Page 106 - RAPTC Mind, Body & Spirit

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Presently the Gymnasium PT management team are in the process of making programme changes to benefit the physical fitness of Phase 2 and 3 soldiers, pushing towards more sessions but keeping the quality within this process. The combat PT lessons continue to thrive here at Blandford, including the staff training that I deliver. We have had Sgt Culkin move onto his new post and his
replacement Sgt Jones fresh in from the RAPTC Instructor Course at the ASPT. Additionally, QMSI Richardson has replaced QMSI Cowley, it will be all change but we will be continuing to produce the highest of standards in our work here in the Gymnasium for the development of Royal Signals and the Field Army.
Newly Badged into the RAPTC and arriving at my first post at 11 Signals Regiment in Blandford and two weeks into the post I was representing the Corps at the Inter Corps Cross Country Championships in Gibraltar Barracks. I was more than happy to put the Red and Black vest on for the first time and embrace the Cross Country trail on a cold, wet and windy day. I expected nothing less from a Cross Country event. As I am more of a marathon and a distance runner, Cross Country is a little bit short for me, excuse the pun, especially for my short legs. I knew it was going to hurt a lot!
The female team didn’t come back with any trophies this time however the Vets did. Look out next near when we will be back to attack.
We hosted the Annual Sports Dinner and Awards Evening that was a huge success, organised mainly by Capt (MAA) M W Galley and SSgt (SSI) G Loader. It was a fantastic night for all to celebrate well deserved sporting achievements. It was also opportunity for me to wear my mess dress for the first time, with a newly formed team here in Blandford it was an ideal opportunity for the Gym staff to be together.
Sgt (SI) N Jones RAPTC
SSgt (SSI) G Loader and Sgt (SI) N Jones with RAPTC Female Cross Country Team SMAA and CRSM Visiting Blandford AAPTIs at the Annual Sports and Awards Dinner
ATG (A)
JOINT SERVICE MOUNTAIN TRAINING CENTRE
Major (MAA) R Reid RAPTC
As you would expect, JSMTC are still here and remains the market leader in all things Adventurous Training. We have recently said good bye to our Commanding Officer Lt Col Alan Wylie Royal Anglian; a great man that has steered this ship with great effect. Our new Commanding Officer, Lt Col Andy Husband Rifles has taken over at the helm and we remain on course; things are looking very good! This is my third and probably last edition of MBS whilst in the post of OC Training and I am very happy to inform you all that JSMTC has continued to develop in all areas.
Our Training Assurance Manager (Mr Frazer Marr) has moved sideways in to HQ ATG (A) in order to support the ATG (A) mission of assurance. It is without doubt that Frazer will serve the HQ very well; good luck. Andy Fowle remains in place as the JSMTC Assurance Officer with the task of ensuring JSMTC is compliant in such areas. Our Chief Instructor, Mr Chris Forrest, continues to guide us all on the straight and narrow with all things delivery. Chris
is an International Mountain Guide who adds incredible value to JSMTC; let’s not forget to mention that fact that he is pretty good in a boat! Our DSAT man Mr Richard Wells and his able assistant Sgt Luke Griffiths are setting the world on fire with regards to JSP 822 and compliance; a sterling job, please continue the amazing work. This leaves our course loading cell which is managed to the highest standards by Ms Tracey Miles. Tracey and her team (Jane and Shelly) remain at the end of the phone and OBS to help with your course loading issues and last minute changes.
The teams in the Wings (Indefatigable, Ballachulish, Llanrwst, Ripon, Bavaria and Northern Ireland) are all doing an amazing job. Training delivery is of the highest standards in all respects and the quality of our staff (not just the RAPTC) goes from strength to strength. From a Corps perspective we remain at the leading edge for all things Adventurous Training.