Page 54 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

52
Life as MPAs in a Rifle Company
Working as a military personnel administrator (MPA) within a Rifle Company can be a very demanding but rewarding role. As well as carrying out our day-to-day administrative tasks to ensure the Company is in good order, we can also be expected to deploy with the Company on exercises and join in on their PT sessions.
Cpl Ross – I transferred to the AGC(SPS) in September 2020 and was assigned to
2 MERCIAN straight out of Ph2 training
as an MPA within A (Grenadier) Company.
I was apprehensive about coming to a
Rifle Company as I had never worked
with the Infantry before, and I knew I only had a couple of weeks to settle in before deploying to Kenya on Ex ASKARI STORM. My first few months were very hectic as
I got to grips with my new job and tried
to learn everybody’s names. Luckily Pte Groves, the A Coy junior MPA, was on hand to show me the ropes! Now that I’m settled into my new role, I know that I needn’t have worried about coming to 2 MERCIAN. I really enjoy working with A Coy, the chain
of command are great and try to get us involved with as much as possible. We recently went to Blackpool to TAB along the promenade with them which was a good experience and made me feel proud to be part of the Company.
Pte Groves – I was assigned to
2 MERCIAN following my phase two training in 2020 as a junior MPA within A (Grenadier) Company. At the time, 2 MERCIAN were based in Cyprus and were preparing for the Unit move back to the UK in November.
No sooner had we returned to the UK, were we preparing for the Battalion to deploy on Ex ASKARI STORM. This was an extremely busy time for me as an MPA as until Cpl Ross arrived, I was responsible for administrating the Company by myself during a very hectic period. The Company has since deployed on various exercises and the lads always made sure to include us and help us out. I have always found PT challenging with the Company, however everyone motivates each other and no one is ever belittled for not keeping up. I really enjoy working with the chain of command; they support us if anything is needed
from the Company and provide a positive atmosphere to work in.
There are ‘horror stories’ out there regarding females working in Infantry Battalions, however we have nothing but positive things to say about the Company or the Battalion as a whole. If any other MPAs are looking for a fast-paced and varied
role, we would highly recommend being assigned to a Rifle Company and to ignore the naysayers. My dog Luna has become a welcome member of the family in the A (Grenadier) company offices adding to the feeling of being at home in this battalion.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE