Page 19 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22
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 the varying levels of Government restrictions difficult to follow at the time, there was also very little commonality across the British Isles, therefore blanket policy direction was inappropriate and often led to individuals attempting to manipulate or challenge policy to suit their needs.
As I stated in last year’s MBS, this job is a fast paced, multi-faceted role which requires patience, diplomacy and a thick skin! Policy is far more complex than I ever imagined, and this role has provided a real insight into the multiple layers of Governance, Funding, Assurance and Risk Ownership. Each of these areas in isolation is convoluted, but when coupled together, an end-state is often difficult to get to, that said, Army HQ is full of knowledgeable and forward leaning people who understand the needs of the Service.
As Service Personnel return to participating in Sport at all levels, they are rightly so, refreshing themselves with what Policy permits and authorises. The 18-month hiatus in activity has allowed the various delivery organisations and Sport Committees to conduct ‘Deep Dives’ into their respective areas. What I have found from this role is that policy never remains static, just when you think you have your head around something, it changes, and unless on the front foot, it can leave you exposed.
A huge amount has been done to ensure Sport returned safely, with tweaks to update policy happening regularly. As I came into post, my first job was to publish a complete refresh of AGAI Vol 1 Ch 5, and as I leave, a further refresh may be my final task. We have had new Sports agreed by the UK Armed Forces Sport Board, changes to permit Civil Servants to play sport, new Assurance regimes for Army Sport, and let’s just say the Winter Sport situation remained dynamic, with changes almost daily, depending on what was happening with Coronavirus on the continent.
This post holder is required to work closely with the ASCB on a regular basis, and I am delighted to note that I get to interact regularly with Lt Cols (Retd) Steve Collinson, Tom Scarr and Steve Davis in their respective ASCB roles, and you will not be surprised to read that they continue to add real value and support
the delivery of Service sport. I also have infrequent engagement with ex RAPTC Capt (Retd) Lee Dyson who now manages the Army Sports Lottery (ASL), but he still refuses to hand over any ASL freebies!
AT Policy has continued to evolve and be updated. As with sport, the pause in activity has permitted a review of several AT disciplines the Army is responsible for. Not content with being the largest contributor and sponsor for AT activities in the JSAT Scheme, the Army also assumed control of Offshore Sailing from the Royal Navy in Apr 22, improved the location and delivery sites by moving several AT Wings, Castlemartin to Brecon, Ripon to Halton, and from Canada to Germany, all of which will likely be covered in more detail by the Army AT Group in this issue.
The policy for Activities which are not categorised as either AT or Policy is also the responsibility of this post holder, and this year has seen the policy completely updated following consultation with other key stakeholders in Governance, Remuneration, and Safety Branches within Army HQ. This policy permits a huge amount of activity, which otherwise would be conducted Off-Duty and in soldiers’ own time. I’m not quite sure how it happened, but I also picked up the role of Secretariat to the Army Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) Working and Steering Groups, which at times has consumed my time and focus. This is an area of zero risk tolerance for the MOD, and rightly so following 2 fatalities conducting entry fitness tests in 2019. SCT is now written into policy and Exertional Collapse Associated to Sickle Cell Trait (ECAST) is therefore a condition which everyone involved in the delivery of Physical Training needs to be alive to.
I write these notes as I prepare to handover to Maj Mark Galley, before I head up to HQ JSMTC to be OC Trg. In closing, this post has challenged me in ways I didn’t think possible, but I have learnt so much because of this. Throughout this assignment, I have been supported by exceptionally talented people, these people know who they are, and I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank them.
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   Ihave been working at Army Headquarters since March, in an FTRS role as a training analyst with responsibility for SM and Lifestyle education, and how we deliver this key aspect
of training. The role covers a myriad of areas and has provided a huge learning experience around a complex, challenging, and emotive topic which is highly prevalent in modern life.
In order to shape future developments and ensure we are providing the best possible training to our Officers and Soldiers, Prof Dev are currently conducting a scoping exercise around the education of recruits in Basic Training, with a view to implementing a culture of behavioural change using engaging and thought-provoking training.
With my previous experience, gained as a UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) Educator, via training delivery and guidance to elite and high performing athletes, this affords me an excellent start point. This breadth of knowledge and experience has informed and shaped some of the SM developments and initiatives thus far, and will inform further analysis and research.
Army Headquarters is a dynamic, agile and challenging environment to work in, the work threads are thought-provoking and working amongst the current and future leaders of the British Army is a privilege to embrace. It also offers a fantastic work / life balance, with opportunities for personal growth, development and some outstanding sporting and AT opportunities.
On a personal note, I have continued to work with Army and UKAF weightlifting, helping to coach our elite level athletes with a wider responsibility of developing our next generation of coaches. I have personally, been fortunate throughout my weightlifting journey to having been mentored by ex RAPTC stalwart Ray Williams, who continues to support and help develop Army weightlifting. It is fantastic to see Army weightlifting continuing to go from strength to strength with athletes winning medals at National level and many pushing for selection for international honours. The future is bright in this sport, which has recently gained formal categorisation as a recognised sport, with the RAPTC being key stakeholders providing both athletes and coaches across all levels.
SUBSTANCE MISUSE (SM)
WO2 (QMSI) Chris Williams RAPTC Substance Misuse (SM) Training Analyst

















































































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