Page 138 - MBS 2022/23

136
www.raptcassociation.org.uk
Army Training Unit (West) (ATU(W)) is part of Initial Training Group (ITG) and predominantly delivers Basic Training (BT) to Army Reserve Recruits in the form of Modular courses 1, 2 and 3. Split between two locations, Maindy Barracks (Cardiff) and Wyvern Barracks (Exeter), the unit is fortunate to have a QMSI and a SI heading up PD training assurance and delivery, and an added bonus of having a Reserve RAPTC Major as one of the Company OCs.
It is amazing to see the diversity that the Reserves bring to the Army and the multitude of civilian talents that come with the individuals who decide to become part of the team. The highly capable and respected PTI staff alone include a Police Officer, an NHS Nurse, a Surveyor and a Company Director.
Sgt Miller recently passed RAPTC Selection and has since completed Class One Training in-line with his deficit plan set out by HQ RAPTC. He is a great example of what is possible for serving Reserve PTIs who aspire to transfer into the Corps and has achieved all of this alongside being a devoted family man and maintaining a successful civilian career.
Both Maindy and Wyvern sites have excellent and recently upgraded gym facilities which support both Permanent Staff (PS) and recruits undergoing training. However, outdoor space is at a premium due to inner city locations, so improvisation and adaptability has to take
ARMY TRAINING UNIT (WEST)
WO2 (QMSI) D Beresford & Sgt (SI) J Miller RAPTC
Avalanche Training on SF2 Course
place in order to meet the demands of the training syllabus.
Inbetween courses, the unit have enjoyed a range of adventurous training (AT) events which have included a multi activity week in the Brecon Beacons, a Mountain Bike Trail Leader course in Devon, a Nordic ski trip to the Harz Mountains (Germany) and a ski mountaineering expedition to Val Thorens (France), which saw sixteen PS gain various qualifications via the JSAT scheme and plans are already in place for more of the same during the next training year.
Carving in amazing conditions
ATU (W) AT –
3,200m in Val Thorens
Ski Touring led by Maj ‘Eddie’ Williams RAPTC