Page 48 - RAPTC Mind, Body & Spirit

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
were off on a 2-week trip to canoe
through the Grand Canyon.
Flying in to Las Vegas we had a
day before we set off to the start
point. This allowed the group to
carry out a 12hr “cultural visit” of
Las Vegas. This was short lived
however as the next day required
us to drive across three states
to begin our expedition. After a
lengthy drive and all the necessary
admin and prep were complete
we eventually got on the water
and started a nine-day expedition
through the National Park. Living
out of our boats and camping on
the side of the river we did not see another soul for 5 days straight, so the “High Risk and Remote” element was well and truly met! Once we got closer to the popular tourist areas however, this was a different story. It was soon common knowledge that the British Army were on the river and the discipline and the professionalism shown by the group was second to none. With a good hearts and mind ethos, each campsite brought with it new people with different stories which followed us all the way back home. Once off the water and back to Las Vegas, we had 24hrs before our flight. Needless to say, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!”
Fast forward to July 2017 and I am now jumping out of the side door of a C-160 with the Fallschirmjäger, earning my German Wings. This was in commemoration of the 73rd anniversary of Operation Market Garden. The same week also enabled me to jump with the Americans and partake in other festivities in Arnhem; something that not all Corps men can say they have done. From starting my tour with no wings to finishing with 3 sets should hopefully send a message to all aspiring “airborne” Corps men and expel the myth
SSgt (SSI Clarkson receiving his German Para Wings
that corps men don’t jump anymore. I have had 8 descents since I have been here. That speaks volumes.
In amongst all of this there has been the usual sports competitions, Pre Para-Courses, secondary jobs and concurrent activity that come with the role. That sort of thing doesn’t go away and I’m sure all RAPTCI’s will make a mention of it at some point in their write ups.
With my time at 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment coming to an end, I can humbly say that I have tried to do my best by the men and women of this unit. This unit has offered me some of the best experiences of my life. It has tested me both personally and professionally and has taken me out of my comfort zone on several occasions and will see the next guy tested in the same manner. The role of “Q Muscles 23” is one of full autonomy. You can be as active or as inactive as your personality permits, however the latter does not bring with it the experiences that I have been fortunate enough to receive. Soft landings to the next guy!
It’s that time of year again when you look in to the last addition of the MBS and think was that really just a year
ago, surely I’ve missed a year! Then the stark reality comes that 12 months has flashed past in the blink of an eye – what’s even more startling is when you take the obligatory profile picture to accompany the MBS article and find that the last year hasn’t been kind!
which as a result this has seen an increase in Brigade Staff that now means the Headquarter building is full to the gunnels.
From a RPOC PD perspective the 11 Brigade RAPTCI’s have continued to fly the Corps Flag to great effect. All units are now implementing Project 1 of Programme THOR which in the main is receiving very positive feedback. Most Units within the Brigade have been subject to the new Physical Development Audit which has ensured compliance and commonality across the board.
23 Para Eng Regt Boxing event
HEADQUARTERS 11 INFANTRY BRIGADE AND SOUTH EAST DISTRICT
So, coming to the end of my second year
in post and I feel more than competent
in the frenetically paced role that is the
Brigade SO3 PD. This posting has been
both demanding and rewarding, without
doubt I am as current in all things PD as I have ever been! In addition, I have an outstanding bunch or RAPTCI’s who regularly produce the goods across the Brigade – I doff my cap to you all and hope your hard efforts are richly rewarded in due course.
From a Headquarters perspective, the Brigade has yet again been stretched and asked to deliver on a plethora of Defence Engagement requirements. Op Temperer, Joint UK Ops MRX’s, Overseas Exercises and numerous CAST and CATT (to name but a few) have ensured the Brigade have been kept busied and employed. 2017/18 saw the Brigade relinquish responsibility in South East Asia and take responsibility of South East Africa
Capt (MAA) P C Saunders RAPTC
11x Bde So3
So, what does the coming year have in store? Well, no let-up in pace that’s for sure! I am know moving in to my last 6 months in post – I never thought I would say it but I will miss the job – having a visible influence and more importantly having a visible effect and making a difference has been rewarding, I would fully commend to anyone the post of Brigade SO3 PD, it will be hectic, definitely stressful at times and on the odd occasion I have been left agog however the positives of working in a grown up environment with great people and wholly making a difference
undoubtedly outweigh those less fun times!
P.S. – Two years on and still no QMSI – starting to think it just may be me............................