Page 25 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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The position at 4 Med Regt is a dual role, encompassing both Mainstream (MS) and Exercise Rehabilitation (ERI) avenues. Therefore, balancing out ERI and MS role is essential.
It has been an incredibly busy year so far for the regiment due to unit service personnel deployed outside regiment on Op RESCRIPT where they have been helping to fight against the global pandemic.
Despite the busy commitments that we all have, upon my arrival I quickly realised that my main priority was to establish a One Stop Shop for PD and the PT programme for those in the regiment, those WFH and those away from the regiment on deployment. Following that, my priority was to qualify more AAPTIs, which is progressing since my arrival. As a result, delivery of PT has been more efficient and in line with the Army Physical Training System (APTS).
The 4 Medical Regiment gym is a shared facility with the council in Tidworth Leisure Centre (TLC). Due to the complex nature of the facility, it is challenging but workable with good teamwork and
rapport with our civilian counterparts in TLC. Physical Training Equipment (PTE) has been one of the challenges due to the shared facility but with support of HQ Regional Command it is progressing, and I am sure it will further develop in line with APTS to support both civilian and military users in TLC.
Recently, along with the ease of restrictions, the regiment has reinvigorated the CO’s Cup, which brings Sqn competing against one another in various events and activities. The competition culminated with CO’s farewell week in the regiment.
One of the Squadrons is now preparing to deploy to Kenya and Europe, whereas another Sqn is also supporting by deploying their SP as required to support the deployment. Despite ongoing preparation for deployment, the regiment is keen to undertake AT and sports events as part of the regimental battle rhythm. This will be a huge benefit for all SP to develop and hone their leadership and sporting skills, thus benefiting the individual, the regiment and the service.
Lastly, so far, my time in the regiment and working with civilian counterparts in TLC has been challenging at times but making the most out of it as well. I am excited and looking forward to my remaining time with the regiment.
4 MEDICAL REGIMENT
SSgt (SSI) P Rai RAPTC
13Signal Regiment (13SR) have the responsibility to deliver specialist Information and Communication Systems (ICS) and cyber capability through the evolution and
operations of; the Army CyISOC; Cyber personnel; and capability development in order to deliver success on current and future deployments globally. This involves delivering mandated training outputs within an assured safe system of training and continue to develop and provide a more flexible training continuum that better assures competency and training to the threshold of failure; whilst providing evidence of cyber development. 13SR is extremely busy all year round and has hosted exercises such as Ex ARMY CYBER SPARTAN, Ex DEFENDER and The Army Warfighting Experiment Urban and assists in a plethora of exercises and operations such as Op RESCRIPT, Ex JOINT VENTURE and Op TANGHAM.
In September 2021 I boomed back to the UK from an overseas post, fresh and ready for another mainstream unit, I could not wait to leave the rubber gloves of the ERI world behind. Upon arrival in the unit, I was extremely confused to learn that I would be working in Regimental Headquarters due to having no Gymnasium infrastructure or Physical Training Equipment. 13 SR is an extremely
specialist cyber unit where, even from a deployable perspective, physical fitness is not always prioritised. The development in the cyber technology threat is extremely important and is the sole reason for the squadron being created in the last 2 years. The unit comprises of 4 squadrons, each located in different regions of the UK and one Army Reserve (AR) squadron, all providing a specific cyber role.
Physical Training, although still considered essential, can often take a back seat over higher priority taskings. Some squadrons work in shift patterns which can take them away from structured PT for up to 10 days. Once all taskings are complete, PT starts to take a higher priority for departments, with most attending twice a week and makes up for the shortfall in attendance over any exercising periods. All staff are encouraged to train where possible and use the Lone Soldier Physical Training (LSPT) programme as a guide for the type of sessions they should be completing. The addition of the Physical Training Leader (PTL) course in April will significantly increase the squadrons chances of being able to complete structured physical training alongside the LSPT.
13 SIGNAL REGIMENT
SSgt (SSI) K Price RAPTC
259 Sqn PT