Page 5 - Falcon Issue 1 2024

Commander’s Foreword
It gives me great pleasure to write
the foreword to the first instalment of our Regimental magazine, The Falcon. We have much to reflect upon for although our Regiment was only born two years ago, we have already achieved much. However, as we would all recognise, our journey has only just started.
All four battalions have delivered superbly on operations and exercises spanning virtually the length and breadth of the globe. From the frozen forests of Finland and across the European continent to the heat of Africa and the Levant, Rangers have performed superbly. You have built relationships with partners where previously there were none and grown our own skillset and reputation concurrently. What is more, you
have all gone about your business in exactly the way I asked you to – with appropriate confidence in your ability and identity but without a shred of arrogance; complete professionalism; and a willingness to learn from others and grow as individuals and as a Regiment. Thank you.
Most significant for us, is that the Regiment now has a clear mandate:
to be a NATO focussed, Land Special Operations Brigade capable of offering insights and effects across the spectrum of conflict. As part of the Advance Force, we will operate ahead of crises, improving the resilience of partners and allies to subversion and
helping to set the theatre for the Joint Force. And to be clear, we have much to offer CFA and CGS as our Army embarks upon its journey to treble
its lethality by 2030. I know you will support this endeavour in every way you possibly can.
It would be amiss of me not to also recognise the many people who have helped our Regiment thrive, both within HQ ASOB but also outside
our immediate formation. The list of friends we owe thanks to is endless, but I would especially recognise the contributions of organisations such
as the Combat Manoeuvre Centre; MRTC; the LOC and Land SOF and HQ Infantry. There are many others, and
I would urge you all to pause, reflect and take the time to thank the many who are helping us build this exciting capability. We cannot do this on our own.
I conclude with a look to the future. That we are living through a period of unusual turbulence is well rehearsed: emerging threats to our way of life, some existential in nature, abound; old threats have reared their heads again. The road ahead is difficult and uncertain, and it is likely that much will be asked of the Rangers. What I am certain of, however, is that we have established foundations for excellence upon which we will continue to build, and that whatever challenges lie ahead we will prevail – by all means.
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