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Facilitating all things Adventurous Training (AT) for circa 5000 recruits per annum, the Soldier Development
Wing (SDW) has had another successful year of delivery. With the implementation of the Future Soldier (FS) programme, a typical training week has now been condensed from five to four days. As a result, high ropes training is no longer delivered during a normal training package, however it is still used during the Soldier Development Course (SDC). The Wing has structured and adapted to a new training week that accommodates the transition, which ensures the recruits still receive a quality training package, and that the aims of AT are met.
With Mental Resilience Training (MRT) at the forefront of what we deliver, the Wing conducts several Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sessions for a diverse team of civilian instructors. With support from Army Adventurous Training Group (AATG), we have provided all instructors with the foundations and resources to focus on Adventurous Leadership & Resilience Training (ALeRT). In addition, all Permanent Staff (PS) from ATR(W) and ATC(P) are now mandated to complete the online ALeRT Course prior to their visit to SDW, which in turn offers further support to the instructors.
A group from HQ Soldier Academy conducted their annual visit to SDW, with the intent of building team cohesion and morale. Land-based activities were conducted for the duration of the
SSgt (SSI) C Davies RAPTC
SOLDIER DEVELOPMENT WING (SDW) SENNYBRIDGE
visit, consisting of rock climbing and mountaineering. Unlike the previous year, weather conditions were somewhat challenging, resulting in disappointing views on the summit of Pen-Y-Fan; however, this was soon rectified with some well-deserved coffee and cake.
On a personal level, transitioning into the AT space from a mainstream background has had its challenges, made easier from the support of a close-knit team. My
experience within a mainstream role has allowed me to introduce small, effective changes to daily business within the Wing, such as digitising programming, and improving lines of communication between our team and visiting staff. Furthermore, careful planning and co-ordination has enabled me to continue supporting RAPTC Rugby and my Strength and Conditioning (S&C) role with the Army Rugby Senior XV Team.
Soldier Academy HQ on the summit of a damp Pen-Y-Fan
Conclusion of a CPD session – High ropes – SSgt (SSI) Craig Davies and WO2 (QMSI) Matthew Kerr