Page 59 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

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7 AVIATION SUPPORT BATTALION REME
7Avn Sp Bn REME have had another busy year supporting Attack Helicopter Force (AHF). The Bn have deployed on Ex Crimson Eagle in the US, which is an exercise aimed
at qualifying aircrew for conversion to role and gaining the initial qualifications for attack helicopter 30mm live firing. Ex Lightning Force in Northumbria was another success, supporting 653 Sqn AAC conducting Electronic Warfare training. Both exercises showing how much of an invaluable asset the Bn are in ensuring aircraft are in fighting shape.
Having previously worked in first and second tier rehab as an ERI, 7 Bn have been a great unit for my first generalist role, I would recommend it to any ERI looking for a first generalist tour. This is my second year with the Bn and they are a smart group, being predominantly technicians and they like to understand the thought process behind what they do. This mindset has been an asset when implementing APTS and presenting SCR in preparations for April 2019. The unit are raring to go and getting stuck into the new testing and on interest lessons they have shown great enthusiasm asking plenty of questions. We now have 20 AAPTI’s which helps with maintaining high quality PT at levels 1-4 and we have a waiting list of personnel waiting to do there AAPTI course.
The Bn are sporting focused and compete when their heavy work commitments allow. They are currently preparing to compete in the 2019 Field gun competition, they came second last year and
7Bn Working hard on Sub-Unit PT
are very eager to take back the trophy that they have been regular holders of in years past. The Bn will be hosting the REME boxing Championships May this year and this has reignited boxing within AHF. We have a team of 14 boxers that have been released for full time training.
In the last year I have managed to go skiing in Austria and instruct on type 2 AT in the lake district. The stand out opportunity for me was leading a type 3 oversees AT Exped for 6 weeks in the US which was a great experience and I hope to do again in the coming year!
A/WO2 (QMSI) D T Hagan RAPTC
3RD BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT
In early December 8 Members from across the Parachute Battalions travelled to Bahrain to compete at long distance triathlon in the Middle
Eastern Championships.
The Paratroopers competed alongside some of the best triathletes in the World. Unlike their fellow competitors, the paratroopers had to fit their training around their already very arduous military training. With most of the team competing just a few days after a long overseas exercise in France.
Triathlon, particularly long distance, is a sport paratroopers are well suited as it requires exceptional
physical fitness as well as incredible mental resilience
– something which paratroopers have in abundance. The 113km race comprises of a 1.9km Swim, a 90km Cycle and a half marathon (21km) and is commonly referred to as a Half Ironman.
Not only did this event provide a fantastic platform from which to display the true grit and determination of paratroopers but it was also the first official event for the Parachute Regiment Triathlon Team.
In the days prior to the race the team had the fantastic opportunity to meet some of the greatest triathletes in the World and spent time talking to them, getting some expert advice before racing against them the very next day. This included Olympic Gold Medallist and Ironman World Champion Yan Fordeno, 2 x Olympic gold medallist Alistair Brownlee and 3 x World IM Champion Daniella Reef.
The team performed incredibly well, producing some exceptional times. This was the first race for 3 of the team and the entire
team produced new personal bests. The times are as follows; WO2 Smith: 4 Hours 29 minutes, CSgt Groves 4 Hours 33 minutes, Lt Christie 4 Hours 34 minutes, Capt Proud - 4 Hours 38 minutes, LCpl Gander: 4 Hours 49 minutes, Cpl Walton: 4 Hours 58 minutes and LCpl Ince 5 hours 03 minutes.
Some exceptional times. A special mention must go to SSgt Syrett RAPTC who finished in an unbelievable 4 Hours and 3 minutes - an outstanding performance, finishing first in his age group and second fastest amateur overall. Subsequently he has secured himself a place at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in 2020.
The team were fortunate to be invited to Bahrain by His Royal Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa is a world class Triathlete as well as a fellow paratrooper – having completed the Officer Cadet course at RMAS and the toughest physical test in the world - P Company. Subsequently he shares a unique bond with the men of the Parachute Regiment Triathlon Team as airborne brothers. Following the race, the team had the honor to talk with him during which he shared some of his ‘fond’ memories of RMAS and P Company. Hopefully the Parachute Regiment Triathlon Team will get the opportunity to race alongside him and the Bahraini team in the near future.
This event marks the official beginning of what looks to be an exceptionally bright future for triathlon within The Parachute Regiment - and over the next year the team will compete in both military and non-military competitions, hunting for gold.
SSgt (SSI) A Syrett RAPTC