Page 82 - RAPTC Year of 2019

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38 INFANTRY BRIGADE
38 (IRISH) BRIGADE – NORTHERN IRELAND (NI)
Captain (MAA) G Maslin RAPTC
Sometimes when you get assigned it can take a while to settle in and get used to the nuances of the unit and the geographical challenges it may have, however, luckily for me
I have been assigned to NI before as the Lisburn Station QMSI, so I was very familiar with the lay of the land. Wet & windy!
My first SO3 PD assignment and my time at 38 (Irish) Brigade has been great. If you are thinking of commissioning and not thought about NI, I would highly recommend it. Although my time here is coming to an end, I have been very privileged to have been away doing some great things, from Budapest to the Isle of Skye and the Brigade Headquarters is in Vietnam as I write. I’m hoping for a postcard from WO2 (QMSI) Richmond RAPTCI.
I have just returned from my third trip to Kenya, only this time I was away for over 4 months due to a Brigade trawl. I happily volunteered and was assigned as the SO2 Community Engagement. I had a great time and would encourage anyone to volunteer, get out and learn about the wider army if the opportunity arises. My time in Kenya was immediately followed by the Late Entry Officers Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst....after high fiving my family of course!!!
A handful of NI Convicts
Whilst away, all aspects of PD were covered. I’m one of the lucky SO3s that has a WO PD who knows more than I do and keeps me on track. WO2 (QMSI) Archie Richmond 38 (Irish) Brigade WO PD, managed to have everything covered and without one hiccup. Some SO3s do not have the luxury of a QMSI, those that do will understand what I’m saying but I am certainly very thankful. Thanks for all that you’ve done Archie and I hope my successor benefits from your knowledge, guidance and hard work, as I did.
Now to rewind and talk about the role as the SO3 PD 38 (Irish) Brigade NI. Personally, I have found the job very rewarding and have a great team of RAPTCIs and AAPTIs around me. During my time here, 38 (Irish) Brigade has seen a reduction in OPCOM units and is now very much RPOC focused. There is an eclectic handful of units in NI and there’s always something to get stuck into.
In closing, I will be handing the 38 (Irish) Brigade SO3 PD appointment over to Captain (MAA) Haniver, good luck Kelley; I wish you all the best and hope you have a great first SO3 assignment as I have.
Do I look like a Climber? Capt Paterson and Maz
One of many visits to less fortunate people in Kenya