Page 10 - The Cormorant 2018

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IN LATE 2016, I received a phone call from the Royal Marines Corps Regimental Sergeant Major asking me where I would like to be
assigned next. It was nice to be asked, but I had been around long enough to understand the needs of
the Service would ultimately dictate. Nonetheless I played along and asked for
the options, “Well there’s the JSCSC College Warrant Officer at the Defence Academy!” was the reply. That was about as much as either of us knew about the position. Being a rotational post not occupied by a Royal Marine in living JPA memory, nobody else could put anymore ‘meat on the bones’. The officers of 45 Commando Headquarters all seemed to think it was a good option...so the deal was made.
The Defence Academy has proved to be unlike any military establishment I have ever experienced; with its peculiar military/academic mix it can be somewhat disorientating! But, it does offer a tremendous
range of diverse activities and opportunities for all those fortunate enough to experience time here. The formal dinner nights organised by the different Services have been fantastic, even theatrical affairs. I have been impressed by the Athletics Union Fair and just how many different activities are available to everyone and their families. There are sporting opportunities that can see you dressed in tweed or Lycra, and everything in between. The inter-division sports days of both ACSC and ICSC proved to be fun occasions with an admirable display of grit and determination in the final ‘superstar’ event. My fancy
dress box was raided when supporting Lieutenant Colonel Bannister’s fund raising journey, a sole motor bike ride from London to Freetown, riding over 7000km to raise money for the Kings’ Sierra Leone Partnership. A dedicated group attempted to race him – our combined spinning bike distance against his actual distance. It became very competitive and we managed to beat him by just less than 3 hours. In more conventional attire I have also been fortunate enough to join a small group from the Defence Academy Mountaineering Club on a weekend’s hiking around the Black Mountains. This assignment has also allowed me to join elements of ASCS21 on Regional Security Exercise 1 to Paris, which included the honour of partaking in the evening parade at the Arc de Triomphe when the flame for the Unknown Soldier is rekindled. The RAF Division also very kindly allowed me to join them on Ex Falcon Venture, a staff ride to the Pas-de-Calais.
The educational and career development opportunities offered to those attending Staff College are extraordinary and I’ve been hugely impressed
by the diligence and mental agility of the permanent staff and students alike. I have often felt slightly guilty at how hard they all work in comparison to my role as the CWO. I have enjoyed the interaction with the different Services, international students, civilian employees and generally having ‘Fun with Flags’!
I suspect that the real value of this assignment will bear fruits in my future roles. Assigned to become the next RSM of Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in December 2018, I know already that I will look back on my time at the Defence Academy with fond memories.
“The Defence Academy has proved to be
unlike any military establishment
I have ever experienced ◆◆◆
The JSCSC College Warrant Officer:
A View from the Uninitiated
WO1 (RSM) Ross Wilson