Page 71 - RAPTC Mind, Body & Spirit

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HQ 11 SIGNAL AND WEST MIDLANDS BRIGADE
WO2 (QMSI) D M Foley RAPTC & Capt (MAA) S G Jackson RAPTC
Two years have now elapsed in post as the Brigade QMSI PD, where I am currently working alongside Capt (MAA) Jackson as the SO3 PD. In honesty, this is a brilliant and highly rewarding position, albeit very busy and challenging in terms of the many outputs we deliver. We have 23 talented and motivated RAPTCI’s and an abundance of AAPTI’s that deliver first class PD to their respective units across the West Midlands. The support we provide them is very well received and valued by the CoC both at Unit and Brigade level alike.
Brigade life is extremely diverse and not just PD focused. For example, in addition to delivering the numerous routine PD outputs we found ourselves involved in UK Ops (TEMPERER and BOOMSTER), Bde MRX and deployed on Exercise Flying Falcon 17 (this is the annual exercise that assesses our OPCOM unit’s ability to support other formations).
As a branch, we continue to promote all aspects of PD which is supported from the top down. We have witnessed first-hand how committed the CoC are at all levels to improve non-attendance, MATT 2 testing and provide support to injured or deconditioned SP. There also continues to be an abundance of sport and AT going on across and within the Brigade HQ itself. This year we had high numbers of staff away skiing, mountaineering, road cycling, on battle field studies and competing at race to the sun.
UK Midlands Sport continues to grow too, in the last year we delivered two UKMSB meetings and numerous successful sporting events. This success is due to the many committed and passionate personnel from the RAPTC and other Corps that go the extra mile to promote sport at all levels. Athletics, BAWF, football, volleyball, basketball and golf continue to be well promoted, whilst other sports such as climbing, triathlon, road cycling and MTB have also had a resurgence which is great to see. Capt (MAA) Jackson thanks all personnel that put in the extra effort and time to develop Sport in order that SP of all ranks benefit from the positive elements it offers.
MS and assurance are the most important and time consuming aspect of the Brigade PD role, involving Regular and Reserve unit visits either formally or informally, creating relationships with PD staff and the CoC. Therefore, it was extremely rewarding to have four Sgts selected for promotion this year, enormous congratulations to Sgt Hailwood (18 UKSF Sig Regt), Sgt Davies (22 SAS), Sgt Thomson (1 Royal Irish) and Sgt Brown (RRU Cosford), your hard work has rightly been rewarded. Likewise, it was great to
Capt Jackson and WO2 Foley outside HQ 11 Sig & WM Bde
see two RAPTCIs rewarded by the Corps SM. During the 2017 Regional Study Period Sgt Brown was presented with the Corps SM Coin to acknowledge his passion and commitment to delivery of Exercise Rehabilitation and support to wider Brigade activity. Then in April 2018 the SMAA and Corps SM visited the Brigade and the RAPTCIs across the region, which was appreciated by all staff. During the visit Sgt (SI) Woolridge was presented with the Corps SM Coin for going above and beyond the call of duty in support of Unit and wider Brigade PD activity.
In addition to the many outputs, and to remain fit, focussed and mentally resilient, the SO3 continued to support and represent RAPTC Rowing, where there was much success during the 2017- 2018 season. However due to further injury, indoor rowing was replaced with cycling, where he competed in the WM Cyclocross league and the Midlands Wattbike events. This has been great for me as it means I have had an enhanced training focus and more time in the saddle, especially over the winter where we both put in the miles in preparation to represent HQ 11 Sig & WM Bde at Race the Sun and the Army Road Cycle season 2018.
In closing, the role as the Brigade QMSI PD is great and always very rewarding, there is nothing better than providing clarity and guidance to queries from RAPTCIs or Units either via email or over the phone. Just the simple thanks and acknowledgement for taking the time to provide them detailed guidance and support is reward enough for me, and I look forward to doing so for many years to come.
Sgt Brown Corps SM Coin
Sgt Woolridge Corps SM Coin