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Reflecting on my initial 8 months with 22 Engineer Regiment (22 Engr Regt), it’s clear this chapter in my
military career stands out for its intensity and the critical role the regiment plays on the global stage. Transitioning from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, known for its ceremonial grandeur and operational duties, to a unit as dynamically engaged as 22 Engr Regt, has been a seamless yet underestimated journey I have thoroughly enjoyed so far.
The unit is distinguished by its agility and high-deployability and they are continuously proving themselves across a wide variety of operations such as Op CABRIT in Estonia, the relief efforts of Op LAZURI within the UK and supporting engineering tasks in Cyprus on Op PINESTICK. As you can imagine, the focus on high readiness and physical development has been fast-paced, where the need to remain adaptable to the ever- changing operational landscape has been a unique but rewarding challenge.
Since joining the Regiment the focus has been on prioritising the Army Physical Training System (APTS) and all Physical Development (PD) initiatives, ensuring that our readiness is never compromised. The chain of command recognised these elements as essential, mirroring my experiences with the Welsh Guards, but very much adapted here with a keen eye on the demands of engineering-based requirements. As such this meant for a diverse programme that catered for every Sqn’s unique demands.
As the Regimental Physical Training Team, it’s been gratifying to witness and contribute to the planning and execution of the ‘Physical Development Project’ the
22 ENGINEER REGIMENT
SSgt (SSI) D Hammond RAPTC
Members of 22 Engr Regt conducting Bayonet Range and Battle PT
Commanding Officer has labelled. These efforts are not just about maintaining peak physical condition; they’re about fostering the resilience and versatility needed to face the unpredictable nature of our deployments, and this secondary focus on team building tasks has led to a far better output than in recent years.
A notable mention must be made on the collaborative efforts and professionalism of the gym staff and PTIs. Their delivery and expertise not only enhance our physical training but also strengthens our operational capabilities which has been noted up and down the chain of command. Looking ahead, the Regiment’s focus remains on upholding this high level of readiness and adaptability and the challenges of delivering PT amidst
the array of demanding deployments are continuously met with innovative solutions from the PT team to make things work as best as we can within the constraints we have.
In summary, my time with 22 Engr Regt has been a period of significant growth and fulfilment. The challenges and opportunities presented by the unit have not only enhanced my personal skills but also deepened my appreciation for the critical role Engineer units play in both military operations and humanitarian efforts. It’s great to be part of a unit that consistently leans into training and has a commitment to readiness, no matter the task at hand. I look forward to what the next 18 months brings and watching the landscape of training unfold.
Sgt Da Silva and members of 22 Engr Regt at Manchester Half Marathon
SSgt (SSI) D Hammond RAPTC