Page 57 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

UK North Athletics Championships
Hobarts Cup BAWF event
32 Engineer Regiment are classed as the original ‘Assault Engineers’ providing Light Role Close Support Engineering to Defence and the 1st (United Kingdom) Division. Delivering
‘light role excellence’ to Battle Groups; theatre enablement; post conflict stabilisation and persistent engagement across the continuum of conflict.
Currently based in Marne barracks, North Yorkshire, 32 Engineer Regiment derives its heritage from the engineer tank units, christened ‘Hobart’s Funnies’ after their creator Major General Sir Percy Hobart, that proved vital to the Commonwealth sectors during the D Day landings. As a result the Regiment wears the Bull’s Head insignia on its uniform. 32 Engineer Regiment currently comprises 4 Squadrons: 2 HQ & Support Squadron, 26 Field Squadron, 31 Field Squadron and 37 Field Squadron. The Regiment has been committed to various deployments and Exercises in the past 12 months, including Kenya, Poland and Cyprus to mention a few.
Having arrived back in Catterick in the midst of a pandemic, I now had the opportunity to work with the RE Cap badge. A challenging and testing time for PT delivery during a pandemic, undoubtedly felt by all, highlighted the importance of both mental and physical fitness. It is great to see ‘troops on the ground’ and Regimental activity returning to normality. Virtual PT served a purpose, having almost gone global delivering on British Army social media ‘A Fit Soldier is a Healthy Soldier,’ it is great to see ‘real’ PT back!
Sharing facilities with 5th Regiment Royal Artillery has its own conundrums, however it allows RAPTCIs to work in unison delivering collaborative PD across Marne Barracks. ‘Spinning RAPTC Dits’ and keeping SSgt (SSI) “Brandy” Brand in line assists with daily morale. Facilities are continually improving and continuously developing for the good and benefit of all users.
The reintroduction of the Regimental Sporting Competition – The Hobarts Cup - has been a huge success. A heavily fought competition between Sqns saw participation in Badminton, Basketball, Rugby, Mixed Netball, Volleyball, Football, the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, culminating on families’ day with the British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF) event.
The Yorkshire 3 Peaks (Y3Ps) challenge saw troops tackle the famous peaks in the Yorkshire Dales - Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough over 24 miles from start to finish testing both physical and mental resilience at times. The Y3Ps event proved testing for some forming part of the historic Hobarts Cup.
The 32 Engineer Regiment Gym staff has supported a plethora of sporting activities at all levels over the last 12 months, engaging and delivering to the masses. A busy year has seen notable success in Athletics and X Country.
In addition to daily Gym routine I have had the opportunity to oversee and assist with 21 Engineer Regiment PD delivery, Sports/ CPD fairs, Families’ Day coordination/delivery, Yorkshire Dales mountaineering, Athletics, Cross-Country, RE Badminton, Mixed Netball, RAPTC Selection Development Course and Bismarck Challenge, all of which has allowed me to escape the desk and allow me to keep active and sane.
Continuous SSI initiatives and Gym inprovements ensure Marne Barracks is not left wanting. A challenging but rewarding year moving forward as one. 32 Engineer Regiment are hosting the long awaited return of the illustrious ‘Sapper Games’ in July 2022 with a highly fought competition expected across the RE fraternity battling for silverware.
Until next time....”Keep Smiling, Stay Fit and Stay Safe”.
32 ENGINEER REGIMENT
SSgt (SSI) C Carter RAPTC
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SSgt (SSI) ‘Coach’ Carter: 32 Engineer Regiment RAPTCI Yorkshire 3 Peaks famous Ribblehead Viaduct UK North Cross Country Champions 21/22