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JOINT SERVICE MOUNTAIN TRAINING WING (BAVARIA)
Sgt (SI) G Veitch RAPTC
HEADQUARTERS JOINT SERVICE MOUNTAIN TRAINING CENTRE SSgt (SSI) S Littlewood RAPTC
Within the last 12 months, HQ JSMTC has seen several personality changes, including the arrival of Lt Col David Robinson MBE R ANGLIAN as Commanding Officer, WO1 (RSM) Rob Davies RAPTC as RSM and a new, however very familiar face of Maj (MAA) Matt Fletcher RAPTC as OC Training.
Rolling into year three as Training Coordinator (Trg Coord) for JSMTC, the organisation remains the market leader within Adventurous Training (AT). Alongside the Type 4 course delivery, JSMTC delivers bespoke ‘long course’ programmes to both RAPTC Instructor Courses and the Resilience Training Margin (ReM) for RAPTC ATIs, Temporarily Employed Elsewhere (TEE) personnel and those deploying overseas on Op TOSCA, Cyprus.
With programmes ranging from foundation course delivery through to high-level leader and instructor courses. The bespoke ‘long course’ programmes are designed to gradually build the experience, understanding, skill set, and mental resilience of the service personnel (SP) to create enthusiastic, high- quality instructors and leaders in all disciplines across AT.
The professional delivery of our bespoke programmes by JSMTC staff and instructors has led to a remarkable success rate across all long courses. In the past year alone, we have successfully trained and qualified 7 RAPTCI Courses, 5 ReM SP, 3 groups of TEE, and 2 Op TOSCA regiments, all ready to deliver Type 4 AT across the world. This achievement is a testament to our capabilities and the high standards we uphold.
As my tenure as Trg Coord draws to a close, I reflect on the challenges and rewards of managing these courses over the past 2 years. I am deeply grateful for the high-quality knowledge, experience, and skills offered by the staff at HQ JSMTC and beyond. I am confident that my successor will inherit a strong foundation and continue to lead us to even greater success.
Since my arrival in Bavaria, the new environment has naturally provided challenges and excitement. I have
the opportunity to work, live, and enjoy the Alps while giving back to the Tri- Service. It is amazing to use Adventurous Training (AT) as a vehicle to inspire and challenge others.
My first experience in the workplace began with Skiing, both on and off-piste, as well as Advanced Avalanche Courses. Throughout the year and the seasons, disciplines changed almost weekly, ranging from mountaineering to water- based skills, all of which kept me on my toes and always provided an opportunity to learn.
The highlight of my first year here would have to be the specific period we spend in the Alps. Alpine mountaineering brings together several disciplines in High-Risk Remote Environments. Crossing Glaciers and operating out of mountain huts only adds to this. When junior soldiers finish their course, it’s clear that those challenges and coping strategies they develop can be transferred back to their workplace and lives outside of the military, both mentally and physically.
Going forward, it would be great to see more Service Personnel (SP) from
Sgt Veitch using a Klettersteig during the Ski Mountaineering Instructor Training Course
the wider Army in the coming year. I encourage all RAPTCIs to either support your SP in applying and attending Bavaria courses or get involved in challenging and developing your skills and coping strategies.
Sgt Veitch and Herr B Marte summiting Galenstock 3586m in Andermatt