Page 97 - MBS 2022/23

Iam writing this article after completing my first six months as 4 Ranger’s RAPTCI. The perfect chance to reflect
on my initial experiences delivering Physical Development (PD) for the Army’s newest Regiment.
Initially, I assumed transitioning to ‘mainstream’ after spending four years as an Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor (ERI) within Defence Primary Healthcare would be relatively straightforward. However, I quickly realised the job would provide a set of fresh challenges to tackle. Receiving a full Physical Development Audit (PDA) after only two months initially seemed daunting, in hindsight it proved to be the perfect starting point from which to carry on the great work that had already been done by my predecessor SSgt (now QMSI) Andy Syrett RAPTC.
From a deployment perspective, the Battalion remains extremely busy at both team and individual levels, with many personnel deployed across the 4 Ranger Area of Responsibility (AOR) in the Middle East and beyond. This has made the prescription of the Army Physical Training System (APTS) and exercise adherence particularly challenging, as specific locations at reach do not have the required infrastructure or equipment.
One solution to this problem has been the Battalion’s enrolment in 6 UK Div’s Deployed Physical Training Equipment (DPTE) trial. The trial has seen 4 Ranger receive portable strength pods containing various forms of PTE including, foldable barbells, weighted discs, kettlebells and 50kg fillable powerbags. The pods provide a physical development capability at reach, meaning we can create specific APTS programmes based on various factors such as the individuals deployed, their location, the climate and the equipment available.
Alongside a busy work schedule, the Battalion has also found time for adventurous training, with HQ & A Coy both deploying to France to conduct Alpine Skiing. More specifically, Ski Foundation 1 (SF1) and SF2 courses. The expeditions provided a welcome break from the normal battle rhythm and provided some memorable moments on the slopes. I must also give thanks to SSgt (SSI) Hampson RAPTC & Sgt (SI) Ramsdale RAPTC, who kindly offered to support the expeditions as instructors. A fine example of how fellow RAPTCIs support each other to get big ticket events across the line.
Moving forward, work is already being done on establishing the Army Special
4 RANGER REGIMENT
SSgt (SSI) M Glass RAPTC
95
HQ Coy - Ex TIGER STRORM - France
Operations Brigade (ASOB) Human Performance team. The team will aim to research and target human performance attributes such as sleep, nutrition, psychology and the effects ‘operator syndrome’ has on the modern war fighter.
On the sporting front, I have continued to represent the Corps Football team following our promotion-winning season. The team have more than held their own in our first season back in the topflight, picking up a few scalps along the way!
‘An unrelenting will to win’ – 4 RANGER
SSgt (SSI) Glass brushes off an Army Medical Services (AMS) defender during a Corps football fixture