Page 101 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

The deliverance of Physical Training (PT) had to rapidly change due to COVID-19. The P&RTC at ATC (P) showed innovation to change the way PT was delivered to recruits. Restrictions were promptly put in place to conform with social distancing and prevent the spread, however this did not come without its own challenges.
During the first lockdown which was the only lockdown Basic Training (BT) experienced, PT was primarily delivered virtually via a live steam, to which Microsoft Teams and Defence Connect were the platforms of choice. This enabled recruits to participate in a safe and varied environment such as living rooms, bedrooms and gardens all from their own home. This type of virtual training encouraged recruits isolating, to continue to participate in PT and boost their mental wellbeing. Those unable to return home, such as overseas recruits, continued to receive PT outdoors and remained at ATC (P). Instructors demonstrated leadership and
selfless commitment by volunteering to work throughout the pandemic, working as a team, they swiftly adapted lessons, so PT was continuously delivered in a dynamic and safe manner.
After the first lockdown and the resumption of BT, PT was delivered outside following strict social distancing measures, this meant that the PT delivered was based around the utilisation of personal military equipment such as bergans and daysacks etc.
Mental robustness was a key virtue tested during this period of outdoor PT, especially in poorer weather conditions, although the sun was shining at the start of the pandemic, the dark autumnal and winter months soon came, which placed extra stressors both on the recruit and instructors alike. The AAPTIs during this period continued to deliver innovative, structured and excellently planned PT which as an RAPTCI was both impressive and humbling to view.
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DELIVERANCE OF PT DURING COVID-19 ARMY TRAINING CENTRE (PIRBRIGHT)
Sgt (SI) C Mortley RAPTC