep with 11 different sports conducted throughout the day. The unit not only hosted the event but also won the overall competition. The unit have managed to
1 LOGISTICS SUPPORT REGIMENT RLC SSgt (SSI) T Hicks RAPTC
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aving spent 90% of my time in the RAPTC as an ATI, I thought I would broaden my knowledge by completing a tour as a mainstream PTI. Prior to taking up my new post in Aug 13, I was a little anxious that lots had changed as a mainstream RAPTCI. 1 LSR are best known as being a sporting regiment and strives at winning the Howlett and Thorne trophy (Best sporting regiment in Germany). I felt I had big shoes to fill by taking over from WO2 (QMSI) Burnett, who has since been selected for promotion to WO1. First impressions of mainstream life, carnage! Everyone wants a piece of you and you soon learn to juggle workloads and multi task. 1 Logistic Support Regiment’s Mission is to provide assured logistic support to 20th Armd Bde, and other units and formations as directed, in order to meet 1 (UK) Armd Divs operational and training commitments. 1 LSR wanted to play their part in the closure of Op HERRICK and undertook the challenge of re-rolling for the fist time in their history to a Theatre Logistic Regiment before deploying on Herrick 20A. SSgt T Hicks in the 20km Biathlon Race
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1 LSR has completed pre-deployment exercises to BATUS (Canada), BATUK (Kenya) and Ex BAVARIAN CHARGER in Germany. It has also stayed fully supporting to BA(G) sporting events and the organisation of the successful Ski RLC exercise, seeing over 500 RLC personnel compete. Our AT package Ex RHINO VENTURE was conducted in Garmish, Bavaria in the shadow of the US Edelweiss Lodge and Resort. This was the central point for running activities including kayaking, mountaineering, mountain biking and climbing with routes such as the Via Ferrata. In 3 weeks, around 250 of 1 LSR personnel enjoyed AT. In addition to all this I joined the 1 LSR Nordic Ski team as coach/ athlete, trying to retain the Princess Marina Cup (British Army Skiing Champions), which the unit has held for the last 8 years. I met up with the Ski team in mid Nov to start a 6 week training camp in Obertelliach, Austria. After a short break for Christmas we headed to France for the BA (G) Skiing Championships. This would set the benchmark on how strong our team really was; with a clean sweep in all the team events, things looked positive as we moved to the Army Championships. Competition here was far closer, with our main rivals 17 P&M RLC piping us in some of the team events. Fortunately when we combined our hard work with the downhill team we managed to retain the Princess Marina Cup for another year!
1LSR Winning 30Km Patrol Race Team
Although this year has been busy, hectic and carnage at times it has been enjoyable. Unfortunately, I will not be deploying with the unit on Op HERRICK 20A, but it will give me an excellent chance to regroup, support the tour and get involved with the Rear Operation Group.
7TH ARMOURED BRIGADE AND SIGNAL SQUADRON WO1 (SMI) L James RAPTC
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013 saw the deployment of elements of 7X on Op Herrick 19. This was to be an extremely uncertain Tour with the Operational Equipment Table (OET) being changed on a daily basis and tour lengths being changed from 6 to 9 months or in some cases 9 to 6 months. Even two weeks prior to the tour units/individuals were still unaware if they were deploying or not. The OET initially only had 1 RAPTC highlighted and that was SSgt (SSI) Marke, with our UK based unit 2 Royal Anglian in Cottismore who deployed as part of the Lashkar Gah Training Team (LTC). After some negotiations 4 SCOTS deployed SSgt (SSI) Dean Moss as part of the RSOI Team and SSgt (SSI) Southern Naylor 3 RHA RAPTCI as part of the Buzzard Ops. This only left me to try and secure a position on Tour, even if it was not in a PTI capacity at least if I was there I could oversee all elements of PT/Sport including numerous competitions and
1LSR Winning 30Km Patrol Race Team
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activities being held in Camp Bastion. The Bde offered me the Role of the Task Force Helmand R&R Co-ordinater, little did I know the PID would merge with Joint Force Support Alpha and I would co-ordinate the whole of Theatre R&R for Five Thousand, Four Hundred Troops. I was in dire need of Excel and Spreadsheet Training. (Which I never did find to do prior to deploying). During Pre Tour leave however and due to a welfare issue I was deployed two months early as the Bde Liaison Officer. This role was to ensure the Bde and its Units arrived in the best way possible, co-ordinating Driver Trg, HORN Trg and accommodation, onward flights and attending numerous meetings to name just a few tasks. I arrived in Afghan on the 1 Aug 13 and quickly bumped into Lt Col Dupree who was visiting Camp Bastion from KABUL. Taking on Theatre R&R as well as the Bde LO meant that the Eight and a half months that I was deployed flew past rapidly especially with various dramas with the Airbridge including the plummeting of a Voyager Plane of 5200 feet in 20 secs (I just so happened to be on this flight) along with Sgt (SI) Rogers RAPTC who is part of
the ANOA Team in KABUL. We truly thought our time had ended as the plane plummeted again. The outcome Pilot Error. Op Herrick 19 saw the end of Task Force Helmand. Back to Hohne and looking forward to a posting to 15X in York, or possibly Catterick. Good Luck to the Bde with the redeployment of troops to the UK and the subsequent merge with 49 Bde in Chilwell. ‘Long live the Dessert Rats.’ A special thank you to A/WO2 (QMSI) Murphy who truly did a sterling job standing in for me while I was flying 1000 feet trying to work Excel Spreadsheets. Congratulations to WO2 (QMSI) Lucas on his recent promotion and Sgt (SI) Coney and Sgt (SI) Rush on their selection for promotion to SSgt. 7X has been one of my very best postings to date, with a great team of RAPTCIs and great Divisional Support.
THE ROYAL SCOTS DRAGOON GUARDS AND 3 MERCIAN (THE STAFFORDS) Sgt (SI) J Masters RAPTC
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ell what a busy year that was! In the Gymnasium at Wessex Bks both units started the year with a build up for H19. The build up for both Regiments went well but in different directions as the roles that the soldiers were undertaking were to be very different. At the time 3 Merc had Sgt (SI) Murray and he delivered a build up program culminating with OFT 3 & 4. I on the other hand aimed SCOTS DG at finishing able to complete OFT 2. Scots DG held a very successful intersquadron competition; it was broken into 3 categories, Strong Soldier, Fit Soldier and Fit Section. Basically tasks that could be attributed to each of the categories were held in a competitive nature. Including vehicle pulls, rope climbs and OFT’s. Sgt (SI) Murray left 3 MERCIAN almost exactly a year after arriving, moving to 3 SCOTS where he was needed straight Ready to Roll
away to assist in training and mentoring of foreign nations armies. This left a gap at his unit, although I have stepped in for a short time he left his mark with professionalism. With the Robust and demanding training delivered both Regiments achieved their targets. The Units then went on to deploy but again these were at different times, SCOTS DG deployed earlier then most of 7 Armd Bde to Kabul and provided Force Protection and LO for the ANAOA , they also provided support and G4 for the whole of Kabul. 3 MERC however provided roles in three different locations both armoured Force Protection and Rapid Reaction Force. During this time of deployment I was kept back at camp due to an extremely large number of down graded soldiers and the Commanding Officers Intent to concentrate on individual rehab. This
Scots DG Strongest Man
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worked well and only a third of the numbers of down graded soldiers still remain. The Regiment also hosted 2 BA(G) sports competitions this year and ended up winning both of the events. Firstly the BA(G) Rugby 7’s as SCOTS DG have a very strong rugby culture. In the end the DANISH national 7’s team got beat in the final by the A team and the B team lost to them in the Semi-final. We will host the competition again this year and although our team is slightly different we hope to retain the Cup. The second Sport we hosted was the BA (G) Volleyball and due
to operational commitments our unit had to enter as a minor unit and surprisingly won a very tight and hard fought final. Through OP H19, 3 Mercian had lost one of their members and the Regt was hit very hard, however, even though the loss was felt at every level and this included the people left back in Fallingbostel the Regt soldiered on and are now returning from H19 after completing a successful tour. 3 MERCIAN stands down as a Battalion on 28 June 2014 after completing the Freedom parades back in the UK.
Both Units are looking forward to a challenging future but again they are very different from each other 3 MERCIAN are due to amalgamate with 1 & 2 MERCIAN their sister Battalions, where as SCOTS DG will spend a further year in Fallingbostel before moving to Leuchars Scotland. During the time here they will be changing from heavy Cavalry to a light Cavalry unit. This process has already begun as the Jackal’s have replaced all Challenger Two’s.
3 ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY SSgt (SSI) DW Southern-Naylor The Camp Bastion Santa Half Marathon On the 25 December 2013 at 0900 hrs a 105mm light gun, fired by father Christmas, marked the start of the Camp Bastion Santa Half Marathon.
just became big! The initial goal was to have around 200 people compete which would have been fantastic, what wasn’t known at the time by any of us was this wouldn’t even be half of the final numbers on the day.
The event was organised by the Joint Effects Targeting Group (JETG) to help raise funds for the Royal Artillery Association. That morning saw around 600 competitors from various ISAF organisations take part in what would be the last ever Sporting event for British Forces to take place on Christmas day in Afghanistan.
The next 3 months saw all of the JETG soldiers within the echelon befriend anybody within Camp Bastion who could assist us. Soldiers were making large German Style wooden huts to create a Christmas Market feel from which refreshments would be served. Christmas trees, snowmen, reindeers and wrapped presents started appearing around the compound, an odd sight for the many visitors we had. Each day more and more competitors would visit the tent to collect their race number pushing the numbers of competitors beyond what any of us could have imagined.
3 months earlier I deployed on Herrick 19 as a part of the JETG as their Buzzards Ops. Quick to realise that booking movements by helicopter for soldiers, ammunition and guns wouldn’t be the most taxing of roles I started to dream up various ideas to keep me busy. One of the many ideas was to start a running club for the JETG soldiers in Camp Bastion with the aim of completing a half marathon on Christmas Morning. After getting a group together, training began, and during the long runs around the airfield and leatherneck talk started of them wanting to race each other. After some thought I decided to organise a Regimental Half Marathon race on Christmas Morning which most of the Regiment were keen on taking part in. Once the Commanding Officer in TFH heard of this, it was decided: “Staff, I want all the bells and whistles on this”. There was no going back. Myself and all of the other soldiers within the echelon set to work organising the Regimental Half Marathon on Christmas day. Other Regiments after hearing about the event wanted to take part, so an easy decision was made: Make the race open to all Soldiers and contractors in the Camp Bastion and Leatherneck Complex, this
BFBS saw a daily visit from the JETG shamelessly plugging the race, even writing a jingle with the help from BFBS Jade Galloway to the song “Its Christmas “ by slade. The Jingle passed vetting by BFBS UK and was played on air quite a few times; it was out of tune and out of time but it helped with getting more competitors to register. Route selection, which normally would take a day to organise back in camp, took over 6 weeks. Constant rejection from the Bastion force protection wing due to security reasons became somewhat frustrating but was understandable. Around 600 competitors stood in one place at the same time on Christmas morning started to become a huge security risk, and as the race was now advertised daily it was well publicised amongst the soldiers and LEC’s alike. Finally the Force Protection plan to protect the runners at the start/finish area and on the route was agreed. A 2 lap race with over 24 soldiers acting as armed force protection around the route was the final plan. At 0600 on a cold Christmas Morning all of the JETG echelon set to work organising their various areas. 2 German wooden huts built for this day held, hot chocolate, Gluwein, mince pies and various fruits for the competitors. Snowmen, Christmas trees and reindeer were dotted around the warm up area. This truly was a Christmas spectacle and the months of hard work from all of the JETG started to pay off.
Santa on the gun
At 0840, when I was about to go on stage with BFBS presenter Andy Asprey I was handed a letter that had arrived from the Prime Minister which I was ordered to read out prior to the start. I had completely forgotten that I wrote to the Prime Minister a couple of months earlier explaining the event that the JETG were
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SSgt (SSI) Southern-Naylor conducting the pre race warm up
Letter from the Prime Minister
Competitors setting off
organising and asked if he wished to have anything read out to the competitors on his behalf.
filmed by the BBC escorted all of the competitors to the start line, the gun was fired and they were off.
The letter that I read, thanked all of the soldiers for the work that they were doing on tour and wished them a Merry Christmas and good luck in the Camp Bastion Santa Half Marathon, a great morale boost for those there on that day.
Soldiers and civilians in various forms of fancy dress such as Father Christmas, mince pies, Christmas trees, Christmas presents made their way around Camp Bastion and Leatherneck, a very odd sight.
The warm up started, which was basically me doing my best aerobics routine to the tunes that Andy Asprey from BFBS played.
The morning was absolutely fantastic with one of the greatest atmospheres I have witnessed at any sporting event. The hard work of all of the JETG was clear to see on the faces of all of those that took part, making for an extremely memorable occasion. There is always talk of the role of an RAPTCI on operations, well this role was probably one of the most bizarre.
Towards the end of the warm up a Chinook took off and started to do a ‘slow and low’ fly by approximately 30m off the ground next to all of the competitors, in the side hatch was Father Christmas leaning out waving at everybody, this was the final piece of planning. Father Christmas was dropped off nearby and whilst
£2,200 in total was raised for the Royal Artillery Association
4TH BATTALION THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF SCOTLAND THE HIGHLANDERS SSgt (SSI) Moss D RAPTC
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have been the RAPTCI at 4 Scots for the last 20 months, this time has flown by with the fast pace of an Infantry Regiment preparing for Ops on Herrick19. This is my third post as an RAPTCI, I was asked whilst in post at the Royal School of Signals if I would consider a posting to Germany as the RAPTCI to 4 SCOTS which I grasped with both hands.
modern day Infantry has changed from the days of Tours of the Balkans and NI where I have had first hand experience of how an Infantry Regiment goes about the business of preparing for a Heavy Protective Mobility role on Herrick 19. I am recently returned from H19 after being employed by A Coy 4 SCOTS to assist with delivering the RSOI package to soldiers within 7 Brigade.
I am lucky to have had the pleasure of going back to an Infantry Regiment as this is the back ground I came from. Life with the
The pre-deployment training started at the end of 2012 with Ex Prairie Thunder in BATUS, and on return to Germany a large
amount of the Battalion being sent onto the vast number of mandatory courses, especially getting soldiers trained on the numerous types of platforms that are being utilised by the Battalion on H19. My priority at this time is the Physical Development of the Battalion, but with the juggling of courses and significant numbers of absent personnel from PT this has been a challenging time. Luckily the Coys are quite healthy with AAPTIs which helps when they are away for any period of
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SSI Moss BA(G) Cross Country
time enabling them to still conduct PT with qualified in date AAPTIs.
CO and Coy Commanders to have first sight of how their Unit and Coys progress.
My role for the tour was split into three areas, the first being OC of the G&D platoon who supplied the force protection to all arrivals in theatre to Camp Bastion until their parent unit took control of them. Second was delivering Day 2 and Day 6 acclimatisation march to the ranges for all personnel arriving in theatre, and final job was OIC for the Commanders Cadre ensuring that all personnel arriving in theatre taking on a Comd role attend a number of refresher training briefs during their time on the RSOI package.
Even with the vast majority of the Battalion away on tour the remaining element have still managed to participate in BA(G) sport to a good standard with teams competing well in Volleyball, Cross Country, Rowing, Rugby, Skiing and Boxing. The Boxing team is coming together well as Soldiers arriving from 5 SCOTS with boxing qualifications and experience to assist with growing a strong team ready for the boxing season.
The Battalion have deployed at different times and have taken on differing roles at different locations; this in turn has been a challenge to ensure each Coy are hitting the correct criteria for their roles in the various stages before deploying. With a Battalion that takes PT seriously this has helped, 4 Scots parade four times a week for PT and once for sports on Wednesday afternoons. This is a great chance for the
Once the Battalion return from Herrick 19 and POTL I will face a great challenge of getting the soldiers back to fitness with some AT and sports events put into their programme to maintain the morale of a modern day Infantry Battalion. This will keep us going in the right direction, ready for any future challenges that lie along the road ahead with the move back to Catterick in 2015. This I’m sure will be a very busy period for the Battalion who have been stationed in Fallingbostel, Germany for over nine years.
32 ENGINEER REGIMENT SSgt (SSI) D Parish RAPTC
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arrived in Hohne and 32 Engr Regt were well into their MST in preparation for OP HERRICK 19.
back with members of the Regiment who will be competing in a number of the sporting events.
As we all know by now the pace was fast and furious, ensuring all was in place ready for deployment.
26 AES Sqn are still deployed though are returning home soon, following their return a Medals Parade will be held in early June followed by a Reformation Parade in July which is due to the disbandment of 39 AES Sqn. On the return of the Regiment from POTL a number of well deserved AT Expeditions have been arranged then it’s straight in to work on rebasing and re-rolling. The Regiment is re-basing to Marne Bks, Catterick Garrison Mid 2015 and will re-role from Armoured to a Light Role Engineer Regiment. This change will have a massive effect for all those in the Regiment who have never experienced Soldiering without vehicles. The implantation of a more intense PT Programme in July will signal the start of re-rolling from a physical training perspective, this will include a specialist PT programme for those who wish to pursue a career with Airborne, Commando or SF.
ROG numbers have been in constant change from 170 personnel up to 300 so there’s been no respite with regards to PD and AT. A number of individuals have managed to get away skiing and a group had a great week at Dummersee sailing, paddling and windsurfing, for those who have never been to Dummersee I would recommend it. During the summer we assisted with a number of Garrison events which included a visit from Chelsea Football coaches who spent two days at the Gym teaching the kids basic football skills. The Red Rat Celebration Day was an all day event with Units providing stalls and entertainment, the Gym Staff organised a number of fun runs for the kids and a 5k run around the Garrison. No Smoking Day was a great success, the day began with an “all welcome” circuit training session followed by a rowing challenge which separated the men from the boys!!! A Garrison Health Fair kicked off the afternoon with the day ending with a fancy dress Zumba class. The Regiment have entered Sports teams in an array of competitions over the past few months with teams competing in the BA(G) Indoor Rowing, individuals taking part in the Garrison Squash Competition and a “extremely” novice Basketball team playing in the Inter Unit BA(G) Competition in Bielefeld. The Rugby team competed recently in the Corp’s sevens and won, following it up by entering two teams in the BA(G) Sevens where the A Team finished Runners-Up and the B Team making the Plate SemiFinals. The RE Games is a big date in the sporting calendar for the Engineers with this years games being held at the end of June back in the UK at Swinton Bks, Perham Down. I’ll be travelling
I’ll be returning with the Regiment to the UK in 2015 which will end my time in Germany. It has been a unique experience working with fellow Corp’s members in BA(G). I have thoroughly enjoyed and feel lucky to have had the chance to serve with such a professional tight knit group of individuals.
Chelsea Coaches and kids in Gym
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THE BRITISH ARMY (GERMANY) WEIGHT MANAGEMENT COURSE SSgt (SSI) M Bird RAPTC
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his year I was tasked to put together a weight management course, with the aim to address the weight management issues first hand by educating soldiers on fitness training, weight management, healthy eating and sensible weight loss. All units within BA(G) were invited to select two soldiers who measured in the high, very high and extreme risk categories on their Body Composition Measurement (BCM) assessment, to attend a one week Weight Management Course held at Hammersmith Barracks, Herford. Candidates for the course had to be MFD or MLD and able to run 2.4km pain free; MATT 2 failures or intermittent failures and able to conduct several hours of low intensity training. The idea was to capture soldiers that constantly fell into these categories; therefore never really returned to full unit PT.
Over the course of the week a variety of theoretical and practical based subjects were delivered through education, coaching and mentoring, providing each soldier with the most up to date information, basic knowledge and necessary tools and advice required to hopefully change their lifestyle. The following subjects were covered during the course. a. Body Composition Measurement. b. Effects of Exercise. c. Injury Prevention. d. Motivation & Goal Setting. e. Hydration. f. Diet & Nutrition. g. Resistance Training. h. Design an Individual Training Programme. i. Healthy Cooking. At the end of the course all the BCM stats were then collated and put on to the new BCM Database. The BCM Database was designed to provide all BA(G) unit RAPTCI’s/AAPTI’s clear guidance, enabling them to monitor their soldiers’ continued development on completion of the WMC. This would allow unit RAPTCI/AAPTI’s the ability to enter their soldiers’ new BCM results on a 1-3 monthly basis, depending on their overall health risk. The week went very well and the course received some great feedback from some of the units, but the proof was in the stats. The following months BCM results showed that the majority of the soldiers continued to lose weight. Due to the success of the course it has now been rolled out across the wider BA (G) community.
BA(G) Weight Management Course 2014
HEADQUARTERS BRITISH FORCES GERMANY (HQ BFG) WO1 (SMI) R Head RAPTC
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Q BFG is a 2* Headquarters that is tasked with the following:
‘Deliver Firm Base support within boundaries, regulate the drawdown of UK forces in GE as directed, championing overseas support specific to European basing and representing the Force to the German Host Nation and Sending States Forum, in order to sustain Army operational capability and set the conditions for withdrawal from GE in the most effective and efficient manner’ Hitting the ground running was a slight underestimation if I were to describe the move to HQ BFG. Within three weeks of arrival, I had been part of Nijmegen Marches Support Staff for the British Military Contingent, assisted with a geographical move of a 2* Headquarters and completed a full hand over from my predecessor WO1 (SMI), now Capt (MAA), Mark Galley. Having previously served within BA(G), I was acutely aware of the dynamics of the Army within Germany. What I was not prepared for was the dynamics of working at staff level. This was a massive learning curve for me, and one that I relished. My biggest understanding is that irrespective of how important your work is, there is always something of higher importance, and you need to factor that into your work space. The so what: where I would give
myself a week or two for completion when working in a gym, this timeframe would have to double as a minimum to take into account other individuals FOE. BLUF – be prepared! My work within the Headquarters sees a variety of PD and non-PD related tasks. One of the more diverse was assisting with the role of Command Sergeant Major. I have found myself being given such unenviable roles like sending the chase emails as to why individuals have not completed MATTs – I could now write a book on excuses for non compliance to a mandatory annual test! One of my main roles is the coordinator for Nijmegen International Marches, a 4 day march that takes place annually within the Netherlands. Of the 46, 000 participants, 5,000 are Military. Of these 5,000, the British Military Contingent takes up approximately 20% of this allocation. Co-ordinating the British Contingent of Nijmegen is an job that is conducted throughout the year, ramping up significantly as Nijmegen draws near. This is definitely a role suited to an RAPTCI. The skill sets that we own provides us with the background skill to formulate a robust, workable plan – imagine CO’s PT but on a multinational scale and you will have an understanding of what is required. A role that I have taken on and am extremely proud to be able to say that I have completed is that of the Presiding Member of
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Bielefeld Station Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess. Far more than just banging a gavel at the mess meetings and sitting pretty at the top during a dinner night, it is position that I have thoroughly enjoyed undertaking. If anything, you are put in the position to make positive changes for the future within an environment that we all love – the Mess. If anyone is in the fortunate opportunity to take on the role of Presiding Member, I encourage you to do so. It is highly rewarding and when working within a multi-service, multicap badge environment, definitely expands your comfort zone.
With the draw down of British Forces within Germany, I find myself in the position of being one of the last SMIs within HQ BFG. Despite HQ BFG not due to drawdown until 2018, the chances for personnel to work within Germany is getting less and less. If you are given the opportunity to work within Germany before final closure, take it. BA(G) will not be around for ever.
16TH SIGNAL REGIMENT SSgt (SSI) R Richardson RAPTC
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joined 16th Signal Regiment in November 2013 as the Regiment assumes it role as the first Multi-Role Signals Regiment, which will spearhead the contingency ops cycle. After having previously served with two units heavily involved in Op HERRICK deployments this was a new type of challenge I had not yet faced as an RAPTCI. Having never previously worked with the Royal Signals I was starting completely from scratch, educating myself with kit and equipment the troops would be lugging about on exercise. With this in mind and also ensuring the cam cream was left well behind in my locker along with my poncho, I went out onto the exercise area to observe some of the kit the troops would be using over the coming year. Post exercise and I was in no doubt what this unit required, at the top of the PD menu for the next 3 months was masses of traditional battle PT and some specific strength training to prepare the guys to move about with the new kit they would be
using a this year. While I didn’t previously associate Royal Signal exercises with heavy awkward kit, it wasn’t until I tried to put up a 15ft mast weighing in at 50kg on top of a 12ft vehicle in the cold and wet, did I realise this is no mean feat even for a strapping Corps guy like myself. As the draw down process is felt across the Regiment it’s a challenge in itself to keep the number of lads and ladies competing in the various sporting fixtures across BA(G). However amidst these busy times the Unit has seen great success in the snow boarding, rock climbing and are the current leaders of the orienteering league. This year also sees for the first time in recent history the revitalisation of the Regimental Boxing Team with a view to having an Inter Squadron Boxing Competition later on in the year. Sticking with the competitive theme it was with great pleasure the Commanding Officer allowed me to announce the details of the forthcoming CO’S Cup Competition
2014. This includes 6 events broken down into 2 seasons (summer and winter) summer events include a Super Team’s event, Triathlon and of course a cross country race while the winter season has such events like, burden race, Rugby 7’s competition and finishing off with a march and shoot in the new year. While the atmosphere in and around our particular part of BA(G) is drawing down as the final whistle approaches for the return to the UK, we within the gymnasium are pushing to the end to keep a sense of normality and keep the soldiers taking part in as much PT and Sport as possible. We plan to have the pool up and running right up until closure next year and will be fielding teams for the BA (G) Festival of Sport this summer. It will be with a heavy heart that I hand over the keys to such a great facility next year and mark the end of an era.
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INJURED SOLDIER RUNS AGAIN THANKS TO ANTI-GRAVITY TREADMILL
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16 AIR ASSAULT BRIGADE WO1 (SMI) M Wilson RAPTC
3rd (United Kingdom) Division
Capt (MAA) Oakes Presentation to 16X
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n March 2013 I was based in DISC, Chicksands and not expecting to be offered a promotion and move, but when the post of the SMI of 16X and Colchester was placed on the table, I grabbed it with both hands! A year later I can honestly say that this has been one of the most varied and challenging posts of my 23 year Army career! After a comprehensive handover from the now Capt (MAA) Oakes, including showing me his leaving presentation to the Brigade, a fully restored Bronze Eagle with a 7ft wing span on a 4ft plinth.......... thanks for that Chris, not sure how I am going to better that!
To set the pace of my next 12 months in 16X, my first week included the 16X Athletics and the Army Boxing finals between 2 & 3 PARA. This was first time the final had been held outside of Aldershot. Even though the Bde is extremely busy providing support to the Airborne Assault Task Force, the passion for these events highlighted there is always time for Sport and AT. It feels like my feet haven’t touched the floor since that first week! I have had several major projects. The highlight has been the re-writing of the All Arms Pre Parachute (AAPPS) training pipeline, I knew my time in HQ RAPTC – Training Development Team wouldn’t be wasted!
Ready for take off!
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The Reason to pass AAPPS!
I have been lucky to have had support in this task from the P Coy RAPTCI SSgt (SSI) Osborn. The 16X RAPTCI’s and ERIs’ have also been invaluable in their feedback on the proposed changes. The re-write has meant I have been able to enjoy time away from the desk, out on the area, in both Colchester and Catterick seeing the new AAPPS Block 1 & 2 sessions being delivered, it keeps an old man fit! At the time of this article the pass rate is on the increase. We will continue to validate the training to ensure the best
16X SMI’s bucket list!
possible chance of passing. AAPPS is not easier, we just train smarter! With some of the most committed individuals and units in the Army – Physical training, Sport and AT is strongly supported by the whole Chain of Command. I believe this is a dream post for an RAPTCI. So if you aspire to serve in an extremely busy Bde with the possibility to attempt P Coy please feel free to contact me and I will load you on the next available AAPPS!
With only 12 months left to serve in 16X before I am put out to pasture, I will be grasping every opportunity while serving in the Airborne Bde! I have a few things to tick of the bucket list! The following articles are a flavour of the different aspects of serving in 16 Airborne Assault Brigade, I feel very honoured to be serving with the 16X RAPTCI’s whose work ethic and commitment, supporting their units in all aspects of PD, is outstanding.
7TH PARACHUTE REGIMENT ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY – THE AIRBOURNE GUNNERS SSgt (SSI) T Horton RAPTC
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he Regiment is currently engaged in preparatory training for contingent operations with a sub-unit supporting the Airborne Task Force (ABTF) as the lead component of UK Land Forces’ Very High Readiness capability. The training is therefore required to be challenging, versatile and adaptable – The highest standard of physical fitness is constantly demanded by all. As a ‘PARA’ unit, all are expected to be Para-trained, so it’s an incredible opportunity to physically develop those that wish to aspire to become Airborne. The All Arms Pre Parachute Course which is charged with preparing potential Para-Trained personnel has undergone a rigorous review by the SMI 16 Air Assault Brigade (16X), WO1(SMI) Wilson, with assistance from all 16X RAPTCIs/ ERI’s and the P Coy RAPTCI, SSgt Osborne. All 16X Units now strictly follow the new progressive program that has produced some incredible statistics. – The standards have not slipped, we now train smarter!
7PARA RHA compete in the Cdo Speed March
The potential Para trained complete Pre Para
Sgt Syrett – now RAPTC racing during the PARA’s 10
7 PARA RHA contingent that jumped at Arnhem
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The Regiment has a plethora of sporting talent and understandably sport is a major feature, it’s indisputably fundamental to the morale of the soldiers. It engenders competitive spirit and teamwork whilst underpinning a whole myriad of qualities associated with and demanded of the Artilleryman, from the greenest Gunner to the most seasoned veteran in the Regiment. One needs to look no further than the 7 PARA RHA for evidence of that, in spite of training for potential contingent operations the Regiment’s enthusiasm for sport remains strong and as healthy as ever. Sport offers an opportunity for all to participate and enjoy a welcome break from the rigours of a busy regimental programme. The Regiment has enjoyed success in a diverse range of sports and
continued to succeed in a cornucopia of Endurance events. Annually, the Regimental Sports Awards Dinner night is hosted. This is a fantastic opportunity, for all sportsmen to be recognised for learning new skills and showcase their sport, themselves and the regimental achievements enthusiastically and publically – The top two talented sportsman have now successfully passed RAPTC selection This is a privileged place of employment and unquestionably more diverse than any other unit I have served. If you are given the opportunity, I urge anyone to volunteer to serve in 16 Air Assault Brigade, particularly 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery!!
Bdr Jeffries racing for the Army
3 REGIMENT ARMY AIR CORPS ADVENTURE TRAINING WEYMOUTH SSgt (SSI) L Haslam RAPTC
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assumed the role of the RAPTCI of 3AAC gymnasium in June 2014. A little wet behind the ears from departing my second training establishment role as the SI in both Units, I looked forward to my “first” stand alone” post as an SSI. After a few months of getting my feet under the table, I realised what a hectic lifestyle 3 AAC would provide. Though the unit is at a constant busy tempo providing support to 16 Air Assault Brigade and on going Operations in Herrick, there is always time to fit in some AT. 663 Squadron 3 AAC deployed to Weymouth in September 2013 after yet another arduous tour. It was an early Monday morning start for the troops from post tour leave with two mini buses full of anxious individuals heading west of the country. After a long drive 663 Squadron arrived at Chickerell Camp in the late afternoon thriving on their first task, which happened to be a quick brief followed by a short familiarisation to the nearest local pub. Tuesday morning arrived, with a few sore heads and people praying that their first session was not mountain biking with WO2 O’Neil and Sgt Elliott. Never the less, as always 663 Squadron were ready and raring to go. A four group rotation was made and the weeks events begun. The hiking group set off on their travels from camp to Portland utilising some questionable navigational skills from AirTpr Bushell. With a little helping hand the group were on the right route. All roads or trails in this case, lead to a pub, not Rome! WO2 O’Neil and Sgt Elliott found emotional cycling routes for their groups with plenty of hills with areas of “mudland” you couldn’t find even if you tried! Both instructors were taking no prisoners, needless to say there was plenty of sight seeing. Climbing monster WO2 Luke stumbled upon some unforgettable climbing routes, conducting challenging activities. This included Abseiling from the cliff face over hanging the bright blue sea, being one of the most nerve wrenching activities of the week for the troops. Last but not least, every group’s favourite activity; coasteering. This is the art of navigating over a rocky coastline, jumping into the unbeknown. As always 2Lt Murray leading from the front, climbing and jumping from the highest point shouting “Cower Bunger”, this being the inevitable phrase for the remainder of the week. 3 AAC Mountain Biking Weymouth
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13 AIR ASSAULT SUPPORT REGIMENT RLC Sgt (SI) S Irving RAPTC
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here are sometimes opportunities too good to miss and for me this time, it was the opportunity to serve at 13 Air Assault Regiment RLC. The Regiment itself holds a place in my heart as I was serving in 15 Sqn, 24 Air Mobile Brigade when 13 Regiment was formed along with 16 Air Assault Brigade. Furthermore it’s also where the journey towards becoming a RAPTCI began, back in 1998, under the watchful eye of WO2 (QMSI) Melton APTC. I left the Regiment in 2002 and now retuning in October 2013, you could say things have changed! “Colly” has grown, but I am glad to say 13 Regt has evolved to meet its increasing demands but still holds on to its proud “Airborne” status together with a close knit regimental ethos which is no mean feat when the Regiment is over 600 strong!! My welcome to the Regiment was a place in the Vets Team for the Gore Trophy; a coveted military skills competition held yearly at Princess Royal Barracks Deepcut. After getting over the fact I was a Vet, it wasn’t long before I was zeroing and practising for the falling plate phase of the competition.
Gore Trophy Vets Team
13 AASR Inter Sqn Boxing
On the day the teams did the Regiment proud, including a 1st place for the Vets Team! The beginning of 2014 has been busy delivering Block 1 of AAPPS and after being turned away twice finally getting on my Jumps Course and gaining my British Military Parachute Wings – now to try and get some foreign wings. 13 AASR RLC is a keen sporting Regiment and this was highlighted in March when it held an Inter Sqn Boxing Competition as part of the “Shirley Cup”, named after the late WO2 (QMSI) Dan Shirley APTC. A total of 13 bouts in the final it was a superb evening of boxing. The skill level and quality of the novice boxers was higher than usually experienced at Inter Sqn events. The coming year looks to be busy with Brigade Exercises and WW1, Normandy & Arnhem commemorations. Later in 2014 training will start for the Gore Trophy and let’s see if 13 AASR can make it 7 out of 7.
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2 PARACHUTE REGIMENT SINK OR SWIM? SGT (SI) J Stapleton RAPTC
Pool Swimming Progressions
Military training – Tactical River Crossing
2 PARA Amphibious Beach Assault – Corsica
he ability to swim is an essential life skill as well as a mandatory requirement for service personnel. In addition to the obvious requirement for basic survival in water and preservation of life, swimming is a fundamental and indispensible requirement to facilitate the success of any of the pillars that the RAPTC support whether that’s tactical training, adventurous training, rehabilitation or sport.
large scale UK deployment of personnel on OP PITCHPOLE to assist with the flooding.
the experience to be confident in delivery before a period of consolidation. To get the newly qualified instructors the required consolidation and to maximise the benefit of the Swimming Training Fund (STF) a centralised weak and non-swimmers course was arranged and the military instructors shadowed and assisted the civilian subject matter expert (SME).
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While the MST is a mandatory requirement of service, it is an acceptable training deficit from basic training and although policy dictates that remedial action must be taken as soon as practically possible, the numbers of non-swimmers and the length of time some have served is staggering. It asks the question if we are doing enough and why the funding available for swim training often remains under spent. The swimming instructor courses are a permanent fixture in Class One training but although we are all accredited with an extremely credible qualification there seems to be a widespread reluctance or lack of confidence to use it.
At a tactical level the ability to exploit the battlefield environment is important and the ability to deal confidently with water obstacles essential. 2 PARA forms, as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade (16X) the UK’s spearhead. 2 PARA’s role includes war fighting, disaster relief and also the possibility of airborne insertion over or around water hazards, therefore combat swimming competency and water confidence has been highlighted. Swimming has been used as a training tool through all stages of training, from basic conditioning, reconditioning and confidence building through progressions towards combat swimming, river crossing and tactical training in order to enhance operational capability. This training was put to good use on a training Exercise in Corsica with the Regiments counterparts in the French Foreign Legion. Although an airborne unit, they also have an amphibious capability and 2 PARA’s soldiers experienced taking part in beach assaults and amphibious assault courses.
The ability to swim has always been essential to military personnel and in recent years this has been promoted in regard to operations with direction contained in the OP HERRICK Mounting Instruction. The move to contingency places further demands on the requirement to swim with the endless possibilities for deployments and operating environments. Close to home and of particular relevance was the
This year, while the AGSC was out of action, 16X seized the opportunity to host some of the ASPT’s scheduled swimming instructor courses and create an important capability within the Brigade. This has helped enormously in coaching nonswimmers to pass the MST and reduce unit risk registers. As with most practical courses, newly qualified instructors although technically competent can lack
This approach was extremely successful; not only was the non-swimmers course able to process a greater number of students but the military instructors received the most relevant and effective continuation training possible. I would highly recommend this approach to any unit, the benefits to both students, instructors and units are huge. In addition to newly qualified instructors, shadowing an STF funded non-swimmers course would serve as a great refresher for any RAPTCIs who have not yet put their qualification into practice! Following the success of the first course, I have at the time of writing, run four weak and non-swimmers courses on behalf of 49X this Training Year (TY). These courses have seen 68 students from 12 different units participate. For TY 14/15 I have already had STF funding approved and in the process of planning six further courses. If any readers would like information on arranging weak and non-swimmers courses, instructor development or have any related queries please get in touch with the author.
16 MEDICAL REGIMENT Sgt (SI) R Cordner RAPTC
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wo years in to the job and another Mind Body and Spirit (MBS) reporting year to cover. As the RAPTCI serving with 16 Medical Regiment, the unit has had significant changes in the Chain of Command (CoC). In Sept 2013 alone, new arrivals included Commanding Officer, 2IC, RSM and RAWO.
In August 2013 the unit supported the 3 PARA Battlegroup on Exercise ASKARI STORM, in Kenya. During this expedition the troops took full advantage of the Adventurous Training opportunities available and enjoyed challenging downtime.
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Within the sporting spectrum the unit continues to play its part at Army and Divisional Sports. We have achieved quite a lot for the year 2013, conducting at least seven Commanding Officer’s Cup events. Rugby, the 7’s cup was well supported on 7 Dec 13 by all within the ranks, seeing 19 Sqn take the glory, while unit competitions have also been held in hockey, squash and water polo. The Army Medical Services (AMS) has captured some talent early with Pte Woodward-Ellam representing basketball; LCpl McMillan, LCpl Cheverton at Army Cross Country; and Cpl Brownlow and LCpl Hilson in the Great Britain Development Squad for Nordic Skiing. The unit has focused its sights on the 2014 Commando Speed March, which was held on 8 Mar 14 at Spean Bridge in Scotland. SSgt Fellows, was OIC and did a fantastic job mustering the troops with support from OC 181 Sqn. The team did extremely well taking 6th place out of 27 teams. LCpl McMillan finishing in 8th place and LCpl Cartwright 18th place in a very strong field of over 240 competitors.
Across 2013, 12 of our soldiers passed the gruelling All Arms Pre Parachute Selection course, at ITC Catterick. On a personal note, I had the opportunity to attend Pathfinder (PF) Selection in the winter months of Feb 14 at Sennybridge alongside Pte Sutherland, a combat medical technician. After a gruelling couple of events in the first week, completed in sub-zero temperatures and blizzard conditions, all of us on the course were fully aware how fit and robust a successful candidate has to be. The second week saw weighted marches under the directing staff (DS), these marches are known as “walkabouts”, which gave the body a good battering. The test marches became the next objective, with the first day a 26km tab over the barren hills of the Brecon Beacons and the second day 24km across the Black Mountains. Both Pte Sutherland and I narrowly missed the cut off times on the marches, to that end we were returned to unit (RTU). Even dropping out after two weeks of the six week long course we had covered a total of 245km.
