Page 25 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

23
2ND BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (2 PARA).
SSgt (SI) DJ Farrugia RAPTC
The pace of life has been relentless as always with 2 PARA as I fast approach my 3rd and nal year. This has predominantly been a training year consisting of countless exercises in the UK and abroad at battalion and sub unit level to places such as; The Falkland Islands, Germany, Jordan and Poland. There has also been plenty of arduous physical activity, sport and adventure training thrown into the mix.
This year the annual Inter Platoon competition ‘The Bruneval Cup’ took place on Thetford training area during the hours of darkness, which is where we do most of our business. The event consisted of a 10 mile best effort to the ranges, going straight into a night shoot, followed by an NBC, med and casi vac stand then to the next RV which was a night obstacle course wearing night vision goggles then onto a nice 2 miler to nish it off. The event was just over 20 miles carrying 35lb + weapon. Not for the faint hearted!.
Back in September the Battalion took part in an exercise in Otterburn in which I was part of COs Tac. This started with a 24hr, 25 mile Battalion insertion tab, carrying kit which weighed at least 130lb and up to 180+ for those within support company carrying heavy weapons. Part of the insertion was over the Cheviot, which is the highest summit in the far north of England 2,674 Ft. (815m). This was a chance to put physical and mental robustness to the test, something that comes in abundance here at 2 PARA. During the exercise I found myself carrying out a wide range of tasks bounding through various serials before putting my range qual to good use as I became part of range safety on the nal live ring attacks.
Prior to Christmas standown the Battalion took part in a 50 mile endurance event that myself, the gym staff and training wing had planned. The event was held over the North Down Ways Trail starting just over the bridge in Kent moving through a series of
Gym Staff at the 50 Mile Point
Commando Speed March