Page 21 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

I’m delighted to serve with the Division and knew I’d find my time here both rewarding and challenging. I have met great leaders and colleagues over the past year which provided superb
support to the PD world across the largest Division in the Army.
My priority early on was to complete a successful transition into the Headquarters, both from a work and a domestic perspective. The Induction Handbook designed to help with integration process provided a seamless transition.
Prior to the 1st (UK) Division arriving in the UK in 2015, it was a Germany based Armoured Division and it has a long and glorious history, a history that will never be forgotten, which baselines the Divisions reputation and offers a great springboard for the future. But now, and for the very first time, the Army has adapted a division to meet a newer set, and broader range, of more contemporary challenges whilst also retaining the ability, in parts, to meet more traditional higher end operational requirements. The Division will, for example, provide the operational level direction and coherence for, and the tactical level delivery of, most of the Defence Engagement requirements articulated in CGS’s vision for A2020. Indeed, the Division is already doing much of this now. Defence Engagement is but one of the new outputs of the Division and component parts will still train in the more familiar roles as well as providing forces for tasks in the UK. This will be done with an integrated regular and reserve structure.
So, the PD team is part of a dynamic and exciting headquarters, at the very forefront of delivering the change required to take our Army into the future. To do this we have pulled together and worked as a team. Regardless of rank, post, experience or background, or whether a regular, full-time or part-time reserve, or military or civilian – Physical Development plays a critical part to delivering the success the Army and Division needs. There is
1 UK Div Wattbike Master Trainer Course Mar 22
Major (MAA) W Young RAPTC
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HEADQUARTERS 1ST (UNITED KINGDOM) DIVISION
much to do, but it is challenging and rewarding work. It is work the GOC knows we will all be proud of doing.
Part of preparing for light and more agile role supporting Short Term Training Team (STTT) operations overseas, PD Branch organises the Bismarck Challenge. It was not possible to hold the event in 2020 due to COVID restrictions in place at the time. Last year the event went ahead with great success, with a slight modification by bolting on the Health Fair, changes to the route layout and inviting our French counterparts. The majority of competitors Reg/ Res were from across the 1 Div AOR with some guest teams from other Divisions. Marked as a significant event as part of the GOC’s annual objectives it was the first large gathering to take place as BaU from a long period of restrictions. It was impressive to see the small Army of blue tops get amongst it and deliver the highest of professional support under the watchful eye of WO1 Mike Arnell RAPTC and WO2 Jules Bloomer RAPTC.
ARMY RESERVE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT – AR PD
Capt (MAA) Geoff Chapman HQ 1 (UK) Div SO3 AR. AR PD has within its current structure control of approximately 55% of the AR. The situation gives 2* HQs the opportunity to improve AR PD delivery. This is no easy task! AR units are spread across the UK and the limited availability of Reserve Service Days (RSDs) impacts on training outputs.
Without exception, Bde RPOCs always step up to provide local support. I would like to publicly thanks them for ensuring AR PDAs are effective and help improve PD units’ performance. We have a strong bond of likeminded personnel that enjoy professional, well delivered fitness training and testing.
AR Fmns are embracing GCC and Non GGC training and testing and the next 12 months will embed more deeply into the life of ARs. The Bismarck Challenge already mentioned is well supported by AR units to compete, this is set to increase for 2022. My final comment is to recognise the effort of AR RAPTCIs and AR PTIs who commit their own time to deliver PD, I applaud you and please feel free to contact SO3 PD for D&G or just a likeminded chat.
WO1 (SMI) Mike Arnell 1 HQ Div SMI. The Divisional PD branch hosted a Wattbike Master Trainers course in Catterick in March 2022 delivered by Mr Gary Mason and Mr Eddie Fletcher and supported by the RAPTCIs WO2 Roberts at RRU Catterick
RAPTC Bismarck Challenge Staff 2021 with the SMAA
and SSgt Hanson at 4 Scots. A total of 15 RAPTCIs and PTIs attended the two-day training which also included an update on the Alternative Aerobic Assessment and its alignment with the SCR 15-point scoring scale. All those attending successfully achieved Watt Bike Master Trainer status and will support the regional and Divisional PD branches in training other RAPTCIs and PTIs by delivering the half-day Watt Bike training course.