As part of 16 Air Assault Brigade, the Regiment has a Sqn constantly on very high readiness as part of the Airborne Assault Task Force (AATF), with the remainder of the unit supporting the wider Army on all other tasks or medical assignments. Medical Support Wing (MSW) has organised another United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) course for Apr 14 at Sennybridge in Wales, which is known as BLACK SERPENT and passing qualifies medically-trained soldiers to serve with UKSF.
The course progresses onto PF SOPs, a range package, with the last two weeks spent on a field exercise which is apparently harder than the first elements of the course.
As the year came to a close, the unit main focus and drive was on four solid months of build-up training towards the Commanding Officer’s objective of a 10-miler. This was successfully run in a suitably festive spirit on the last day before Christmas stand down on Fri 13 Dec 13.
The Pathfinder Selection Cadre is open to regular servicemen from across the 3 services. The Cadre is run over 6 weeks in the Brecon Beacons and is typically held twice a year. All of the skills required of a PF patrol member are taught in progressive yet arduous manner with the aim of training in rather than selecting out.
RAPTCIs that may be interested in representing the Corp outside of their CEG or interested in Airborne Advance Recce Force are welcome to contact me for information pertaining to what the Physical elements entail.
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“MEDICS TAKE TO THE BEACH FOR BATTLE OF THE FITTEST” Army medics have raced each other on the beach and through the waves to find out who is the fittest in the unit. Today’s (Fri 28 Mar) contest saw some 100 men and women of 16 Medical Regiment put through their paces on a four mile run and assault course in full battle rig along the shifting sands of Mersea Island in Essex. Physical fitness is vital to the Colchester-based unit, with the troops trained to deploy by parachute or helicopter to provide medical support to 16 Air Assault Brigade, the British Army’s rapid reaction force. Lieutenant Colonel Philip McNee, Commanding Officer of 16 Med Regt, said: “The beach run was a tough event but every member of the Regiment put in an outstanding effort, showing the strength of their spirit as much as their fitness.” “As troops within 16 Air Assault Brigade, physical fitness is one of our top priorities. On operations we’re expected to parachute or fly in to where we need to be and then be totally self-reliant, carrying all the equipment we need to both serve our role as medics and survive.” First across the finishing line in a time of 28 minutes 47 seconds was Lance Corporal Chris McMillan, a Royal Engineers electrical engineer. The 26-year-old from Weston-super-Mare said: “Running on sand is harder than it looks and, without being complacent, I’m very proud to have won this event. I’m a keen runner and put a lot of effort into training, both what we do as a unit and in my own time.
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If you’re not fit enough you can’t do the job we do, it’s as simple as that.” Private Kimberley Preston, a combat medical technician from Stonehaven in Scotland, was the first female soldier to finish in 35 minutes 16 seconds. The 20-year-old said: “Fitness is really important for us as a unit. We would deploy on operations alongside the Parachute Regiment and we have to match their high standards to be able to keep up with them on the ground. “I represent the Army at both sprint and Olympic distance triathlon, so I train two or three times every day on the different disciplines and my general fitness.” 16 Air Assault Brigade is the British Army’s largest brigade with some 6,200 soldiers, combining the speed and agility of airborne and air assault troops with the potency of Apache attack
helicopters. The brigade’s core role is to provide the Air Assault Task Force (AATF), the British Army’s rapid reaction force, which is ready to deploy anywhere in the world at short notice to conduct the full spectrum of military operations, from non-combatant evacuation operations to warfighting. 16 Medical Regiment provides Role 2 medical support to 16 Air Assault Brigade, offering consultant-lead life, limb and eyesight saving resuscitation and surgery as well as primary healthcare. Specialist personnel in the unit including Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons, Biomedical Scientists and Combat Medical Technicians. (All photos taken by Cpl Andy Reddy RLC)
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There are 15 grass pitches across the site including four dedicated solely for First Team Training and one and a half artificial outdoor pitches with floodlighting. The First Team Match pitch is built to exactly the same specification as the pitch at White Hart Lane. The new Training Centre has been designed with environmental protection and sustainability in mind. The focus has been on enhancing and reinstating key features of the local environment. The Club, as part of its commitment to the area in which the new Training Centre now sits, is investing £2.3m into the community over the next 10 years. This has already led to the delivery, by the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, of 19 new programmes across the London Borough of Enfield and surrounding areas. Tottenham Hotspur formed in 1882, as Hotspur F.C., and played in the Southern League until 1908, when it was elected into the Football League Second Division. Before this promotion Tottenham had won the FA Cup in 1901, making it the only non-League club to (or likely to) do so since the formation of the Football League. Since then, Tottenham have won the FA Cup a further seven times, the Football League twice, the Football League Cup four times, the UEFA Cup twice and also the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. The Cup Winners’ Cup victory in 1963 made Tottenham the first English team to win a UEFA competition. In 1960–61 it became the first team to complete The Double in the 20th century.
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HQ LONDIST WO1 (SMI) L Davison RAPTC
Headquarters London District Major (Retd) Chapple
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s I write this, I have been in post exactly one year (although looking at me I have aged ten but thanks to ‘Just for Men’ my hair doesn’t look grey) and I must say my feet have not touched the ground. Prior to taking up the role of SMI I was aware that the post had been gapped for 7 months since Capt (MAA) Walker moved on to HQ 2 Brigade, and Major Chapple was keen to have an SMI in the chair. I had been told prior to arriving that I must hit the ground ‘sprinting’ and they were not wrong! After being informed of my roles and responsibilities my initial thoughts were, LONDIST is not the place to come in your final years in the Army; this is certainly not a sleepy hollow! Ex LONDIST SMI Kenny Pitcairn (now WO2 at the Army Training Unit London on an FTRS contract) is worth a mention as he has been of great assistance to me when I needed the odd steer. He was in the role for two years prior to Capt Walker and his knowledge and experience has been invaluable, thanks Kenny! One of my main objectives was to increase unit participation in sport and to introduce more sports into the Forecast of Events (FOE). As a keen sportsman, I was up to the challenge, especially after hanging up my football boots (I know, too early I hear you say)! One of the main highlights of the sporting calendar was the GOC’s Cup which was held in Windsor. 13 Units (450 personnel) competed in 6 sporting disciplines. It was a very closely contested event with each team giving their all (including this HQ). The eventual winners were 1 COLDM GDS. The Female Festival of Sport closely followed and was held in Woolwich. The competition was more fiercely contested (as you can imagine) with Kings Troop RHA making up 6 of the 8 teams. The LONDIST RAPTCIs really pulled out the stops to ensure a great competition was
WO1 (SMI) Davison
had by all. It was amazing how many volunteered to help on this event! Boxing has been extremely popular with 2 PWRR, 1 WG, 1 GREN GDS and 1 IG all organising Inter company competitions. 2 PWRR and 1 WG have entered the 2013/14 Army Boxing Championships and 2 PWRR are now looking forward to their Semi Final against 1 PWRR in Apr. Many Charity Boxing events have also taken place at very plush locations with 1 WG holding their event at Lancaster House and 2 PWRR in York Hall, London. We have included a wide range of extra sports into the FOE, these include Equestrian, Badminton, Table-Tennis, Triathlon (at the Olympic venue Dorney lake) and Orienteering. I am particularly looking forward to the Equestrian event but only as a spectator! I was pleased to be selected by the COS to be the Plans Warrant Officer on a recent UK Op CAST Exercise. My role was to produce the Situation and Operational Overlays and brief the GOC regularly on the current situation and future developments of tasks. The information taught on the MK1 course assisted me throughout the process. My Map Reading and Computer skills were put to the test under immense time pressures. The scenario presented was that various areas within London was flooding and how could HQ LONDIST assist to protect the civilian population and estate. It was quite ironic as CAST was conducted during the ‘real time’ floods the country endured. Watching the weather on TV in the Ops room made the whole situation seem very real, which in turn, made the Exercise more pertinent. Shortly after the CAST had finished, HQ LONDIST was called upon to assist with the floods in the Richmond area in real time. I was tasked to produce the Overlay
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prior to the GOC’s brief. All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable operation; I learnt a lot about the bigger picture ‘stuff’ and it was something different from normal PD related issues. As this goes to print most LONDIST Units would have been involved in the traditional events on Horse Guards Parade, Trooping the Colour (which we will watch out of the window, whilst answering emails of course), Beating Retreat, Household Cavalry Standard Parade and the daily Changing the Guard. London thus far has been enjoyable and a great experience (work hard, not play hard). As the weather improves Major Chapple and I look forward to riding the Boris Bikes (SO2 is paying) to get to ‘local’ units to conduct PDIs and pedalling around the parks taking in all the spectacular views!! A Brief History Of Horse Guards HQ LONDIST is located in the beautiful and historic building of Horse Guards. Military presence on Horse Guards began in December 1641 when King Charles I commissioned “a Court of Guards in the Tiltyard before Whitehall” to house his personal guards and to protect the Palace. Seven years later, after the civil war, the King was beheaded. A black mark on both clock faces at Horse Guards commemorates the time of his execution at 2pm. In 1698 the Palace of Whitehall was almost completely destroyed by fire. In 1755 the Household Cavalry was the first to move in to the new building. Perhaps Horse Guards most illustrious tenant, the great Duke of Wellington, the Victor of Waterloo, had two stints at Horse Guards as Commander in Chief.
His office is now the office of the MajorGeneral Commanding the Household Division and General Officer Commanding London District. A print shows Wellington receiving visitors at the very same desk which is still in use today, and the decor of the room unchanged. In the Chief of Staff office is a table brought back from Germany in 1977. The provenance of the table dates back to 1945 when 5th Guards Armoured Brigade had its Headquarters in a hotel in Bad Godesburg and the table is reputedly the very table over which Hitler and Chamberlain had talked across in 1938. Horse Guards Today In this century Horse Guards has been principally Headquarters London District, administering all Regular and Reserve Force units in Greater London. There is also Headquarters Household Division, which
organises the detailed instructions for important ceremonial occasions like The Queen’s Birthday Parade, State Opening of Parliament and State Visits. Finally, there is the Regimental Headquarters of the Household Cavalry, which looks after records, contacts with old Comrades Associations and non-operational matters relating to the two Household Cavalry Regiments. One of these regiments – HCMR – provides the one aspect of Horse Guards most easily recognised by the general public. Every day, a new Queen’s Life Guard comes down from Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge to take over guard duties. As the mounted box men, facing Whitehall, or as the dismounted sentries in the Archway and the Front Yard, they stoically endure the attentions of countless tourists. At the same time they maintain one of the more enduring traditions of London life.
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1ST BATTALION IRISH GUARDS Sgt (SI) D Bishop RAPTC
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aving just completed a three year posting at the Primary Care Rehabilitation Facility (PCRF) Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) as an Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor, I now find myself as a Mainstream Instructor at 1st Battalion Irish Guards. I had to hit the ground running as the Battalion has an extremely busy schedule over the next 3 years. Life at the Battalion is something that I have never experienced before and my first assignment within the Battalion was helping No2 Company get ready for their deployment on OP HERRICK (Apr-Oct 13). What followed next will remain with me for some time as I dusted off my drill boots, got some emergency drill lessons and embarked on my first ever St Patrick’s Day parade which is attended by The Colonel of the Regiment, the Duke of Cambridge Prince William. The Battalion has recently deployed to various parts of the world supporting various exercises and operations, which included the Falkland Islands on OP FIRIC.
to practice their rapid reaction skills and potential deployment in support of OP ELGIN. Last on the agenda was welcoming back No2 Company from a successful tour of OP HERRICK.
The Battalion has deployed on various exercises across the United Kingdom including: CAST exercise, field firing in Otterburn (Ex BORDERSTORM) and Exercise WESSEX STORM in Salisbury in which we had an attachment from the Omani Army. Lastly Number One Company deployed to Bosnia on OP REH in order
As this article goes to print the Battalion will be half way through OP TOSCA which is a UN tour of Cyprus. The remainder of the Battalion will be deploying to Kenya for a Live Firing exercise before we move across to 11 Brigade.
The Battalion has conducted various adventurous training expeditions such as, Val-D’Isere in France on a Battalion Ski Trip. This enabled 70 soldiers from the Battalion to improve on their skiing techniques and gain ski foundation qualifications ready for the Infantry Ski Championships which took place Dec 13 – Jan 14. The Battalion has also undertaken a 3 Day Mountain Bike expedition across the South Downs Way in which all 9 Riders from the Battalion successfully completed the journey. The Battalion is currently investing in adventurous training qualifications prior to deploying on OP TOSCA which will comprise a 5 day adventurous training package including: mountain biking, rock climbing, dinghy sailing, windsurfing and sea kayaking.
Irish Guards Mountain Bike Club
No 4 Company Falklands
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LONDON CENTRAL GARRISON Sgt (SI) K Emmerson RAPTC
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took up the post at London Central Garrison (LCG) in June 13, following an 18 month tour of Royal Armoured Corps Training Regiment, Bovington. Prior to commencing my new role, I was fortunate enough to represent the Army Football Team on an end of season Football Tour of Brazil. On the tour we played fixtures against the Brazilian Army and Brazilian Combined Services Football Teams. We also had a fantastic opportunity to meet the England National Team and watched an in house training session, prior to their friendly fixture against Brazil at the Maracana Stadium. LCG is home to 3 Public Duties Incremental Companies (PDICs), Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards, F Coy Scots Guards and No 7 Company Coldstream Guards. The 5 Household Division Foot Guard Bands are also currently stationed with Wellington; Irish Guards, Scots Guards, Coldstream Guards, Grenadier Guards and the Welsh Guards. The main focus and priority is to provide a Guard and guard mount for Buckingham Palace, St James Palace, Tower of London and Windsor Castle. Each company has their own AAPTI but they have never had a RAPTCI posted to the Garrison on a permanent basis. Within this busy environment, Sport and PT are not a high priority so my role has been to advise and promote PD and convert the masses! I am winning the battle and the Garrison now participates in regular PT and sport weekly. There are various Sports Competitions taking place across London District (LONDIST) and participation is on the up. In September we had the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Cup, which took place in Windsor. This allowed units to enter and compete in a variety of sports i.e. Tug Of War, 6-a-side football, Basketball, Volleyball etc. No 7 Company were very successful, winning a few events even though they are only a Minor Unit. No 7 Company again were successful in the LONDIST Basketball Championships and qualified for the Army Championships. Watch this space! With many more sporting opportunities on the horizon including volleyball, squash and football to name a few, sport will become a major focus prior to the Trooping of the Colour where sport and physical training will slowly start to take a back seat as this is one of the major dates in this Garrison’s diary.
Sgt (SI) Emmerson and Wayne Rooney
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Who was Sapper Brown?
On a personal level I was lucky enough to Captain the Army Senior Football Team against the German Bundeswehr in September, who are currently the Armed Forces World Cup Champions. It was a strongly contested fixture even though it was a friendly (old habits die hard), and we successfully managed to defeat them with a 2–1 victory.
Remembering British Military Burials in Cyprus Written by Colonel David Vassallo L/RAMC Limited-edition soft-back copies available from the Army Medical Services Museum, Royal Engineers Museum, and The Hive, RAF Akrotiri, BFPO 57. Also by email from djvassallo@aol.com Printed by Crest Publications. Profits go towards the maintenance of the cemeteries where British and Commonwealth sailors, soldiers and air force personnel, of all faiths and none, are buried or commemorated in Cyprus. Sgt (SI) K Emmerson – Army Captain
ISBN 978-0-9927980-0-0
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1ST BATTALION GRENADIER GUARDS Sgt (SI) S Haswell RAPTC
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n the last 12 months the Battalion returned to public duties along with deployments to the Falkland Islands and Brunei.
the Colonel’s Fund. Having 4 weeks leave prior wasn’t the greatest preparation but when the day arrived we completed the course in a time of 2hrs 23 mins.
The Gymnasium has been re-developed from an old disused vehicle garage to a fully functioning strength and conditioning facility which has transformed the level of physical fitness in the unit.
I’ve had a successful year in Powerlifting with victories at Army and Combined
Service level. My main accomplishments were winning the Deadlift event at the British Single Lift Championship and setting a new British record of 305kg. I have been invited to the World Single Lift Championship in Germany later this year……watch this space!
Sgt (SI) Haswell – 300k deadlift
Team London half marathon
In the summer I had the privilege of organising the Inter-Company Boxing Competition which was held at the Army Boxing Centre in Aldershot and was a huge success. There was some great action on the night with Number 2 Company coming out victorious. The Gym staff decided to run the London Half Marathon in September with a team of 8 carrying a 160lb stretcher all in aid of
2ND BATTALION PRINCESS OF WALES ROYAL REGIMENT (PWRR) SSgt (SSI) T Richardson RAPTC
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his has been another memorable, exciting and busy year with the 2 PWRR
The year started with Exercise ASKARI THUNDER. The preparation was tough and training very intense. My whites were exchanged for green “Ally kit”. The progressive training consisted of a multiple of elements, such as swimming, marching, CV, strength and conditioning and OFTs. The AAPTIs and I managed to qualify 80% deployable Soldiers within OFT 6. Running adjacent to this, our downgraded or injured Soldiers were receiving rehab in our newly designed rehab platoon known as “Anzio”. With the work of the PT Staff and the specialist ERI Mr Symons, the unit statistics improved by 20% resulting in Soldiers being upgraded and therefore deployable. Thankfully no Soldier was sent to Anzio during our build up training. The unit deployed to Kenya in May 2013. On arrival my role was working in the CO’s rover group along with 4 of my AAPTIs. I believed I was deploying as an AT guru but was wrong and soon had to adapt to real soldiering. I thoroughly enjoyed the first 5 weeks including a face to face encounter with a lion. Adventurous Training was a huge success and with the help 2 PWRR – Kenya strong man
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of W02 (QMSI) Mikolajewski RAPTC and Major (MAA) Gresty RAPTC, the Battle Group increased their statistics within Type 2 & 3 AT. During my time in Kenya I organised a half Marathon and received 120 entries. I also ran a strongman competition for all the units in the Battle Group. Finally, this was finished off with a “Top Gun” volleyball competition. On our return the unit competed in the LONDIST GOC’s Cup, although we were denied the winner’s podium this year, 2 PWRR did win the 6 A-Side Football and Cross Country for the 3rd consecutive year. My main effort for the remainder of the year was the preparation and training of the Battalion Boxing team along side Sgt Dave Walsh. We decided to have an Inter Regimental Boxing competition with 1 PWRR at York Hall in London. The event hadn’t been contested
for over 25 years. The evening was fantastic, 2 PWRR defeated 1 PWRR, 6 bouts to 3. A memorable night! The CO and unit have supported the team all the way; they were delighted with the 1 PWRR contest and are now hungry for success in the Army Major Unit Novice Grade A competition. We have beaten both 1st Battalion The Welsh Guards (9–0) and 26 Engr Regt (7–2) and are now looking forward to boxing against the 1 PWRR who will want revenge after the night in York Hall. In preparation, the team had a visit from Box Nation which included Boxers, Dereck Chisora, Bradley Skeete, Frank Buglioni and Tony Conquest. The team trained alongside these professional stars and gained some good knowledge. I have had a fantastic tour over the past 3 and a half years with 2 PWRR, making some great friends and achieving some of my career goals. When I leave I will depart with more experience and wonderful memories.
1ST BATTALION WELSH GUARDS Sgt (SI) S Leng RAPTC
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he past year has certainly been incredibly busy for all members of the Welsh Guards. With state ceremonials, public duties and RAAT taskings dominating life for Guardsmen of the Battalion, finding opportunities to escape the demands that are placed upon the ladies and gentleman in Cavalry Barracks have been difficult. However, opportunities to partake in sport of all types has been overwhelming. Boxing received remarkable interest from the Battalion considering Rugby is their first love. The Battalion are the current Army Rugby Union 2013 Champions.
Recent Company level deployments have seen the Battalion deploy to both the Falklands and Belize, combined with a Battalion exercise to Kenya scheduled for the later part of the year, one cannot say that opportunities to see the world are fading. With the Battalion due to move from their home in the built-up suburb of Hounslow in November, much of the focus will now start to draw upon embedding into the newly refurbished Princess Barracks in Pirbright. A welcome move by most, none so more than myself. A training area
1 WG Boxing Officials with Ryan Jones Welsh Rugby Captain
that is suited towards an Infantryman, Pirbright will certainly challenge many of the physical attributes associated with the Welsh Guards. As the RAPTCI of this Battalion, my short time so far has been thoroughly enjoyable yet fast paced, as is the case with other Corps guys and girls. This close knit family Battalion has made me so welcome that I feel a sense of optimism for the remainder of my time with the Welsh Guards.
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Ski Trip
1ST BATTALION COLDSTREAM GUARDS SSgt (SSI) A Kewley RAPTC
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he Battalion have been informed that they are to be located here at Victoria Barracks in Windsor until 2018. This is great news as it allows continuity for both Soldiers and families. Still off Ceremonial duties, the Battalion is extremely busy with preparing to deploy on Op HERRICK 20 in the middle of Feb 14. There is always time for a bit of skiing though! A plethora of exercises and range packages have been the key focus in preparing for deployment. The Battalion’s most recent range package was at Lydd and included a very competitive March and Shoot competition. Earlier in the year I took 30 soldiers from the Battalion to Wolverhampton for the 2013 Tough Guy Competition, which was an enjoyable experience. A further 12 have entered the Tough Guy Competition this year. Our Commanding Officer’s Cup (Strong Trophy) started again for the first time in many years. It consists of 10 events through the year and although it was a very closely contested competition, No2 Coy were the overall winners. September saw the return of the LONDIST GOC’s Cup. After a glorious day of sport 1 COLDM GDS were victorious! The Trophy was massive, well nearly as big as me! By the time this article has been published the Battalion will be well into their Operational Tour of Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 20. I wish all the soldiers and their families a safe tour and a safe return.
Battalion Kenya 2013
March and Shoot Obstacle Course
March and Shoot Obstacle Course
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ARMY TRAINING UNIT (LONDON) WO2 (QMSI) KD Pitcairn RAPTC
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he role of ATU (L) is to deliver Specialist Training courses and Phase 3 Training to the Army Reserves. The role of the PT Warrant Officer (PTWO) is to deliver Reserve Basic PTI courses (2 per year), Reserve Intermediate and Advanced Modular courses (3 each per year), and Endurance Training Leader courses (8 per year). On top of this I also assist G7 PD HQ LONDIST in the management of Reserve PD and sport. Since I took over the post at ATU (L) in August 2012 all PT related courses have doubled and I have qualified more than 150 Army Reserves as PTIs or ETLs in the past 12 months. There has also been an increase of PT equipment to the Reserves and more recently the issuing of 3600 of the new British Army Fitness Guide books as part of the Betterment plan which has now gone out to all LONDIST Reserve units. I have conducted many PD inspections and also advisory visit to several units when requested. This shows that units are taking PD much more seriously now that Army 2020 is on the horizon. The common findings during PDIs include fitness testing being left too late in the TY; MATT 2 Failures Policy not being implemented, lack of sport participation and the lack of Unit Health Committees. Follow up inspections are crucial to ensure that units are operating within current regulations and guidelines. To provide all Army Reserve personnel the opportunity to conduct MATT 2, I have organised a MATT 2 testing/assessment weekends to allow greater flexibility to units and personnel. I am now preparing the unit for the Annual Fitness Test, a first for ATU (L) as we are in the process of moving from MATT level 3 to 2. We are also preparing for various weekends of sailing which will take place in June at Thorney Island as part of type 2 AT for the year. The annual GOC’s Sports Trophy competition involving LONDIST Army Reserve units took place on Sat 1 Jun 13 at Woolwich Station. Sports played included football, basketball, TOW, squash and a relay race. A fantastic day was had by all which resulted in 151 Tpt Regt RLC the overall winners with the HAC who were newcomers to the competition coming runners up.
ATU-(L) GOC’s Trophy 2013
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80 WO1 (SMI) T Gaul MBE RAPTC
Headquarters British Forces Gibraltar
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here can be few places in the world, which equal the “The Rock of Gibraltar” in terms of sheer presence. The Gibraltarian is fiercely loyal to the realm and raises the British Flag at every opportunity. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) and in particular British Forces Gibraltar (BFG) has a leading role in maintaining this ethos as a key stakeholder. Sadly the military footprint has continued to downsize; that said Headquarters (HQ) BFG has finally reached the numbers required as directed and rigorously driven by Project EUSTON. Project EUSTON is the future plan to transform Gibraltar from its current status into a Forward Mounting Base (FMB) for Joint Forces Command (JFC) Operations in North Africa and the Mediterranean Region. As a result all military manning levels have been cut some 40% and departments have had some severe restructuring to contend with! As seen on TV (Channel 5), Gibraltar is indeed “Britain in the Sun” but from a military perspective and despite the general rumour it is not a sleepy hollow; the “Rock” is bustling with physical, sporting and adventurous activities. The visiting ships, aircraft and submarines only set to increase this workload and continue to upset the Spanish! With 2 years in the bag I can honestly say looking back it has been a steep learning curve, especially in the context of dealing with a tri-Service military personnel and understanding
the thought process and terminology of a Royal Navy Command. In my capacity as SO3 (b) Trg and as the Senior Army WO1 on the “Rock” my roles and responsibilities flip between Staff Assistant (broad spectrum) duties and Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) for the British Army (UK) contingent. Despite the manning cuts my small determined and dedicated tri-Service staff and Local Employed Civilians (LEC) continue to provide an array of events and facilities to those serving in Gibraltar, whilst hosting many a Soldier, Sailor and Airman who have utilised the three separately located resources. Devils Tower Camp (DTC) Gym: WO2 (QMSI) Will McKinsley RAPTC was at the helm then the desert came calling and shortly thereafter the post was gapped for approx 6 months. Before I continue this article I feel it pertinent to acknowledge
DTC Gym
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Q McKinsley’s positive contribution and Esprit de Corps whilst on the “Rock” noted and thank you. WO2 (QMSI) Matt Arlow RAPTC assumed responsibility late April 2014 and by virtue has only been in post for a few weeks. I am pleased to report he seems to be carrying on where his predecessor left off, happy days. Q Arlow will host a plethora of Sport Tours during the remainder of 2014 – next year’s diary is already full! Teams that will be visiting Gibraltar this year include the Royal Navy Football Vets, Army FA, Army Squash Association and the RAF Netball team. Locally, a number of clubs have been introduced and made available to all entitled personnel at DTC Gym. Fencing, Box Exercise and Taekwondo Clubs were introduced early 2013 and have been a resounding success. The Beaver-Fit Apparatus purchased continues to be used to its full capacity. The biggest success for DTC Gym was the approval of business case to uplift and replace an all encompassing stock of new Gym Eqpt. Contracts has been authorised to spend £159k so fingers crossed ALL! The Eqpt should be in situ late 2014! DTC Gym stats: 12 months usage: Total, 13,442 users. Approx 60/40% split between military entitled and other (Dependent/LECs). Gun Wharf Adventurous Training Centre: Gun Wharf Adventurous Training (AT) and Outdoor Pursuits Centre is another tier that makes up the Joint Physical Development Unit (JPDU), the facility is managed by Petty Officer Physical Training (POPT) Edwards RN. POPT Edwards is also new in post so I look forward to seeing his achievements over the coming weeks
and months. Although this facility is not a Joint Services AT Centre a small team of LECs manage the delivery of various water-based AT courses/qualifications. Gun Wharf is an excellent AT facility and continues to grow in strength. Gun Wharf stats: 12 months usage: Total, 11,435 users. The team has run 38 courses for 105 entitled personnel already this year; these include kayaking, powerboats, dinghy sailing, first aid, day skipper and more. This is, of course, out with the daily use of boats/facilities on an ad hoc basis. Europa Pool: Europa Pool is managed by Sgt Mor RG and Mr Nico Fitzgerald. It is the third and last of the 3 tier department that make up JPDU. This facility provides tranquil and family orientated aqua and play activities for ALL entitled personnel.
Sadly this facility, under the Project Euston agreement and will be handed over to the Government of Gibraltar (GoG) over the next few years! Europa Pool stats, 6 months usage: Total, 14,862 users. Approx 50% split between tri-Service military, dependants and other affiliated entitled personnel. On a truly personal note; I would like to thank Maj (Retd) Clyde White BEM and Maj (MAA) Barry Stoddart RAPTC for their friendship and, “Esprit de Corps” over the past 11 years. Thank you. In closing, I am hoping much more of the same is to follow over the next twelve months before moving on to pastures new. I wish you all well and look forward to seeing you on the circuit.
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END OF MISSION Capt (MAA) B J Stoddart RAPTC
Headquarters British Forces Cyprus
“Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body; never let the body tell the mind what to do” George S Patton, US Army General and 1912 Olympian
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attempted for the final time to break the existing Guinness world record carrying 20lbs (current record 3:16:08) on 9 Mar 14 at the Paphos marathon. As you are aware, in 2011 I tried to break 3 world records in 35 days carrying weight (managed to break 2) to raise money for various charities (we raised over 100k) and one of the charities was to set up a trust fund for SSgt ‘Mickey’ Vaggs RAPTC who had been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. Unfortunately I failed on the last one at the London marathon through injury and it nearly broke me, especially as banana man and a guy dressed as a Newcastle Brown Ale bottle passed me at the 20 mile point, giving me stick. I did promise that day to the Late Lt Col ‘Danny’ Bryan (CO ASPT; my friend/mentor who died of a heart attack 3 weeks later) who came to
watch me that I would attempt it one more time. Our mission was to break the record and raise money for the following: • SSAFA. • Army Benevolent Fund. • Family Activity Breaks. • RAPTC Association. • Fusilier Aid Society. • Royal British Legion. I must admit when race day arrived, I was absolutely petrified from the fear of failure, setting myself up for a fall and the 2011 attempt was firmly in my mind. For those who have completed the marathon, there are dark times in the race and I have to admit, without my support crew who were with me every step of the way (bike support, Col Williams and Capt Sugrue), it would not have been possible. Capt ‘Chris’ Williams 2 RRF and Sgt ‘Rob’ Harden
Capt B Stoddart attempting the world record
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Coming into the finish
RAPTC were my pace makers and having completed Ironman competitions, Rob’s nutritional advice was to prove pivotal to the success. The course itself was not the flattest and the average temperature in Cyprus for Mar was 20 degrees, which meant the challenge would be that much harder. Not to be discouraged, the pace and support were perfect, however, approaching 23 miles and the sun now beginning to ‘beat’ down, the dreaded ‘wall’ was about to welcome me with
Crossing the line
open arms. I was struggling and although the finish was in sight, the effort just to lift the knees was becoming unbearable. Thankfully, the overwhelming support, focusing my mind on the less fortunate and ‘Danny’, I had the strength to cross the line in 3:12:29 and a new GWR – the demons of 2011 were erased and pain immediately turned to happiness. It has been a lonely 3 years out in the wilderness, thinking of the failure from
2011 and Danny consistently in my mind, however, with the support of my family and friends I can now say ‘End of Mission’ and job done. The team on the day was amazing and the donations we have received will positively make a difference to the 6 charities. As for me, I am done running with a pack on and now turn my attention back to crosscountry; it certainly is that much easier.
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2ND BATTALION THE ROYAL GURKHA RIFLES SSgt (SSI) J Gordon RAPTC
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joined 2 RGR in Aug 14 and straight away I was introduced to the Champion Cup Competition. First part of the competition was a week of sports then a week of military skills which involves a traditional CUD race, 1.5 miles up and down the steepest hill I could find around the Folkestone area (which wasn’t that hard to find). It’s said that in the past who ever won the CUD race would get promoted there and then, but unfortunately for the young lads that hard work to win the race no longer stands. Anyone who has ever served with a Gurkha Battalion will know what I mean when I say that the gymnasium is the hub of the battalion, from when the doors are open in the morning to last thing at night; at the weekend and during leave there are always Gurkhas in the gymnasium either training or playing sport. With all the competitions and sport they play, my job is easy when it comes to fitness testing as I have only ever known one Gurkha to fail a fitness test in my time here. The Battalion hasn’t had a Company boxing competition for many years, it was said by the more old and bold Gurkha officers and SNCOs that Gurkhas don’t box. That has all changed now with the help of Folkestone Boxing Club. The first 2RGR boxing team took part in a boxing competition v 36 Engr Regt, we didn’t win the competition but it was a good kick start to 2RGR boxing. We look forward to a company competition in the summer and are hoping for an invite back to 36 Engr Regt at the end of the year.
Kenya on Askari Storm on the Tuesday. My role was to oversee the adventure training; this kept me busy during my time on Askari Storm. By the end of the exercise we got over 50% of the Battle Group away on adventure training ranging from a Sub Aqua course to MTB course.
With all the sport and training that the Battalion take part in they still find time for the military part of the job, such as a heavy commitment to Op Pitchpole which saw a high percentage of the Battalion being deployed to help in the flood defence in Feb 14. After finishing with the flood defence on the Sunday they deploy to
My time so far with the Battalion has been an enjoyable experience getting to know how the Gurkhas work. As I said before they like their traditions such as Eyes Right to the guard room as you tab or run out the front gate but small traditions like this makes them what they are; a unique Battalion to work for.
First 2 RGR Boxing team
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TRAILS END CAMP (TEC) Maj (MAA) J J Darby RAPTC
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aving completed back to back tours in and retention as we move ever nearer the Army Aldershot as the ASPT Adjt & 2IC, it was 2020 model. welcome news when I received my AO for my next post, OC TEC. Following a period Not all our visitors to TEC have AT in mind. We of “bedding in” it became evidently clear that were very honoured to have a visit from Mr Alun & TEC is the “Jewel in the Crown” when it comes Mrs Lesley Hicks in October 2013. to the delivery of Adventurous Training (AT). It was also very refreshing to hear the recent news Mr & Mrs Hicks were in Canada to open a building from Comd BATUS, that the contract for training in BATUS named after their son, Capt David Hicks TEC Staff 2013 British Troops in Canada (Suffield) has been Royal Anglian, who was fatally injured by a Taliban extended for a further 20 years, which may I add rocket attack in Afghanistan in August 2007. includes AT! My team, who consist of Maj (Retd) Ian Mellor (2IC) (Please see separate article), SMI Paul Chiddle (CI), Mrs Sharon TEC were very privileged to have the parents of an Officer from the Bennett (Office Manager) and Cpl Armstrong (Storeman), continue 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment, who was posthumously to make TEC tick, and more importantly support CLFs intent on awarded the Military Cross – the third highest award for bravery – the reinvigoration of AT across the Army. We also support CGS for his heroism; a very humbling experience. intent in ensuring we offer activities that encourage recruitment Cochrane, the local town where the Trails End Camp Permanent Staff live, hosted the Labour Day Parade on the 2nd September 2013 with The Lions Club International, celebrating their 50th year assisting and supporting the needy in the town and surrounding area. 250 floats from all around the area took part in this year’s parade and TEC, with the help of BATUS, put in the largest contingent ever. The Band of the Irish Guards led with an Adventurous Training float depicting all the activities undertaken at TEC, followed by three pieces of armour; a Whimick, CVRT and Warrior. The first parade took place in 1968, when many of the entrants were horse drawn! TEC are proud to have been part of the Cochrane Labour Day Parade since 2002, the float just keeps getting bigger every year! Mrs & Mrs Hicks with OC TEC
Labour Day 2013
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“END OF AN ERA” Maj (Retd) I Mellor RAPTC
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t is with great sadness that Maj (Retd) Ian Mellor RAPTC will be leaving Trails End Camp (TEC) for pastures new in April 2014, after 12 years loyal service for Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).
military can leap frog into the Canadian national parks and conduct some “first rate” AT. As well as keeping his experienced eyes on TEC, he also managed to tie in some quality community relations initiatives with the local community. I have no doubt that the relationship Ian has created in his tenure with the local population will leave a legacy, and whoever takes up the reins as TEC 2IC in the future will have a hard act to follow.
Ian took up the post as TEC 2IC in 2004 following his tenure as OC TEC (2002-04). In the subsequent years leading up to the present day, Ian has helped steer TEC, and develop it into a “first class” Level 2 Adventurous Training (AT) Centre, which is located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. It must be said, that his 12 years at TEC has not always been a steady ride. Having to justify TEC to the purse holders has at times been tiresome. However, Ian has remained positive, and has always had the best interests of TEC and those who transit through, at the forefront of his mind. Ian has spent an inordinate amount of time ensuring TEC provides all that is required to be a “first class” AT centre, from where the
Ian won’t be hanging his boots up just yet, “that’s not Ian Mellor”. In fact, Ian moves onto another career at Calgary University where he takes up the role as a Specialist in Capital Planning and Infrastructure. Ian is still full of life and has a fantastic opportunity to put his skills to the test at Calgary University. TEC will no doubt lose a vast amount of experience and knowledge when he leaves. However, the show must go on and we must strive to maintain what is by far one of the “Jewels in the Crown” when it comes to location and delivery of Adventurous Training in Canada for the British Army.
BATUS SKI TOURING CONCENTRATION 2014 WO1 (SMI) P Chiddle RAPTC Chief Instructor (CI) TEC
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he aims of AT are clear: “To develop individual courage and leadership skills through controlled exposure to risk in a challenging outdoor environment in order to enhance Operational Capability”. This year the BATUS Ski Touring Concentration provided multifaceted training to the most diverse group of skiers I have ever worked with, whilst delivering both SL2 and SF3 Cses. After numerous periods of avalanche training, off-piste performance and back country ski tours, the 15 participants were stood at a helipad just outside Golden, in Canada. We waited for a helicopter to lift us, our equipment and all of our supplies up to the Meadow Lodge. The only problem was it was minus 30 and it hadn’t snowed for nearly 3 weeks. After a seven-minute Heli ride in thick scenic fog the group had landed at the lodge which was perched at 2200m deep in the Selkirk mountain range of British Columbia. The forecast was due to be clear skies, minus 30 and no new snow all week. With basic living conditions, cold temperatures, and plenty of ski touring it created a very challenging and most rewarding environment. The lodge lived up to its reputation with rugged ski terrain in all directions, which included an extensive selection of glades and tree skiing from the front door, accessible peaks and super long day tours through complex terrain for those experiential days. This was overlooked by Mt Cupola at 2632m which dominated the entire area. Meadow Lodge was flawless providing the precise location with easy access to intermediate level terrain and facilitated the delivery of high end Adventure Training to meet the aims of AT at ALL levels.
BATUS STC 2014
Meeting those aims through the controlled exposure to risk can be difficult to quantify and mitigating that risk is always a very fine balance, especially when taking risks is not generally encouraged. This may be why most people are not willing to leave the welltrodden path and do something that challenges both us, and our groups in every aspect. Leaving the question, is it really AT?
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HEADQUARTERS ARMY RECRUITING AND TRAINING DIVISION (ARTD) Major (MAA) K M McDonald MCGI RAPTC
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s a lone Call-Sign I have been employed as the SO2 for Physical Development, Education and Plans in the Strategy & Occupational Medicine Branch within the ARTD throughout the whole reporting period. Change has been a constant and without respite as the ARTD has had to restructure to make financial savings. This has included re-subordinations, rationalisation of training, 4 tranches of redundancies and an additional 800 plus posts in savings to be made and managed from within. The ARTD itself is a complicated organisation which is responsible for the delivery of Recruiting and Training for the British Army, Reserve and elements of Defence. In essence this means that there is a single 2* focus for Recruit Training and beyond to deployment on operations thereafter. The ARTD aircraft carrier has recently been re-subordinated back to the Adjutant General’s Corps and has absorbed the Collective Training Group (CTG). The CTG spans the globe from British Army Training Units in Kenya, Canada, Germany and also includes the OPTAG (Operational Training) organisation.
