Page 28 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

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26 ENGINEER REGIMENT ROYAL ENGINEERS
SSgt (SSI) R Stevenson RAPTC
Again, this has been another very busy time for 26 Engineer Regiment with, 30 Armoured Engineer Squadron return from Op CABRIT 2 in Estonia, July 2018. 33 Armoured Engineer Squadron deployed on Op CABRIT 3, July 18 – Mar 19. More recently, 8 Armoured Engineer Squadron have just deployed on Op CABRIT 4 and will not return until Nov 19.
During deployments there has been multiple adventurous training opportunities, ranging from skiing to more demanding physical activities. All Sub Units took part in the Dancon March; Dancon is short for Danish Contingent and the march has been a tradition with the Danish Defense since 1972 when the Royal Danish Army was deployed in Cyprus. The march invites foreign troops, allied with Denmark, to participate in the 25 or 40 km march. 26 Engr Regt achieved a first place within the Royal Engineers with SSgt Rochester getting a very respectable time of 2hrs 23 mins.
Not forgetting 38 Headquarters and Support Squadron, who will be deploying on Ex PINESTICK in Cyprus May 19. They will be bringing with them a Mech Troop from 30 Armd Engr Sqn and also a dedicated PTI to keep them all fit and motivated. As we all know, the adventurous training opportunities in Cyprus are second to none. They are set to have a very rewarding time.
In the month of September 2018, 26 Engr Regt conducted a physical development, health and lifestyle education camp called Ex VITA SANA. Initially, the first part of the course took place in Swinton barracks with the third week taking place in the Royal Marines Barracks, Chivenor. The aim of this residential camp was to educate individuals who were currently residing in high risk category on the BMI chart and those lacking in other areas of health and fitness. The course delivered both psychological and physiological elements of health and fitness.
With most Engineer Regiments, alpine skiing and boxing are at the forefront of the battle rhythm. The Regiment attended the Corps downhill racing event in Stubai, Austria. This took place 13 Nov – 14 Dec 18. The team consisted of 4 Sappers, 1 SNCO and 1 Officer. The team was varied in experience but vastly improved during the course of the camp. The team achieved a 6th position finish against much more experienced ski teams across the Corps.
Over the last 2 years since I have been in post, the Inter-Sqn boxing has easily been the best event. Organised to perfection, a lot of time and effort went in to ensure an excellent display. A very keen boxing coach, SSgt Passarelli from 26 Engr Regt, who has represented UK Armed Forces and England, ran the show. He coached a number of boxers from a variety of ability groups,; getting them all prepared both physically and mentally for the big night. All sub units entered teams bar 33 Armd Engr Sqn due to Operational Commitments. The event took place on the 21st Oct 18 and was a great success with 8 Armd Engr Sqn being crowned regimental champions. Approximately 40 boxers boxed through quarter and semifinals to produce 8 bouts that were concluded on the final night. The regimental team was selected from the inter-nits, which went on to finish 2nd overall at the Corps boxing championships in March 19.
Not to forget, LCpl Molnar who not only represented the Corps of Royal Engineers clay pigeon shooting team, but also now shoots for the Army team on the Olympic development pathway. He is also competing in the European masters later this year at clay shooting and was a nominee at the 26 Engineer Regiment sports personality of the year 2018.
As an ex-Royal Engineer, it has been an absolute pleasure to have served with 26 Engr Regt. I will be moving on soon and I am sure the next RAPTCI will have as good an experience that I have had. Despite being so busy, the Regiment was always very proactive and professional, always delivering results.
SSgt Stevenson taking CO’s PT 26 Engr Inter Boxing 26 Engr Ski Camp