Aug-Sep 2013, Issue 174 - Royal New Zealand Navy

Above: LPTI Gomez after the courseLeft: The now-LPTI Robert MillerA road less travelledBy LPTI Caleb GomezOn February 11 2013, ASCS Robert Miller and I stood, fullyat attention, with myself out front in the first of manymorning inspections. We were all staring straight ahead,scared to move, twitch, itch or make a noise. We had finally madeit to the home of the NZDF’s Physical Training Instructors, RNZAFBase Woodbourne’s West Gymnasium.The previous six months had been a lead up to this very day. EveryPTI before us had stood like we were. Finally we were on course.Excitement turned into apprehension as we were inspected and“remedial training” was handed out.This is where our journey began, to change us from what wewere, into PTIs. What occurred over the following four monthsdeveloped every aspect of our character.Throughout the course we were assessed in several areas: physicalfitness, physiology and anatomy, confidence course, sportsmedicine, survival in wilderness, taping, systems within the body,movement and levers, muscles, class-taking and our personalqualities, to name a few.A typical day includes 0520 “Wakey Wakey”, dressed and straightto the pool for swimming EMAs (Early Morning Activities). This isfollowed by breakfast and 0735 inspection. Depending on the stateof our rig we would begin theory at 0745 or usually sweating andpanting at 0810.In the class-taking phase we endured up to six classes back toback a day and most Fridays we finished with a little “conditioningsession” from our instructors to keep us on track. With yourclassmates you are expected to give 100 per cent to every classyou are involved in. Through adversity the course bonded welland the old saying “work hard, play hard” was definitely taken onboard.Four months later graduation day arrived. We celebrated with ourfamilies and friends in front of our new PTI family and we two Navypeople ended up taking three of the four awards available. TopTheory, Top Practical and Top Sportsman.The PTI course can be described as exciting, painful, challengingand intense. But the best courses are the ones that put you out ofyour comfort zone and empower you to become better. The endresult is that we are back in the navy, doing the business on thegym floor.Looking back over the past few months, I am thankful I made thedecision to try out for the PTI trade. I am proud to call myself aPTI and have been brought into a family of motivated people. I amhappy turning up to work ready to put into practice the skillsI have learnt and help to improve physical fitness in the Navy.If you are looking for a challenge and think you have what ittakes to be a PTI, apply for the PTI Selection course being held inOctober 2013. Contact any of the PT staff or your Career Managersfor further information.36 WOODBOURNE PTI COURSE