While the Army's focus remains on current operations and preparing for the unknown, it is even more important that our soldiers have time to unwind on the sports field or experience the thrill - and danger - of challenging expeditions and Adventurous Training courses. 

When in barracks, we dedicate two afternoons a week to sports, whether football, rugby, hockey, squash or even golf. 

Many soldiers also represent the regiment in Army competitions, whether it be the football Cavalry Cup or league competitions held in Germany and UK.

Some of these also represent the Royal Armoured Corps Army in national and international tournaments and we are fiercely proud of our Rugby and Skiing successes in this regard.  In fact, our Skiing teams are among the strongest in the Army - and are made up not of those who skied before joining the Army, but of young men who have taken up the sport for the first time.

Why do we invest so much time in sports like this?  The answer is simple - the team work, camaraderie and fitness required for all sports are key to successful soldiering; and, it takes raw, real courage to ski down a black run at 80 mph, to tackle a 15-stone charging giant, to risk all for winning the game.

Adventurous Training also allows our soldiers to experience the exhilaration of overcoming personal and physical obstacles, to face fear and win through, to recognise that individuals' efforts are but nothing to those of the team.

In recent years, the regiment has organised expeditions to the Atlas Mountains, through Europe on motorbikes and every year we strive to send every soldier away for a week of multi-activity training, where they get to try their hand at rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and the like.

To us, Sports and Adventurous Training are not after-work activities, but part of our daily life and, more importantly, open to all regardless of previous experience.