Page 58 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
So, after 10 years I am back in the UK and it’s cold. After being in the sun and amazing sea, stand up paddleboarding with turtles and sting rays for the past 2 years, I had the honour to
take over the role of SSI from WO2 Phil Welch in September 2021, and I have to say being in York is great.
Since September, the Regiment has firmly embraced the transformation in physical development. The added challenges with Role Fitness Tests (RFTs) and the Soldier Conditioning Review (SCR), the physical and mental demands that come with the change have been taken well. I have made it a priority to increase the amount of AAPTIs but also to improve the facilities. This has not come without its difficulties (no more than any of you are facing I’m sure). But thanks to regional command and other grants, things are going in the right direction.
Sport remains at the forefront of Regimental life, with the football and rugby teams continuing to be a growing success. Dedication and hard work with British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF) growing and becoming a riot within Imphal Garrison. With developing and encouraging safe practices, creating a cohesive fitness community, which is becoming a growing success and saw the masters and female teams making the finals. Also, with other lifting disciplines like powerlifting (female champion) and Olympic lifting, all are now producing fantastic results making it clear that the regiments appetite for fitness and sport is at an all-time high. In addition, Imphal Garrison’s gym has now received improved facilities with the new Beaverfit rig and shelter, new ASB, ski ergs and more. I have also introduced a barbell lifting class with the intention of delivering technical coaching and looking forward to the future, delivering British weightlifting qualifications to the SP.
Opportunities for adventurous training within the Regiment is also growing, with a few small sqn trips to Wales and bigger trips in the coming year, AT is sounding exciting.
With the Regiment’s ever-expanding FOE and multitude of other training exercise and supporting tasks, I can honestly say that my time with the 2SR has been very enjoyable and I look forward to the remainder of my post.
2ND SIGNAL REGIMENT
SSgt (SSI) N Yates RAPTC
“CERTA CITO”.
2 Sig Regt’s new Beaverfit Rig
2 Sig Regt BAWF Teams