Page 13 - Mind, Body and Spirit Online Edition

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THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

Maj P Appleby, SO2 AT & Sport

A
“Startled Rabbit” caught in the headlights of a juggernaut Having the responsibility for the policy of two major PD areas
has been the cry from many of my predecessors and where risks are taken on a daily basis and the misuse of a word or
having previously served as the SO2 GTO in HQ ATG(A) my the wrong phraseology in a sentence could have a major impact
thoughts were that it couldn’t be that bad!! Well “it is” and whilst on the activities and how they’re conducted is scary. However,

my various tours of duty have prepared me for the appointment, I you have inluence and can shape things for the betterment of
don’t believe that anything can prepare you for the volume of work the troops on the ground, which for me is a key factor. One of my
that crosses your desk on a daily basis. It’s said that it takes 6 key tasks is the allocation of the Sports Equipment Public Fund
months to learn the job, a further 6 months before you can become (SEPF), which over recent years has been one of the irst areas for

effective and before you know it you’re on the last six months and saving measures; this year is no exception due to the drawdown
starting your handover notes! My thanks to Maj Bob Whitaker for of Units therefore our cloth has been cut accordingly.
a smooth and informative handover and I wish him and his family
all the best in sunny Herford. His new telephone number is No In short, this is a very busy role where time deinitely doesn’t stand

1 on my recall buttons and he assists with my transition into this still and if you wish to be at the hub of the action this is the place
new role!
for you!! If you’re looking for a “Sleepy Hollow” jog on as DTrg (A)
doesn’t allow you to sleep as the juggernaut just keeps rolling on!!

EX TIGER BLENHEIM ADVENTURER

by Maj B Taylor

B
uilding on the success of last year’s AT Exped, I was selected/
directed from a cast of one to organise this year’s morale
boosting expedition for the Directorate. After a bit of thought
(not much really, as we don’t have time for that) we soon decided

to follow the format from last year. In fact not only did we go to the
same location (Cyprus) we stayed in the same place (CJSATC),
went at the same time of year (early May over the Bank Holiday,
bonus!) we also did a near identical programme of activities. At this

stage I must say a great big thank you to Capt Barry Stoddart and
his band of merry men who provided an outstanding programme
of events that contributed to a successful outcome. I am only
being nice as we may need to do a re-show next year! However,
for a predominantly desk-bound geriatric set of Staff Oficers we

were suitably challenged and taken out of our comfort zones Members of Ex Blenheim Adventurer during the Mountain Biking.
frequently throughout the week. Keeping these activities alive in Maj’s Bob Taylor and Sheff Appleby 2nd and 3rd from left respectively
busy Headquarters is absolutely essential as it is all too easy to
put it in the ‘too dificult box’. The staff that attend get a great deal recent irst-hand experience) of the true beneits of AT. Learning

out of the experience and return to work suitably refreshed and how to climb also helps with the mountain of e-mails waiting for
reinvigorated. The big win however is that when these Staff Oficers you on your return! Sheff, stand-by for next year.
go back to their parent units they do so with the knowledge (and

Ex Blenheim Adventurer
Rock Climbing in
Cape Greko