Page 140 - RAPTC Year of 2019

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ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY SANDHURST
PHYSICAL TRIANING WING
Maj (MAA) S Semple RAPTC
RMAS – Fast, furious, but what a place to work.
Acareer ambition has been achieved by serving as an RAPTCI at the Royal Military Academy and it does not disappoint. The pace of life is breath-taking, and the complexity of the training pipeline is considerable, however this is offset by some unforgettable career opportunities, which make the effort worthwhile.
I write this at the start of a very different Term, one which will be hugely restricted by the current Coronavirus outbreak and will be delivered amidst considerable uncertainty. The PT Wing will be required to deliver all lessons outdoors using improvised equipment without access to gyms or swimming pools, it will be a challenge, but one the staff are well up for.
This will be my last Term at the helm, and I can honestly say “it has been an absolute pleasure working at the Academy”. One of the factors for aspiring to serve here, was the opportunity to manage highly motivated and first class RAPTCIs, and those who have worked here during my tenure have far exceeded my expectations. I have been blessed with two hugely talented and capable SMIs, WO1 (SMI) P Newton, soon to be Capt (MAA) Newton, and WO1 (SMI) D Southern-Naylor who have both led the PT Wing faultlessly, and I thank them for their efforts, commitment and patience, but more importantly, for setting the standard at every juncture. I would also like to thank all the RAPTCIs and civilian staff within the PD branch, for making the job such a pleasure, and long may they continue to maintain the highly professional reputation they have earned.
It would be remiss of me to sign off without mentioning the departure of Mrs Sue Tempest, who has recently retired after working at the RMAS Swimming Pool for 23 years. Anyone who has worked here will know the value Sue added over the years and she will be badly missed. Sue was rightly recognised for her efforts, and was a very worthy recipient of a Commandants Long Service Commendation prior to leaving.
Over to the staff to explain what they have been up to.
The PT Wing pace sticking team
A few of the staff supporting the RAPTC Mess
A few of the staff at Breda Games
Visit of General Mike Garrett
Sgt Longden receiving a 2* commendation for his service to Academy boxing