Page 5 - RADC 2023

FOREWORD
Foreword
WO1 Zoe Beckett, Representative Sergeant Major
It is an honour and a privilege to be asked to write this foreword, as I personally have always been an advocate for the bulletin having written many articles throughout my career. This Bulletin is an opportunity to showcase all the great work you are doing, opportunities you have had and activities you have been involved in, which all continue to form part of our illustrious history.
Representing the Royal Army Dental Corps (RADC) as the Senior Soldier is
the highlight of my career to date. This secondary duty in addition to my primary role has meant that I have been extremely busy, however I am astounded and humbled by the support which I have received from many of you despite how busy your own work lives are. I am truly grateful for your support.
One highlight was having the honour
to take part in the Kings Coronation (Op GOLDEN ORB). I was immeasurably
proud to be part of the RADC marching contingent for the Coronation Procession escorting His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen from Westminster Abbey
to Buckingham Palace. The contingent consisted of two Dental Officers, one Dental Support Officer and twenty-four soldiers. A momentous occasion for the Corps having the opportunity to be part of an event that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Whilst we continue to face challenge and change, you must remember to support and look after each other and not be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling. Being a mother and part of a dual serving couple whilst balancing a busy career has, at times, been challenging, as highlighted by many of you through the RADC Gender Study this year.
It is the support of my colleagues, family and friends that have got me through the difficult times. If you are struggling or notice someone is struggling, please reach out for support whether that be at work or at home, no one should feel that they are on their own. I am more than happy for personnel to contact me directly.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the great work you have done, are doing and continue to do. Over the coming months I look forward to meeting you if I haven’t done so already.
EDITORIAL
Editorial
Maj Verity Brown
Well, hasn’t the RADC been busy in 2023? Thank you to all who have contributed by writing articles, proof-reading them or even facilitating these opportunities to even exist. We have enjoyed reading them all, but especially the ones which made us chuckle. It’s so important to laugh, and I hope this edition brings you that opportunity.
In a year where more cuts to battlefield studies and AT were announced it is great to see the RADC folk still managing to get away. Even I made it away to the SUPERBLY organised Malta Battlefield trip. Well done to the organisers for an excellent and inclusive experience...and some great articles for the Bulletin, of course.
Our publishing partners at Crest have been fantastic with this evolving Bulletin. Do our community like the change in paper? Maybe you will be enjoying reading the digital version we are making available? Look at us moving with the times!
This edition comes to you, much like the last, from a fab team. It has been great working with not one, but two, deputy
editors. Spoiled much? I’m personally very grateful for both of these soldiers for helping the effort. Cpl Abigail Robinson kicked off the 2023 edition and got the ball well and truly rolling before starting her resettlement plans and transitioning the deputy editor role to Cpl Jade Dolan, who has worked tirelessly to help get this edition over the line. Thank you both. Helping me make sure all was dotted and crossed we have had Maj Sophie Waterfield proof reading with the care and humour she is known for. Thank you, ladies, for helping get this edition off the ground and through the avid readers’ post-boxes.
Happy reading everyone.
To access the 2023 Bulletin online please see the RADC Association webpage. Our thanks to Sandhurst Photographer Mr Mike Smith for the wonderful cover photo of King Charles III taken at Sandhurst in May 2023. Mike, is the son of WO2 Ken Smith, an RADC Veteran Dental Technician who served 1952-1974, so we are particularly pleased to have included his photo on the cover of this edition.
RADC BULLETIN 2023 3