Page 94 - RAPTC Year of 2019

92
www.raptcassociation.org.uk
becoming coaches and mentors to the JS and have benefitted significantly from numerous internal and regional CPD sessions to upskill and share knowledge with like-minded people.
On a personal level, the RSM role at the JSMTC awaits in Apr 2020 and I will look back on the AFC with fond memories. I wish my replacement and all staff well and I look forward to seeing familiar faces in the future.
L&IT Department
SSgt (SSI) D Mudge RAPTC
The last year has seen the Leadership and Initiative Training (L&IT) Wing grow, moving forward in its delivery product that all junior soldiers receive. The wings’ primary focus is the delivery of Type 1 Adventurous Training (AT) to the phase 1 Junior Soldiers. Utilising AAPTIs and supported by civilian instructors via the Pearson TQ contract. We deliver initial exposure to AT activities including Mountaineering, Paddlesports, Caving and Climbing. As expected, some Junior Soldiers leave us still wanting more, others are grateful that it is over!
The training and assessment of the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Bronze award for all long course JS is also facilitated by the wing, making us the largest provider of the DofE award in the UK.
Remaining as the only centre to employ AAPTIs who deliver training in both the P&RTC and the L&IT Wing we are also unique in having all 3 RAPTC streams active on one camp. We offer excellent development and opportunities for anyone wishing to attempt RAPTC selection and subsequent transfer to the Corps.
Ex Northern Enduro
SSgt (SSI) K P Richardson RAPTC
With AFC Harrogate being an extremely demanding role for all Permanent Staff (PS) it is only fair that Adventurous Training is conducted whenever possible. I proposed in a ‘Dragons Den’ style interview that Mountain Biking in Morzine, France was an ideal way to help build confidence, reduce stress and motivate the PS in a way that some have never experienced. Anyone who is into their Mountain Biking will know that Morzine is the best place to go to test out your biking skills. With over 100km of routes it can test the best of riders.
Over the 7 Day Expedition, the group of riders that participated had a mixture of biking experience, however one individual had next to none and the progress he made was astounding. From not being able to bunny hop, to rolling off of a 5ft drop shows how beneficial the week was in building the individual’s Army Core Values. The week consisted of Enduro rides over 60+km, single track XC routes to manmade tracks with big jumps, gap jumps and drop offs of all sizes. With over 30+ routes available, the mountain biking was testing everyone’s ability daily. Everyone involved were on such a high that the request for another trip was the first thing on their minds when we arrived back in England.
The Expedition was, from all that participated, the highlight of the year and an experience that they will never forget. Having organised the Expedition, I now understand the time and effort it takes to plan for these things. It was humbling to witness the enjoyment and excitement from the group throughout the week, which is something I plan to repeat for the next few years.
AFC Annual Boxing Event
Sgt (SI) N Podmore RAPTC
November 2019 witnessed over 180 JS applying to participate in the sport of Boxing, of which 111 were registered to box. The boxing training took place over a 12-week period which was broken up into 3 Training Blocks (Foundation, Resilience and Specific). The Boxing period fell at a very busy time for the college. Credit must go to all boxers and coaches as they improvised throughout, even taking boxing gloves to train whilst at Battle Camp!
The AFC(H) staged an Inter-Company competition over a 4-day period (3-6 Feb 20) consisting of Competition and Non- Competition bouts. In total there were 55 Bouts in which more than 70 Boxers had the chance to box. For most it was their first time within the ring, and some had the opportunity to box 3 times within 4 days! The Finals night delivered 11 spectacular bouts, witnessed by some famous faces within the building including Jamie Moore and Jack Catterall.
AFC Sport & Skills
Sgt (SI) J Peel RAPTC
Coming straight off my RAPTC Instructors Course I was assigned to AFC(H) after a well-earned Christmas Leave. I was placed into the role of Sports and Skills Co-Ordinator.
My role sees me working alongside Civilian Contractors who work for Pearson TQ, who provide extra curricular activity for the JS. The JS attend a class for 2 hours in the evening after a full day of Military Skills and Education. The DofE is the perfect platform