Page 67 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

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After 3 years serving in Army Headquarters, my time has come to an end. I leave with many fond memories and a ‘bucket load’ of experience I can use throughout the remainder of my career. For me, the future is the Army Training Centre Pirbright, and at the time you read this article I will have been in Post for 5 months and loving life.
The Army Inspectorate’s Mission is to: Provide CGS and ECAB an independent of the chain of command view on assurance covering all Army activity across Defence, identifying areas where the Army is failing to self-regulate, or where it carries full command risk or where resources are out of kilter with the objectives set, so that mitigating action can be directed and the Army is protected. Also, to oversee and develop compliance, inspection and assurance regime to ensure it does not stifle the chain of command’s ability to delegate and empower subordinate levels.
THE ARMY INSPECTORATE
WO2 (QMSI) J Essam RAPTC
2ND BATTALION ROYAL GURKHA RIFLES – 2 RGR & BRITISH FORCES BRUNEI – BFB
SSgt (SSI) M Brightey RAPTC
As my two-year posting in Brunei draws to an end, I find myself reflecting on the ups and downs of requesting a posting to South East Asia. The reason I requested the post is that’s what I joined the Army to do, I was sold on the “play sport, travel the world” rhetoric we all get at the careers centre. While I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Afghanistan and Iraq I was looking for a little more freedom in this post to see the sights, experience the culture and sunbathe. I quickly realised sunbathing is off the cards here as its not enjoyable to lay out in this heat. I have enjoyed all that Brunei and Borneo has to offer, Brunei is only an hour and thirty minutes drive all the way across. While Brunei is small I have been able to see more of S.E Asia and Australia as these luxuries are on my doorstep.
Location aside the job started off with the usual ‘feeling out process’ finding my way around and learning to navigate the cultural differences of the locals and embracing the Gurkha mentality and working practices. Within my first year we successfully passed 2 PDAs, conducted and assisted in a number of Bn and local
BFB AAPTIs
As we cover all Army activity, here are a few stats that demonstrate what I have done during my time with the Inspectorate: units/orgs visited: 73, miles travelled: 9,359, reviews worked on or been part of: Audit and Inspection (ACSO 9001); Hearing Conservation; Women in Ground Close Combat; Op TEMPERER; Army Safety, Lessons, Organizational Learning and Assurance; Heat Illness Prevention and Challenge Culture. So-what? I suppose it’s to give you an insight into the length, breadth and depth of activity and geographical reach we have as a branch and to show what we touch on is varied and diverse.
Notwithstanding the day-to-day core activity we conduct, I have also delved into other areas, such as; conducting overseas Adventurous Training in Cyprus, skiing & a Battlefield Study in France, competed in the Army Triathlon Relay at Eton Dorney, ventured into the Test Valley on numerous occasions on the bike and cycled around the Isle of Wight. Finally, we, as a Branch competed in the 2019 Fleet Half Marathon.
So, for now, I bade farewell to the Army Inspectorate but wish WO2 (QMSI) Stu Hawkins all the very best in what is a fantastic job and opportunity to strengthen your profile and gain valuable experience in a 4 Star HQ.