Page 58 - RAPTC Mind, Body & Spirit

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
NORTHERN IRELAND GARRISON SUPPORT UNIT (NIGSU) 38 (IRISH) BRIGADE
WO2 (QMSI) D Boultby RAPTC
NIGSU Mission Statement
“Sustain, provide personnel support, infrastructure, training and logistical support as required in order to maintain wider Brigade operational effectiveness.”
This was my first time in Northern Ireland (NI) let alone being posted/living here! On arrival to Lisburn Station it seemed that my assumption of NI was not accurate. I was expecting the typical military presence and movement around camp which would resemble a military establishment. Wrong; In fact, I was very wrong indeed.
Here we go, the NISGU Adjutant is a C2 grade civil servant and 70% of the NIGSU staff are civilians. This is why I guess I was so very wrong in my initial assumption.
Having very little exposure to civil servants or working with civilians, my initial response was “this is going to be a hardwork”. Capt (MAA) Dunne RAPTC was the SO3 PD at 38X HQ, luckily with her help and guidance the steep transition of this assignment was lessened significantly as she had been in post for a considerable time and knew the system very well.
Before long I found myself, once again, being involved within various tasks and policy changes, this also included managing and mentoring a great team of AAPTI’s a mix of Regular and FTRS
Fine body of men and women in NI
personnel. This was very rewarding, as a few of them wanted to transfer to the RAPTC. One of them has successfully passed and starts class one’s in April 2018 and the other is attending RAPTC selection in April. In my previous assignment at ATR (G) as a QMSI we had to follow ARTD direction so it was hard to add your spin on things. This job has been completely different and allowed me to introduce lots of changes to timings and the programme which are working very well and suit both NIGSU and 38X HQ element too.
During the last 21 months I’ve have encouraged PT for all and implemented change as the PT delivered here is to a much senior and older generation. So Injuries and work commitments were a big problem. Which to date no longer are. Programme THOR is now implemented, as well as dependants PT and a climbing club. During this shift Capt (MAA) Mandy Harrington was assigned to 38X HQ as the SO3 PD which has accelerated the changes and passion for PT.
Whilst writing this article I have started preparation for my new assignment to JSMTC as TWO.
Thiepval Station Christmas PT
Since my predecessors last journal notes the Brigade continues to be a real hive
uniqueness of challenges that come with working within this Headquarters.
The PD Branch staff, yet again myself as SO3 is soon to move onto pastures new and will arrive at the ATC Pirbright as the new 2iC Sword Company early Aug 2018. WO2 (QMSI) Dave McColl and Mrs Davina Glancy within their roles as SWOPD and Admin
51ST INFANTRY BRIGADE AND HEADQUARTERS SCOTLAND
of activity and has been going
through a very busy and diverse
period. 51X remains an Adaptable
Force Brigade within 1 (UK) Div
and are currently supporting Ops
with all 3 OPCOM units, deployed
on operations across Europe,
Middle East and Africa. Which
sees SCOTS DG deployed in Oct
17 on Op TOSCA, 2 SCOTS deployed in Dec 17 on Op SHADER and Op TRENTON and finally 3 SCOTS deployed Jan 18 on Op SHADER. Being an AF Brigade sees this HQ at the very heart of the Army’s Defence Engagement overseas and will continue to develop its relationships with old allies, whilst developing new partnerships to reduce the likelihood of conflict. Hence the
Capt (MAA) C Burnett RAPTC
51X PD Branch Staff
Support now look to the future as the Branch draws to a close in Stirling in preparation for a move to Redford Barracks, in Edinburgh. I would just like to add a note of thanks and appreciation, to them both for all their support and endless commitment to the Branch and RAPTCIs, you have both been first class. Which brings me nicely onto my replacement Capt (MAA) Grant Webster RAPTC