Page 60 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22
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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
7TH INFANTRY BRIGADE
1ST BATTALION THE RIFLES
A/WO2 (QMSI) R T Blake RAPTC
“Success is when your Riflemen emulate your behaviours”
2021 for the 1st Battalion the Rifles, saw overseas exercises, operational deployments and a wide variety of tasks supporting the easing of COVID-19 efforts. With all companies
committed to a variety of tasks, the battalion still produced a notable second-place finish in the Army Sports Trophy and 1st place finish in the inaugural Desert Rats Sports Trophy and the Desert Rats Challenge.
In May 2021, the Battalion ran an Inter Platoon Military Skills Competition. Demonstrating resilience and adaptability, the competitions included, pistol range, escape rooms, planning exercises, 2-miler and an endurance event mid plan-ex. These competitions always create healthy competition and the solid bond required in teams, allowing a good baseline prior to taking on taskings and other commitments. The event was a great success with A Company securing all the awards.
On 1 Sep21, HQ, C and S Company deploying on Op TOSCA, began the Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRX) to test readiness. The exercise was a great success with some glowing reports for the young Rfn, most on their first tour. The exercise brought some high-profile visits including HRH The Duke of Kent. The final effort prior to deploying was the change of beret parade.
The Battalion deployed mid-September and after a short isolation and acclimatisation phase at Bloodhound Camp, moved up to Nicosia to begin the handover. On the 1st of October the flag change took place and 1 Rifles assumed the role of Sector 2 TOSCA Force.
The Commanding Officer Lt Col M Shercliff immediately set the standard for sports and by introducing a CO’s Cup that was competed for during the tour over 12 events. WO1 (RSM) N Ireland also introduced a monthly Fitness competition to encourage individual PT. Both competitions are still ongoing and competitive as expected.
1 Rifles returned from TOSCA on 1 Apr 22 and immediately began some well earned POTL prior to starting the next cycle of training in preparation for EX ASKARI STORM (Kenya) in Sep 22.
HEADQUARTERS 7TH INFANTRY BRIGADE & HQ EAST
A Capt (MAA) M A Greenwood RAPTC
nother busy and thoroughly rewarding period has passed. As always, finding how to start this article is the most difficult part.
So, here goes....
I must start by thanking all RAPTCIs within the 7X footprint for continuing to deliver the upmost professionalism at every opportunity. I have been extremely impressed by their positivity and imaginative approach to what has been another challenging period within the PD spectrum due to operational commitments and C-19. I’ve had the pleasure of receiving numerous emails, skype calls and letters of appreciation from several Commanding Officers. highlighting the value and utility of their RAPTCI and their ability to continuously deliver the highest outputs with enthusiasm and leadership.
A somewhat unexpected achievement for 7X on the sporting front was being crowned (for the first time) the Army Sports Trophy Competition, Minor Unit Winners 2021. Thus, receiving a letter of invitation to attend the ‘Army Sport Awards’ at RMAS for a ‘free meal and wine’ just couldn’t be turned down. This was ‘topped off’ by being presented the trophy by CGS. In addition to this accolade, 7X were also awarded the winning unit for the 1XX ‘Rhino Sports Competition.’ But now the hard work starts in trying to retain the trophy under the pressure of knowing that the ASPT will be looking to dethrone us.
On the sporting front, a turbulent and inconsistent season for me which unexpectedly resulted in some strong performances and results:
Army Time Trial Championships – Senior Male Champion Lincolnshire Hill Climb Championships – Senior Male Champion
National Masters Road Race Championships – Silver Medal Army Road Racing and League Championships – Masters Champion