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After we both arrived in July 2023, Sgt (SI) Jones and I have fully embraced the Ghurkha way of life. Our first task was to complete the Basic Nepalese Language & Culture course at Sandhurst. Two weeks of being put through our language paces by the instructors. You were either ‘on the bus’ or left behind. To learn about the journey of Gurkha Soldiers and the obstacles they have to overcome is nothing short of inspiring. The ability to say simple phrases and polite or correct terms of hierarchy addressing was made very clear. The course was very insightful and set us both up for success back at the unit.
Gurkha ARRC Sp Bn is a unique unit which has a primary focus on ensuring that the HQ ARRC and 1 Signal Brigade Headquarter elements are prepared and ready to insert into any deployment, whether in UK or overseas. Agile and robust, in between busy and lengthy deployments, the unit still manage a vast number of extracurricular activities. Whether it’s Sport, AT, Cultural Visits or Personal Development, all this alongside routine day-to-day activity makes the unit outputs even more remarkable for such small numbers compared to other Battalions.
The unit has deployed to Romania on Exercise STEADFAST JUPITER; a NATO validation exercise, which qualified them to take on the NATO Response Force (NRF) role for the duration of 2024, ready to react to any critical requirements within NATO’s remit.
Health & Sports Fairs have been pivotal to supporting the Commanding Officer’s intent to be at the forefront of all things Physical Development (PD), qualifying
WO2 (QMSI) Baldwin & Sgt (SI) Jones with the team at Bismarck Challenge
RAPTCIs, past and present, at Pen Y Fan
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GURKHA ALLIED RAPID REACTION CORPS SUPPORT BATTALION
WO2 (QMSI) L Baldwin RAPTC & Sgt (SI) H Jones RAPTC
PTIs on the Defence Health & Wellbeing Course (DHWA). The drive since has been well supported across the unit with plenty on offer for the Battalion.
On the sporting front, there has been great strides performed with an overseas Football Tour in Nepal alongside great success in the Inter Gurkha unit ‘Nepal Cup.’ Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF) and Shooting have all seen success on various fronts with the unit keen to win at any opportunity.
There has been multi-activity Adventurous Training conducted in the South-West & across Wales with the standout Exped being the Himalayan Mountaineering trek in Nepal for 14 Soldiers to test their mental and physical fortitude.
WO2 (QMSI) Baldwin & Sgt (SI) Jones with the team at the Commando Speed March
When it comes to Endurance events, the unit takes the challenge seriously and has competed admirably across the board. A great showing at the Fleet Half Marathon and second place at the UK South X-Country League, whilst achieving top 10 finishes in both the Bismarck Challenge and Commando Speed March. A fourth- place finish at the Trailwalker event and achieving a Gold at the Cambrian Patrol.
Outside of the PD routine, the Gym staff have organised a Fireworks Event, Children’s Activity Days, School Outreach alongside Military Veteran & Foodbank support. The latter being very successful with monthly Station events, alongside the annual RAPTC Tin Phys Events, both in unit, and more recently Pen Y Fan events, which are also open to retired personnel and their families.
WO2 (QMSI) Baldwin & Sgt (SI) Jones delivering Tin Phys Donations