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As I reflect on my time at 8 Training Battalion REME in the P&RTC, there have certainly been some standout moments: the extremely successful Battalion Boxing night between 8 Training Bn REME and 11 Sig Regt, where we emerged victorious, and winning the Army Sports Trophy Competition, to name but a few. A recent exciting success was the introduction of Programme Fox, a programme named after the remarkable ‘Jim Fox,’ a true inspiration in the world of Olympic sport in Pentathlon and a dedicated member of the REME. Jim Fox, a legendary athlete, made his Olympic debut in 1964 where he placed 29th in the individual event. Through sheer perseverance and determination, he improved his performance and finished eighth in his second Olympic appearance in 1968. Despite announcing his retirement as a Sgt in the REME after the 1968 Games, Jim was convinced by his coach, Ron Bright, to continue in the sport for another eight years. During this period, he not only set an excellent example for aspiring athletes, but also won a gold medal in the team event in 1976, following his final individual effort at the 1972 Olympics. In recognition of his tremendous contributions to the sport, Jim Fox was awarded the MBE and subsequently the OBE.
Programme Fox has been methodically designed to reduce musculoskeletal injuries, enhance the deployability of our soldiers, develop mental resilience and robustness, facilitate the reconditioning pathway, and produce well-rounded and capable soldiers for the Field Army. The Battalion consists of approximately 1150 trainees and 200 permanent staff, with the REME’s trade courses ranging from 8 to 52 weeks. Physical Training is conducted twice a week for each course. We boast a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning suite, cardiovascular suite, sports hall, three squash courts, level one and two dedicated gyms, a third-generation football pitch, a Corps-standard football pitch, four tennis courts, a trim trail, a go-kart track, and an obstacle course. The Battalion’s commitment to delivering
8 Training Battalion REME vs 11 Signal Regiment
Sgt (SI) L Bishop RAPTC
8 TRAINING BATTALION REME
over 25 different sports is truly amazing and inclusive for personnel across all ranks. This dedication to sports is one of the reasons why we successfully won the Army Sports Trophy Competition. Our dedicated gym staff conduct around 100 PT sessions per week and comprises 6 AAPTIs and 5 SIOs. We have welcomed the first of three RAF PTIs who will join our team over the next few months.
In addition to the introduction of the new PT programme and the RAF personnel, the Battalion has seen changes in key personalities, Capt (MAA) Tuhey RAPTC, and WO2 (QMSI) Feldsmann RAPTC, have been in their respective posts for 7 months. Over the past 12 months, the RAPTCIs have been active members of successful sports teams. SSgt (SSI Bambury) has been competing with the RAPTC and Army Rugby Teams, and he has also been an integral part of the Army Masters Rugby Team. Captain Tuhey, a brown belt in BJJ, has been successful in BJJ competitions, and he
Sgt Bishop - Australian Defence Tournament
has been appointed as the Chairman of RAPTC Martial Arts. Additionally, I had the opportunity to join the Army Masters Football team on an overseas visit to Australia. Cpl Cawley has passed RAPTC Selection, and he is preparing to start the RAPTC Instructor Course in July. One of the most memorable events was the exceptional WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess Function planned by the QMSI. As the PMC, he has truly made the WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess a remarkable place during my first post in the Corps.
As our team looks forward to the rest of 2024, we are excited about organising a Battalion Adventurous Training trip to Capel Curig, a kayaking trip to Slovenia and summiting Mount Kenya. WO2 Feldsmann and I will be participating in the Nijmegen Marches and running a 24-hour charity event alongside Programme Fox. 8 Bn REME is an exceptional place, and we have now built a strong team that is dedicated to the Physical Development of our permanent staff and trainees.
Capt Tuhey, WO2 Feldsmann and Sgt Bishop - 8 Training Battalion REME vs Royal Navy Boxing event
CO’s PT Competition