Page 6 - Chiron Spring 2016

very light weapon it is easy to see how useful this weapon is to dog handlers working in con ned spaces. For the competition we completed three practices of ve-round groupings on the 25m range with the Glocks, followed by the same detail using SA80 ri es on the simulated 100m range of the DCCT. The competition also included several scenario-based shooting practices. With many ex-Regular soldiers, the bar was set high. Coming down to the initial groupings,LCplChrisTalbottook1stplace.
This busy day concluded with some Squadron bonding at a fancy dress Christmas gathering of sorts. Costumes included a Father Christmas – the OC – and the seemingly obligatory cross dressing Staff Sergeant! This was an opportunity for prizes to be awarded and some well-earned ‘pats on the back’ for the effort put in by the Reserves as well as the obvious well thought
out planning and preparation undertaken by the Permanent Staff Instructors of the Squadron. As a newly formed Squadron, this team bonding was great in order to get to know each other on a social level, especially for those of us Reservists that are based some distance away. It will no doubt help form a solid platform for the future of 101.
The next morning focused on the third part of the weekend’s theme: tness. Indoor football and basketball were the favoured sports and there were some very heated battles between members! A mixed bag of standards from all the players involved again helped with 101 Squadron bonding.
The morning concluded with some interesting and engaging topics on soldier welfare, mental wellbeing, military kit and life insurance. The Squadron’s commitment to soldier wellbeing was highlighted, along with the Army’s improvements to
support being offered. We also received an intelligence (G2) brief by WO2 Glenn Thomas, our Reservist Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM), who covered all aspects of personal and collective security as well as the safe use of social media sites. This well- organised but busy weekend was brought to its conclusion with the OC’s closing address.
The weekend was a great success with the Squadron’s mantra and aims of ‘Fitness, Weapons and Dogs’ de nitely being achieved. Whilst there was a good turn-out of Reserve handlers, there was room for more. With another 12-months of recruiting and training, including our inaugural annual deployment exercise or ‘annual camp’ in Germany in September, 2016 should be an interesting year for the valued Reserves of 101 MWD Squadron. Hopefully the Christmas training weekend in 2016 will be even better attended.
Two RAVC Reserve Of cers, Two Different Graduations – Shared Together
By Lt James Wright 101 MWD Sqn
Two graduations shared so far. It is said that most things come in threes but one can only imagine where the next one will be? So far we have enjoyed an academic gradation and a military graduation. One took ve years, and one took four weeks but the sense of achievement, in my eyes, was equal.
During our time at University Lt Dave Stewart and I were generally involved in anything we could get out hands upon. Various Veterinary Society roles were held including Bar Rep and Social Secretary as well as being on the Vet Rugby team Committee in various guises including Captain, Treasurer, Manager and Social Secretary.
Our rst graduation was in July 2014 and was a two part affair. The rst was the graduation ceremony from the university itself. Over 1000 people were seated inside the Anglican Cathedral (also known as Paddy’s Wigwam due to the architecture), and the last grouping of graduates happened to be the Vets. Eventually it came to the vets and we were then given our degree by the Dean of the University.
The second part to the day was signing the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), register and taking the RCVS oath. After the simple oath was mentioned the certi cate of entry to the RCVS was gifted to us by Prof Stuart Reid, President of the RCVS. After that we were of cially allowed into the wild of practicing Veterinary Surgeons
That evening a Black Tie function was held at the Thornton Hall Hotel on the Wirral. Friends and Family was all invited and it was a spectacular evening with great weather and food combined. It was a true vet party was a cherry on top of the large cake that is vet school.
With regards to our second graduation it was an entirely different affair. Post 1am nishes and pre 6am reveilles was the standard evening for the week preceding, in order to get the correct shine on the Sam Browne. The Sandhurst assault course, circuit training and of course a PFT also helped to really keep spirits and energy levels high throughout the week.
The day kicked off with a service held in the Memorial Chapel where the course Padre gave an address to a photo background, with the main highlights being some light hearted ‘war faces’ from the compulsory stroll through the Wish Stream. After the service we guided out guests for some light refreshments before heading to the FUP for the parade.
A Simple parade was the order of duty but one that we hope as a platoon we carried out perfectly. Do the basics right and the
Lts James Wright and Dave Stewart 101 MWD Sqn
rest will follow. This is not to say the task task was easy! Indeed, transforming 36 almost military virgins into a body of men and women capable of passing the Old College Commandants parade in just two weeks is no slight task, just ask the colour serjeants!
After the parade there was obligatory photo opportunities for guests and PR staff alike. A well earned, albeit quick Gin and Tonic was dispatched before moving to the Mess for the nal commissioning lunch. Three courses and plenty of wine was the menu but sadly no cheese board!
6 Chiron Calling