Page 29 - RADC 2023

The Leishman Soldier’s Award
LCpl Bismark Boateng
On a busy Friday morning at Lyneham Dental Centre, with emergency patients left, right and centre, the postal worker arrived with a parcel. ‘’I have a letter
for you he exclaimed.’’ Immediately my heart was pounding. I had recently driven for the first time in the streets of London, what were the chances that I was receiving a ticket for going into a bus lane? Highly likely for a countryside driver like me.
Astonished and confused, I opened the package, and there it was... a letter
to invite me to the presentation of the Leishman’s award. My heart rate, which had catapulted through the roof, had now returned to normal. But what was left to discuss was the 5 W’s: who, what, where, when and why?
Just like you are now; I was thinking what is a Leishman award? I later learnt
it is a prestigious prize given to a soldier or officer to commend high standards of performance and contribution. Little did I know that my work colleagues, alongside my Phase 2 instructors from whom I had always received high praise, had put my name forward to a selection committee as a candidate worthy of this award. Filled with exultation, I was pinching myself, was this a dream? I would never have expected to receive such an accolade.
Fast forward, the day finally came for
me to attend the awards presentation
in Camberley. Not often do I find myself
in a smart suit and tie in a picturesque location, but here I was. As I arrived, I
was given a warm reception and with
Lt. Col Steve Davis there in full support I knew it was serious business. Brigadier Phil Carter arrived promptly, and it was then time for individuals to receive their awards. When my name was mentioned, I was so proud, not just of myself but also of my colleagues and those individuals who had been instrumental in me achieving this award.
Since I was a child, my mum has always encouraged me, saying ‘always give 100% in all you do’ and this is something I have always strived to do. However, never did
I expect people to recognise me for my
efforts let alone to be presented with a Leishman’s award and a £150 voucher.
I would like to utilise this platform
to thank my Phase 2 instructors for
the efforts they put into my training, simultaneously I would like to thank Winchester Dental Centre for their unequivocal support and benevolence since the day I arrived as a trainee nurse. I arrived as a ‘Boy’ and left as a ‘Man.’ (Just so you all know though, as nice as I am, I won’t be sharing the money – joking).
To conclude, I would like to encourage all line managers to put young soldiers’ forward to receive such recognitions,
just being nominated has such positive reinforcement. These acknowledgements and rewards can be key in our development, emphasising ‘Be The Best.’
HQ is a more logical place to have this role rather than trying to deconflict between two people.
It is a great privilege to take on the SA
role and whilst it is very early in this new process, Col Davies and I work closely to ensure that the RADC Officer cohort is mutually supported by the both of us, mainly through abundant staff work to find solutions for the key issues.
One of the biggest work strands has been the RADC Workforce Review which covered both the RADC DOs and DNs. This deep dive produced significant amounts
of evidence to highlight the amazing work the RADC do to provide clinical leadership within DPHC and the Field Army whilst
also maximising the Force Generation and Preparation of Service Personnel for vital Exercises and deployments. It is clear this is through sheer determination, flexibility and unwavering commitment to serve.
This work was fed back into the Joint Medical Firm Base Review work undertaken by UK Strategic Command and the feedback appears to be that we will not have any
reduction in our RADC numbers- phew! This work has also allowed me to increase engagement with HQ DPHC in other
areas on your behalf, through the SO1 HQ DPHC Dental posts, as many of your issues interlink with them.
I have been linking in with UCM(Med)
to ensure your views are represented
and where policy has been found
to disadvantage us, I have ensured amendments. The first UCM RADC DO board will sit in early 2024 and I will remain engaged with UCM as we move forward.
You were represented at the Armed Forces Pay Review Body by a representative body of your peers, linked together with the Royal Navy and RAF to ensure key issues and evidence were submitted to provide
the best case for future considerations. I have also had the opportunity to review
and rectify some historic issues which
have been raised with regard to pay and seniority within a small cohort of RADC DOs to ensure updated seniority through JPA for future boarding opportunities and engagement with DBS for back pay.
The role of Lead Med Regt Dental
Officer has been formally created to ensure progression of Dental Capability within the Field Army. The Dental Officer Development Day, initiated and led by RADC Majors
and Captains goes from initial concept
to continuation into its second iteration, providing an outlet for the main body of the RADC DO cohort to come together for a development opportunity supported by the Senior leadership.
Recruitment is positive and I recently had an opportunity to meet with potential RADC DO Bursars at an Officer Familiarisation Visit which showed clearly that we retain our appeal as an organisation people wish to be part of.
It is brilliant to be in a position to be able to represent your interest and CDO(A),
SA RADC DNs and I work tirelessly to ensure the most optimal processes and opportunities are available for you. Please continue to keep up the good work; it makes it significantly easier for us to do this with the quality of your actions and words.
RADC BULLETIN 2023 27