The RAPTCIs across the whole ARTD training pipeline are considered to be force multipliers by the chain of command. They continue to excel and deliver in all areas of Physical Development. They are dealing with an unprecedented amount of change within the ARTD and are managing the expectations of staff at the coal-face on a daily basis. They are to be commended throughout. As a testament to their achievement – almost every Unit has a 100% Pass Rate of delivering Recruits to the Field Army and Reserve who are ‘Fit to Fight’. In closing, I have included a series of articles from some of the ARTD RAPTCIs to articulate the diversity of employment and opportunities to be capitalised upon within the ARTD. I now assume Command of the Army School of Physical Training on the 9th of June 2014 and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the ARTD RAPTCIs for their continued loyalty and support throughout my tenure.
THE ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY SANDHURST ‘THE SANDHURST GROUP’ Maj (MAA) M Warwick RAPTC
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y appointment as the MAA at the RMAS has been one of the best jobs that I have had during my career in the RAPTC. Ironically the only constant factor during my tenure has been ‘change’. In essence, evolution continues at a rapid rate of knots within the Sandhurst Group in order to produce the best possible Officers for the British Army. As such, I would like to publicly commend the RMAS Staff (both past and present) for their unrelenting professionalism in delivering the mission of the Sandhurst Group; without them life would be very dull. The Sandhurst Group Mission is as follows: ‘One group, one goal, The Sandhurst Group – consisting of the Officers’ Training Corps, the Army Officer Selection Board, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the Sandhurst Trust – was created in January 2012 to unite Regular and Reserve Officer selection, initial training and alumni. Its sole purpose is to produce outstanding leaders for the British Army and our allies who will be its ‘agile edge’ in peacetime
and on operations. It is this agility, and intellectual agility in particular, that will enable the Army to win in the highly complex and confusing environments likely to characterise future operations.’ The Commandant has continued to evolve the Group with his vision articulated below; ‘The Sandhurst Group will become the world’s pre-eminent military leadership institution with the Royal Military Academy as the Army’s Centre of Training Excellence.’ I would commend Sandhurst to anyone as a unique opportunity to serve in a great place with committed individuals; it is hard work and long hours but the rewards are well worth the effort when you finally see the OCdts finally commission. It is a real privilege to have had a hand in their success.
‘DEVELOPING COMMANDERS THROUGH PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT’ WO1 (SMI) L Sawyer RAPTC
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he Physical Training Wing at the RMAS has been delivering Physical Development (PD) to the future Commanders of the British Army since the RAPTC was first formed. The delivery of PD to OCdts is relatively simple but turning them into Commanders is more challenging. Good command combines the art of leadership with the science of management. It is the responsibility of the RAPTCI to ensure that the relative command attributes are being inculcated, developed
and tested through PD activities. The RAPTC instructor is equipped with sound leadership qualities and managerial skills to enable them to achieve what is required of them in post. ‘Effective leadership is characterised by the projection of personality and purpose onto people and situations in order to prevail in the most demanding of circumstances.’ ADP Operations Ch 2-27
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The Leadership Framework Command Teamwork WHAT LEADERS ARE
VALUES AND STANDARDS
Communication
EXAMPLARS RESPONSIBLE INFLUENTIAL Professional Competence
Determination
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE
WHAT LEADERS KNOW
WHAT LEADERS DO
SO3 Leadership
Dimensions
Effective Intelligence Mental Agility
DEVELOP Develop Self Develop Others
Reaction To Stress
Effective Intelligence
BUILD TEAMS Set Direction Develop Cohesion Raise Standards Empower
ACHIEVE
Impact
Get Results
Leadership Core Values
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
‘THE ‘10 DIMENSIONS’ IN PRACTICE’ SSgt (SSI) G Slade-Jones RAPTC
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erve to lead is the resonating message that OCdts live their lives by here at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. To help develop the OCdts we play an integral part in delivering a wide range of lessons in order to deliver the ’10 Dimensions’ and subsequently the Army Officers of tomorrow. During this phase we use height (perceived danger) to develop self confidence, motivation, determination, communication and leadership. The OCdts learn how to react to stress and develop empathy towards each other. This develops the link to ‘in barrack’ routine and operational capability. The progressive perception of danger increases throughout the PD Programme utilising various PD mediums in order to ‘Stretch’ and develop the OCDts whilst assessing them against the ‘10 Dimensions’.
OCdt on High Wire
‘THE ‘AGILE THINKER’; VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND REHABILITATION’ Sgt (SI) R Guyton RAPTC
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he Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is part of the drive to continually improve education via the exploitation of emerging technologies here at RMAS. This facilitates a change in the RMAS learning culture and methodologies to meet the needs of the modern student. The VLE will enable students on all stages of their training to take more ownership and responsibility of their learning objectives: it will, amongst other things, enable pre-learning, self-assessment and the consolidation of subjects taught during training at RMAS. This includes details of all Sporting, Adventurous and Physical Training activities. Since the introduction of the VLE, OCdts have information readily available at their fingertips which are accessible whenever they require. Additionally RMAS has the luxury of having a first class rehabilitation unit to ensure that injured Officer Cadets are returned back to fitness and training at the earliest opportunity in the most cost effective and safe manner possible. This is all credit to SSgt (SSI) Dove and Sgt (SI) Hawkins RAPTC in Lucknow Platoon who do a remarkable job in this area of responsibility.
SSgt (SSI) Dove and Sgt (SI) Hawkins – Outside RMAS Montgomery Gymnasium
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HEADQUARTERS INITIAL TRAINING GROUP WO1 (SMI) E Dunne RAPTC
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apt (MAA) Al Humes RAPTC and I have had the pleasure of working in the G7 office at HQ ITG. We have the unusual office set up of working with 2 ETS Officers and 3 WO1s from varying Corps.
Capt (MAA) Al Humes training for the ITG Skill at Arms Meeting
The main ITG task is to deliver all Phase 1 Training for Regular and Reserve Recruits via the Common Military Syllabus. Support is readily available from our ‘Mothership’ Army Recruiting Training Division to ensure that we deliver trained soldiers to the Phase 2 Schools. Opportunities are available in ITG. Last year the HQ Staff took 4 days out to do a multi-activity AT Team Building exercise at the Soldier Development Wing in Sennybridge. Capt (MAA) Douglas RAPTC and his team did a fantastic job of hosting us and some of his instructors found themselves being tested to the max when one of our civilian ladies ‘refused to soldier’ half way around the mountain bike route. On 30th March 2013 the HQ entered 3 teams into the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race (125 Miles). Capt Humes paired up with the COS once again (1RO Time!). Despite this formidable pair, my boat which consisted of me and a Clerk beat them to the line, but I don’t like to mention it, too often. As we approach the end of the training year Capt Humes has found himself in the HQ ITG Shooting Team again. Unfortunately I can’t be part of this because I’m a girl (their words not mine) and secondly because I’m on another Sports Tour for the 5th year running. However Capt Humes’s time on the range will not be wasted as he deploys to Afghanistan during June 2014. I would like to wish him and his family all the best for the future and thank him for all his support and guidance over the last 18 months; he will be sorely missed by the team.
ARMY FOUNDATION COLLEGE (HARROGATE) (AFC(H)) PAT WING TO FOX COMPANY Maj (MAA) G C Hendrickson MBE RAPTC
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FC (H) was formed in 1998 as part of a Government sponsored Private Finance Initiative (PFI). As a result AFC (H) has facilities which are second to none. The Physical and Recreational Training Centre is in one word ‘exceptional’ and is the jewel in the crown of the college. On arrival at AFC (H) the CO informed me that he wanted me to Command my own Physical Development (PD) Company. I proposed to call the new Company ‘Fox Coy’ after one of the RAPTC’s founding fathers. To gather enough evidence to justify the new name, I engaged with the RAPTC Museum Curator (Mr Adam Culling) to produce a paper on Col Sir Malcolm Fox. Mr Culling produced a very creditable research paper to convince the CO of the new name. An extract is as follows:
Sir George Malcolm Fox
Colonel Sir George Malcolm Fox Born 4th March 1884, enlisted into 100th Royal Canadians and would later transfer as a Captain
into the Royal Highlander (Black Watch). He was wounded at Tel-el-Kebir in Egypt, 1882, and in April 1883 was appointed Assistant Inspector of Gymnasia in Aldershot, and following promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in 1888 would be appointed Inspector of Gymnasia in 1890 (a position held until 1897 and again in (retirement) 1900-1902. He was appointed Commander, Royal Order of the Sword (Sweden) in January 1909 and Knight Commander (British) in June 1910. Few civilians, and even fewer military leaders, realise the contribution made by Col Fox to the training of the British soldier to become efficient in their weapons in personal combat. The majority of British soldiers have the instinct for hand-to-hand fighting, but their success has been materially helped by the lessons learned in our gymnasia. Colonel Fox elaborated a system of attack and defence, inventing and patenting a new form of spring rifle with a vigorous thrust that could be made without risk of serious injury to the opponent. Col Fox initiated bayonet-fighting competitions in battalions and companies, and inaugurated the annual Army Bayonet Competition and the Royal Naval and Military Tournament. His achievements continued when he took on the responsibility for the building of a new Headquarters Gymnasium in Aldershot
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OC
2IC SMI
COY CLK
CQMS Imjin Pl Sgt
CSM QMSI P&RTC
Imjin Pl OC
D of E Coord SSgt (SSI)
OIC L&IT
(now known as Fox Gymnasium) and also constructed the Army athletics training ground, outside the HQ Gymnasium, at his own expense. Colonel Fox was a pioneer of boxing in the Army, when he introduced boxing instruction he hired two competent pugilists the result was the instituting of competitions in all Army units and public schools. The Duke of Connaught gave, at Colonel Fox’s suggestion, a challenge shield for a cross-country obstacle race between two officers and 100 other ranks of all units. Colonel Fox as a untiring reformer and dissatisfied with the swordsmanship of our officers, visited the best continental fencing schools and decided that the system taught by Signor II Cavaliere Masiello was best suited for the British Army. Colonel Fox spent two months at Masiello’s school in Florence, Italy before bringing to England Signor Magrini in April 1893, Masiello’s best pupil, as an instructor. That June Masiello himself arrived in England and the two instructors, taking classes in succession from all units of the Army, improved the art of swordsmanship beyond recognition.
ERI in Trade
In his early tenure as Inspector of Gymnasia, Colonel Fox visited Sweden with a number of Army Gymnastic Staff Instructors to study the system of physical training in use there. Although Colonel Fox recommended that this system should be employed by the British Army, it was not until 1906 that the War Office accepted that these exercises were suitable for soldiers. In retirement Colonel Fox was called upon by the Board of Education to introduce physical training as part of the curriculum into Board and Public schools, a service for which he was knighted in 1910. Colonel Fox died at Rustington House near Little Hampton on 10th March 1918.
JS on the high ropes course
Fox Coy has now been established for almost 6 months, we are still very much in our infancy and are very much a work in progress. I am extremely proud to be the first OC of the Coy and my first 6 months in Command have been both challenging and rewarding. I have 58 members of staff on strength within the Coy, 40 Mil and 18 Civilians.
JS at dusk on the obs cse
RAPTCIs who are looking for a challenging and rewarding post should look no further than AFC (H). The unit is set in an idyllic location on the edge of a very vibrant North Yorkshire town. It is a pleasure to go to work.
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INFANTRY TRAINING CENTRE CATTERICK (ITC(C)) WO1 (SMI) RJ Roberts RAPTC
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he endless churn of recruit training continues at an alarming rate at the ITC(C). It is the largest military training establishment in Europe. The ITC trains 25% of the recruits joining the British Army. In comparison to other ARTD establishments the 1st Infantry Training Battalion (1 ITB) is the equivalent in size to ATC Pirbright, ATR Winchester and half of the RMAS combined! Add on 2 ITB and the Sp Bn and you will get an understanding of the complexity and scale of ITC(C). We train over 5000 recruits annually with a standing population of over 2000 recruits and 900 PS. This makes working here both challenging and demanding but inevitably it is hugely rewarding. The boss, Maj (MAA) Rick Young RAPTC will move on to set up the new SO2 PD post at HQ Force Troops in the near future. His contribution to ITC(C) during his tenure has been immense and will be remembered for some time. He along with Sharon and baby Athena-May are wished the very best for the future. Pictures paint a thousand words ~ therefore I leave you to peruse a snapshot of ITC(C) Output.
ITC RAPTCIs 2014
Participant Army Cross Country Steeplechase
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ARMY TRAINING CENTRE PIRBRIGHT (ATC(P)) WO2 (QMSI) C R Leare RAPTC
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arrived at ATC(P) on 16 Sep13 to learn that the establishment is a massive ‘beast’ to manage and control. In total it has 35 AAPTIs and 7 civilian employees within the PT Wing. Collectively they deliver 96 lessons of PT throughout the 14 weeks of Recruit Training. 4700 Recruits pass through the establishment on an annual basis and the Unit has a remarkable pass rate of producing Recruits to Phase 2 Training Establishments without recourse. Physical training for the recruits is both challenging and progressive. The Common Military Syllabus Recruits (CMS(R)) also includes
a values based leadership module at the Soldiers Development Wing in Senneybridge (South Wales – Outward bound activities centre) which assists in the development of the Recruits and Staff alike. I am extremely fortunate to have such a capable and talented gymnasium staff. As such, ATC (P) remains a fertile recruiting ground for the RAPTC with a high rate of success on the RAPTC Selection Courses.
DING-DING… BOX – ATC(P) !! SSgt (SSI) S Burrell RAPTC
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uring 2012 I was tasked with organising the Combined Services Vs Scotland Boxing Event at ATC(P). The event proved to be a great success for all concerned and has now manifested into an annual event. The core values and standards on display had a great affect on all the viewing Recruits and Staff alike. Courage and fighting for honours sake were at the forefront. SSgt Thomas RAPTC – with a keen eye on the boxers
11TH (ROYAL SCHOOL OF SIGNALS) SIGNAL REGIMENT (11SR) Capt (MAA) R Lundie RAPTC
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write as I prepare to move on to my new post as the SO3 PD at HQ 43.
11SR is a Phase 2 & 3 training establishment. It is the home of the Royal Signals Corps and it is their centre of excellence for Sport and AT. I have been extremely privileged to have experienced so much during my tenure as the Master at Arms. For example – sitting at the Annapurna Base Camp in 2012 and then returning in 2013 to view the summit of Mt Everest from the summit of Kala Pattar (5555m) is awe-inspiring. For sport 11SR was crowned as the Sp Comd (S) GOC trophy winners for being the unit that participated in the most sports and the female team won the GOC ARTD Women’s Sports Trophy.
Capt (Rab) Lundie with Mt Everest in the background
A total of 190 sports men and women attended the annual sports dinner awards 2013/14. The dinner night continues to be a fantastic success and there can be no better way of rewarding those that give so much in the sporting arena. My RAPTCIs have been fantastic throughout WO2 (QMSI) Johnson, SSgt’s Kinsley & Moss and Sgts Remmer & Paterson. They are to be commended for all of their hard work. A special mention is also extended to Sgt (SI) Colin Paterson who is arguably the busiest ERI SI in the Corps. Finally – the SIOs are the linchpin of the PD Department and are commended for their continual dedication and effort. In closing, 11SR is a super post for any RAPTCI. If you fully grasp the nettle you will enjoy the fruits from this tour of duty.
GOC ARTD, Maj Gen C L Tickell CBE with Regt boxers and unit personalities
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ARMY TRAINING REGIMENT WINCHESTER Capt (MAA) W Pacter RAPTC
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eading into my third and final year at the Army Training Regiment Winchester, I naively thought that I had it all sussed out and all was running smoothly. Think again! Since the last article we have faced a number of challenges and changes throughout the organisation that has tested us all within the department. First up, in May 13, the Regiment was experiencing unusually high wastage and low First Time Pass (FTP) rates. At one stage one of the Troop’s FTP was as low as 60 per cent and the fact that it should be at 75 per cent, was a cause for concern. On investigation it appeared that after our transition from Junior Entry to Standard Entry, the training programme was not sequenced as effectively as it could have been. As such, there were spikes of high intensity activity that were causing injury rates to rise. Furthermore it became apparent that, in some instances, recruits were being psyched-out by over enthusiastic training teams who had excessive performance expectations. To alleviate this a number of initiatives have been implemented throughout the Regiment. Firstly, a review of the training programme was conducted in order to ease spikes in training intensity. Secondly, a Values Based Leadership (VBL) package was introduced for all members of permanent staff. The aim of these workshops is to raise awareness of specific leadership behaviours that are congruent with the Values of the British Army. During the initial VBL workshop training teams are required to produce an action plan in order to reflect on their leadership behaviour and improve training delivery. Finally, a Training Injuries Working Group was implemented in order to identify any injury trends and to ensure that practical action is taken to reduce them. However, an unexpected factor that has contributed to a reduction in injuries is the issue of the new Altberg and Haik boots. The issue of these boots has seen blister rates amongst recruits drop by 80 percent, and resulted in an almost redundant blister clinic. As a result of all these factors there has been a significant increase in FTP, which now averages 86 per cent and a low wastage rate that averages 8 per cent. Furthermore each of these initiatives were viewed very positively by OFSTED and contributed to the Regiment being awarded an overall ‘Outstanding’ grade. Since the last article there have been a number of changes of key personnel within the department. QMSI (now Capt) Lee Jones
has commissioned into the AGC (ETS) and has started his career by educating the next generation of the Army’s NCOs and officers. His replacement, QMSI Mandy Harrington, has already made her mark within the department and the wider Regiment. As I write these notes the QMSI is on maternity leave and has given birth to her daughter, Tilly Jean – a huge ‘congratulations’ goes out to both her and her husband, SSgt Gareth Harrington RAPTC, on the birth of their first child. There has also been a significant turnaround of RAPTC SNCOs. Unfortunately we have had to say farewell to SSgt Marina Antoniou who has decided to leave the Army. Sgt John Hamilton has moved on to the Field Army where he will cut his teeth at 27 Regt RLC and will no doubt thrive. Also, Sgt Si Irving has been short-toured for an assignment with 13 Air Asslt Regt RLC, after successfully negotiating P Company with honours. Their replacements straight from the PTI Class 1 course, Sgt Kieran Boyd and Sgt Ash Stoby, have hit the floor running and are performing admirably. Both are testament of the high quality people we have coming through our system. In addition, we continue to supply the RAPTC with high calibre AAPTIs and have had 5 successfully pass the RAPTC selection process over the past year (congratulations go to Cpl (now Sgt) Williams, Cpls Bray, Dean, Hodskinson and Shackleton). Sport and AT have also played a large part of our routine. Specifically a ski expedition to Serre Chevalier, France, as well as entering a permanent staff team from the Regiment into the Divisional and Army Championships. Both of which were organised by one of the AAPTIs and a resounding success. In particular our ski team finished second in the team slalom during the Divisional championships. In terms of sport our showcase is hosting a second Army v Scotland boxing night. This is a great spectacle for us to promote boxing to our recruits and inspire future advocates of this important sporting activity. Overall the evening was highly successful apart from the result, where Scotland beat the Army 5–2. In conclusion: a busy and challenging year with many ups and downs that has kept the whole department on its toes; however, we would not have it any other way. Sadly I will soon be handing over to Capt Eddie Williams, but I can safely say that my time at ATR Winchester has been the most enjoyable and fulfilling of my Army career.
ATR Winchester P&RTC Staff 2014 with the MAA smiling – for a change
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DEFENCE SCHOOL OF TRANSPORT LECONFIELD SSgt (SSI) A Harris RAPTC MISSION “To train individuals in Driving, Transport Management, Materials Handling and Combat Service Support Communications in order to meet the operational requirements of the three Services.” The Defence School of Transport is often mistaken as a “sleepy hollow” however with an annual throughput of over 14000 students it is one of the largest residential driver training schools in the world. It is safe to say that it is anything but sleepy! The Gymnasium facilities and PT Programmes are constantly being re-energised to accommodate the constant throughput of students. The quality of training delivered is a testament to the enthusiasm of the Gymnasium Staff. They are to be commended.
Members of Ex Northern Kutsero assisting with the relief effort
Even with a busy schedule the School has still managed to compete in the Yorkshire Services Football League, Northern Area Cricket Cup, UK North Cross Country League, UK North and RLC Netball Championships, UK North Rugby League Cup, Military League North Orienteering and have had a huge success with Basketball by retaining the UK North Championship. AT Exercises took place in Cumbria and North Wales, mountain biking in France and sub aqua diving on Ex Northern Kutsero in the Philippines, during a spout of bad weather known as Super Typhoon Haiyan. So all in all a fairly average year for a sleepy hollow!
The aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan
DST Challenge
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DEFENCE MEDICAL SERVICES TRAINING GROUP (DMSTG) KEOGH BKS WO2 (QMSI) R D Bell RAPTC
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his is my second year in post at DMSTG and the pace of life has certainly ramped up over the last few months with the Unit relocation to Defence Medical Services (Whittington) (DMS (W)) well underway. Packing boxes and back loading equipment seems to have dominated the workload, but the move presents exciting new challenges ahead.
to have been a part of history as we observed the DMSTG flag being lowered to the sound of The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines. I was honoured to be appointed as a Divisional Warrant Officer and had the pleasure of escorting Surg Rear Admiral McArthur RN, Comd JMC on his inspection. This undoubtedly made the experience all the more memorable and enjoyable.
Since 2010 Whittington Barracks in Lichfield became the home of Military Medicine and subsequently the Midlands Medical Accommodation project (MMA). The site already incorporates both the Surgeon General’s strategic Headquarters and Joint Medical Command, both of which are fully operational. From 3 Mar 14, when DMSTG have assumed Command of the site it will become the central focus for military medical expertise and assets, with approximately 2,000 military and civilian staff employed there.
During Oct 13, DMSTG hosted the Army Medical Services (AMS) CrossCountry Inter Unit Team and Individual Championship. This was another significant milestone in the history of the Barracks as it was the last event that will be held at Keogh Barracks as a Tri – Service establishment. The competition went very well and the turn out was fantastic.
In summary, another fantastic year with many exciting challenges ahead. We look forward to the necessary close down procedure of Keogh Bks and celebrating new beginnings as we establish ourselves at DMS(W) and mark the occasion with The Dedication Day and hopefully the presence of a very special guest (to be confirmed). This event celebrates the renaming of DMSTG when it becomes The Defence College of Healthcare Education and Training (DCHET).
WO2 (QMSI) Bell reciting Holy Willie’s Prayer
WO2 (QMSI) Bell briefing trainees at Unit Health Fair
I have been actively involved in the Warrant Officers’, Petty Officers’, and Sergeants’ Mess as a member of the Entertainments Committee, particularly for the Burns Supper. I decided to offer my services by rehearsing my rendition of the 17 versus of Holy Willie’s Prayer and additionally, I read out the Immortal Memory of Roberts Burns
Another challenge will be the amalgamation of 2 Gymnasiums into 1 where procedures and protocols are already established and in place. Fortunately we have developed a good rapport with current members of Gymnasium staff and they are looking forward to our imminent arrival. The Relocation Parade has been the highlight of the year and I am proud
WO2 (QMSI) Bell during Relocation Parade
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THE ARMOUR CENTRE, RAC TRG REGT WO2 (QMSI) JJ Whiting RAPTC
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ovington Garrison is a hive of activity; so much happens here on a daily basis despite its ‘Sleepy Hollow’ reputation. This is my first post as a QMSI and within a few weeks of arriving I found myself under pressure to organise the RAC/ HCav Boxing Championships. This was rapidly followed by Exercise Hodson Horse (sports competition), just prior to the Christmas break. Thankfully the PT Staff delivered to an outstanding level throughout under the ever watchful eyes of Sgt Gowing RAPTC. I am indebted to them all.
communications and a calm nerve. Nobody likes change, but “change is often the catalyst for improvement” and we should always look for improvement in everything we do.
As I approach my 6 month point in post, I think of all the formal PT lessons to Phase 2 Trainees, Phase 2b Trainees, Career Courses and Sports Events that we have delivered. I can firmly state that this post is not for the faint hearted! The establishment is also continually growing in size and includes 100 Royal Marines. Pushing forward with and continuing the Strength and Conditioning training of the establishment is a major task that requires good
Robin Reid-with-RAPTCI’s
INFANTRY BATTLE SCHOOL (IBS) BRECON WO2 (QMSI) G C Armstrong RAPTC The Infantry Battle School consists of the following Divisions:
UK Midlands Cross Country-Minor Unit winners UK Midlands Volley Ball –winners 160 X Festival of Sport – winners WATT 4 (40km) Multi-terrain Cross Country – winners COs Competitions every other month (annual Trophy)
Junior Division Tactics (Junior Brecon) Senior Division Infantry Warrant Officers Course (IWOC). Platoon Sergeants Battle Course Senior Brecon Infantry Weapons Division Live Firing Tactical Training (LFTT) for Platoon Commanders / Sergeants Battle Course, Skill at Arms & Range Supervisor Platoon Commanders Division Platoon Commanders Battle course (Phase 2) Clearly each of the arduous courses is heavily reliant on Physical Development. It is also clear that the IBS is a key stakeholder in the development of new concepts for Infantry Training. Recently the Chief Instructor and I were tasked to develop a new ration pack that meets the calorific requirements for some of the high octane IBS Courses. Initially we were both surprised by the lack of nutritional knowledge of our seasoned Officers and Soldiers. Therefore we needed a strategy to educate and to breakdown the poor cultural attitude towards nutrition. The plan of attack was forged: “Project Sparta” Project Sparta was developed to improve the fitness and health of IBS personnel by a series of briefs and practical guidance lessons. This included injury management and a complete review of the Pre Tactics
WO2 (QMSI) Armstrong-Pen Y Fan
Course. The first results from the new course were outstanding with a 99.5 % pass rate with only one soldier being returned to his unit (RTU). The wastage rate of the old course averaged at 15 RTU’s per course – so this result was a resounding success.
In summary, the IBS is a fantastic post with limitless opportunities. Everyday tasks are different. I would recommend that anyone wishing to serve at the IBS pays a visit in the first instance because it is a demanding role and it will not suit everyone. However, IBS comes with its very own training areas and hills with plenty of space to run with a dog. We even managed to talk a contingent of German Officers to walk up Pen Y Fan with me; sadly I didn’t know how to say no to the celebratory Bavarian drinks at the top. The mantra being “climb every mountain”, I think it was more like a scene from Stalingrad as opposed to the sound of music.
“Sport for all” “I didn’t know we could compete” It was rather sad to discover that many Infantry Soldiers of various back grounds didn’t know that they could take part in sport. The promotion of Sport is now one of the Battle School’s fundamental aims; we now boast a sports board and willing OICs for every sport. Some of our achievements are as follows:
German Army on the FAN before the Bavarian Punch
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HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAINING AND THE TACTICAL ATHLETE TRAINING FACILITY Dr Mark Bellamy and Rob Coleman
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ATF has been developed by Leisure Lines GB Ltd over a seven year programme. We also recently partnered with Cybex to further develop what we believe provides a solution to the provision of high quality training for tactical athletes most environments. The development of TATF reflects our design and development approach: To design, develop and create the best equipment available. To test that equipment in high performance, highly demanding and highly critical arenas. To ensure that we understand our clients’ needs and requirements and then recommend the most appropriate solutions to those requirements. To really understand the industry from a development, user and coach perspective and reflect that understanding in the design, development, facility planning, installation, education and support that we are able to give our clients. Our approach is strongly geared to reflect our philosophy in that we are now the largest commercial fitness manufacturer with UK production. Our in-house design and production facility are incorporated within the same facility, meaning that ideas can quickly be translated into designs, prototypes and fully engineered equipment. We have enhanced this one stop shop through engaging an expert panel who are able to further advice us in all aspects of development from design, biomechanics, education, testing, training and psychology of training, performance and injury prevention. This approach has been put to good use in high level sports and the military where we have been responsible for the design, development and installation for many high performance training facilities. For example we worked with legendary trainer Steve Walsh at Toulon to develop the fitness facility that not only helped Toulon crush Saracens in the Heineken Cup final, but also kept Johnny Wilkinson fit enough to impact positively on his last playing season. The approach of maximising crossover from training to performance incorporated into TATF in that the exercises associated with the equipment mix of TATF has been geared to map onto primal
movements. We then emphasise the development of high quality movement and thus try to ensure that during training power is layered onto technique, hence creating athletes who move well but with power. As part of our training package we then associate the various movements and exercises available with TATF with specific military tasks. We believe that this simple approach is easily understood, but can have a massive impact on the effectiveness of training, longevity of high performing tactical athletes and reduction of training and performance injury. Some of the specific features that make TATF an effective training tool are shown here: TATF utilises a one usage shipping container for both transport and as part of the training facility. This facility can be assembled or prepared for transport in 1 hour. Delivering high quality and low risk training based around the development and training of sound movement. A broad spectrum fitness solution for up to 60 athletes, but also develops combat, HITT, cardiovascular fitness and rehabilitation, resilience, performance and longevity of performance and rehabilitation. Re-deployable system that is galvanised for hardwearing usage in any environment and EN 957 compliant. Equipment design is theory not marketing driven and maps to movement and onto military tasks. Full manual and instructor manuals provided as well as initial training Helps develop key features of an effective tactical athlete: Good CV, Power, decision making under pressure, mental and physical resilience, good movement habits (so that they show under pressure), sustainability, and ability to recover and perform again, ability to perform under pressure, hardiness. If you have any questions about TATF please contact Rob Coleman at Leisure Lines GB on 07970 416171 or e-mail on Rob@lesiurelinesgb.co.uk
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PULSE SUPPLY MOD WITH £2M WORTH OF FITNESS EQUIPMENT IN FIRST YEAR OF CONTRACT
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n their first year as an approved supplier to the MoD, Pulse have supplied over £2m worth of fitness equipment to the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force. The armed forces placed orders for equipment across 130 sites to help keep troops in peak physical condition. The Pulse in-house product design team have been integral to the success of the contract so far. The company worked closely with the MoD, modifying several pieces of equipment to make them more suitable for the fitness needs of the armed forces. Adaptations have included adding fitness testing programmes to the CV range, extending the weight stacks and increasing the top speed of the treadmills. Over the last 12 months, equipment including free weights, CV machines, resistance machines and functional training kit has been supplied to military bases in Cyprus, Germany and the
UK. UK installs include Bassingbourne Barracks and even the prestigious Royal Guards room at Buckingham Palace. “As a British company, we are proud to be supporting British Troops,” said Ben Steadman, Key Account Manager for Government Services at Pulse. “Our equipment range is of the highest quality and durability and one of the most cost effective in the world. This combined with our ability to modify equipment to meet the enhanced needs of the armed forces, makes us the ideal supplier for the MoD.” Pulse won a three year contract to be an official supplier in April 2013. They are also the official sponsor of the Royal Army Physical Training Corps football team. www.pulsefitness.com +44 (0)1260 294600
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FOREWORD Maj (MAA) S D Sinclair RAPTC Second in Command Tempo at the ASPT does not change. The current hot topics at the ASPT are the proposed reduction of the AAPTI course to 8 weeks with an uplift of section numbers and course instances. This will be delivered in a staged format through the next several years to coincide with the drawdown of our forces in Germany and the imminent closure of ASPT(G). Another big change is the relocation of the ASPT ATI assets from JSATI to JSMTC (I) which was initiated by the RAF conducting a rationalisation of its own ATI footprints. When this goes to print, the Commanding Officer, Lt Col (MAA) Dougie Peters will have moved on to new and exciting challenges on his retirement after 39+ years of service of which 29 were served in the Corps. He has had a huge impact on the ASPT and how we conduct our business and his positive nature and attitude will be sorely missed by all of his Staff. The CO’s BATON will have been handed over to Lt Col (MAA) Keith McDonald, who will take post on his deserved promotion. As always within the ASPT the turnover of personalities are high and sadly too many to list but they will all be missed. Lastly, and on a personal note I would like to thank all the staff both military and civilian on being a highly dedicated and professional team and ensuring that we maintain our status as a Centre of Excellence. The following articles are testimony to this; well done.
Maj (MAA) S Sinclair RAPTC and Mrs Jackie Monk on her retirement as ASPT nurse after 18 years
Staff & students ASPT
THE ARMY SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL TRAINING (ASPT) – ALDERSHOT ASPT QUARTERMASTERS DEPARTMENT Maj (MAA) S D Alhaji RAPTC
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fter organising contractors, moving people out of Hammersley Barracks, taking over the new buildings and settling in the Army Sports Control Board, Fox Lines is finally looking neat and tidy. The only big outstanding jobs are: Garden Of Remembrance – Needed some additional work which came about when
we removed the two overgrown trees at the front, this left two gaping holes in the fence and the tarmac. After prolonged discussions, it was finally agreed that the Garrison would pay for the resurfacing and replacement fence panels, which has just been completed and as can be seen, the front now looks a lot smarter.
Routine Improvements – Notwithstanding the aftermath of Project Allenby Connaught (PAC), we are continuously making subtle (and some not so subtle!) improvements within Fox Lines. We got the contractor to paint the old blue bleaches in Fox Gym, they now look fantastic (see below). To ensure all visitors and students are informed on critical information, a
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new electronic information board has been erected near the entrance into camp, which is proving to be a great addition to the Training team. Final Jobs – As a consequence of PAC the geography of Fox Lines has changed but the road markings need to match the new configuration. Finally, the old Training Wing portakabins are now redundant and need to be moved so we can utilise the area for training. The plan is they will be moved sometime in September 2014.
GOR Before
New PRI Owners Back in October 2013 the PRI manageress took early retirement, which left us in a state of flux. A series of interviews was conducted but the applicants were either not up to the mark or were over qualified, sadly we couldn’t afford to pay the latter enough to entice them from their current jobs. This left two possible solutions, either close the PRI completely or get a company in and run it for us. So after initiating another advertising campaign four companies applied. We then assembled an interview panel and decided to select a company called HMSS Direct Ltd as they were the most flexible, have substantial previous experience of running other PRI’s and can operate a remote PRI facility where they set up a mobile shop at large venues such as Study Periods, large sporting events etc.
GOR After
On the 1 May 2014, Brian Hollands and Alison Daniels (owners of MHSS Direct Ltd), took over the PRI and have now started trading. They have a central web site and the ASPT PRI has a dedicated portal. So visit the website at (www.hmssdirect.com) and get shopping.
Fox Gym
RAPTC AND THE BRITISH MILITARY MISSION (BMM) SAUDI – ARABIA SSgt (SSI) A Jessey RAPTC
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iding on the back of Sgt Flanagan’s successful delivery of Personal Safety Public Order (PSPO) training in support of the British Military Mission (BMM). I was more than happy to don a set of desert boots and helmet to conduct a 2 week Obstacle Course Instructor (OCI) package for Officers and SNCOs of the Special Security Battalion based in Dammam, Saudi – Arabia. The obstacle course in Dammam was constructed in 2012, but with no appropriately qualified instructions to conduct training it was left unused. The situation was reviewed in Apr 13 by the BMM Advisor, Sgt Flanagan. It was assessed that the obstacle course could be used but would require minor adjustments and a period of instruction to get a number of the Saudi training staff competent and qualified in order to teach. In addition, there was a requirement to provide advice on developing a progressive fitness programme for the Special Security battalion. I arrived with a few days to orientate, familiarize and plan for the obstacle course package (naturally, beach muscle ups and generally sunning it up was also a factor). The obstacle course
training would take place over two one-week periods from 22 Sep to 3 Oct 13. The capacity was for twelve students each week to go from zero to hero and leave with the OCI qualification. Although at times training the Saudis was like herding cats, it was a great experience and generally good fun, I would recommend it to any of my colleagues if and when the opportunity comes around again.
SSgt Jessey Demo
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ASPT FORCES THROWDOWN 2013 SSgt (SSI) C Goodchild RAPTC
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ednesday 24 April 2013 saw the second Forces Throw down Competition take place at the Army School of Physical Training (ASPT) Aldershot. As a result of the Competitions achievements and reputation in the previous year, we have seen a steady rise this year in the number of entries. A total of 28 male and 3 female teams turned up
to take part in what was set to be a true test of physical fitness. It is clear to see how the Sport of Crossfit and Functional Training is growing across all three services. The competition comprised of four different workout challenges, which encompassed most of the elements associated with Crossfit, agility, strength and functional movement. The added
twist of some very high intensity exercises seen even the more experienced teams pushed to their physical limits. There were two cuts made throughout the competition, the first being after workouts 1 & 2 and the second being after workout 3, an agility based challenge on the obstacle course, this highlighted a number of weaknesses within the other services. At this point, the ASPT team were looking strong and one of the favourites before the cut, with only the top 8 teams going through to the final workout challenge. The final workout was based on the classic workout known as “Fran” however, in good military fashion it was made harder by being tripled. Unfortunately, with only seconds separating the final results, the ASPT team were beaten by their biggest rivals on the day, a team from the Royal Navy. This left the final result as follows: 1st Place – HMS Temeraire, 2nd Place – ASPT and 3rd Place – CTC RM.
SSgt Goodchild
Sgt Flanagan
Overall, the day was a huge success, promoting Crossfit as a Competition and as functional fitness training system being adapted and used within the three services. The day was enjoyed by all those taking part and attending. Bring on the ASPT Forces Throwdown 2014.
BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION – RAMP UP THE RED Sgt (SI) G Thomas RAPTC On the 7 Feb, members of Fox Lines military and civilian personnel took part in a Potted Sports Competition to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. A total of £200 was raised on the day.
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ASPT CYPRUS ADVENTUROUS TRAINING SSgt (SSI) A Jessey RAPTC
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6 of the ASPT Staff in Aldershot and Sennelager conducted Level 2 Adventurous Training in Cyprus, under CJSATC during the period 24–31 Aug 13 with an aim to relax and reinvigorate themselves after a busy term.
With thanks to Capt Stoddart, WO2 Haley and the rest of the CJATC team; the staff
from both schools had a memorable time and look forward to Cyprus 2014.
During the relaxed week the team took part in mountain biking, free diving and rock climbing. The Cyprus summer was at its peak which leant itself to the fantastic beaches and water sports around the Akrotiri area.
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ADVENTUROUS TRAINING GROUP (ARMY) – ATG(A) Maj (MAA) M J Lewis RAPTC
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s always seems to be the case,12 months flash by and its time to reflect upon the happenings of the year gone by for the MBS notes. Given the amount and pace of significant change across the Adventurous Training Group (Army) there is much to report. We said farewell to Colonel Ian Horn MBE, Late RAPTC who retired to his cottage in the Lake District; we wish him and his family well as they develop their ‘forever’ home. We welcomed Col Nick Richardson, Comd ATG(A) – Late RE, as our new Commander; Col N Richardson Late RE he settled in very quickly, has an array of AT experience and is truly passionate about AT and its value to all. We have relocated the HQ from Andover to Upavon; continued our integration as an Operations Group within ARTD and managed the ongoing resubordinations of ATG(A) sub units along functional rather than geographic lines. Our support to the Army’s reinvigoration of AT has continued to gather pace and remains the ‘main effort’ with HQ Adventurous Training Foundation Delivery (ATFD) now firmly established and leading on the task. As
part of this work, ATC (Scotland) is becoming an exemplar for the delivery of Foundation courses via a journeying template, something that will engender the aims of AT and have students coming back for more. As ever, the staff across JSMTC and its wings have continued to develop and qualify our future AT leaders and instructors whilst their course design cell constantly improve the content of Army led AT schemes. A notable achievement, amongst the many, was the commencement of the new GTO – Rock Climbing Scheme in April 14. Maj (MAA) M J Lewis RAPTC Across the entire Group, ATG(A)’s military and civilian staff have risen to the challenges that, inevitably, go hand-in-hand with development; they are highly skilled professionals whose dedication and resilience is second to none. Sadly, these will be my final notes as the Group Training Officer as I will shortly be handing over to Maj Rich Gilbey RAPTC and moving on to HQ RAPTC in Aldershot. I would like to thank everyone across the Group for their support and I will leave readers to peruse the sub unit reports straight from the coal face.
