Page 18 - RAPTC Year of 2019

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
ARMY HEADQUARTERS PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
SO1 INDIVIDUAL TRAINING
As I enter my 5th consecutive year in Army HQ I continue to see so much change across the Army and recognise it must be a challenge to keep pace at the delivery end. As PES, SCR, APTS are now or soon to be business as usual, my team in Army HQ continue to monitor their implementation and seek to make modifications where required. As far as PT goes the scale and impact of these changes is momentous and only occurs every few decades or so. These changes have come about as a result of some bold decisions and a lot of work by the individuals involved at HQ RAPTC and Army HQ. As I look to the future, I anticipate a stronger Army with hopefully less MSKI, furthermore our tests and training processes now have international recognition and credibility.
Updating heat illness prevention policy has remained a priority for the Army, this culminated in 2020 with the production of ACSO 3222, Army Heat Illness Prevention. This new policy document is the Army’s interpretation of JSP 539 and should provide the additional detail to support and enhance training. Looking into the future the Army will soon benefit from new work-rest tables and begin to embrace wireless technology and innovative software to further enhance safe training in the heat.
Sickle cell trait and ECAST have come to the fore this year after the tragic deaths of 2 candidates on Army Selection. Policy has been amended to provide information on this medical condition to help both individuals with sickle cell trait and instructional staff.
Lt Col Ian Phillips still trying to be a cyclist
Life in Army HQ is fast paced, never dull, and there are always fastballs which make life challenging at times. To get through the testing times you need to be part of a strong team. I have been particularly fortunately to work with just that, Mark Field, Russ Reid and Sid Saunders have all been totally outstanding, dedicated to delivering quality whilst retaining their strong and essential sense of humour.
Well, it seems only a short time ago I was compiling my notes for last year’s MBS, such has been the pace of life in Army HQ. The last 12 months have been extremely busy with some key work strands moving forward at considerable pace.
The first, and most important, being the implementation of Ground Close Combat (GCC) Physical Employment Standards (PES) and the Soldier Conditioning Review (SCR). Having updated all the Physical Development (PD) policies, presented at numerous conferences and road-shows, it was over to the PD staff in
Revised MATT 2 goes live!
Formations, Brigades and Units to execute the new fitness testing regime. Overall, implementation was a huge success so, a big thank-you goes to RAPTCIs/PTIs throughout Fd Army, ARITC and Fox Lines. The challenge now is to enforce the new testing policy. Statistics show poor compliance rates over many years – so any novel suggestions to tackle this problem would be most welcome!
Looking forward, non-GCC PES will hit units next year. The new test will be similar to the GCC RFT(S), but not identical. Extra RMTs are likely and there will be a need for units to hold additional testing equipment. Given the scale of change, an effective implementation plan is vital to ensure units receive all equipment in time and are fully informed of the change and transitional arrangements. Over the next 12 months, various internal/external media outlets (incl Soldier Magazine) will be used to inform units and soldiers of the change.
Secondly, in Jan 20, we released ACSO 3222 (Army Heat Illness Prevention (HI)). HI prevention remains a high priority for the Army and the creation of this new ASCO was endorsed by ECAB following the Army’s Inspectorate’s review of HI prevention policy. Of note, most incidents occur during field-activities, and not PT. The ACSO is not PT focussed, but does place Force Protection, PT and Medical Staff at the heart of the HI prevent strategy. The role of PD Staff should not be isolated to formal PT lessons, but also in the planning/execution of unit military training, exercises and operations, with their knowledge, skills and experience being a huge asset to the CoC. Developing the ACSO was educational and informative, but also complex when considering the broad target audience, numerous training domains and the need to strike the right balance between direction and empowerment!
Lt Col (MAA) I Phillips RAPTC
SO2 PHYSICAL TRAINING POLICY
Maj (MAA) M Field RAPTC