Page 61 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

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What a difference a year makes!! For those who ever visited the HQ when it was HQ 42nd Brigade, we had Capt Andy Clark, myself and Suzanne Curry, our PD Clerk. Twelve months on, Andy has moved onto much sunnier Qatar and I’m sure we all wish him well in his new job. Our loss is their gain - he is a huge miss. For anyone who had the pleasure to work or socialize with him, will know how infectious he was – a nicer guy and a better and more ef cient boss you could never wish to work for. I’m sure we will see him back sometime in the future.
As far as the HQ is concerned it has gone through a major restructure with a reduced manpower and a change in emphasis and roles. Suzanne and I are still at the helm and dealing with all PD matters for the area and all UK North Sport matters. On the subject of UK North sport, the sports participation goes from strength to strength despite increased unit commitments. In May we had our annual Festival of Sports which covers units from
the whole of the UK North area (including 4 Bde and HQ North West). This was held in the Catterick area over two days to try to maximize participation and it proved a great success. On Tuesday we held the golf and Road cycling events which had 88 and 76 participants respectively; almost double last year’s entry. And the TOW, Athletics, Volleyball, Hockey and Mountain Bike events on the Wednesday did not disappoint either with 6, 14, 12, 13 and 11 units competing respectively. The hot, sunny weather (a stark contrast to last year’s torrential rain!) helped to boost the crowds and a healthy competitive but sporting spirit was on display through all the sports with the overall winners for the Festival of Sport 2017 being 2 Yorks. However the various sports were won by other units and all units and competitors should feel delighted with their performances and efforts of all who contributed to the event. Also a big thank you must go to the RAPTCIs and their staff who dug out blind to put on a superb competition. As always, the biggest problem now is how do we go one better for next year? – Over to you guys!!
HQ NORTH WEST
WO2 (QMSI) A Halliday RAPTC
51ST INFANTRY BRIGADE AND HEADQUARTERS SCOTLAND
Capt (MAA) MW Galley RAPTC
51st Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland geographically is the largest Brigade in the UK, situated in the beautiful city of Stirling. The city is known as the gateway
to the highlands.
The Brigade was of cially stood up on 31 Mar 14 as part of the transformation of the British Army from 2020 and beyond (Army 2020). The Brigade has its origins in the 51 Highland Brigade. Brigadier Gary Deakin CBE is the current Commander.
51st Infantry Brigade is an Adaptable Force Brigade, which is used for a wide range of tasks, including providing headquarters and units for lengthy operations, standing commitments, overseas Defence Engagement and UK Civil Engagement.
As Headquarters Scotland the Brigade looks after all Army units in Scotland and is responsible for providing Firm Base support for all Regular, Reserve and Army Cadet Force units. Also included are the four University Of cer Training Corps.
The diversity of tasks that come across my desk are extensive; therefore I would like to address three notable events: an overseas Defence Engagement, Exercise Snow Lion and the RAPTCI within Scotland.
Overseas Defence Engagement. The Specialist Technical Training Team (STTT) request for PD advice to the Of cers at the Military College in Kuwait. The College is a Tri-Service training establishment with an audience of 1400 Of cer Cadets commissioning into the Kuwait Armed Forces. The STTT consisted of SSgt (SSI) C Hughes and myself, and the operation involved liaising with key stakeholders who were responsible for the delivery of physical training of the Of cer Cadets. The purpose was to deliver a Training Analysis of the Physical Training Syllabus at the Kuwait Military College and advise them in all matters of concern. This analysis included programming, components of developing performance, injury prevention and management, unarmed combat, mission speci c strength training and rehabilitation. Additionally, training the Kuwait Physical Training Instructors on how to best get results from the Of cer Cadets which included workshops discussing principles of exercise, variety and variations of PT lessons, PTI duties to include roles
HQ 51X G7 PD Branch Staff Outside Stirling Castle Capt (MAA) M W Galley, WO2 (QMSI) Dave McColl and Mrs Davina Glancy
and responsibility and lessons prelims and conclusion. The STTT will continue supporting UK Defence objectives in Kuwait and the region and initiate an enduring relationship with the Ali Al-Sabah Military Of cers College in Kuwait.
Exercise Snow Lion. Exercise Snow Lion (ExSL) is the Tri Service Scotland Ski Championships, which took place at the Natural Retreats Cairngorm Mountain Ski Centre in Aviemore. 60 participants attended the Exercise and were from the following units: 3 RIFLES, SCOTS DG, SNIY, 39 Engr Regt, 5 MI, 7 SCOTS, AUOTC, 154 Regt RLC, 4 SCOTS, 165 Regt RLC and HMS Prince of Wales. Through the development of the Tri Service Scottish Sports Board the rationale behind ExSL was to allow personnel to experience ski racing in Scotland and to provide an opportunity to introduce novice skiers to low level racing. Additionally the Exercise identi ed and develped new Alpine and Snowboarding talent to progress onto