Page 40 - The Bugle Autumn 2016 Issue 12

Signals Platoon
The Battalion’s Main Effort is currently to cations, to training the Iraqi Security Forces and
support our on-going commitments to Opera- tions. Operation SHADER continues, with Signals Platoon Ri emen deployed in the Middle East performing a wide variety of duties. These included establishing and maintaining communi-
our Ri emen are continuing to make a valuable contribution to the Battalion’s on-going mission.
In addition to rotating a succession of CIS specialists to each Op SHADER ROTO, Exercise STEPPE EAGLE was the largest and most high pro le event of the Platoon’s year. This multina- tional exercise brought together around 1000 exercising troops from the UK, USA, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Signals Platoon deployed to help facilitate the communications during this challenging multi-language and diverse exercise.
With Battalion life as hectic as ever, it is important every once in a while to ‘kick back’ and enjoy some good team bonding. With an indoor trampolining venue not too far from Chepstow we were able to stretch the boundaries of a sports afternoon and enjoy some unusual Platoon bonding. Signals Platoon deployed en masse, enjoying the trampolines and other activities such as ‘total wipe-out’ and bounce basketball. Just be warned – if you are ever there, never challenge Signals Platoon to a game of dodge ball as we take it seriously!
In summary, life is good in Signals Platoon. The Platoon is continuing to ‘work hard, play hard’, and have yet to let the Battalion down.
Capt D Pearson
LCpl Lewry and Rfn Davies, Sigs Pl training
Maj Matt Darby and Capt Steve Tisbury mid Severn Bridge run
THE NEXT EVENT THE PT STAFF RAN WAS THE SEVERN BRIDGE RUN
1 RIFLES Gym
To stay in step with the requirements of the battalion, the gym staff have been running a variety of different training programmes either to help with preparation for deployment, recovery from deployment and maintenance of military tness. The requirements have changed constantly and so has the manning of the gym.
The Battalion has entered many sports compe- titions but the gym staff decided to enter the Army indoor rowing league (not such a good idea if you consider the average height of the gym staff). In the heavy weight open 2000m race we were pleased to record the following places and times:
Rfn Cropp came 13th in a time of 6 mins 53 secs Cpl Simpson came 17th in a time of 7 mins 03 secs LCpl Bellingham came 19th in a time of 7 mins 05 secs.
The next event the PT staff ran was the Severn Bridge run. This was a challenging event to organise but probably even more challenging to run the bridge 3 times! There were some very good times and lots of effort from all the runners. Someone even suggested the idea of completing the crossing of the bridge as an AFT!
Ex Steppe Eagle proved to be a good opportunity to host an international sports competition; this included 5 different sports and 4 different teams. The sports were football, tug of war, volleyball, strongman and relay races. The UK team consisted mainly of C Company Ri emen with a helping hand from the rest of the battalion and HQ 160 Inf Bde.
The other teams were a multi-national team but mainly comprising US National Guard. An excep- tionally determined Kazakh team knocked the UK team into 2nd place overall but we were still able to win the football and the strongman competitions.
It has been a busy year but it has been possible to qualify four new AAPTIs. These new PTIs have continuously been trained to further their knowledge and increase their ability. This includes a functional movement screening package and instruction in foam rolling (sic).
We are looking forward to the challenges ahead and the forthcoming training year.
SSgt Jamie Masters RAPTC
38 FIRST BATTALION
THE RIFLES