Page 106 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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ATR (W) Tour De Winchester Charity Event
Adventurous Training. Like many Units, AT has been extremely difficult to plan during the last year. Nevertheless, we still managed to create a bespoke package to cover the Soldier Development Week that recruits would usually attend in Sennybridge. This has been testament to the motivational abilities of the staff at ATR(W), developing and delivering a programme to ensure that the recruits receive AT as close to the (pre-covid) Soldier Development package as possible. The package was inclusive of Kayaking, Rock Climbing, High Wires and Orienteering. This was all delivered locally and with the use of the qualified AT instructors based at ATR (W). Having received feedback from the recruits who attended the package, it was evident that it was a significant highlight during their time in training. ATR (W) Permanent Staff have also had the opportunity to participate in numerous Type 2 Expeds this year, with the majority gaining a foundation level award in MTB, Kayaking and Mountaineering. Almost all have decided to attend leader qualification courses in their respective disciplines, further adding to the armoury of instructors that JSAT offer.
Charity Work. ATR (W) have conducted a number of Charity events in the last 12 months. One event included running the distance of Winchester to Dover, Swimming the Channel, cycling from Calais to the Eiffel Tower and subsequently climbing the height of the Eiffel Tower (all completed via use of gymnasium facilities & equipment), raising £1000 for the Solent Mind Charity. Another event, the Askew Combat Race was organised by LCpl McMillan, in memory of Bdr Askew who sadly passed away in
ATR (W) Royal Hospital Chelsea Visit
July 2021. The event raised money for Combat Stress, a charity for veterans and serving soldiers dealing with PTSD and mental health. The event saw 3 teams complete a 3.1km stretcher race with a Juniors, Seniors and Officers team. The stretcher weight increased as more money was raised, and teams had the option to increase the loads of other teams respectively. In total, £2000 was raised in memory of Bdr Askew.
Royal Hospital Chelsea. With the departures of Capt Harris and Sgt Spencer, a visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea seemed a fitting opportunity to get RAPTCIs, AAPTIs and other members of the Unit together. The aim of the visit gave those in attendance an insight into the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Truly humbling and very successful, a fantastic occasion to promote team cohesion. It was an honour, and we were extremely grateful to the Chelsea Pensioners who supported and facilitated the tour of the hospital and Museum.
Overseas Sports Visit - Club La Santa. 10 members of ATR Winchester PS completed an Overseas Sports Visit (OSV) to Club La Santa, Lanzarote to participate in the Volcano Triathlon. The aim of Ex TIGER SANTA was to participate in the Volcano Triathlon whilst training and developing new and existing competitors in triathlon disciplines. The OSV provided some invaluable winter training for existing athletes to prepare for the upcoming season, whilst providing an excellent opportunity for raw talent to be introduced to the sport.
Fox Platoon is the Rehabilitation and Remedial training team within Army Training Regiment Winchester (ATR(W)). The Platoon’s primary role is the accelerated rehab of injured
Recruits (Rcts) in order to return them to the main course fit and healthy. Additionally, the Platoon provide remedial training to individuals who are struggling with the demands of the course, this can be both physically and mentally. The Fox team are handpicked by the Commanding Officer to ensure that these Rcts are managed in the most optimal way.
Fox Platoon have continued to develop and seize initiatives to optimise recruit training. The Platoon conducted a trial with Virtual Reality (VR) sets, that allow Rcts to conduct weapon handling training in a safe and secure environment. In particular, injured Rcts really felt the benefit of the VR training as it allowed them to train when it wasn’t possible previously. The Platoon have also utilised video feedback, streaming exercise lessons back to the accommodation so Rcts unable to deploy can see the training and be involved in the exercise. Picture / Video analysis apps are being used as after-action review tools or teaching aids to again enhance the training experience.
Finally, Fox Platoon conduct a bell parade to formally mark a Rcts transition from Rehab / Remedial Trg to re-joining the CMS. Rcts are clapped through the Platoon lines, ring the return to training bell, march out to the CO who presents their new Coy rank slide
before finally meeting their Coy Commander to be welcomed into their new training team. A fitting and rewarding experience that gives Rcts something to aim for whilst in rehab. My tour is now complete, and I have thoroughly enjoyed this challenging yet rewarding post. I now hand over to Capt Ian Gillard who I am sure will do a fantastic job.
We Fail – We Learn – We Win.
Capt Newton leading the way on a stretcher run
ATR WINCHESTER – FOX PLATOON
Capt (MAA) P J Newton RAPTC – OC FOX PLATOON