Report: Richard Long
Picture: Graeme Main

PHYSICAL training for today’s Army extends way beyond the traditional methods of long boot runs or vast hours spent on an obstacle course.

With operational requirements in Afghanistan dictating how muscular strength is as equally important as aerobic prowess it is the Army Physical Training Corps (APTC) instructors who have to ensure such exacting needs are met.

SSgt (SSI) Stephen Green is ideally placed to comment on this role having completed a three-year attachment to The Light Dragoons and he believes versatility and an ability to be imaginative are key requirements for any instructor.

“I would try to include a fun element in the operations-based lessons,” the 32-year-old told Soldier.

“If it becomes regimented to the point where it is always a boot run or obstacle course the soldiers soon lose interest.

“If we were on a run I would tell them to try imagining they were in Afghanistan.

“When they reached the front gate they were out on the ground. By the time we got back I wanted to know how many enemies they had seen.

“They were looking round to check their arcs so when they were out in Afghanistan they did it naturally.”

During his time with the Dragoons the NCO was responsible for designing individual training programmes for specific squadrons.

“That involved everything from boot runs and Bergen runs to assault courses,” he said.

“Initially the main emphasis is getting the regiment to pass one of the two personal fitness tests, depending on the time of year, and the combat fitness test.

“On the back of that is getting them physically fit enough to deploy.

“One squadron was informed two months prior to deployment that they would not be going in a formation reconnaissance role.

“Instead they were going to be attached to 2 Mercian so we had to alter their training as they would be working from a forward operating base on the ground.”

As well as developing individual fitness regimes, SSgt Green was responsible for planning adventurous training and sporting opportunities for soldiers while working closely on a number of community projects.

When the Dragoons deployed to Afghanistan the NCO followed suit, completing his seven-month tour of the country in September 2009.

“I was deployed as a mentor to the Afghan National Army (ANA), to fully prepare soldiers for their role as section leaders,” he said.

“The idea was to get individuals to the stage where they could go back and use
their knowledge to help improve those under them and push the ANA forward.”

This included teaching Afghan counterparts the value of British military tactics and helping them to develop the weapon skills that are vital for serving soldiers.

It also featured the traditional fitness programmes with runs and drills held at 0500 to avoid the searing heat.

SSgt Green served with 1st Battalion, The Light Infantry before transferring to the APTC.

He now works at the corps’ HQ in Aldershot as part of the training development team.

With a vast array of experience behind him, he has a simple message to any soldier considering a career in the APTC.

“There has not been a single day where I have regretted transferring,” he said. “Without doubt it is the best job within the Army.”

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