Page 5 - RADC 2020

FOREWORD
Foreword
WO1 L Humphreys Representitive Sergeant Major
In the seven short months since I assumed the role of RADC Representative Sergeant Major, it is an absolute honour and privilege to be asked to write this foreword. I am immensely proud of our Corps, both serving and those that have served before us.
Personally, I have always seen the bulletin as a celebration of the RADC family, the Regulars, Reserves and Veterans. It is part of our family history, a history that I for one am proud to be part of! I remember, not so long ago, when the bulletin was produced in black and white with fewer pictures. It is wonderful to see how it has evolved over the years to a colourful and eye-catching modern publication, where the Corps unites in its’ stories, articles and achievements that are shared of both today and yesteryear.
On 23 March this year, the UK saw
an unparalleled event unfold when the Government told the public to stay at home. Of course, this was a consequence of the largest pandemic we have seen in our lifetimes. That day, the world as we knew
it paused. Children didn’t attend school;
EDITORIAL
Editorial
Maj S Darke
What a year to take over as bulletin editor, minimal Sports and AT, Corps events cancelled and very few charitable ventures pursued! Where was I going to find articles?!
To that end, the bulletin may read a little differently this year. Yes, there are several COVID articles, I could not avoid this one, as sick as we all are of hearing about it,
it’s too important not to document. So just think of it as great reference material for
the years to come with a very educational piece by Maj Henry Walker on the pandemic itself, experiences from those based abroad and several articles from personnel on their duties to support the COVID response, including a trip to Wuhan, China!
The main difference you will find this year, however, is there are articles on
jobs and careers. I have often wondered ‘what happened to so-and-so? Where have they gone since dipping out of the clinical environment?’ This led me to think, if I don’t know what roles our team do outside of the Dental Centre do the rest of
families could not see one another and businesses closed unless deemed essential. Life has changed dramatically for many and COVID-19 has touched us all in one way
or another. For those of you in clinics, your delivery of dentistry has seen a significant impact, but your commitment to your patients has been and is admirable. The pandemic has evoked emotional turmoil for many, which is a normal reaction to such events. Our people have shown tremendous positivity throughout turbulent times which is a testament to your leadership, resilience and upholding of our common values and standards.
In addition to COVID-19, 2020 has
been a busy year for most. We have seen many opportunities arise for our soldiers both within and out with dentistry. Our soldiers consistently impress by applying and undertaking courses and roles which will challenge and take them beyond their comfort zones. It is commendable to see them putting their heads above the parapet and displaying such raw ambition. Again, despite the virus our trainee Dental Nurses
the Corps? Thus, in this year with reduced events, I thought the bulletin could be used to educate us on the wider opportunities
out there for both ORs and Officers, whilst clearly having a brilliant excuse to be nosy. There is a fantastic collaborative article
from those at Defence Medical Academy Whittington, a very interesting piece from Col Willey about international service with NATO and many others that all go to demonstrate just how far the RADC influence stretches.
Despite Adventure Training being cancelled from March 20 onwards, several members of the Corps were active at the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020. We can read about LCpl Cacho capturing the last light of summer and undertaking her rock climbing single-pitch foundation course in Cyprus and there must be something in the air at 3 Medical Regiment with Capt Cheesbrough also undertaking mountaineering courses, although in slightly chillier conditions. As always, there are articles to show just how talented members of the RADC are in sports with
continue their training pathways, with some being fortunate to train overseas!
Planning and preparation for the RADC Centenary is in full swing, the committee have a number of excellent events planned to really mark the occasion, commencing with a church Service in January 2021, see articles written by Lt Col Valler and Maj Gibbs. I hope to meet lots of the RADC family next year at the various events.
I wish you and your families well, stay safe and I look forward to seeing you in our Corps’ Centenary year.
representation in Armed Forces Basketball, Army bobsleigh, AMS rugby, AMS football and AMS netball! For a small Corps we certainly hold our own!
Also not to miss are the articles preparing us for our Centenary next year, Lt Col Valler sets the scene for all the events to come and Maj (Ret’d) Gibbs gives us the task of showing our respects to those that have fallen. So get your diaries out and we will be seeing each other next year!
I would like to end by thanking everyone who has helped me in my first year as editor. Firstly, a thanks to all those that contributed articles to the bulletin, my job would have been horrendous had you not put the effort in. Secondly, to the Crest team for turning it into reality and our sponsors for the financial support you provide. Finally, to my team at Sandhurst for brainstorming with me and providing the reassurance that all will be right in the end.
I hope you enjoy it!
RADC BULLETIN 2020 3