Page 116 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2015-16

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ASPT EX TIGER APOSTLE SKI TOURING EXPEDITION
As the festive period drew to a close, 10 ASPT permanent staff took part in a combined Alpine (development) and ski touring expedition in Austria. The expedition took place in the Stubai Glacier near Neustift, Austria over the period 3 – 8 Jan 16.
The expedition was overseen by Maj (MAA) Nick O’Shea RAPTC and Sgt (SI) Ash Stoby RAPTC. The aims of the expedition were to provide an environment where staff could achieve the Aims of AT, reinvigorate themselves ready for the challenges of the New Year and also qualify personnel through distributed training with SF1 and SF2 awards.
Great progress was made throughout the week with a variety of activities including Alpine skiing (introduction and development of the fundamentals), off piste skills development and ski touring. The group faced some challenging environmental/skiing conditions during the week which saw the majority of the group picking themselves up from the snow, additionally SSgt (SSI) John Hamilton RAPTC managed to snap his bindings and a fellow skier’s ski pole.
The staff enjoyed the ne hospitality of the Alpengasthof, Barenbad which sits within the incredibly scenic Stubai Valley. The team enjoyed the local delicacies on offer, with SSgt (SSI) Carl Goodchild RAPTC attempting to eat Austria out of ‘Apple Strudel’. Training and con rmation activities continued in the evening alongside with daily review sessions to ensure all participants gained as much from the week as possible.
The ASPT staff thoroughly enjoyed the expedition with all participants gaining further development of their skiing skill set as well as taking away a memorable experience, which has had a positive impact on team cohesion and morale. We look forward to next year’s winter expedition; for now – back to training delivery.
Preparing to ski off, in descend mode Skiing of the uphill kind
Ex TIGER APOSTLE TEAM
SSgt (SSI) J Hamilton RAPTC
Evening activities
Capt Tom Sawyer at the top
The art of kick turning
ARMY SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL TRAINING (GERMANY)
FINAL AAPTI COURSE AND CLOSURE
On the 10th August 2015, 46 potential AAPTI’s reported to the Army School of Physical Training
Germany to commence the nal 9 week AAPTI course. After an intense rst week, 38 students remained and subsequently split into two 19 man sections. For the remainder of the course students were put through their paces both physically and mentally, challenging them through theory and practical based lessons.
Sgt (SI) CJ Taylor RAPTC
At an early stage 6 individuals were highlighted to organise and deliver the Flag competitions. This allows the remainder of the sections to compete against each other in order to win the much sought after ag. The Inter Section Flag Competition consisted of 3 Military and 3 Sporting events that are run throughout the course. Each section competed for points and the section that won the most events was
awarded the overall winner, the ag was presented during the Pass off Parade.
Throughout the course students learn how to ef ciently organise a variety of competitions that if necessary can be conducted at Regimental level with minimal notice. These skills are essential to an AAPTI who may be expected to produce anything from games in a summer fete to a league level competition.