Page 166 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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The working day and course timings had to match the Bahraini culture, which is more relaxed than we are used to in the United Kingdom. Starting earlier in the morning but then finishing not long after lunch would give us the majority of the afternoon free to catch up on work or go over any presentations ready for the following day.
Due to the nature of the course, we found a vast majority of the theory content had to be delivered utilising a few of the students as interpreters. They usually only spoke very limited English, so time spent in the classroom delivering PowerPoint presentations sometimes became challenging and time-consuming. We found students benefited more through practical demonstrations and Instructional practices.
All pre-course screening eligibility was conducted before our arrival through the head BRG PTI WO1 Hassan Dawood. Once accepted, all students had to complete the input and output test to ensure they were capable and suitable to become a Basic PTI. All standards were selected from elements of the British Army MATT2 policy and PTI standards but with a few variations due to a lack of kit and individual fitness levels. The testing criteria itself meant students had to pass the SCR Minus at the start and finish of the course (Pullups, Press-ups, Broad jump, Sprints and 2km run). Students also had to deliver back and pass two Instructional Practices from different components of fitness that we demonstrated throughout the course.
On completing the course, Brigadier Saad (Head of Battle) held a final parade where he congratulated all the successful students. He also awarded certificates and a set of cross swords donated from the Army School of Physical Training.
Outside of the Basic PTI Course, we also found ourselves offering our assistance on evenings to the Bahrain Rugby Club where SSgt Gilmore put the rugby team through some physically demanding rugby specific conditioning sessions and Sgt Sadler headed up numerous training sessions for the Bahrain international boxing team. In return, they kindly asked us to attend the Royal Rumble Boxing Charity dinner in the presence of His Royal Highness Shaikh Bin Hamad AL Khalifa. The Black-tie event allowed us to watch The Bahrain Royal Guard go up against the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, something that had never happened before in the history of Bahrain and was a fantastic experience.
Bahrain Basic PTI Course following the final Parade
Bahrain Course Students conducting a PT Lesson
Rugby Training conducted by SSgt Gilmore
Sgt Sadler with the Bahrain International Boxing Team