Page 4 - Chiron Spring 2020

Class One Military Working Dog Handler Update
The RAVC Class One Dog Handler Course is being revised by the DATR Course Design team in order to ensure the Class One meets the ever-growing technical requirements of the Dog Handler.
It has been accepted that the even thought the current Class One has many good points; it does not fully support the role of today’s MWD Handler. The redesigned Class One course will not replicate previous training; it will complement other training already received, for example specialist dog course handling, CLM (Command Leadership and Management) and the
Lt Col Chris Ham
very successful Modern Apprenticeship. Future training will comprise many more meaningful practical elements that RAVC Seniors have recognised there is demand for in today’s RAVC. The adapted Class One will empower the Class One trained soldier to mentor, coach and take responsibility for developing other team members. The outcome will be that the B1 qualified soldier will be ‘looked up to’ by Class 2 and 3s, the qualified B1 will in turn pass on their technical knowledge, have more day to day responsibility regarding
all MWD related matters.
The first initial course was run in March
2020 and will be constantly reviewed in line with continuous improvement to ensure it is fully fit for purpose. It is therefore essential that any feedback on the course content, positive or negative, is passed on so the course can be adjusted as required.
The Class One is not a Dog Trainer Qualification (DTQ) Additional Qualification (ADQUAL) course as such, but, it is anticipated that approximately 30% of selected Class Ones will attend the DTQ at future date at the Defence Animal Training Regiment.
4 CHIRON CALLING
Foreword
By Col N C Smith BVetMed MSc MDA MA FRCVS QHVS
This will almost certainly be my last Chiron Foreword, although I said that back in 2014 when I past the baton to Col Macdonald.
We are living in challenging times, and am sure the situation will be very different when you read this, hopefully for the better.
No one will have been untouched by the current disease outbreak. I was supposed to get married this week, but that’s a minor inconvenience compared to the heartbreak COVID-19 is causing.
RAVC personnel are doing everything to ensure that animal welfare and operational capability are maintained in face of the challenges we all face.
If we are still in lockdown when you receive this, at least you have a really interesting edition to read as you stay home.
Abby DuBaree receiving a memento from Nigel Allsop at Pozieres Jul 17
I’m very proud to have served over 30 years in the RAVC, and am grateful to the opportunities it has given me. To have been able to lead the RAVC (twice) and be at the helm during our Royal Warrant Centenary has been amazing. The Army has gone through many changes in the last 30 years, and so has the RAVC, mostly for the better. We continue to demonstrate that MWDs provide a unique specialist operational capability, and our support to London District in delivering State Ceremonial functions is vital.
I hand over the baton to my successor, and wish them and all of you good luck for the future.
Major Rob Hart and WO2 Needham at Pozieres Jul 17. Australian Animal War Memorial at Pozieres.