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HQ Centre has just clocked in to its second year
of operating and many lessons have been learnt for all specialisations within the Firm Base function.
Thankfully, due to all Regional Points of Command (RPoC) PD Branches already working closely together, the absorption and transition to an Area of Responsibility (AoR) the size of Belgium has gone relatively seamlessly. Nothing has slipped, assurance has continued and even with the added challenges of Travel & Subsistence (T&S) restrictions, Sport has thrived.
Much of this seamless transition has been down to the experience and level- headedness of WO2 (QMSI) Rob Head (SWOPD Main) and WO2 (QMSI) Dean Foley (SWOPD Fwd). Without these two knowledgeable individuals, I would most certainly be scrambling around getting myself into an untold number of pickles... which I’m an expert at.
HQ Centre PD Branch operate out of two locations, HQ Main in Cottesmore and HQ Forward in Donnington. As well as our day-to-day PD roles, the PD Branch also lead on G7 in the Regional UK Ops space, as well as featuring regularly on the Duty Field Officer and Casualty Notification Officer roster.
It’s hard to believe that a year has gone by, since taking over from Maj Mark
HQ Centre PD Team standing in front of the ‘where are they’ board
HEADQUARTERS CENTRE
Capt (MAA) P Mellor RAPTC SO3 Physical Development
Greenwood in the old 7X Office and Maj Mat Fletcher in Donnington. At first, the new HQ Centre SO3 PD role seemed daunting and borderline impossible; how could one person do the job of two people? Well, it’s been OK! With two amazing QMSIs and the acceptance of taking the rough with the smooth helps. Some weeks are intolerably busy and others not so much. Sometimes we get to work at home, other times we’re patrolling the M6 and sleeping in transit, and other times we’re sitting in a UK Ops Briefing, looking confused!
In the coming months I will hand over the reins to Capt (MAA) Carl McMullen and I am sure that with his energy, he will drive this department forward, leaving a trail of success in his wake. The timing is perfect, the Branch is now established and needs to move to the next stage.
WO2 (QMSI) D Foley RAPTC and Capt (MAA) P Mellor – Morning Phys on The Wrekin