Page 133 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

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THE ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY SANDHURST
“ONE YEAR IN”
Maj (MAA) S Semple RAPTC
In my eighteen years within the Corps, I have always aspired to work at RMAS. Everything finally came together when I was assigned as the SO2 G7 PD in May 18. The appointments
board in Montgomery Gymnasium is a testament to the extremely talented RAPTCIs that have graced the halls of the Academy – no pressure Semple!!
Everyone knows what Sandhurst is and does, and I will allow the staff to explain that in more detail within their articles, but I was still surprised by the sheer pace of life and complexity of the Academy. I arrived in post as RMAS Group resubordinated to ARITC, a new 2* organisation based in Upavon focussed on the Training delivery space, and RMAS Group reverted to a 1* Command HQ. Not only did RMAS lose several key members of staff in the change, but also picked up Command of 19 University Officer Training Corps (UOTCs) and Officer Training Regiments (OTRs), a significant additional task for a reduced HQ. My predecessor, Maj (MAA) Bob Whitaker RAPTC, moved into the ARITC SO2 PD post from here and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bob for an
excellent handover and leaving me a well-organised PD Branch within RMAS.
The SO2 G7 PD post sits within Group HQ, not within the PT Wing, and therefore allows the majority of the staff management and development to be done by the SMI, currently WO1 (SMI) Paul Newton RAPTC. The PT Wing staff are first class; although incredibly busy, they always maintain the highest standards of delivery. For example, they brief the senior staff on the Army Generalship Programme (2* generals) about current PT methods and ways of keeping fit with limited available time to exercise, a potentially daunting task for a newly badged RAPTCI, but always extremely well-received by the course.
In closing, RMAS is a challenging but rewarding place to work. I am surrounded by talented and motivated staff and Officer Cadets, and I consider it an honour and a privilege to serve here as the SO2 G7 PD. Over to the RMAS RAPTCIs to explain in more detail what they have been up to.
When arriving at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Jul 18 as C Syndicate Leader I was given my objectives and taskings for the year by WO1 (SMI) Newton. The main task was to co-ordinate and run a tri-nation military skills event, the likes of which I had never heard of. It turns out that the RMAS compete in an annual international event between the equivalent French and German Officer Academies. It was time to start digging out some old german lingo that I had learned from serving in Germany between 2004 to 2011 - turns out I didn’t learn much!
After significant planning, the Games took place on 15-17 Mar 19 here at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. This annual exchange is a wonderful event for the academie’s OCdts and senior elements within the CoC. It provided a healthy competitive environment and an ideal opportunity for all the cadets to learn something about each other’s cultural backgrounds and military training.
The Games consisted of ten integrated teams from each Academy taking part in 10 military skills stands. The games proved to be an excellent opportunity for the Cadets to experience Defence Engagement activity with key military allies at an early stage in their military careers.
The focus from the outset was the integration of allied soldiers, which required overcoming language, equipment issues and varying levels of fitness. The Games ended with an arduous physical Super-teams event, with all 3 nations competing against one another within Montgomery Gymnasium. The RMAS OCdts dominated throughout this event, and although victorious, the team provided excellent mutual support to all competitors until the final event was complete. The winning margin was significant and could be considered a reflection of the quality of training OCdts are receiving from the team of RAPTCIs on the Regular Commissioning Course. We look forward to traveling to France in Mar next year to compete once again in the Tripartite Games and defend our title.
PHYSICAL TRAINING WING THE TRIPARTITE GAMES
SSgt (SSI) L L Brimble RAPTC
Tripartite Games Maj (MAA) Semple Tripartite Games Sgt (SI) Longden on the Bridge Build Tripartite Games SSgt (SSI) Wilson Running Pool Obs