Page 104 - QDG Volume 9 No. 5

102 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
Bovington Dragoons
Bovington continues to be the beating
(SI) within the Combat CIS School, deliv-
heart and centre of gravity for the Royal
ering training to both Infantry and RAC
Armoured Corps (RAC). While it may
students as part of the Battle Group
appear unchanged on the surface, the
Advanced Signaller Course. Sgt Retal-
creation and implementation of the Land
lack is now employed as a Tp Sgt within
Training System (LTS) by DLW, coupled
RACTR, administering and training ITTs,
with the imminent introduction of three
having previously been an SI at the
new platforms AJAX, Challenger 3, and
Combat Wing. Cpl Kenny also works
Boxer have necessitated significant
within RACTR in the JCC Wing.
changes to our organisational structures
The RAC Corp Sgt Maj role will now
and training delivery methods.
see its first-ever QDG take over, with the
Within Bovington the Regiment has
selection of WO1 Martyn Ruddy, who is
numerous talented representatives posi-
moving on from his current role as RSM
tioned in key roles within the garrison. Maj
QDG. He will join WO1 Tom Hamilton as
Robert Mansel serves as SO2 Armoured
one of two QDG WO1s in Bovington.
Trials Unit previously ATDU, accompa-
In the coming months, we will start
nied by LCpl Young. The Gunnery School
receiving Infantry Initial Trade Training
is now led by Maj Jason “Bongo” Davies,
(ITT) soldiers earmarked for Armoured
with Capt Samuel Upward as his 2IC
Infantry Units. Where they will now
and SSgt Aaron Morgan leading the AV
receive more formalised centralised
Wheeled group in Lulworth delivering
driver training and some CIS training
gunnery excellence to Field Army.
whereas previously, they would only
Sgt Rowlands is a Schools Instructor
receive distributed training.
Another major change is Troop leaders’
courses. They have seen a significant
shake-up, with their tactics phase being
moved to OP CYCLONE events. This
has dramatically reduced the training
pipeline in Bovington by around 20%, but
it brings with it other frustrations. Such
as Troop leaders not being qualified until
they complete a OP CYCLONE event.
While the tempo at Bovington can’t be
compared with the hyper pace of Regi-
mental duty. In recent years Bovington
has seen a significant increase in
activity. There is still plenty of fun to be
had through Adventure Training (AT)
and opportunity career courses, but
Bovington is steadily becoming more
streamlined and efficient. Despite this
it still remains an incredible opportunity
for soldiers, Dorset during the summer is
attractive to both those with families and
singles alike.
WO1 Hamilton
Grantham Army Training Regiment
– the joys of Platoon Command
Between February 2024 – February
2025, the QDG filled a Platoon
Commander position within Sala-
manca Coy at the Army Training
Regiment, Grantham. Lt Mower took
the first 6 months, with Lt Gamman
taking over the final 6.
During this time, they ran 11 Battle-
camps, which saw 440 Reservists
successfully through their Phase 1
training, ready to progress onto their
Phase 2. The Battlecamps lasted a
duration of 2 weeks and trained indi-
viduals from all capbadges.
Due to the limited amount of time
available, and volume of training that
had to be completed, the recruits were
put through their paces and tempo
was high.
The training was varied and chal-
lenging, especially though the winter
months, involving a comprehen-
sive range package, culminating in
an ACMT, and a 5-day dismounted
exercise, introducing them to the
wonders of operating as soldiers in the
field.
This was a varied and enjoyable
insight into what it is like in a training
establishment, offering a valuable
insight into the reserve space.
LG
The last soldier that fell down the cattlegrid was about to get company
Are we getting off or getting on?