Page 5 - Chiron Calling Autum 2021/Spring 2022

Foreword
by Colonel Mark Morrison QHVS, Chief Veterinary and Remount Officer
In my last Foreword to Chiron
Calling, almost a year ago now, I wrote of my optimism as we were emerging
from lockdown. I was looking forward to coming back together with serving personnel, veterans, friends and families after a long period of isolation. As it turned out, Covid had further surprises
in store for us and we were sadly forced to cancel most Corps’ events for a second year in succession,
not least our annual Reunion
and the Officers’ Dinner. Despite these setbacks, our Regiments showed remarkable innovation
and determination to get back somewhere close to normal business during the year and they found opportunities to bring members of the Corps together as well as deliver and build valuable capability for Defence. We get a real sense of this from the wide range of articles in this edition of Chiron Calling.
Whilst the tempo of operations across Defence has reduced since the height of the Afghanistan Campaign, the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment has nonetheless
had a permanent operational presence overseas during the last year. Dog capability has been a fixture within Op NEWCOMBE, the United Nations mission in Mali, and was an important part of the surge support to Op PITTING, the evacuation from Kabul. The latter operation saw ten Military Working Dog Teams and a Veterinary Officer
deployed and their contribution was greatly valued by the force elements they supported. The Regiment has also continued to support United Kingdom resilience by providing Explosive Search Dog capability
to the civilian authorities and
by maintaining an ‘at readiness’ capability for contingent operations. More broadly, RAVC personnel in singleton roles continue to provide an essential enabling function on niche overseas operations and those embedded within the mounted regiments remain central to ceremonial duties.
On the home front, the visit of our Colonel in Chief to the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment
to celebrate its 10th Anniversary point was a particular highlight for the Corps this year. The Princess Royal’s determination to mark
the event in person, despite Covid constraints, was a measure of the outstanding leadership and deep support she continues to provide
to the Corps. The Regiment laid on a wonderful day and the fact that Her Royal Highness was happy to stay far longer than planned was perhaps a measure of how much she enjoyed it. Another highlight of my year was the event to mark the handover of command at Defence Animal Training Regiment and
the retirement of Lt Col Martyn Thompson after a long and loyal career. On a late summer evening, and with the Household Cavalry Musical Ride and the Canine Training Squadron providing an inspiring backdrop as dusk fell,
the event brought a selection of past and serving members of RAVC
Regiments together for a wonderful evening. It was a great reminder of the ‘soft power’ that our Military Working Animals can exert.
During a year when face-to-
face engagement has remained
a novelty, I have welcomed the regular battle rhythm of Initial Trade Training Pass Out Parades. I have met a steady stream of bright and enthusiastic new recruits into the Corps. It seems that recruitment is strong, and I invariably come away confident of the enduring strength and professionalism of
our people and the future of the Corps. I was also delighted that
the Chief Veterinary and Remount Officer Study Period could be held ‘in person’ again this autumn. It reinforced for me that we hold an enormous wealth of knowledge
Operation PITTING – Pte Henry Wray
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