Page 96 - Light Dragoons 2022 CREST

As I write this article, I have just com- pleted my first six months as the Chief of Staff of the General Staff Centre at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst; it is the first time in 22 years that I have returned on posting since being here as an officer cadet. It is amazing the emotions one still feels when driving through the gates. From the perspective of drill periods and battle PT rather thankfully little has changed, but on closer inspection, as one would expect, the commissioning course and the multitude of other training serials have been adjusted to meet the needs of the modern Army. The other difference, on a personal note, is that I return with a family in tow – two children under six, a springer spaniel puppy and Hannah my wife.
Any visit to Sandhurst is accompanied by the twinge of fear that a Colour Sergeant will jump out of the undergrowth to pick you up for a transgression of some sort, nonetheless it is an enormous privilege to live in the wonderful grounds of the Academy. Walking the dog on Barossa Common brings flashbacks of PT and endless platoon attacks, but somehow it is now easier to relax and enjoy the stunning countryside. It is also great to contribute to the strong Light Dragoons presence at RMAS, with plenty of sightings of the barrack dress jumper around New College each Friday morning over the winter.
The remit of Sandhurst has expanded far beyond the commissioning course and now encompasses the University Officer Training Corps, the Centre for Army Leadership, the General Staff Centre and expanded International Defence Engagement beyond what was tradition- ally Sandhurst-focussed. As the Director of Army Leadership, the Commandant oversees the General Staff Centre which is based in Robertson House. The walls of the hallowed halls of the Old Staff College building are covered in ceiling-high boards that list the former students and Directing Staff and there are some famous Light Dragoons amongst them. Set away from the hustle and bustle of the commissioning course, the views are of the upper lake and the relative peace and quiet is only inter- rupted by the odd squad of officer cadets marching or Sandhurst chargers being exercised on the field behind. The role of the General Staff Centre is to provide a home for the General Staff and support and education that includes routine engage- ment, coaching, mentoring and courses for Colonels, Brigadiers and Generals. Once officers are promoted to full Colonel, they are inducted into the General Staff over five days and the Thursday evening includes a formal dinner night, hosted by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, that requires those attending to have sorted out their new Mess Kit in a timely fashion.
The centre also took over, from the Land Warfare Centre, the preparation course for newly minted Commanding Officers, which necessarily remains two weeks’ worth of information-heavy presentations. The most senior course, for newly pro- moted two-stars, is the Army Generalship Programme which was concluding the 2021 programme as I arrived in post and I was struck by the high number of ‘best in field’ presenters and boardroom-level visits to Google and BT to boot. For example, the assembled Generals were able to listen to Lord Bilimoria share his insights gleaned over an amazing career, albeit over Zoom, which was fascinating. Looking at some of the newer developments, this summer will see the first One Star Commander’s Assessment hosted at Robertson House. In the context of all these serious courses and important lectures, dogs are welcome in the office and Topsy has proved a popular addi- tion providing light relief at every turn.
Being part of the staff at the Academy means that we are expected to get involved in the marquee events each term, support- ing parades and, of course, the Academy Boxing Evening. The commissioning parades welcome visitors from all over the world on behalf of the international cadets and we are expected to support the
Sandhurst cadet-facing permanent staff as there is always demand for hosts. I recently found myself on the list to accompany the Ambassador and Defence Attaché for Montenegro, and so got to work research- ing how their cadets had got on and the connections the UK has with Montenegro. At the last minute I was stood up and so, having already prepared my kit and shone my boots, I joined the Colonel of the Regiment to enjoy the wonderful specta- cle of the parade and afterwards welcome two new members of the Regiment. As the impact of Covid-19 starts to recede, the activities available here outside of the working day are starting re-surface; I hon- estly never thought I would ever be able to say that I have shot a goose off the Lower Lake (to my eternal shame it landed on the grass in front of Old College and I had to carry it back the boat house, much to the bemusement of a group of cadets on their early morning rounds!).
In a period of unprecedented change in the Army and as the strategic horizon adjusts at considerable pace, Sandhurst continues to deliver first-class output preparing both the most junior and senior leaders for their future roles and the associated challenges.
CTC
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
CoS, General Staff Centre
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