ADVENTUROUS TRAINING FOUNDATION DELIVERY (ATFD) Capt (MAA) N O’Shea RAPTC – Trg Offr ATFD
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s with most units, this has been a very busy period with the end of the training year fast approaching. The year has seen this HQ renamed to HQ ATFD, a new mission issued that has clear direction and purpose, a new sub unit formed and the Alpine Training Centre made ready for resubordination to CO JSMTC. This has all been under the planning and direction of HQ ATG (A) whose main effort focus has been to help units re-invigorate AT. In the background, routine business and training has continued to gather pace as units aim to achieve and develop their AT Plans with the support of this HQ. The AT world is definitely not regressing, it’s a growing arena against dwindling manning. The following words and pictures offer a glimpse of our portfolio and a round up of the year. Thanks to the individuals that have contributed to this article. Alpine Training Centre (ATC). ATC has had a good year, re-invigoration of AT has seen an increased demand on resources for both the Type 4 Courses being run from Hubertus Haus, Oberstdorf and the lodges in Wertach, which support Ex SNOW WARRIOR (ESW) and unit expeditions throughout the summer. Type 2 summer delivery was unusual in that ATFD ran a number of Foundation courses for visiting expeditions, utilising contracted instructor support from the lodges. A successful pilot that will be developed further and embedded directly into unit
expeditions, enabling them to meet their AT Plan and start the process of developing unit individuals towards instructor qualifications. At the time of writing ESW 14 is nearing a successful conclusion; almost 100% output against planned figures on this very popular exercise that I am sure will always be oversubscribed. Another year that has seen developments with adaptive skiing with both a Adaptive Instructors Concentration being run in January and 2 successful ESW (A) packages during which a new piece of kit came into service – The
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‘Dualski’. This ski will help with the development of future adaptive skiers. This year Sjt George Pas who has a spinal cord injury and is paralysed from the chest down was the first student to use the equipment. He was ably coached by Mr Ash Clare from Battle Back and assisted by WO1 (ASM) Kev Hudson & Physio Capt Hannah Marshall. Alongside the T2 delivery at ATC the T4 delivery of JSAT courses has been busy and very productive. We have also delivered
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several key Concentrations, aimed at developing the AT skills & experiences of service personnel, to help them migrate to higher level awards. These have included Kayaking in Slovenia, Rock Climbing in the Dolomites, Paragliding in the Allgau as well as supporting JSAM in Andermatt. Running as a theme in the background, has been ATC’s preparation ready for a command transfer to JSMTC on 1 Apr 14. This will bring all the T4 terrain following activities under one command.
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Kiel Training Centre (KTC). Another successful year, given the direction to maximise training opportunities we programme an increase in the region of 30% in terms of places available. A very busy period that was executed professionally, without compromising training value, all down to the dedication of the staff. The sailing season started with a wintery feel and a lot of courses being block booked to meet the re-invigoration requirement. The block booking of units to one course does bring positive and negatives that the KTC skippers had to manage carefully to meet the Aims of AT. Some individuals do arrive with the wrong approach however this could be alleviated with robust perception management by the CoC; AT is directed military training and when individuals arrive with this in mind, all concerned will have a positive experience. The diving wing has continued to deliver against a busy programme that has been assisted by the returning incremental staff with dive qualifications. This has been invaluable for KTC instructors and allowed for the development and hosting of other BSAC events to allow soldiers to develop their instructor qualifications, a successful and well supported initiative. Other highlights of the year have been ‘Flamingo’ taking part in the Tall Ships Race, staged from Denmark via Latvia to Poland, and fully supported by KTC crews. We also carried out the collection and delivery of the new fleet from Sweden. The centre facilitated training for circa 2000 people over the year and the same is expected next year if not slightly higher.
Harz Mountain Lodges. Another year of solid business for the Harz lodges that have been complimented further by the ability to now deliver JSAT Mountain Bike Foundation (MBF) Courses with the assistance of the 2 staff (Spot & Karl) based there. This, and all the support offered in the Harz, is well received. I am sure that with its’ great communication links/accessibility the Harz area will continue to attract expeditions post Germany draw down. Adventurous Training Centre (Scotland) (ATC(S)). Further to last year’s MBS note ATC(S) in Cameron Bks, Inverness has undergone development this year, and this continues to gather pace as we approach the first formal delivery of T2 AT from this location. The development has not been without its issues, but the centre is at a stage where it can now deliver and support Unit AT to help with the re-invigoration theme. The staff have worked very hard along a diplomacy tight rope, to achieve the current state of readiness for this year’s training. An excellent instructor induction package was run in March with a Values Based Learning (VBL) theme being integrated against other key training aspects. ATC(S) is now ready to deliver against ATG(A) targets, with development projects progressing in the background. Business will be very busy for the ATFD as we sit paused at the start of the re-invigoration journey. Success, I believe, will be down to several key components these being perception management of what AT is and it’s aims, the delivery of quality AT to meet the aims and the realistic priority and value that the CoC attaches to Adventurous Training, we will see?
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BRITISH ARMY TRAINING UNIT KENYA BATUK Maj (MAA) M S Gresty RAPTC GROUND BATUK is situated and operates within the South to Mid area of Kenya. From Nairobi in the South, Nanyuki to the centre and Archer’s Post and surrounding Training Areas to the North. We are flanked to the North by Ethiopia, West by Uganda and South Sudan, East by Somalia, and South by Tanzania. The BATUK Adventurous Training Cell operates from 2km North of the Equator, in Nanyuki which is situated on the Western side of Mt Kenya, the summit of which is only some 30km away as the crow flies. SITUATION The British Army Training Unit (Kenya) has been in existence for some 40+ years and delivers Foundation Training (FT) to
nominated Battle Groups (BG) for light force operations in the current operating environment (COE). This service is delivered to some 5 BGs and also supports many other enabling exercises; seeing in excess of 8,000 personnel transiting through per Trg Yr. Training is clear and well-practiced however, the delivery of adventurous training here a little less so. Many a QMSI has done a stint of 6 months or so over here, with the aim of delivering adventurous training and clearly done their best to make it work. It is also clear that they have had their work cut out in an attempt to deliver it in a compliant, safe and structured manner. It should be noted that this Trg Yr alone we put 4,387 troops through some form of T2 Adv Trg course and supported circa 250 on T3 (Mt Kenya treks). All this is achieved while balancing the vagaries of the exercising formation’s needs, the specific issues of working in an East African 3rd World country and the services available. The British Army in Kenya relies on a robust and clear Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which enables clear policy between UK and Kenya. Yep; you guessed it, it doesn’t really exist anymore (certainly not in the form it did when the General’s ran the country) and is being rewritten as we speak. The Commander BATUK, BHC and DIO spend many an hour on meetings and discussions with the Kenyan Government but it all still hangs loosely in the balance.
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• 1ST Party Assurance to the CoC and Higher Command regarding all aspects of Adv Trg (including equipment, civilian provider delivery and financial integrity). • G4 support on behalf of ATG(A) for all T3 expeditions. • PD, MATT 2 and Sport for all troops in Kenya. ORBAT SO2 ADVENTUROUS TRAINING Maj (MAA) – RAPTC QMSI Adv Trg WO2 (QMSI) – RAPTC Adv Trg Storeman (owned by QM BATUK)
MISSION BATUK is to: Design, deliver and develop FT for nominated units, act as the Army’s centre of excellence for light force operations in the COE, maintain consent for our activities in Kenya, in order to provide Defence with the capability for success on current and future operations. To support this mission, the Adv Trg Cell is to: Enable the provision of Adventurous Training (supported by challenge pursuits) that is assured and compliant with the Army’s Safe System of Training; within the constraints of budget, the exercise matrix and BG’s main effort. Also to provide SME support to Comd BATUK regarding all matters PD, Adv Trg and Sport. SPECIFIC TASKS As a cell within BATUK we deliver: • T2 Adv Trg (supported by challenge pursuits) to the BGs and CTG funded exercises. • SME direction and advice for all T3 expeditions (Mt Kenya and Sub Aqua Diving specifically; this may grow to MTB which is currently WiP).
Gym Maintainer LEC PERSONAL REFLECTION Having been given the opportunity to ‘sort out’ the delivery and assurance of Adv Trg in Kenya as an SO2 I have seen it all! I have been challenged, told off, ignored, bluffed, schmoozed, surprised, shocked, amazed, tested, impressed, informed and everything in between. There is no surprise in that it has been expeditionary and at times difficult but that is all part of the territory. The adventurous training here is delivered well and is all the better for the investment of the post. The BGs are now completely under control and the providers are delivering the right stuff, in the right amount with the right kit and in support of values based learning. This means that the Adv Trg Cell QMSI can now get on with organising and delivering the matrix of Adv Trg (compliant to policy, in time, safely, with quality and on budget). Are we there yet? NO, but are we safe enough and compliant enough to take Adv Trg forward to an assured future? YES. A few good people have (and continue to) invest(ed) a lot of time and effort in the pursuit of bettering and advancing the delivery of the subject in Kenya. We are not there yet but we are much further on than we were!
CYPRUS JOINT SERVICES ADVENTUROUS TRAINING CENTRE (CJSATC) Capt (MAA) B Stoddart RAPTC – Officer Commanding
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JSATC formed in 1974 and this year celebrates its 40th year and in line with the CLF’s recent direction to reinvigorate Army Adventurous Training (AT), our centre is going from strength to strength. I have to admit in my humble opinion this is probably the best Capt’s post within the RAPTC and it has been a real privilege to command this stand alone unit. We are co-located within Dhekelia Station and our customers are BFC personnel and our Masters in UK are HQ ATG(A) who have been so supportive during my time in post. I am about to move onto the SO2 J7 PD post (lucky me) and Capt ‘Sean’ Semple (lucky him) will take over the reins of this superb establishment. The very glue that binds the AT together and keeps the CJSATC machine moving are the staff and I will be eternally grateful for all their counsel, professionalism and expert
Plane: Mr P Bell, Sgt D Bartle, Mr A Ansell, Cpl C McNeil, Cpl J Van-Riel Boat 1: Mr M Keane, Gnr M Williams Boat 2: Mne J Doxey, Mr S Ayrey Arrow Head: Mr A Harris, Mrs P Atkinson, Sgt W Houston, SSgt P Mikolajewski, WO M White Capt B Stoddart, Shearer, WO2 K Haley, Sgt R Harden, Sgt C Unsworth, Mr J Calmus, Mr R Nahhas
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delivery. In particular, I would like to thank the GTO Maj ‘Mark’ Lewis who has been a real rock and the Centre Warrant Officers who worked for me (WO2s Haley and McCleod) who were quite simply superb. One’s set of notes cannot be complete without pictures that really sell AT; therefore it is only ‘apt’ that I include the Parachute Wing conducting Staff
L-R: WO Martin White CI RAF PTI, Sgt Dylan Bartle RAF PTI and Cpl Chas McNeil RLC
Training for the first time in four years. An ATG funded exercise saw the four staff instructors head off to Dubai for a bit of warm weather training. Although you may think that Cyprus can provide everything needed (which it can), taking the staff away from any distractions and to a new potential training environment for future expeditions, Dubai seemed the perfect answer. A five-hour plane journey was an
immediate advantage over the USA. Not to mention the state of the art Drop Zone, Aircraft and Training facilities that Dubai had to offer. In total the staff carried out 30+ descents, meeting their own personal aims with the ultimate goal of passing this information onto CJSATC students of the future.
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JOINT SERVICE MOUNTAIN TRAINING CENTRE Maj (MAA) S Higgins RAPTC
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he yodelling message was weak, signal low, but “only two paragraphs” was heard as clear as a 2* flat water venue! That said, my ramble must remain brief but undulating, stressing only the peaks reached and ski bumps encountered. Therefore, here goes…JSMTC remains crazily busy, with ATC joining the Borg and the new Rock Climbing Scheme preparing to grit the crags in Apr 14.
The job is great and one can only value seeing high quality rugged outputs by high quality woolly hatters – AT is a place where the workload remains constant, whatever the weather! PTIs that are considering a move across from the warmth of the unit gym will only benefit from the experience and you never know, some might even see the light from a caving headlamp.
JOINT SERVICE MOUNTAIN TRAINING WING BALLACHULISH Capt (MAA) G Logan RAPTC
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t was with fond farewells that my family and I left sunny Aldershot in late Jul 13 and made the 12 hour journey North to not so sunny Fort William to take up my first appointment upon Commissioning into the RAPTC as the Officer Commanding (OC). After a comprehensive, whirlwind handover with Capt (MAA) Russ Reid – thanks Russ – I was now firmly in the chair as the OC, although my feet had not quite taken root ‘under the desk’. JSMTW(B) is a premier Type 4 AT facility and the lead Service Centre for winter mountaineering. Since my previous visit to Ballachulish a lot of hard work has gone into improving the facility and enhancing the student experience. Rumours amongst the staff suggest that under a certain previous OC’s tenure a well known Swedish furniture company played a big part in this transformation and modernisation. This is a theme, which I have endeavoured to continue and it has been a steep learning curve dealing with the administrative minefield of Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). However, as I write the effort has been rewarded, as the centre now resembles a building site as DIO rush to complete a number of improvement works within the FY13/14, which will enhance the facility further.
(SI) Andy Hogarth, both off whom are talented ATIs and worth watching for the future. Congratulations also go to Mat Fletcher on his recent selection for promotion to Warrant Officer Class Two: a fantastic achievement and thoroughly deserved. In closing I would like to say that it has been a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience thus far to be the OC and to command such a talented and dedicated team and I thank them all for the efforts. I look forward to more members of the Corps attending courses over the coming year and if you have never experienced a Scottish winter mountaineering adventure then I would recommend it to you all!
The staff at JSMTW (B) are comprised of four military (two RAPTCI, one RAF and one RLC chef) and eight civil servants (three SIOs, an AO, two storekeepers, a driver/storekeeper and a caretaker). The staff are the engine of the centre and through their hard work and dedication students are rewarded with a challenging and fulfilling experience in a unique area of the British mountains. Since my arrival we have recruited two new members of staff (caretaker and storekeeper) both of whom have settled in seamlessly and added a new dimension to a well established team. The RAPTC members of staff are; SSgt (SSI) Mat Fletcher (WSM) and Sgt
SSgt Fletcher on the Aonach Eagach Ridge
SSgt Andy Hogarth Winter Climbing in Style!
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JOINT SERVICE MOUNTAIN TRAINING WING RIPON Capt (MAA) R Groves RAPTC
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ow fast time flies! Nearly three years in post and my brief dabble into the world of JS Adventurous Training full time is coming to an end. As you would expect there have been plenty of ups and downs, from Ski touring on the Haute Route to the depths of the Red Dell cave in Spain. The opportunities that the job has afforded me not only with regards to AT but my family have been tremendous. The staff of JSMTW(R) and its not so distant cousins at the other centres have certainly changed the way I view both AT and its deliverers. Yes, the environments that these instructors periodically find themselves in are breath taking. Yet said instructor’s burden huge responsibility and stress ensuring safe working practices in extremely robust surroundings for those they are teaching. The outdoor environment is fraught with danger no matter the location or skill level of the individual, nature can and is often extremely violent and should never be taken for granted. One such individual that never took the environment for granted was Pete Rowlands “the Legend” who got caught up in a serious avalanche last year whilst delivering an SMI course, Pete is an example to us all and everyone at Ripon Wing wish you strength in your rehabilitation. What the masses and I didn’t fully credit the ATI’s with is the hours they commit week in week out whilst delivering routine courses from base locations. There aren’t many Gym busters, of which I class myself, that can say they are continuously instructing and
Haute Route – Phillips, The Legend Pete Rowlands, Hogarth, Doyle, McAndrew, Groves
delivering a set structured programme 8 till 1630 daily with even lunch breaks spent monitoring students. I take my beret off to all those that I have had the privilege to work along side and to those that have had to teach me on course thank you for your patience. Jane, a diamond as always, thank you.
SPANCAVE13 Sgt (SI) D McAndrew RAPTC
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x SPANCAVE13 was a JSMTC Type 3 overseas Exercise. Ex SPANCAVE13 was the largest, but only in terms of service personnel attending, since it conception with 27 Joint Service personnel. JSMTW(R) deployed to Northern Spain in a region know as the Cantabrian Mountains, near Santander, a limestone mountain region that has a plethora of classic and monster caves to explore. The aims of the exercise were to develop, revise and refresh all caving core skills, gain vital log book experience whilst developing individuals for future high end Joint Service Caving courses. “Putting the Adventure back into Adventurous Training”. The Exercise took place from the 10–20 Jun 13, with normal temperatures averaging 23 deg. However by the time we arrived at Casa Tomas, our base location, the local rivers were swollen due to the extreme amount of precipitation, the skies overcast and
temperatures reminiscent to English spring not the lush weather we wanted or expected. Due to the weather conditions the groups started with caving in non active caves, (caves that are not effected by a water course flowing through it) and with the longterm weather forecast improving there was a good chance that the caving focus (a descent of Red Del) could still be achieved. Red Del, on average, takes approx 20 hours to complete. It is approximately 10km of horizontal caving, and over 12 pitches of vertical decent. The tactics used on this cave are known as a ‘pull through trip’, where you pull down the rope behind you with only one route out – forward. 9 km in and to finish there is the dreaded “blocks de chaos”, which are masses of fallen rock the size of apartment block with a maze 1km long. This was the most frustrating part of the trip, with navigation tested with every step and physically exhausted we made it through and to the end of the Cave system.
Students ascending and descending a 50m pot
SPANCAVE 13 Joint Service Participants
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MISSION CRITICAL TRAINING (MCT) – WINTER MOUNTAIN TRAINING (WMT) 20 – 25 JAN 14 Sgt (SI) D Arkless RAPTC
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aving completed the Joint Service Adventurous Training (JSAT) pre-requisite courses of Winter Mountain Foundation (WMF) and an additional 20 Quality Mountain Days (QMDS), Sgt (SI) Glenn Batty and I were loaded onto a WMT at JSMTW(B). Monday morning arrived with the customary kit issue, briefings and group allocation. This lead to SIO Henry Methold having the delights of coaching myself and Sgt (SI) Glenn Batty (unlucky Henry) as part of his group. Our first day saw us visiting Aonach Moor, revising and learning new skills vital to see us through the week. The best bit was a ride on the gondola and ice axe arresting – serious work but fun as we all know RAPTC instructors are kids at heart. Various locations within the Glencoe and the Nevis range were used during the week to conduct safe guarding on steep ground, types of belays which included stomp, buried ice axe and snow bollards. Navigational techniques were broken down using timing, pacing whilst accounting for relief on ascent and descent. The first three days of the course were all in preparation for a two day/ one night expedition that followed. The expedition took us over to the Cairngorms to avoid potential hazardous weather, which we soon realised was going to be unavoidable; this was to be a real winter expedition. It proved to us all that it was challenging but yet an exhilarating time, with morale at a constant high even while experiencing complete white out conditions and winds in excess
Sgt (SI) Dave Arkless with his enchanting breakfast in the 5* accommodation
of 70mph. So the time came to engineer our two man snow hole, a bonus due to the fact we were out of the prevailing winds and the digging kept us warm. Sgt (SI) Glenn Batty took control of locating the perfect digging area (after hitting hard snow). This was to be our fortune as whilst excavating our hole after five foot our shovels broke through the snow and into an empty hole. Confused expressions rained until we burrowed further and realised we had stumbled upon an old four-man snow hole, with minimum modifications home was created for the evening. Winner! So with, the union jack positioned at the entrance, modified ORP deployed and additional ‘haribo’ we were sorted for the night. The remainder of the expedition saw us conduct a night navigation beneath unbelievable clear sky’s showing the solar system at its best. Morale was kept high with Sgt (SI) Glenn Batty standing on his inflatable mattress whilst wearing his crampons (oops). The final navigation leg brought us our way back home down an exposed spur, whilst enduring excessive winds was a great end to our expedition. Gaining the WMT now gives me the opportunity to develop further within JSAT schemes. The next two winter periods will be a chance to consolidate training, gain an additional 20 QMD’s then apply via the Online Booking System (OBS) for the Winter Mountain Leader (WML) award. In summary, a great course! Fully recommend it to you all.
Sgt (SI) Glenn Batty practicing his MMA whilst in the snow hole
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JOINT SERVICE MOUNTAIN TRAINING WING INDEFATIGABLE Sgt (SI) L Kemp RAPTC
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SMTW(I) is made up of members from all three services amongst them are four RAPTCIs
WO2 (QMSI) Ed Hargreaves, SSgt (SSI) Phil Mellor (formally known as SSgt (SSI) Bottom), SSgt (SSI) Ben Cannon and Sgt (SI) Luke Kemp. Based on Anglesey, just outside the Snowdonia National Park, the wing is responsible for the delivery of training to members of all three services. The job as an instructor on the ground can be very diverse delivering all aspects of AT as part of the JSAT scheme. A typical week will involve delivering a five-day course including; climbing, mountaineering, kayaking and canoeing. There is a course syllabus to follow with certain objectives that must be met by the end of the week but it is up to you as an instructor where you chose to go to achieve those objectives. North Wales provides a fantastic area as there is so much variety within a relatively small area. There are times where you find yourself working away supporting the other wings especially during the winter to bolster the number of courses they can deliver.
JSMTW(I) run numerous concentrations and this year saw the annual Climbing Concentration move from Spain to RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall. This provided a fantastic opportunity for students to climb on some classic traditional routes on the Cornish sea cliffs. The aim of this Concentration was to develop the students experience towards the Leader or Instructor qualifications with some students gaining the award at the end of the ten days. Running the course in October was always going to be a challenge but the Cornish weather was very kind offering perfect climbing conditions for all but the first day which saw some rain. It was an eye opening experience for the students with eyeballs on stalks when climbing a couple hundred feet up with waves crashing below. One of the highlights for most students was climbing a route called Bosigran Ridge (often called Commando Ridge) a very alpine like experience. For more information on courses visit the forces gateway or the “JSMTC� Facebook page.
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JOINT SERVICE MOUNTAIN TRAINING WING CAPEL CURIG WO2 (QMSI) J Bradford RAPTC
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SMTW(CC) is a Type 2 Adventurous Training Centre that delivers foundation courses and multi-activity packages for unit block bookings. Situated in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, local crags, rivers, mountains and trails are all easily accessible. Officially one of the wettest places in Britain, a short drive coupled with a detailed analysis of the local weather charts make it possible to stay dry, well for most of the time anyway! The Centre offers a ‘plug and play’ option for units. This means that we provide accommodation, feeding, equipment, instructors and land clearance for you. All units have to do is book the transport to and from their parent unit and let us know what you would like to achieve. The Centre differs from the other JSMTC Wings as it delivers mountain bike courses and training days as part of a multi activity package. It is also possible, where units bring their own bikes, to facilitate 5 day riding packages to gain
log book experience towards further qualifications on local trails and wild routes. JSMTW(CC) has had a large turn around of instructional staff over the last year and this has created a challenge for the Centre. Getting instructors qualified to deliver the multi-activity package is a full time job but not without its rewards. Visiting units often comment on the standard of instruction from our NCOs and it is a pleasure to see them developing and becoming future assets to their Parent Units. The instructors normally stay at the wing for 24 months. We are always looking for keen individuals to instruct here as incremental staff. It is a great opportunity for young PTIs looking to transfer into the RAPTC to gain AT experience and qualifications.
JOINT SERVICE SUB AQUA DIVING CENTRE (JSSADC) PLYMOUTH Sgt (SI) P D Welch RAPTC
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SSADC is the lead Recreational Dive Centre for all 3 services. The centre has had a turbulent 2013/14 and after an array of problems the centre was required to relocate. JSSADC was based just outside Plymouth in a Napoleonic Fort built to protect the Kings Fleet. The Fort provided diving courses for the services since 1974, so there was a lot of history and tradition getting left behind. JSSADC has now got a new home which is modernised and situated within South yard, HM Naval base, Devonport and is now up and running and fully functional. JSSADC provides diving courses from entry level Ocean Diver up to Sub Aqua Diving Supervisor (SADS) courses. Our core role and function is to deliver training to support Service Diving. Our focus therefore is to ensure Expeditions have appropriately qualified and up to date Supervisors, Diving Instructors, Divers, Boat Handlers, O2 Administrators and VHF Radio operators. The centre has 4 fully kitted out Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB’s), exceptional Instructional Staff and is fully equipped for any type of diving. We deliver Closed Circuit Re-breather Courses (CCR) and we are just about to run our first combined Advanced Decompression procedures (ADP)/Twin Set course. We also deliver a full range of Diving Qualifications in the form of Skill Development Courses (SDC). The Centre also offers a boat and the use of its air charging panel to visiting Units and Club Expeds for diving. Annually JSSADC organises a staff training exercise (for staff from all the Joint Service Level 4 Sub Aqua diving centres). This year it was to Aqaba, Jordan on Exercise TAIYONG DIVER, over the
Fort Bovisand
period of 06 Feb – 20 Feb 14. A total of 15 personnel participated, 9 from JSSADC, 3 from CJSATC, 3 from STC Kiel. The aim of staff training and Exercise TAIYONG DIVER is for all instructors to undertake mandatory training in an environment not affected by inclement weather. Deep Rescues (20m), BLS skills and Oxygen Administration (DT2-7) refresher was carried out. A number of Skill Development courses (SDC) were also conducted, Lifesaver, Advance Lifesaver, Buoyancy and Trim and First Aid for Divers to bring on the new instructors and incremental staff. This annual training is paramount so all the instructors are up to date and to prepare the teams for the busy season ahead. It has also ensured consistency and familiarisation across the different centres.
The wreck of the Cedar Pride, Aqaba, Jordan
Staff from all 3 centres aboard LILA 1
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THE DIRECTORATE OF DEFENCE REHABILITATION Maj (MAA) C Deed RAPTC
Col J Etherington – DDR,
Col G Thomas – ADDR,
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am now in my second year as the SO2 Defence Rehabilitation working for the Director Col John Etherington OBE (former RAMC). With the move to Defence Primary Health Care (DPHC) we were looking forward to the delivery of rehabilitation being co-ordinated through one central pillar to the Surgeon General (SG). Unfortunately the “powers that be” decided against this and have kept the provision of primary and intermediate rehabilitation under separate pillars; although frustrating and not the gold standard envisaged; it is an improvement on the previous system of separate single service leads at primary care and Air Command lead at intermediate care. The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach to accelerated rehabilitation and the pivotal role the ERI plays as part of this team is key to reducing PUD and essential to maintaining the operational effectiveness of Units within their AOR. This has been highlighted within the recent submission by GOC 3UKXX for more ERIs to support the Reactive Force (RF) Bdes. There is currently no evidence that the DMRP is failing and although the gold standard would be to have a military ERI working alongside his/her mainstream (MS) counterpart within Field Army units we all know this is not going to happen. That being said there are other ways we can work together to reduce PUD in opposition to throwing money
Maj (MAA) C Deed SO2DR
WO1 (SMI) S Chappell – TSA (A)
at the issue. This has to be through the efficient use of AAPTIs, by the implementation of the new Unit PT structure (levels 1 to 4) so personnel regardless of fitness level and medical category are given the opportunity to take part in appropriate physical training; and most important by improving the communication and working relationship between the ERI and unit RAPTCI. I am pleased to report that the instances of collaboration between ERIs and mainstream RAPTCIs is on the increase and there is some outstanding work being done. I have witnessed this first hand throughout each region, Germany and Cyprus where ERIs and MS RAPTCIs are improving the structure of PT at unit level to ensure the smooth transition from rehabilitation to reconditioning. The combined training days where ERIs and MS RAPTCIs can feed off each other is improving the collective knowledge of not just the Corps but also the AAPTIs within each AOR. You are making a difference…….long may it continue…! I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your hard work and efforts throughout this year in the delivery of rehabilitation to our injured service personnel and for your continued drive within your AORs to provide CPD for your MS counterparts and AAPTIs. Thank you and keep up the good work.
JOINT SERVICE SCHOOL OF EXERCISE REHABILITATION INSTRUCTORS WO2 (QMSI) S Jackson RAPTC
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here have been many recent changes at the JSSERI with regards to content of the course in order to enhance the quality of student graduating after 6 months of intensive training. Recent changes in evidence based exercise, have helped enhance the exercise therapy component, as well as the school seeing instructor changes. Maj Leanne Hall RAMC is now the Senior Tutor and Clinical Anatomy lead and is doing wonders in developing the clinical anatomy subject. FS Iliffe has also introduced the new JSERI webpage on the defence intranet. We sadly said farewell to WO1 (SMI) Vini Mallen in Sept 13 after 22 years service. Whilst remaining the lead tutor in kinesiology and human movement, I have continued my ERI professional development and completed the USA National Academy of Sports Medicine, Corrective Exercise Specialist and Performance Enhancement Specialist Courses. Furthermore, I have been fortunate to gain invaluable experience in professional sport, by undertaking clinical
placements for the Rehabilitation in Sport and Exercise Degree, at Fulham FC Development Squad and the Army Rugby Team. The final examination process has been refined and enhanced with changes implemented by the OC Flt Lt Thom RAF. With support from the senior RAPTC ERIs at DMRC and RTSAs across the RRUs, the following 15 RAPTCIs have successfully graduated and taken up their first tours at the following establishments: Course 47 Jun 13: Sgt Bedford PCRF Blandford Sgt Slade-Jones PCRF Abingdon Sgt Gurung PCRF Pirbright Sgt Hathaway PCRF Winchester Course 48 Dec 13: Sgt Paterson RRU Edinburgh Sgt Brown DMRC Headley Court Sgt Spencer PCRF Catterick
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DEFENCE MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE – THE REHABILITATION DIVISION WO2 (QMSI) G Till RAPTC
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link....and another year has gone by within the Rehabilitation Divison at DMRC Headley Court. The structure of the Division remains the same, incorporating 3 Force Generation teams (FG) – Lower Limbs, Spines and Sepcialist (which includes upper limbs) and the more specialised in Complex Trauma and Neurological Team. Our mission remains the same, in that primarily we provide direct support to all operations by aiming to return injured Service men and women back to full operational capability and secondly assisting in the transition to civilian life, fulfilling the moral component. Inevitably the number of new patients from OP HERRICK, particularly to Complex Trauma, has reduced as withdrawal from Afghanistan fast approaches. This by no
means is reflected in patient numbers as the rehabilitation of our more seriously injured can endure for up to 2 – 3 years, so the operational legacy will continue for some time yet. So what of the future for DMRC Headley Court? I am sure you have all heard the rumours that we maybe moving to the midlands and a location called Stafford Hall, well no firm decision has been made. The final ministerial decision to go ahead with the project to build a new Defence National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC) or not will be made in June 14. The Government will decide whether to proceed with the DNRC or not, if their decision is in favour of the new build then this new establishment has the potential to be up and running by 2018, we’ll keep you posted.
THE COMPLEX TRAUMA TEAM SSgt (SSI) M Asher (RAPTC)
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omplex Trauma is the largest team at DMRC Headley Court admitting around 80 patients every week. The Exercise Rehabilitation department comprises of 8 staff which are a mixture of civilian and military ERIs. Over the past 5 years, exercise rehabilitation in Complex Trauma has evolved to meet the requirements of the patient. There is still a large emphasis placed on individual and group based therapy. Recreational and leisure activities are now included in the main exercise therapy programme and include activities such as wheelchair basketball and adaptive cycling. Patients admitted in to Complex Trauma have a variety of injuries e.g. multiple and complex amputation, spinal injury and other conditions that require a more individualised programme of rehabilitation. Every patient receives a rehabilitation package tailored to his or her specific needs and requirements. The rehabilitation programme centres on three layers of treatment. The early stage concentrates on a very specific prescription of exercise. Early stage rehabilitation is closely monitored by the ERI and Physiotherapist. The Intermediate stage concentrates on a more functional approach to treatment. The main emphasis is placed on improving confidence and general physical conditioning. The final stage of rehabilitation is the late stage, which is the ceiling of the treatment plan. This phase is designed to prepare the patient to either return back to military duty or transition in to civilian life.
Her Majesty the Queen, meets patients in the newly refurbished Peter Long Unit
‘DMRC ERIs’ from left to right – Sgt (SI) Andy Brown, Sgt (SI) Dan Cole, SSgt (SSI) Matt Arthur, SSgt (SSI) Mick Asher, Sgt (SI) Saskia Littlejohn and WO2 (QMSI) Gaz Till RAPTC. Missing – Sgt (SI) Matt Dove RAPTC (currently on H20) and Sgt (SI) Ross Perkins RAPTC (currently attending All Arms Commando Course).
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REGIONAL REHABILITATION UNIT ALDERGROVE WO2 (QMSI) CL Graham RAPTC [Insert headshot]
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have now been in the Regional Rehabilitation Unit Aldergrove for 8 months, although it feels like it has passed faster than Usain Bolt in the 100m Olympic final.
It has been a time of great transition not only within Aldergrove Station but also Northern Ireland with 38 Northern Irish Brigade assuming command of Aldergrove Station from Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) and then 38 Engineer Regiment disbanded in Jan 14. Sgt Martyn Potter who recently came off tour will embrace further changes as 2 Rifles are relocating from Ballykinler to Lisburn and lastly, 2 Mercian Regiment, prepare to pass the baton over to 1 Scots. Although there have been vast changes and a steady reduction in troops within Northern Ireland, RRU Aldergrove and the regional Primary Care Rehabilitation Facilities continue to be busy, successfully sustaining a steady output of rehabilitation. Fostering rapport with mainstream is vital for the rehabilitation communication loop. RRU Aldergrove further enhanced relationships when the RRU held an open day which was well supported by many units in the region. Among the presentations and discussions were the communication cards, which have proved successful during their tenure, thereby providing further clarity on how to maximise their use. Following this the RRU held a Lower Limb Strength All Arms PTI training day which proved very beneficial allowing the future generation of the RAPTC to develop their skills and glean from a wealth of knowledge. This alone has stirred a thirst for more of these quality training days to be held in the near future.
SSgt Ronnie Ronald at Holywood Families Day
Elsewhere in the Province, SSgt Ronnie Ronald and Sgt Donny McGregor continue to improve patient care and operations consolidating good practice from a solid knowledge base of Strength and Conditioning gained from completing a BSc Sports into their rehabilitation. The results were instant with patient numbers significantly reducing. This success has now cemented their team within the chain of command of their units and the consistent implementation of these skills have allowed seamless, time efficient progression from rehabilitation to reconditioning and on to unit physical training. Being a small cohort of Royal Army Physical Training Corps Instructors (RAPTCIs) and living in close proximity to each other there is a definite sense of “family” here in Northern Ireland and although we are busy, we do get to see each other in other settings and enjoy the other side of being an RAPTCI.
Sgt Martyn Potter coaching
REGIONAL REHABILITATION UNIT ALDERSHOT WO2 (QMSI) C McIlroy RAPTC
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t has been a year of transition and change for RRU Aldershot as we were selected to pilot the new Defence Primary Health Care (DPHC) structure which has now stood up in entirety. Service delivery remains unchanged but there is a new governance architecture which has brought single service healthcare under one big purple umbrella. In keeping with the title of this publication, we have introduced daily yoga sessions into the RRU course programme and these have been running for 8 months. We rebranded the sessions as “Warrior Workouts” to avoid patients coming to the mat with preconceptions of what yoga is about. It is now widely accepted that Yoga is a valuable adjunct to musculoskeletal (MSK)
rehabilitation and its use within the RRU setting is primarily to improve flexibility without compromising joint integrity. The sequences and postures used at the RRU are carefully selected for use with our injured population and focus on counteracting the imbalances commonly seen in military personnel. Data collected during a three month service evaluation of the Warrior Workout provided us with encouraging feedback. 81% of patients reported improved flexibility and 83% reported secondary benefits including better sleep, feeling more relaxed and reduced anxiety. Interestingly 94% thought the Warrior Workout should be integrated into mainstream PT. Of greatest significance to us was the result that 87% of patients anticipated they would continue their practice post course, which
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from a self management perspective is the ideal mindset. Chronic overuse (and underuse) of muscle groups causes imbalances within the MSK system and counteracting these imbalances requires long term exercise intervention. Yoga tends to become a lifestyle option which is incorporated into daily routine and as such, is effective in restoring balance to the body. The RRU has proven to be a great way of exposing patients to this ancient practice as it is part of their daily programme for 3 weeks of their residential course. The results of our service evaluation suggest that once patients experience the benefits of yoga first hand, it is difficult to relinquish a practice that takes little time out of the day yet gives you so much in terms of body, mind and spirit. To combat the effects of compassion fatigue after long periods of patient care, the RRU staff took part in a white water rafting team building event at Lee Valley in London. It was a gloriously sunny day in July which was just as well since the day consisted of a terrifying rafting session which saw most of us spend more time in the water than in the raft. To calm our nerves, this was followed by a few sociable beverages and a BBQ. Elsewhere in the region, Sgt Scaife has hit the ground running at PCRF Bordon where he has made a substantial impact on the efficiency of their care pathway; balancing the needs of this busy training establishment with the rehab requirements of injured soldiers. He has also set up a weight management clinic for 10
Sgt Lewis Taking a Warrior Workout
Trg Bn REME which has seen remarkable success in returning personnel to a healthy weight. SSgt Greg Dove and Sgt Stu Hawkins continue to make strides in improving rehab provision for the future British Army Officers at PCRF RMAS. They have introduced a robust strength and conditioning programme within late stage rehab and after a significant period of data collection, there is evidence that this intervention has improved the standard of MATT 2 test results of Lucknow Platoon Officer Cadets. Furthermore, the data reveals a marked improvement in the overall functional ability of Officer Cadets when returning back to the Commissioning course. This improved level of conditioning may well have contributed to two former Lucknow Officer Cadets winning both the Queen’s Medal and the Sword of Honour at the end of course awards in December 2013.
RRU Team White Water Rafting
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REGIONAL REHABILITATION UNIT CATTERICK WO2 (QMSI) R Thomas RAPTC
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aving spent two years in ‘sunny Cyprus’ it was pressed upon me that I had to return back to the ERI role to undertake the gapped RTSA post at RRU Catterick, which I accepted with a faint heart; the upside was that it was back in my old stomping ground in Catterick for a 4th tour and as my time left in the Army is reaching it’s end, it does allow me to resettle the family somewhat closer to our home in Sheffield. Upon my arrival in post the RRU was undergoing a transformational change, as all RRU’s are now managed by a tri-service organisation called ‘Defence Primary Health Care’ who are based in Lichfield. The day to day business of delivery has remained the same, however there has been a recent increase with our admin team, who have been running at 50% for the last 6 months; this has made a significant positive impact within the department. I have also been involved with supporting the clinical teams by collating data stats for the pre & post course outcomes, this information allows us to evaluate the efficiency of our delivery and how the patients perceive the management of their time on course, which
has provided invaluable feedback and identified trends which we can use to develop and improve upon these outcomes. Within Catterick Garrison and HQ 4 Brigade region I am lucky to have a vast amount of experienced RAPTCI’s available to request advice and support with the management and delivery of rehabilitation at unit level, this has allowed me to develop the ‘Unit PT Tracker’ database that standardises how unit RAPTCI’s manage and track soldiers who are currently undergoing levels 1 & 2 PT. This initiative has been rolled out by WO1 (SMI) Webster RAPTC, who has also been instrumental in setting up the 4X Health Working Group which is chaired by the Brigade Commander. This provides an ideal opportunity for units to discuss ‘best practice’ and identify areas of development for delivery and management issues. On the back of this initiative there is a planned training day which will bring unit PT staff together in order to introduce them to movement screening activities that will help to develop the delivery of level 2 PT programmes.
PRIMARY CARE REHABILITATION FACILITY CATTERICK Sgt (SI) S Arthur RAPTC
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CRF Catterick is one of the largest standalone PCRF’s in England and as such has a constantly high throughput of personnel at risk. The PCRF had managed previously with 3 civilian sports therapists providing care for 4X and Catterick Garrison soldiers. As I was the first military incumbent in the post, it was down to me to shape the department and set about working closely with the RTSA and Bde SMI to ensure the units were supported from a rehab perspective. This was a key objective as the Brigade Commanders key mission was to reduce PuD by 2%.
My first job was to scope the requirement from the deployed Brigade and how to manage the downgraded personnel on the Rear Operations Group (ROG). Working closely with the Regional Trade Specialist Advisor (RTSA), liaising with the ROG CoC it was imperative that we got some kind of reconditioning and rehabilitation PT set up and trialled with the ROG prior to the units returning from HERRICK. We were blessed with the now terminated NACMO funding for extra civilian exercise therapists to cope with the anticipated increase in MSK injuries pre and post tour and also to concentrate on a speedy return to function for those left on the ROG.
I spent a number of afternoons delivering CPD sessions on reconditioning PT, the importance of exercise technique and ensuring the AAPTI’s were utilised more as coaches than just instructors. There was a lot of positive feedback from the units who felt that the unit PT staff now had some basic tools to go away and deliver (with more precision and with a more succinct thought process) PT; not just for the injured and downgraded but for some of their main PT sessions. By the interaction and combined efforts of ERI, MS RAPTCIs and AAPTI we were able to meet the Commanders intent.
REGIONAL REHABILITATION UNIT COLCHESTER Sgt (SI) G Maré RAPTC [Insert headshot]
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he past year has seen much growth and development for rehabilitation in Colchester. 2013 has been both exciting and productive with new staff, new ideas and new buildings. RRU Colchester caters for up to 30 in-patients each month with a steady influx of out-patients visiting the daily clinics. A rehab course consists of three weeks of intensive injury rehabilitation specifically aimed at either Spines or Lower Limb Patients and we are about to launch the Running Re-education course as of March 2014. Both the PCRF and the RRU promote rehabilitation through exercise with a focus on the patient taking ownership of their injuries, concentrating on what they can do rather than what they can’t! The recent addition of a classroom and interactive smart board has brought new learning opportunities to the RRU whilst a generous donation courtesy of the Aaron Lewis Foundation helped to procure a new state of the art sound system which has proved useful for rehabilitation and weekly spinning.
Sgt Maré taking a lesson inside new classroom
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2013 has seen fantastic growth within the rehab team with the addition of Sgt (SI) Andrew Roberts RAPTC to the RRU and Sgt (SI) Kev Bell RAPTC to Colchester PCRF. Both Sgt Roberts and I are progressing well with our Strength and Conditioning BSc (Hons) degrees at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN). Congratulations go out to Sgt Roberts having recently passed All Arms Pre-parachute Selection P Coy and Sgt Bell who has more than accomplished himself in Army level cycling, achieving 3rd Place in a recent inter-corps road race.
With the current Op tempo, rehabilitation in Colchester is strongly focussed on delivering the most effective programme possible. Soldiers leaving the PCRF & the RRU are more conditioned, better prepared and have a more positive outlook towards their future. On behalf of the Corps I would like to congratulate both WO2 (QMSI) Lisa Fox on the birth of her daughter and also Sgt Roberts on the birth of his Son.
REGIONAL REHABILITATION UNIT COSFORD WO2 (QMSI) I Mugglestone RAPTC
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he last 12 months have been a very busy, and at times, testing period for all the staff at RRU Cosford. Following a long awaited move of unit from DMS Whittington in Lichfield to RAF Cosford near Telford, we were finally able to open RRU Cosford for business in April 2013. Extensive construction and refurbishment, over a 6 month period, saw a former JNCO’s Mess (the Old Oakleaf) transformed into a fully functioning RRU. The only remnants’ of its old Mess status being an ancient iron bread oven, which is still embedded into the wall of the main staff office. With a change of location also came all new accommodation for our course patients. Ludstone Hall, a former trainee accommodation block, was refurbished providing 33 bed spaces, two of which are fully equipped disabled flats. In Jan 2014 the Armed Forces Bikers (AFB) charity kindly donated a widescreen LCD television for Ludstone Hall which the patients use during much needed down time. The introduction of an upper quadrant rehabilitation course in April 2013, alongside the long running spines and lower limbs courses, added an extra focus to an area that the RRU had previously
RRU Cosford RAPTC Staff – Sgt (SI) Brown, WO2 (QMSI) Mugglestone and Sgt (SI) Jack
not specialized in. Thorough research and planning of course content was conducted, producing a progressive, periodised and effective programme which has shown to be a success since its implementation.
RRU ST ATHAN by SSgt (SSI) D Slade-Jones RAPTC
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ince taking over in January 2013 from the legend that was SSgt (SSI) Danny Watson RAPTC, now Mr Danny Watson, RRU St Athan has seen a number of changes. With the drawdown from Afghanistan, and the move towards Army 2020, Air Defence has now developed into Joint Forces Command. RRU St Athan has a patient base comprised of servicemen and woman across all three services within 160 (Wales) Brigade. SFSG is constructed of seven companies, full strength Population At Risk (PAR)
approximately 1,100 soldiers. The Region is made up of 16 Signal Regiment (Brawdy), 22 SAS (Hereford), The Infantry Battle School (Brecon) and 1st Battalion The Rifles (Chepstow) 4,000 PAR. We also support the development of Reservist units within our Area of Responsibility. Unlike any other RRU, St Athan provides an orthopaedic ‘fast track’ service, which allows for increased Operational Readiness Mechanism (ORM) of United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF).
PCRF CHEPSTOW SSgt (SSI) E Wolfe RAPTC
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adopted the first ever ERI PID at PCRF Chepstow in Mar 2013 after volunteering through DDR, prior to this, the PCRF employed a civilian locum ERI and Physiotherapist. On my arrival the team were in the early stages of transition between a Rehab Platoon (Sharpe’s) and a PCRF which was both a challenge and a success. During the last year the PCRF has developed into a fully operational facility, with working practices as per DPHCS guidelines. My initial priority was to ensure current policies were being followed and to improve on the previously challenging management and communications. Following discussions between the PCRF and CoC, there are now 3 levels
of Physical Training across the Battalion: PCRF led Rehab, Transitional Reconditioning PT and Coy / Battalion PT in line with current Army/DDR guidelines. Communications between the stake holders has significantly improved; as a result we have now improved Battalion deployability from 73.6% to 83.8% over the last year. I have been fortunate enough to take on the role of UK Midlands Kayak secretary and Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation, Research Committee member. This has been a fulfilling and enjoyable year with 1 Rifles, the PCRF continues to drive improvement and I look forward to another year as part of an extremely busy PCRF.
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REGIONAL REHABILITATION UNIT TIDWORTH WO2 (QMSI) J Santos RAPTC
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RU Tidworth has a population at risk of 22,000 soldiers in the Wessex Region. The numbers are due to rise to 31,000 by 2020, with the draw down from Germany. Historically the RRU runs 3 courses every 4 weeks, these are 2 – 3 weeks in length, with a gap of 1 week for post and pre course administration and In-Service training.
Sgt (SI) L Cubbage RAPTC has recently been posted to PCRF Warminster Land Warfare, part of 43 (WX). The PCRF is based in the medical centre at the Land Warfare Centre (LWC) and has a population at risk of 5000 soldiers, including the recently amalgamated 1 Yorks (formerly 1 and 2 Yorks). On a daily basis Sgt Cubbage expects to see anything up to 12 patients with varying MSK conditions.
The courses are very intensive and we strongly promote self ownership of the patients injury. With the heavy infantry influence at the LWC it is Lectures on pain, goal setting, nutrition, footwear, commonplace to see overuse injuries. To combat programme design and many more are given this Sgt Cubbage has been heavily involved in the Sgt Bedford, WO2 Santos, throughout the course. The patients set realistic implementation of Strength and Conditioning and its SSgt Watson goals with their therapists and design a programme, importance in MSK injury prevention. As the LWC that is progressive for 6 weeks, at which point they are reassessed is also a training and administration establishment, there are at their respective PCRFs. The ethos of ownership and self also a lot of senior, long serving soldiers who present a different management is to enable the patient to accept responsibility for challenge as they wish to continue to pursue an active lifestyle their progression through the rehabilitation care pathway. despite aging joints. With the surge in injuries following Op HERRICK 18, RRU Tidworth has implemented a fourth course for a period of 6 months (Jan – Jun 14). This presented me with a new field of problems to over come; firstly gym space. Currently we share the Garrison Super Gym, so space is of a premium. I could not negotiate extra floor space here so I had to look else where. Luckily WO2 Nick Richards at Middle Wallop was able to accommodate us, but this is a 15 minute journey. With a lack of minibus drivers, I had to step up as the duty minibus driver as well. To counter this I have written, and had approved, a business case to have 3 members of my staff trained as D1 minibus drivers. One of my main focus points has been to organise ERI specific CPD, getting the Regional ERIs together for training and exchanging ideas. This is progressing well and the programme is on going.
SSgt (SSI) Watson RAPTC and Sgt (SI) Bedford RAPTC are located at PRCF Blandford. SSgt Watson has returned from a six month tour on Op HERRICK 18 in October 13 and joined the PCRF in the Nov 13. Currently SSgt Watson is responsible for the rehabilitation of all permanent staff at Blandford. The injury treads seem to be same as most places with low back and knee problems remaining high on the agenda. Many of the injuries presented are often wear and tear injuries picked up due to the lifestyle of the average soldier. Sgt Bedford joined Blandford straight from JSSERI as a first tour ERI in Jul 13. This is a very daunting task, but one in which he has risen to well, following an excellent hand over from SSgt (SSI) Kate Lord RAPTC. Sgt Bedford is responsible for the rehabilitation of the phase 2 soldiers. Rehabilitation for phase 2 recruits comes in the form of two groups; Mercury Tp and Unit Rehab Group.
SSgt Watson at the ERI CPD practicing a single leg Romanian Deadlift
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PRIMARY CARE REHABILITATION FACILITY (PCRF) LONDON Sgt (SI) A Burt RAPTC
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he London District PCRF is commanded by Captain Ferry (RAMC). His subordinate chain of command includes five civilian physiotherapists, one administrative assistant and a Royal Army Physical Training Corps Instructor (RAPTCI) Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor – me! The PCRF is tasked with delivering treatment to personnel of all ranks from the Tri-Service community who fall under the jurisdiction of London District. In recent times the PCRF has pursued new initiatives and forged close links with other groups involved in the rehabilitation of wounded, injured or sick personnel. Perhaps the most prominent is the Battle Back organization that provides personnel with access to adventurous training and challenge pursuits. Such activities have included an equestrian course conducted at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and a Summer Multi Activity Alpine Camp in Bavaria. The arrival of Sgt (SI) Keith Emmerson at Wellington Barracks London has led to a close bond being forged between the RAPTCI and PCRF to enhance service delivery at all levels thus speeding up the treatment pathway of all our patients. Education has been a primary task to facilitate the training of service personnel when they leave the rehab pathway and return through to level two reconditioning physical training. Due to the high operational/ceremonial tempo faced by personnel across London District the PCRF has had to be proactive in its approach to delivering rehab and primary care. We have found
Sgt Burt Assessing a knee
that positioning our staff out to individual units has had a positive effect on the rehab pathways of WIS personnel and led to enhanced Operational Effectiveness amongst these units. Injury prevention has been an integral part of this service. Due to the large number of personnel in London District a satellite Multi Injury Assessment Clinic (MIAC) operates out of Wellington Barracks to improve access to the Regional Recovery Unit services. Additionally we have started to offer a monthly podiatry clinic, a vital component of our injury prevention strategy. For the first time in our history we have initiated a link with the Joint Services
School of Exercise Rehabilitation Instructors to ensure that future ERI’s are mentored and educated at PCRF London. This along with teaching roles established with JSSERI at University College London during the Anatomy and Physiology education using Cadavers. Although we operate as a small PCRF, we manage to provide a high level of care to a large and diverse number of triservice personnel across LONDIST. This alongside an educational and proactive approach will hopefully speed up and improve the treatment pathway of those who find themselves at our door from the Headquarters of the British Army.
“FROM MAINSTREAM TO REHAB” Sgt (SI) K J Bell RAPTC
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completed my Class Three PTI course in February 2003 and even at that early stage I knew I wanted to be a member of the Corps. After my first experience of working in a Gymnasium (5 AAC) as an AAPTI the seed of ambition to run my own gym was planted. So, it came as no surprise that on successful completion of my Class One PTI Course (Cse 180) and like many others, I only had one career destination on my mind, MAINSTREAM! My first assignment as an RAPTCI was The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and although not mainstream this post lived up to my every expectation, a truly fantastic experience and one that offered a great introduction into how to conduct myself as a PT Corps Man. At the end of my assignment at RMAS I felt almost invincible, I felt as though I had every piece of armour required to succeed at any unit.
My next assignment was to the Cavalry as a keen as mustard mainstream RAPTCI. Looking back, I think I was running on pure adrenaline for the first six to nine months and absolutely loving life in the fast lane of MS. However, after a little over a year I started to feel as though the challenges that I was experiencing within the unit were not satisfying my academic appetite and it was at this point that I started looking at the prospect of joining the dark side, THE ERI CADRE! So after a lengthy discussion with WO1 (SMI) Vinny Mallen at the Bi-Annual Mess Meeting, which obviously included a large amount of table wine and even larger amounts of Fosters, I had somehow managed to find myself on the JSERI Aptitude Test at DMRC Headley Court. Before I really knew what was going on, I was sat in the very same class room as I had sat two months previously but this time as a JSERI student.
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Members of RMAS PT Wing 2010
I can remember walking out of the very first Clinical Anatomy lesson, delivered by the Senior Tutor (Maj Angus, RAMC), and feeling as though I had made the biggest mistake of my life. I had absolutely no clue what the Senior Tutor had just taught us, I mean I could hardly pronounce the parts of the body that had just been discussed, let alone remember them! So to say the first module (the foundation module) was mind boggling would be a massive massive understatement! However, I somehow managed to pull myself through the foundation module and passed all my tests at the first time of asking, never mind it being by the skin of my teeth. So then it was on to the next phase of the course, module two – Lower Limbs. This module, like the foundation module, was presenting itself as real test and not just because of the level of academia, but also my sanity! In fact it had become so bad that I had convinced myself that I had ‘academic learning issues’ and while on my first clinical placement, I booked myself into Tidworth’s Education Centre for testing. This I’m sorry to say was not the case, I actually had no good reason (or excuse) at all for my failings to retain and regurgitate this ridiculous and unpronounceable language called Latin! On return from my clinical placement at Tidworth RRU (which served as a much needed break from Headley Court and the ERI course) we were onto module three – Spines. Perhaps put it down to the break from Headley or perhaps a very good first clinical placement, but I was starting to feel more comfortable within the class room and was now able to correctly pronounce and remember the anatomical terms being taught. Before I knew it I had successfully completed the Spines module, Spines clinical placement (at the Commando Training Centre), Upper Limbs module, Upper Limbs placement (at PCRF Colchester) and I was onto my final exams. In fact, my aptitude
Colchester JSERIs’ Sgts’ Mare, Roberts and Bell
for learning improved so much that I finished the course with the second highest score on the final exams, which left me feeling extremely proud of my achievements during the previous six months. Currently I am applying my JSERI trade at PCRF Colchester, where I am responsible for supplying Exercise Rehabilitation to the Airborne warriors of 16 Air Assault Brigade. Each day as a JSERI presents itself with unique and rewarding challenges that test me both intellectually and clinically. As challenging as the JSERI course was, I can honestly say it was the most rewarding course I have experienced and one that I would recommend to any PTI.
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RAPTC FOOTBALL CLUB BARBADOS FOOTBALL TOUR 2013 WO2 (QMSI) C R Leare RAPTC FC Secretary
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ince I transferred into the RAPTC I have been a member of the football squad, in fact over the past 10 years I have clocked up only 10 appearances (I am that good!). Every couple of years the team embark on a tour to a distant location to play competitive matches and conduct coaching clinics in local schools. The tour assists in the development of team cohesion in preparation for the forth-coming season. Planning for the tour started in early October after I was ‘snap ambushed’ by the club chairman Capt Dyson, within 5 minutes I had been given the task of treasurer and given the unenviable task of organising the next overseas tour. Having already considered a few locations, and the support of willing volunteers to attend I set to work. The chosen location, the football fanatical nation of Barbados. Now due to contrary belief the main sport is not cricket and indeed is football. 20 members of the RAPTC FC were selected to attend along with a ball boy WO2 (QMSI) White Boots Gow! Flights were booked through Virgin Airlines, an excellent flight experience. Accommodation was a mixture of 2 and 3 birth apartments in Rockley Golf & Country Club, Rockley, and each apartment boasted a kitchen, balcony and private pool along with free WIFI. For me and 99% of other RAPTC FC players ensuring that your personal administration is prepared the evening before and important documents like your passport and money is secured safely in your kit comes naturally. Unfortunately this was not the case for one player who arrived 45 minutes later than the coach was set to leave, we finally located our centre half and boarded the coach for Gatwick. Sadly for another player the most horrendous (funny for others) situation was inbound when he suddenly realised that he had left his passport on his photocopier
in work, luckily for him his office was not far away (Catterick!). The airline was extremely understandable and the charge was minimal, the next time we saw him was the next day in Barbados. Transport around the island was in the form of three, 7 seater Suzuki Mini Vans and a Toyota Corolla. Training facilities and local fixtures were arranged by Capt Dyson who once again ensured that local contacts were made and the facilities and opposition were at a great standard. Throughout our time in Barbados the squad conducted 3 coaching sessions in local schools and played 3 competitive matches, winning 2 and losing narrowly to the Bajan Defence Force who coincidently are top of the Barbados Premier League and had 8 internationals playing!. Training was a daily routine until midday when the heat and humidity was almost too much to bare, this gave players the opportunity to explore this beautiful ex Colonial Island. Majors Davis and Gilbey managed to play a round of golf on the most prestigious course on the island whilst Capt Dyson extended his ever growing list of football contacts around the world. The remaining players frequented the most spectacular beaches to match their equally spectacular sunburn. As for me the tour organiser the feeling of achievement and appreciation I received from what is a close team of friends was very humbling. I also feel blessed to have survived sharing an apartment with WO2s Gow and Haley which can only be described as a life changing experience (never use a face towel that WO2 Haley has used!). We are currently top of Massey League 2, I am hoping that by the time this article comes to print we will be back in the top flight of Army football. Anyone interested in playing for the team please contact WO2 (QMSI) C Leare.
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HEAD COACH ARMY BOXING TEAM
Head Coach with Gnr Ryan Fillingham – the future of Army boxing
SSgt (SSI) JD Browring RAPTC
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s an Army boxer through most of the 90’s and more recently an assistant coach it was a great honor to be offered the job as Army Boxing Team Head Coach, it was after all my reason for joining the RAPTC in the first place. What I have found really different is the complexity of the job, no more do we just turn up and follow the same prescriptive training program, the head coach is now the Platoon Commander. Coaching, managing, training and development are just a few of the areas covered in this role along side the inevitable discipline and welfare issues. This is a role where you really do need to have more strings to your bow. There are as many as 35 boxers on the team at any one time, many different cap badges, male and female, some novice some internationals; as their coach you have to try and manage the expectations of them all, a difficult task indeed. The first part of the season is about preparation, the novice championships are early in the season alongside the female championships and then it’s all about the CSBA championships, a competition the Army has won for the last 30 years. This year the rules have changed and we now box under AIBA which means no head guards for the elite open boxers, different scoring system and slightly more pro style adopted in the ring where the referees let the boxer’s box and don’t get involved as much. The national championships are being held over 3 days this year in a box cup format over 10 weights, unlike the 13 weight classes’ contested last season. The Royal Navy have high hopes this year, training hard and aiming to take the trophy to Portsmouth. The Army Team has been in great form and has just won the Combined Services and Army Sports Team of the Year so will yet again take some beating!
Army coaches and boxers – ATR Pirbright, Army versus Southern Counties
COMBINED SERVICE SNOWBOARD CHAMPIONSHIPS MERIBEL 2014 SSgt (SSI) J Craig RAPTC
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ension was rising, worry working its way into the deep channels of my psyche, nerves on tender hooks; this wasn’t about my personal performance it was about the team and at this point in time, the team was in a bad place.
We were stood in glorious sunshine at the top of the slope style competition park in Meribel at the hub of the 3 Valleys. We had been waiting all week for this moment; a chance to leave the racing behind, don our freestyle boards and take to the air, if only momentarily. Months of gruelling training had taken place beforehand. Not solely in the mountains like our skiing counterparts but in gymnastic centres, snow domes at weekends, gymnasiums, gardens on make shift rails and of course the occasional competition in the Austrian Alps. All this training to put us in the best possible state to ride four obstacles in 60 seconds better than any of the other services could. So at 0900 on Thursday 6th February 2014 I stood as Army Snowboard Team Manager worried for not only my performance but for the performance of the team. Earlier in the week we had lost the Boardercross to the RAF even with our own Capt Si Nicholson REME winning and seven of the ten Army Team members achieving quarter and semi-final results.
Then came the night Parallel Dual Slalom held on the Stade, the bottom section of the skiers downhill under floodlight. It was supported by a huge crowd including HRH the Countess of Wessex giving out the winners medals who although on skis, had been a keen snowboarder in her younger days. This proved to be an exciting event with Army seed number 16, Sgt P Mulligan Sigs, knocking out the RAF’s number 1 seed, Flight Lieutenant J Smith, in the first
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SSgt (SSI) Craig Army Team before Bx
round. I had only qualified 8th which gave me a tough first round against bib 9. I rode well and knocked him out and made it all the way to the semi-finals where my winning streak was finally stopped, leaving me in 3rd place overall. After this event, although we had won, the team was still trailing by 30 points with only the Slope Style to go. The next day, our first in the park, gave us 90 minutes of training before launching straight into the qualifiers. The level set by the park shapers was high and the quality of jumps and rails at the other end of the spectrum. The rails were rusty and sticky in places with the jumps being whippy, designed more for skiers than snowboarders. This meant that it was hard to get the spins dialled in and even harder to land pain free. Several of the team were injured; me from a shoulder dislocation a few months prior, Cpl S Benevides was suffering from post ACL rupture symptoms, Maj S Gough MBE had a swollen knee and swollen hand from heavy impact in the training week and many of the team had picked up minor injuries from the competition thus far which were enough to plant the seed of doubt into the tricks which inevitably induced caution and upset the fluidity of the competitors qualifying runs. On top of this our top freestyler didn’t get it right on the night and qualified in 9th place for the finals. So there I was on the day of the competition, looking at the qualifying results, the worn out injured team wondering whether we would indeed pull it out the bag. We had to beat the RAF by a convincing margin. They were going into the finals with the top spot, 3rd and 4th and looking strong. On the positive side the Navy, who were
the 2013 winners, were so far behind they had no chance. As were the Australian Defence Force who had shown early signs of being competitive. Then it changed in a spectacular way. I knew it and the team knew it. The tension oozed out of the team, the smiles returned and the confidence set rock solid like quick drying cement. The top 20 riders had performed their first of two runs. The RAF had 7 in the twenty and we had 6. That didn’t matter in the slightest. Their number 4 was out the competition with a broken hand. Their number 1 failed to land his front flip and their number 3 had crashed and burned under the pressure. We on the other hand all performed way above the previous day. We had the number 1 and 2 positions and dominated the middle ground which historically we have always done so well if only for the fact we are profoundly fitter and stronger
than the other services. All we had to do was hang on to our positions through the 2nd and final round. In most cases we performed even better, only losing 2nd place to the Navy which had no effect at all on our results. Our number one, Gnr R Collier, landed the first backside 720 ever achieved at this competition and even tried a 900 in his second run. Sadly he over rotated and bruised his ribs, but not his pride. His trick was crowned trick of the day and awarded later at prize giving. I on the other hand was able to breathe again. I had seen the Army fight for the title and become victorious against the odds. I had personally achieved a podium position, an overall 5th individual position across the three events and been selected for the Combined Service Team to compete at the British Championships in Tignes. Not bad for a forty two year old in an age free competition.
SSgt (SSI) Craig holding overall winner
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ARMY MOUNTAIN BIKING TEAM ON TOP DOWN UNDER WO2 (QMSI) D Boultby RAPTC
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team of 13 travelled to Australia in October 2013 to compete in the Scott 25hr non stop endurance race and take on the Australian Defence Force in their annual festival of cycling races. The British Army and 3 members of the Navy made up of experts and a few newcomers who performed exceptionally well over the various races. The main challenge was the Scott 25hr non stop endurance race; this is an International race and attracts athletes from all over the world, with over 2,000 competitors. All of the team of four came in the top 10, however the absolutely staggering performance was produced from the male pairing “team RAPTC” earning an amazing 2nd place against some high quality competition. This pairing consisted of WO2 (QMSI) Dan “The Machine” Boultby and Capt (MAA) Andy WO2 (QMSI) D Boultby going hard Riley RAPTC. Quote from Dan, and snapped for the front cover over I’ am not a mountain biker and the biggest MTB magazine in Australia found the race technically hard, however, “fitness always prevails” and it did. I worked extremely hard at this in my spare time being coached by Capt Riley and Jem from Epic Performance and this paid off with an outstanding
Capt (MAA) A Riley and WO2 (QMSI) D Boultby on the podium after 25hrs of racing
performance during the race. Capt Riley also put in an absolutely solid performance, he said the turning point for us was during the night, we where sitting around 10th overall and decided to hit the caffeine gels hard and increase the time and intensity on bike for two – three laps each which ultimately saved time on change over’s and improved our lap times. This pushed us right up the overall rankings.
RAPTC TRIATHLON SSgt (SSI) R L Mckenzie RAPTC
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fter three successful years for RAPTC Triathlon with two trips to Alpe D’Huez and one to Mallorca, 2013 took a back seat with the fancy trips, yet still managed to outshine previous years with some outstanding achievements back on the home front.
The most remarkable to note was the RAPTC male team taking the Inter Corps title for the first time since 2004 at the Army Standard Distance Triathlon Championships. The competition was awarded based on the first five male athletes from any Corps to cross the line.
SSgt (SSI) Ferguson’s strong performance ensured his first place overall and with Sgt (SI) Jack closely following in second place, this meant with a lot of hard work and determination from the remaining team members overcoming very strong competition, the title was secured for the
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Maj (MAA) Phillips
Capt (MAA) Irving
Sgt (SI) Jack
SSgt (SSI) Ferguson
WO1 (CRSM) Reese
RAPTC. The winning team consisted of the following: Maj (MAA) Phillips – 11th place overall (1st Male SuperVet) Capt (MAA) Irving – 29th place overall (5th Male Vet) WO1 (CRSM) Reese – 18th place WO1 (SMI) Sawyer – 17th place WO2 (QMSI) Paton – 41st place SSgt (SSI) Ferguson – 1st place Sgt (SI) Briggs – 28th place Sgt (SI) Jack – 2nd place Sgt (SI) Leach – 85th place Continuing on from the success at the Army Championships Maj (MAA) Phillips, WO1 (SMI) Sawyer, SSgt (SSI) Ferguson and Sgt (SI) Jack continued the upward trend by donning the Army strip after being selected to represent the Army Team at the InterServices Championships. Each individual again pulled out a good strong performance with Sgt (SI) Jack gaining a top ten spot. On the individual front, SSgt (SSI) Ferguson and Sgt (SI) Jack continued to shine for the RAPTC and Army by qualifying to represent Great Britain in the ITU Triathlon World Championships in Hyde Park, London on Friday 13th September. It may be an unlucky day for some, but not for SSgt (SSI) Ferguson, who with an outstanding performance resulted in a 6th place overall in the world for his age group in the sprint distance race, this would be a good day to remember. For the ultra endurance athletes Tenby’s North Beach in Pembrokeshire played host to Ironman Wales 2013. The race has a reputation for its setting of a beach swim, challenging bike course and hilly run stage. Arguably one of the toughest Ironmans on the circuit, this year’s race lived up to its status as the weather conditions didn’t favour the competitors during a choppy 2.4 mile sea swim. For most part of the 112 mile bike course, heavy rain made the exhausting climbs and
slippery descents even more demanding. The 26 mile run course involved four laps around Tenby and included a long uphill on each lap. The 2013 finishing race times were at a record low due to the additional challenges of the day but the iconic setting and enthusiasm of the Welsh supporters makes Ironman Wales a favourite amongst triathletes worldwide and with four of our own competing, just completing the course was a challenge in its own right. The RAPTC competitors consisted of the following: WO1 (SMI) Sawyer: 11 hours 43 mins SSgt (SSI) Greg Dove: 12 hours 46 mins SSgt (SSI) Mason: 12 hours 34 mins Sgt (SI) Matt Dove: 11 hours 27 mins To help promote Triathlon in the wider Army and bring more athletes into the sport, WO1 (SMI) Lisa Dunne has organised Exercise Lion Endurance, a multi-activity sports tour to Cyprus to be held in April which will be ran and sponsored by the RAPTC.
SSgt and Sgt Dove, Ironman, Wales
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The tour is aimed at raw novices and is being conducted to prepare and educate young soldiers for the upcoming season and allow them to benefit from the knowledge and experience of RAPTC instructors. After another great year for RAPTC Triathlon with multiple achievements, the main focus for the upcoming year is to
retain the Inter Corps title and a team of 14 RAPTCI’s will be travelling to Norway in July 2014 to compete in Ironman Norway 70.3. With the Triathlon fraternity growing more with each year and increasingly outstanding performances, this is one competitive sport that tests you to your limits, but the self satisfaction and rewards greatly outweigh the hours of hard work.
The RAPTC is always looking for new talent, so if you think you have what it takes or just want a new challenge then please visit the ‘Army Triathlon Association’ Moss site for more information on RAPTC Triathlon and a full list of upcoming events.
CYCLING Sgt (SI) I Tosh RAPTC
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ot surprising after the recent British success at the Tour de France and Olympics, 2013 was a huge year for Army Cycling. One of it’s many achievements was the all new Inter-Corps Road Race Series and Championship Races. These new events gave the few road race enthusiasts within the RAPTC a reason to join forces and take on the other Corps. It turned out to be an amazing year, full of excitement with plenty of highs and lows. The Corps team grew in size throughout the season culminating with 30 riders from raw novice to British Cycling 2nd Category. Not surprising success followed and the team finished strongly at the Corps Championships. Two individuals, WO1 (SMI) Baker and Sgt (SI) Arthur were spotted by civilian clubs and will be representing a civilian team in the UK’s Premier Calendar events in 2014. In addition they will ride for the senior Army Senior male squad who will also be competing in the Premier calendar and elite circuit series races. New to cycling, Sgt (SI) Bell burst on the scene and became the team’s sprinter and had a great deal of success. The many achievements throughout the year can be seen below. Of particular note Major (MAA) Phillips, WO2 (QMSI) Baker, Sgt (SI) Arthur and Sgt (SI) Bell representing the winning Army Senior Squad in the Inter Services Road Race Championships at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Sgt (SI) Arthur secured a 6th place after a gutsy breakaway putting over a minute into the rest of the field. The ladies of the RAPTC had a terrific year with special mention to SSgt (SSI) Mason claiming 3rd place at the Inter Services Championships just 4 days after completing Ironman Wales where she also claimed 2nd female position in a time of 13:24hrs. At the Inter Corps Championships the RAPTC male and female teams both came 3rd, comparing the field strength of others such
as REME and Royal Engineers it was an outstanding result. The RAPTC can only develop and gain experience from this year, in which was the majority of riders first season of road racing or transition from triathlon.
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Below is the growing list of Corps Riders Brig J Donnelly Maj (MAA) Phillips Army Veteran Champion, Army Team, RAPTC Time Trial Champion, Capt (MAA) Douglas Capt (MAA) Irving Capt (MAA) Riley WO1 (SMI) Dunne Army Team WO1 (CRSM) Reese WO1 (SMI) Sawyer WO1 (SMI) Wilson WO2 (QMSI) Baker RAPTC Coach, Army Team selected to ride the Premier Calendar. WO2 (QMSI) Boultby WO2 (QMSI) Foreshaw WO2 (QMSI) Greenwood WO2 (QMSI) Jackson WO2 (QMSI) Paton RAPTC (Road Bike)Time Trial Champion. WO2 (QMSI) Simmonds SSgt (SSI) Ferguson SSgt (SSI) Hughes SSgt (SSI) McKenzie SSgt (SSI) Mason Army Team, RAPTC Female Time Trial Champion. SSgt (SSI) Pyburn Sgt (SI) Arthur Army Team and selected to ride the Premier Calendar. Sgt (SI) Bell Army Team Sgt (SI) Briggs Sgt (SI) Llewellyn Sgt (SI) Tosh Sgt (SI) Jack Sgt (SI) Mansfield For 2014 the focus will be to win the Inter Corps Road Race Series which takes place over 10 races from April through to August, This will hopefully set us up for the primary goal of winning the Inter Corps Championships early in October. One of the aims of the RAPTC Team is to produce riders of a good enough standard to ride for the Army and potentially Combined Services Team. To facilitate this there will be several training camp’s with the intent of winning the ICRRS, the RAPTC riders will deploy to Cyprus prior to the ICRRS final between the periods of 20-24 Sept in order to best prepare for the race.
Small contingents of RAPTC Cyclists were able to attend Exercise Welsh Epic 13 the pre season Army led training camp to Wales in March 13. The following personnel attended the camp: WO2 (QMSI) Boultby Sgt (SI) Tosh Sgt (SI) Arthur Sgt (SI) Llewelyn Sgt (SI) Bell The RAPTC Road Cycling continues to grow and new riders of any standard are most welcome. Please contact Sgt (SI) Ian Tosh on Mil: 94281 2323 or Civ: 01303 225323.
RAPTC GOLF 2014/15 SEASON Capt (MAA) A Barnett RAPTC
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he golf season has only just begun, and already it looks positive with many new players of mixed abilities and dubious dress have committed to many of the RAPTC Golf Society matches and meets.
De Vere Belton Woods on 20/21 June 2014. The Festival of Golf will bring together the serving and retired members of the RAPTC golf fraternity and a new two day competition format should see the consistent golfer rise to the top of the leader board with the ‘bandits’ being cut heavily after the first day of scoring. We await the new Corps Champion!
Our first match of the season was played at Petersfield Golf Club by kind invitation from Lt Col Left to right: Sgt Stu Hawkins, Capt Barney Barnett, Maj Rick Young, (Retd) Barry Lillywhite. The Society was able to SSgt Ash Allen at the RAPTC Officers 2015 will see the Corps Golf Society depart on its field 12 players and even had a reserve such is biannual tour; and on this occasion to Canada where v WO’s & SNCOs Golf Match the growing popularity of RAPTC Golf. After a hard the society will meet up with its former Chairman Maj fought match the Corps started the season in winning style and Jim Darby. He assures us that very picturesque and challenging came out on top by a score of 8–4. golf courses await us with no grizzly’s hiding in the woods! The next fixture should be very interesting with the first RAPTC Officers v RAPTC WOs’ & SNCOs’ at Dummer GC. This is then followed by a match versus Dummer GC and then onto the newly formatted RAPTC Golf Championships and Festival of Golf at the
In summary, RAPTC Golf is very vibrant and continues to grow inwardly and with its associated members. All standards are welcome and I urge you to become part of the RAPTC Golf Society.
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RAPTC MARTIAL ARTS Sgt (SI) J Siracusano RAPTC
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t has been my honor and pleasure to take over as the RAPTC Martial Arts Secretary in 2013 from WO2 (QMSI) Gareth Maslin RAPTC. This is an exciting time for Martial arts within the British Army. We have seen the Karate and Taekwondo excel to new heights and the Army is now leading the way in the British Armed Forces with Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ). TAEKWONDO 2013 was an incredible year as the Army Colour belt team Captain. The spring Army Open took place at the home of Army Martial Arts, The Combat Centre, Canada house Aldershot. I secured 2 gold’s, in patterns and sparring. A fantastic achievement for me and a contribution to the RAPTC medals I was proud of.
Taekwondo Association of Great Britain (TAGB) British championships in Cardiff where I secured bronze in the Red belt heavyweight category competing in both events. My big sporting disappointment in 2013 was not being able to contest my Inter-services silver from 2012 due to being on paternity leave. On becoming a parent you gain real focus and hope to inspire your children into sports. My daughter will be cheering me on from the side of the mats when the Royal Navy hosts the Inter-services at HMS Nelson, in June 2014.
Later in the year at the Autumn Army Open I won gold in patterns and silver in sparring. This event was further rewarding for me as I was awarded Combined Services colours for 2011 and 2012. I didn’t know of this presentation before hand and it took me totally by surprise. This was a fantastic point in my martial arts achievements, one that leaves you feeling humbled and privileged.
WO2 (QMSI) Wayne Sibthorpe RAPTC has had a fantastic year in the Army Taekwondo Black belt team. In April he competed in the Army Open winning gold in sparring and bronze in Patterns. He also went on to represent the Army at the Welsh Championships in May, and the World Championships in July. No easy feat with the competition at that level. He is an excellent example to us all competing on the world stage. At the November GTI Open in Cheltenham, WO2 Sibthorpe secured gold in the executive heavyweight black belt sparring and silver in the heavyweight black-belt sparring category.
In November the Army Team competed in the Global Taekwondo International (GTI) Open in Cheltenham and at the
The Inter-Services took place in July 13. The Army was the host at the Combat centre, Aldershot. He was part of the 3
Sgt Siracusano Army Gold
Sgt Siracusano Army Taekwondo
WO2 Sigthorpe Army Gold
WO2 Sigthorpe Army Taekwondo
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WO2 Sibthorpe (2nd Right) black belt Team World Championships
man team that won silver in team Patterns and won all of his fights to secure gold for the team Sparring event. The Army black Belt team, Captained by SSgt Colin Sayer REME went on to be overall winners and Inter-services Champions 2013. WO2 Sibthorpe is a truly inspiring competitor who leads from the front in a humble and respectful manner. BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU Sgt (SI) Richard Rowley RAPTC entered the Army BJJ open in April 2013 where he performed excellently winning gold in the lightweight class. Sgt Rowley took away ‘most technical fighter’ of the competition. This was a performance to be proud of and an excellent representation for the RAPTC on the Army BJJ scene. Sgt Rowley has since been graded to blue belt. Sgt (SI) Glen Charlton RAPTC has had a fantastic year of BJJ where in May 2013, he competed in the British Open at the NEC Birmingham. His performance was excellent and he was awarded silver. Sgt Charlton has since competed in the autumn 2013 Army Open winning Gold. This was a sterling effort from Sgt Charlton and he is one to watch in the future. Sgt Charlton has since been graded to blue belt.
WO2 Pierce Army Brazillian Ju Jitsu
Sgt Charlton (Right) with instructor Blue belt grading
Sgt Charlton (left), Sgt Siracusano Army Martial arts
WO2 (QMSI) Reg Pierce RAPTC (ASPT) has been making the transition from Judo to BJJ with great success. At the first Army BJJ open in April 2013 he fought in the under 78kg category, where he weighed in at 72kg. Being placed 4th overall with some strong competition he then went on to win silver in the plate. Another great effort on the RAPTC BJJ members making their mark on the circuit. It’s never too late to start. I took up Taekwondo in 2009 after years of putting it off. If you are a Martial Artist, or are interested in taking up a Martial Art please email me at jonathan.siracusano598@mod. uk so we can take RAPTC Martial Arts to greater heights. With a sports tour in the planning and the big push for sports participation in the Army starting now, there has never been a better time to try something new. There are many RAPTC personnel doing a sterling job representing the Corps with coaching Martial Arts and active participation. For all of you out there I look forward to hearing from you soon. Photographs credited where due to Cpl Wayne Page, Army Martial Arts photographer.
