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216 (PARA) Signal Sqaudron have continued to step up to the plate with a full Forecast of Events (FoE)
supporting 16 Air Assault Brigade with our Readiness 1 (R1) status.
The Sqn had another deployment to Belize to carry on their work testing new and improved communications in an arduous environment. I took this opportunity to create a Physical Training upskilling insight programme for Belize Defence Force (BDF) PTIs.
During the Squadron’s deployment to Belize in 2023, I had noticed a shortfall in upskilling for the BDF PTIs. I spent the next year liaising with their Chain of Command (CoC) and created a package that I could deliver on Ex MERCURY CANOPY 24. The programme I conducted was delivered to 11 PTIs, including the BDF Senior PTI - SSgt Lourie. We delivered Army Physical Training System (APTS) content and what we do within the British Army regarding PT, including aspects of Level 1 and Level 2 PT, warm up and cool downs, lesson design/structure and programming for courses and unit-led PT. Instructional Practices (IPs) were delivered to me with slight cultural changes in order for better equipped BDF PTIs. I also delivered PT to the BDF and supported the training camps the BDF had running with the main focus
Sgt (SI) A Gilroy RAPTC
216 (PARA) SIGNAL SQUADRON
Sgt Gilroy and SSgt Lourie (BDF Senior PTI)
being swimming lessons/ideas, which included how to reduce all the impact training but keep up the intensity of their lessons as a whole.
Although busy, the priority over physical training during this period has not taken a backward step, with unit PT never being more relevant and established. The Sqn has seen to be committing to All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection (AAPPS) courses with 13 Service Personnel (SP) from the Sqn passing P Coy in the last year and subsequently forwarding those successful to the Basic Parachute Course (BPC) organised by the Training Wing ready to battle life as an Airborne Soldier within Brigade.
Sgt Gilroy handing over the Sqn emblem to SSgt Lourie
Post-session workout with the BDF PTI