Page 5 - QDG 2022

The year 2022 will have a
place in history as a year
of profound change. It saw
two momentous events
– the return of state-on-
state conflict to continental
Europe and the death of
our beloved Queen and
consequent accession of
our Colonel-in-Chief as
our Sovereign. For our
Regiment, it was a year
that started with what had
become typical for a Light
Cavalry regiment, small
scale expeditionary oper-
ations against non-state
actors in Africa but ended
with re-subordination from
the light forces Division to
a new Deep Recce Strike
Brigade Combat Team and
consequent return to a
focus on combined arms
manoeuvre as part of a
high-end heavy warfighting
Division. This places QDG
firmly on the Army’s main
effort. For those of us who
soldiered during the Cold
War, it is a case of déjà vue –
a return to facing a Russian
threat to the East and a
more traditional recon-
naissance role fighting the
Divisional deep battle. For
a reconnaissance regiment
forged in deterring Russian aggression on mainland Europe, it really does seem like it is back to the future for QDG.
As you read this year’s journal, you might marvel at how so much activity and output can be delivered by such a small Regiment in such a short period of time. This level of productivity certainly puts the UK economy to shame but at its core it is symptomatic of a smaller army with big commitments, and we are now seeing how the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are adding additional pressure on our Army and bringing its capabilities into stark focus.
In this journal you will read of the Regiment’s performance in Mali as the Long-Range Reconnaissance Group (LRRG) and I hope that it gives you the same feeling of immense pride that I have had. It is clear that QDG brought a step- change in the civilian-military integration of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) through its ability to get civilian officials to accompany patrols, most of which lasted several weeks. This enabled them
to see the reality on the ground and deliver real UN outreach and stabilisation effect. Such operational success demon- strates why we have specialist ground mounted reconnaissance regiments in the Royal Armoured Corps, that it is not a role that any combat unit can do (and I remember having this argument with an infantry GOC) as it requires a particular mindset and skillset, which QDG Officers and Soldiers have in spades.
November’s Operational Honours List included some recognition for C Squad- ron’s earlier Mali tour with a Mention in Despatches awarded to Sgt Humphreys
for “demonstrating bravery in the face of the enemy on numerous occasions”. I hope that more good news will follow in the Opera- tional Honours, covering RHQ and A Squadron’s tour, which should be out by the time this Journal hits your doormats.
As a Regimental commu- nity we are becoming more connected and beginning to realise the power of our own network. I see this amongst our serving people as those on postings away from the Regiment are drawn more into routine work, and play, through the F Squadron initiative. I see this amongst the RCA, whose military experience and civilian expertise are increasingly sought by those that are serving. I see increasing examples of people reaching out instinc- tively to others within the QDG community and we are working to improve our communication channels to ensure we can facilitate the network effect and assist the recruiting effort.
Recruiting will be a major focus for the year ahead. Currently, we are doing exceptionally well, which is in part thanks to the Regi- ment’s investment in its presence across the Recruiting and Training machine. Our Regimental Engagement Group, enhanced representation at Phase 1 and Phase 2 Training have helped to trans- form our inflow from our Recruiting Area. Consequently, as I write we are at 106% of the Future Soldier workforce require- ment. However, the Army’s determination to pull levers to meet its reduced liability threatens the retention of some of those so instrumental to our recent success. This, coupled with the disastrous current state of Army recruiting, means that this success will be short lived. We all can play a part in helping inspire youngsters to join the Army and it should be an easy sell to encourage them to join the very
best Regiment.
In summary, I think your Regiment
is in a pretty good place. It has a good role, is on the Army’s main effort, is fully manned and has an exciting year ahead. Let’s all play our part in keeping it First and Foremost!.
1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards 3
Colonel of the Regiment’s Foreword
As you read this year’s journal, you might marvel at how so much activity and output can be delivered by such a small Regiment in such a short period of time