Page 67 - RAPTC Year of 2019

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1 IRISH GUARDS
Sgt (SI) D Duffin RAPTC
The Irish Guards based in Hounslow, London is one of the first units in the Army to see the implementation of project three from programme THOR. In order to gain full effect of having an ERI within an infantry battalion Sgt Duffin has consistently engaged with the CoC to gain buy in from major stakeholders alongside taking charge of the units’ health and wellbeing through organising and conducting DO Fit courses.
As the Army changes the way PD is conducted the Irish Guards have fully embraced the new fitness testing alongside taking a full interest in to the APTS programme ready to prepare for upcoming tours. Not only have SSgt Cumberbatch and Sgt Duffin worked together to develop the unit’s PD plan but injury rates have reduced in line with the aim of programme THOR through careful planning and on site rehabilitation care.
The past year has been a challenging but highly productive time for the Irish Guards, from competing in various sports including Sgt Duffin organising their first Inter Coy boxing competition in over two years to instructing personnel skiing in the French Alps on Frosted Mick. Recently the Irish Guards concurrently deployed on two tours consisting of Op Trenton and Op Shader where achieving the main effort has been a huge success.
Although a great year for the Irish Guards they unfortunately mourned the tragic loss of LCpl Brodie Gillon whilst on Op Shader
Inter Coy Boxing
Frosted Mick
from an incident in Taji. LCpl Gillon was a fit, energetic and compassionate individual, who played an active role in all aspects of military life.
Looking forward, the Irish Guards are soon to move from Hounslow as it shuts its gates for the last time ready for the move to Aldershot where they will be taking over Mons Barracks in a delayed Arms Plot from 2020 to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Op Shader Repat