Page 151 - MBS 2022/23

we are well represented at the majority of the Brigade of Gurkhas (BoG) and Army events. Fiercely competitive, highly- motivated and impressively persistent, the Gurkha Coy will devote days, weeks and months preparing for a single sporting event. Their enthusiasm shows no limits and it is a pleasure to witness. Whether it is a regional level badminton competition, or the annual Ex TRAILWALKER 100km run that’s etched into their diary – they will always give 100%. Personally, I have donned the Army and RAPTC vest a few times throughout the year, earning some silverware along the way. Highlights being the Inter-Services Athletics champs, winning the Inter-Corps XC relays and being awarded Army Athletics Colours.
For a relatively small Unit, we also do pretty well when it comes to AT. With a view of Pen-y-Fan from outside the Gym, there is no excuse when it comes to organising Unit Authorised Adventurous Training (UAAT). The close proximity of the Army AT Wing (Brecon) also provides a fantastic opportunity to conduct Type 2 AT. With the centre right on our doorstep, the IBS makes
WO2 (QMSI) Davies - Awarded Army Athletics Colours
WO2 (QMSI) Davies and Ex RAPTCI ‘Jonny Stevenson’ in the Swiss Alps
the most of any last-minute unit dropouts advertised by Army Adventurous Training Group (AATG) - the Gurkha Coy can fill a nominal role before the email has left my outbox! Away from the Welsh hills, the IBS has completed two skiing trips to France, a rock climbing trip to the Dolomites and is currently planning a trekking exped to the Grand Canyon. As a huge advocate of AT, I try to attend the AT expeds where I can, but there comes a time when I must say no – when my wife does!
Outside of the Gym...
PD role aside, I finally (and reluctantly) handed over the role of PMC of the WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess after fourteen months in the job. It has been one of my most enjoyable roles whilst in IBS – especially as it involved being the gatekeeper for Mess social events...any excuse for a get together! After successfully kitting out the Mess with £40k worth of Commando green Chesterfields (to the dismay of the Para Regt RSM) and safe in the knowledge that they would be there for years to come, I felt like my work there was done. Closing out the year, I was given some
Infantry Battle School Gym Staff
WO2 (QMSI) Davies at the Inter Services Marathon Champs, London
great news to finish off 2022 where I was fortunate to be awarded a 3* Commander Field Army (CFA) Commendation in the New Year’s Honours list – an immensely proud moment and credit to the fantastic team I have within the IBS.
In summary, the last 2 years in Brecon have been amazing. Whilst it has certainly been the busiest and most challenging assignment I have had in my RAPTC career, it has also been the most rewarding and fulfilling from a job satisfaction perspective. Endless opportunities, exciting and enjoyable work, a jungle deployment to Brunei, numerous AT expeditions (how many is too many?), sports competitions and an inspirational and supportive CoC – I have had a great time. Having recently been selected for promotion to WO1, I will be moving on to pastures new in the summer. I will be sad to leave, but the new job remains within the borders of God’s country so I am doubly happy. Next up, a move to Anglesey into the role of RSM JSMTC. Best dig out my woolly hat!
149
Ex DERING SNOW 2022, Les Deux Alpes, France