Page 108 - QDG Volume 9 No. 5

106 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
RMAS: Leading the way in
military excellence
In 2024, the Royal Military Academy
sticking competition. Particularly note-
Sandhurst continues to stand as a
worthy are the achievements of Sergeant
beacon of excellence in military training,
Major Warner and Captain Lewis, both
shaping the future leaders of the British
of whom were selected to instruct on
Army. Known for its rigorous standards,
the prestigious Sandhurst Instructor
exceptional leadership development, and
Aptitude Course (SIAC). They will form
commitment to excellence, Sandhurst
part of the team that will select the next
remains at the forefront of preparing
intake of SNCO instructors at RMAS.
young Officers for the challenges of
Officer recruitment has also been
modern warfare.
highly successful in 2024, with the
The representation of the QDG at
Regiment attracting high-quality and
RMAS has grown in strength and
motivated individuals. These Junior
numbers in 2024. Sergeant Major Warner,
Officers come ready to meet the
Captain Lewis, and Major Hoey have
challenges of Troop Command and Regi-
been integral members of the Acade-
mental Duty, bringing a diverse range of
my’s permanent staff, helping to uphold
skills and experiences that will enrich the
the high standards for which the QDG
Regiment. The success of this recruit-
is renowned. Major Hoey commissioned
ment drive highlights the strong appeal of
Blenheim Company in December 2024
a career in the QDG, where the promise
as the OC and has now taken on a new
of exciting deployments, true mission
Company in Junior Term. Captain Lewis
command and an ethos of excellence
commissioned a Platoon in August 2024
draws the most talented candidates.
and went on to be a Platoon Commander
Sandhurst has also embraced an
in Intermediate Term. Sgt Major Warner,
exciting shift towards a focus on combined
now on his fifth term in the Academy,
arms manoeuvre. This approach is aimed
has done Junior Term back-to-back while
at preparing cadets for the complexity
also competing in the Sandhurst pace
and reality of modern combat, based off
Ministry of Defence
Throughout the year, the Ministry
bolstering of our commitment to
of Defence in Whitehall, London
NATO, government transitions, and
has welcomed a number of QDG
preparations for the upcoming Stra-
personnel, with several stationed at
tegic Defence Review. At the time of
desks within the vast and confusing
writing, we await announcements
complex, while others visit for various
regarding the Department and the
purposes.
future of the Armed Forces. The
Among the regular attendees at the
papers will do a much better job than
MOD are notable figures such as the
me at summarising the decisions
former QDG Commanding Officer,
and issues we face, but safe to say
Brigadier Justin Stenhouse, overseeing
it results in lots of briefings, analysis,
a finance team, and (Acting Lt Cols)
and excessive PowerPoint presenta-
Majors Ruggles-Brise and Williams
tions at staff level.
contributing to the Operations and
Around the time of the Cavalry
Commitments division. Major Kite
Memorial Parade, members from
briefly joined the team supporting and
across the Regiment were hosted in
coordinating efforts in Ukraine, while
the Cabinet Office by former QDG
Major Owen, on posting, works in
Officers – Major (Retd) Harry Pilcher
the Army Strategic Centre in a team
and Capt (Retd) Christopher Beaver.
offering strategic advice to Army
Alongside the MOD-based officers,
seniors on our European Allies and
insights into the inner workings of
Partners. All will have a plethora of
Whitehall, procedural intricacies, and
stories of interest, bureaucracy, and
key issues were shared to enhance
confusion but I am assured most will
the Regiment-wide understanding.
have enjoyed their time in the building.
This event, now a recurring fixture in
Headlines from the Ministry of
the annual calendar, coincides with
Defence this year encompass our
the cherished Fish and Chip Fridays
ongoing support for Ukraine, the posi-
tradition at the MOD, followed by
tioning of forces to assist in the event
convivial evening gathering over a few
of a crisis in the Middle East, continued
drinks…..
real time lessons from Ukraine where
careful coordination between different
units and assets is essential. In addition
to this, Sandhurst has integrated drones
and technology into its training program.
These innovations offer cadets hands-on
experience with cutting-edge systems
that are reshaping warfare. The introduc-
tion of these tools aligns with the army’s
broader push towards technological
superiority, equipping future officers with
the skills to operate and command in a
tech-driven battlefield.
Sandhurst remains a place where job
satisfaction and professional challenges
converge. It offers a unique opportunity
for those seeking to make a difference,
teach and mentor motivated individ-
uals, and have a lasting impact on the
next generation of Officers. Through
its combination of proud tradition and
forward-looking training, the Royal
Military Academy Sandhurst stands not
just as a training establishment, but as
a leadership and military training role
model to Armed Forces around the world.
DH
At intervals throughout the year,
MOD based QDG Officers have
returned to Robertson Barracks
in Norfolk, and other locations to
provide comprehensive briefings
on their respective portfolios and
decision-making processes. These
sessions, covering updates on the
Ukraine situation and the Polish
policy overview, aim to illustrate
how ministerial decisions and senior
policy advice cascade through the
various command levels, ultimately
leading to personnel deployed on
operational missions. Given this year’s
dual deployments to Poland, these
sessions sought to offer valuable
context to officers and soldiers
preparing for deployment.
Looking ahead, the coming year
promises a continuation of such
engagements and activities. Should
you find yourself in the vicinity, we
extend a warm invitation to drop by for
a visit, where we will strive to accom-
modate you, navigate the nuances of
the building and maybe even treat you
to a coffee!
BW