Page 120 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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2 (TRAINING) REGIMENT ARMY AIR CORPS
Another busy and demanding year within the Initial Trade Trainee (ITT) space with no let up on the pull through of trainees. COVID restrictions are finally starting to reduce, as a result there has been an immense demand for the reinvigoration of Sport and AT across the Army Aviation Centre (AACen). In addition to Sport and AT, in Apr 21 LWC Op Gps went live with the roll out of the Non-GCC RFT(S). This was a critical output measure for the ITT prior to postings into the Field Army. So far, so good, and as an Op Gp we have had a 100% pass rate on the RFT(S).
This year saw the successful completion of the proposed new gym. The previous gym was no longer fit for purpose and not conducive for the effective delivery of the APTS. As a result, we were afforded the opportunity to relocate into pre-existing infrastructure in the form of a large hangar space. The additional PTE and flooring were made possible with the support and funding form the LWC SO2 Maj Lundie. The gym was officially opened by the Director Land Warfare (DLW) Maj Gen Illingworth, which also coincided with the presentation of a Commander Field Army (CFA) commendation I proudly received for initiatives, the gym, as a collective instigated during the lockdown.
A highlight of the year for me was the surprise visit of Exeter Chiefs and British and Irish Lions forward Luke Cowan-Dickie. Part of the visit involved Luke having a tour of the gym facilities and overview of the APTS and how it correlates directly to the RFT(S). He was really impressed with how the Soldiers are trained and the equipment and facilities they have at hand. The final part of his visit was an overview of the RFT(S) with a live demonstration by the ITT. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete any element of the test due to the pending Lions tour to South Africa.
ITT conducting the jerry can carry
WO2 (QMSI) Marshall receives CFA’s Commendation
The gym saw a huge turn around in SIOs in late 2021, with three of them moving onto pastures new in a similar timeframe, which left us very thin on the ground. With a 50% deficit in workforce the SIOs have taken on the challenge and excelled, this was rightly reflected with the In-Year Civil Service awards they both received, but I think they are now looking forward to the new staff starting in May and sharing the workload!
The empty hangar
WO2 (QMSI) J Marshall RAPTC
The finished product
WO2 Marshall briefs Luke Cowan-Dickie