Page 29 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

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Members of 7th Para RHA, Nordic Ski Team
competitive races and is designed to prepare teams and their skiers for the rigours of the Divisional and Army Championships further down the line.
As ever, this time of the year has seen both PNCO/JNCO annual leadership courses take place in Brecon, Wales. The challenging conditions of Brecon are continuing to breed great success amongst the soldiers taking part. The soldiers were physically and mentally pushed in arduous conditions and their leadership skills developed culminating with the traditional gun run in front of the regiment.
2017’s calendar will see the regiment spread over numerous commitments both nationally and internationally as part of the UK’s lead Rapid Reaction Brigade. Elements of the regiment will come together to work alongside each other to, train mentor and learn from other units both nationally and internationally.
Having taken over the post in August 2015, it has been a baptism of re and a world away from the life that I knew at the RMAS. Picking up loose ends and establishing myself
within such a regiment as the airborne engineers has not been the easiest of tasks. The best (easiest) way I found to win the hearts of the guys and girls was to give them what they want.....new kit and AT. After digging into policy and looking at the current state of the equipment held within the regiment it wasn’t long before strength and conditioning was being implemented and practiced by all. With a new functional training area being commissioned, a lick of paint here and there and loads of new kit for the guys to try ‘and break’, the gymnasium here at Rock Barracks has never looked better.
After being in the post for only a few months I had managed to get funding for an overseas exped to France, canoeing the River Orne. With an airborne theme, this expedition took 12 soldiers and Of cers from the regiment, both regular and reserve, across Lower Normandy, through Caen, under Pegasus Bridge and onto Sword beach. Stopping at poignant landmarks on the way to re ect and pay our respects, this expedition was somewhat of a unique battle eld tour and was greatly appreciated by all.
Being in the wrong place at the wrong time found me being tasked with organising a Regimental Darts Competition with guest appearances from such legends as “Big Cliff” Lazarenko, Peter Manley, Colin Lloyd and the infamous Eric Bristow MBE. Having no previous knowledge or experience, this massively took me out of my comfort zone, however I can honestly say that it was one of the best nights I have had in ‘mufti’.
Ex Normandy Paddle
Having to keep this brief doesn’t allow me to mention all the great things that I have had the pleasure of doing since arriving in 16 Air Assualt Brigade. Training the QRF in Jordan alongside fellow RAPTCI’s and preparing the trip of a lifetime to canoe the Grand Canyon are points that will remain with me for the rest of my life.
A challenging time so far, but massively embraced and looking forward to what lies ahead.
23 PARACHUTE ENGINEER REGIMENT
Regimental Darts Competition
16XSTTT Jordan
SSgt (SSI) D Clarkson RAPTC