Page 21 - RAPTC Mind, Body & Spirit

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that get the most effective results being that of partnering and utilising RAPTCIs on the ground to assist each other. Knowing our RAPTCIs and their skill sets is therefore key to the success of fixing gaps within the PD space within the formation.
RAPTCIs out in the units. A definite showing of extremely high calibre operators with sound knowledge and professional delivery. We all bemoan the next generation but I have to say, as a Corps, we are very lucky; I see standards improving, not eroding!
Sport remains a hard sell for the masses in the Field Army. The few that ‘can’ continue to ‘do’ but the many, I’m afraid, are finding it difficult or just don’t want to. How do we address this? We must just keep pushing it by continuing laying on competitions with a focus on the ‘for all’ and maybe promoting sports that require smaller team sizes.
Maj Gresty Rockin’ the service dress
AND ON A PERSONAL NOTE
By the time you will be glancing over this article, I will be a civilian (or a veteran, apparently...I know, right?). As such, I would just like to ‘tip my hat’ and thank all of those who have inspired me along the way (too many to mention but right at the very beginning of my career as ‘chopsy’ SI – Chris Robinson, Phil Virgo, Martyn Usher, Ted Turner and Colonel Barry Lillywhite definitely set me up proper!). I will cherish the opportunities I’ve been given, the laughs I have had, the friendships and acquaintances I have made and the opportunity to serve within such a specialist corps such as ours. I leave, still fitting the same mess kit and service dress and not looking too silly in my corps vest! Good luck to you all and be safe in your adventures!
Well another year nearer to the exit door. Suzanne Curry, our PD Clerk and I keep the constant churn of emails and PDA visits, etc to keep the lads informed.
As far as the HQ is concerned it has gone through a major restructure with a reduced manpower and a change in emphasis and roles. I also get involved in engagement projects now as well as all the PD matters for the area and all UK North Sport events. The HQ staff went on a recent skiing trip under the command of our new Cadets Quartermaster WO1 (SMI) Shaun Carey. Yes, I said Quartermaster!!! He recently completed his course and now knows what MJDI stands for – I think!! Ask him and see how much he squirms!! Twenty officers and soldiers left camp on 4 March for Walgau Kaserne (Barracks) to conduct both a Ski Foundation 1 (SF1) and (SF2) Course. The area of St Anton is a
very cosmopolitan area and very busy with tourists. The resort is perched at 1,304m (above sea level) and boasts fine downhill skiing on 280km of slopes. The resort is the centrepiece of the majestic snow-sure Arlberg ski region, situated near the Austro- Swiss border within easy reach of Innsbruck, Zürich and Lech. All really enjoyed the week and developed their skiing skills under their instructors.
On the subject of UK North Sport, the sports participation continues to be strong despite increased unit commitments. In June we will hold our annual Festival of Sports which covers units from the whole of the UK North area (including 4 Bde and HQ North West). This will be held in the Catterick area and is a great event. All other events continue to flourish and the RAPTCIs do a sterling job promoting their specific sports.
HEADQUARTERS NORTH WEST
WO2 (QMSI) A Halliday RAPTC