Page 105 - RAPTC Mind, Body & Spirit

AFGHAN NATIONAL ARMY OFFICER ACADEMY (ANAOA)
Op TORAL Mar-Nov 17
My deployment on Op TORAL was to provide advice, guidance and assistance to ANAOA Physical Training Wing staff. During 2015 Corps instructors had ceased mentoring the PTW due to a security issue; consequently, a gap in mentoring meant PT had become substandard. Various cultural sensitivities within Afghanistan meant that development and changes within the wing needed to be slow and simple. Being a coalition female in country doesn’t come without several barriers, it was important, certainly for the benefit of the male staff that I demonstrated my physical capabilities.
As you can imagine males and females do not conduct PT together, RMAS have only been conducting joint PT for a few years, so to force this onto cadets at ANAOA would cause bigger problems than its worth. My first experience of female PT made me quickly understand that this is where my focus needed to remain for the duration of the tour. Afghan females typically grow up in the most remote provinces in the country, subsequently
SSgt Morrow explaining the squat
they have never had the opportunity or resources to play sport or conduct any form of PT. Additionally it is common for young females to have had numerous children, leaving them with weak core strength, adding to the already difficult challenge of getting these individuals fit. Progress started by introducing them to some games such as tig, bulldog, stuck in the mud etc. this allowed me to distract them mentally whilst still getting them to gain an aerobic benefit. Afghan culture means that a female’s body must be fully covered including a traditional Hijab worn over the head, again adding to the already difficult situation. By playing games for the first few weeks it allowed the cadets to realise that a raising heart rate didn’t mean they were automatically dying!!
Progression through the term saw me implement some basic bodyweight circuits, the idea was to monitor the cadets physical development. As you can imagine, development is inevitably slow, disturbed sleep patterns due to morning prayers and poor nutrition doesn’t make for an ideal training environment. The aim of the programme was to develop the cadet to allow them to undertake a PFA without cheating or fabricating their results. Whilst we as a Corps are taking the lead in programming and delivery within ANAOA, it is critical they learn how to operate independently.
By the end of my 9 month deployment female PT had made enormous improvements, cadets where pushing themselves more than ever with a sense of enjoyment. Fatima, the Afghan PTI was developing her skills and knowledge day by day which allowed her to be more self-reliant.
Op TORAL provides RAPTCIs a great opportunity to deploy; Camp Qargha is known for its great food, entertainment and single man rooms. It really is slipper city!!
SSgt (SSI) A Morrow RAPTC
11TH (ROYAL SCHOOL OF SIGNALS) SIGNAL REGIMENT
Having served with successful and strong sporting units whilst serving in the RAPTC, 11th (Royal School of Signals) Signal Regiment as a
Phase 2/3 training establishment I had big boots to fill. Nevertheless, the Regt had not failed to surpass my expectations in the sporting arena. Annually HQ R Signals holds a historic sporting competition known as the Birtwistle Pennant Merit for Sport. The Corps Sports Pennant is awarded to the unit that has contributed most to sport over the year. The competition is much like the Army Sports Competition, in that it is based on sports participation, contribution and achievement within a unit.
QMSI HOTO between outgoing QMSI Cowley incoming QMSI Richardson
The Firing Squad Capt (MAA) M W Galley, WO2 (QMSI) S Cowley, SSgt (SSI) G Loader and Sgt (SI) M Culkin
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After completing four years with 11 (RSS) Sig Regt and writing three out of four of the Birtwistle summary reports on behalf of the Commanding Officer in my tenure as QMSI, I am proud to say that the unit have won the Birtwistle Pennant three times and this is a mark of their sporting excellence.
Only the best Instructors are posted to training establishments and the R Signals have ensured that this has happened in Blandford. Not only has the Regt had the fortune of quality Instructors, many of them have also been outstanding sports men and women. A strong grass roots sports foundation development plan known as Sports For All, has been the catalyst to sporting excellence within the Regt and R Signals Corps.
Nearly 6 months have elapsed already since arriving at Blandford and it feels like I have been here for years. The fast pace of life and day to day business is extremely
rewarding. QMSI Cowley mentored me at the beginning of my post and continues to be of influence, building an amazing rapport with him for life, a real friend as well as a valued work colleague.
Managing, mentoring and overseeing the AAPTIs has been one of my highlights. This was initiated within the first few weeks of arrival by overseeing a pre-RAPTC Selection Cadre that resulted in our PTIs passing their RAPTC Selection course. Helping to produce quality RAPTCIs of the future gives me a great deal of satisfaction.
WO2 (QMSI) S Cowley RAPTC
SSgt (SSI) G Loader RAPTC