Page 56 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

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3RD BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT
SSgt (SSI) B Gilmore RAPTC
Well what a year that has been. Since my assignment to 3 PARA my feet have barely touched the ground. Since my arrival in December 19, I have spent the vast majority of time on Air Manoeuvre Battle Group (AMBG) Readiness 1. Being at the forefront of 16 Air Assault Brigades rapid response and strike force for Operations anywhere in the world.
The turn of the year saw a Battle Group level exercise, Askari Storm. Deploying to Kenya for 8 weeks in a harsh and physically demanding training environment was always going to be tough. Being involved within the exercise and earning the initial respect of those around me was paramount. It was not all cam cream and trench digging though. The end of the exercise saw over 75% (over 400 personnel) of the Battle Group take part in organised AT packages. Additionally, heading up community engagement at a local female prison and orphanage delivering books, food, and basic aid is something I will never forget.
It’s great to see that physical fitness still plays an integral role of the Parachute Regiment. I have continued to develop PT and implement the APTS inline with the FOE. Even through current restrictions this hasn’t held us back. We have tested just under 400 Paratroopers on the RFT(S) and SCR all of which I am proud to say have met the required standards.
Loaded Marches still play a big part in PT as its crossover to the main role is evident to see. That being said, 3 PARA are training smart. The opening of Pegasus gym has allowed us to implement much more S&C than in previous years. I believe this has played a huge part in injury prevention as well as the high performance of 3 PARA.
Unfortunately, its Sport that has taken the hit this year. 3 PARA is a great sporting Battalion that wants to excel within each and every Sport it competes in. We had great success at the start of year in Boxing, where 3 PARA won every bout in a ‘night of Boxing’ against various other Units. Additionally, the BAWF team got of to a great start winning both Regional events, firmly sitting in top spot until COVID restrictions forced that to stop.
Whatever the challenges next year may bring, 3 PARA are fighting fit and ready to take them head on.
Delivering books and food to a local orphanage
IC 3 PARA BAWF
Delivering toiletries to a female prison as part of community engagement task
Heavy carry in Friday Woods training area
3 PARA Boxing event