Page 30 - QARANC Vol 14 No 9 2014

28 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Army Medical Services Operational Headquarters Support Group (AMS OHSG) Annual Camp 12-19 July 2014
AMS OHSG Annual Camp was held over the period 12- 19 Jul 2014 at Jersey Camp, Newtown Training Area, Isle of Wight. This camp specifically focused towards completing MATT training and other specialist to arms courses associated with the roles to be undertaken by AMS OHSG; namely, to undertake Operational Medical Staff Officer and SNCO training in contingency operations. The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Moore, RAMC and the 2IC Major Ali Price, QARANC warmly welcomed everyone on arrival. As a nationally recruited unit, some committed members had travelled as far as Aberdeen, Inverness and Northern Ireland to attend.
Although OHSG is in its embryonic stage as a nationally recruited unit, it has already made its mark on the map of 2 Med Bde with its diverse areas of expertise amongst its personal with their valued skills and expertise in supporting the wider AMS and the army in general.
There were numerous key learning sessions throughout the training. These consisted of a revision of the ‘7 questions’ by the enthusiastic Lieutenant Colonel Geoff Ward, RAMC. A mock promotions board, an informative session by Lieutenant Colonel Rinkly Inglis, QARANC on contingency operations and the DONC, and the continual sharing of knowledge throughout by the widely experienced RSM WO1 Harriss who has recently retired from the RAMC as Corps RSM.
On a lighter side, the camp fitness regime had begun earnestly from the start with the unit proceeding to the local beach to play rounder’s. Through this creativity, the aim was clearly to increase the fitness of the unit whilst at the same time having some fun following an arduous day’s work in the classroom. The game was friendly (highly competitive!) with true sportsman/woman spirit (brutal! No quarter given and no quarter asked for!).
Two unit members also received awards whilst at camp. Lieutenant Colonel Andrea Goodman was awarded her third clasp to the Volunteers Reserves Service Medal along with Major Janet Kelly who received her first clasp.
The highlight of the camp was the Regimental Dinner held at the Royal Yacht Club Isle of Wight where the unit was privileged to have Brigadier Kevin Beaton OBE L/RAMC as their guest. The Brigadier gave a very inspirational speech on his experiences of liaising with wounded soldiers from Afghanistan, which left many with watery eyes.
Through the week, we were blessed with extremely hot sunny weather and a fantastic electric storm one evening overlooking the rolling hills and surrounding countryside. Special gratitude goes to the chefs who excelled themselves with every meal. In addition, comment must be made to the three ‘popular’ people with the creation of late night mayhem!
In conclusion, Jersey Camp was truly memorable camp with the acquisition of new knowledge and new skills being learnt in the pursuit of continuing to support the wider community of the AMS.
Major Janet Kelly, QARANC
DMRC Headley Court – QARANC Corps Day Celebrations
This year saw a change to the way we celebrated QARANC Corps day at Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Headley Court. On the morning of 27 Mar 14 the QARANC personnel of DMRC met at the guardroom for a morning of team building activities. We had access to 14 mountain bikes so the majority of the group was going to Richmond Park to take part in a cycling treasure hunt! with the remainder going to the AMS museum to brush up in their Corps history.
Richmond Park is only 15 miles from Headley Court and it has great routes for cycling. On arrival there we separated into three groups, these were lead by WO2 Olive, SSgt Asher (RAPTC) and Sgt Rapoo. Each group had 6 locations we had to find in two hours, until we had to return the start point. The routes had been planned in advance by the group leaders; all groups had to find the same 6 points but in different orders. The routes were a test of navigation, physical stamina and Corps history.
There are a number of hills around Richmond Park that were great fun to go down, but hard work to get back up. Luckily there were some opportunities to stop and have a breather, including next to the wild deer, which proved to
be an opportunity for some selfies.
On arrival back at the start point those with GPS watches
were able to share that we had covered between 10 and 12 miles.
On arrival back at DMRC we unloaded the bikes then had time for a shower and change prior to a hot buffet in the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess.
Once everybody had arrived at the buffet, the citation for Cpl Dale’s LSGC medal was read out, and Cpl Dale was presented his medal by the Commanding Officer of DMRC; Surg Capt Hughes.
At the buffet it was an opportunity for all ranks of the QARANC to mix in an informal setting. Technology as it is today meant that we were able to produce a slideshow for all to see of all the groups’ pictures, including those that had been to the museum.
Overall the Corps day was a great success. We would like to thank SSgt Asher for taking time out of his schedule to assist us with the mountain biking. Also thank you to the QARANC Association for the funding, which we used for out buffet.
Cpl S Wheeler, DMRC Headley Court