Page 24 - RAPTC Year of 2019

22
www.raptcassociation.org.uk
HEADQUARTERS 3RD (UNITED KINGDOM) DIVISION
‘THE IRON DIVISION’
Major (MAA) D Boocock RAPTC - SO2 PD
‘The mission of Headquarters 3rd (UK) Division Physical Development Branch is:
“Support Deployability; to all Regular and Army Reserve units under command on all facets of PD”
2years already gone, and it really does seem like yesterday. I can honestly say it’s been a privilege to head up the PD Branch for the mighty “Warfighting” Div of the British
Army, which now sits at 48 Reg and 17 AR units across various geographical locations. As with most formations the pace has been diverse and at times demanding. Throughout the year, there’s been some great opportunities with units re-basing, implementation of PES and the continuing operational theatre demands. The units RAPTCIs have really led the way and consistently impress.
The HQs stalwart (SMI Gaz Halliwell) is still alive and kicking and has just been awarded another FTRS (HC) contract. He constantly makes a difference across the field with his “Health & Deployabilty” outputs. Along with SMI Gaz, keeping me honest and on track are the 4 Bde SMIs, their drive and professional attitudes really have made a difference.
Major (MAA) D Boocock RAPTC & WO1 (SMI) G Haliwell RAPTC
THE ROYAL SCOTS BORDERERS
1ST BATTALION THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF SCOTLAND
SSgt (SSI) G Crossett RAPTC
Having completed my first year serving alongside, The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, I have found it is a posting where I have had to
hit the ground running. I have found the new post challenging but equally enjoyable and I was able to make some positive developments to Physical Development (PD), such as upscaling the facilities to enable smoother delivery of the Army Physical Training System (APTS), revising the execution and developing the manpower. These changes have been welcomed within the Bn and we are moving at a rapid pace in a positive direction.
The pace of life has been relentless at 1 SCOTS due to the Bn’s role as a Specialised Infantry Battalion (Spec Inf). Each Company are on an ORM of 8-month cycles consisting of a Campaigning, Training and Contingency cycle – completing a 24 month period for a typical Spec Inf Coy. During my first few months I found myself deploying to Nigeria to conduct a PD assurance visit where, I quickly understood the levels of constraints placed on the Bn to deliver the task at hand, in this case, to train the Nigerian Special Forces.
With the amount of Operations 1 SCOTS conduct it is crucial that soldiers can conduct as much Sport and AT as possible. This is not only aimed at reducing operational and occupational stress but also aimed at retaining people, which is certainly the case for 1 SCOTS. Upon returning from Nigeria I had a quick turn around and found myself on Exercise ‘FINN BEAR’ which was a two-week scuba-diving Exped in Malta. At times there were some uncomfortable moments (30 metres down and swimming around a ship wreck), but an unforgettable experience nonetheless.
Although it is difficult at times to ensure our sports teams are at their full capacity, we still compete and do well in judo, golf, football and British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF) to name a few. BAWF in
particular is gaining traction and have placed the Bn 2nd in their first Northern Ireland BAWF competition, one of many sports that have directly benefitted from the upscaling in the facilities. I have also recently taken up the role of Northern Ireland (NI) Football Secretary. The NI Football league is a 50/50 split of Regular and Reserve Units which makes for interesting match-ups and is great for integration of our Reserve Units here in Northern Ireland.
As we move into 2020 the Bn’s FOE is as busy as ever with multiple Operational commitments across Africa and the Middle East with a Unit move to Aldershot in the summer of 2021 also at the forefront of 1 SCOTS minds. We will also continue our commitments to Sport and AT with Expeds planned to America, France and Croatia. I am fortunate to be serving alongside an excellent Battalion and I am excited and looking forward to my second year with 1 SCOTS and the challenges ahead.