Page 20 - RAPTC Mind, Body & Spirit

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
Having taken over the RC SMI Sports role from SMI Bennett at the end January 18, the SO2 Maj (MAA) M Field RAPTC kindly gave me two weeks to bed in. During the bedding
in process, I have been introduced a broad array of personnel serving at Regional and Home Commands. Strangely they all asked “how are you settling in to your new job”? Being quick to establish that the pace of a 2* HQ can be at times frenetic, my response was “the train is not going to stop so I’ve had to take a fast run up and jump on board”.
More about the Job – RC provides support to swimming training by providing a Swimming Training and Testing Fund (STTF) at unit level for the hire of swimming pools, lanes or teachers; to develop weak and non-swimmers with the intent of passing an MST. Additionally, RC will support the delivery of centralised regional swimming training. Each year there are seven courses in the North (hosted by 4 Brigade), four courses in the Midlands (hosted by 7 Brigade) and ten courses in the South coordinated by RC.
Army Sports Trophies Competition (ASTC) 2017-18
The Army Sports Trophies Competition is in its fifth year. The competition is open to all UK units and awards are presented in recognition for participation in and support to sport at all levels. Trophies are awarded to the winning major and minor units by CGS at the Army Sports Award in November annually. Last year’s winners were:
• Overall Major Unit - 21 Engr Regt (North Region). • Overall Minor Unit - ATR (W) (South Region).
More information on entering the ASTC can be gained from RC SMI Sport.
UK South Army Weak & Non-Swimmers Courses 2018-19
SMI SPORT
WO1 (SMI) S Cowley RAPTC
HEADQUARTERS 1ST (UNITED KINGDOM) DIVISION
So, almost a year in post here and never a dull moment! I could now go on about how ‘fast paced’ and ‘busy’ everything is but we all get
that and it’s not exactly ‘news’!
If the place has a grid reference, this Division has probably got an eye on it and in many cases someone there! The diversity of tasks 1 (UK) Division undertake is so vast that one could not and should not try to capture it within the pages of MBS. I implore you to ‘Google it’ and do a bit of research. Our roles range from ‘talking’ in places to ‘doing’ in places with the aim in each location being from that of ‘influence’ to that of ‘coaching and mentoring’ and everything in between and left and right of that. It is light, fast and agile!
THE HEADQUARTERS
Adventurous training is healthy enough and in fact, on the increase. The days of Staff Ski holidays are rightly numbered (not pointing fingers) and utilising the already excellent provision of such exercises as Ex SNOW WARRIOR for individuals within the HQ to get away on quality AT has proved invaluable. The restrictions/ tightening of the purse strings are challenging however, opportunities still exist and should be exploited. We got a few of the staff into the lake District on NORTHERN LAKELAND SCRAMBLE and we are currently planning Ex NORTHERN RHINO EDELWEISS utilising the ATGA facilities in Bavaria for Summer 18.
ACROSS THE DIVISION
The SO3 PD Regional Point of Contact (RPOCs) within the Brigades are absolutely critical to the delivery and assurance of PD within the Fd Army and with the right people in the right posts we will ensure excellence across the board.
Attendees at RMAS
Maj Field and SMI Bennett enjoying the evening
Delivery of PT within the HQ is excellent with regular
attendance around the 90% mark. This is due to
an ‘inclusive’ environment and a positive promotion
of health and fitness across the staff. The Army
Physical Training System (APTS) is delivered to us by SSgt Welch and his team at the 2 Sigs Gym, twice a week, and is applied perfectly and pitched at the right level. It is testament to the science behind the system that the PT programme is a huge success and everyone, regardless of ability is gaining.
“Light Role Excellence”
Maj (MAA) M S Gresty RAPTC – SO2 G7 PD
The assurance piece is firming up nicely and is proving that it is, with sensible application by us the practitioners, a useful tool. The RPOCs are using it as an opportunity to spotlight key issues and fix them on the move. It would be too easy to just write about the issues in tomes of words, but this is not the attitude at 1* or 2*. We are engaging early, identifying the issues and then applying sensible and workable solutions. The best solutions