Page 37 - Light Dragoons 2022 CREST

The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Regimental Career Management Officer
This is my second year in post, and I want to start by thanking you all for your continued support and engage- ment through what has been another demanding, yet rewarding year. I am grateful to have been part of your jour- ney. With Sgt Jonny Allen by my side, we have continued to maintain report- ing commitments, replenish the extra- regimental footprint and help promote the best soldiers. The pinnacle of my year is always delivering advice to the soldier cohort. Jonny has been exem- plary yet again and I cannot thank him enough for all his work. The added bonus is that he makes a perfect brew!
The department has been empowered to manage, advise and assign people based on the principle that the needs of the Army must come first, with the needs of soldiers, officers and their families a close second. To summarise the past twelve months, we have maintained a regimental workforce above 90% (peak- ing at 96%) against a liability of 404, processed 46 arrivals, delivered 49 pro- motions, hit all our reporting timelines with no service complaints, and helped to plan and execute the regimental ORBAT post-Op Newcombe in order to rebalance the Regiment for future oper- ations. Finally, we continue to support the 36 Light Dragoon soldiers serving away from regimental duty.
It has not been plain sailing; voluntary outflow remains a problem. However, I remain justifiably positive as we con- tinue to attract some of the very best soldiers jumping ship from other regi- ments and maintain a strong inflow from ARMCEN. Going forward, whilst COVID-19 continues to amper momen- tum, the Integrated Review will be a catalyst for change across Defence. We welcome the changes that will modern- ise the Regular Army for the informa- tion age, whilst reducing the size of the Army to 73,000. I have been assured
that there will be no redundancies. The future looks exciting: it will be com- petitive as numbers decrease, whilst promotion opportunities are shaped by the finest of margins to maintain our ability to rapidly deliver effects globally as one of the best and most modernised fighting forces in the world. We have been told that we will stay in Catterick; this stability means we will be able to remain sturdy and an instrumental part of an Army which is fit and ready to fight the wars of the future.
Continuing on the theme of change, here are some of the developments which have happened in the digital space over the last year:
• Royal Military Academy Sandhurst centralised the Army Officer Selection Board. Senior Soldier Entry has replaced the Regular Late Entry (LE) officer selection process ABN 152/2020;
• Career Management Portal, My Muster / Pay / Leave & Expenses provide greater information and opportunity at one’s fingertips through personal devices and Defence Connect;
• Direct notification ‘Digital Ready’ ABN 119/2021 enables the prom- ulgation of board results to be disseminated direct to the serv- ing person before going public via Microsoft web;
• Promotion boards and board proceedings are now conducted electronically which is a game changer and saves reams of paper & printing;
• Programme CASTLE continues to develop, enabling accelerated pro- motion and talent spotting;
• We welcome digital transfer ABN 115/2021 enhancing opportunities and boosting retention;
• Ranger Assessment Cadre and Ranger Course ABN 082/2021 was released;
• Army Leadership Doctrine AC 72029 also released in September.
I am sure you will agree, these are posi- tive steps which increase efficiency and output. Media platforms such as Jive Daily, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are being used to disseminate informa- tion and updates. My plea to everyone is to jump on board with these changes, if you are not on board already.
So what next? I will continue to wear the Motto with pride whilst being attached to the Light Dragoons, an extremely professional and welcoming organisation. The unit has provided great opportunities and I have forged new friendships in a short timeframe. It is a privilege to work and socialise alongside you all; long may it continue! The next twelve months should be just as exciting, with many opportunities for all. Jonny will remain in post until late 2022 whilst I hand over to some- one fresh; G4 awaits in 2023. To close, please continue to manage and support each other, stay safe, and feel free to pop in for a catch up when passing by!
CG
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