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RAPTC ORIENTEERING SSgt (SSI) M S Beverley RAPTC
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APTC Orienteering remains one of the Corps’ minority sports with a small squad of regulars turning out time and again. Nevertheless, we still make time to conduct our annual Corps championships, send a representative team to the Inter Corps’ Championships and this year managed to get a group away on an overseas Sports tour. The next few paragraphs will summarise our activity over the last 12 months. The RAPTC Championships. The RAPTC Championships took place on Wed 16 Oct using Mytchett Trg area. Maj Steve Collinson was the favourite to take first prize on the 1 hour score course, but after poor route choices had to settle for third place behind a delighted Maj Bob Taylor in second and WO2 Al Harris taking victory by a narrow margin. The Women’s competition was won by Capt Tracey Doree. The Army Inter Corps Championships. The Army Inter Corps Championships took place at Nesscliff Camp for the Night event and Leek Trg Area for the Day event over the period 5/6 Nov 13. The night event was more of a sprint race across flat farmland using good features like hedges and fence lines, which made the navigation a little easier than usual. In contrast, day two provided a real test of stamina with a brutal start for the first part of the race over energy sapping ground. Typical open wet moorland, tussocks and heather was a real challenge. Following previous success in the Senior Short competition and despite only having four runners available, we went into the race with a good chance of victory, however the AGC had opted to forego the Senior Long competition and packed several teams with us on the Senior Short. Sadly, we had to settle for second place again this year. Portugal Orienteering Meeting. It has been five years since the last overseas tour when we went to Belgium, which provided its
Maj Chris Deed in Action
own navigational problems with numerous and frequent vegetation changes and hard to see charcoal burning pits. However, Portugal was to provide a totally different set of challenges. Arriving at Porto airport we were met by wind and rain; this was not quite the weather we were hoping for, but it proved to be consistent for the remainder of the tour. After a long drive to the hotel near Gouveia we all had chance to relax and sample the local brew, Superbok, and only €0.85 a bottle! Prior to the Tour, there had been much debate as to which courses to enter, so Maj Steve Collinson, as the Chairman, played it safe on the first event and entered everyone onto the open easy long course which turned out to be mostly track running and not too technical. However, trying to run too fast cost SSgt Mark Beverley a disqualification as he ran straight past a control without punching! Later that first evening was a night urban sprint event in Gouveia town. There was good banter in the minibus after Capt ‘Barney’ Barnett had forgotten to bring a head torch! Sgt ‘Cills’ Cilliers was in unfamiliar territory after only taking up the sport recently. It proved to be a challenging but rewarding and enjoyable experience for all with Maj Steve Collinson coming out on top. On day 2 the group decided to change course and enter the open challenging long course. At 3.8 km it seemed very short, but the dramatic and extensive boulder fields made navigation really difficult. In the afternoon we tried our hand for the first time at Trail Orienteering – not so much a physical challenge, more mental capacity – try ‘Googling’ it!
Map Extract of Arcozelo Day 2: Open Challenging Long
Day 3 was slightly easier, terrain for the most part was similar to that in UK, with more wooded areas and better attack points – but they couldn’t resist taking us over the road at the back end of the course to re-visit those boulder fields again!
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There were differing opinions as to how our group’s scoring should work, with minor variations being proposed based on individual’s circumstances. Capt ‘Barney’ Barnett came up with some of the most interesting concoctions, all of which seemed to favour his position – funny old thing! The terrain so far had been physically demanding and Maj Bob Taylor had to take up camera duties on the final day due to a recurring calf injury. A big effort from Maj Chris Deed saw him complete all the events after carrying a knee injury from before the tour. An enjoyable final day was contested over an easy long course at 4.9 km. It was a tough start through the first 5 check points followed by a run through the town and steep finish. The tour was over, we all agreed that it had been some of the most complex terrain we had experienced and will be remembered for those dramatic boulder fields.
L to R: Maj Bob Taylor, SSgt Mark Beverley, Maj Steve Collinson, Capt ‘Barney Barnett, Sgt ‘Cills’ Cilliers and Maj Chris Deed
SQUASH SSgt (SSI) D P Read RAPTC
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he RAPTC Squash team have seen a large majority of it’s seasoned players leave the Army through completion of 22+ year’s service or redundancy in the past 12 months. Therefore, the RAPTC Squash Racquet Association (SRA) are actively recruiting the younger newly transferred members of the RAPTC to come and try the sport and hopefully find some new stars! The season is relatively short for Corps Squash with various competitions running from November through to March. The rest of the year is spent organising training camps to improve skills or overseas sports tours. The RAPTC Open Squash competition was held at AFC Harrogate on Wed 13 Nov 13, this event is used to seed the players in preparation for the Inter Corps Squash competition in Nov of each year.
World No 1 Nick Mathew Left to right: Major (MAA) Jason Hughes, Mr Nick Mathews, Major (MAA) Gary Hendrickson, Capt (MAA) Billy Young, WO1 (SMI) Shaun Carey
The event hosted 8 players for the day which finished with a close final in the Cup between WO1 (SMI) Shaun Carey and Maj (MAA) Jason Hughes, both players put on a great display which saw WO1 (SMI) Shaun Carey victorious with a 3-2 win. The plate competition enabled some of the newer player’s battle out some closely contested games which eventually finished with Sgt (SI) E Cillers victorious in his first Open (well done).
RAPTCI’s and Officers selected to represent the RAPTC in the Inter Corps Squash Championships were as follows: No1. - SSgt McQuilken No2. - WO2 Carey No3. - Maj Hughes No4. - Capt young No5. - WO1 Walbrook The Inter Corps Squash Competition was held at the Garrison Gymnasium in Aldershot over the period 19 – 21 Nov 13. Recruitment within the RAPTC team in development saw only one team put forward to compete. The three days of squash pushed all the players to their limits and the team achieved 63 points overall and finishing 3rd in league 2 which was a successful outcome. Capt (MAA) Billy Young RAPTC organised a training day at AFC Harrogate at the start of the New Year it was hosted by the three times World NO1 Squash Champion Mr Nick Mathew. This was a perfect opportunity to brush up and learn some new skills from the very best.
Corps Champs Team Harrogate. Back Row Left to Right: Sgt (SI) Ash Stoby, SSgt (SSI) David Read, Capt (MAA) Billy Young, Major (MAA) Jason Hughes, Sgt (SI) Alan Wilson Front Row Left to Right: WO1 (SMI) Shaun Carey, WO1 (SMI) Charles Walbrook, Sgt (SI) Cillers
With an overseas sports tour heading to New York in early September 2014 the RAPTC SRA team will have seen and participated in a very eventful year. The recruitment drive for new players is a priority and aspirations are high for next year’s competitions.
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RACING CANOEING AND KAYAKING WO2 (QMSI) D Herbert RAPTC
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ver the last year there has been an increase in interest and racing from within in the RAPTC; starting with the 1st big race of the year – the Devizes to Westminster (DW) which is 200 Km 73 locks. WO1 (SMI) Lisa Dunne and racing partner Richard Clarke completed the race in 28h 4min in one of the hardest conditions the race has had in living memory; 34 did not finish, Dunne/Clarke were the 12th service finishers and 9th mixed crew – awesome effort. The next biggest event in the calendar was the Marathon and Sprint inter-service Championships. This is a 3 day event which starts with a 21 Km race on day 1 with paddlers racing either K1 or K2. The K2 event is the most prestigious event as the boat is faster and has the ability for boats to wash-hang (water version of
slipstreaming) which is easier therefore making racing harder and far more tactical. This year WO1 (CRSM) Reese and WO2 (QMSI) Herbert raced K2 and finished 2nd. On the subsequent days the pair gained two more 2nd places in K2 events and a 1st place in a K4 race. WO1 Reese finish 2nd in the 200m K1 and WO2 Herbert finished 2nd in the 1000m K1. The final event of the year was the combined service trip to Ireland to race the Liffey Descent. The Liffey Descent is one of 4 classic Marathon Kayak races in Europe. (The other 3 are the DW, Sella descent in Spain and the Tour de Gudena in Denmark) The race is 18 miles with 10 BIG weir shoots in racing boats. Due to political reasons HMF had be advised not to travel to the ROI and therefore there
WO2 Herbert.
never has been a military sports tour to the ROI for canoe sport. WO2 Herbert was fortunate to represent the combined services in the Liffey Descent 2013. Racing against a strong International field WO2 Herbert racing with Brig Capps finished 7th in the Men’s-open category.
RAPTC NETBALL SSgt (SSI) V H Blackburn RAPTC
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n Oct 2013 the RAPTC Netball team entered The Army Inter Corps Netball Championships which took place at the Army Garrison Sport Centre (AGSC) in Aldershot on Thu 24 and Fri 25 Oct 13. This year’s Inter Corps Championships was coordinated and organised by the Secretary Adjutant General’s Corps. For the first time in 2012, the Championships was broken down into two separate divisions to allow greater participation and squad development and furthermore allow the smaller Corps to compete on a more level playing field. This proved a great success and remained the same for the 2013 Championships. As a small Corps with just over 30 females we were entered into Division 2,
RAPTC Inter Corps Netball Team
which resulted in the Corps competing against the RE and the R.Sigs and a number of other smaller Corps. Despite the RAPTC Netball team only managing to meet once a year due to busy schedules and dedications to all other sports, all team members played extremely well and should be very proud of their skills and physical attributes they displayed on court. Although the RAPTC was unsuccessful in holding on to last year’s runners-up position, all team member had a thoroughly enjoyable two days and we look forward to the RAPTC bi-annual reunion against the WRAC in Sep 14.
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RAPTC TENNIS SECRETARY REPORT Sgt (SI) G Lewis RAPTC
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he last twelve months have been exceptionally busy for the RAPTC Tennis squad which has seen noticeable changes in our composition. Capt (MAA) Martyn Peebles RAPTC (upon retirement) relinquished his position as Chairman to the incoming Capt (MAA) Paul Saunders. The squad said farewell to Capt (MAA) John Dunn who decided that the time was right to retire from military service following a long & successful career. To celebrate Capt Peebles’s reign as chairman and by way of thanking the squad for their commitment during the winter season, a historic trip to the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), Wimbledon was arranged. The lead curator gave us an ‘access to all areas’ pass, showing us everything that is special about the AELTC. The trip culminated with a Corps photo on the magnificent ‘Centre Court’ in traditional whites, a day that will be long etched in the memory. At the RAPTC sports dinner the current club captain Sgt Dan Bishop received his sports Colour’s for long term commitment to the sport as both a player and Secretary.
As Secretary it has been refreshing to see the squad fulfilling many of its fixtures in line with their busy diaries. The following players are thanked for their continued commitment to RAPTC Tennis. Capt John Dunn Capt Martyn Peebles Capt Paul Saunders RAPTC SSgt John Stokes-Whittaker HQ RAPTC SSgt Ash Allen Sgt Dan Bishop Sgt Emile Cilliers Sgt Rob Guyton Sgt Stoby In closing, Corps Tennis has many benefits including; free coaching prior to each fixture and ticket allocations to the Wimbledon tournament for the most committed players. Tennis fixtures take place on Wednesday afternoons at the Garrison Tennis Centre in Aldershot. Any interested parties should contact Sgt (SI) Lewis, RRU Aldershot in the first instance.
ARMY SUB AQUA DIVE CENTRE SSgt (SSI) A Gibson RAPTC
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few weeks into the job, and after a thorough handover by WO2 Pearn the ASADC had its annual quality assurance inspection by the diving Standards inspectorate team. With no stone unturned this allowed me to fully immerse myself into the current diving regulations and practices in accordance with Health and Safety. For the Divers out there, you will know this is becoming quite a task! The ASADC is situated in Bovington Dorset; it is part of the Army School of
Physical Training (ASPT) and offers a wide range of diving courses in accordance with the British Sub-Aqua Club system. The courses we run are Ocean Diver, Sports Diver, Dive Leader and Advanced Diver. Each course is designed to develop individual diver’s skills whilst giving them the opportunity to learn and gain new skills in a safe but challenging environment. Bovington is ideally located to Weymouth and Portland Bill where diving is possible all year round. The diving in these coastal locations suits all levels of divers, from those on their first sea dives through to the technical divers diving to below forty meters. The ASADC has one military point of contact, me. The diving courses are contracted out to a civilian diving contractor, who provides all the instructors, course materials, boats and diving fees.
SSgt (SSI) Gibson (far right) teaching on a Sports Diver course
The ASADC currently trains more BSAC Ocean Divers, Sports Divers and Dive
Leaders than any of the other dive centres due to courses being able to accommodate 12 personnel on every course, therefore allowing for a higher annual turnover. The ASADC is able to accommodate 19 courses per year running from April through to early December, with the majority of the courses being conducted through the summer months. I’ve been at the Army Sub Aqua Diving Centre ASADC for 8 months now, and although I have had a very full on first summer putting in a lot of hours during the tail end of the dive season, I cannot think of a more fulfilling way to end my military career. For more information on ASADC or the course bidding process please direct your questions to me on 94734 3026 or the courses clerk on 94222 7248
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RAPTC RFC – 2014 WO2 (QMSI) G R Halliwell RAPTC
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he role of RAPTC Rugby Football Club (RFC) secretary remains a juggling act keeping the secretary responsibilities, players and all round organising together. I have had the privilege to carry out the duties as Corps secretary for the past two seasons now and sadly its time to hand over the reins to Sgt (SI) Luke Brimble. Good luck buddy and remember I’m only a phone call away. RAPTC RFC is in a healthy state with approximately 30 playing members on its books with an average of 16 players playing each fixture. We are always actively recruiting and contacting new members of the RAPTC as they pass into the Corps. However, any member of the RAPTC interested in playing Corps Rugby in either code not currently representing the “Royal Corps” should contact Sgt (SI) Luke Brimble on civil 02071 412522. All standards are welcome. RAPTC RFC completed its second season of Rugby League in Jul 13 as part of the Lawson Cup which runs from Apr up to the finals in Sept. A total of nine Corps teams competed in the Lawson Cup in 2013. The teams are divided into 2 leagues, which ensure that Corps of similar capability play against each other, in order to develop the teams. RAPTC RFC was placed in Group 2 along with the AGC and AMS and was set to play 4 fixtures, each team at Home and Away. Being robust, strong, adaptable and very physical individuals our natural ability at facilitating rules and the practical skills of Rugby League. The team has had an excellent second season under the guidance of S/Sgt Gareth Slade-Jones and Sgt Rhydian Slade-Jones. RAPTC RFC at the end of the League season finished in 3rd place. The culmination of the RL season saw RAPTC RFC compete in the Yeoman Cup, which is a one day tournament where after a round robin in league 2 RAPTC RFC were placed into the plate where we successfully overcame the AAC to win the Plate competition. The Lawson Cup league results are listed below but are not a true reflection of the ferocity and the tenacity which the “Royal Corps” Officers and Instructors put into each game. 10 Apr 13 05 Jun 13 26 Jun 13 14 Jul 13 24 July 13 28 Aug 13
AGC 52 v RAPTC 20 RAPTC 28 v AMS 26 RAPTC 18 v AGC 38 AMS v RAPTC postponed Yeoman Cup 1st in the plate competition AAC 10 RAPTC 16 AMS v RAPTC cancelled
score the first try within the first ten minutes, which placed the Corps on the back foot. A further lapse in concentration in our defensive line allowed the Bahia to break through score a second try which gave them a slight lead. The score remained at 10 – 0 to the Bahia until five mins before half time. The Corps side had the ascendency, applying additional pressure and scored three very quick try’s coming off at HT 10 – 15 ahead and in a very buoyant mood. This proved the Corps team was more than capable of matching a well drilled Bahia side that had been in pre-season training for some weeks! The Bahia coach had quiet word with his side at half time and seemed to be getting agitated with his front row players, who were strong robust individuals that had produced some of the their teams best Rugby. They came out with a very different attitude at the start of the 2nd half and the Corps absorbed some very strong pressure in the first 10 mins being camped on our own try line. Over exuberance by the Corps lead to numerous mistakes being made by both teams, with the Referee continually warning the team captains about infringements and saw Bahia take control and scored another try, bringing the sides level 15 – 15. Whilst the Corps tackled like demons and on occasion played with great flair as they kept the ball in hand. The Bahia team tried to use the hot and humid conditions to there favour making it hard for the Corps to regain the ascendency. However, the Corps managed to cross the Bahia try line twice more. Bahia produced some very strong tackles making the ball go forward in the tackle, which thwarted further opportunities from the Corps. The final score being Bahia 20 – RAPTC RFC 30. A hard but good win to mark the Corps arrival in Majorca, which led to a couple of injuries for key players one of which was myself who had been dragged out of retirement after a 2 year lay off. The final fixture of the tour was played on Thu 19 Sept 13 against RC Ponent RFC at their home pitch in Guild Foners, Palma Nova on a well maintained grass pitch, which as you can expect was again played in very humid conditions and under floodlights. Both teams started at a very fast and furious pace during the first 15 mins neither side willing to give an inch. Initially the teams seemed evenly matched especially in the forwards. The Corps were tackling everything that moved, which produced a number of errors from both sides. RC Ponent managed to score that all important first try and placed the RAPTC on the back foot, which rattled the Corps, made them more determined as they powered
We now look forward to the next Rugby League season that commences in April 14, where we expect to improve on last year’s performance. In preparation for the Rugby Union season and as well as transition from League to Union 20 of the finest RAPTC RFC members boarded a plane to Majorca in Sept 13. The tour consisted of 5 days of training some of which was conducted on the beach and 2 fixtures that we played in the evenings due to the temperature. The initial fixture of the RAPTC tour was played on Tue 17 Sept 13 against Bahia RFC at their home pitch in Polideportivo, on an Astro type pitch in humid conditions. The Corps started at a very high intensity considering the conditions with the teams evenly matched. The Corps tackled strongly from the start which caused a number of errors from Bahia who seemed to be overawed with the physicality of the Corps side. However the local side were there to play and play hard and managed to
RAPTC RFC under the posts
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The tour not only provided the team with some exciting games but the chance to bond as a team and got the Corps men ready for the gruelling season ahead. Once the team arrived back home we were straight into the RU structured season which runs from Sep – Mar and we play 5 fixtures as part of the Merit 2 Table League. RAPTC RFC are currently sat in 5th place for 2013/14 season the results are as follows: 26 Oct 13 06 Nov 13 04 Dec 13 05 Feb 14 05 Mar 14
RAPTC RFC tour
through their defensive line to try and get the scores level. However the RC Ponent produced some excellent flowing rugby for the next 20 min and scored a further 2 try’s and a conversion making the half time score 17 – 0 to RC Ponent. The RC Ponent came out in a very different mood and the Corps absorbed some very strong pressure in the first 10 mins with very little respite from our own try line. The RC Ponent took control and scored a further two tries in quick succession followed by a conversion. Whilst the Corps tackled like demons and on occasion played with some great flair as they kept the ball in hand. Sgt (SI) Walsh made that all important thrust and put points on the score board for the Corps by scoring 2 try’s during the last five mins. The RC Ponent team were more consistent and played some excellent flowing Rugby with the Corps never quite matching their skills and experience the final score being 52-12. At this stage I should also mention that the RC Ponent team were made up of Antipodeans, Argentineans and a few seasoned Spanish players and whilst this is no excuse it adds context to the final score.
RAC 58 v RAPTC 43 INT 42 v RAPTC 07 (conceded – no front row players). AMS 70 v RAPTC 0 (conceded – no front row players). AAC v RAPTC postponed AGC 49 v RAPTC 15
In addition, to the RU season the RFC ended the season by playing a friendly fixture against any team of equal capability which precedes the RAPTC Sports Dinner and the Army v Navy Weekend this year we are taking on the might of the Scots Guards. All fixtures played this season have been played with great levels of physical aggression and commitment by all players in very harsh conditions. The players have consistently demonstrated the dogged determination to win, which is a clear characteristic that exemplifies what being a Soldier and RAPTCI is all about. The main advantage the RAPTC has over the teams we’ve played so far is that extra physical ability and robustness which becomes apparent during the second half of every match. Despite the results we have competed better than the leagues table suggests. Technically we lose the game before we start as we struggle to provide a healthy team to include a complete front row and a replacement. That said the team are always full of pride at the end of each game even if they are totally shattered.
RAPTC ROAD AND CROSS COUNTRY WO2 (QMSI) C Paton RAPTC
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he 22nd Inter Corps Cross Country Championships took place on Wednesday 05 March 2014 hosted by the Royal Logistic Corps. The location for this year’s event was the scenic but somewhat muddy surroundings of Deepcut, Hampshire. 200 male and female athletes from 8 different Corps lined up at the start ready to endure a testing course. In light of the January and February rain storms the course was muddy; however, the weather on the day was more favourable as athletes battled against their counterparts in almost ideal running conditions. The sport of cross country racing is not widely regarded as a ‘team sport’ but as a bunch of individuals running around in shorts and vests. Technically, running may not be a team sport; however, it is one of the most difficult endurance sports of all. There are no timeouts, substitutions, halftimes, or other breaks. No athlete can hide on the tracks or be carried by another athlete’s performance. If an athlete is tripped up and pushed over, there is no referee to a blow whistle to stop the race. Every athlete battles it out in a gladiatorial style to the finishing line, as each individuals performance ultimately decides whether the team stands on the podium or not. To succeed in cross country racing you need a couple of vital quantities; determination, motivation, physical awareness and a strong heart. If running 5 miles plus everyday doesn’t sound like a good workout, you’d better try a less-taxing sport. Sports
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like football, hockey and rugby are played on flat, well groomed surfaces. However, during cross country races it is normal to encounter varied terrains, hills, roads, mud puddles, grassy fields, rocky paths, and sometimes even shallow streams. A true cross country race stays away from pavement and roads. Due to injuries, wives giving birth and work commitments the Corps XC teams lost the services of some of our top athletes; which may have given the other Corps a glimmer of hope. However, the RAPTC XC teams have an abundance of talented and exceptional male and female athletes who were on hand to don the coveted Red and Black vest. There were several dazzling performances with WO2 Kelley Haniver finishing 3rd overall (first female vet) and SSgt Shan Mansfield crossing the line in 5th position (second female vet). In the male competition a sterling race by WO2 Gaz Till, who finished 9th, was backed up by first-rate runs by debutant Sgt Craig Williams (11th), WO1 Andy Buckley (12th), SSgt Daz Farrugia (14th) and SSgt Young (19th). After the organizers had calculated the final scores there was a nervous wait for the prize giving. However, there was no need to worry and as the results confirmed the RAPTC dominance continued for another year. The male vets team, which included another debutant Capt Stu Irving, finished in third place with the female and senior male teams being crowned the Inter Corps XC Champions for 2014. Final Results Senior Team Name
Position
WO2 Till
9
Sgt Williams
11
WO1 Buckely
12
SSgt Farrugia
14
SSgt Young
19
Sgt Irving
34
WO2 Paton
41
WO2 Hargreaves
57
Sgt Chudley
73
Veteran Team Name
Position
Maj Hendrickson
71
Capt Irving
81
Maj Young
86
WO1 Wilson
117
Not only has the RAPTC dominated the Inter Corps XC scene for the past 5 years; our athletes have a major influence at Army and Inter Service level. At the Inter Service XC Championships 2014, hosted by the Navy, 5 athletes and 1 team manager represented the RAPTC. Athletes: Capt Barry Stoddart, Warrant Officers Gaz Till, Kelley Haniver and Paddy Paton and SSgt Mansfield were supported by chief cheerleader WO2 Greenwood. There were some exceptional results with SSgt Mansfield finishing 5th in the ladies race and Capt Stoddart finishing runner up, to fellow Army athlete Gaz Watkins, in the veterans’ race; proving age is not a barrier. At the time of going to press, six RAPTCIs will be lining up behind Mo Farah at the start of the London Marathon (Inter Service
Marathon Championships 2014), ready to do battle against their Navy and RAF counterparts. Capt Iain Bareham, Warrant Officers Andy Buckley, Paddy Paton, Gaz Till, SSgt Daz Farrugia and Sgt Craig Williams will be racing through the capital city along with 38,000 fellow runners; cheered on by half million spectators and watched by 5 million people worldwide. RAPTC XC is by far the most successful sport within the Corps. This success can only been achieved as a result of the commitment of our athletes who sacrifice their personal time to train and travel to events, often at weekends, to represent the RAPTC. I would like to thank every athlete, and supporter, who has reinforced the true meaning of ‘Espirt de Corps’ and backed the RAPTC XC Teams during my tenure as the RAPTC XC Secretary. The RAPTC XC teams remain a dominant force and are is always looking to recruit new athletes. Therefore if you would like to be part of a winning team then contact WO2 (QMSI) Paton for further details. The future is bright; the future is Red and Black.
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BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR – 12 MONTHS IN KABUL Lt Col (MAA) B Dupree RAPTC
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had been pestering Army Personnel Centre (APC) Glasgow for an Operational tour for at least 6 years. The answer was always no, with the explanation that I was needed to fill an RAPTC Staff Officer post in a busy Headquarters. Whilst I understood that because of my experience and seniority I was an obvious choice for these posts, it still rankled. I had been heavily involved in advising RAPTCIs as they prepared for and deployed on tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. And I was fully aware from working in HQ Army of how busy the Army was and that a number of Officers and soldiers were on their 3rd and 4th Operational tour and I simply wanted to do my bit. To be honest I had given up and resigned myself to being one of the generation of Officers who missed out on Operational tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. Imagine my total shock and surprise when I was informed via E mail, yes E mail, that I had been selected for a 12 month operational tour to Afghanistan and promoted to Lt Col, and another thing I leave in 3 months time!! So how would you go home and inform your wife that you had been selected for early promotion, the only issue it’s a 12 month tour in Kabul. Lesley quickly realised what a fantastic opportunity this was and turned to the right……..Once we recovered from the shock I then started to book Pre Deployment Training, leave and gathering some detail on the role in Theatre. I established that the role was as a mentor to the Afghan Chief of Staff at the Afghan National Officer Army (ANAOA) in Kabul, the UK strategic commitment in Afghanistan post 2014.
Me, Ed Williams and Lt Gen John Lorimer
The UK will play a significant part over the next decade in the development, delivery and sustainment of an Afghan officer academy teaching ethical, values based, leadership modelled upon the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in order to enable the effective leadership of a sustainable Afghan National Security Force, capable of protecting the population and securing a legitimate Afghan Government. The ANAOA will eventually produce 75% of ANA officers and play a significant part in the long term security of the country.
Afghan National Army Officer Academy visit by Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond
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Me and Gen Bashall
Me and WO1 Lou James
I was extremely lucky in that the Afghan Officer I was mentoring for 12 months, Lieutenant Colonel Qais Mangal, spoke good English, was Sandhurst trained and as close to a British Officer that one could be in an Afghan uniform. It was a frustrating tour as we both battled against the mind numbingly dull G4 bureaucracy (mainly US doctrine) and the corrupt and antiquated (still using Russian doctrine) Afghan working ways. We had some tough but rewarding times and I am certain we will be friends for life.
fantastically well received and the newly qualified Afghans PTIs were the proudest men in Asia! Capt Eddie Williams led a 6 strong RAPTC contingent to mentor the newly qualified Afghan PTIs who were charged with running the PT programme for the first intake of Officer cadets.
Right from the start the RAPTC have played a leading role at ANAOA. Maj Steve Collinson and SSI Spence were seconded from HQ RAPTC TDT and joined the ANAOA team for a 3 month short term training team to design and write the PT syllabus and an ANA PTI course. Their input was first class and they received great plaudits from the ANA chain of command for their contribution. SSgt Spence remained for a further 3 months to run a very successful ANA PTI course. The end of course display in particular was a great display of Afghan teamwork. It was
As the UK flagship commitment post 2014 we received a huge number of visits and as the Chief of Staff I played a significant role in the planning and hosting. Amongst the numerous senior officers and politicians a couple of RAPTC personalities visited; Maj Gen Bashall the Col Comdt in his guise as COS PJHQ and Lt Col (SMAA) Billings and SMI Chappell who conducted a review of PT in Theatre. My 12 months in Kabul was a life changing experience which is difficult to do justice in a short article. I will be eternally grateful to my desk officer Lt Col Mick McCarthy RA at APC Glasgow for running me for this prestigious post and enabling me to do my bit!
THE AFGHAN NATIONAL ARMY OFFICER ACADEMY QARGHA, KABUL Captain (MAA) D E Williams RAPTC “A dislocation of expectation, evolution not revolution” ANAOA Vision/Mission “To select and prepare quality platoon leaders for specialised training within the Afghan National Army. They will be imbued with the ethos of leadership, knowledge of Afghan and wider military affairs, be fluent in Dari, have a basic command of English and have developed the core values necessary for the future leadership of the ANA”
A Brief History of Qargha The key to Qargha’s historical importance is its geographical position. Qargha lies at the western extremity of Kabul, a low plateau dominated to the north and west by a crescent shaped range of hills. Even to the untrained eye, its strategic significance is obvious. To the south west the pass leading to Wardak, Ghanzi and Kandahar forms a deep ’v’ shape cut into the mountains.
Mentor: “An experienced and trusted advisor” –Oxford Dictionary
Across the centuries, shepherds on this plateau would have witnessed the passage of conquering armies – Alexander coming up the valley in 326 BC, Genghis Khan coming down the valley in 1222, followed by Timberlane in 1380 and Barbur in 1504. Three hundred years later, shepherds would have seen the British
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From L-R SSgt Kate Lord, SSgt Reg Spence, Capt Eddie Williams, WO2 Will McKinsley, SSgt Fozzy Forster, Sgt Marc Rogers
coming from the east – Sale in 1839, Pollock in 1842 and Fredrick Roberts in 1879. On 11 December in the latter year, people on the Qargha plateau would have seen the 6th Lancers and the 44th Native Cavalry pass west along the valley to the south and then swing to their left, towards the pass to Wardak and the road to Ghanzi. A few hours later they would have seen the small British force conducting a desperate fighting withdrawal, pursued by 10,000 Afghan tribesmen, an advance which was going to end in the Battle for Sherpur. The Soviet Period After the initial invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979, the Soviet occupation of Qargha began in the early 1980s. Like Abdur Raman, they used Qargha as an ordnance area. Russian military engineers dug tunnels into the hill sides, some of which are still visible, and constructed a large ammunition storage area on the northern side, which is still being used by the Afghan Army today. They then moved the 99th Rocket Regiment onto the plateau and set up a Regimental Headquarters on the Qargha road. By the mid-1980s, Qargha was occupied by about 12,000 troops, more or less equally composed of Soviets and Aghans. This concentration did not prevent Masoud’s Mujahidin from infiltrating the camp one night in 1984 and blowing up a large part of the ordnance depot, a truly spectacular explosion which could be heard all over Kabul. The Taliban Period Massoud’s forces occupied Qargha in 1993 and then pulled out in 1996. There were still instillations left over from the period of the Royal Afghan Army and Soviet occupation and so it was only natural that the Taliban moved in to set up a training camp and an ordnance depot. They were still there when American bombs rained down in October 2001. Qargha Today Qargha remained in a state of destruction for approximately seven years until the decision was made to concentrate most of Afghanistan’s military training and education facilities in a new institution, the Afghan National Defence University (ANDU); and what better place to build it than the Qargha plateau. When fully operational, Qargha’s institutions will house some 8000 students, directing staff and force protection units.
General The Afghan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA) RAPTC Mentoring Team arrived in Theatre on Sun 22 Sep 13 after completing a four week bespoke PDT/iMST package divided between the Reinforcements, Training and Mobilisation Centre Chilwell, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. On arrival, we attended a RSOI package at Camp Bastion followed by, a flight up to Kabul. We were then transported by Force Protection from Kabul International Airport (KAIA) to Camp Qargha. The following day, a comprehensive 4 day Kabul RSOI package was held in Qargha and the Kabul Military Training Centre (KMTC). Location. Camp Qargha and the ANAOA site are located on the western fringes of Kabul approximately 14km from KAIA. The Camp is located adjacent to the 2nd Kandak (Battalion) of the ANA on Qargha Training Area, which is encompassed by a 17km fence line. The distance from Camp Qargha to the ANAOA site where the team works, is approximately 2km across the area. Movement to and from the Academy is provided by the Force Protection Squadron. The camp is located at approximately 6000ft above sea level with some spectacular views of the surrounding Hindu Kush Mountains and western Kabul. Camp Qargha is a small, multi-national camp which houses various other sub units as well as the ANAOA Mentoring team. The Academy itself is located on the larger Afghan National Defence University (ANDU) site which has the following units on the same campus: The National Military Academy of Afghanistan (NMAA). Afghan National Defence University Headquarters. Command & Staff College (under construction). Sergeant Majors Academy (under construction). COIN Centre of Excellence (under construction). Foreign Language Institute (under construction). Garrison Support Unit. Arrival Our initial arrival at the Academy was aided immensely by having had Maj (MAA) Steve Collinson and SSgt (SSI) ’Reg’ Spence forward. We arrived well ahead of the game compared to the other departments which allowed us to get on with the training/ mentoring role immediately. The fact that we had a comprehensive set of lesson plans, a PT staff to work with, and a gymnasium was excellent to say the least. We were also extremely fortunate to have a ’friend in the butts’ Lt Col (MAA) B Dupree here as the Chief of Staff who really made us feel at home.
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RAPTC Mentors. The current scaling for the RAPTC PT Staff at the ANAOA is 6 personnel, deployed for an 8.5 month period, preceded by a month’s MST/iMST. The current ORBAT is as follows: Ser
Rank
Personality
Appointment
Previous Post
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
01
Capt (MAA)
DE Williams
MAA PT Mentor
ASPT (A)
02
WO2 (QMSI)
WJ McKinsley
MSgt PT Mentor
Royal Gibraltar Regt
03
SSgt (SSI)
J Spence
Programmer/PT Mentor
ASPT (A)TDT)
04
SSgt (SSI)
K Lord
Female PT Mentor
PCRF Blandford
05
A/SSgt (SSI)
D Forster
PT Syndicate Leader Mentor
PCRF Abingdon
06
Sgt (SI)
M Rogers
PT Syndicate Leader Mentor
ASPT (G)
As of Feb 14, Qargha had an additional 3 RAPTC personnel added to the ORBAT: Ser
Rank
Personality
Appointment
Previous Post
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
01
A/WO1 (RSM)
Maslin
RSM Kandak 2 (E2 appt)
22 SAS
02
A/SSgt (SSI)
Horton1
PTI Syndicate Mentor
CTCRM
03
Sgt
Price
Female Plt Sgt (E2 appt)
RRU Edinburgh
The current scaling will change in future as some of the PIDs were originally allocated to an ERI capacity which will now not happen. The future RAPTC ORBAT will reduce to 4 instructors with the redundant 2 PIDs being exchanged for alternate cap badges within G7. ANAOA Officer Selection. Before commencing training, potential Officer Cadets must attend Selection. Selection for the ANAOA is conducted by a separate department within the Academy, wholly responsible for ensuring the correct criteria are met and the right individuals selected. The method for joining the Academy as an officer is a complex process involving a local and regional recruiting
procedure involving vetting and physical suitability. Once this has been completed, all potential officers will participate on a 2-day Commissioning Course (CC) Selection held at the Academy and based on the Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB) Westbury). Importantly, It is worth noting that the ANAOA is not the only Officer training establishment in Afghanistan. There are a total of 3 Officer Training Academies, of which the ANAOA is one (and the most recent); the other 2 being the National Military Academy of Afghanistan (NMAA) and the Officer Candidate School (OCS). NMAA is located on the same site at Qargha and is a 4-year, degree course, similar to the West Point model in the United States. OCS
RAPTC Mentors with Gen Bashall during his visit to the ANAOA.
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is located over at the Kabul Military Training Centre (KMTC) on the eastern side of Kabul and is based on a short 6-month combat officer training model. Academy Programme The ANAOA is based on the ethos and routine of Sandhurst and as such has adopted the same working term syllabus. The year-long CC is broken down into 3 terms of 14 weeks, (Juniors, Intermediate and Seniors) divided by periods of leave. Each intake has the capacity to run as 3 Companies of 3 platoons, totalling 270 personnel; at present male only. The inaugural intake of 270 cadets started in Oct 13, with the second commencing 15 Feb 14. The third intake along with the first female platoon will start in Jun 14. This will bring the Academy up to its full operating capability. The ANAOA PT Staff SSgt Spence did an outstanding job training and mentoring the cadre of Afghan PTIs that we currently work with. We now have a staff of 1 officer plus 12 (when they all turn up) but currently no Warrant Officer (Master Sergeant). This has been highlighted and hopefully rectified before the end of term 2. All ranks use the US military annotation of ’E’ (Enlisted) in the rank structure. This ranges from E5 (Sgt), to E9 (CSM). The ANAOA Afghan PTIs can operate to a good basic standard considering their lack of experience. They have a good grasp of the course programme and can deliver training under supervision effectively, although some personalities are more proficient than others. The Afghans react well to mentoring, assimilating any pertinent points of improvement and acting on them with minimal fuss. They still lack attention to detail, but are improving on a daily basis. The RAPTC team have built up a very good rapport with these individuals which aids the mentoring process and allows the efficient exchange of ideas and opinions. Infrastructure and Equipment. The PT Wing is extremely lucky in that it operates from a purpose built gymnasium; one of four on the NMAA site. It is basic, but fit for purpose and can accommodate a Tolay ( Company)-sized group for circuit training and fitness testing. Most of the current equipment is a mixture of UK and Afghan procured equipment which is more than adequate for the Academy programme. Battle PT equipment such as logs
and stretchers are also available. There is a sports pitch which can cater for football, touch rugby, cricket and volleyball; but this is also shared with NMAA. Running, battle PT and loaded marches can be conducted within the confines of the NMAA perimeter and is more than adequate for all evolutions of physical development with the exception of obstacle course training. This can be conducted at KMTC linked in with the field training exercise phases of the training programme. Syllabus. The Commissioning Course PT syllabus contains a total of 71 lessons spread evenly over the 42 week training programme totalling 133 periods. Additional periods of sports were initially included in the programme but now take place after training under the Company staff. This was due to the loss of 1 hours training from each working day (reduced from a 1630 finish to 1530) and the need to make up for lost lessons. In general, the Officer Cadets basic standard of fitness is better than expected although the average run time for the PFA is 12 minutes. Prior to arriving at the ANAOA, most cadets would have not done any physical training and therefore lack basic balance, co-ordination and team work skills. However, they more than make up for this in enthusiasm and competitive spirit. In general, the cadets are a robust bunch of young men. They live in austere conditions, with minimal welfare facilities on a basic diet. Their daily routine begins at 0430 with reveille and prayer working through until 1530 after which administration and preparation for the next day’s training will occur. The majority will not get to their beds before 2200 sleeping in tents in some harsh climatic conditions. Summary The tour at the ANAOA can be best described as challenging, frustrating, rewarding, varied, demanding and satisfying. The RAPTCIs here have certainly stepped up to the mark and have flown the flag for the Corps. They have shown their versatility, adaptability and “the show must go on” attitude. They have acquitted themselves admirably and have demonstrated that they are consummate professionals. We will leave Kabul knowing we have helped contributed to a better Afghanistan but only the future will tell what lies in store for the country and the population.
A FEMALE PERSPECTIVE SSgt (SSI) Kate Lord RAPTC The Beginning Day one IMST at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, “the ANA male soldiers won’t listen to females”, “the men have no respect for women”. I listened attentively, the deployment hadn’t even begun and I was already feeling a sense of defeat. It’s now 7 months on and if only I’d known then how wrong they were. As the only female within the PT Department at the ANAOA, I arrived with a sense of uncertainty, I felt extremely nervous and anxious and wondered how the newly qualified male ANAOA PTIs would react to me. It was apparent within the months leading up to the deployment that my role as the Female PTI Mentor was going to be short lived, there were no females to mentor! Therefore Capt (MAA) Williams decided I would mentor the men, and that was that. My first encounter with the PTIs was memorable; they first stared, asked if I was a PTI, asked how quickly I could run 2.4kms and then proceeded to watch me warily for the remainder of the day. However, I quickly earned their respect, I adopted a ‘don’t mess with me’ persona and they soon realised I was a force to be reckoned with. I guess the key was to fit in, have a sense of humor and show them I was capable.
The Culture I have definitely found mentoring the men a challenge and if I’m honest I do feel I constantly have to prove to the PTIs that I’m good enough. There have been a few occasions on which the PTIs have stepped over the mark. The male PTIs are insistent about reminding me of the need to have consideration for their cultural beliefs; however there are times when I question their consideration towards mine. Despite this, with time, cultural education and compromise (on both sides) we have learned to strike a balance and set boundaries and now know how to interact in an appropriate manner. There are however massive differences in how the men treat me compared to the way they treat women in Afghanistan. I have conducted some research into what physical exercise women can and can’t do in front of men and I have found a vast range of opinions. Some men say women cannot conduct exercises on the floor, others say they cannot train at all alongside men and others say they cannot run outside. These statements tend to be backed up by sketchy religious justifications, that have more basis in Afghan culture than in Islam. These opinions tend to be extremely personality driven, and when thoroughly investigated have little basis when viewed from a more liberal Islamic perspective.
