Page 112 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

110
www.raptcassociation.org.uk
Wing staff reformed in August eager to return to work and get out on the ground. Training recommenced with some much-needed staff training localised to Wales under the guidance of the Chief Instructor, SSgt (SSI) Liam Crutchley who mentored his staff in course delivery with covid compliance.
To support the leadership development training of Officer Cadets at RMAS in Aug 20, the OC Capt (MAA) Cowley, SIOAT Mr Rhys Jordan and LCpl Masters headed off to Sandhurst to deliver MBF courses. Supported by the Academy’s MTB Club and instructors the week proved to be very productive and a welcomed change of bike trails for the Castlemartin instructors.
August 20 proved to be a busy month as the ATFC Group reinstated training. This also included SSgt (SSI) Liam Crutchley organising an ATFC Group climbing exercise that had climbers travel from Cyprus, Germany and UK AT Wings, to climb on world class sea cliffs that are situated on Castlemartin ranges. This is a rarity as sea cliffs are within the arcs of the armoured firing ranges that are pretty much in use continually throughout the year.
Field Army courses were allocated in September, albeit in smaller groups to help in infection control. In between course delivery and the ongoing local lockdowns and firebreaks, the team also managed to get time away to participate in CPD. The WSM, WO2 (QMSI) Jamie McLellan planned and delivered a week of mountaineering in the Lake District completing the Bob Graham Round with the Castlemartin team. QMSI McLellan, also took advantage of a good weather window during his leave period and managed to traverse the legendary Cuillin Ridge.
SSgt Simpson (R Signals) is the Wing SQMS and has a broad base of summer and winter AT instructor qualifications. When called upon he puts these qualifications to good use and supports the team in delivering foundation courses. This year SSgt Simpson participated in Ex SCOT Bike hosted by ATFCs Inverness Wing. The Exercise brought together mountain bikers from across ATFC, JSMTC and the wider Army for 2 weeks of MTB development, in which SSgt Simpson achieved his MBI.
CSgt Green
Although the year has been challenging, the Castlemartin team have been resilient and efficient in delivering training when possible and also seized upon personal training opportunities when appropriate. As a result, the skillset and experience gained has strengthened the team
Cpl McShane and Pte McGuire