Page 34 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2015-16

32
www.raptcassociation.org.uk
Sister in law Abi providing Sports massage for the Bn boxing Team
Future RAPTCI Dolcie Farrugia
be done here; physical training is at the forefront of everything 2 PARA do which does set them apart.
“Utrinque Paratus” Ready for anything
then we have become Army Major Units Marathon Champions, Regional Cross Country Champions and with a race to go we have the Regional League in the bag. Most recently we became runners up in the Army Championships at RMAS and had 3 individuals selected for the Army team. Next up is the Commando Speed March as we look to retain the trophy won last year and the Fleet Half Marathon.
On the 27th December 2015 came the arrival of my third daughter, Dolcie. Like our XC Team she didn’t hang around and was born 39 minutes after arriving at the hospital.
As an RAPTCI this truly has been a breath of fresh air, 2 PARA have been as good as gold and I couldn’t have asked for more with the welcome and support I have received. There is no preaching to
Well I have now been in post with 3 Regiment Army Air Corps since Sep 15 and have settled into the rhythm of the unit which consists of 3 ying squadrons, a large REME contingent and a HQ squadron. The autumn and winter periods have seen the Regiment spread across 2 continents on 2 exciting exercises. 662 Squadron have been aboard HMS Ocean sailing through the Mediterranean before joining 663 Squadron in America to conclude our biggest live ring exercise of the year. Exercise Crimson Eagle, based out of Arizona close to the Mexican border, was the culmination of training for our new batch of pilots who are now fully embedded in to the Regiment after completing their conversion to role.
Going back to talk about HMS Ocean; picture in your mind the French Riviera and you are more likely thinking of a cruise ship not a warship. Embarked onboard as part of the Tailored Air Group and providing the Task Group with STRIKE capability was 662 Squadron 3 Regt AAC. The re-role process for an attack helicopter squadron so recently returned from the nal Apache HERRICK
tour to ful l a maritime role is no small achievement. Add into that the requirement to gain enough experience to ful l a quick reaction role from May this year it was clear there was a lot to do in a short space of time. Exercise Cougar presented man and machine alike an opportunity to develop further.
Alongside all the military training the soldiers have been provided numerous opportunities to attend both Adventurous training and sporting events. We hosted the AAC Inter Units Corps Basketball event and took the winners trophy and had a very good representation across all levels of sport and participated regularly with Inter Sqn events. The main focus of AT for the Regiment is skiing and sailing however this year it was decided that it was high time for some summer adventurous training. A package was put together to take 70 soldiers on a multi activity week to Serre Chevalier in Southern France. A good time was had by all and this event will feature in next year’s FOE.
Apache on HMS Ocean
Soldiers taking part in Via Ferrate in Serra Chevalier
3 REGIMENT ARMY AIR CORPS
SSgt (SSI) N P Speariett RAPTC