Page 100 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

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ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS TRAINING CENTRE
WO2 (QMSI) I Gillard RAPTC
Royal Armoured Corps Training Centre is a diverse gym, in a regime with multi directional command and a diverse training timetable. Along with Permanent Staff and Initial
Trade Trainees (ITTs) I am also responsible for all course personnel from across an array of Ground Close Combat and Mounted Close Combat cap badges. Having tackled the main issues (the closest crocodiles to the boat) I began to understand the dynamics of ARMCEN. Having fully sieved through various policies, procedures and direction, which included my first experiences with OFSTED, it was time to get to grips with Royal Armoured Corps life.
Installing the new APTS designed training programme across the Garrison was a struggle; not only for the participants but for the long-established PTIs. But the non-believers are now believers and after building a solid platform and re-affirming the foundations of Physical Development it was finally time to enjoy the juggernaut that is ARMCEN. A myriad of sporting events, competitions, official visits, trial teams, to mention a few has ensued, and has made for a busy and relentless first year at the helm.
My first major challenge was the PES trials. During these trials members from Chichester University put various ITT’s through the barrage of RFT(S) tests over 4 months, to gather data for the wider army.
One of the anomalies of ARMCEN is Exercise HODSON’S HORSE, which takes place for all Regiments of the RAC over a period of 4 days. This consists of various sporting competitions and allows for all Regiments to compete and increase Esprit de Corps. The event completed with the RAC Boxing finals night which took place at the Tank Museum.
The CO’s shield has been running smoothly; Every fortnight the ITT’s conduct a battle PT event (of an arduous nature) collecting points for their troops in order to be crowned winners every 12
Hon Col Dame Kelly Holmes addressing the parade
SW Regional Units Swimming Command Task