Page 100 - RAPTC Year of 2019

98
www.raptcassociation.org.uk
The implementation of the Army Physical Training System (APTS) and the new Physical Employment Standards (PES) are examples of how the British Army has reviewed the way in which we train and test our soldiers to maximise performance. Cultural change is an enduring task and I find myself continuously providing evidence to support its effectiveness. “We need to run more”, “recruits can’t tabb” are comments I receive daily and I often repeat the same answers with clear stats that demonstrate improvements across all components of fitness. There has been significant reduction in Load Carriage failures and an average of 1.5 minutes taken off recruit run time. Furthermore, all recruits are stronger throughout the entire kinetic Chain. This is because we are finally measuring performance between weeks 1 and 12 with the same measurable test. Unfortunately, ‘fitness’ appears to be measured purely on running ability, but I am witnessing a slow change in soldiers’ mindsets, especially when they experience the optimisation of their own performance.
ATC Pirbright is an incredible establishment to work where the whole team strive for excellence whilst delivering the 14-week syllabus. Across the Three Regiments the delivery of training is outstanding, and I am proud to say the Gymnasium is leading the way in its delivery.
WO2 (QMSI) J Essam RAPTC
Training Warrant Officer, Army Training Centre Pirbright
The Common Military Syllabus is a 14-week Basic Training Programme that is delivered by ATC Pirbright on behalf of the Initial Training Group. The latest version of this Syllabus commenced in April 2019 and is commonly known as ‘CMS 18’. CMS 18 builds
Army Sergeant Major Visiting ATC Pirbright meeting the most important staff on camp
on previous versions and aims to develop and educate a civilian to become a trained soldier who is ready to commence Initial Trade Training. CMS 18 comprises of 39 individual PT lessons and six health lectures, all delivered by a multi cap badge AAPTI cohort.
CMS 18; from a PD perspective has taken the lessons learned, has applied continuous improvement and has (so far) delivered an effect. It includes all elements of the APTS and PES and seeks to change the PT culture within Basic Training that empowers PT Staff the ability to develop their recruits and educate them on the importance of movement literacy not only for their time in training but for their careers and lives (we call this ‘Basic Movements in Basic Training’). This, we hope will ensure longevity is maintained and the recruit leaves Basic Training more conditioned, with a better knowledge base and is ultimately prepared for the next step. We have identified that this joined-up approach must continue not only during Initial Trade Training but throughout a Service Persons’ 22-year career.
We have seen over the past 12-months, a significant improvement in overall pass rates, an increase in a positive attitude towards fitness and a decrease in common injuries associated to PT. We have also developed a strategy for candidates who have been selected to commence Basic Training that we feel will remove the myths and fears that surround PT in Basic Training, will allow for a more confident recruit on day-one and will hopefully encourage higher scores on the Role Fitness Test Entry (RFT(E)).
Input and output tests are delivered in-line with the PES and consist of (week 1) the RFT(E), this comprises of the Medicine Ball Throw, the Mid-thigh Pull and the 2km Run – these scores are recorded. Fast forward to the recruits’ physical output test (week 12), the RFT(BT) Part 1 and 2. RFT(BT) Part 1 consists of all elements of the RFT(E); whereas part 2 is the Load Carriage element and is role specific. Non-Ground Close Combat (GCC) recruits complete a 6-mile march whilst GCC recruits complete 4km + 2km marches. We have seen over the past 12 months a reduction in 2km run times and a 97% overall pass rate in the RFT(BT) space although the perception remains (outside of the PD sphere) that there is a need for more running and load carriage. Although we would all agree running ability isn’t the measure of fitness, it’s still being perceived that way at Pirbright. A culture shift is needed.
17.3% of the complete 14-week CMS is PD, this includes all PT lessons, healthy living briefs and input/output testing. Not a lot I’d suggest, therefore the education that underpins our delivery is
ARMY TRAINING CENTRE PIRBRIGHT
Capt (MAA) C Suffield RAPTC
Master At Arms, Army Training Centre Pirbright
Striving for Excellence During Basic Training
RAPTCI’s At WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess Regimental Dinner