Page 21 - Chiron Spring/Summer 2023

Defence Animal Training Regiment PT
by Cpl Ceresa
AAPTI’s at the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) provide physical training programmes for canine training squadron (CTS) and Initial Trade Training (ITT). This covers a wide range of Physical training using
the Army Physical Training system (APTS). APTS is a scientifically based, and holistic approach to physical training which supports unit operational requirements.
Designed to be flexible, it enables Soldiers at the DATR to meet their commitments whilst increasing adherence to exercise, providing the soldiers with every opportunity to maximise their training potential and optimise their performance.
Through all the different PT sessions here at the DATR, we aim to hit all the fitness components: speed, agility, maximal strength, explosive strength, muscular endurance, aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, flexibility, mobility, balance, and coordination. We do this by providing different types of circuit training, strength and technique lessons with basic functional movements, Interval training and Aerobic threshold training.
Throughout the year at the DATR, we have a section Flag Competition
where once a month, and we put
on a section event including British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF), Cross country, Indoor assault course, Dodgeball, Strongman, Squadded tab, and the endurance event. At the end of the year, the section with the most points is awarded the DATR PT section winner flag, and each team member wins a prize. The events are scored 3 points for 1st place, 2 points for 2nd, 1 point for 3rd and 0 points for last place. Each team receives two Joker cards which can be played before any event the team decides, and it will double their points for that event.
In addition, from providing a
PT programme and conducting
PT sessions here at the DATR,
the AAPTI’s have other Roles and Responsibilities, which include providing lesson plans and risk assessments for the sessions, general maintenance for the gymnasium, reporting faults and making sure all equipment in the gym is serviceable. AAPTI’s are also
responsible for making sure all personnel at the DATR are n date with their annual fitness tests for both ARMY and RAF and for Army personnel making sure it is uploaded onto Op Deployability Record (ODR).
The DATR gymnasium is in the process of making improvements, new kit and equipment to help enhance the PT training, such as assault bikes and skiers, as well as new sports equipment, including boxing, tennis and hockey, to encourage and provide a variety of sporting opportunities for everyone at the DATR.
Chiron Calling / 19