Page 25 - Mind, Body and Spirit Online Edition

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In the current climate the Army are running hot, this is no different
for MCTC, and as such I assumed additional responsibilities as the
military Chief Instructor to the Trg Wing in Feb 13. Thinking outside
of the normal mats, benches and med balls bubble became

evident as soon as I took over the role. Tasks such as coordinating
range packages, scheduling all military speciic training MST
& PDT for the year around the units other commitments, has
had its challenges along the way, The old cliché, QMSI you are

ticking the right boxes, has never been used more..In addition
to this I attended the National Tactical Response Group Control
& Restraint Instructor course soon after my arrival at MCTC and
have been delivering courses to MOS at the establishment and

unit custody staff at home and overseas. This is an invaluable
course qualiication to hold if potential RAPTCIs are considering
MCTC as a future post?

Following a successful business case being presented, I managed
to secure £135K for a complete overhaul to the CV Suite with the
latest Technogym equipment, more to the envy of many RAPTCIs
within the 16 Bde AOR. The CV Suite has now been named in
dedication to the old Deputy Commandant Major Rhett Corcoran MCTC 2012 Field Gun Crew

as the ‘Corcoran Fitness Suite’ after he retired from the MPS and
Army following 40 years of loyal service.
The Military Corrective Training Centre Field Gun Crew
The RN/RM Charity Field Gun competition is the centrepiece for
Adventure Training
HMS Collingwood’s annual opening day attracting thousands of

MCTC provide AT and purposeful activities to detainees whilst friends and families each year. The Field Gun event is without
at the establishment. With a handsome brand new leet of 18 doubt one of the most arduous and physically demanding events
mountain bikes and 8 kayaks the unit are self-contained with their still run within the Military today, attracting over 20 crews from
own MPS recruitment trailer to conduct Unit Adventurous Training all three members of the Armed Forces. It requires leadership,

at the drop of a hat. Having founded the Colchester Garrison determination and discipline, but above all teamwork – all of which
and 16 Brigade Kayaking Club, this now runs successfully every are vital in support of the current operational environment.
Monday at the Cpl Budd VC Gymnasium pool and is attended by
large numbers of military and civilian groups. By the time these The MCTC has provided a Tri Service crew which very much

notes go to print, MCTC will be well into the TY13 AT packages represents the attributes and core values of the Army. Each one
that are planned across the country as far as Aviemore in Scotland of the 18 strong crew members has a key role to play in ensuring
for staff and detainee skiing. Major (MAA) Rick Young RAPTC that the runs are both safe yet competitive. Intense training for
kindly facilitated a MBL UK course for 14 members of staff at the the crew begins with a variety of itness sessions followed by time
latter end of 2012, all were successful upon completion. OC D
on the track to ensure that everyone knows their respective jobs.
Coy created the highlight of the course by chucking himself (and This takes approximately 8 weeks.
his bike) down the hole known locally as the quarry, breaking his
arm in the process. Sgt Taylor RAF showed extreme talent as an During the second week in Dec 12 the MCTC competed in front of
assistant rider to Maj Young and has subsequently been hand 10,000 spectators at the National Indoor Arena (NIA) Birmingham

picked to ride along side the boys at Pro Riders UK.
against RAF Cosford and Abbey Wood. Unfortunately after having
led for the majority of the inal run, the MCTC were beaten by
Modern Pentathlon
100th of a second by RAF Cosford.
Comprising Fencing, Swimming, Horse Riding, Pistol Shooting and

Running, the Modern Pentathlon was founded in 1912 by Baron Following the success at the NIA, MCTC were conident that they
de Coubertin and embraced could compete against the lead crews at the RN/RM Charity Field
the attributes required for Gun competition. The competition was immense with the inal race
the complete athlete. These won in a time of 1:19:88 by HMNB Portsmouth. The MCTC ran

attributes were also adopted their fastest time of 1:27:00 during the heats and inished second
by the military as they tested in their plate inal. Many of the MCTC Field Gun crew had never
a soldier’s mental agility and competed in such an event before, however now that they have
physical prowess. The Army been given the opportunity most agree that it is one of the most
Pentathlon Championships
rewarding and enjoyable experiences that they have had during
were held at Royal Military their Military careers.
Academy Sandhurst on
Wed 26 Sep 12. The Sporting prowess
competition included guests On the sporting front pride of place must go to the MPS rugby

from Oxford and Cambridge team on beating the combined might of the Provost World and
Universities. MCTC was winningtheannual7’scompetitionatSuffolkPark.TheFieldGun
represented by Sgt Simon team also deserve praise for winning the Endeavour Trophy (not to
Taylor (RAF) who inished 1st be confused with the Miss Congeniality Award in beauty pageants

in the military competition apparently!).
and 2nd overall, winning
the fencing and swimming Individual mentions go to the SEO (Major Greig Taylor – ETS) who
phases. Sgt Taylor intends has represented the Army at Tennis and Hockey – WO2 Jackie

to compete in the British Crombie who has represented the AGC at Hockey and Rounders,
Championships at the end and last, but by no means least, the author is running the London to
of October and Great Britain Brighton 100Km challenge in May 13 on behalf of the Alzheimer’s
Selection competitions held
Society.
Sgt Simon Taylor RAF receiving
his Army Pentathlon Champion
in December 2013.
winner’s prize at the RMAS