Page 99 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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39 ENGINEER REGIMENT
SSgt (SSI) R FIELDER RAPTC
In April 2021, I was assigned to 39 Engineer Regt in Kinloss Barracks Morayshire, the biggest field unit in the British Army. One year in, I have to say, it has been an absolute
privilege to be serving with such a fantastic unit.
The Regiment has been busy with a steady flow of exercises and other commitments, each Sqn with its own specialism deploying worldwide to fulfil the task handed to them.
I have a fantastic training area within camp with the huge, decommissioned airfield and surrounding areas, including the Moray Firth to the rear of camp, an inlet of the North Sea, great for Commanding Officer’s PT. Scotland has some fantastic shooting grounds, which I tapped into to host my first clay shooting competition at Rothiemurchus shooting ground, where competitors from all over Scotland attended the shoot in the wintery conditions.
During my postings, I try to give something back to the local community, and over the last 4 years, I have been a member of the local search and rescue team, but due to the new location, it wasn’t possible for me to respond to incidents. Kinloss Barracks is located next to a town called Forres in between Inverness and Aberdeen. I was looking for a new challenge and something that would help the community; I noticed the shortage of on-call firefighters, and with positive support from the unit, I applied. The process was a lengthy one; however, with some hard work, I passed all the interviews and selection tests and was placed on the first available initial firefighter course. Having passed this course, I am now a member of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and have attended RTCs (Road Traffic Collisions), covered whole time stations and my first fire at a commercial grain factory which involved over 40 Firefighters, but it’s not all fires and rescuing cats from trees. In my spare time, I visit vulnerable people and advise on fire prevention which also involves the fitting of smoke alarms.
SFRS Forres
Mess PT
Ex TIN PHYS Zumba
Adventurous Training has been widely supported by the Battalion with numerous Type 3 Expeditions taking place including Ex NORTHERN COASTAL BAYONET, a sailing expedition with various crews circumnavigating the UK. During the winter season, Ex ALPINE PENTLAND BUGLE hosted the Battalion Alpine Team in Val D’Isere, France to compete within Ex FROSTED BLADE and Ex PIPEDOWN, the Infantry Alpine Skiing Championships and Army Semi-Final Competitions, at which the team secured podium finishes in various disciplines. Type 2 activities have seen the Battalion complete numerous Distributed Training exercises including Multi-Activity packages in Bavaria, Mountain Biking and Winter Mountaineering in Scotland as well as water-based activities. Type 4 has seen an increase in interest with courses being completed in Parachuting, Mountain Biking, Kayaking and Rock Climbing adding to the wealth of experience the Battalion has with Leader & Instructor capability. All activities have been integral in expanding leadership and developing Corps values, all essential qualities expected from our Riflemen.
The Battalion has ensured Physical Development is consistently at the forefront for preparing our Riflemen for the tasks and commitments at hand and although an extremely hectic FoE restricts opportunities through wider commitments; there is always time for engaging with extra-curricular activities and competitions through PT. The Battalion completes the annual Chesterman Trophy, an arduous 24-hour event that includes shooting, navigation and fitness that pays homage to Lt Andrew Chesterman RIFLES (KIA Op HERRICK 16).
Ex TIN PHYS is consistently supported within the Battalion to raise donations for the local Edinburgh Foodbanks by way of Mess PT to encourage teamwork, camaraderie and ultimately support those in need that have felt the full wrath of the pandemics we have all endured.
Battalion life is well-balanced and although challenging, it is an absolute pleasure to have been given the opportunity to be a part of the RIFLES culture and ethos; one of which I am embracing. Although early within my tenure, so far it has been extremely rewarding and I look forward to the remainder of my assignment. “Swift & Bold”.