Page 110 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
JOINT SERVICE MOUNTAIN TRAINING CENTRE
WO1 (RSM) A D Allen RAPTC
‘Not Your Ordinary RSM Role’
As a main-streamer within the Corps, the pinnacle appointment must be the only RSM slot available to the RAPTCI, at the Joint Service Mountain Training Centre HQ - Indefatigable.
Horizon scanning a few years back, it was apparent that if all things fell into place, the role would become available at the right time. An opportunity to progress on from being the CSM/QMSI of Fox Coy at the Army Foundation College Harrogate into such a prestigious appointment would be something to strive for and a natural step.
Not your typical RSM role, it comes with so many strings to its bow due to the establishment’s unique set up and rank structure. You really are involved with the whole G1-9 spectrum with significant roles at G1, G4, G7 and G9. The role is people facing and comes double hatted with being the Regimental Career Management Officer. Within this role, you really do add value to the organisation and every person within, looking after careers and assisting members of the team creates a sense of reward.
I have never met such a talented and enthusiastic bunch. The ATI is a different breed who understandably love what they do. Their energy to deliver at the highest standards is insatiable and this percolates throughout the organisation. Come rain or shine, day in and day out, all they want to do is be out there in the elements and the wilderness doing what they love, instructing students who feed off of the positivity; more often than not, leading to them wanting to come back.
The current pandemic has brought huge challenges for an organisation such as the JSMTC. Being Army led, the Centre continues with its ‘can do, will do’ attitude and any small gaps that open for delivery have been utilised. Many relationships have been at arm’s length, but the challenges have been met head on with various staff training, town hall meetings and external speakers keeping the teams motivated and engaged.
As time moves on, life will hopefully return to normal and I look forward to annual staff training, visits to Bavaria, Scotland, Ripon,
JSMTW Ripon Visit - TEE (temp employed elsewhere) troops setting up climbs prior to assignment to Castlemartin
Llanrwst, Northern Ireland, Norway, possibly Canada and the delights of climbing mountains, paddling rivers, riding the trails, skiing both uphill and downhill and whatever other challenges the role will throw at me. Bring it on!
JOINT SERVICE MOUNTAIN TRAINING CENTRE INDEFATIGABLE
Sgt (SI) G Veitch RAPTC
Since leaving the Army School of Physical Training (ASPT), I began my journey and transition to becoming an Adventurous Training instructor (ATI). Currently under command of JSMTC HQ Training Department, where I receive Joint
Service Adventurous Training (JSAT) from experienced staff within JSMTC.
I will remain on the Resilience Training Margin (ReM) until my first posting to JSMTW Llanrwst in North Wales mid-2021. To date I have successfully completed O3N, K3N CI2 and MBL, focusing on development as well as leader courses as this will give me the ability to deliver foundation courses to students when I arrive at Unit.
The transition so far has gone smoothly. Being in sole charge of a group has benefited both me and my managerial skills. I understand my student needs better and cater their training in accordance with their learning styles. In addition, receiving feedback, and conducting self-reflection I’m finding that my coaching skills and leadership qualities have substantially improved.
Sgt Veitch, Sgt Smith relaxing while exploring one of the national parks favoured spots