Page 87 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

Of cer [Lt Col Darren Denning] before his departure from ATC (P). The second sporting event has recently been organised and proved to be highly successful and very popular amongst the staff where the WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess were eventual victors. This proved to be an outstanding opportunity for each mess to display sporting passion, ferocious competitiveness, and most of all good humour.
Staff Training
Due to the requirement to retain professional currency, as well as achieving continuous professional development, a large focus of both time and management goes towards ensuring members of staff are up to date with PD policy, process and all departmental procedures. To achieve this, staff training is generally delivered every Friday by one of the Cpls as part of their additional responsibilities, where they’re expected to research a subject / lesson and deliver this to the remainder of the team; the Sgt SIs, QMSI and MAA are
always on hand to ensure all lessons are accurate and delivered to the appropriate standard. Whilst ensuring these Friday sessions are both developmental and educational, we always nd time to cover more physical type [teamwork] lessons on a weekly basis whether that is Syndicate challenges, Functional Fitness events, ‘old school 2 milers’, stretchers or other fun type events where leadership and physical stamina are often tested. Having such a large and diverse department, it is important to ensure that the dynamics and knowledge of the staff are widely distributed in order to maintain and enhance the standards and reputation of the P&RTC. “After all, Pirbright is one of the primary breeding grounds for the future of the Corps...!”
ATC (P) V ITC(C) PHASE 1 BOXING COMPETTION 2016 “THE ALEXANDER BOXING CUP”
In September 2016, I was assigned straight from the RAPTC Instructors’ course to the Army Training Centre (Pirbright); (ATC (P)) which I can honestly say has been a great move to
date. Upon my arrival, I was very aware of just how busy the department is, as I had joined at a particularly eventful time; we were in the middle of organising one of our main sporting events— the Boxing!...
With two new Commanding Of cers in post at both Pirbright and Catterick, as well as two Master At Arms (MAAs) keen on enhancing organisational sporting events, discussions and numerous telephone conversations took place. It was collectively agreed that the best way to achieve our aims was to establish an Inter-Phase 1 Boxing Competition between ATC (P) and ITC (C); this was quickly titled the Alexander Boxing Cup. As this was the ‘Inaugural’ competition, we knew we had to set the bar high, and ensure it was executed with style, panache, with organisational precision. After many months of communication between the coaches and MAAs, con rmation was nally given and we actually had an event. It was agreed that Pirbright would host the initial event in 2016 and that the team composition would remain exible throughout; it was also agreed that Catterick would reciprocate by hosting next year’s competition with the hope of introducing other training organisations...
There’s no question that both training teams had a huge challenge in hand as the Common Military Syllabus (CMS) training commitments were still present. Time was precious and much of the training and team preparation was done outside the traditional working day. Once the teams’ weight categories were con rmed, the ATC (P) lead Boxing Coaches—two of our PTIs (Cpl Ferreira and Mr George McCourt, SIO-PT)—methodically prepared the boxers both physically and mentally for the upcoming event; this was a commitment lasting over a 5-month period.
Both the setup and preparations for the event were extremely successful and the PT staff worked tirelessly to achieve success. We soon transformed our standard Gym Hall into a fuel- lled boxing arena which, on the night, was bursting with ruthless competitiveness from both us and Catterick. The Boxers were well prepared and 100% focus was on delivering a professional and competitive night, and after the bell, we kicked off in true fashion
The Closing Address by Lt Col Richard Green Gren Gds (Commanding Of cer HQ Regt)
with Catterick commendably taking the lead for the rst three bouts. After a well-deserved interval, the boxing recommenced as Pirbright made a staggering comeback with 2 consecutive wins, where one of our PTIs [Cpl Harris] stole the show with his self- assured, typical PTI levels of con dence. ITC(C) eventually proved to be the worthy winners with a 4-2 victory; however both Phase 1 training centres were congratulated by DG ARTD on a well fought competition with a rst-rate performance and competitiveness towards the sport.
This was an extremely successful event that was enjoyed by all in attendance; it was a classic spectacle of fantastically t, tenacious, and talented soldiers; and it demonstrated those essential qualities highlighted throughout the Army Leadership Code. With this outstanding sporting event complete, it is our hope that it becomes an enduring competition. It is our aspiration that those Catterick and Pirbright recruits present on the night, may one day nd themselves competing for the very same cup in years to come.
Sgt (SI) M Tatton RAPTC
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