Page 41 - RSDG Year of 2022 CREST

Early spring signalled the end of MST for those deploying on OP NEWCOMBE (B Sqn - rotation 4) and the switch of focus to ensuring the correct compe- tencies across rotation 5 were gained. The team, led by Capt (Davie) Dodds, utilised their skills to extract the competencies required allowing subunit commanders to easily identify qualifications their deploying workforce required. Out of the 136 mandated quali- fications, this figure does not include career course competency, there was an additional 32. The complex- ities arose during the realisation that the majority of courses had been cancelled during the global pandemic and that all units across all services had deficiencies to rectify... true to fashion and with bags of patience and diplomacy, targets were met although at this point both the Training Officer and SSgt Wright will be happy never to hear the words Ridgeback (the platform used as an ambulance in Mali) & Horn User (don’t ask!)
After the regiment conducted annual firing in Jun both SSgt (Humph) Humphries and Sgt Mclelland planned and delivered a driving mobility cadre in Braunton Burrows. The cadre tested the ability of vehicle crews across terrain unfamiliar to them... sand and lots of it. As expected, vehicle crews utilised the opportunity to train and gain experience manoeuvring their respective platforms through challenging terrain.
As the regiment started to shape itself for deployment the team said its farewells to SSgt Humphries who moved to the QMs Dept in time for pre deployment training for OP NEWCOMBE. It was disappointing to lose such an experienced SSgt within the training wing, but the team wish him all the best in his new role. The team also said farewell to Sgt Mclelland who moved to deploy on OP NEWCOMBE with the Echelon, but we look forward to his return after tour.
A new streamlined training wing, under the direction of Rear Operations Group (ROG) OC, would retune its focus on career course planning and delivery ensuring those within ROG and those returning from OP NEWCOMBE (rotation 4) remain qualified and experienced. Distributed Training (DT) remains the best opportunity to train our personnel whilst maintaining suitably qualified and experienced regimental instructors. The change over from Military Army Training Tests (MATT’s) to Individual Training Requirements (ITR’s) is also a great step. The ITRs
Sgt Warren, delivering a lesson for the Distributed Training (DT) Panther (PCLV) Drivers course
are designed to ensure that every soldier and officer in the British Army maintains a foundation level of soldiering competence enabling them to execute their roles effectively, both on and off operations. It provides the foundation on which individual competence and readiness is built. The ITR outlines the training that every serving member of the Army, both Regular and Reserve, needs to complete every year. Combining the ability for personnel to educate themselves online and practice their learning on the ground.
As the end of the year drew ever closer, SSgt Wright was assigned to Combined Manoeuvre Centre (CMC – previously ARMCEN) as the Army Leadership and Development Programme (ALDP) SSgt. A big loss of experience for the regiment is a huge gain for CMC, we wish him and his family all the very best for the future. Brought into the team, from their assignment at the Gunnery School in Lulworth, is SSgt Willie Monaghan and Sgt Callum McInnes. Both SP bring a wealth of mounted and dismounted gunnery knowledge back into the training wing. This will no doubt have a positive impact with the future planning and delivery of regimental ranges.
I, Capt Davie Dodds (Training Officer), would like to exploit this opportunity to add a personal thank you. This will be my last E&C article, having been part of it its input since 2010 when I took over as regimental Pipe Major. To say I have had a blast over my time served with the regiment would be an understatement. I have met and worked some of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and the regiment will remain with me for my entirety because of it.
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