Page 12 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
HEADQUARTERS ROYAL ARMY PHYSICAL TRAINING CORPS Capt (MMA) B Reese RAPTC SO3 Policy & Plans
2020 and the start of 2021 has been eventful for all, testing everyone’s mental resilience, with significant changes to home and work life. For the P&P team it has been a year
consisting of a lot of planning and then cancelling of events unfortunately. Throughout this period however, there have been some outstanding performances by staff both inside and outside of the HQ and it has been great to see those within the HQ receiving recognition for their hard work.
At the time of writing we are in our third lockdown and now firmly able to continue with Business as Usual (BaU). 2021 sees the final part of the Army Leadership and Development Programme (ALDP) for non-commissioned ranks, with WO ALDP going live in April 2021. Further work is now required by HQ RAPTC to review and revise if necessary, the current RAPTC education pathway.
This year has also seen significant work in the HQ towards the Integrated Review, Army Reserves 2030 and a collaborative effort across the piece for the RAPTC with the Joint Service Job Evaluation Team to name just a few of the work stands in scope. 2021 will see the inaugural Army Officer Selection Board (Senior Soldier Entry) (AOSB (SSE)), previously published as the Senior Soldier Assessment Board (if the name doesn’t change again before this goes to print). Following the cancellation in 2020, the Commandant’s Conference 2021 was successfully run virtually, and virtual promotion and assignment boards have also continued to become business as usual.
One of the toughest parts when working remotely is when it comes time to say goodbye to staff. HQ RAPTC has had to say goodbye to Lt Col Steve Collinson ( to new employment in the ASCB), Maj Nick O’Shea on promotion to Lt Col , Capt Jack Horner on promotion to Maj, WO1 Gary Chekansky (to new employment within Amazon), SSgt Rich Moody on promotion to WO2, Sgt Steph Harris on promotion to SSgt and Sgt Mark Horrix on promotion to SSgt. Whilst restrictions allowed, small socially distanced gatherings, with everyone bringing their own coffee and cakes took place. When restrictions became tighter farewells were conducted through ZOOM, which at least provided an opportunity to mark the occasion. Hopefully we can find an opening in the calendar when normality returns to say goodbye properly.
There has been significant churn and gapping of roles within HQ RAPTC in the past 4 months. Jules Fairclough has continued to be unwavering in her support to the Corps HQ during the pandemic, assisting with the Business Support Manager’s role whilst Mrs
Sgt Mark Horrix receiving the Corps SM Coin
Sgt Steph Harris receiving the Corps SM Coin
Stand-in SO2 P&P