Page 88 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

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3RD BATTALION THE RIFLES
SSgt (SSI) J Shackleton RAPTC
As my time comes to an end with 3rd Battalion The Rifles, I find myself writing with mixed emotions. Whilst the prospect of an exciting new adventure is on the horizon, I cannot help feeling conflicted at the reality of leaving a Battalion that has welcomed me in with open arms. Despite the challenges we have faced over the last twelve months with the national pandemic, the Battalion has continued to support and invest in PD, adapting and developing alternative methods of operating as we navigate our way through peculiar times.
The early stages of the year saw a substantial percentage of the battalion dispersed and largely working from home. With no collective physical training taking place, numerous PT initiatives were adopted utilising social media platforms. This ensured physical training could take place, all be it on an individual basis, and personnel fitness levels could be maintained. As we returned to work in early August, the initial weeks were spent assessing the scale of the impact on physical fitness and engaging with a progressive build up training programme that enhanced fitness and ensured compliance with the MATT 2 testing requirements for our multitude of HR and VHR taskings.
As many training serials had to be delayed, cancelled or adapted due to the impact of COVID 19, it was hugely rewarding for AT,
Exercise Northern Bugle 5, to take place in early October. This consisted of a two-week package conducted from Kinlochleven Training Centre in the Scottish highlands. The package contained; Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Mountaineering and Canyoning and served as a great opportunity to expose our service personnel to controlled risk in some of Scotland’s most scenic areas. The package was a resounding success and received great feedback from the circa 80 students. Unfortunately, sport is an area that has certainly felt the impact of the COVID 19 situation, as many of our sporting agendas have been postponed or cancelled. However, it is incredibly positive to see how sports can be adapted to enable some safe participation and we hope to return the battalion back to its sporting glory as soon as safely possible. The Battalion did however, manage to organise a charity Tuff Mudder event, in order to support the local food banks. With the buy in for this event being an item of long-life food the Battalion was able to donate in the region of five hundred items to our local charity.
As 2020 has drawn to an end, we begin to look forward into a year that undoubtedly has considerable challenges ahead. Whilst the last twelve months has been both unpredictable and demanding, I continue to embrace my time spent with the RIFLES and have thoroughly enjoyed my role as their unit RAPTCI. Serving with 3rd Battalion The Rifles has been a pleasure. “SWIFT AND BOLD”.