Page 35 - RADC 2017

CORPS MATTERS
RADC Recruiting Update
Maj Kate Porter, RADC
Another hectic year at AMS recruiting where we continue to mentor our candidates through the long gruelling process. As with Army 2020, the number of dental officers and dental nurses are reducing and, therefore, so are the number we recruit. This means that joining the RADC has become even more competitive and only the best are able to join.
We have been busy presenting a “look at life” presentation to universities, UOTCs, FD
training schemes and dental nurse colleges. I would like to thank Major Davies, Major McGrath and Major Brown for kindly stepping into present at the universities. Major McGrath; I don’t know what you said to the dental students but the numbers applying from Liverpool university has rocketed.
Sgt Morrison (JP) left AMS recruiting after 4years to pursue a career in Army Welfare. The enthusiasm and “can do” attitude has brought about positive change within recruiting and brought it into the 21st century.
Highlights from the recruiting year:
• BDSA Sports day in London – this is always a busy event with many vocal students willing to chat and debate with you by 1100.
• BDA conference in Manchester – this year proved fruitful for regular and reserve recruiting. It is always a great event to reminisce with past RADC dentists and nurses.
CHARITY
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL Marathon, Liverpool
LCpl Lawati, RADC
I have always been fascinated whenever
I hear someone share their marathon experience. Having the desire to run one myself, I registered for the Rock’n’Roll Marathon, Liverpool, on 28 June 17. I started my preparation with the help
from “Dr. Youtube” but there was often confusion with people having different opinions on training. Having 6 months prior to the event, I thought there was plenty
of time, however, sustaining an injury on my shin meant that I had to take a break from training for a couple of weeks during this period. Following recuperation, I was cautious not to push myself too hard too soon in fear of the injury re-occurring.
On the day of the marathon I was a little anxious as I had never run that distance whilst training. After the start, however, I felt really good and I was confident that I could complete the course to the target I had set myself. All was going very well until I reached 17 miles. That’s when I realised
I had hit the ‘wall’ and suddenly it was a much different experience. It was horrible to
see a runner who sat crying in pain ahead of me. The live bands and the crowd cheering the runners along the way helped me get through the worst part. I finally crossed
the finishing line with a time of 3hr and 53 minutes. I also managed to raise a total
of £522 for my chosen charity, Grassroot Movement in Nepal (GMIN). GMIN is non- profit organisation which helps communities in Nepal, primarily in the education sector.
I would like to thank all those who sponsored me and sent me good luck messages. All these uplifted my morale and helped me prepare better for the day. Overall, it was a tough challenge and I shall forever cherish the accomplishment I gained from the
run. I would strongly recommend marathon running to anyone who has always had a desire to complete one but has yet to give it a go.
RADC BULLETIN 2017 33