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The Army Training Centre Pirbright (ATC(P)) sees approx. 5000 personnel pass basic training per year and with ongoing infrastructure development this number is set to increase to 6000 in the future. In the Physical & Recreational Training Centre (P&RTC) we have 32 AAPTIs and 6 EOs available to deliver the Physical Development (PD) aspect of the Common Military Syllabus (CMS) training programme. In addition, the P&RTC also facilitate an ever-growing commitment of PD training to Normandy Company. This department is responsible for Recruits who are awaiting training, currently injured, require reconditioning and Army Reserves. Therefore, even with the large cohort of AAPTIs and delivery team available, the amount of training being conducted ensures the P&RTC are often working at full capacity.
Having taken over the position as Training Warrant Officer (TWO) in April 2023, I have now had 12-months in role. ATC(P) is now under the newly reformatted and rebranded Soldier Academy (SA), taking the place of Initial Training Group (ITG). This brings me to the most obvious observation from the short time I have been in post, and that is change is constant. ATC(P) are continuously looking to change and adapt their approach to training and asking, ‘how can we as an organisation ensure that we are doing things right?.’ The P&RTC is no different in this regard. Recent changes have seen the CMS programme move from 14 weeks to 11 weeks and finally now settling at 13 weeks with the Future Soldier (FS) model. Ultimately, any changes towards the CMS affects PD output and as a department we need to ensure we are regularly updating and adapting lesson plans and risk assessments to accommodate these changes. A standardisation to lesson content can been seen across the different training establishments throughout the Army, but where we can affect change the most is to what standards and methods we are delivering those lessons. Capt (MAA) Kinsley and myself have focused a lot of attention on the development and mentorship of the AAPTIs to encourage growth and betterment, ultimately leading to improved lesson delivery for the Recruits and more capable JNCOs for the department. The three RAPTC SIs, Sgt Cooney, Sgt Fitzpatrick and Sgt Levy have been massively influential and involved in this process, and it’s truly rewarding to see each of them become highly effective members of the establishment and Corps. The impact they have on the department cannot be understated and as they have briefly summarised in a few paragraphs they are extremely busy. I consider
WO2 (QMSI) A Rees RAPTC
ARMY TRAINING CENTRE PIRBRIGHT
their involvement as the heart of this department.
In closing, the team we have here at ATC(P) is nothing short of fantastic. I believe we have a truly effective and enjoyable working environment. Where talent is recognised, mistakes are seen as opportunities and change is encouraged. I want to personally thank the current MAA Capt Lee Kinsley who will be posted to the ASPT as the Chief Instructor in Aug 2024. From working with him for several years now, his approach to most situations is often quick, decisive, and more often than not highly effective. This is a rare quality and in reality, what every organisation needs from their leader! I believe the successful working conditions and environment we are experiencing in the P&RTC can be largely accredited to him. I wish him the best of luck moving into his future role where I’m sure he will have a great impact to that establishment.
Sgt (SI) S Cooney RAPTC – HQ Regiment. As I write this article, I am now on my third and final year at the ever- changing and fast-paced ATC(P). This year has seen me take on the role of OIC Commanding Officer’s Cup which consist of organising and delivering six physically
and mentally challenging competitions for all three Regiments within ATC(P) to gain maximum points and be deemed the winner of the Commanding Officer’s Cup.
The competition started in May 2023 with a 10km Cross Country race across the local training area. The events varied from Triathlon, Festival of Sport, British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF), Potted Sports and ending in March 2024 with Endurance, a gruelling military focused event. HQ Regiment were deemed the overall winners for the second year running with Capt (MAA) L Kinsley RAPTC placing first in the final Endurance Event.
In March 2024 we saw the final uplift for Gymnasium 2, our second largest floor space at ATC(P). Being the largest Basic Training environment outside ITC, the P&RTC delivers PD to thousands of recruits per year. The upgraded area is to support the future delivery of Soldier Academy and the influx demand of recruits which sees over 160 recruits at one time training in our facilities.
The process started last year when I submitted a business case for the Physical Training Equipment (PTE) uplift, which got approved over Christmas
P&RTC Team Training
Visit by SMAA and Corps SM
CO’s Cup Endurance Event