Page 78 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

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NORTHERN IRELAND GARRISON SUPPORT UNIT (NIGSU)
Within this whirlwind of a ‘Mind Body Spirit’ calendar year, it’s business as usual for NIGSU based at Lisburn’s Thiepval Bks and supporting co-locations at Palace Barracks, Hollywood, Aldergrove Flying Station and Ballykinler.
Prior to my assignment to NIGSU, I clearly remember casting my mind back to my experiences on OP BANNER, Operational tours during the provincial troubles in the early years of my military career. Slightly apprehensive, but keenly settled into the post as the NIGSU QMSI. Upon my return I could barely believe the change from my last experience from the late 90s.
Contrary to popular believe, NIGSU’s pace of life and routine does differ from Field Force Units that are preparing for a deployment and does take a little bit of time to get used to. However, the need and essential real time support is a 24/7 requirement 365 days a year that cannot be underestimated. NIGSU support 3 Major Units (2 RIFLES, 5 Regt AAC & 1 SCOTS), 3 Sub Units (2MI 225 Coy, 251 SIGS Sqn), Army & Naval Reserve Units (2 R IRISH, 6 MI Bn, 62 MI Coy, HMS Hibernia) and a Bde HQ, 38 (IRISH) Bde, over 3 main sites that never close.
As the NIGSU QMSI, I manage a diverse and hardworking PD Dept. The PD team is made up of Military and Civil Servants staff, that includes 2 x AAPTIs, 2 x SIO PTIs, 1 x SIO Swimming & 6 x skill zone-based Life Guard’s, covering 4 Gymnasiums and 3 Swimming Pools within the provincial AOR. Additional responsibilities include G4 support to the RAPTCIs of 5 Regt AAC and 1 SCOTS.
Last year NIGSU PD Dept sadly said good bye to Mr Frankie Hannah who has worked for NIGSU for over 18 years as a SIO PTI. Frankie unfortunately passed away and was laid to rest after a long and stubborn fight with cancer, he is sorely missed by all.
NIGSU PD & Pool Staff trg Day
Congratulations to LCpl Warren Jones who successfully passed RAPTC selection. As this year’s MBS Journal is released he will hopefully have badged into the RAPTC. A huge welcome to Mr Roger McAtee (SIO-PT), assigned to NIGSU from RSME Gibraltar Barracks.
In closing, being the QMSI assigned to NIGSU is, as ever, a challenging bespoke but rewarding place to be assigned. If you are keen to gain exposure and wider development as an RAPTCI away from a Field Force Unit environment, I would strongly recommend NIGSU.
WO2 (QMSI) AJ Stephenson RAPTC
Running Club Afternoons