Page 66 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
Success breeds success, especially with sport, with various disciplines hitting top form, most notably our cyclists; the 1 RIFLES cycling team were the Army Team Runners Up in 2016. Additionally, the Cycling Team also had solo success with Maj Hunt winning the Infantry then the Army Champs, and Sjt Major Jones winning the time trial. The football team is going from strength to strength and the rugby team is now through to the nal of Premier League 2. The Cross Country team always performs well when it attends races, but sadly a lot of races are missed due to our isolated location and unit commitments. However, it has not stopped 8 of our runners being selected to run for the Infantry at the Inter Corps Championships. Not to be outdone by the cyclists with silverware, the 1 RIFLES Nordic Ski team were the Infantry Champions, with Rfn Young and Lt Fellows placing 1st in the Junior and Senior in the 15km Classic respectively.
As soon as I arrived at the unit, the Battalion 2IC knew that it was the ideal opportunity for 1 RIFLES to hold a boxing night as it has had a hiatus from the sport for over 3 years. I set about organising a Level 1 ABA Boxing course which was expertly run by an ex-APTC and Army Boxing Team legend, Micky Gannon who quali ed 15 personnel as L1 Assistant coaches. All that
LCpl Cropp testing the Obstacles
is needed now is a great boxing evening in April to top it off. In summary, I have had a demanding yet thoroughly enjoyable 6 months with 1 RIFLES. I look forward to the next 6 months with equal enthusiasm. Swift and Bold’!
1ST BATTALION THE ROYAL IRISH REGIMENT – TERNHILL
A/SSgt (A/SSI) C P Thomson RAPTC
Fiercely proud and unique in its history, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment were founded through the amalgamation of the Royal Irish Rangers and the Ulster Defence Regiment. With
over 80% of recruits originating from both North and South of the Irish border – an attached RAPTCI requires three things to remain buoyant here; Resilience, perseverance and an interpreter! Upon my arrival and in order to gain momentum, a clear understanding of the Commanding Of cers enduring Intent was key; it was to understand the Unit Mission Statement;
‘To eld an agile Light Mechanised Infantry Battalion, standing ready to project globally, adaptable to change, able to close with and defeat any adversary to achieve its mission’
With this in mind I accurately devised a Physical Training Programme (PTP) which would allow me the capability to; raise the deployable strength by Identifying and minimising Muscular Skeletol Injuries (MSKI) trends, encourage Companies to embrace the components of tness whilst acknowledging the bene ts of structured functional strength training, and support preparation for Operation TORAL, an 8 month deployment to Afghanistan’s capital – Kabul.
An exceptionally busy period for 1 R IRISH ensued, providing support to numerous Regular Army Assistance Table (RAAT) tasks, awaiting standby for Op TEMPERER, ying to Kenya (twice) and continuing to adapt to the Light Mechanised Infantry role - through various training exercises and evolutions. The PD structure mirrored the Battalion battle rhythm, whilst experiencing a Physical & Recreational Training Centre (P&RTC) relocation and PTE upgrade as well as the positive implementation of an established on-sight Primary Care Rehabilitation Facility (PCRF) within Clive Barracks. The Battalion’s sporting interests include Rugby and Boxing, but it’s British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF) event that has created the most buzz amongst the Rangers. This is something I’m keen to drive, especially as the facility now lends itself perfectly.
In closing, being an RAPTCI attached to 1 R IRISH is a challenging but incredibly rewarding job. However, it is one which I will re ect upon during the Battalion’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations with a pint of Guinness – (or maybe two?).
Faugh a ballagh! (Clear the Way)