Page 64 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

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event has been a highlight of Solva regattas and always provided great fun for both competitors and spectators alike. With military precision, teams detailed to represent the various Squadrons were briefed by a Staff Sergeant (SSI) Walsh RAPTC on the safety and rules. Simply put, 30 minutes to assemble the equipment, and then a race around the quay and back within their respective teams. No guidance or direction on the make-up of the rafts was given, other than the equipment within each individual area that could be used.
Under precise directions, the completed rafts were thrown over the quay wall followed by each squad of competitors. Most survived initial impact although one or two rapidly converted into transformer-like -machines (more like submarines), which obviously failed the initial ‘drop test’. The rafts were crewed eventually, (although chaotically) and paddling commenced at a furious rate to the other side of the harbour where small metal ags for each team had been placed. Several rafts powered ahead
whilst a few started to fall apart. A little friendly ‘pirate ghting’ with water guns occurred but rapidly ceased as crews exerted great effort to paddle back to the quayside encouraged by their squadron supporters. In the nal stretch, two crews were neck and neck and the winner came home by a short head. All rafts made it to the harbour wall, although several had disintegrated on the way back and were valiantly propelled by the swimming crews.
After retrieval of the equipment a presentation was made by the Commanding Of cer, Lt Col Stoter R Signals to great applause of both winners and losers. Fun and great enjoyment were evident. Some of the Regiment said they had never been to Solva harbour and were delighted to have been introduced to it on such a beautiful afternoon occasion. For non-Army spectators it was uplifting (and entertaining) to see all these folk enjoying themselves and using their evident skills in construction and ingenuity. After all, Signallers are specialists, but clearly not in boat building!
MOD ST ATHAN - OPERATOR PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME
SSgt (SSI) G C Dove RAPTC ‘Life in the fast lane’
Having spent over eight enjoyable years ‘rubbing skin’ as an ERI, it was without doubt a challenge transitioning into a main stream role within a major tri-Service Unit of
over 700 personnel in deepest darkest South Wales. Having little time to ‘ nd my feet’; within my rst week I was involved in discussions regarding the Unit’s Human Performance Strategy (HPS), a ground-breaking initiative that was to be referred to as the Operator Performance Programme (OPP). The OPP is a human performance intervention that includes key human components such as physical, psychological, and physiological facets. With the physical strand obviously being my key focus, the Operator Performance Centre (OPC) was converted from an old RAF hanger within the unit Lines and developed on a ‘shoe string’ budget. The OPC is a gymnasium that encourages the type of physical training speci c to the needs of the Unit’s various roles. The type of training required minimises the use of machines and allows for fundamental movements to be the preferred choice of exercise. Again, being speci c to the unit’s unique role.
Being directed to look into measuring the physical performance of Unit personnel, the Operator Performance Tests (OPT’s) were
developed. These OPTs were constructed based on the intensive roles that Operators’ and Commanders’ are required to perform, communication with experienced Unit personnel, research of Foreign Armed Forces physical tests, and personal knowledge and experience gained by the author. Thus far, the OPTs have received positive feedback. However, they are still in their trial phase before seeking approval from higher authorities before full implementation.
Combative
With the Unit participating in no formalised combative training, it was a key component of the OPP physical strand that required immediate attention. In order for combative to be effective and to be implemented correctly and safely, much preparation was required. Firstly, a dedicated Combative Centre was set up and equipment procured. Along with another instructor, I was fortunate to attend the Royal Marines Close Combat (RMCC) Instructors course at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, Lympstone. Following the skills (including two broken ribs) gained in Lympstone; a quali ed and experienced external instructor was sourced to deliver in-house combative train-the-