Page 10 - RAPTC Year of 2019

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
ROYAL ARMY PHYSICAL TRAINING CORPS SERGEANT MAJOR
WO1 (Corps SM) R Mckenzie RAPTC
The official handover of the Corps SM baton (pace stick) took place on 7 May 19 and even though I had known for some time I was taking over this prestigious role, it was still an absolute honour to be handed the reins. I would like to express my gratitude to the previous Corps SM, WO1 (SMI) Arthur for his professional handover and continued support. He has been the epitome of the Army’s Values and Standards throughout his tenure, his commitment to the role unwavering and has certainly left the ‘Big Badge’ in a better place.
2019 has gone by in a blink of the eye and I find myself fast approaching a year in the role. The pace of life is fast, but in a way that allows me to appreciate what a fantastic organisation I am part of and what talented, educated and intelligent instructors we have. I have been fortunate to get out and about and visit many of you, to see the great work you are doing and the challenges that you regularly face.
As the Corps SM I am privileged to be part the Command Sergeant Major network and the reputation of the RAPTC iin the wider Army is at an all time high. With the implementation of APTS, PES and our ongoing projects as part of Programme THOR, our scientific and evidenced based approach places us exactly where we should be, right at the forefront of health and fitness. Our Corps motto ‘Mens Sana In Corpore Sano’ has never be more prevalent, with the army pushing forward the need to have a healthy mind in a healthy body. This is an essential part of mental and psychological well-being and the RAPTC are constantly evolving to support mental resilience and mental fitness across the Army.
Being part of the ASPT is truly humbling and the standard of teaching, coaching and mentoring I see from our RAPTC instructors every day is outstanding. The school is a special place to work and I urge our very best to come here and pass on your knowledge and experience to others in order to continue to enhance the reputation of the Corps. We are the Centre of Excellence and this is portrayed daily to all courses that venture through our gates.
Whilst being in this role I have also had the pleasure of being involved in numerous events, from hosting a well-attended Remembrance Parade here at Fox Lines to rubbing shoulders with Royalty at the Field of Remembrance. The Armed Forces Day 2019, held in Salisbury, was a great success and showcased the Army to the wider public. The Association Branch Dinners continue to be well supported by the retired RAPTC community and they would love to see more serving members there to talk about life in the army and that ‘it was not like that in my day’. Remember you will all be there one day
and it is a fantastic opportunity to be surrounded by likeminded people, both young and old.
In closing, I look forward to visiting many of you over the coming year and please continue to feed in the great work that is going on out in the wider Army. I would like to thank you for your loyalty throughout the last year and support to the RAPTC WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess. Please continue to support the Corp’s mission and continue to voice your views, no matter how trivial, as small changes really can have a great impact.
ASPT Remembrance Parade 2
Armed Forces Day 2019
Field of Remembrance 2019