Page 80 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

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Iam currently eighteen months into my three-year tenure with 3rd Battalion The Rifles, it is safe to say that my feet are firmly under the table, making positive developments in an extremely busy
and high tempo infantry Battalion. Whilst 2018 has proven both challenging and demanding, I am looking forward to a stretching and rewarding year that 2019 will inevitably bring.
Throughout this busy time the Battalion has made many developments through continued engagement and commitment to Physical Development. We are now firmly embracing change, capturing the intent of programme THOR, in particular the Army Physical Training System with the fresh challenges and recompense this brings. We can now look ahead to the change in Physical Employment Standards (PES) and participate in a physical training programme that is complementary to the change in physical demands this brings. Nevertheless, the Battalion’s robust attitude towards physical development is unsurpassed and beyond reproach.
Sport consistently remains at the forefront of Battalion life, traditionally they are a football unit, where the emphasis continues to be placed on supporting and driving the football team to success. The season saw them reach the Champions Cup final and the Army Cup Semi Final. Dedication and hard work enabled the success of the Battalion Ski team in winning the Infantry Nordic Championships. The cross-country team ‘as always’ never failed
to be out done and produced another fantastic result, narrowly missing out on the top spot and finishing in second-place in the Tri Service Scotland League. It’s safe to say that appetite for sport within the Battalion remains as high as ever and an area we intend to drive forward throughout 2019.
Adventurous Training proves to be a continued area of interest, with members of the Battalion taking part in both unit lead activities and qualifying as instructors. The positive interest has resulted in two incredibly successful Type 2 packages throughout the year, allowing our Rfn to participate in activities such as Mountaineering, Mountain Biking, Kayak and Canyoning to name but a few. Planning is now well underway to take 300 members of the Battalion to Kinlochleaven in the spring for a Type 2 concentration package.
Pushing on into the year we find ourselves engaging in an ever-growing FOE, committed to Operation SHADER among a multitude of other training exercises and support tasks. Whilst the tempo is high and often demanding, I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoy serving with 3rd Battalion The RIFLES, they have welcomed me into the RIFLES family and I look forward to the remainder of my post.
“SWIFT AND BOLD”
3RD BATTALION THE RIFLES
SSgt (SSI) J Shackleton RAPTC