Page 152 - MBS 2022/23

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
Ihave come a long way from last year’s edition of the MBS; I no longer need to mention my 7-year absence before
re-joining as an FTRS RAPTCI, as I am now in the driving seat and doing my best to steer MRTC in the direction I want – to be one of the best gyms within the British Army! Whilst I am very close to securing this accolade, it has taken me up until the LWC QMSI seminar to realise that having an outstanding facility might be fantastic, it’s no longer my only priority; my focus now is more on protecting myself, my Commander and my Unit and ensuring the working practices/policies/standing orders etc within the gymnasium are absolutely watertight. It was back to the drawing board with everything to prepare ahead of my Unit’s PD audit in early June.
Although my ego is a little big, I am not a man that is afraid to ask. I know when I need advice. When it comes to writing policy and risk assessments (due to my 7-year absence – okay I might have to mention it again!) I contacted the people in ‘the know’ - the LWC’s QMSIs and in particular WO2s Al Murray and Arno Armstrong – legends. Having them to lean on has been absolutely invaluable and I must encourage all of you to talk to each other and share information. Batting out ideas and best practices is how we, as a Corps, should be, and I know this is a huge focus with Maj Murdoch and SMI
WO2 (QMSI) P Harrison RAPTC
Pyburn during the next LWC QMSI focus group - I can’t wait.
I am still constantly asked where/what is MRTC? If you haven’t read my last article, MRTC is located in Bassingbourn Barracks and conducts both Individual and Collective training; Individual gives a generic package to Troops under Training (TuT) to deploy in a number of different locations and Collective is Mission Specific. The primary role of training here at MRTC is to better prepare the TuT for the challenges they will face on Operations. It is informative and provides them with knowledge which will keep them safe and protected from the varied dangers and threats they will face. It helps them understand their kit and equipment so they can use it in the right way and it helps them understand the dynamics of the environment they will be entering. The training can be as general as Individual Training Requirement (ITR) completion and as detailed and specific as J2 and PJHQ Op-specific briefs.
My role within the Collective training is to deliver the Role Fitness Test (Soldier) (RFT(S)) to approx. 2000 SP that attend these courses each year. In addition to these courses, I also look after the Permanent Staff (PS) within MRTC that consist of 1 x Colonel (Commander), 2 x Lt Cols (COS and DCOS), 8 x Majors and
Captains and the remainder are mainly WOs and SNCOs with a few JNCOs. Being a Level 3 Unit, PT is delivered twice a week with a sports afternoon every Wednesday. PT attendance is always excellent (probably helps that the Cdr, COS and DCOS always attend) and my staff are constantly praised on its structure, delivery and enjoyment factor.
The PT facilities at MRTC are very good, the main fitness suite has everything you need for a great workout. Regular INVAL points say it is one of the best gyms in the Army. To complement the fitness suite, we have a Commander’s PT area in a large aircraft hangar. In most PT sessions we have approx. 70+ in attendance on Levels 1, 2 & 3 PT. To complement the training, we have a newly installed 36-station rig at one end of the hangar and matting at the other end. My plan is to replicate the existing rig – a Business Case had gone in to LWC and we’re now waiting for the green light.
This is now my third year in post on an FTRS RAPTCI contract and I have recently been extended a further two years, which is really handy as I live 2km from the barracks and it takes me forever to run in! If anyone wants any advice on FTRS please get in touch, but in all honesty, it’s a no brainer – do it.
MISSION READY TRAINING CENTRE (MRTC)
MRTC Fitness suite
MRTC Commander’s PT area
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