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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
RAPTC BIENNIAL REUNION 2024
The format of the Biennial Reunion has been debated many times. Finding the right combination of activities, format, locations, etc. that caters for everyone is often discussed at length. Following a detailed survey conducted by the Regimental Secretary, the Trustees have now endorsed the scheme for this year’s Reunion (the first Biennial Reunion since 2018). By the time this Journal has been published, the Biennial Reunion will be imminent or will have been conducted
and we will know how successful the format has been and whether changes are needed.
RAPTC MUSEUM
Our Museum Curator, Mr Jarrod Steadman, is rapidly maturing into his role and getting to know the Corps and its history. Working with the Regimental Secretary, he is developing a long-term improvement plan for the Museum which aspires to improve the visitor experience whilst showcasing the Corps’ rich history in the best way
possible. The long-term plan is moderately ambitious and will require funding support over a 10-year period to realise its full potential – the journey has begun.
CONCLUSION
My time as your Commandant has just begun and I am really enjoying my new role and responsibilities. I am very much looking forward to meeting many more of you as I attend more events. Thank you for your dedication and support to our incredible Corps Family.
This is the 107th edition of our Journal, which provides an excellent opportunity for both reflection and the historical capture of our outputs, achievements, and awards. I place great importance upon it and thank those who take the time to contribute. The recent MBS survey sent to all serving and retired members made it clear that RAPTC members are keen to have either, or both, a hard or a digital copy of this fantastic journal; but what is also abundantly clear, is that they would like it to endure.
It has been another outstanding year for our serving and retired Association members and the Corps as a whole. During a period of dynamic fiscal challenge and global uncertainty, we continue to adapt to the needs of the Army, whilst placing people, safety and assurance at the forefront. From a workforce perspective, both inflow and retention remains healthy, however we must keep a close eye on this to ensure the RAPTC continues to appeal as a career choice for our younger generations. Through my regular engagement with the chain of command and the various boards I attend, I am always impressed by the quality of our people, which is echoed by the Army’s senior leadership.
During the last twelve months the Training Development Team (TDT) led by Maj (MAA) Lou James MBE, have embarked upon a comprehensive review of the role of an RAPTCI, with a view to informing RAPTC Selection developments, future PTI training and subsequent RAPTC career courses. I am aware many of our serving RAPTCIs have supported this review, which is hugely appreciated; the data has allowed us to better understand where we should focus our efforts and where certain aspects of training are now perhaps less relevant. This project will help assure the selection and training pipeline, to ensure our people are suitably prepared
Lt Col (SMAA) S Semple RAPTC
to serve an Army that is going through a bold modernisation programme.
From a technical perspective, we have continued to evolve as a professional organisation should. Through research and collaboration with the Army Health Branch (AHB), Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) we are currently enhancing our knowledge and skills, in the practical application of behavioural change interventions and Human Performance Optimisation (HPO). We have always been able to offer guidance around sleep, nutrition and the social benefits of physical activity, but this is now underpinned with behavioural science, which unlocks barriers to change at both an individual and organisational level.
The RAPTC remains committed to developing the workforce amid a pan Army workforce efficiency review, which is the immediate priority for this HQ. We will ensure our contribution to the main effort and risks associated with Physical Development (PD) are understood, whilst also demonstrating how we represent value for money from a workforce perspective.
It would be a fair comment to make, that the Corps and society are in a time of significant transition, where what we, as a Corps, have always done, can no longer be considered as protected and relevant in today’s Army. I hear the word “efficiency” used often by the higher echelons, mostly in the context of workforce reductions during this period of unyielding uncertainty. As a Corps, we must not fear or avoid change, we need to accept adaptation and remain relevant, whilst being prepared to work smarter and be ruthless with the prioritisation of our tasks, without compromising our core purpose, which is to keep the Army fit, healthy and ready to fight and win wars on land. The
Corps is modernising, as is the Army, but I wish to make it clear, I will protect the Corps traditions, heritage and ethos and will do everything I can to ensure these are not lost during modernisation.
In closing, I offer my sincere thanks to the home team at HQ RAPTC for all their efforts and to you, both serving and retired Association members, who form the very fabric of what we represent. Our Association is extremely well managed by our Regimental Secretary, Lt Col (Retd) Steve Collinson, who does a fantastic job looking after our Association family, in addition to acting as the editor for this journal, therefore for his continued commitment, he deserves a very public thank you on behalf of the entire Association, both serving and retired. I thoroughly enjoy attending our Association events, chatting with you, and listening to the many stories you have. My only ask is that if it has been a while since you last attended one of our get-togethers, you consider one in the very near future. I look forward to hopefully catching up soon, be it during a visit or potentially at one of our events.
SENIOR MASTER AT ARMS