Page 105 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

After three wonderful years with the Regiment, it is time for me to down tools and handover to my successor WO2 (QMSI) Harden. With the regiment boasting outstanding sport facilities, a varied training area and personnel with a huge appetite for PD I have every confidence he will have a great start in his new role.
3 RSME delivers well trained and motivated Army Engineers in order to meet the operation requirements of Defence. The B3 Combat Engineers course is delivered to all ITT trainees undergoing the initial stages of combat engineering and comprises largely of bridge constructing, watermanship, demolitions days, trench warfare and counter mobility. With high physical demands set throughout the course, the PD is integral to maintaining functionality, strength and deload periods throughout. In Apr 21 the course will be extended by 2 weeks to support the Non-GCC RFT(S). The redesign was heavily supported by Sgt (SI) Scott Caine, whose expertise was greatly welcomed by the Regiment. A fantastic start for Sgt (SI) Caine.
Swimming training is an integral component of military training and is vital to all Sappers completing the watermanship phase and bridge constructing over water. To aid and support the delivery of both elements, they are supported by our ‘top class’ Pool Manager, Mr Robert (Bob) Kubath (Ex APTC). With 20 years of valued service to the Regiment, SIO Kubath not only delivers swimming training and MST’s to the trainees, he regular supports all the non / weak swimmer’s by delivering additional periods at 0630 and when I say regular, he is in every morning without fail to provide the best possible start for these young Sappers. Thank you, Bob.
Sappers Divers are specially trained to reach 50m depths and carry out a wide range of underwater tasks, including advanced reconnaissance, vehicle recovery and demolitions. To become a diver, a high level of physical fitness must be achieved to withstand the more arduous task of being a diver. With a high proportion of the P&RTC staff holding such an impressive qualification, it is fair to say that a clear line of communication must be maintained to remain competent and active in order to fulfill the role effectively.
Bridge Construction
2020 has been a testing year for all and with that comes challenges and the unknown. For 3 RSME and all ITT establishment training continued in line with the FHPI. Naturally, new frustration arose but with that, so did opportunities and throughout this turbulent period, I am proud to say that the team and the trainees were both submerged into the practices, remaining agile, whilst continuing to test and adjust to meet the aims both safely and effectively.
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3 ROYAL SCHOOL OF MILITARY ENGINEERING (RSME) REGIMENT
WO2 (QMSI) V Blackburn RAPTC & Sgt (SI) S Caine RAPTC
RE Diver
Bridging Overwater