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WO2 (QMSI) Adrian Jessey RAPTC teaching the theory behind Speed and Agility Training at the 7X Regional Study Period
In addition to this, Project 2 will upskill PTIs, through the process of Annual Deficit Training (ADT) in the most up to date training methodologies and further develop and cement links to external leading organisation in physical development.
During this training year, a number of RAPTCIs have undergone training by the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) to become Trainer Educators (TEs) and now deliver a bespoke five day long course as part of ADT to upskill RAPTCIs, AAPTIs and IOPTs in Strength and Conditioning (S&C). There are currently 45 TEs who hold associate membership of the UKSCA and are at the forefront of developing and upskilling the PTIs of the future.
Project 3: RAPTC Exercise Rehabilitation Instructors (ERIs) in Infantry Bns. By forward basing RAPTC ERIs in Infantry Bns THOR aims to contribute significantly to the prevention of MSKI whilst reducing the time a soldier spends in the rehabilitation and reconditioning pathways. The ERI will be assigned to a unit and will remain a Unit asset whilst being assured by the Unit Regimental Medical Officer (RMO) or the Officer Commanding (OC) of the Primary Care Rehabilitation Facility (PCRF) supporting the unit.
Aside from being able to minimise the logistical burden encountered by personnel accessing exercise rehabilitation, these assets will allow increased access to Defence Primary Health Care (DPHC) ERIs for non-infantry personnel. The first three ERIs operating forward will be Sgt (SI) Doe to 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Sgt (SI) Best to 1st Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and Sgt (SI) Duffin to 1st Battalion The Irish Guards.
Project 4: Army Reserve and Minor Unit PT Study. Army Reserve and some regular minor units are unable to meet current PT policy. This project will identify why this is and recommend options for delivering effective physical conditioning and training to these cohorts. The Army Management and Consultancy Service
(AMCS) have undertaken this project on behalf of HQ RAPTC and are set to report their findings in August 2018. It is likely that this project will deliver many recommendations that allow the development of policy and practice to unify PT delivery under the “One Army Concept”.
Project 5: Army Conditioning Centre Capability (ACCC) Study. This study will examine the feasibility of the requirement for the creation of ACCC in the Army’s centres of mass in order to provide better facilities for Major, Minor and Reserve personnel to access the APTS. The ACCC will also be accessible for aspirant Army joiners and if policy supports it, Army Cadets. HQ RAPTC will recruit a Full-Time Reserve Service (FTRS), Major to run this study. This appointment will have the additional responsibility of taking work forward under Project 4.
Key Dates
January – March 2017 – Programme THOR concept development. January – March 2017 – Project 1: APTS Development.
March 2017 – Presentation to CGS.
September 17 – Programme THOR receives Executive Committee of the Army Board (ECAB) approval.
April 2017 – March 18 – Design and delivery of Annual Deficit Training on THOR and the APTS at Regional Study Periods.
June 2017 – Introduction of PTI Log Book and extension of all PTI qualifications from 5 years to 10 years.
January 2018 – Project 4, Army Management and Consultancy Service (AMCS) begin data collection.
April 2018 – Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the APTS in the Field Army, Full Operating Capability (FOC) is set for April 2019.
Future Key Dates
June 2018 – Project 3, ERI Forward study day to be held at ASPT. July 2018 – Project 3, Phase 1 of ERIs posted to Infantry Battalions, Sgt Doe to 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Sgt Best to 1st Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and Sgt Duffin to 1st Battalion The Irish Guards.
July 18 – Project 5 commences.
August 2018 – Project 4 Report finalised and delivered by the AMCS and submitted to ECAB
January 2019 – Project 3, Phase 2 of ERIs to Infantry Battalions, Sgt Gates to 1 Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment, Sgt Caine to 2 Parachute Regiment and Sgt Cooper to 4 Battalion The Rifles.
At the heart of Programme THOR is the APTS. WO2 (QMSI) Suffield developed the APTS whilst serving with 36 Engineer Regiment and later adapted this systematic approach to physical conditioning following direction from SMAA for roll out across the Field Army. In this next article, he explains the rationale that underpins the development of Project 1 of Programme THOR.
WO2s (QMSI) Kinsley and Bynorth observe SSgt (SSI) Patterson execute the High Pull during five day ADT S&C course held at the ASPT