Page 122 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2015-16

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1ST BATTALION THE DUKE OF LANCASTER’S REGIMENT
The First Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment arrived in Cyprus in July 2015 and for many of the younger soldiers this was an exciting time with the thought of sun, sea and early nishes in their minds. However, the honeymoon didn’t last long as the Bn soon settled into Cyprus operations. The Bn was soon spread to all corners of the island guarding Salt Lake site, Troodos station as well as other out stations and camp guard. With the Bn under manned by 90 personnel lower than the previous Resident Infantry Battalion (RIB) the lads soon realised that the next 3 years would be very challenging.
The Bn soon got settled into routine business with sport and AT; Sub-units began training for the last event of the Champion Coy which was the Inter Coy Boxing. All 5 Companies battled it out over a week of boxing and after over 30 gruelling bouts nally saw Anzio Coy winners.
After the Christmas period with the cooler weather approaching, my main effort as the RAPTCI was to complete as many AFTs as possible over a 3 month period before the heat and humidity arrived in the spring. With the Bn on Ops this was a
SSgt (SSI) N Davison RAPTC
SSgt Davison con rming the result with the RSM
2Lt Steele defeated on points to Kgn Costley
hard task due to the fact the soldiers were on a rolling cycle through the out stations. With the unit getting ready for RSB in May 16, the PT really did kick in with the introduction of more battle PT and OFT training as it was essential that all soldiers were battle ready for RSB. Every Friday saw the introduction to weight, Osprey and helmets which proved quite tasking
Partner Exercises in the sun
Bn Battle PT
for the PTIs as the hotter months kicked in and the importance of training safe in a hot environment the priority.
As the summer looms and RSB begins in May 16, this again will prove to be a busy period for the Bn. With a new Commanding Of cer in April and a new role for the unit, these are exiting times.
JOINT SERVICE SIGNALS UNIT (CYPRUS)
SSgt (SSI) DJ Hunt RAPTC
Having recently arrived in October 2015 I was quickly tasked with reviewing the current PD polices due to a new CO on the horizon. My rst posting at a Tri-Service Unit has
required me to switch my mind set from working with potential AAPTI’s to a more diverse range of abilities, which has been challenging but rewarding.
Once the Christmas season had died down and the New Year “New Me” buzz kicked in, my Gym Staff and I thought we would take advantage of this and lay on a Health & Sports fair in the heart of the community. The day saw the community gain some valuable information and get the chance to interact on various
stands. WO2 Thorburn, R SIGNALS, is a member of the Unit’s mountain bike club, and he set the challenge of longest track stand and the winner would receive a generous goodie bag with various equipment relating to mountain biking. The winner was Sig Mucklin, who managed to hold a track stand for 50 seconds.
Sgt James Saxton the Unit’s RAF ERI conducted running gait analyses and ensured that those new shinny running trainers that everyone received for Christmas were suitable!
So far, a good start at the new posting JSSU (Cyp) and Mrs Gemma Hunt is enjoying life in Cyprus also (Happy wife, happy life!).
WO1 (RSM) G Welch Track Stand Challange
Sgt Saxton Running Gait Analysis Health Fair