Page 23 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

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HQ 6TH (UNITED KINGDOM) DIVISION
Maj (MAA) S Chappell RAPTC
Iwrite these MBS notes having been in post at HQ 6th (UK) Division, for the last 5 months. After an excellent handover/ takeover from Maj (MAA) Jim Yates in December, I assumed
SO2 duties. During Jim’s tenure, he managed the transition of what was Force Troops Command (FTC), to the now 6th (UK) Division. Aided by WO1 (SMI) Chanel Mason, both Jim and Chanel managed the PD desk through the re-subordination and restructure of the Division and Brigades.
With the Integrated Review (IR) dropping, the Division’s future has only been solidified. 6th (UK) Division prepares and generates the Army’s Information Manoeuvre and Unconventional Warfare forces for both constant competition and war fighting, as well as routinely conducting operations below the threshold of armed conflict in the virtual and physical dimensions. The Division has four Brigades under the 2* Command of the GOC: 1st Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Brigade, 77th Brigade, 1st (UK) Signal Brigade and the Specialist Infantry Group.
Whilst my tenure has been short, my departure is imminent with Maj (MAA) Bren Reese incoming. We have said a sad farewell and goodbye to WO1 (SMI) Chanel Mason, who departed the Army in April after completing many years of exemplary Service. WO1 (SMI) Dean Moss replaced Chanel and quickly set to work picking up many work strands. When the MBS is published later this year, we will also have seen the sad departure of WO1 (SMI)
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
HEADQUARTERS SOUTH WEST – PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT BRANCH
Capt (MAA) S Green RAPTC
Headquarters South West – what can I say? A hugely enjoyable job, meeting so many wonderful people both in and out of our Corps, helping to guide, mentor and assist in
all matters Physical Development, as well as acting as the PD lead to the Commander within the Headquarters based in Tidworth.
The role involves travel, although a lot of the Units both Regular and Reserve seem to be clustered in various areas throughout the South West, meaning that I now possess a built in Sat Nav for all locations along the M4 corridor. When this article goes to print unfortunately my time in the South West would have come to an end, as I move back to the more familiar surroundings of the ASPT. The diversity of the role is everchanging especially as we have all experienced the woes of COVID for the past 12 months or so.
In Apr 20, I was internally trawled by HQ SW and assumed the role of SO2 G3/5 for OP RESCRIPT, this was a real step into the unknown, having never worked in the G3/5 space before. However, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, gaining another skill set, whilst working alongside highly motivated individuals across all 3 Services and acting as the Joint Military Command POC for the deployable troops on the ground.
In Sept 20, I gained a new Senior Warrant Officer PD in the form of WO2 (QMSI) Bruce Bynorth, having completed 24 years’ service and having completed his final tour at the ARRC Support Battalion, a new chapter ensued for him. He arrived at the right time, having been without a QMSI since Scott Burrell left for Service Sport in Feb 20. Following a period of time to understand the complexities of Brigade life, he is now fully ingrained and adding real value.
PD Personalities – WO1 Dean Moss and Maj Steve Chappell
Matt Arlow. After 5 years of excellent work, driving DOFit and the Alcohol Advisor Course across Defence and the Army respectively, Matt will be moving on – you have been an asset to Defence and will be absolutely missed. From a personal note, thank you Matt, Chanel and Dean for all your support in my time; for all the 6th (UK) Divisional RAPTC Instructors, thank you for your outstanding work at the tactical level – you really are appreciated!
SO3 PD and SWOPD for the HQSW