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to review the suitability of the PFA which we have been using for the male cadets for use with the female cadets. In Afghanistan sport and fitness are not a part of the culture in the way they are in the UK and some of the female cadets will never have participated in physical exercise before coming to the Academy for selection. Women in Afghanistan are physically much smaller than their European peers, and many women in their 20s appear malnourished with physical constitution not dissimilar to a British girl of around 13 or 14 years old.
The ANAOA Female NCOs on the PTI Course
ANA Female PTIs I was finally given the opportunity to do what I was deployed to Afghanistan for, to start working with female soldiers. 7 newly qualified ANA female sergeants were posted into the Academy and 3 of them were selected to train as PTIs. The challenge I faced was apparent from day one of the PTI course, and this challenge was an exciting prospect for me. I delivered the PTI course alongside SSgt ‘Reg’ Spence to a course of 15 ANA officers and soldiers. The women trained alongside the men with surprisingly little fuss and despite tantrums, mood-swings and crying, they all qualified as PTIs. One of the women, Fatima, showed exceptional motivation, she worked hard on the course. Her results were so good, she challenged a number of men and her nomination for top student was entirely justified; she is now my mentee and will be in charge of delivering physical training to the female officer cadets. Physical Capabilities and Research It was immediately apparent when the females completed the fitness test, that they were finding certain elements of the test a challenge. If a male cadet struggles to complete a press-up with the correct form, what chance does a woman who is anatomically weaker? If the PFA we use was designed using exercises that were technically and physically too difficult (such as a clean and jerk) for individuals to execute, it would not provide any measure of fitness for those who could not do it. For this reason I was tasked
From the outset I had concerns that the PFA may not be suitable for the female cadets and I set out to evaluate its suitability. My first step was to test all the ANA female NCOs at the Academy using the PFA. My reservations were justified when some of the women were unable to complete one repetition of the press-up or sit-up and the majority did not have the body co-ordination to complete the exercises. All of the women were able to complete the 2.4km run (with an average time of 15:48min), and I therefore deemed it completely suitable to retain in the fitness assessment. I conducted research into field based testing and came up with a number of alternative exercises that the females should be able to perform and have the same effect as the press-up and sit-up. I am currently finalising the review and will then present my recommendations to the ANAOA Chief Instructor. The Future Disappointingly, the end of my 8½ month deployment coincides with the start of the first female commissioning course. Although I wish I could have been here to see the girls in action, I am still pleased with what I have accomplished in my time here. The ANAOA has gone from being a female free zone to having a cohort of 10 female instructors who are increasing in competency day by day. I am particularly proud to have played a part in this small step towards equality for Afghan women in the ANA. They have a huge distance yet to cover to overcome the cultural restrictions placed on them as Afghan women, however with the ongoing support of my successors Sgt (SI) Zoe Leeming and Sgt (SI) Kirsty Price, they have a chance to move forward. These women are leading the field amongst the female population here in Afghanistan, and the skills I have helped teach them will contribute to producing higher quality female officers – and I can’t wait to hear how they get on.
LAND’S END TO JOHN O’GROATS CYCLE RIDE – 6TH TO 17TH MAY 2014 Brian Pyle – Ex QMSI
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he reason for doing this cycle ride was being told by a consultant knee surgeon that I had to stop running (Jogging) and playing football as my knees would not be able to withstand all the pounding at my age. Hence the decision to cycle from one end of the country to the other. Day 1 – Land’s End to Liskeard (74.5 miles) Starting at Land’s End which is on the south western most tip of England we head east towards Penzance winding our way along the Cornish roads, cycling along the coast for a short while passing the monument of St Michaels Mount. Terrain is mainly undulating with a few long climbs and a few shorter steep ones. Taking a water stop in Praze an Beeble. Inland again following winding back roads to join a quiet main road to Truro. On approaching Truro up Chacewater Hill the welcome sight of the APTC flag flying in the distance was a great morale booster knowing that beside the flag was Lt Col (Retd) George Gelder
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Lt Col (Retd) George Gelder and Brian Pyle
who lives in Truro who was there to greet me with fresh tea and sandwiches, thank you sir they were very welcome and great to see you en route.
Weather today was cool and mostly south westerly winds pushing us along although crossing the Severn Bridge the wind was very strong and into our face.
On then to St Austell passing close to the Eden Project before cycling on to Liskeard for an overnight stop.
Ride Time – 9hrs 49mins
Weather today was a mixture of light showers and sunny intervals. Ride time – 8hrs 49mins Day 2 – Liskeard to Tiverton (72.35 miles) We crossed Dartmoor which is generally recognised to be the most challenging section of the ride. Cycling over the hills into Devon, through Tavistock which after passing we had a steep climb into Dartmoor itself. (I never thought the last time I was on Dartmoor during my Army days I would be cycling over Dartmoor doing this ride). Trying to take it easy we climb towards the village of Two Bridges after which there is a great decent into Postbridge, site of the well known Clapper Bridge after which we climb again heading towards Moretonhampstead. On reaching the village the harder climbs are over but there were still a few short sharp hills as we edge our way to the edge of Dartmoor where it was downhill all the way to Exeter which was crossed heading out on a quiet road to our next overnight stop in Tiverton. Weather today was again a mixture of showers and sunny intervals. Ride Time – 9hrs 36mins Day 3 – Tiverton to Chepstow – (76.9 miles) Heading north we cycle on mainly quiet rural roads as we cross Somerset passing Wellington and Taunton. On quiet back roads we cycle towards Cheddar enjoying typical rural scenery. A few short hills en route but nothing like the day before on Dartmoor. We near the River Severn estuary as we approach Bristol and take the Avon Gorge cycle path for a short stretch and head up through Avonmouth to the Severn Bridge. Crossing the bridge into Wales and onto our overnight stop at the St Pierre Marriott hotel in Chepstow.
Day 4 – Chepstow to Shrewsbury – (101.62 miles) Now we head north again and for once we seem to be making headway into the ride, moving further up country. Cycling along the Wye valley was very picturesque past the ruin of Tintern Abbey beside its pretty riverside village. Following the Wye River to Monmouth heading north into Herefordshire through Hereford with its beautiful Cathedral. Fairly gentle gradients make this a very pleasurable ride. We left Hereford heading towards the small village of Lentwardine crossing into Shropshire a few miles further on. Cycling on undulating country lanes and the lovely scenery of Hope Valley we rejoin the main road into Shrewsbury for our overnight stop. Weather today was sunny, with a very light breeze, great day for cycling. Ride Time – 10hrs 10mins
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Day 5 – Shrewsbury to Preston – (94 Miles) Our morning starts with a gentle cycle through the medieval town of Shrewsbury with its historic black and white timbered buildings. We crossed the river Severn which is much smaller than when we crossed it on day 3. Heading up country on quiet country roads passing through small market towns of Wem and Whitchurch. Near Malpas where we had a water stop my son Brian Jnr and his wife Immy were there to give me moral support. The route was mainly flat and easy cycling as the miles pass by quickly. Through a quiet corner of Cheshire on main roads by-passing Warrington and Wigan passing into Lancashire to our overnight stop in Preston. Weather today was the worst so far with no respite from the rain some of it quite heavy. So pleased to reach my hotel and change into warm dry clothing. Ride Time – 8hrs 06mins Day 6 – Preston to Carlisle – (89.86 miles) Leaving Preston early to avoid the morning rush hour traffic we head off on quiet roads through Garstang along the edge of Bowland Forest. Roads are fairly flat as we follow our route through Lancaster crossing into Cumbria and into Kendal where unfortunately I was knocked off my bike by a motorist passing too close and catching my arm with their wing mirror, fortunately I was not travelling very fast so just ended up with a grazed knee and elbow (could have been worse). To cap it all the motorist never stopped and was gone round the corner before I could do anything. Leaving Kendal heading towards Shap Fell at over 1000 feet was the most notable climb since Dartmoor, it was a long climb but lovely views from the top. A long twisting descent took us almost all the way to Penrith where we cycle past the Castle and onto our overnight stop in Carlisle. Lovely surprise at the hotel my sister and husband had travelled up from Ripon to see me en-route. Weather today was again cloudy with the odd light shower of rain. Ride Time – 9hrs 34mins Day 7 – Carlisle to Kilmarnock – (95.27 miles) We head north out of Carlisle through the small village of Longtown. Just before the border with Scotland we pass Gretna Green the elopement capital of the world. Onto the Scottish border where we stop for the customary photographs. Our first day on Scottish roads takes us on mainly rolling quiet back roads by-passing Dumfries, very picturesque with green rolling hills of the southern uplands to either side as we cycle north east through towns and villages. There are some long but fairly gentle climbs and descents. We pass through the small town of Sanquar home of the oldest Post Office in Britain and then on through Cumnock and New Cumnock onto Kilmarnock for our overnight stop. Weather today cloudy with a light breeze in our backs no rain. Ride Time – 9hrs 14mins Day 8 – Kilmarnock to Inverraray – (79.21 miles) Cycling on quiet roads we head west to the Firth of Clyde via Irvine and Kilwinning. We follow the coast road through Largs enjoying beautiful views of the Isles of Arran and Bute to the west. Cycling along undulating roads to Gourock where we take the 20 minute ferry crossing to Dunoon. From the ferry of we go up through beautiful forests along the shores of Loch Eck which is a fairly flat road until we reach the shores of Loch Fyne where we have a steep climb out of the village of Creggans to the top of the Loch. Riding alongside Loch Fyne we could see Inverary on the other side of the Loch but we still had
another 10 miles to go up and around the top of the Loch to reach Inveraray for our overnight stop. Lovely surprise at the hotel where my sister and her husband had travelled up again to see me. Weather today was the best so far lovely and sunny but not too hot and no wind. Ride Time – 7hrs 54mins Day 9 – Inveraray to Loch Lochy – (94 miles) The day starts with a long climb out of Inveraray and it starts to feel as if we are in the highlands now. After a few miles we reach Loch Awe and cycle around the top of it past the ruins of Castle Kilchum at its head. Heading west to the coast we cross over the iron bridge at Connell with great views of Loch Etive to our right and the Isle of Mull across the sea to our left. Scenery is stunning on this part of the cycle ride as we follow the coast road to Ballachulish where the road splits off to the famous Glencoe. We continue straight on crossing Loch Leven and cycle along the banks of Loch Linnie enjoying a flat run into Fort William and then onto Spean Bridge posing for photographs at the Commando Memorial before cycling on to Loch Lochy for our overnight stop. Weather today was fine until Fort William and Spean Bridge where it was cloudy, cold and windy. Clouds spoilt the views of Ben Nevis. Ride Time – 9hrs 20mins
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Day 10 – Loch Lochy to Tain – (76.44 miles) Right up in the highlands now and still feeling good legs are holding up well. Starting to feel that we are near to the end of the ride now. We follow the Caledonian Canal to Fort Augustus with its impressive ladder of canal lochs leading into the foot of Loch Ness which we will cycle along side for the next 18 miles through Invermoriston past Urquhart Castle to Drumnadrochit where we turn left and cycle up the steepest hill (1 in 4 gradient) of the whole ride heading for Beauly. Skirting the end of the Moray Firth on to Dingwall through Alness then down to Dornach Firth and Tain (Home of Glenmorangie Whisky) for our overnight stop. My wife Karyn along with one of my friends wives joined us to see us through to our destination. (They were in the car not cycling). Weather was nice and fine all day with just a light south westerly breeze. Ride Time – 7hrs 03mins Day 11 – Tain to Thurso – 88.05 miles) Our last full day of cycling with such beautiful scenery, leaving Tain we cross the Dornoch Forth bridge and cycle along the coast to Helmsdale where we turn left and climb for 30 miles up through the moors. A few flat stretches help to break up the terrain. Lots of wildlife on this route including red deer and Ospreys. From the top of this climb it is a descent of nearly 12 miles just freewheeling all the way to the north east coast where we turn right heading for Thurso and our overnight stop. Weather today was another fine clear day. Ride Time – 7hrs 28mins
Day 12 – Thurso to John O’Groats – (30 Miles) Mileage today could be 20 miles but a slight detour up to a place called Dunnett Head which is the most northerly point of mainland Britain was a must just to say we had been there. After the photo’s it was then back down to the main road heading for John O’Groats where we crossed the finish line at 11.00am on Saturday 17th May 2014, where my wife, my sister and her husband were waiting to record the happy moment as I arrived at the finish. Weather today for the short ride was cool but fine. Ride Time – 3hrs 08mins To sum it all up a fantastic ride and immense pride and satisfaction having cycled a distance of 972.22 miles in a cycling time 91 hours 11mins raising lots of £4000 plus for my charities Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes and the Neo Natal Unit at my local hospital. No punctures en route and just a couple of tweeks needed with my bicycle chain during the ride. All of my back up for the whole ride was covered by a company called Discover Adventure who were superb at all water and lunch stops and then on an evening checking over the bikes. I was one of 18 men and women from all over the country including Jersey doing the ride. Friendship and camaraderie was excellent throughout. Last but not least my thanks go to everyone who sponsored and supported me throughout the ride especially my family.
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BLIND VETERANS UK (BVUK) ANNUAL SKI TRIP WO2 (QMSI) J R Miller BSc (Hons) CMgr RAPTC
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lind Veterans UK (www.blindveterans.org.uk) believe that no-one who has served our country should battle blindness alone. By providing learning opportunities for vital life skills and recreational activities they promote independence and life beyond sight-loss for Armed Forces veterans. There is nothing more challenging than their annual ski trip to Canezei, Italy where physical and mental capabilities are tested to the extreme – guides included! This year 13 veterans and 15 guides, ranging from early twenties to late sixties, and from all three services took to the slopes. The group had varying degrees of sight loss ranging from a 10% loss of peripheral vision to no sight at-all and in some cases these issues were compounded by other traumatic/operational injuries. There are two popular methods to guiding where either your veteran goes out front or he/she follows a blurry looking guide down the mountain. Either way it’s not a task to be taken lightly – as I’m sure you all know how unpredictable other mountain users can be. The task is made a little easier by the use of blue-tooth headsets – previously guides had to literally shout commands in order to maintain an element of safety – and bright yellow jackets to help those who could see a little identify something to follow. But it isn’t just the skiing that can be difficult, simply getting kit on, navigating your way to the lifts, getting on the lifts and disembarking at the other end can be pretty awkward moments for the veterans. I had the pleasure of guiding a 40 something, ex-Naval technician whose sight (in his own words) is comparable to trying to shoot a target at 600m whilst wearing scratched respirator lenses. We
The Team
had a great week and due to his courage, sheer determination and trust in me we managed to get safely down the slopes bagging plenty of ‘black’ runs and mogul fields along the way. Of course we hit the après ski for a beer at times but I’m pretty sure he earned it! The BVUK ski trip is an outstanding week full of challenge, achievement, camaraderie, trust and responsibility – whether you are a veteran or a guide. Each year the harsh reality of how insignificant my own worries are hits me hard in the face, and I’m sure I speak for all of the guides when I say that we always return home with a slightly different perspective on life!
RAPTC SCOTTISH TARTAN In 2011 the RAPTC Association Scottish Branch designed and commissioned a Tartan exclusive to the RAPTC. The new tartan has become very popular throughout the Corps but it is not common knowledge that the RAPTC own the material so you can order made to measure items such as: Kilts, trews, golf trousers, ladies skirts and kilts, stoles, cumberbands, bow ties, ties, waistcoats and sashes but you can also buy the material by the metre and make your own curtains, table runners, cushions
etc. Some profit from the sale of the Tartan is donated to the RAPTC Association so if you would like to order clothing items or fancy making your own please contact: Maj (Retd) Stewart McNeish on 01887 829323 or stewartmcneish@sky.com or Maj (Retd) Dougie McGill on 01383 419997
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CROSSFIT – A PERSONAL VIEW Maj (MAA) T Scarr RAPTC
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would like to offer a personal perspective on an issue that is topical within the RAPTC. CrossFit; I have seen over the last 2 years burgeoning support for this training system along with competitions run at the ASPT, ATR Pirbright and elsewhere. In discussion with instructors (RAPTCIs), most testify to its positive effects and truly believe it to be of great worth. There is much talk of its potential to cause injury but little evidence that it actually does create any more injuries than other types of training approaches (I have seen literature that suggests a circa 20% injury rate in males but the authors acknowledge there were limitations in the data gathering process). HQ RAPTC even (with my involvement) delivered some instances of CPD on CrossFit, which was very well attended. This attempt to educate RAPTCIs on both the positive and negative aspects of the system and to draw attention to appropriately designed and progressive training processes may have, I fear, been viewed as official recognition and a green light for the adoption of the training regime into military physical training programmes – it was not. My personal view of CrossFit is one derived from scientific evidence. The application of CrossFit in this respect may fall short in a number of respects. Most worryingly is the tendency for the user to train to a high intensity during virtually every training session, which is contrary to current training wisdom that recommends high intensity activity only twice in a given week. Also, CrossFit mixes high skill level activities such as squats, lunges, heaves etc, with rapid execution of the required movement. Generally, at the onset of fatigue ‘exercise form’ is the inevitable casualty, which may lead to incorrect movement patterns culminating in the possibility, in the long term, of acute then chronic injury. Finally, whilst not disputing the overall exercise load, CrossFit probably fails to elicit pure strength gains (which is the same failing of other physical training systems currently applied by RAPTC
personnel). Strength, through range, relies upon a certain specific set of circumstances related to (amongst others), one repetition maximum, body weight, overall repetitions and numbers of sets. If these observations are accepted as more or less correct what are the means by which to attenuate the possible adverse effects of CrossFit and other high intensity training systems? Well, if you consider yourself a professional physical training instructor, applying evidenced training principles is first and foremost a basic necessity. In doing so, it should help to minimise the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries and maximise positive outcomes for both group and individual exercise activity. In order to provide an evidence reference source for all RAPTC personnel, HQ RAPTC secured funding to purchase a scientifically validated physical training manual in the form of the Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. All those currently serving were issued a copy along with the commitment to issue the book to all those who transfer into the RAPTC in future years. Even a cursory look at the text book will inform the reader of the types of training stimulus required to elicit positive adaptations of the various physiological systems we are interested in developing. I commend the text book to you and encourage all RAPTCIs to deliver safe, varied, and effective physical training sessions that form part of the overall PT programme. By the time this is published both DTrg(A) and HQ RAPTC will have issued a ‘line to take’ in using such training systems; it is beholden on all RAPTCIs to apply professional standards in their practice and to protect all those personnel under their care during physical training sessions. I am very happy to engage on this matter in my new role as SO2 PT in DTrg(A) and will welcome informed debate. Maj TP Scarr SO2 PT DTrg(A), email – Army Trg-ITrg-PhysDev-PT-SO2
MSc IN SPORT AND EXERCISE NUTRITION Capt (MAA) A Barnett RAPTC
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he chance to study for an MSc is a rare and unique opportunity and one that I was privileged to undertake with Oxford Brookes University this past academic year (2012/13). I decided to veer away from recent study topics undertaken by colleagues, such as rehabilitation, strength & conditioning or exercise science because I wanted to understand more about an issue that is at the root of all these disciplines – nutrition in exercise performance. Many of us train hard and at times feel tired and lethargic a result which could simply be occurring because of our diet. To optimise our training we must understand the concepts of food and how to prepare for training, what we can do whilst training and, possibly more importantly, what can be done post training to ensure we can continue to develop both physiologically and psychologically. Oxford Brookes is developing as a university and one of the leading lights in Health and Life Sciences. The campus is first class and provides a varied and constant learning environment with excellent facilities. The MSc programme itself was a great challenge as it differed to my BSc experience which, to a certain extent, was a more led programme. The MSc required a great deal of self-discipline, exacting time management and a commitment to an inordinate amount of reading. The course work needed to be concise, the exams were brutal and the overall workload very heavy. But don’t be fazed by this as all RAPTC personnel with an academic bent have the potential and aptitude to succeed in such an undertaking. An MSc will confront long held beliefs and challenge what you thought you understood but it provides a fantastic opportunity to develop a wider and more in-depth
understanding of contemporary issues in a chosen field. Truly, a very privileged opportunity. How does nutrition relate to our Corps business? You will already know that nutrition fuels our body and is thus directly related to performance. As an RAPTCI, understanding the role of nutrition is a fundamental skill that underpins much of what we do, from simple nutritional advice given to the sporting gladiators to guidance for those individuals who struggle with fitness and health. I am aware that in the last year engagement with the Institute of Naval Medicine has resulted in one day nutrition workshops, which have been well attended and received. This is great progress and I noted that supplements were on the agenda during the workshops. My MSc programme covered supplements in some detail – whilst sport supplementation is a multi-million pound business the science behind the products is flawed in many cases. Many hundreds, if not thousands, of officers and soldiers take supplementation to improve performance. However, most supplements are not required and they cost a great deal of money. The obvious advice is to eat a healthy diet in order to provide all the required nutrients needed to increase performance; you just need to know what to eat and drink. The RAPTC must be at the forefront in providing advice in this area and I hope to exploit the enhanced understanding of nutrition in exercise and particularly the issue of supplements when I return to the RAPTC as the SO3 Policy and Plans in Sep 13. I also hope to be able to speak at Study Periods in 2014 about the dissertation I undertook and welcome the opportunity to discuss nutrition in performance.
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Kalhovd Reservoir – OP GROUSE DZ
SKIING IN THE TRACKS OF HEROES Maj (MAA) B Whitaker RAPTC
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he Norwegian heavy water sabotage was a series of actions undertaken by Norwegian saboteurs during World War II to prevent the German nuclear energy project from acquiring heavy water (deuterium oxide), which could be used to produce nuclear weapons. In 1934, at Vemork, Norsk Hydro built the first commercial plant capable of producing heavy water as a byproduct of fertilizer production. During World War 2 the Allies decided to remove the heavy water supply and destroy the heavy water plant in order to inhibit the Nazi development of nuclear weapons. Between 1940 and 1944, a sequence of sabotage actions by the Norwegian resistance movement as well as Allied bombing ensured the destruction of the plant and the loss of the heavy water produced. These operations codenamed Grouse, Freshman, and Gunnerside finally managed to knock the plant out of production in early 1943. The Vemork action is considered one of the most heroic sabotage acts of World War 2. It was daring and spectacular in every way. Those who assigned the task were not at all sure that the men who carried it out would survive. A total of 12 hand-picked men were dropped by parachute onto the Hardanger Vidda mountain plateau, a good distance to the west of Rjukan and the Vemork plants. They stayed on the plateau, some 1200m above sea level, throughout several winter months, eating the meat and stomach contents of wild reindeer. It was this heroic mission that inspired Maj Bob Whitaker RAPTC to lead Maj Jez Pattinson RLC, Maj Steve Mellor RLC, Maj John Fleming RLC, Maj Jeff Coleman RÈME, Capt Rich Jenkins REME and Capt James Hoy LANCS all from HQ 1st (UK) Armd Div Staff on Ex Diamond Rhino Telemark – a Ski Touring expedition to ski a distance of 140 km from Finse on the northern edge of the Hardanger Vidda to Rjukan in the South East.
Finse to Kraekkja
The keen and eager team departed Herford early on the 19th Mar and headed by road and ferry to the location for the training phase, which was previously a Norwegian Military Training Camp called Evjemoen, which lies approximately 60km north of Kristiansand. The group arrived at the JSTC Evje at 0200 hrs the following morning and were met by the owner of Destination Setesdal – Mr Brian Desmond who is a retired British Army Officer and ex British Biathlon champion. After just a few hours sleep and a hearty breakfast prepared by Maj Jez Pattinson and Capt Rich Jenkins, the first day of ski training commenced which for half the group was the first time they had strapped themselves into Nordic Ski Touring equipment, and although the first couple of laps around the training loype were a little tentative by the end of day one all had become reasonably proficient, able to remain standing and coordinate their arms and legs to propel themselves forward. Day 2 involved skiing with a 15kg Bergan, allowing personnel to become familiar with the movement patterns required. A 10km hilly ski tour which was quite challenging for the novices followed and left some group members questioning whether or not they were physically capable of completing the planned 140km expedition phase. The evening was spent on expedition preparation and bergans were packed and unpacked numerous times to ensure only clothing and equipment that would definitely be used would be carried. Day 3 was spent relocating by minibus and train to the northern edge of the Hardanger Vidda and an increase in altitude from 68m to 1220m. After an 8 hour journey the team exited the train at Finse into -10 degrees and a 30kph headwind, this distinct change in weather from the balmy Evje caused minds to be become
Long Ski to Rauhellern
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focussed on the challenge ahead and all quickly made the short journey to Finsehytta relatively easily and without incident. Sun 23 Mar would see the team cover 23km to Kraekkja and prove to be a tough journey with the wind in our faces and the ambient air temperature remained around -12 degrees for most of the day. In addition the steep terrain to be climbed and descended required all team members to dig deep and push through their own physical and psychological boundaries; this made the arrival at Kraekkja all the more welcome after a long day on skis. After resting in between bouts of loud snoring overnight and a stomach full of porridge for breakfast, Mon 24 Mar would prove to be the most difficult journey of the week and see the group ski over 30km. Heading off in the direction of Fagerheim the group were in good spirits and focussed on the tough journey that lay ahead. The first 18km proved to be relatively easy with the group stopping for lunch at Heinsetter, the remaining 12 kms would see skins fitted on numerous occasions due to the steepness of the terrain and fatigue setting in. The efficient speed of the morning had now diminished and by late afternoon all were required to muster their reserves of energy and push on and reach Rauhellern in good order after skiing 50km in 2 days. A relatively late start of 0930 hrs on Tue 25 Mar saw the group head off in the direction of Marbu and involved a number of prolonged climbs and an excellent descent onto the Kalhovd Reservoir which was one of the DZs for OP GUNNERSIDE during WW2. The weather was excellent and although the air temperature was sub-zero, there was no wind and the bright sunshine allowed the group to ski without a windproof outer layer with sun cream and plenty of hydration stops being the order of the day. Wed 26 Mar brought an extreme turnaround in the weather, the group headed off in the direction of Kalhovdhytte some 20km away; high winds and the -10 degree temperature increased the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, reinforcing the need for buddy-
Maj (MAA) Bob Whitaker enjoying the surroundings en Route to Helbyrghyyta
buddy drills to identify early signs of Cold Weather injuries, further to this the planned route was in a white out making navigation and group management extremely difficult. This resulted in an alternative route being chosen straight down the length of the frozen Kalhovd Reservoir which was still exposed to high winds but was much easier to navigate and keep the team together – although the ice could be heard creaking at times and involved a 2 hour climb and a treacherous descent in to the hut to finish. The final full day ski of 20km to Helbyrghytta started with a 45 minute climb and then a pleasant downhill section of 2 km, which really tested the newly acquired skills of the novices within the group, the route continued in much the same vain for the rest of the day with sharp climbs and steady descents, and with this all realised that we were nearing the southern edge of the Hardanger Vidda. As the day’s journey drew to an end, a large herd of reindeer were spotted in the distance – a sight not unusual in this area of Norway, however the wolf that was hunting them is an extremely rare sight in Southern Norway – this was nature at its extreme and the group were truly privileged to witness this. The final night of the expedition was spent in Helbyrghytta which is dedicated to Claus Helbyrg; one of the famed Norwegian Saboteurs that took part in OP GROUSE, the hut contains maps and other World War 2 memorabilia from the saboteurs, a hearty meal prepared yet again by our superb part time Chefs Jez and Rich was followed by a good night’s sleep and an early start, with all looking forward to the very short 8 km ski to the Rjukan cable car and onwards journey by bus and rail back to Evjemoen.
Maj (MAA) Bob Whitaker en route to Marbu
After 6 days on the Hardanger Vidda, Ex Diamond Rhino Telemark achieved all the aims set out during planning; the combination of extreme weather conditions, living out of a bergan for 6 days as well as the physical demands of Nordic Ski Touring has ensured that all members of the team experienced a sense of achievement and equally a very real understanding of what the “Heroes of Telemark” achieved 71 years ago.
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JOHN O’GROATS – LAND’S END CYCLE – 7–15 MAY 2014 FOR DEMELZA HOUSE AND HELP 4 HEROES WO2 (QMSI) S Green RAPTC
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aving been at 1 RSME Regt for just over a year and just about got the Gymnasium to the standard that I wanted, I started to get itchy feet – “I need to visit my bucket list – what can I do this year”………………….. Having found the challenge I then mind mapped how on earth I was going to make this work, fortunately 1 RSME Regt were extremely supportive both financially and professionally and once the equipment was purchased, the accommodation was booked (which was no easy task), the police and highway agencies agreement to the event and the cyclists and admin team in place, there was only one thing left to do….get a sponsor for the event. Mid Kent College work in partnership with the RSME Group and could not have been more helpful and having secured £3500 for the cycling clothing for 11 personnel, the bulk of the work was complete. From John O’Groats to Land’s End is about 860 miles and having decided that the challenge would be completed in 9 days, training commenced, how hard could it be????
Day 6 – Chorley – Donnington – 94 Miles Day 7 – Donnington – Chepstow – 85 Miles Day 8 – Chepstow – Okehampton – 88 Miles Day 9 – Okehampton – Land’s End – 98 Miles Total = 859 miles The views throughout Scotland were simply stunning from cycling parallel to Loch Ness on Day 2 and Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis and the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge on Day 3, we finally arrived at the Border and after almost 4 days of cycling we had finally returned to Blighty, only 483 miles to go and everyone kept telling me its downhill from Scotland to Land’s End…I beg to differ. Our first stay in England was at the iconic Carlisle Castle, what a setting and what fabulous views over the surrounding area, morale was high as we had departed our first Country, arrived at our second and only one more country to visit (Cornwall). Surprise Surprise our first full day cycling in England it rained from the minute we got up
Hard, not only very time consuming but I realised that Kent isn’t particularly hilly and a lot of the UK is, so having gone slightly further afield, the training was in full swing. Every Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning became Groundhog Day pounding the roads of Medway getting miles in the legs, followed by hours on the turbo trainer in the garage, as Baden Powell would say I had “to be prepared”. The day of departure from Chatham arrived and having secured all stores, bikes and personnel we were off….John O’Groats awaits. If any of you have ever been to John O’Groats its not quite like Land’s End, any excuse Cornwall can get for getting money out of people it will, John O’Groats 2 café’s and the Sign…..desolate is an understatement. Wed 7th May arrived and having taken the first photograph with the sign we were off, the itinerary was as follows: Day 1 – John O’Groats – Inverness – 118 Miles Day 2 – Inverness – Kinlochleven – 88 Miles Day 3 – Kinlochleven – Glasgow – 90 Miles Day 4 – Glasgow – Carlisle Castle – 96 Miles Day 5 – Carlisle Castle – Chorley – 102 Miles
Cyclists at the John O’Groats Sign
Cyclists-at Commando Memorial
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WO2 (QMSI) Green at the Scotland-England Border
WO2 (QMSI) Green taking a break
until 30 mins before we finished, with clothes sodden and morale for the first time a little low a bit of R & R was in order so we decided to go out in the evening and tuck into Nando’s (Good Protein Source) and a pint of Guinness (Good Iron Intake). Having fully replend and a good night sleep, we woke up to glorious sunshine and our faith was restored and 11 happy cyclists continued on their way.
If any one is thinking about a challenge and they aren’t quite sure what to do or how to go about organising it – John O’Groats to Land’s End is a great Challenge and if you want a PXR you know where to find me.
Psychologically we found that stopping every 20 miles for a quick 10 minute break with the admin team, to refill water bottles and take onboard food worked, as people were thinking about 20 miles rather than 100 miles. Day 9 had finally arrived and with the sun shining (after all we were about to enter the newly formed Country of Cornwall), we were off, glorious tarmac, the sun on our back and with the finish line in site what could possibly go wrong…………….. Having made our way down the A30 and having negotiated our way through Penzance (the last town on our trip) and with only 7 miles to go, disaster – RSM 1 RSME Regt – WO1 Andy Crossen’s derailleur hanger snapped, the admin vehicle was sent for and with a new bike on the road and the broken one delicately placed in the vehicle, we were off again. Finally, after almost 860 miles and 9 days of cycling, a few dummies spat out, drenched clothes and aching limbs we had arrived at Land’s End, what a sight. As a proud Cornishman looking out over the sea with the sun shining and a pint of Cornish Tribute in hand there is no better view. A huge thank you goes out to all 1 RSME Regt soldiers who participated and the sponsors who helped along the way and with money still coming in for the 2 chosen Charities we hope to raise almost £4000.
WO2 (QMSI) Green at the Land’s End Sign
Cyclists at the Land’s End Sign
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Lt Col (Retd) G B Jones General. Based on my travels and visits to Association events it is quite evident that some members of the RAPTC Association are not fully aware of how the RAPTC Association works so I thought I would give a brief overview of the RAPTC Association and how it is governed, controlled and managed. Governance. The RAPTC Association is a registered charity and as such is regulated by the Charity Commission. To qualify as a charity, an organisation has to meet strict conditions about its overall purposes, also referred to as its Objects, the organisation must also have a Constitution (referred to as a charity’s governing document). The Executive Committee is the governing body of the RAPTC Association and the RAPTC Constitution (a copy can be found on the RAPTC Website) is the governing document for the RAPTC Association and articulates the Objects of the RAPTC Association which are: • Maintaining contact between past and present members of the RAPTC, the AGS, APTS and APTC (hereinafter referred to jointly as the RAPTC). • Fostering esprit de corps, comradeship and welfare of the RAPTC and thereby preserving its traditions. • Assist, either generally or individually, past and present members of the RAPTC and their dependants, who are in conditions of need by virtue of financial hardship, sickness, disability or the effects of old age (hereinafter referred to as beneficiaries). • Supporting the formal Ministry of Defence (MoD) policy for Resettlement and assisting RAPTC Association Life Members
to find employment on their transition to civilian life and for the remainder of their working life. • The commemoration and remembrance of those members of the RAPTC who have died while on active service and the encouragement of public recognition of the sacrifice made by such persons. Trustees. Charity trustees are the people who serve on the governing body of a charity; they are responsible for the general control, management and administration of the charity. The 14 members of the RAPTC Association Executive Committee are the appointed Trustees for the RAPTC Association. Trustees have, and must accept, ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity, and ensure that it is solvent, well run, and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the members for which it has been set up. The general majority of trustees serve as volunteers and receive no payment for their work. Trustees must ensure the charity complies with charity law, and with the requirements of the Charity Commission as a regulator. They must also ensure that the charity does not breach any of the requirements or rules set out in its governing document, that it remains true to the charitable purpose and objects set out there and comply with the requirements of other legislation and other regulators which govern the activities of the charity. In addition they must act with integrity, and avoid any personal conflicts of interest or misuse of charity funds or assets.
RAPTC Association Committee Trustees hard at work
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Trustees must use reasonable care and skill in their work as trustees, using their personal skills and experience as needed to ensure that the charity is well run and efficient and must ensure that they use charitable funds and assets reasonably, and only in furtherance of the charity’s objects. They must, avoid undertaking activities that might place the charity’s endowment, funds, assets or reputation at undue risk and must take special care when investing the funds of the Charity.
Regimental Secretary (Regt Sec). The Regt Sec is accountable to the Trustees, line managed by the SMAA and responsible for the daily administration and co-ordination of all RAPTC Association matters. He maintains and develops the ethos of the RAPTC by providing the focus and direction for all RAPTC Regimental and Heritage matters for serving personnel and veterans together with their dependants, in order to sustain and enhance the operational effectiveness of the RAPTC.
RAPTC Association Management. The Executive Committee delegate the day to day affairs of the Association to the following approved supporting committees: • RAPTC Welfare Committee. Meets as and when required and is chaired by the CO ASPT. These meetings are in response to benevolence requests from charity organisations (SSAFA, RBL or ABF for example) to help members and or their dependants of the RAPTC who may have fallen on hard times. • RAPTC Biennial Reunion Organising Committee. This is chaired by the CO ASPT and is responsible for the organisation and implementation of the RAPTC Reunion weekend. • RAPTC Sports Management Committee. This committee meets not less than twice a year chaired by the SMAA and includes scrutiny of the 5 year management plans for all sports against which their funding is allocated. • RAPTC Association Annual Awards Committee. Nominations for the RAPTC awards must include a citation of no more than 250 words which is used by the committee members to decide who is presented with the annual award. The awards meeting is chaired by the SMAA. • Specific Project Committee (if required; the RAPTC Memorial and Dedication Service for example).
The Regt Sec is a non-voting member of the Association Executive Board ably supported by a part time clerk and the staff at HQ RAPTC. The Regt Sec is responsible for: • The co-ordination and administration of all RAPTC Association matters. • The implementation of policy as directed by the RAPTC Executive Board and delegated Sub-committees. • The fiscal management of Association accounts and Investments, adhering to policies set by the Trustees and the Charities Commission. • The administration of Regimental benevolence working closely with the RAPTC Welfare Committee, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association (Forces Help) (SSAFA) (FH)), the Royal British Legion (RBL), The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) and other charities as required; all of which contributes to the Army’s Moral Component of Fighting Power. Annual General Meetings. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) normally coincides with the Biennial Reunion Weekend or a major RAPTC function (during non-reunion years). The notice convening the AGM shall provide at least twenty-one days notice and the draft Agenda paper shall be included with the notice and placed on the Association Website.
REGIMENTAL SECRETARY’S REPORT Lt Col (Retd) G B Jones Association Matters. A common theme in this and past editions of the MBS is change and this year the Association has been no different. We have said goodbye to a number of Trustees including Lt Col (SMAA) Alan Billings RAPTC who retired after over 30 years service to the Corps and was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List. Lt Col (Retd) Barry Lillywhite and Mr Brian Stead have decided to stand down as Trustees after long and dedicated service to the Corps for which we are all most grateful. Ex-officio Trustees, Capt (MAA) Lee Neville and WO1 (CRSM) Sid Saunders who commissioned into the RAPTC and have both moved onto new assignments. In their place we welcome our new Trustees, Lt Col (SMAA) Steve Davis RAPTC following his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel and the appointment of SMAA, Maj (MAA) Ian Phillips RAPTC, WO1 (CRSM) Brendan Reese RAPTC, Mrs Dee Kerridge and Mr Steve Monk. I am sure they will continue the excellent work done by all the trustees who have gone before them. Association Finances. The Association investments continue to do well despite the recent economic climate which is very much down to the careful management of our funds by the Trustees. The Association funds are held within the Armed Forces Common Investment Fund and managed on behalf of the Trustees by Black Rock. Investments can increase as well as decrease in value so the Trustees are very mindful that our investments must be managed prudently through the good times to ensure we have sufficient funds to enable us to provide support for our members during the times when the Markets are not performing so well. RAPTC Memorial. Whilst the RAPTC Memorial Dedication Service was extensively covered in the last edition of the MBS it
is worth noting that the Association Trustees have also approved the funding for a paving stone embossed with the Corps Badge to be laid in the new reception centre being built at the NMA. It is also an aspiration to hold a Church Service at the Memorial in September 2015 but this will be dependent on the numbers attending and information regarding this will be distributed later this year (2014). Garden of Remembrance (GoR). The GoR is located behind the athletics pavilion in Fox Lines and further to the refurbishment of the pavilion (the pavilion now houses the ASPT Training Wing) the GoR has been reopened. As a result of the keen negotiating skills of Lt Col (MAA) Dougie Peters and Maj (MAA) Sulle Alhaji RAPTC the GoR is now maintained by the ASPT garden contractors. As a result of Dougie and Sulle’s commitment to the GoR there have been a number of improvements which have enhanced the look of the Garden. Before and after pictures can be found in the ASPT QM’s article. A number of deceased members of the Association have had their ashes scattered in the GoR and a plaque mounted in the pergola within the garden.
