Page 108 - RAPTC Year of 2019

106
www.raptcassociation.org.uk
14 REGIMENT ROYAL ARTILLERY
WO2 (QMSI) J Whiting RAPTC
14 Regiment is the Initial Trade training (ITT) establishment for the Gunners situated in Larkhill on the edge of Salisbury plain. In conjunction with the ITT, the Regiment also has a Gun
Battery that supports training on the plain that requires Artillery support. The Regiment supports our 1Up, the Royal School of Artillery (RSA) who are responsible for all Subsequent Trade Training (STT). Most Gunners will come back to Larkhill for a course or a posting at some point within their career. Our requirement within the gymnasium is primarily to deliver ITT physical training, support the training requirement from the remainder of 14 Regiment and support all MATT2 for RSA. In total over 1000 personnel.
One of the key tasks for the gym is to host the RA Boxing Championships, an annual competition that forms part of and is the final sport of the Victor and Victrix Ludorum event (The RA Corps annual sporting competition). To my benefit, I was lucky enough to have Sgt Winter (now SSgt) organise this on behalf of the RSA. With over 80 boxers, multiple rings over 4 days, this very quickly becomes our focus and given the lack of manpower (which we all face), the challenge certainly ages all the gym staff by some years. What it does highlight is the standard of Sgts we are producing from the ASPT so a huge effort from Sgt Winter. We also had the privilege of Lt Col (SMAA) S D Collinson RAPTC attend, having only just taken up his appointment.
One of the biggest challenges for the staff, is to find time to conduct professional development and compete in sports. I was fortunate to attend the annual Kendo course held in combat sports centre Aldershot. Having never done the sport before and only dabbling in martial arts in my youth, the week took me out of my comfort zone. Being hit multiple times with a Bokuto (wooden practice sword) over the head and on the arms over 7 days, (albeit wearing
James Ogle (GB Captain, 5th Dan), WO2 (QMSI) Whiting, Steve Plimbley (5th Dan) at the end of the Kendo course
armour) takes its toll on your body. Even for those of us who regard ourselves as fighting fit, Kendo offers a different definition of the terminology. The week finished with the Army Novice and Open Championships, although I didn’t progress through the first round in either competition, I did have the privilege and experience to be taught by two 5th Dans, one of which is the GB Captain (James Ogle). I would strongly encourage anyone to go along and participate in the Kendo course next year, the sport lacks the younger members of the Army. If it is to survive in the current climate its needs enthusiastic JNCOs with drive and a potential to develop. We had only two out of a course of twelve. Another great year was had by all.
DEFENCE SCHOOL OF POLICING AND GUARDING (DSPG)
WO2 (QMSI) S Wooldridge RAPTC
Ihave had the pleasure of being posted at the Defence School of Policing and Guarding (DSPG) for 24 months. DSPG is better known as Southwick Park and is a Phase 2 & 3
establishment for Service police. Other units on site include the Service Police Crime Bureau (SPCB), Crime Scene Investigation Team (CSI), Military Provost Guard Service HQ (MPGS) and Hampshire Constabulary Specialist Training School. During my 2-year tenure I’ve had a fantastic time, one of the reasons my time here has been so good is because of the fantastic gymnasium team. I would like to thank them all for their hard work over the year.
Southwick Park is prominently known for its role in the months leading up to D-Day. Southwick house, now the Officers’ Mess became the Headquarters of the main allied Commanders, including Naval Commander-in-Chief Admiral Ramsey and Allied Supreme Commander General Montgomery. The War Room at Southwick House is still as it was in 1944 and can be visited on request, so if ever you get the opportunity to visit Southwick Park; it would be worth spending a bit of extra time to visit the War Room.
DSPG Comdt is a big believer in team cohesion through sport and competition and throughout the training year staff and students compete in the CO’s Cup that comprises nine events. To kick off the year, trainees and staff battled against one another in a fiercely contested ‘Gun Run’. Over the nine events
there can only be one winner and congratulations go to the Cpls Mess.
This will be my last posting, as I am leaving after 22 years of Service. I will be emigrating to Canada, to live with my wife and to start a new chapter. I wish the RAPTC all the best in the future.
WO2 (QMSI) Wooldridge & Kuni
Front row: Sgt Brook (RAF) WO2 (QMSI) Wooldridge RAPTC. Back Row Cpl Wood (RAF), Cpl Mann, Cpl Glasspool, Cpl Coachrane, SIO Drew