Page 117 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

WO2 (QMSI) A Stoby RAPTC
Having only been in the role for 5 months at the time of writing this article, I feel I have firmly found my feet at 8 Trg Bn
REME. It is a great place to be and they are producing some outstanding tradespeople that are ready for the high demands of the Field Army.
We currently have a very diverse team with a MAA, QMSI, SSI (ERI), SI, 5 AAPTIs and 6 SIOs. When all this experience is channelled in the same direction, it really showcases to the Bn the very best of what PD has to offer. The introduction of a refined training programme post (most) COVID restrictions and very challenging Force Health Protection (FHP) measures is the platform that displays their efforts daily, with praise coming up and down the CoC and also reinforced with the Initial Trade Trainees (ITT) 97% RFT (S) first time pass rate.
With, on average, over 15% of the REME assigned to the Bn at any time, there is always plenty going on, especially on a Wednesday afternoon which sees every Soldier and Officer offered the opportunity to partake in sport. With over 30 sports on offer, it truly is a sports for all afternoon. The enthusiasm from the sports OiCs and the fantastic facilities expected from an establishment that was previously owned by the RAF (although we are still waiting for the bowling alley to be recommissioned) provide the foundation for future REME sporting success through grass roots development and early recognition of raw talent.
With a FoE that is quickly filling up, the Bn have their Inter Coy Boxing event in Apr 22 with 30 boxers currently training, the event will have plenty of bouts and fierce competition between the Coys. The Bn will also host the REME Boxing Championships, the REME Festival of Sport, a Bn Families’ Day, as well as the usual Unit Health Fair and Sports Fair.
SSgt (SSI) J Bambury RAPTC – 8 Bn REME ERI
Having arrived in a role that had been largely disjointed due to my predecessor requiring to bridge the
gap of QMSI and the disruption of COVID, I was essentially to rejuvenate the ERI for the Bn. The PCRF covers approx. 5000 patients due to medical centre closures, this is meant to be managed by 5 civilian physios, at the
time of writing we are operating at two, but soon to reduce to one. This has reduced our ability to see patients within a good timeframe and although actively recruiting, this is a problem that will not be solved soon.
My role is focused on the 1500ish 8Bn personnel, this ensures that the ITT soldiers are tracked, discussed, and managed correctly. The challenge with the ITT is the timescale of their courses and the timing of their injury. The ITT soldiers are required to pass an RFT(S) prior to posting and if they are injured late into their course, this requires swift management by all to ensure they are not delayed or posted without the receiving unit being aware.
Working with ITT has is benefits, in that the soldiers often have acute injuries and resolve quite quickly but, it also has challenges when training is key and soldiers not wanting to miss classes to attend rehab or just generally not aware of the services available.
Lyneham itself is ever-expanding and with the expected arrival of No 4 School RAF it will absorb more pressure with the infra debate. Currently there is no dedicated suitable area for soldiers to conduct their rehab which is often conducted during their 2 periods of PT per week, this is one of my main goals throughout my tenure at Lyneham. Fortunately, the gym staff appreciate the aforementioned issues and ensure those soldiers who are on rehab are afforded the chance to undertake their rehab or attend
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8 TRAINING BATTALION REME
8 Trg Bn REME Gym Staff