Page 92 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

90
www.raptcassociation.org.uk
I’ve held the appointment of SMI G7 PD at Headquarters Initial Training Group (HQ ITG) for 6 months having taken over form WO1 (SMI) Grif n who successfully gained his Commission and
was posted to the ASPT. Having spent the majority of my RAPTC career attached to a unit, managing a team of staff and a gym, working as an integral part of a dynamic and in uential team and contributing to the outputs of a 1* HQ has been a fresh challenge and an exciting experience. The ITG laydown is geographically spread and covers 12 delivery units that facilitate basic training. The G7 team consists of 2 x ETS Of cers, 1 x SASC Of cer, 1 x RAPTC Of cer and 4 x WO1’s CEG SMEs. The role of G7 PD SMI is varied and includes providing 2nd line of defence assurance across the ITG, notably Physical Development Assurance visits on behalf of HQ RAPTC and Physical Development Working Group meetings to maintain standards and share best practices. A thorough knowledge of the DSAT process is invaluable as the focus of the role is not exclusively PD and a wider perspective of all aspects of training is required.
Despite managing an intense workload the HQ found time to participate in Adventure Training. During Mar 17, some of us participated in a week’s skiing to Val Thorens, French Alps. Initially I was a little apprehensive as I hadn’t skied for ten years so it was back to basics, however it didn’t take long before I was parallel turning and racing down red runs successfully achieving Ski Foundation 1 (SF1) at the end of the week. HQ ITG had the privilege and honour of visiting No 10 Downing Street and The Palace of Westminster during Apr 17. We were hosted at No
SO3 and SMI sitting at the seats of power
10 by two long standing members of the house staff, one of whom has served since Lady Margaret Thatcher’s leadership. These gentlemen were complete characters and provided us with an unforgettable insight into the workings and dynamics of the house, parting with a few interesting ditz as we sat in the Cabinet Of ce. It was then a whistle stop tour of the HofP, of particular note was seeing The Chambers of the Houses of Commons and Lords. The Queens Robing Room was also most impressive.
I am thoroughly enjoying my time at ITG contributing to the daily outputs of this busy organisation as a valued member of an excellent team. I look forward to the next challenge!
WO1 (SMI) R D Bell RAPTC
INFANTRY BATTLE SCHOOL
WO2 (QMSI) S Burrell RAPTC
In April 2016 I was assigned to the Infantry Battle School in Brecon, South Wales. For some this would seem the edge of civilisation but it was at my request. So YES, it took 22yrs
but I nally got a job I asked for. I requested a move to the Battle School for that very reason; it is the Infantry Battle School and the Jewel in the Crown for all Infantry Commanders Training. Prior to transferring I was a Royal Welshman so it felt right to be getting back into the mix with the lads. Within my rst fortnight of arrival I was baptised on Ex Fan Dance with PSBC and that was a shock to the system following the job in Army HQ polishing keyboards for the Army Inspectorate. I think my calves had forgotten what hills actually were. Nevertheless, it eased me into the job at the pace required as it has been both physically and mentally challenging since. The PT Staff is very small for an ARTD unit comprising of 3 AAPTIs and an SIO but they are hugely experienced and I can place my trust in them implicitly.
The role of the QMSI here is to support and advise the CO and CI in all matters concerning PD. The most consistent effort and subject I must offer guidance on is the WBGT and Heat Stress encountered by the students on the arduous Battle Courses during the hotter months. Unfortunately there have been incidents during training and the lessons learnt from these are now being educated and endorsed. The noticeable change for the good to
Grizz it out!!! SCBC Students Crossing the Stream IBS Gym Staff with the Stretcher on Ex Fan Dance