Page 96 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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51ST INFANTRY BRIGADE
51ST INFANTRY BDE HEADQUARTERS & HQ SCOTLAND
Capt (MAA) P A Newton RAPTC
Since the last submission, the Bde HQ has completed the long-awaited move from Forsyth, Stirling, to Redford Barracks, Edinburgh, where it will reside for the foreseeable
future. Linked with the move was the HO/TO of the SO3 PD appointment, seeing Capt Grant Webster moving onto the Joint Service Adventurous Training Wing, Cyprus. During this time, the continuity of the PD Branch was placed in the magical hands of WO2 (QMSI) Tony Moretti, who did an outstanding job of maintaining balance and function in turbulent times of rebasing and re-bossing.
As a HQ, there wasn’t much time to settle into Redford Bks before the Bde efforts were swiftly channelled into supporting UK Ops in the form of Op RESCRIPT; seeing troops from across Scotland drafted in to deliver critical NHS support in the vaccination and testing centres, as well as providing Ambulance drivers. With commitments to Op RESCRIPT ongoing, the Bde HQ would again have to switch its focus, this time for the security preparation of Op URRAM, providing support to Police Scotland during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in October. A challenging but rewarding time for all involved, seeing over 100 world leaders and delegates safely transit through the conference.
More routinely and as a Branch, we have continued to support the HQ with ongoing commitments as well as providing PD support to the region. One of our key priorities was the rejuvenation of the regional Sports plan. Having reached an all-time low during the pandemic, it was a difficult road to return, with Scotland maintaining high levels of restrictions for the majority of 2021. Through some careful planning and consideration, sports began to rebuild by introducing virtual competitions, which have now grown with the region actively competing in 7 Sports. As with all Sports boards, the RAPTCIs often form the heartbeat, leaning in and going above and beyond. Reflecting on what has been achieved in 2021, I commend the team for their selfless-commitment to this task. Huge progress has been made, and more is to follow as we look forward to welcoming a Tri-Service Football league back to the region along with other category 1 & 2 sports.
Another area that the Branch has been actively engaged with was enhancing the strength & conditioning facilities across both Regular and Reserve units. For this, the PD Branch at HQ RC and Maj Brian Dupree have been on point, delivering major and minor uplifts in crucial areas. Still, with some work to do, the region has significantly benefited from this support and will continue to push forward further enhancement in support of the safe and effective delivery of the Army Physical Training System (APTS).
2021/22 has also been an
exceptionally good year for the
recruitment of RAPTC Reserve
Instructors, seeing 3 more join
the team. Initially, SSgt Ricky
Lennan transitioned over on
completion of his 24-year regular service. SSgt Lennan was shortly followed by Sgt Colin McDougall of 225 Med Regt, Scotland’s first reservist to complete the RAPTC transfer process. The success of both instructors has led to LCpl Smith of 7 SCOTS applying to transfer. In Apr 21, LCpl Smith successfully completed RAPTC Selection and is now in the process of completing his action plan, aiming to complete his transfer process by Jul 22. All in all, great news for the RAPTC Reserve community in Scotland.
Looking forward, the Bde HQ will begin to implement the changes of the Integrated Review (IR), bidding farewell to its operational units and re-subordinating under the banner of HQ Regional Command and re-rolling into RPOC functions and commitments. For PD, not much will change, but as a Corps in Scotland, we look forward to building on the success of the last year.
Cross Country League
‘The Team’ Capt (MAA) Pete Newton RAPTC & WO2 (QMSI) Tony Moretti RAPTC