Page 8 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
Iwanted to start my notes this year with the word ‘Family,’ as this is the one word that has resonated with me this year. Having been out
on the road on an extensive visit programme over the past 12 months, following the easing of restrictions from the Pandemic, I get a real sense that our Esprit de Corps is thriving and continues to go from strength to strength. There has been much to celebrate in terms of achievement, which is highlighted on the following pages; but upfront, I wanted to offer
my heartfelt congratulations to those who have received formal recognition for the outstanding work you do, for achieving so much on the sporting front, (breaking World Records along the way), raising significant amounts of money for charity and other great causes, delivered / supporting Association activities and much more. Your dedication and professionalism is truly outstanding.
This year, Association Branches have brought their events out of hibernation, and I have been particularly humbled by the sheer steadfast commitment of those serving and retired members who braved the havoc of COVID 19, which has continued to plague us, yet, to come out and enjoy the many functions and Association weekends that I had attended, has been just superb. Alas, many of you caught the virus as a consequence, but have all thankfully recovered since, but the real sense of support and respect that you have shared to support each other, is unlike anything I have ever seen. You are an inspiration to us all and we thank you.
It is my intent in the next period to provide the opportunity for us to be even more inclusive, by striving to bolster integration from all sections of the Association community to strengthen that bond even further, so that we all can benefit from the opportunities the Association has to offer.
HQ RAPTC Staff
SENIOR MASTER AT ARMS
Lt Col (SMAA) J P A Hughes RAPTC
Lt Col (Gary) Jones and Mrs Jules Fairclough have been the ‘Stalwarts’ acting as that constant bridge between our serving and retired members, ensuring lines of communication are open with all sections of the Association to safeguard its functional outputs. Whilst Jules continues with her selfless-commitment, Gary has now retired, and I wanted to take this opportunity to single Gary out and thank him for nearly 10 years of outstanding and dedicated service as the Regimental Secretary and wish him and Sandra a long and peaceful retirement.
However, time stands still for no one, and I’m therefore pleased to announce a new chapter at the helm of the Association with the hiring of Lt Col (Retired) (Steve) Collinson, as the new Regimental Secretary. Steve will become the driving force behind my vision for an even more vibrant Association that is sustainable over a protracted period.
There was a gapped period between Gary retiring and Steve assuming the role, which was managed by WO1 (SMI) Paul Holden, and I’m publicly grateful to him for his commitment in covering the additional responsibilities on top of his day-to-day functional outputs, without which, the Association would have suffered; excellent job Paul, thank you!
I’m also pleased to acknowledge the extension of our Colonel Commandant, Lieutenant General J Bashall CB CBE. When I asked him formally, he was overwhelmed with joy to be asked to continue and assist our superb Corps, and he continues to do just that. At a moment’s notice, he, along with our Commandant, are there to lean-in and offer direction and guidance in support, and we are stronger and better for it; we are blessed to have them both.
From a serving perspective, this year we delivered the Commandant’s Conference in a physical setting, following a tactical pause of 3 years. It was probably the most significant of conferences for many years, as the Integrated Review set the British Army on a course for the most radical transformation in two decades. Under the strategic intent of a Future Soldier (FS) that is more agile, more integrated and more expeditionary, the RAPTC must be at the forefront of this change. As a Corps, we must be ready for the next challenge, where Physical Development becomes a forethought, not an afterthought.
Therefore, the RAPTC have a huge role to play, as it is our responsibility to ensure the Army is Fit To Fight. We are a world class ‘Capability’ which must be enabled to deliver Physical Development (PD) to the future force, to maximise the number of personnel at readiness for Military Tasks and contribute to operational effectiveness, more of the time.
Rodney Trenam at The Royal Hospital Chelsea