Page 49 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

COVID-19 and the national lockdown has no doubt restricted the Regiment, but it hasn’t stopped what we do best; output. 7 Para RHA has still had an outstanding and positive
year with a packed calendar across all departments leading into to 2021.
Since my assignment start in September 2020, we have spent the vast majority on Readiness 1 supporting the Parachute Regiment and 16 Air Assault Brigade for rapid response and strike force for operations.
In the interim we have still fulfilled external demands such as All Arms Pre-Parachute Selections (AAPPS(S) courses and forwarding those successful to the Basic Parachute Course (BPC) ready to battle life as an Airborne Soldier within Brigade.
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7TH PARACHUTE REGIMENT ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY
SSgt (SSI) N Curtis RAPTC
October 2020 saw the delivery of the Regiment’s inhouse Southgate Cup cross country event alongside the delivery and execution of the AAPPS(S) at ITC Catterick, led by SSgt Curtis RAPTC and Capt Scouller (RHA). The three courses had their challenges however, with discipline and commitment to the job at hand there were 78 successful candidates to AAPPS.
A rewarding October gave the Regiment momentum to carry on and support Ex’s Mercers Thunder, Wessex Storm, conduct two more AAPPS(S) in January 2021 and with lockdown adding pressure, delivered the Regiments first online (virtual) BAWF competition led by SSgt Curtis RAPTC and LBdr Robinson (RHA). A collaborative effort to raise spirits for early 2021.
Unfortunately, sport has not been in the schedule for 7 Para RHA this year but that hasn’t changed their ability to focus elsewhere. The Regiment has implemented a MyZone Application as a Brigade asset to track activity from home, the workplace and whilst deployed utilising the lone soldier programme to stay operationally effective. This has seen to be a huge benefit to the work force prior to deploying on Ex Cypher Strike until March 2021.
Whatever the situation, 7 Para RHA remain professional and fit to fight.