9th-12th-Lancers - Year 2001 - Page 0053
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| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 2001 |
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REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE 9TH/12TH ROYAL LANCERS (PRINCE OF WALES’S) 53 RAC Training Regiment he Regiment is well represented in not just the RAC Training Squadron, but in many of the various departments in Bovington Garrison. Capt Fred Reid is the ZIC of the Squadron, with Lt Patric Vale as one ofthe three Troop Leaders. Furthermore, Cpls Jamie Smith and Mo Mawhinney fulfil their duties as Training Wing NCO and Troop Cpl respectively. The Squadron has now moved from Stanley Barracks. Lt Vale was blissfully unaware of the relocation and, for those who know the location of the old building in Stanley Barracks, spent some time trying to work out why the building was locked and con- tained no people or furniture. Capt Reid must have been too preoccupied with golf to pass on the new location of Training Squadron for his first day of reporting. The Phase 2 recruits are now accommodated in the Sandhurst Block. Logistically, having accommodation and a Troop office in the same building makes life easier for all to administrate the future generations of high calibre RAC soldiers. The three Troops each share the numbers from the Phase 1 establishments. Each Troop can vary in size, depending on the size of intake from ATRs, from 60 recruits up to the maximum capacity of 120 recruits, where upon it becomes a case of all hands on deck. Cpl Smith continues to work hard and balances life between his wife, army sailing and work 7 but not necessarily in that order. The Red Lion, a pub in the local town ofWareham, continues to thrive from the custom gained by Cpl Mawhinney. There are rumours abound that the pay office at Glasgow will pay his wages directly to the landlord! It goes without saying that both Cpls work hard with extra curricular activities. The profile of working in Training Squadron has certainly increased over the last year. To make it clear, Training Squadron should not be considered a long resettlement course for either an officer or NCO. Dealing with recruit soldiers requires com- mitment, dedication, good personal skills and buckets upon buckets ofpatience. The Training Squadron does not just train RAC recruit soldiers to become the finest soldiers in the British Army, but also hosts many cadet, TA and civilian visits and exercises. Furthermore, the entire staff can be called upon to assist with the planning and organisation of such events. The hours are sometimes very long, but there is ample opportunity to relax and enjoy oneself. Indeed, looking to the future, Lt Vale will be leading various expeditions in 2002. These include: ski- ing in Aviemore, sailing in Kiel (to follow the Volvo Round the World yachts back to dry land) and several multi-activity events in Devon and Cornwall. One can therefore expect to see some photographs in next year’s journal. PV Army Foundation College Harrogate he Army Foundation College (AFC) Harrogate was opened in 1999 to fill the gap in training and recruiting left open by the closure of the Junior Leader Regiments. It Caters for the Infantry, Royal Artillery and Royal Armoured Corps. The train- ing teams are mixed arms with the balance ofpower, in all cases, going to the Infantry. The Regiment had a relatively large num- ber of Staff for an RAC organisation. These were Capt Craggs, Cpl McIntyre and Cpl Jones. They were responsible for a pla- toon of forty-eight, or a section of twelve. Their training is of greater depth militarily than recruits entering the Army via the Training Regiments. The skills the recruits learn, especially in terms of infantry skills and drills, is of a far higher standard than the average 9th/ 12th Trooper. This is great news for the Regiment, however, receiving soldiers of this quality does pose problem for the non-infantry staff. Here again, the AFC pro- vides a huge melting pot of ideas from the staff who, in turn, learn a huge amount form each other. This ensures that the instructors gain a great deal from their two years tours. It also HQ ARRC lthough you might imagine that life at Corps level is relative- ly sedate, where clerks walk around in slippered feet, staff offi- cers relax over a glass of pernod or grappa, and recline on chaises longues as they ponder leisurely on how to manoeuvre divisions over the battlefield, the truth is that at times life is every bit as fre- netic, hectic and immediate as at any level within the Army. I joined HQ ACE Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) at a particu- larly feverish time as the staffwere busy preparing for the main exercise of the year, ARRCADE FUSION, in which the allows a great deal of satisfaction to get a Para Cpl to admit that our job is interesting and demanding. While all training establishments have a “sausage machine” image, the AFC course of 44 weeks is lengthy enough to devel- op a very good rapport between the training staff and the recruits. This is really what makes the place so special; watch- ing the transformation from a nervous 16 year old to something that could on occasion pass offas a soldier is most satisfying. Like all institutions, if you speak to the members of the Regiment who were trained there, there will probably be a wide spectrum of views about the place. However, from a Training Staff perspective, it is hard work - but immensely satisfying. There is also the added bonus of being based on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. This provides one with a huge range of activities to choose from; particularly shooting and fishing for the Author and his dog. HDBC Regiment participated last year. I only had a few weeks in which to attempt to understand, let alone master, my role in the oper- ations branch, which consists of writing orders for the forma- tions and acting as secretary of the Deep Operations Group. This group executes Corps deep operations and plans up to 5 days ahead. I brief on the current battle and coordinate plans between the Operations, G3 Air and Fire Coord branches. This is a busybut fascinating job in which one has a privileged expo- sure and input to the workings of a Corps HQ at a senior level. I am also responsible for the 2 assigned reconnaissance brigades, |
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