Page 67 - RAPTC Mind, Body & Spirit

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HEADQUARTERS 160TH INFANTRY BRIGADE & HEADQUARTERS WALES – BRECON
Capt (MAA) C Woolass RAPTC
Like many of us, I find myself writing this article wondering where the last twelve month have gone. Approaching the end of my first year at 160X, I can honestly say that no two
days are ever the same. During the handover from Maj (MAA) Eddie Williams RAPTC, it was evidently clear that the duties of SO3 PD also included a plethora of secondary responsibilities in the support of wider defence activities. These included Visits Officer (VO) for the Cambrian Patrol (CP) and VO for the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show (RWAS) to name just a few.
Having already served a disproportionate amount of my career in the general Brecon area, I surprisingly knew very little about these two key events. The CP is the premier patrolling event of the British Army which is held in Wales and hosted by 160X. Last year’s event saw 139 patrols entered into the mix, including 28 international armies, all prepared to undertake the world’s toughest patrolling test. Due to the magnitude of the event, all available staff without exception are involved in some guise. The RWAS is also unique taking place every July in Builth Wells, which has been the events permanent home since 1963. The four-day event attracts visitors from around the world to watch competitions involving over 7000 livestock of all types and breeds. The event also includes displays and demonstrations, as well as food stands showcasing the best of Welsh produce and is a great day with something to see, or do for all interests.
In my role as SO3 PD, I am fortunate to have safe hands and guidance from WO2 (QMSI) ‘Geordie’ Fernandez RAPTC, providing the much-needed continuity and essential corporate
knowledge to the AoR, there’s literally nothing he doesn’t know and no great idea that he’s not seen before. A key part of my job is getting out to see what’s happening at unit level and importantly providing any support where required, this is without doubt the most rewarding part of what we do. The geographical spread of units spanning the length of Wales and much further present their own challenges, namely spending a considerable amount of time on roads that weren’t necessarily designed for the current day motor vehicle. Difficulties aside, we have managed to visit all units within the AoR and are looking forward to planning our next round of unit visits in the immediate future, where I am sure we can continue to further develop the already outstanding work being conducted in pursuance of training excellence.
During my tenure in 160X the OPCOM units (1 R IRISH and 1 RIFLES) have been involved in the enduring operations in Iraq and Afghanistan (Operation TORAL and SHADER) ably accompanied by a variety of specialist support from both Regular and Reserve unit personnel. Notwithstanding the continued pressures on service life, it’s encouraging to see that even in the busiest of times units place a critical importance on the participation of both Sport and Adventurous Training (AT), Alpine Skiing remains the most popular, totalling over 50% of Brigade AT clearance requests at desk level.
In closing I would like to thank all the 160X RAPTCI, they continually do a superlative job in sometimes very difficult and challenging circumstances, making the job that I do an absolute pleasure – outstanding job by all.
14TH SIGNAL REGIMENT (ELECTRONIC WARFARE)
SSgt (SSI) C Walsh RAPTC
It would be an easy mistake to think that being posted to a Unit that specialises in communications and electronic warfare answering to five separate Brigades, that core elements such
as sports and adventure training would be easily forgotten and focus to remain on trade. The Commanding Officer has an iron fist policy when it comes to these activities; bottom line is sport and adventure training will happen for every soldier and Officer within the Regiment. Embracing benefits that can be afforded to soldiers when completing activities such as, a skiing package, sports tour, or even an afternoon running around the woods with a compass and map, 14 Signal Regiment prides itself on an ethos that hard work is rewarded.
When 14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare) is discussed across the Royal Signals, it is commonly known for one of two unique traits. The first of these is the extended weekend; due to the Unit’s ‘remote location’ the Regiment is granted a travel day each Friday, this justified by the extended daily working hours from Monday to Thursday. Second of the traits, the impulsive weather conditions of the south west Pembrokeshire coast. An early morning could see a picture perfect blue sky and blistering sunshine bouncing off all that the eye can see, but just an hour or so later that sunshine could have a resemblance of the beginnings for a geostorm.
The Commanding Officer’s Christmas “Fun” Run:
In true Royal Signals tradition, the Commanding Officer has decided the Regimental Christmas leave period will commence following a 3.2 mile, up-hill fancy dress run. The Regiment parade within the Gymnasium and await the Commanding Officers
opening address. The entire Regiment of 350+ personnel are all stood eager to get started, dressed in everything from clown outfits, to elves, to presents, and the standard teenage mutant ninja turtle. As the Regimental Sergeant Major brings the entire Regiment to attention, sniggers and bursts of laughter can be heard across the gymnasium floor; the Commanding Officer has arrived with a long blonde wig, surf board, beach shorts and a Hawaiian shirt (A beach bum outfit).
The SSI (SSgt Walsh) delivers a quick presentation on the health and safety points involved with the 3.2 mile route from Newgale beach back to the Gymnasium, and then ushers everyone outside to the coaches. The Regiment paraded at 1345 with the weather at that point being a perfect blue sky with a slight frost in the air and not a breeze to be felt. At 1407 when walking outside following the parade, it was torrential down pour, black skies and a 35 mph wind that turned raindrops into minute pellets that felt as though they were piercing the skin. Obviously morale went up as the soldiers skipped across the car park to the coaches with smiles on their faces, delighted with the task ahead of them.
Following an 8 minute ride in the warm dry environment, the coaches pulled into the well-known car park at the bottom of the hill next to the beach. All wishes and prayers to change the weather had gone un-answered as it still looked outside like the worlds end was near (with the added 7ft waves crashing on the beach). With nothing less than a cattle prod and a few words of inspiration the troops were rallied off the coaches and into the car park ready for the musical warm-up and run. Cpl McCabe