Page 45 - RSDG Year of 2021 CREST

GUARDROOM
Sergeant Stodart
As 2021 draws to a close, we look back and reflect on what has been an eventful and very successful year for all those involved with the Regimental Duty Staff. We remain an integral part within the Regiment’s opera- tional capability, and again have provided the disci- plinary edge, implementing the RSM’s authority and high standards across the Regiment.
At the beginning of the year the guardroom duties were overseen by the self-proclaimed “Sheriff” SSgt “Ritchie” Barr and his trusted Lieutenant Cpl “Ratty” Ratuqalovi. A full calendar of regimental training was on the horizon and with the uncertainties still sur- rounding unit life due to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic, SSgt Barr and Cpl Ratuqalovi set about ensuring that SCOTS DG high standards were never allowed to dwindle. The ever-approachable RDC, fresh from his All-Arms Drill Instructors course, was more than eager to get his newly tuned drill voice heard by as many as possible, and quite a few unfortunate soldiers fell foul of his firm but fair, piercing drill commands!
The Duty Staff not only impose the RSM’s author- ity around the Regiment, they also chip in on regular occasions with unit training, and it was in this spirit that SSgt Barr played a significant role in the prepara- tions for Ex WESSEX STORM, putting his SAA qual- ifications to good use in helping to plan and deliver unit ranges.
On the Regiment’s recov- ery to Waterloo Lines post Ex WESSEX STORM, it was time for the RDS staff to change the old guard with the new. Therefore, upon promotion, the out- going RDS, SSgt Barr, moved on and took over the role of B SQMS. He will immediately head off on exercise to Oman and then Op NEWCOMBE. The RSM and the RDS team thank him for his professionalism and loy- alty whilst RDS, and we wish him all the best in the new role.
Who (photo) shot The Sheriff?
Cpl Ratuqalovi, fresh from successful attendance on a Light Cavalry Commanders Course, also headed off for pastures new; he took over as a Jackal Commander in C Sqn and immediately deployed on Ex KHANJAR OMAN. Again, the RSM thanks him for his dedicated support and professionalism, we wish him all the best.
Their replacements would need to carry on the cul- ture of excellence expected of the Regimental Duty Staff, therefore, after lengthy negotiations with the Squadrons, the RSM finally welcomed his new staff in the shape of Sgt Stodart (RDS) and LCpl Johnson (RDC), who arrived from A and C Squadrons respectively.
LCpl Johnson and I had little time to settle in, as almost immediately SCOTS DG 50 landed, during which we would play a significant role assisting the RSM with the complexities of a Regimental Parade and manage the headache of hundreds of people wan- dering around camp (all the regimental veterans with craftily concealed hip flasks!!).
Finishing SCOTS DG 50 has allowed me and LCpl Johnson to settle in and start to build on the sterling efforts of those who came before us. I have personally attended the All-Arms Drill Course, and we have got to grips with the ROPs procedures, for which there has been a good few volunteers! There is little doubt 2022 will again be extremely busy; the Regiment will pre- pare itself for operations and, in that capacity, it will be the Guardrooms staff’s responsibility to maintain the best of standards across the Regiment. I have every confidence we will succeed and continue to be ‘Second to None’.
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