Page 42 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

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Three months prior to the completion the Gurkhas being Gurkhas used every minute outside of work time to practice with the sole intention of being crowned “Champion Company” – for a Company this results in bragging rights for the whole year ahead! The competition for the past 8 years had always been won be one of the three ri e Companies, however to everyone’s amazement Support (Medicina) Company came out on top by a country mile!
Gurkha Basics
After arriving in Brunei and inserting certain types of training to which the Gurkhas were not used to aside from their normal “let’s
go running” mentality I quickly noticed that one key aspect missing was the Gurkhas ghting techniques. With this in mind alongside combat conditioning we implemented Kukri Drills – for those that do not know this term it equates to armed combat and aggressive movements using the Gurhka Kukri (Knife). This type of training is regularly utilised now and forms part of controlled aggression physical training, this even includes all the attached British soldiers as well.
Imoved from London Central Garrison in Apr 16 to assume my new post at 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, taking over from WO2 (QMSI) Tony Richardson MBE. This seen the Battalion
re-subordinate from LONDIST to 11 Inf Bde,
The rst day of Handover involved both Tony and I being summoned to The Sergeant Major’s Of ce (WO1 Howlin). On arrival conducting the regimental customs of entering an of ce within the Grenadier Guards, I was informed I was deploying on exercise the following day. Welcome to the Battalion!
1ST BATTALION GRENADIER GUARDS
SSgt (SSI) K Emmerson RAPTC
1GG-HO WO2 Richardson MBE to SSgt Emmerson
1GG HDiv Championships Boxing Team
Fortunately the Battalion were about to compete in the Household Division (HDiv) Boxing Championships and I was assuming the Boxing Coach position from the outgoing Tony Richardson. I unfortunately missed the exercise to concentrate the Battalion’s efforts for competing in the Boxing Championships.
The Battalion boxed well within the Championships and nished runners up overall.
After the Championships I slowly settled into my new job and the Battle Rhythm of the Battalion.
In May 16, I competed in my rst Sports Competition representing the Battalion in the Army FA UK South 6-a-side Football Competition, with a scratch team. The Battalion nished runners up and subsequently quali ed for the Army 6-a-side Competition. Unfortunately we couldn’t attend due to deploying on an overseas exercise.
After the 6-a-side Competition I assumed the Army FA UK South Football Secretary Role from WO2 (QMSI) Jay Essam and started the preparation work for the new season.
End of May to Jul 16 I deployed on Ex ASKARI STORM, Kenya with the Battalion in the appointment of SSI AT. Throughout the exercise I ensured the Battlegroup completed as much AT as possible. This was highlighted with our stats 82.4% of the BG completing various AT packages and instructor courses. I was also part of the BATUK Team helping set up the Safaricom Marathon which was a great experience as the route was through the conservation area with lots of wildlife on show.