Page 27 - Chiron Calling Autum 2021/Spring 2022

We asked members of the RAVC...
What has been the most memorable thing or event which has happened to you whilst being employed by the RAVC?
WO1 (RSM) Speer
“During my 23 years, I have had a lot of memorable experiences, from meeting Alfred the Mule
on the Pack Pony course to playing cricket for the Army.
I’ve also been involved in some amazing veterinary experiences, whether in Afghanistan or during ceremonial parades. However, my proudest memory was being presented a rosette by HRH The Queen at The Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2002.”
Pte Janes
“During my time within the
RAVC, I was fortunate enough to
be selected to meet HRH Princess Anne. I consider this to be one of my most memorable moments as it was an honour to meet our Colonel- in-Chief. She was very interested
to hear about my career within the army, and the role of a protection dog handler. I found her to be extremely knowledgeable about animal welfare issues, which she clearly has a passion for.”
LCpl Jones
“Being deployed on both Op HERRICK 15 and 20 with the same protection dog, MWD Bart (aka Bartacus), who is both friendly and aggressive when required.
A very close relationship over
a long period of time with the highest obedience level of any MWD I’ve worked with. My MWD First Aid training was tested and administered very quickly when Bart sliced his paw down to the bone whilst in Kabul and had to be taken to the closest US Camp for stitches.”
Sgt Gallop
“In February 2011, I was employed within 102 Military Working
Dog Squadron, completing the
full spectrum of PDT, MST, and STA training, and completing
my Military Working Dog
handler Class 1 course prior
to deploying on Op HERRCK
15, as a High Assurance Search Dog handler, where I integrated into an Advance Search Team, spending the majority of my tour working unsupervised in forward locations.”
Sgt Birdsey
“During my time within the RAVC, I was fortunate enough
to be assigned to ATC Pirbright
as a Phase One Instructor. I was the establishment’s single RAVC representative, training recruits from all non-infantry cap badges and serving as the point of contact for any potential RAVC recruits.”
Pte Clausen
“Conducting Live Firing Tactical Training with Military Working dogs made it difficult to fire, so many handlers were unable to fire a single round. I was one of the lucky ones who has an obedient dog, called Myka, who wasn’t phased by any of it and stayed by my side the whole time.”
Chiron Calling / 25