Page 95 - RAPTC Mind, Body & Spirit

93
Iwrite this year’s MBS Notes having completed my first 10 months in the RAPTC located in Larkhill the home of the Royal Artillery. Having settled in to this busy Phase 2 establishment I
took control of the Young Officer Branch (YO’s) PTP. They arrive from Sandhurst well prepared and physically robust; my aim was to cement their leadership qualities by applying lessons where
Sgt Winter conducting AT
they would need to work as a team in preparation for their Field Army employment. The PTP culminates in a full scale L118 Light Gun race against the Trainees from 24 (Irish) Battery.
In addition to the YO’s I work very closely with 34 Battery, who are the main supplier of live firing in support of the Initial Trade Training (ITT) and the wider RA. The new training programme in line with project THOR has seen vast improvements with fitness levels and ability to remain injury free. I have also been able to support the Bty by instructing on an AT package to the Isle of Wight. The main focus was on Sea Kayaking and this was a very successful package and a well-deserved week away from Salisbury Plain for the members of the Bty.
14 REGIMENT ROYAL ARTILLERY
Sgt (SI) D Winter RAPTC
14 Regt utilising the MRT skill set
SSgt (SSI) D Bradley RAPTC
During the last 12 months we have reduced injury rates significantly. This has been a combined approach from all RAPTCIs and AAPTIs involved with 24 Bty, taking a proactive approach to rehab by incorporating rehab type exercises in the programme along with an unused technique known as “stretching”. As a result injury rates are at an all-time low whilst still maintaining the required output measures. The programme is split into 2 Blocks which guides the trainees through a progressive build up, ultimately passing the AFT. It has been a challenging process to change mind sets towards building foundations opposed to the instant gratification of someone passing their fitness tests as we know “soon ripe, soon rotten”.
Life is constant in 24 Bty with the programme running continuously throughout the year. 14 RA and 24 Bty have a huge sporting drive where we support and participate where possible and have been very successful in doing so. In addition to 24 Bty commitments I am playing Army Rugby Masters and the Army Diving team. The RAPTCI team work well and have most angles covered.