Page 70 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

68
www.raptcassociation.org.uk
HQ 11 SIGNAL & WEST MIDLANDS BRIGADE
WO2 (QMSI) D M Foley RAPTC & Capt (MAA) S Jackson RAPTC
Three years have now elapsed in post as the Brigade QMSI PD and unfortunately, we must say farewell to Capt (MAA) S Jackson RAPTC who is taking up the appointment as the Adjt at the Army School of Physical Training, and welcome Capt (MAA) Pollock RAPTC in May 19.
In honesty, this is a highly rewarding position, albeit very busy and challenging in terms of the many outputs we deliver. We have 25 talented and motivated RAPTCIs both regular and reserve and an abundance of AAPTIs’ that deliver first class PD to their respective units across the West Midlands. The firmbase support we provide them is well received and valued by the CofC both at Unit and Brigade level alike.
Brigade life is extremely diverse and not just PD focused. For example, in addition to the numerous routine PD outputs, we found ourselves involved in the planning and execution of UK Ops (OP TEMPERER and OP BOOMSTER) and the annual Bde MRX planning for an environmental disaster such as flooding in the Severn Gorge. We are also in the planning for OP YELLOWHAMMER and are prepared to provide support to Government departments post Brexit.
As a branch, we promote all aspects of PD which is supported from the top down. We have witnessed first-hand how committed the CofC are at all levels to improve non-attendance, MATT 2 testing and provide support to injured or deconditioned SP. This year’s main priority was to upskill the Regular and Reserve RAPTCI’s & AAPTI’s on the new Physical Employment Standards (PES). There also continues to be an abundance of sport and AT going on across and within the Brigade HQ itself. This year saw staff away skiing, road cycling, on battlefield studies and competing at Race the Sun.
UK Midlands Sport continues to grow; in the last year we delivered two UK Midlands Sports Board meetings and numerous sporting events, including the Brigade Festival of Sport and UK Midlands Athletics. This was possible mainly due to the commitment and passion of RAPTCIs and other Corps Sports Secretaries that go the extra mile to promote sport at all levels. Athletics, British
Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF), football, volleyball, basketball and golf continue to be well promoted, whilst other sports such as climbing, and cycling have also had a resurgence which is great to see. Capt (MAA) Jackson thanks all personnel that have put in the extra time and effort to develop Sport in order that SP of all ranks benefit from the positive elements it offers.
MS and assurance are the most important and time-consuming aspect of the Brigade PD role, involving unit visits either formally or informally and creating relationships with PD staff and the CofC. Therefore, it was extremely rewarding to see the personnel listed below from our AOR selected for promotion in the 18-19 reporting period:
Promotion to WO1: WO2 (QMSI) Slade-Jones – RRU Cosford
Promotion to WO2: SSgt (SSI) O’Brien – MAB 8
Promotion to SSgt: Sgt (SI) Woolridge – DMS(W), Sgt SI) Jallow – Battleback, Sgt (SI) Parker – MAB 1, Sgt (SI) Francis – RRU Cosford
In addition to the many outputs and being largely tied to the desk, remaining fit, focussed and mentally resilient is essential for me and the SO3. Therefore, we enhanced our training focus and spent more time on the bikes. Over the winter we both put in the miles in preparation to represent HQ 11 Sig & WM Bde at Race the Sun and the Army Road Cycle season 2019. The SO3 had a great first season participating in various ACRRS events and competing in the WM Cyclocross league, and his performance was enough to secure selection to the Army Cyclocross team for 19-20 season – Kudos!
In closing, the role as the Brigade QMSI PD continues to be very rewarding, there is nothing better than providing clarity and guidance to queries from RAPTCIs or Units either via email or over the phone. Just the simple thanks and acknowledgement for taking the time to provide them guidance and support is reward enough for me, and I look forward to doing so for many years to come.
Capt Jackson and WO2 Foley - HQ 11 Sig and WM Bde