Page 11 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

Is it really that time again? This time last year I was in Tidworth as SO3 PD HQSW, however having successfully handed over the reins to Capt “Suff” again (seems to be a current theme, I
feel Aldershot is calling you next), I find myself as SO3 Policy & Plans. The job seemed slightly daunting from the outside, but I can assure you it is extremely enjoyable and rewarding from the inside and is a role that I cannot recommend highly enough, with the people in the HQ driven from the top all determined to improve all elements of the Corps.
The job has delivered many outputs during my tenure, such as updating the Career Management Handbook for both Officers and Soldiers, thus giving all RAPTCIs a clear and concise document from which to refer to regarding the “do’s & don’ts”. The Career Management portal went live as the most recent development from Proj CASTLE, a fantastic tool, that provides easy access to relevant army and cap badge career policy for all soldiers and officers, both regular and reserve, which includes SToS, direct confirmation of board results, job lists and assignments to name a few. However, from my perspective the introduction of the Digital Transfer process in Nov 21 is a clear sign of progression and blue sky thinking. This is already a fundamental part of the pre-RAPTC selection process and will be the only way to apply to attend in 2023.
Fox Lines is a constantly revolving door for visitors and this year has been no exception with soldiers from both the US and Serbian (later cancelled at the last minute) army’s tasting the delights on offer and being suitably impressed by all that they saw. The same could be said for Commander Home Command who visited and cancelled his afternoon diary in order to sample a further portion of what the Corps has to offer, (it’s always good to have friends in high places). July 21 saw the visit of the Joint Service Job Evaluation Team to our shores and were warmly met by a cacophony of eagerly awaiting RAPTCIs keen to show off what the talents of the whole trade the Corps has to offer. The visit was a great success and hopefully we will be elevated to pay supplement level 2 – in short, a few extra pounds in our wallet.
However, the HQ is definitely not a case of all work and no play, as the HQ have embarked upon a Battlefield Tour to Gibraltar,
SSgt Bremner delivering to the JSJET
SO3 POLICY & PLANS
Capt (MAA) S Green RAPTC
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HEADQUARTERS ROYAL ARMY PHYSICAL TRAINING CORPS
conducted an Adventurous Training package in Thorney Island, a team building day in London, where it rained continuously, and later in the year another Battlefield Tour to Northern Ireland and the Regional Study Period in Cyprus. The opportunity is also made available to assist in the future of the Corps as a member of the Directing Staff on RAPTC Selection. This is a very eventful and rewarding week, as we continue to pick the very best the Army has to offer in order to improve the already impressive array of talent the Corps has to offer.
Without stealing Capt Joe’s sandwiches, the Commandant’s Conference was a huge success especially being the first face-to- face conference in 3 years. With nearly 350 RAPTCIs in attendance and having the opportunity to hear not only exceptional external speakers delivering world class presentations, but also our own RAPTCIs who spoke with confidence and intellect and again showcased the phenomenal talent that we have in our Corps; I for one was proud to be in attendance. It’s always great to see our RAPTCIs flying the flag adapting and delivering on Operations and
HQ RAPTC flying high in Gibraltar