Page 39 - RAPTC Year of 2019

1ST BATTALION WELSH GUARDS
SSgt (SSI) R Harrison RAPTC
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SSgt R Harrison showing everyone how boxing is done
Throughout 2019 1st Battalion Welsh Guards (1 WG) moved from an operational role in 11 Infantry Brigade to London District (LONDIST) to take part in ceremonial duties. As part of the transition from 11 Infantry Brigade to LONDIST, 1 WG relocated from Elizabeth Barracks (Pirbright) to Combermere Barracks (Windsor).
This has been no easy task; With many drill sessions to reach the highest standards for ceremonial duties 1 WG have also been involved in a Battalion battle camp in the Sennybridge, CAST in Catterick, a KAPE tour in Wales and many more Battalion events. Number 2 Company then headed off to the Falklands Islands as the Roulement Infantry Company providing defence to the Falkland Islanders.
As the RAPTCI I have found working with 1 WG busy but rewarding. At times I have managed to get away taking MTB AT in Jordan for 2 Para over a 10-day period, boxing officiating in Estonia for the NATO championships and officiated in boxing, athletics, swimming and many more events around the country. In the mix of officiating and delivering AT, I competed in the RAPTC Orienteering Championships, the Inter Corps Orienteering Championships and the Inter Corps Water Polo Championships. Towards the end of 2019, I needed something to train for and an opportunity presented itself to train for 6 weeks and box in the Inter Company boxing competition. The training was hard, and the fight was harder. Unfortunately, I did not win but I did not get knocked out and it was a great experience.
SSgt (SSI) R Harrison RAPTC
Crime is on the increase – there are many young people who are brought up around crime and end up in prison at a young age. Defeat Don’t Repeat (DDR) is a project aiming to capture young people who are known to the police and place them on a weeklong military course that teaches them basic military skills. The intention is to advertise a career in the Army and hopefully change their future to be free from crime. I was invited along to run the PT element of the course which was designed by a Platoon Sgt in 1 WG. The week was fantastic; seeing these young vulnerable people operate out of their comfort zone and gaining life skills was a great opportunity. 1 WG is set to run another DDR course in Apr 20 where I will be part of the DS again.
Future
2020 is the year 1 WG will be involved in Ex Mayan Warrior (Belize), The Queens Birthday Parade, Battle Camp, and Ex Askari Storm (Kenya). 2020 is already looking extremely busy but there are many good times ahead.
MTB AT in Jorden for 2 Para