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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.




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