Page 147 - RSDG Year of 2023

Nearly 2 years into assignment at HQ RAC, I can say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with what is a small but busy team. If asked what qualities are essential to work in a Corps HQ I would respond saying ‘In uncertain times a passionate desire to uphold and protect the people, values and ethos of the Corps’. The HQ provides a valuable protection and ‘common sense’ role, for example all questions on RAC personnel and recruiting are directed to the HQ, and calm collective advice given by Col RAC, the COS, and the Comd Sergeant Major always provide sanity to the more extreme suggestions.
On my arrival at HQ RAC I was welcomed by the then Comd SM, WO1 Nick Brown and Chief of Staff Lt Col Brett Erskine Naylor, so it was good to know that grey beret representation was already firmly established and over the past 2 years has served us well, particularly in the long but ultimately successful battle to have our Pipes and Drums officially recognised and protected as part of Future Soldier restructuring.
What quickly became apparent is that although the HQ is small in number, we serve a very important function in bringing together the RAC family. Dispersed units and important personnel all operate under command of different organisations, therefore a critical responsibility for Col RAC, Col Paddy Williams, is to cohere the Corps voice and ensure we are always collectively represented. Those who know Col Williams will know he is a dedicated and respected advocate for the Corps. The responsibility for protecting RAC representation at national ceremonial events, notably the funeral of our Colonel in Chief, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, and the coronation of King Charles is a vital responsibility led by Col RAC.
One such biannual event is the RAC Council, the coordi- nation of which falls to myself. The Council is a well- attended event, and given the attendee list, can be described as quite ‘punchy’. Therefore I was very pleased with the first Council I arranged, with RAC Col Commandant Maj General Nick Perry chairing the meeting, in attendance GOC 1UKXX, Maj Gen Tom Bateman, and with a selection of Bde Comds in the room, and amongst others MajGeneralFelixGedneyonTEAMs,Ifeltconfidentall bases were covered, that is until 2 minutes into the Council when all the IT I had plugged in blew the building fuses. In best Cavalry fashion General Perry didn’t skip a beat whilst I first went into mild shock, recovered, quickly gathered my thoughts, switched to basic fault finding and remedy mode and fixed the problem. All very much to the amusement of General Bateman who remembers me well from his days as SCOTS DG RSO.
As SO2 RAC, and in a competitive Army environment, I have been particularly impressed by how the HQ fights to fend off measures which might weaken the Corps, It is not
an exaggeration to say that we are regularly required to answer questions on RAC roles and ‘PIDs’, amongst other threats dealing with challenges to Officer recruitment numbers and the role of our Late Entry Officers, mean it is extremely important that the COS develops the best arguments to ensure the Corps is protected to the best of our ability. Fulfilling this vital role in my time was our own Lt Col Brett Erskine Naylor, who skilfully provided that important barrier. Lt Col Brett has now moved on to Commanding the AFV Schools Regiment, we thank his for his tireless efforts, the humour, and wish him all the best.
The role of the Comd SM is of vital importance to both the recruitment of soldiers into the Corps, but also repre- senting our soldiers concerns to the Army Sergeant Major. Therefore, I will take this opportunity to thank WO1 Nick Brown, he served the Corps well, highly spoke of, as Comd SM he was a credit to our cap-badge, we wish him all the best for the future. The role has now been taken on by WO1 Jason Bain KRH, he has immediately made a significant and positive impact which will undoubtedly benefit our soldiers.
As an HQ we regularly take the opportunity to get out of Bovington, and for anyone thinking of joining the HQ RAC team we make a point of conducting annual team building events, most notably the HQ has recently conducted a sailing expedition to Antigua, and at the beginning of 2023 a Battlefield Tour to Waterloo and Cambrai, an excellent trip, and if any of you ever get the opportunity to be led on a BFS by Alan ‘Chippy’ Wood (ex 17/21L), its well worth it, what he doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing, and he knows all the best places to take in local cuisine and refreshment!
Finally it is worth noting that under my control we also continue to develop RAC Employment Structure (RACES), the most important input source being from you the customer, our aim being to provide the best possible opportunities for our soldiers to develop, whilst removing unnecessary barriers to promotion boards, so please do not hesitate to contact me and make suggestions. We coordinate RAC apprenticeships, a significant recruitment and retention programme, and under the Corps Secretary, Lt Col Watson, the HQ has developed the RAC Veterans Alumni, an excellent focal point for connecting RAC personnel, and a well-developed career information forum, providing a wide range of employment opportunities.
If you are ever in Bovington, please do take the time to come in and say hello.
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