Page 8 - Chiron Autumn 2017

Commanding Of cer – Defence Animal Training Regiment
By Lt Col M Thompson MBE RAVC
I have been incredibly honoured and fortunate to be appointed as Commanding Of cer of what I believe to be genuinely the best command in the military. The Defence Animal Training Regiment combines the talents of the most innovative, dedicated and hard-working service personnel and civil service staff. Their ability to generate Military Working Animal effect, across a multitude of platforms in all weathers and with such a can do attitude is something I am incredibly grateful for.
In addition to hitting every branch of the lucky tree
as I dropped in, there is the added privilege of being
here as both the RAVC and the RAF celebrate their centenaries in 2018; if I had planned this I could
not have done it better. There will be a number of
events throughout the year that will ll the calendar quickly, 27 Jul 18 is the key date and it would be fantastic to see as many as possible on parade here.
There is an element of the bittersweet in this appointment as I know my time will go quickly, the clock is already running
and there is much to do. MWDs remain hugely in vogue and I know the team is striving here to deliver the best product possible to its array of Defence customers. In addition the progress and drive to cement the key apprenticeships and the delivery of quality Initial and Subsequent Trade training is one that the staff here continue to innovate and nesse, the learning models are cutting edge and hopefully will reduce classroom time for all.
The support to London District and the connection with the ceremonial units is another key relationship and one that we will strive to make better.
If I could make a plea, it would be to all at ERE (External Regimental Employment) to reach back periodically; take the opportunity to conduct some CPD here, make use of the great facilities and top up with the latest thinking. There really is something for everyone. The Melton branch of RAVC Association continue to meet here, it would
also be good to inject some youthful energy into its midst.
6 CHIRON CALLING
In January 2017 myself and four other soldiers became students on the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing course, running at the College of Animal Welfare, Huntingdon. The course enables us to train to become Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs), alongside our military service, dramatically enhancing our trade knowledge.
Lots of preparation was required at the beginning of the course, including online learning, inductions and pre-course assessments. Despite having taken military exams, tness tests and enduring Operational roles ranging from tours of Afghanistan to exercises in Jordan, we remained nervous and somewhat anxious about what the course was going to be like.
Upon receipt of the RVN course programme it immediately became apparent the course was an intensive package which would require lifestyle changes in order to meet the demands of the course.
The two year RVN course programme was a cycle, detailed as follows:
• Two weeks intensive theoretical training at the college,
• Three months vocational placement at the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR),
• Two weeks intensive theoretical training at the college,
• Three months civilian placement at Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) / Vets4Pets.
The rst block of college was a culture shock to all DATR students, as being accustomed to a more structured learning
By LCpl Katrina Hilton
environment at DATR, we were then faced with a time pressured and demanding civilian college learning environment. The rst two weeks education was nalised by an initial exam, which was a challenging introduction to RVN testing, but fortunately all DATR students on the course passed. This was a small, but welcome early insight into how much study time and revision was necessary in order to pass the forthcoming exams.
On return to DATR for the rst vocational placement, life remained close to normal in relation to our daily duties, although much more focus was placed on the importance of us becoming clinically competent. The DATR chain of command ensured that we had maximum practical clinical exposure daily, in order for us to log valuable experience in emergency treatments and routine procedures.
During my civilian placement, I worked at the PDSA, a veterinary charity helping those who cannot afford veterinary treatment on their animals.
Many surgeries are carried out on location in a wide variety of animals. In my experience these procedures ranged from toy breed to larger breed dogs such as Great Danes and additionally provided my rst exposure to working with rabbits and cats. The diversity and complexity of many veterinary issues seen at PDSA set the standard of things to come in subsequent RVN course placements.
Recently the Anatomy and Physiology exam was taken by all students, this particular exam is considered to be the most mentally challenging. A considerable amount of revision was set aside in order
to gain the required pass mark of 65%, which alongside the target percentage sought in completing the online progress log had become a huge strain on daily working life.
All students passed the exam, no doubt thanks to the continual support of both the lecturers at CAW and the staff within both the PDSA and the DATR.
I consider the future of the veterinary nursing quali cation to be very important in terms of the Army having the most quali ed veterinary staff to look after Military Working Dogs and Horses in an environment that provides the best care. Not only that but it also enhances the soldiers ability and knowledge in how to deal with veterinary emergencies which can help considerably in situations such as during con ict or within units based in the UK.
Throughout the RVN course so far, an exceptional level of support has been provided by both the college and the military chain of command at DATR, who assisted us to study alongside our required duties and complete tasks in order to log course critical competencies on the college progress log.
In my personal experience the RVN course requires lifestyle changes to be made in order to facilitate the additional work load from the college and academically.
I look forward to my next college block, whereby I will enhance my veterinary knowledge in preparation for the third upcoming exam and nally completing the RVN course, gaining more experience over the remaining eighteen months.
Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing