Page 51 - RAPTC Year of 2019

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CO HCR awarding the winning Log Race team
placed on the development of mental resilience for the HCR soldier in order to gain maximum mental robustness during combat, exercise and green physical training sessions. The monthly Inter- regimental competitions have continued into 2020 and they continue to be a highlight of the monthly training programme. A ‘fit to fight’ ethos is clearly seen by all.
The HCR boxing night was the highlight of the later stages of the training year in 2019. I delivered Capt Irelands (HCR boxing officer) vision down to a tee, despite having to also deal with a complex Unit move. The execution on the night itself, Thursday 14th November in Picton Barracks gymnasium Bulford was something
to remember for the boxers, spectators and the officials. The atmosphere was electric and the gym virtually unrecognisable with cam net decoration on the gym walls, carpeted floors and various lighting displays. The HCR soldiers were talking about this night for weeks after the event. Simply top notch! Fantastic! Were the words of one HCR Officer. Boxing training and competitions will continue to grow for the foreseeable future.
The internal HCR Pre-Para Cadre that I was tasked to run has been a great success, utilising the Bulford training area for the individuals attending. Successful candidates are attending P-Company and if successful will move onto the Guards Parachute platoon. This will increase the numbers needed for the platoon.
Sport In HCR is being played at all levels, helping to achieve and install a positive moral ethos within our soldiers. The Household Cavalry football team played matches and a tournament in Germany in summer 2019 and progressed to the semi-finals of the competition. Adventurous training continues to be delivered as much as the regiment can facilitate in a busy FOE with operations and exercises taking priority. However, a recent climbing expedition in Morocco was a real success for C Squadron and its personnel.
A great opportunity now presents itself working within a very busy Brigade and a shared and challenging gymnasium.
Iarrived in not so sunny Catterick early April 2019 to a ghost town of a camp. After a very brief orientation around Alma lines I was informed the Regiment were on leave prior to their
Deployment to BATUS on Prairie Storm one and two. Good job as my new place of work hadn’t changed since I last visited it in 2004.
The Gymnasium is very dated and was in urgent need of some tender loving care, starting from a clean slate gave me the opportunity to make a mark and add an uplift of equipment that the Regiment was missing. My head was buzzing with ideas and plans were formulating on how best to bring this old, tired building up to speed and ensure all Royal Dragoon Guards Soldiers are getting the best training, with the best Physical Training equipment. After a lengthy chat with the Second in Command I was placed onto the Rear Operations Group (ROG) ORBAT and was left to action my plans in preparation for the Regiment returning in September. Throughout the time on ROG the Gymnasium had numerus transformations, with many hours of humping and dumping equipment around the gym floor.
The arrival of the new equipment aided in the delivery of the Army Physical Training System, a system the Regiment were not accustom to. This took a few turns of the physical training programme wheel for the Regiment to see and understand the new delivery of PT, especially to some of the old and bold. The Gymnasium over several months flourished in Soldiers conducting their personal training out of hours and during stand down periods, the implementation of a Gymnasium improvement pack has certainly made an impact with the Royal Dragoon Guards Soldiers creating a more appealing and energetic training environment.
Sporting wise the unit managed to enter two Boxing events in late 2019, firstly the Armoured Corps Competition, Hodson’s Horse where the Regiment performed very well and one of note was the invitation to the 1st Strike Brigade Boxing Competition. This was of real importance as the Regiment transitioned
RDG Gym before and after
from 20 Brigade to 1st Strike Brigade this would be the first showing of the Regiment within its new Brigade. The Regiment performed outstanding finishing 3rd overall from a very strong line up of Regiments.
2020 has a very busy forecast of events for the Royal Dragoon Guards, several Exercises to support in the UK, Soldiers deployed to California and Estonia. Another deployment to BATUS on Prairie Storm four and five after a Regimental move to their new home at Battlesbury Barracks Warminster. Also, throughout this year the unit will receive additional equipment in the Ajax Vehicles, all prior to their deployment to Estonia early next year. Testing times for the Royal Dragoon Guards, keeping fit, robust and injury free is essential within this hectic period.
ROYAL DRAGOON GUARDS
SSgt (SSI) C L Watson RAPTC