Page 68 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

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SSgt Brightey briefing Champion Coy
competitions and delivered an outrageous amount of excellent PT to an extremely busy Garrison.
In my short time here, the Garrison has completely embraced APTS, strength training and the ‘engine and chassis’ approach to physical development. The Gurkhas are always keen to learn and aren’t afraid to ask a question or two. This has made my goal of steering them towards the APTS mentality a smooth and pleasurable process. The CofC have been on board since day one and have supported me in this endeavour at every turn. This has come as a detriment to my own training as there is never a barbell or squat rack going spare, my facility is consistently full of people performing functional training in support of the directed
SSgt Brightey vs China
PT program and developing their personal weakness over all components of fitness.
Working in Brunei has definitely developed my ability as an RAPTCI and SNCO. While I have enjoyed the challenges; the good has by far outweighed the bad. I have been able to continue my role as RAPTC (Apostles) Secretary, taken over as ARU 7s S&C coach and even managed to bag myself an international cap against Guam and China. This has been due to the massive support the Bn has afforded me. The AAPTIs are some of the most diligent I have come across and are always keen to develop their skills and knowledge. I would recommend this position to anyone who desires a challenge and adventure.
1st Battalion Welsh Guards (1WG) deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan on OP TORAL for 8 months. During their time on deployment the main emphasis was to maintain security
around the city and provide protection to other Units and visiting personnel; around 90% of 1WG deployed. Luckily there were no major casualties and everyone came home safe. This was a busy period for the Rear Operations Group (ROG). ROG has been involved in many tasks from Battalion tasks, community engagement and public tasks back in Wales. As their RAPTCI I found myself pushing sports, AT and creating competitions to ultimately increase morale and keep the ROG fit.
During my time on the ROG I joined the RAPTC Water Polo team where I participated in a sports tour to Gibraltar. This was an amazing opportunity not only to train but a chance for the team to bond and experience the local culture. From this tour,
we competed in the Inter Unit Water Polo Championships held in Aldershot. Shortly after the RAPTC Water Polo sports tour I travelled to Italy to compete in the world class orienteering competition which consisted of 5 events. This was with the RAPTC Orienteering team in which we had a mini competition between ourselves, however I did not win this. After the Sports tour, I then competed in the Inter Unit Orienteering Championships that took place over a weekend consisting of 2 events. The latter part of 2018 was quite busy in taking part in sports and attending a number of boxing events to officiate.
2019 is set to be a busy year with the focus in changing roles from an operational position to ceremonial public duties. With the transfer in roles 1 WG is set to move from 11 Bde located in Elizabeth Barracks (Pirbright) to Combermere Barracks (Windsor) that will fall under LONDIST.
1ST BATTALION WELSH GUARDS
SSgt (SSI) R Harrison RAPTC