Page 61 - RAPTC Year of 2019

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2019 has been a very busy and successful year for 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards based in Norfolk. At the forefront of reconnaissance, the Regiment has continued to go
from strength to strength, in both UK and overseas Operations. Deployments have seen squadrons as well as small teams sent around the globe ranging from America, Maloui to Brunei. Continuing to balance their external commitments along with their physical training ethos ensures readiness is upheld throughout the year even with the high tempo of work, but I can honestly say it is very rewarding.
Physical development throughout the course of the year has been well received by all and an increasing number of individuals training in their own time continues to rise as the gymnasium’s improvements grow equally. This has seen physical progression across the board with both fit and injured personnel making development and achievements within a short period. The Squadrons have made a mark in the Cambrian Patrol competition and the individuals continue to do well in representing both the regiment and their squadrons. With readiness being our main priority in preparation for Ex. Wessex Storm the PT has been tough, challenging and vigorous to ensure we are deployable as a combat unit, which will increase more so in the coming months as we prepare for Nigeria and Mali.
In the sporting world, QDG have had some big opportunities with the Football team touring America and playing some local teams, some incredible results with the Rugby team as they prepare them- selves for their first semi-final cup game in years and undoubtably onto the final they’ve been training so hard for. During the year numerous events at regional, army and world level have also called upon QDG personnel to represent them in Football, Rugby, Boxing and Taekwondo. QDG also saw their soldiers representing
them with a very strong Golf team and achieved high rankings in both Nordic and Alpine skiing.
This year saw great opportunities for the unit to conduct AT in Malta, Scotland and Italy. This was post Op CABRIT where soldiers experienced the variety of the AT opportunities which has seen indi- viduals go further and gain qualifications. They had the opportunity to Rock climb at a various-levels, challenging climbers in more ways than one; they were also hitting the fast, downhill routes on mountain bikes which tested individuals both physically and psychologically. All activities played a very major role in developing personnel.
2020 will see QDG utilised to its full potential with the FOE far surpassing recent years. The Regiment will deploy on numerous operations around the globe including Mali, Nigeria and Poland while remaining on 24hrs NTM to assist the UK against acts of terrorism, natural disasters and the recent COVID-19 outbreak.
Ex Wessex Storm – lighting up the night
America football tour
1st THE QUEEN’S DRAGOON GUARDS
SSgt (SSI) CJ Taylor RAPTC
PNCOs Final PT Session