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SW DINNER
NW DINNER
ASPT Pass Off Parade. Left to right: Lt Col D Peters CO ASPT, SSgt Mickey Vaggs, Maj Gen J Bashall CBE (Late PARA) Colonel Commandant, Derek Twitchen, Lt Col (Retd) G Jones Regimental Secretary, Lt Col A Billings SMAA
Association Branches. The Association Branches continue to thrive which is very much down to the hard work and commitment of the Branch Chairmen, Secretaries and their teams of helpers who volunteer and give up their time to run the Branches and organise their annual Dinners. The bond and camaraderie whilst serving in the Corps is often taken for granted but very hard to replicate when you leave the Army so these annual get-togethers provide an opportunity for retired and serving members to renew friendships and reinforce that camaraderie which is very noticeable at these dinners. The Branches provide a vital local focus for our members and should be supported to ensure they continue into the future. Association Website. The Association website is a powerful tool and is becoming a central focus for information relating to the Association. Whilst we understand many of our older members do not have access to the internet we would strongly encourage them to ask their sons, daughters and or grandchildren to log onto
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the RAPTC Association website for them, where they can find out about Corps events, resettlement news, latest job adverts and news of those who have gone beyond the gym etc. RAPTC Annual Awards. The reputation of the Royal Army Physical Training Corps is built on the actions of our Officers, Instructors and Association members. As you would expect, the standard of nominations was again extremely high for the RAPTC Annual Awards 2014 and it is very difficult for the members of the Awards Board to separate the winners from the rest. The winners are listed at the front of this Journal and the awards will be presented at the Biennial Reunion Dinner on 13 Sep 14 which is being held at the Aldershot Garrison Officers’ Mess. RAPTC Annual Awards – Nominations. The citations clearly highlight the selfless commitment and dedication of all those nominated for an award which further enhances the Corps reputation and goes someway to demonstrating why The Royal Army Physical Training Corps is held in such high regard. So it should not go unnoticed that all the nominees have been formally recognised for their significant contribution, commitment and hard work to enhance the Corps and someone in their chain of command felt they were worthy of an award. Therefore it is only right that the following who were nominated for awards should also receive recognition: WO2 (QMSI) Jackson RAPTC WO2 (QMSI) Till RAPTC SSgt (SSI) Burrell RAPTC SSgt (SSI) Chekansky RAPTC SSgt (SSI) Fletcher RAPTC SSgt (SSI) Gordon RAPTC SSgt (SSI) Haswell RAPTC SSgt (SSI) Horton RAPTC SSgt (SSI) Jessey RAPTC SSgt (SSI) Richardson RAPTC
SSgt (SSI) Slade-Jones RAPTC SSgt (SSI) Spence RAPTC Sgt (SI) Bradley RAPTC Sgt (SI) Burt RAPTC Sgt (SI) Coney RAPTC Sgt (SI) McGregor RAPTC Sgt (SI) Siracusano RAPTC Lt Col (Retd) Alan Duxbury Mr Brian Pile Mr D Warburton
Steve and Noel Kinder with Regimental Secretary
Harry & Betty McClure celebrating Pat Pearson’s 80th birthday
Visits. We encourage visits to Fox Lines and again this year we have had the pleasure of a number of visitors who you may recognise. The Association is embedded within HQ RAPTC but life is not all administration and staff work as the photo of WO2 (QMSI) Mark Greenwood below demonstrates:
Pearson Family Visit to the GoR
Harry and Family
Diary Dates for 2015 South West Branch Annual Dinner North West Branch Annual Dinner North East Branch Golf Competition North East Branch Annual Dinner Eastern Branch Golf Competition Eastern Branch Annual Dinner South East Branch Annual Dinner Scottish Branch Golf and Social Evening Scottish Branch Annual Dinner RAPTC Association Church Service HQ RAPTC Secret Santa Athlete
21 Feb 2015
Falfield (near Bristol)
6 Mar 2015
Blackpool
10 Apr 2015
Scarborough
11 Apr 2015
Scarborough
10 Apr 2015
Bury St Edmunds
10 Apr 2015
Bury St Edmunds
9 May 2015
Eastbourne
5 Jun 2015
Kinross
6 Jun 2015
Kinross
12 Sep 2015
National Memorial Arboretum (TBC)
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SOUTH EAST BRANCH Maj (Retd) DC Sears Chairman
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very successful evening was held once again in the Chatsworth Hotel, Eastbourne to celebrate the South East District Association Royal Army Physical Training Corps, 36 members, their wives and friends attended. We were fortunate to have the Senior Master At Arms Lt Col Steve Davis and the Corps Association Secretary Lt Col (Retd) Gary Jones join us on our special evening. The chairman introduced both of our guests, who brought us up to date with the future of the RAPTC and the welfare and finances of the Corps Association. A successful golf tournament took place on the Saturday organised by Steve Monk, the weather was dry but somewhat windy. The individual winner was Dave Scott who was presented with the winning trophy by the SMAA Lt Col Steve Davis. A Raffle took place during the evening with prizes donated by members attending the dinner, which raised £120.00.
The secretary once again made all the arrangements for the evening and also organised Corps scarves which were presented to all the ladies. The dinner was excellent and was followed by the hotel disco, which completed a very successful evening and reunion. Ian Lester is thanked once again for the organisation of the evening and Maj (Retd) Jim Pollock our treasurer for making sure our finances were kept in check and all bills were paid, many thanks to both. Our annual gathering will be held once again on the second Saturday in May 2015, hope to see you all there, Ian will send out more information nearer the date. The Committee of SEDIST Branch RAPTC Association wishes all members of the RAPTC and Association members’ good luck and health for 2014/15.
EASTERN BRANCH Lt Col (Retd) Tudor Quare
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his year, 2014, there was a small increase in the numbers attending our annual gathering at the Bury St Edmunds Golf Club boosted by a larger contingent from HQ RAPTC Aldershot and a couple from another branch. There were also two new ‘retired’ faces at the dinner, Martin Annis and Jim Darrah and we hope they will be regular attendees. Martin appears to be busy with the good life on his allotment whilst Jim runs his own Health and Safety consultancy business. Both have settled in sunny Suffolk. The Aldershot contingent was Regt Sec Gary Jones, SMAA Lt Col Steve Davis and HQ RAPTC SO2 Maj Tom Scarr. We were delighted to have a full turnout from Aldershot for many a year and especially so as they all arrived in the morning to compete in the Golf Challenge. Unfortunate they perhaps had under estimated the canny retired opposition, one of whom is alleged to have moved on to his local golf course!
Steve gave a concise state of the union, regarding the Corps, and then presented Don with the Golf Tankard. No doubt at the 2015 event the element from HQ RAPTC will be back to challenge and attempt a turnover! Although there were the two new retired members we would like to see a few more attending this function to ensure viability for the future. Local serving and retired members of the Corps and partners would be most welcome. The Eastern Branch Dinner and Golf Challenge is normally scheduled for the second Friday in April each year, unless that date is a Good Friday then we slip a week.
We particularly welcomed from out of area John and Connie Baker who travelled down from Rugby. Not only does John know many of the senior branch regulars, having served with them, but he and Connie have some lovely memories of friends and acquaintances from service days. John also has a wealth of knowledge of the whereabouts and update of many of his contemporaries, a virtual ‘Who’s Who’. Prior to the Annual Dinner there was a good fifty fifty mix of retired and serving members competing for the George Talkington Memorial Tankard from mid-morning. Local knowledge of the course prevailed and Don McBurney, Branch Chairman, regained the tankard for another year. The golfers had great weather and an enjoyable 18 holes with the normal banter and gamesmanship. Although, in the interest of equality, the event is now open to ladies there were no contenders, perhaps next year this will change. The Bury St Edmunds Golf Club has been our venue for the Dinner and Golf for many years now as it is the most accessible location for the ten counties covered by the branch. The staff at the Club always provide an excellent service and meal choice and 2014 was no exception. Post dinner, Don McBurney said a few words of thanks and introduced the new SMAA Steve Davis.
Maj (MAA) Scarr & Lt Col (SMAA) S Davis beside the George Talkington tree on Bury-St-Edmunds Golf Course
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NORTH EAST BRANCH Dave Warburton
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he North East Branch has moved on this last year from strength to strength. Ian Dean our Chairman has led the team for his second year. I, as secretary, have had my work load eased by the inclusion of Dave Smith joining us as Assistant Secretary. A big thank you goes to both Ian and Dave for relieving me of some of the pressure. The branch has not held a golf competition for several years now and I am looking for a VOLUNTEER! to help me organise one for next year. On Sat 14th September 2013 North East Branch members attended the unveiling of a bespoke memorial (a vaulting horse) at the National Memorial Arboretum situated in the Midlands. It was a perfect day and I hope we have a repeat visit. It is an awesome place and well worth a visit. Ian Dean organised our Branch Remembrance Parade in York this year. He organised it so well over 500 people attended the parade! (In house joke). During this parade our eldest branch member Tom Pettett (98 years of age) laid the Branch wreath on our behalf. Tom could not make the reunion this year but I did receive a lovely letter from his daughter, Helen, explaining: he can still get out for a pint but Scarborough is a bit too far.
NE Branch visit NMA 14 Sep 13
After the remembrance parade all 13 branch members were treated to a lunch at the Malting’s pub. Our Annual Branch Reunion Dinner and AGM were held in Scarborough on Sat 15th of March 2014 with x 60 in attendance. It was particularly pleasing to host our New SMAA, Steve Davis and our
Denis, Julia, Marie Hassall, Chips, Angela Rafferty, Harry Griffiths & Ted Dixon
Geoff Chapman, Pete Harburn, SMAA, Jack Goodwin and Sheff Appleby
Julie, Trevor Bayes, Tony Stedman,Tony Carr, Dennis & Heather Martindale, Don, Doug
Barry Statham shares a joke with Dave Smith
Mick, Cathy & Dave Warburton, Sonja Dudley, Caz Smith, Barry Statham, Dave Smith
Sheff & Chrissie Appleby who love Scarborough
Ambassador Hotel NE Branch Dinner
Kerry, Jack, Leslie, Pete Harburn, Shelly, Geoff, Chrissie and Sheff
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Regimental Secretary Gary Jones. Gary would have enjoyed it more had he not hurt his back. The only other serving member was our ever faithful Sheff Appleby and his lovely wife Chrissie. It was great to hear that Sheff had been selected for promotion. We wish them both well. It was particularly pleasing to see a few “first timers” like: Harry Griffiths, Ted Dixon and Bill Hodgson. Malcolm Beaton drove up from Colchester, Brian Daley MBE and Sue travelled from Gloucester, Denis and Heather Martindale made the journey from Surrey, Clem McBride made it from Shropshire, as did Terry and Dot Goulding from Wigan and finally from North of the border came Dougie McGill and Tony Stedman. It was lovely to see Denis and Julia Hassall enjoying themselves in the company of their guests David and Marie Hassall. It was also pleasing to see the following girls; Pat fuller, Iris Holling and Anne Jennings. Simon Lymn added some youth to the proceedings by bringing his beautiful daughter, Hannah. She must have been suitably impressed as she wants to come again next year. To ALL the members that attended, I thank you for making it such a special night. It was a shame Tom Parker and Mandy could not make the dinner but went out of their way to attend the hotel on the Sunday morning to meet up with old friends. It was a lovely gesture. I have contacted several members who are not very well at the moment. They are: James Thompson, 86 years lives with his wife Terry at Welbeck. James Ellis Beech, 93 years now lives in a home. His wife Val is often in touch. Sidney Heywood, 91 years lives in a home in Scarborough. His wife Barbara is coping very well.
Ex SMI Jack Goodwin and Norman Jones
Tom Pettett, 98 years, our oldest member is frail but still enjoys a pint and a game of pool as long as you remind him what colour the balls are. He lives with his daughter Helen in her home. He has recently had a CT scan and all is well. It’s important that the wives of our ailing members have support if needed and need to know we care. I cannot cover the whole of the North East area so I am asking for welfare reps to help me cover funerals and welfare telephone calls and possible visits. Sadly the branch has lost some of its members to the “GYM BEYOND”; Henry Godfrey, Arthur Davidson, Alfie Bass, Peter Gilchrist and Ron Reilly. Our next Branch reunion dinner will be held in Scarborough on Sat 11th April 2015. I do hope you can make it we would love to see you.
THE 2013 ROYAL ARMY PHYSICAL TRAINING CORPS ASSOCIATION AND NORTH WEST BRANCH RAPTC ASSOCIATION GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS Maj (Retd) J V Larkham
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n order to promote and encourage entries into the annual Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC) Association (Assn) Golf Championships it was decided to hold and run the Assn championships, in the interim years (i.e. 2013 & 2015 etc), in conjunction with Regional RAPTC Branch Assn golf competitions. To that end the North West (NW) Branch RAPTC Assn volunteered to run the 2013 event in conjunction with their own annual golfing competition. The combined Championships were therefore held at Henlle Golf Club (GC), Oswestry, on Friday 13th September 2013. The date and venue of the competition was chosen to coincide with the Opening Ceremony of the RAPTC Memorial, which was taking place at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), Staffordshire, the following day, on Saturday 14 September 2013. As mentioned above the premise for running a joint competition was to try and boost the numbers taking part and because the competition would be held in the Midlands it was hoped that it would encourage a greater participation from people outside the south of England. It was also decided to incorporate and run the first ever official golf match between the RAPTC Corps Golf Team (serving RAPTC personnel), against an RAPTC Assn select team (retired RAPTC Assn members) and finally it was also decided to run the event to raise funds for charity.
The event was a great success and achieved its aim with 36 people taking part. May I personally thank all those people who made the effort to support the championships, particularly the people who travelled from as far afield as Germany and Bulgaria and varied parts of the UK. Most of the entrants had an early start to get to Oswestry and for some a very late return home! Before giving the results, it would be remiss of me not to take the opportunity of thanking a few key people who helped to make the event possible. May I start by thanking the President of the RAPTC Golf Assn (Maj Tom Scarr), not only for making the long trip up from Aldershot to support the event and the excellent after dinner address, but also for agreeing to allow the NW Branch Assn to hold the competition. I would also like to thank the NW Branch Assn Chairman, (Lt Col (Retd) Alan Duxbury), who took time out of his busy programme to present the prizes. Unfortunately, Alan has decided to stand down as Chairman NW Branch, after 25 years in the post and therefore, it may be the last time that he will present the NW Branch prizes. On behalf of all RAPTC and NW Branch Assn members and golfers, may I thank Col Alan for all his support over the many years and wish him and his wife Brenda all the best in his second retirement!
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It would also be remiss of me not to reiterate our thanks to the hosts (Henlle GC), who looked after us so well, the course and service were excellent and the meal was delicious, and last but not least; all the sponsors who kindly and most generously supported the event by either donating cash or complimentary vouchers to play on their respective golf courses. The vouchers were, in the main, secured by the people who entered the competition and I am eternally grateful for all their efforts as without their help we would not have been able to raise the magnificent sum of £900 for charity. The money raised was split between 2 charities, namely; the RAPTC Assn and the ‘Help for Heroes’ charity. This sizeable amount is not only a tribute to the sponsors, who donated cash or vouchers for the auction, but is a reflection of the superb effort that all the entrants made in not only securing the vouchers in the first place but also for bidding for them at the auction! The results and list of prize winners for the championships were as follows: Individual Medals: Best Gross Score:
Maj (MAA) Rick Young RAPTC (No handicap allowance)
Best Stableford Score (off full handicap): Div 1
0 to 12 Handicap
Maj (Retd) Dave Hughes
Div 2
13 to 24 Handicap
Lt Col (MAA) Gary Roderick RAPTC
Nearest the Pin (12th Hole):
SSgt (SSI) Alan Murray RAPTC
Longest Drive (6th Hole):
Mrs Sandra Jones
Best Ladies Stableford Score:
Mrs Sandra Jones
Best guest Stableford Score
Mr Colin Thompson
The Most Played Golf:
SSgt (SSI) Dean Foley RAPTC
NW Branch Assn Trophy: Best Stableford Score:
Lt Col (MAA) Gary Roderick RAPTC (off full handicap)
RAPTC Assn Trophies: Chairman’s Trophy:
Maj (Retd) Dave Hughes (Best Scratch Score)
Roland Cooper Trophy:
Mr Alan Witcomb (Ex RAPTC) (Best Stableford Score)
The winner of the first ever RAPTC Corps golf match between the RAPTC Corps Team V the RAPTC Assn Team: RAPTC Corps Team 375 Pts – RAPTC Assn Team 373 Pts: Winner RAPTC Corps Team Finally the winners of the 2’s competition (in no order and no ranks): Alan Witcomb, Bob Whitaker, Gary Roderick, Mel Swan, Jimmy Bishop, Sandra Jones In summary, may I thank all those people who took part and in particular Maj (MAA) Tom Scarr, President RAPTC Golf, who presented the RAPTC Assn prizes and Lt Col (Retd) Alan Duxbury, Chairman NW Branch APTC Assn, who presented the NW Branch Assn prizes and more importantly, all the competitors’ and sponsors for entering and/or supporting the championships, without which the event would not have been able to take place. After Note Subject to approval by the RAPTC Golf Society, the next combined RAPTC Assn and NW Branch RAPTC Assn Golf Championships will be held in the West Midlands in September 2015 at a venue to be decided. Details and entry proforma to be promulgated by the event organiser; Maj (Retd) John Larkham, in due course.
RAPTC ASSOCIATION (SCOTTISH) BRANCH Maj (Retd) Dougie McGill
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ell, here I am on the edge of retirement and on my 70th birthday trying to recall what has happened over the past twelve months. I don’t know if it’s just me but time seems to go so much quicker the older you get but so does the memory. Now where was I? Ah yes, as soon as the 2013 Gathering was over Stewart and I booked the Green Hotel to once again host the 2014 event but changed our minds during one of our many two man committee meetings at the ‘Crags’ in Aberfeldy and decided to move it across the road to the Windlestrae Hotel which has a much larger function suite, a wise decision as it turned out. The 7th of September saw over 400 runners taking part in the Aberfeldy full and half Marathon which was the brainchild of our erstwhile Chairman. He was also the event director and coordinator so both Mike Mooney and I were called upon to assist with the organisation on the day. It really was a great event with the two lap route following one of the most picturesque in the country. There was also a bike full and half marathon which took place after the running event and followed the same route. The event will take place on the 6th of September this year so all of you runners and cyclists check out the website (highlandperthshiremarathon.co.uk) and get your entries in (hopefully these notes will be out by then). A lot of money is raised for good causes by the event not least
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of which is Scottish Veterans, a charity close to our own hearts. Yours truly took part the next day in the Glasgow to Edinburgh cycle ride raising funds for our own Association Branch. On Thursday the 12th of September Stewart and Pat McNeish, Jimmy Bishop and I headed for Shrewsbury to take part in the NW District and RAPTC Golf tournament and to meet up with Archie and Jan Laurie on the 13th to represent the Scottish Branch at the unveiling of the RAPTC memorial at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire. Thanks must go to John Larkham for organising a most enjoyable golf competition and to both Sandra and John for an even better BBQ at his house in the evening. I promised Stewart I wouldn’t mention that during the evening he realised he had forgotten the Scottish Branch Banner which Jimmy was to take on parade as our proud Standard Bearer at the Arboretum the following day so you didn’t hear it from me. Credit to Stewart he came up with a plan and arranged for the standard to be there in time for the ceremony the next day which was a wonderful and most memorable event and will I’m sure be covered elsewhere in the Journal. Christmas came and went and before you knew it was the spring of 2014 and Pat McNeish with owl
time for our annual Charity Golf Competition at Blairgowrie. Last year was the first time we ran the event with six teams turning up for breakfast rolls, an 18 hole Texas Scramble competition and 3 course meal. What a surprise therefore when 13 teams turned up on the 3rd of April this year for the same event raising funds for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) and our own Association Branch. Thanks to Mike Mooney who arranged for us to play on his local course which is the venue later this year for the Junior Ryder Cup. Fingers crossed we can have a team on each hole when we hold the event there again next year. Following a few more committee meetings at the ‘Crags’ it was soon time for the annual Association (Scottish) Branch Gathering at Kinross in Perthshire. Our Vice Chairman John Gardiner and Neil Beattie organised the golf competition on Friday the 6th of June during which 25 players competed for the Branch Ladies and Gents Stableford and Scratch trophies. Jimmy Bishop won the Stableford and Wully Wilson was triumphant in the Scratch Competition. Gary Jones came runner up in both competitions and Anne Jennings won the ladies rose bowl. Jimmy Bishop hit the longest drive, John Jennings got nearest the pin and John Larkham collected the Honest John (John Dawson) trophy. That evening a birds of prey display signalled the start of a casual social in the Windlestrae Hotel with 80 guests enjoying a buffet of Haggis, Neaps and Tatties and entertainment in the form of Gordon Cree, singer, comedian and musician. A great night of laughter and social intercourse was enjoyed had by all. Everybody took advantage of the good weather on Saturday and shot off in all directions to visit the many tourist attractions that are within easy travelling distance from Kinross. Heavy rain warnings on the radio and motorway signs proved to be true and the heavens opened later in the afternoon to spoil the planned beating retreat by the Black Watch Army Cadets Pipes and Drums. Plan B was put into action and the band played in the function suite as 111 guests sat at their tables appreciating the traditional music played by the talented youngsters. What a good job we decided to change the venue!! This was followed by a hearty meal and pipes and drum interval by two members of the 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland Pipe Band. RAPTC and Association update speeches were delivered by Lt Col Dougie Peters and Gary
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Jones and Stewart McNeish called on John Gardiner to present a decanter and glasses to a very surprised Dougie McGill to mark his retirement as Branch Secretary. Stewart also presented our treasurer Mrs Elizabeth (Liz) Korda with an Association Tartan Stole in appreciation of the huge amount of work she does supporting the Branch. Guests then chatted and danced the night away to the music and enthusiastic calling of Jake Donnelly and his Ceiledh Band until the bar closed at 0100hrs. There were so many new faces at the function this year and I don’t have space to mention them all but how nice to see as many representatives from the other branch committees up here in Scotland, Terry and Dot Goulding and John and Sandra Larkham from the NW branch, Phil and Maureen Watkins from the SW branch and Ian and Liz Dean, Dave and Cathy Warburton and Dave and Carolynn Smith from the NE branch. Thank you to all our guests and Haste ye Back. A mention here must be made of the sterling work and years of support John Gardiner has given to the Scottish Branch. John has decided to stand down as the Vice Chairman and golf member and will celebrate his 80th birthday on the 19th of July at his golf club in Nairn. Many thanks for your support to us all over the years John and many happy returns for your coming birthday. Ex SMI Neil Beattie has volunteered to take up the branch secretary appointment and I can’t think of a better person for the job. Neil is a brilliant organiser and enthusiastic association supporter and will do a great job as branch secretary. Stewart has agreed to stay
Presentation to Maj (Retd) D McGill on his retirement as Branch Secretary
on as Chairman for the time being but is looking to hand over the baton in the not too distant future. So it looks like from Ant and Dec it’s goodbye from me and it’s goodbye from him.
RAPTC Association members/guests at the wedding of Maj (MAA) Paul and Chrissy Appleby
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RAPTC REMEMBRANCE 2013 Regimental Secretary
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n and around the 11 November each year the country gathers to pay its respects to the men and women who lost their lives in defence of our nation and remember the valour and sacrifice of those who have gone before. Retired and serving members of the RAPTC Association across the country are involved in various aspects of remembrance at national and local events.
Boys at FOR
Prince Harry meets WO1 Davison
A special mention must be made for Mrs Angela Snape the Quarter Master’s clerk at the ASPT who has been involved as a volunteer with the poppy appeal for over 25 years and was, to her complete surprise presented with a special award at a service in Guildford for her unstinting and long standing commitment to raising money for the poppy appeal. The certificate recognising her work was presented by the Inspecting Officer at the ASPT Pass-off parade on 13 Dec 2013.
Breakfast as Wesley’s
Hargraves family visit Garden of Remembrance at ASPT
Tom Pettit & Ian Dean at York
Prince Harry meets CRSM
Capt Young & family at AFC Harrogate
Queuing at Westminster
WO1 Miller with blind veteran
Group in Westminster Garden
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RAPTC MUSEUM Adam Culling Curator
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ith the First World War centenary commemorations approaching so fast it would be ludicrous of me to waste the MBS readers’ time talking about Arts Council Accreditation, monitoring UV/lux levels and documentation procedural manuals while there are so many fascinating objects, photographs and other archive material about the Corps during the First World War to share with you. Rest assured, the Museum Accreditation documentation has been submitted and if all goes to plan I will be able to confirm in the next MBS that for the first time in its 70 year history the
RAPTC Museum will be FULLY Accredited. A very special thank you is owed to the Museum Volunteers who have been steadily cataloguing the collection, which will allow new displays and information boards to be produced in the museum gallery and help with the increasing number of research enquiries. I have kept this update short so you may enjoy this selection of First World War images from the Museum archive. If you would like to know more about the contribution made by the Corps between 1914 and 1918, or any other time period for that matter, please do not hesitate to contact the Museum.
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Derrick Eatock 11th April 1939 – 23rd January 2014 By Major (Ret’d) T Goulding Del, Del Boy, ‘Tocky’ or even Derrick as we in the North West called him, was a larger than life personality – a staunch Wiganer – a Gentle Giant – A loyal RAPTC Association member – A Founder member of the North West Branch of the RAPTC Association – Vivien’s Rock – My Mate. Del joined the RASC in the early 60s as a Driver but his sporting and fitness abilities inspired him to join the then APTC. As an Assistant Instructor he spent time at Barton Stacey and Taunton where the Junior Leader’s Battalion were based. As he progressed to attending his first Advanced Course he injured himself while playing Rugby and was sent back to his unit. This happened twice before he made the Probationers Course. His love for Rugby, could have been his downfall. He played yet again during his Probationer course in an organised Tournament, injuring his hand. He hid the pain until passing into the APTC in December 1964, before he received treatment. On achieving APTC status, he remained at the ASPT until September 1965 as a Section Commander and won the coveted Inter Section competition on his first try. In September 1965 he moved to HQ 1 Division Regt RCT in Liebenau and made a big impact by transforming a water reservoir into a swimming pool. In 1968, 2 Field Regt RA, arrived from Barton Stacey. He remained in location and during this period he honed his watermanship skills,
skills that sentenced him to the Southern Command School of PT in Bulford, Wiltshire, where he became the Sub Aqua Instructor. Back in the UK he became adept at Basketball Officiating and controlled many high class games, including the Infamous Aldershot Warriors, a team packed with APTCIs and arguably the best amateur team in Britain at the time, having won National and British titles. His final posting in 1972 was with 2 Queens in Werl. This unit had just taken over from a Canadian Regiment that had an operational ice rink, but their role and manpower, compared with the Canadian Army, could not sustain its upkeep. While serving with the Queens he completed two tours of Northern Ireland. Apart from patrolling, Del worked as an Intelligence Officer collating details of IRA movements, during the worst atrocities NI experienced. Del left the Army in 1975 in favour of accepting a position at Howe Bridge Sports Centre, near Wigan, but his heart was always with the RAPTC. He helped to develop a now very strong NW Branch of the RAPTC Association and even found time, along with Vivien, to be present at other Branch functions in Scotland, Scarborough, Colchester, Bristol and the main one in Aldershot, including the Freedom Parades. One year he and Vivien attended every one of them, which included Germany and Canada. Del’s enthusiasm for the RAPTC Association continued. Several times he travelled to London to visit the Field of Remembrance parade at Westminster Cathedral, and with the RAPTC contingent on Remembrance Sunday. He was a staunch supporter for all matters RAPTC. In 1994 the Army Basket Ball Association celebrated their 50th anniversary and former players formed an over 40s team beating an under 40 APTC side, a REME under 40 team and a composite side of former Army players. The print on the last page of the programme is Del’s most treasured sports photograph. My fondest memories of Del were in the questionable world of adventurous pursuits. Del became a Cadet Officer and qualified as an ‘Expedition Leader’ and ‘Top Rope and Abseiling Instructor.’ I can see him now sitting on a crag, encouraging apprehensive cadets with his powers of persuasion, and leading potential mountain leaders in the peaks of Derbyshire and the rugged hills of Snowdonia. Del was proud to be the RAPTC’s Standard Bearer at annual reunions, Freedom of Aldershot parade and other functions with the British Legion and Recruiting functions. In his later years he became a building manager at Acresfield, in St Anne’s Square in Manchester, responsible for several businesses and retail outlets. He struck up a rapport with the management team and clients alike who respected him. He loved this job. At his funeral on Thursday 6th February 2014 at 1.00 pm at Charnock Richard Crematorium RAPTC members from Scotland, North East and the North West Associations lined the coffin as it entered the church and on leaving. The RAPTCI presence, RAPTC Standards and Association members, honoured Derrick Eatock as we celebrated the life of a staunch Ex RAPTC and Association member. ‘His last words to me the night before he passed was of compassion for a fellow Association member – words that are etched into my mind for ever.’
Clem McBride bearing the Branch standard at Del Eatock’s funeral
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WO1 (SMI) Fred Barker WO1 (SMI) Fred Barker died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and family, in Berwickshire, on Thursday 27th February 2014, after a full life including service to the Army Physical Training Corps and being the best husband, Father and Grandfather that anyone could ever wish. Fred was born on 5th Feb 1934, in Dagenham; roots he treasured, being ‘somewhere in the middle’ of his 8 brothers and 4 sisters. Being evacuated during the war with some of his siblings gave him much of that tenacity, strength of character and independent spirit; he always gave his best in all that he did in life, partnered with respect for others, professionalism, sense of fairness and pride. Fred enlisted and first served with the Royal Artillery as part of National Service, however recognizing his talent for sporting prowess (already an accomplished swimmer and gymnast) Fred fast tracked through the various Physical Training Instructor level courses, transferring into the APTC in 1954 having completed Advance Course number 69. Recalling ‘highlights’ of his Army career was difficult for Fred, such was the passion and enjoyment, Fred listed the whole 24 years as one long highlight. However, of note was his time spent in Malaya and Singapore, attached first to the ROYAL SCOTS FUSILIERS and then 1st Bn LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT during the Malayan conflict. Returning to this area to work at the Far East Land Force Physical Training School PT, it was during Fred’s time here that he was asked to coach the Malayan National boxing team, successfully taking them to the South East Asian Peninsular (SEAP) games in 1965 where they attained 1 Gold, 2 Silver, and 3 Bronze medals. Subsequent postings saw Fred serve on the APTC staff at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and culminating as the SMI at the School of Physical Training in Sennelager. Throughout his career, Fred enjoyed the complete range of sport, excelling at Fencing, Gymnastics, Swimming and Boxing but never being afraid to give anything a go saw him parachuting, skiing, sub-aqua and just about anything and everything. He was a distinguished all-rounder.
After leaving the Army, Fred moved into the leisure management business, his love for physical education and his impeccable core values influencing the ‘civvie’ world. Fred’s life was family, family, family. Married for 52 years to Mary he was the very centre of family life – the reliable lynch pin, loved, respected by his children Donna, Clifford and Clinton, they would always ‘show off’ dad. Fred’s grandchildren; Kevin, Cheryl, Emily, Kaliah, Eve and Lewis will always remember their Granddad as the ‘Superman’ who was still the first in the pool, first to sign up for the white water rafting trip and still doing back flips on the trampoline well into his 70’s. In retirement Fred settled in Alloa and would play Golf (and never quite managed a birdie on the par 4 5th); he liked to go for Rambles, and continued to amaze everyone with his level of physical prowess. Fred has left behind endless happy memories; His personal legacy will be one of a devoted husband, father and grandfather, his life mandate of “Don’t Just Think About it…..Do it’ will be fondly remembered. Simply put, you could not meet a nicer man, and anyone who had the fortune to meet Fred Barker was better off for it.
Ernest “Pedlar” Palmer – Died 14 September 2013 Ernie (known by all as Pedlar) transferred from the Royal Scots Greys to the APTC in Aldershot in 1946. Posted to Catterick with the family, then to Egypt unaccompanied while waiting for them to arrive in Aden on the Empire Trooper en route to British Somaliland Protectorate to train the Somali Scouts. Then followed an urgent posting to Kenya (with 5 King’s African Rifles) during the Mau Mau troubles, the children all the while finding this a great adventure! There were various postings in England after returning from Kenya to Somersetshire before setting off again with family in tow to Jamaica with the Hampshire Regiment, returning to Aldershot just before Jamaican independence. He gained his commission whilst serving in Shorncliffe before moving up to Fulford Barracks in York then back again to Salisbury and finally Aldershot for his last posting. He would often submit articles for the Corps Journal and always enjoyed keeping up with everything happening within the APTC. In 1980 he was very fortunate to be invited to Lake Placid as part of the Winter Olympic Committee which he thoroughly enjoyed. He always took a keen interest in all sports especially rugby, gymnastics, swimming, boxing to name a few, always supporting and encouraging his children and grandchildren to participate in sports from marathon running to martial arts and boxing. His family recalls his long association with Jack Barry, Jim Pearson, Denis Dent, Pat Kelly, Micky Rouse and many others who knew him. He and the family retired to Poole in Dorset where he enjoyed keeping fit at the local gymnasium well into his 80s and taking long walks down to the beach with his dog Barney. He was a very kind man with a great character and will be sadly missed by his wife and family and many friends.
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ROBERT WILLIAM ABERNATHY (Served in the Corps 1943 – 1946)
ever sergeant in APTC, which reflects his outstanding report as follows:
Kathleen Smith (Daughter)
‘He was a neat performer, with dash and determination. He is suitable for employment as an instructor on his own in any capacity, but it is considered that he could be most usefully employed in a Commando or Special Service Unit.’
Dad was born 28th September 1920 and died 24th June 2013 at the age of 92 years and as far as we know he joined the army at the age of 18 which would be about 1938 until 1946. During that time he was stationed in Scotland and met my mother at a dance and was married 1942. They had 70 happy years together and received two cards from the Queen to mark their 60th and 70th Anniversary. His days in the army were very memorable to him he reckoned that there was someone looking over him during those days as on one occasion he was in a crash and he was flung clear so recovered. He often spoke of the opportunities of how he got the job of being a PT Instructor because he was caught in the gym on the apparatus and thus got the job which he loved. He was later posted over to India and had a few photos of him doing hand stands etc which he loved to look at and which gave him happy times to bring back good memories. He used to keep them in a little wallet and thankfully there wasn’t anything wrong with his brain at 92 years old. My father was a very fit man and probably due to the discipline of his early years and his Methodist upbringing passed on his positive thinking to me and others. Unfortunately in his last 10 years he had an embolism on his 60th Wedding Anniversary but survived his operation though the odds were against him which showed he had a lot of fight in him. Due to these problems Mam could not cope with him at home as she too was in her 80’s so we arranged for him to go into a care home which was only two streets away from Mam and was able to go home in a taxi most days from 2pm until 7pm so they were still able to be with each other during his days at the care home. We still had celebrations and for Dad’s 90th we had a party around at the care home and he loved to sing the old songs and would hog the mike to do his singing. The last 6 months of dad’s life he had problems but he never complained and he was ready to go when the time came. We were all able to be with him when he died. My Mother is a wonderful woman too as she is 91 years old and still living alone in her own house looking after herself and me at the age of 66, I still get my hand slapped and told what to do!
Norman Pritchard Ex-Army Physical Training Corps OUR NORM Norman was born on the 30th May 1928 and lived a very full and active life. He was brought up in Birkenhead with his brother Jeff and Sisters Brenda and Joyce. He was a very dear man and he loved to be active and was always fond of physical training. Shortly after leaving school, he worked as an Engineering apprentice in Birkenhead prior to joining the Kings Regiment on the 12 Sep 1946. Norman remained with that unit until 24 Jun 1947 when he completed tough training to transfer into the Army Physical Training Corps on the 25 Jun 1947. Such was the man that he became a Sergeant by the age of 18 – reportedly the youngest
During his career, Norman was attached to the following Units. The Army School of Physical Training in June 1947 No 1 Physical Development Centre, Chester on 11 Aug 47 HQ North West District from 27 Aug 47 72 Field Training Regiment, Royal Artillery, Hereford, on 26 Jan 48 17 Training Regiment Royal Artillery, Oswestry on 1 May 48 and remained with this last unit to his completion of National Service with the Army in Jan 1949. During his illustrious career in the army he represented the British Gymnastic team in Denmark. After leaving the army Norman became a Red Coat at Butlins in Pwllheli North wales – where he took charge of all the sporting events – naturally – on the camp He obviously had a great passion for fitness and weight training as he entered and was successful in various body building competitions – he cut a very fine figure of a man indeed. He was so fit that he was able to continue pushing weights until well into his seventies. His final job was working as a physiotherapist at Rainhill Psychiatric hospital, where he worked until he retired. Norman ever the great storyteller, would always retell his stories of his days working from the hospital – much to his children’s delight and far more entertaining than traditional fairy stories. Norman lived his life with great passion and vigour and also with great fun and laughter. He had a great sense of humour which he maintained right until the end. This gave his family great comfort as when they visited he would always greet them with a joke, a laugh – or a crafty wink or the tip of his hand and always with his key words “I’m Fine” This very smart gentleman, with impeccable manners, who was always in a shirt and tie – was much beloved by all his family, his now deceased wife Murial-Bunty, his devoted children Karen, Mark, Gary and Kevin, and their Partners Jim, Janet Angela and Eve, and his wonderful grandchildren Katie, Tom, Faye, Dominic, Lauren, Calum, Ross and Gabrielle. Norman was indeed one of life’s gentlemen. The doctors and nurses told his family that he was the model patient. He always thanked them for everything they did. Whenever he was asked how he was he would always answer “I’m fine”.
Major (Retd) ME Murch 15 June 1931 – 9 May 2014 Major Morris Ernest Murch died peacefully at his home in Colchester Essex on Friday 9th May 2014 after a full life including 36 years service to the Army Physical Training Corps and 9 years to the Army Sports Control Board. Although losing his wife to cancer on September 28th 2012, Morris
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continued to be a loving Father to his daughters Janet and Linda and a inspiring Grandfather to all his Grandchildren Amy, Andy, Adele, Anthony, Daniel, David, Kelly, and Steven. Morris was born on the 15th June 1931 at Exeter; he was one of three brothers and one half sister. His childhood was as normal as can be expected in the 1930s although Morris lost his mother at a very young age due to poor health. He joined the Army on the 6th October 1949 at the age of 18 as part of the National Service and enlisted in to the Devonshire Regiment but this was not for him and he expressed his wishes to be a physical trainer and was soon advised to move on to the Royal Army Medical Corps then the Army Physical Training Corps as he discovered his passion for sports. He started off as a junior rank and through hard work and determination was commissioned to the rank of Captain with effect of the 8th August 1973. He then on the 8th August 1981 was promoted to Major retiring on the 11th February 1985. A very proud man of the Army Physical Training Corps Morris was absolutely elated when the Corps received the Royal status. Morris being an avid sports man, gymnast, boxer, devoted husband and father travelled extensively with his wife and daughters being based at the Royal Army Medical Corps Depot, Southern Command School of PT, HQ Kenya Garrison with the 6th Battalion King African Rifles. Other locations include: HQ Berlin Infantry Brigade, Army Medical Rehab Unit. Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as the training Warrant Officer
He finally retired from the service in 1985 based at Aldershot.
HQ 3 Division.
On retiring from the Army he could not let it all go, he then became part of the Army Sports Control Board, The Army Sport Control Board (ASCB) was formed in 1918 and is the regulatory body for sport played in the British Army at all levels.
HQ British Forces Hong Kong. His other roles were Chief instructor Army School of PT and Commandant UKLF School of PT. Not forgetting that he was a member of the society of remedial gymnasts from 1965.
Morris retired and settled in Colchester close to his daughters enjoying time with his wife Winny and his family. Morris loved his garden and enjoyed reminiscing about his Army days with a dram or two. His memories will live on and what great memories they are.
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The Annual Journal of the Royal Army Physical Training Corps
Number 97 2013/14 First Published in 1920
Mind, Body and Spirit