Page 79 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

51 INFANTRY BRIGADE
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There have been some seismic shifts recently in the way the Army delivers Physical Training. There is now a more holistic approach on building a stronger chassis and engine using strength and conditioning as we move away from the mindset of just running and loaded marches. The new Army Physical Training System (APTS) has been implemented at Scots DG since September 18 and has so far been welcomed with open minds and aching legs!
The Regiment has had a very busy 2018 in preparation for a double rotation of Op Cabrit in 2019. The challenge for Scots DG has been trying to apply a gold standard APTS onto a Regimental programme with sporadic pockets of time spent in
camp, a problem shared by most Units in today’s ever shrinking Army. That said, it has been positively refreshing having an equipment store brimming with the right kit to deliver such a programme ... I just need people on camp long enough to use it!
Scots DG have still found the time to scrape together manpower and represent on the sporting side of life with teams entered in the Ski Champs (at Tri service level) and the X Country League, Including in true Light Cav fashion even entered a team into the Commando Spean Bridge March race, with all team members hitting that golden sub hour time and the Veteran winner’s prize going to their very own RAPTCI ... that’s me by the way!!
SCOTS DRAGOON GUARDS
SSgt (SSI) J McLellan RAPTC
THE BLACK WATCH
3RD BATTALION ROYAL REGIMENT OF SCOTLAND
SSgt (SSI) R Fielder RAPTC
Well, where do I start? It has been an incredibly busy year within the regiment due to the return from Op SHADER and myself returning from the Falkland Islands. The Battalion was deployed on Op SHADER for six months (no RAPTCI requirement) this left me available for a Falklands trawl running the adventurous training centre in Port Stanley working alongside the RAF, they certainly know how to look after their soldiers, we ‘dig in’ and they ‘check in’. This saw me managing the AT Centre including the civilian gymnasium, I also helped with the delivery of battlefield tours and foundation levels of adventurous training for the soldiers deployed in station. The Falklands Islands is a great place to visit, full of an amazing array of wildlife and steeped in history, however, a winter tour wouldn’t be recommended, myself being lucky with a warm summer stint.
After my tour of the Falklands it was time to pack away the flip flops (including Oakley’s) and get my artic kit ready for my return to Fort George and await the return of the Battalion from Op SHADER. This was a trying and busy period getting the APTS in place; with the foundation phase being alien to all, the delivery was the easy part, the hard part was trying to convince the CoC. The importance and emphasis on teaching correct techniques squatting, deadlift and even the ‘basic of movements’, however, once these sessions had been delivered this gave the soldiers the confidence to walk into a gymnasium and train in a safe manner. The challenge I now face, is to have continued success in qualifying AAPTIs and further develop these instructors with ‘potential and will’ to attend the RAPTC selection course. As the year continues 3 SCOTS are a very busy Battalion with various courses being conducted, on the horizon is Exercise Wessex storm and with new personalities afoot it’s a look forward to new and exciting challenges for the Battalion.
SSgt Fielder & Sgt McCormick posing for the camera at hillside camp