Page 11 - QARANC Vol 20 No 1 2022

30 years of grey!
I was recently approached to provide my observations on the transition of male nurses from the RAMC to the QARANC. The depressing realisation that 30 years have passed is tempered by relief that I can still remember this era!
It was a period where many of us with the XY chromosome shivered at the threat of ‘assimilation’ and dare I say that some with the XX chromosome weren’t sure either (I sense that Florence Nightingale would be in their corner)!
But 1992 was a key year that saw the disbandment of the Women’s Royal Army Corps and their personnel moving to Corps that required commensurate skills/ professions (irrespective of
gender). So, the logic was obvious in respect of the nursing sphere, but change is often seen through an emotional lens, a risk rather than an opportunity.
Was there ‘flight’? I heard
lots of talk about resignation,
and I certainly remember
several colleagues who
did not seek extension of
their service, but the ‘flight’
mild nature. Quite a few in field units (out-with the beady eye of a Matron) retained their RAMC beret and cap-
badge and refused to change to grey and the ‘white cross’; most COs turned a blind eye to it realising that logic would ultimately win out.
I tried to rationalise what this would mean for me and had some fascinating internal monologues relating to my identity as a soldier, an officer, a man! How I saw myself and how others saw me/may see me... and judge me? Did I lack such confidence? Allying this to my indoctrinated loyalty to the RAMC and it was a confusing period.
‘Facing it’ rather quickly became my ‘f’ of choice. What had really changed? The Army remained a hierarchy that was heavily masculine in outlook,
The Gazette QARANC Association 11
What I sensed would change was a more focused and fairer career management and leadership structure
talent’ before it became a buzz phrase. As I reflect on 1992, I am amused at that worried young officer (me) who feared change but was thankful that he decided not to be fixed by history or owned by his insecurities. Buying into this integrated vision provided me a further 30 years of rich rewards and humbling experiences. I remain
desperately grateful.
Brig Stephen Archer ARRC QHN
combat orientated and saw CSS as a lower rung necessity (with the AMS on the first step – until the guns started to shoot!). What also hadn’t changed was that I was an Army Nurse whose professional duty was unaltered irrespective of cap-badge. My patient would be supremely indifferent to these machinations.
What I sensed would change was a more focused and fairer career management and leadership structure, competition and opportunities that opened to all irrespective of gender. ‘Maximising
was of a
QARANC appeals for trustees
QARANC Association is seeking to appoint new trustees with experience and knowledge that can enhance the current Trustee Board.
The time commitment is four board meetings per year, plus attendance at subcommittees as appropriate and any tasks between board meetings that the role might require.
The Charity is registered at Regimental HQ QARANC, AMS HQ, Robertson House, Slim Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 4NP. Board meetings are normally held in Camberley or virtually as appropriate.
In addition, we are also looking for a suitable person to fill the role of Heritage Committee Chair. The purpose of the committee is to create
a stronger understanding of Corps heritage and to be the authoritative focus for others interested in our history, and to provide a clear understanding of the nature of military nursing that will help shape future force planning.
We are looking for individuals to be formally appointed to these roles as soon as practicable after the recruitment process is complete.
For those wishing to apply please e-mail Sarah Young, Office Manager, QARANC Association manager@qarancassociation.org.uk
‘Together we make a difference’ – Lt Col (Retd) Merrill Bate writes about her experience of being a trustee on p42.