Page 43 - RAPTC 23/24

Another year and a new Captain at the helm; Capt (MAA) Andy Burt posted in as the SO3 Physical Development (PD) and quickly settled into life in Northern Ireland (NI). Although gapped several RAPTCIs, the team worked closely under his direction to produce another year of outstanding sporting and local engagement events. A special mention should be given to the ERI cohort in NI who managed to ensure normal service was maintained with the reduction of 3 ERIs.
We have seen a refurbishment of PD facilities here at Lisburn Garrison, the home of HQ 38 (Irish) Bde, 2 RIFLES & the Northern Ireland Support Unit over the past year; with the instalment of a new air hall and the long-awaited refurbishment of the Northern Ireland Athletic Track and playing grounds, meaning we can re-establish the Northern Ireland Athletics Championships.
During the summer, members of the Bde Headquarters took part in the Regional Charity event “The Rambo Challenge” which comprised of a gruelling 50km run and 500 burpees; and of course, being Northern Ireland, it rained the entire day. Units from across Northern Ireland took up the challenge to raise money for the charity ‘Scotty’s Little Soldiers.’
In Nov 23, I had an incredible opportunity to conduct a Physical Training Leader
Capt (MAA) Burt with the British Gurkhas Nepal Selection Staff.
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HEADQUARTERS 38 (IRISH) BRIGADE & HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN IRELAND
HEADQUARTERS 38 (IRISH) BRIGADE
WO2 (QMSI) N Richmond RAPTC
(PTL) course for British Gurkhas Nepal in Kathmandu. Following the course, the students took me under their wing and introduced me to the culture of Nepal, including a trek to Poon Hill (3210m) a notorious location for watching the sun rise over the peaks.
We continue to enjoy the experiences of Nepal in 2024, with the SO3 deployed to Nepal to provide support for the Gurkha selection course; I will join him later in the
month to provide an assurance visit to the British Gurkhas Nepal Headquarters.
We now look forward to the next few months with anticipation as we move into the first stages of the Future Soldier Regional Point of Command (RPOC) Structure of 38 Irish Brigade and Northern Ireland.
(Above) WO2 (QMSI) Richmond enjoying the view and culture of Nepal. (Right) ‘50km completed, 500 burpees to go’.