Page 75 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

SSgt Atherton - Dashain
Lake ‘Happy’
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10 QUEENS OWN GURKHA LOGISTICAL REGIMENT
SSgt (SSI) JK Atherton RAPTC
Iarrived at 10 QOGLR in August 21 and was made to feel welcome immediately by the polite manner and courtesy of the Gurkha’s. This was reinforced when I was invited to Dashain and Tihar
festivities which provided me with an insight into just how sociable the Gurkha’s are.
It was a fantastic experience, but more significantly it showed me the ferocity of hard work that the Gurkha’s are known for.
After a global pandemic it was back to business, the Unit’s main effort was to prepare to deploy on OP TOSCA in Oct 22. With several exercises, public duties and the unit supporting OP MACCA the Unit is stretched thin, the tempo was “chito chito” (fast fast). My first challenge was to educate and implement the Non GCC RFT(S), after several CPD sessions with the PTI’s and numerous trials, the team and I felt we as a Unit we were ready to roll out testing safely and effectively and we began delivering on mass early February 22.
Two passion’s the Gurkhas and I have in common are big feeds (messing) & the love of sport. With the ease of Covid, the flood gates opened. The unit have flourished in the sporting arena in all disciplines from Angling to Volleyball. 10 QOGLR’s Commander was keen to re-establish the Regiments Commander’s Sword Competition which encompasses several sports before the winning Sqn is crowned on the Regiment’s Birthday, this is a hard- fought competition and one that is enjoyed by all.
1ST BATTALION IRISH GUARDS
SSgt (SSI) M Qasim RAPTC
My time with the 1st Battalion Irish Guards (1IG) began after I had completed a deployment to Iraq for Op SHADER with the 1st Battalion Scots Guards (1SG) (previous unit). After
I assisted with the successful move from Aldershot to Catterick, I transitioned from 1SG to the 1IG, who are now based at Mons Barracks Aldershot, where I have remained.
My first overseas deployment exercise with the battalion after transitioning was Ex RATTLE SNAKE in America. After completing an acclimatisation package for the extremely hot Louisiana temperatures, this is where I got to know the battalion and felt welcomed. Following the overseas exercise deployment, we were all able to explore the country and reward ourselves with some travel opportunities. As a result of the high level of morale I experienced during this time, I felt truly bonded to the battalion.
The ever-changing Covid rules still posed challenges throughout the various months of getting used to business as usual, but the battalion retained a forward-looking attitude and kept activities such as AT and exercises such as Ex LONG MICK in Dartmoor going. Skiing was a highlight to start the year with, which gave
SSgt Qasim (Centre) during Op SHADER
me the opportunity to step outside of my typical snowboarding comfort zone.
On March 16th, I was able to experience St. Patrick’s Day with 1IG, which felt really special after restrictions from previous years had eased, allowing them to carry out a formal parade accompanied by the Royals.
Currently, the battalion is very busy with ceremonial drill as they are currently on Queen’s Guards, known amongst Guards units as the “BLUE LINE” and it is their turn to take part in Trooping of the Colour, the Queen’s Birthday parade, in June. I am delighted to be able to take part in this historic occasion as part of the long Jubilee weekend celebrations.
By the end of August 2022, the battalion will be classified as a Security Force Assistance unit, and will be deployed in this capacity from October. It is an exciting time for me and the battalion as we prepare for new unconventional missions and tasks.
SSgt Qasim during Ex LONG MICK – Dartmoor