Page 6 - RSDG Year of 2023

4 EAGLE AND CARBINE
FOREWORD FROM THE COLONEL COMMANDANT OF THE RAC
The world seems to find ever more ways to challenge us. The continued conflict in Ukraine and the threat posed to Eastern Europe by Russia and her allies remains at the forefront of UK Defence Policy and must sharpen the minds and hone the muscles of us all in the Royal Armoured Corps. The expansion of conflict in Gaza and the Red Sea also play a role in our deeper understanding of contemporary conflict and the challenges facing our nation. Our Army is rightly changing and reshaping to face the threats that confront us.
AJAX, after a long and frankly painful journey, is proving itself to be a hugely capable platform and is at the cutting edge of armoured vehicles. The next couple of years will see its delivery across three RAC regiments as well as early operational deployment. Challenger 3 is also firmly on the cards offering a step-change in our Armoured capability. With new equipment and capabilities coming online in the next few years the RAC remains an exciting proposition.
After the sadness and reflection of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral it was a great pleasure to see the RAC represented at King Charles’ Coronation. In all, some 900 Household Cavalry and Royal Armoured Corps soldiers were on parade with their respective Guidons and Standards. While the weather was less than ideal, the preparation, precision, and flair on display reflected brilliantly on our Corps and its people.
Looking forward into 2024 and 2025 the RAC is not without its challenges. Across Defence all services are facing a competitive employment market and getting people to commit to a life of service in the Armed Forces is difficult. The RAC is no different. Please could I ask that all of you, as our best representatives, act as Recruiting Sergeants for the Corps. We need to maintain our in-flow of talented, fit, steely and determined men and women who can follow in our footsteps and take the RAC into the future. The sell of the RAC is as strong as it has ever been offering a place at the very front of the battlefield, operating cutting-edge platforms and weapons, travel to foreign climes, sport, adventurous training, and all this is
set against the varied and proud histories and traditions of all of our Regiments.
I would like to pay tribute and thanks to Brigadier Alex Potts who retired from the Army last year as Head of Arms & Services and Deputy Colonel Commandant for the RAC. He served us all tirelessly and did so with sage advice and wry wit. He has moved to bring his considerable talents to bear as Private Secretary to Their Royals Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Brigadier Adam Foden has been appointed Deputy Colonel Commandant.
Thank you to all of you for your continued hard graft and commitment set against the unrelenting demands of the Field Army for training and operations. Good luck for the year ahead.
Maj Gen NCL Perry DSO MBE