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Following the retirement of Capt (MAA) Chris Hames, an opportunity to take command at ITC Catterick
arose. Having never left the ‘GU’ postcode in my RAPTC Career, the previous SMAA suggested that it was time that I took some medicine and so I packed my car and headed up the M1 to the NORTH.
I won’t deny that it took some time to become acclimatised to the weekly commute, howling weather, hills and lack of sunshine, however, echoing Chris’s sentiments last year, I can confirm that ITC is an incredible organisation that truly leads the way in delivering highly skilled Infanteers to the Field Army.
The RAPTC command team have worked exceptionally hard throughout the year to influence culture within the gym, I see this as our biggest collective success. Through investment, empowerment of our AAPTIs and fostering team cohesion we have built an outstanding team that enjoys coming to work and demands high performance.
Lastly, ITC has seen much disruption due to gaps in the MAA role, however, it is important that a special mention goes out to WO1 (SMI) Donny McGregor who is due to leave the service later this year. He is simply magnificent, a seasoned senior soldier and a MAA in all but rank, for the last two years he has kept ITC afloat and operational in delivering its PD outputs, he is irreplaceable and will be a significant loss to the RAPTC and Army.
Capt (MAA) G Lewis RAPTC
forward for all things PD. Whilst the visit served a valid purpose, we decided to seize the opportunity to include the rest of the RAPTC cohort within ITC and seek accommodation in Edinburgh Castle alongside some well-deserved cohesion.
SLIM COMPANY – LEADING THE WAY TO RETAIN SOLDIERS
Sgt (SI) J Bareham RAPTC
I have served at the ITC for just over 12 months, it has provided me with a great foundation to start my career in the RAPTC. Returning to where my journey began in the Army is an honour, I feel proud knowing that I have contributed to the development of future Ground Close Combat (GCC) soldiers.
Aside from my primary role, I have enjoyed optimising the Physical Development (PD) of recruits, focussing specifically on cultivating physical and mental resilience.
A developing workstrand for me is to undertake the responsibility of RAPTCI lead for a new PD pathway within SLIM Company. Internal structural changes have seen HQ Bn assume responsibility for the recruits undertaking Level 2 PT across both Infantry Battalions. The aim is to accelerate & optimise PT to provide recruits with a solid foundation that enhances their chances of returning to training before pursuing their chosen GCC roles.
Sgt (SI) J Bareham RAPTC
INFANTRY TRAINING CENTRE CATTERICK PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT (PD) WING
“The BAD NEWS IS, time flies – THE GOOD NEWS IS, you’re the pilot...” Michael Altshuler
Capt (MAA) G Lewis RAPTC
Although my tenure has been short, I feel privileged to have shared the MAA personalities board with some true legends of the Corps. An imminent move to ATR Winchester and Fox Platoon lies ahead providing some much-needed time closer to home.
ASSURANCE VISIT – ARMY SCHOOL OF BAGPIPE MUSIC & HIGHLAND DRUMMING (ASBM&HD)
WO2 (QMSI) B Sargent RAPTC
– Training Warrant Officer (TWO)
Whilst reflecting on my hand-over with WO1 (SMI) C Watson in June 2023 I can honestly say that “Craig you were right...” it certainly is a fast-paced somewhat challenging environment. A big thank you to him for his outstanding efforts with ITC over the last few years including some significant infrastructure projects. ITC is like no other environment I have experienced; the role comes with considerable reputation, capped with endless rewards and satisfaction.
ITC delivers phase 1, 2 and 3 training alongside supporting some external departments, one of which is the ASBM&HD, which is currently delivered within Redford Barracks, Edinburgh. One of the luxuries of being the TWO within ITC is the opportunity to offer PD assurance to ASBM&HD. The visit presented the opportunity to introduce new members of the ITC PD Wing and to create the foundations of a support network moving
WO1 (SMI) D McGregor, Capt (MAA) G Lewis & WO2 (QMSI) B Sargent conducting a PD Assurance visit at ASBM&HD