Page 96 - RAPTC Mind, Body & Spirit

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WO2 (QMSI) J Whiting RAPTC
The last 12 months have been quite a turbulent time for the RAPTCIs within 14 Regt RA, with a big change within the CoC from a new Camp Commandant, new CO and 2IC about to start as I write this and new a RSM within the last 12 months. We are very lucky to have a supportive CoC that understands and willing to accept the changes that come with the Army Physical Training System (APTS). Our biggest challenge with the trainees is getting the JNCO’s within the Troops to understand that a “smash smash” approach is not best practice and that coaching does take time and frequency. The trainees are unfortunately under pressure to get through ITT as fast as possible and those RAPTCIs who are serving within IT and ITT units know and understand the frustrations and restrictions we have with a lot of the training now undertaken by civilian contractors, resulting in the military not able to control our own timetable and of course, time equals money. So the pressure is on to produce trainees to the Field Units as soon as possible.
One of the new incentives that 14 Regt RA have fully embraced is the Mental Resilience Training (MRT), after attending the MRT TTT package at Catterick we now form part of a working group delivering MRT to instructor and trainee. Although initially met with resistance and negativity, the unit is now delivering a really good, balanced package which in turn should see an increase in the trainees’ capability once they get to their units. The PT element for which the gym are responsible for is a natural step forward in our coaching model. By applying some sound coaching strategies and understanding the thought process of those we train, we are
Bdr Montenegro leading MRT Postive thinking
able to get more out of them. We have already started to see greater motivation levels, more positive thinking, lower levels of anxiety and they are better able to deal with the stresses imposed on them. The main area in which this has been obvious is the AFT. The trainees have a better, more positive approach to this and are able to, for the most part pass with ease. We still have the occasional fail, but with a robust and proven reconditioning programme, under the ever watchful eye of SSgt (SSI) Bradley, they are able to pass and move on to their units within a few short weeks. “Without struggle there is no strength”.
THE ARMY TRAINING CENTRE (PIRBRIGHT)
Capt (MAA) S Green RAPTC
By the time this goes to print I would have completed my 1st year as a Commissioned Officer and I cannot think of a better environment in which to continue “learning”,
a fantastic assignment not only in location but also having that sense of “being able to make a difference”. Having worked in a Phase 1 establishment on my first assignment in the Corps, I
arrived excited about the opportunities that lay ahead especially being able to have a fundamental input into how the future soldier physically operates, I was not disappointed. ATC Pirbright (if you haven’t been) is broken down into 3 Regiments each with a full Regimental Headquarters. This brings its challenges as the competition at time can be fierce.
ATC Pirbright RAPTCIs