Page 33 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

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HEADQUARTERS SOUTH WEST
Capt (MAA) J Murdoch RAPTC
What’s the Theme...!
Despite having only 8 weeks left in post [at the time of writing], I’ve been reflecting for quite a while about the content of this year’s Headquarters (HQ) South West article. My initial thoughts were to update you about: the PD Branch ‘deliverables / outputs’; my audit and assurance observations throughout the AOR; I could throw in some content surrounding the success of the APTS within the South West; and maybe even a small narrative about Op MORLOP (the recent Salisbury incident). But instead, I’ve decided to keep things focussed on ‘the people’ element of what we [the branch] experience as this is has been – and must remain so – one of our main efforts.
The People...
I read an article a few years ago – which I believe was from Linked In – written by a retired officer who stated, despite many common perceptions, that ‘having a brew with your soldiers is never a wasted opportunity’... Whilst this statement / idea has a powerful subliminal meaning to us all, it’s something that I wholeheartedly agree with and will continue to do so; as a good friend of mine has always proclaimed, ‘knowing your people’ is an essential part of the success equation for any Reporting Officer. Whilst this viewpoint has served me well over the past 2 years, I should at this stage perhaps apologise to the SW RAPTC Instructors for using up their entire stockpiles of coffee, just to keep my caffeine levels heightened...
Sergeant Major to the Rescue...!
It’s been well-known that I was ‘flying solo’ for the first 16 months in role however, in September last year I had the privilege to have WO2 ‘Scott’ Burrell arrive as the Senior Warrant Officer in PD [commonly known as the SO4]. The QMSI has flawlessly fitted in and already added huge value to both the Headquarters internal processes; the South West AOR outputs and organisational support; and the RAPTC Instructors career development. His responsibilities primarily surround a shared focus that can be summarised from one of his most notable statements to date, where the QMSI stated “I applied for this job so that I could make a positive difference to the RAPTC Instructors...”
The Jedi Mantra / Murdoch’s Manual of Magic...!
Being Head of Arm (HoA) for 51 SNCOs is a responsibility that must be given an appropriate priority – after all – this goes ‘hand in hand’ with careers, promotion, assignments, pay, pension and many other areas. Therefore, when setting the ‘South West expectations’, the instructors are asked to consider / adhere to the following 5 points / principles: contribute and add value; maintain or enhance the Corps reputation; understand and abide by the Army’s leadership behaviours; communicate effectively; and accept responsibility for their actions.
Whilst these statements are open to interpretation, I’ve found it inspirational when seeing how the Corps Instructors have translated these expectations, applying them to their daily responsibilities. Whether it be witnessing professional growth, having the many complimentary conversations with 1 / 2 ROs, or seeing the encouraging results from recent Promotion Boards, having this [small] part in maximising someone’s potential must not be underestimated.
“The day the soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.” Colin Powell
The Balance...!
The MS Binding Principle’ is a sentient subject that we’re very aware of however I do stress that that we should be continually reviewing our work ethic, ensuring that there is a ‘healthy’ equilibrium between our personal lives when measured against those professional obligations. I’m not suggesting we don’t accept our responsibilities, I’d simply encourage you all to remain cognisant of this, as there’s still many who have yet to achieve this balance.
Being repetitive from last year’s article, this has undoubtedly been one of the most satisfying and rewarding assignments that I’ve had to date – and whilst the HQ South West staff and chain of command have been incredible – my rational for this has been the Corps Instructors. Reporting on such a sizeable SNCO cohort [possibly the largest in the Corps] has been an absolute privilege and I’d like to thank them all for the impeccable support.
“Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.” Tim Notke
Perspective...!
I’d encourage you to read last year’s MBS Article as this contains details of the many associated Branch responsibilities. However, I’d like finish off by reminding us all that: people remain at the very heart of everything we do in the Corps; time spent having a coffee is never a wasted opportunity; we should try and make a difference where we can; and maintaining perspective is crucial as we never know where the next challenge may come from.
“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” Randy Pausch