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JSMTC BATTLEFIELD STUDY TO CRETE JUNE 2017
SSgt (SSI) R Harden RAPTC
Following on from a great battlefield study in 2016 to Monte Casino, JSMTC planned another trip away, this time to Crete. This trip saw 20 members from across the whole of JSMTC
and also HQ ATG(A) spend a week touring the battle sites of Crete. The importance and selection of this trip, much like the previous year’s trip, was to investigate the tactics and decisions involved in Mountain Warfare, which links back to the bulk of our delivery within JSMTC.
Crete was the site of the first sole airborne attack by any force which still lays down the foundation to our current doctrine for airborne assaults. As with any battlefield study, the aim was to learn from past conflicts and also relate these back to our current operations and tactics employed.
By partaking in a battlefield study, whether military or a civil servant, we get a direct link back to our day to day work delivering JSAT courses to all three services. It allows us to understand the vast and various roles of all those who come through the door and helps to break down barriers and build a rapport with students from day one ensuring they get the best from the development opportunities that we offer.
JOINT SERVICE MOUNTAIN CENTRE NORTH WALES ROCK CLIMBING CONCENTRATION
SSgt (SSI) S Mayled RAPTC
The Joint Service Mountain Training Centre (JSMTC) annual UK based Rock Concentration is one of the principal UK based concentrations; it serves as the Joint Service Adventurous Training (JSAT) concentration where students from all three Services can gain plenty of experience. The experience can be towards the students’ individual’s goals such as gaining qualifications, refresh of skills previously learnt and logbook experience towards higher qualifications. The
allows expansion in personal development for the instructor, as they too are able to gain different climbing areas they would not usually visit during their normal working venues.
I had the opportunity to climb as equals with a fellow RAPTCI, SSgt (SSI) Harden, contrary to belief, opportunities don’t arise much to push the grade and learn off one another while climbing in JSMTC’s
concentration runs over the month of June. Not always the driest part of the year in North Wales! However, you can always find a dry crag somewhere.
There are two phases, split by a well needed rest day in the middle. The concentration is focused around the students although there is some side- line development for the Instructors. It creates the fluidity for the Instructors as there are no ties to the JSAT syllabus, in turn this allows the student to create his/her own personal goals under the guidance of a very experienced and qualified JSMTC Instructor. The Rock Concentration also
SSgt (SSI) Rob Harden leading and looking back at the belay on the classic route “Dream of White Horses” at Gogarth, Anglesey
SSgt (SSI) Scotty Mayled leading the way over the final arch on the “Dream of White Horses” before going straight up to finish
time. On a personal note the concentration allowed me to participate in Mission Critical Training (MCT) which will stand me in good stead for higher National Governing Body awards.
I would personally like to thank the WO2 (QMSI) Mellor, SSgt (SSI) Harden and JSMTC’s Chief Instructor, Chris Forrest for all the support in providing me the opportunity to attend this concentration. In addition, I would like to extend my thanks to Capt (MAA) Webster for assisting me in logistics, movement and time covering me back in our own Wing.