Page 31 - 1RHA 2022

1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
My Time with 1 RHA SPS Detachment Pte M Rai
After the successful completion of SIPAC training in Worthy my first assignment was with 1 RHA. I had come to 1 RHA in 7th February 2022 and was looking forward to my job role as a Military Personnel Administrator (MPA). I was slightly nervous to start a new role as an MPA. However, my feelings of excitement and motivation to do my best was greater; I wel- comed the opportunity I was given and looked forward to meet- ing everyone.
During the initial day of my new role, I remember determinedly walking into the building eager to meet and getting to know my new colleagues. After conversing with my colleagues I realised everyone was very welcoming and friendly. The slight apprehen- sion I carried with me from the day before had completely gone by then. Not long after, I was introduced to Cpl Arif and a couple of weeks later I learned that I would be a MPA for B Battery. Soon after, I began to learn my job role and undertake tasking which I could manage. I began to find my rhythm and my self-confidence began to grow as a MPA working with B Battery.
On 28th March 2022 till the 1st of April 2022 I took part in Ex CHEQURED TOR in Dartmoor training Area. This was my first exercise with B Bty. We were accommodated in the Okehampton Battle Camp. During my time in Dartmoor, I learned a lot of skills that would help me become a better soldier and teammate. Along- side B Battery, I continued to develop the foundation of soldier- ing skills by conducting weapon handling, map reading, section attacks and casualty’s drills. Also, it helped me to get to know my colleagues well and build a key theme of team cohesion. While the whole experience was challenging, I found comfort and enjoyment in building a strong connection with my teammates.
Furthermore, after weeks of preparation following the Ex CHEQURED TOR, this time, I was ready to embark on a new mis- sion with my SPS Detachment. This was to build on our physical and mental robustness. Triple Crown AGC was held in Worthy Down on 27th April 2022. We had arrived early in the morning ready to conduct the Triple Crown. It was a combination of march and shoot. The march was a 10-mile loaded march carrying kit weighing 25kg and incorporation a shoot from the 100m point with a boar sighted rifle SA80. The march and shoot was physi- cally and mentally challenging. Although our team did not win, the end reward of accomplishing such an arduous task was in itself gratifying.
Moreover, one of the key highlights during the coming weeks was The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal Parade on the 11th of June 2022. The SPS detachment was very proud to have taken part in the Queen Platinum Jubilee Medal Parade. You could feel
the excitement in the air they had received their medals one by one. There were a lot of family members and relatives there see- ing their loved one receive the medal with smiles in their faces. After the medal parade everyone had gathered in Piggeries to celebrate family day. It was a pleasure working with Corporal Gurung to set up the family day event. It was my first-time being part of 1 RHA family day and it was a joyful day to gather around. This day provided an opportunity to highlight various food, music and traditions that make up the family of 1 RHA.. We also had an ice cream van and bouncing castle for the young children. The atmosphere was ecstatic; everyone was in high spirit and having a quality time. This was my first time being part of a celebration with 1 RHA, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
On 22 Jun 2022 Sergeant Stickland had set up a charity Bake Sale for the First Trust Charity. It was a beautiful sunny day for the Char- ity Bake Sale was just before the OP team work day. While Sgt Stickland delegated, Private Shapland, Private Hendy and myself, managed to set up the stall; we had a nice little coffee and tea section. Furthermore, there was huge selection of delicious savory baked goods and cakes too. It was great fun to work together with my colleagues. The event was very lively; many people were hus- tling and bustling around the stalls like the busy markets of Mum- bai. By the end of the charity event we managed to raise £750 for the charity, which was a huge accomplishment, after all, Sgt Stickland had done all the baking herself. I was proud of our team and appreciative of Sgt Stickland for her efforts.
After weeks of planning Private Moses had everything ready to take the SPS Detachment out for a nice, good team bond- ing activity in Salisbury. An escape room was a great idea. There were various theme rooms we could choose from. I had decided to go with the ‘Spectre’ escape room. As the day came to an end we went to Stonehenge Inn for a well-deserved food. It was a good time with SPS Detachment as this was my first time going out with them.
Overall, looking back at all of my previous experiences, I am very happy and proud being part of SPS Detachment. I have made many new friends along the way, work in a diverse environment and have been able to visit new places and overcome challenges. Moreover, I have created many great memories in short amount of time while being here and I am looking forward to what the future hold as we move into next year.
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