Page 98 - Mind, Body and Spirit Online Edition

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ARMY TRAINING REGIMENT WINCHESTER

Capt (MAA) W Pacter RAPTC

S
ince the last article the Army
Training Regiment Winchester has
undergone signiicant change. In
September 2012, with the closure of ATR

Bassingbourn, the organisation has gone
from being a Junior Entry (JE) training
establishment to Standard Entry (SE). This
means going from 6 intakes a year to one

every 2 weeks, not to mention a surge in TA
intakes. As you can appreciate, the pace
of life and challenges within the Regiment
have increased dramatically. To put some

of this into perspective the number within
the rehab troop has gone from 4 trainees
during JE to 34 in 4 months! In addition, in
light of our transition, numerous internal/
external audits and inspections have been

a common theme throughout the year.

It goes without saying that the delivery
of physical training is our main priority.

The main challenge is to ensure that a
prescriptive CMS programme is delivered
so that it captures the imagination of the
trainee, whilst maintaining the interest

of those delivering it: after a few intakes
it would be fair to say that the constant
delivery of a set 14 week programme can
become slightly repetitive. To overcome The Army victorious!

this we have made some notable additions
to our resources. This includes purchasing the professional development of the staff been vital to the running of the P&RTC,
a Beaverit Functional Training Rig along are fulilled and supported – and we have as well as adding value to the Regiment.
with numerous ancillary items such as had some notable successes in these To this end, we have had a number of the
power sleds, battle ropes, grapplers and areas. Firstly the QMSI, WO2 Lee Jones, AAPTIs organise overseas Regimental AT

power logs. Although you could argue has been selected for an LE commission expeditions, which is a responsibility that
that this equipment is not revolutionary, in the AGC (ETS). Secondly one of our is normally afforded to oficers or SNCOs.
it has certainly changed ‘how’ we deliver AAPTIs, Cpl Ben Balch, is currently in Of particular note were a highly successful
physical training; the only limitation now is his second term at RMAS and has been diving and skiing expedition to Egypt and

that of the instructor’s imagination. The selected for a DE commission in the Slovenia respectively.
addition of this equipment has added Parachute Regiment. Furthermore, 3 of
much value and the result is training that our AAPTIs have successfully passed Prior to reverting to an SE training
is relevant, challenging and memorable for RAPTC selection. These are all signiicant establishment inter Squadron boxing

all involved and a deinite step forward.
achievements in a period where manning played a large part of the JE syllabus in
levels are turbulent and only the very best order to foster the Values and Standards
Another area of equal importance is are going to be selected. Empowering the of the British Army. Clearly there is no
ensuring that the career aspirations and
JNCOs with extra responsibility has also
longer time to include boxing training

within the 14 week SE programme. So
the next best thing was to turn the gym
into a crucible, and put on a boxing show
for the trainees and permanent staff that

they would never forget. This took shape
of a contest between the Army boxing
team and Scottish international boxers.
The main aims were to highlight the
relevance boxing plays in being a soldier,

as well as promoting it as a high proile
sport within the Army. Although Scotland
went on to beat the Army 4-2 the evening
was a resounding success and thoroughly

enjoyed by all in attendance.

Although ATR Winchester has undergone
signiicant change over the past year, it still

continues to be one of the premier training
organisations within the British Army.
This is credited to the adaptability and
professionalism of its workforce of which
Trainees being put through their paces
the P&RTC makes a signiicant contribution.