Page 135 - RAPTC 23/24

DITG Chicksands PT Staff and RAPTC Officials for Midlands BAWF Event
133
From Gibraltar to Chicksands and changing my weekend routines from Marbella to Milton Keynes was
a slight shock to the system. However, conducting a handover/takeover with WO2 (QMSI) Armstrong and a Physical Development Audit (PDA) within the first 2 weeks in post gave me a great opportunity to focus the mind and see where my new team could add further value to DITG Chicksands personnel and site.
One of the areas identified for improvement was the requirement for an uplift of strength and conditioning equipment. With funding lines being tight, my powers of persuasion with the budget manager and QM were put to the test. I must have done OK, as they both agreed to the business case which has seen an investment of approximately £60k. This investment significantly enhanced the availability of equipment and gym user experience. The unit were also fortunate to receive £7k of funding through a NAAFI grant for the purchase of several paddleboards. This fund has also paid for DITG staff to qualify as Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) instructors. We look forward to using the paddleboards in the local area throughout the summer of 2024 and beyond.
The team have been fantastic and have delivered several successful events over the calendar year. Cpl Cload took the lead on the Unit Health Fair, with a key focus on mental and physical resilience. He also assisted Sgt (SI) Gander with the administration for the Midlands BAWF 3 event which had 23 teams participating. Cpl Bonifas took the lead on Intelligence Corps Day activities and the Southern Services Cross Country League Race. Both events were well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by those who took part. Cpl Clarke oversaw the PD delivery
WO2 (QMSI) M Maclaughlan RAPTC
DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE TRAINING GROUP
for a Tin Phys Campaign which saw over 150 tinned food items delivered to a local Bedford charity just in time for Christmas. Cpl Palmer has taken the lead on the DITG Monthly fitness competition.
The competition has been contested between all sub-units who sit under DITG command. The events have helped to build a competitive culture, teamwork and a will to win.
The PD team along with the QM’s department got to trial a Laser Run session which is similar in concept to winter biathlon. Participants have to run a series of continuous loops transitioning between 600m sprints and shooting on a laser range at 10-20m. Participants needed to hit the target five times before they could begin their next run. Running quickly is a pre-requisite to doing well, however the winner is usually the best shot on the day. It is a fantastic way to test marksmanship principles and challenge you from a physical and mental perspective.
Overall, my first year at DITG Chicksands has been thoroughly enjoyable and I look forward to seeing how the team can continue to improve the offer to our service personnel.
DITG Trainees participating in Commander’s Trophy Event
Cpl Cload officiating at Midlands BAWF Event