Page 23 - QARANC Vol 14 No 12 2016

I started my post here as Section commander in January 2014 where I commanded a section of 12 recruits either male and female throughout a 14-week period, covering Skill at arms, drill, BCDT and field craft skills. During the course of an intake we mould recruits from being civilians on day 1 to soldiers by week 14. I take pride in upholding the Army’s core values and standards, inspiring the recruits in training to become competent and reliable soldiers we would be happy to have serve along side in the wider Army. It is an incredibly rewarding job where great commitment is involved in getting the recruits to the end state of pass off day. The long hours and self commitment always pays off when seeing the recruits on the parade square after a 14-week intake that has seen them grow from young girls and boys into women and men. From show parades in the evenings to educate and rectify errors, to fire and manoeuvre tests on exercise, it is always a job of diversity.
From October 15 I have been employed as a platoon sergeant and this has introduced to me to the G4 side of life
taking on a Bravo reservist course to a CMS 14-week course. The platoon sergeant role is not as hands on with the recruits but drill and admin has become a bigger responsibility from ordering rations and ammunition to booking training areas.
Although I have been employed here in a non-clinical capacity I have still kept up my clinical competencies through working in the Medical Centre and gaining a recommendation to apply for PHC specialist training on completion of my posting at ATC Pirbright.
Life as a QARANC at a training establishment has enabled me to work alongside all other arms within the Army from infantry soldiers to Intelligence corps where we all learn from one another. It has been an amazing experience and I would recommend any other nurses and HCAs to branch out of their comfort zone and attend the AMS selection cadre at Lichfield.
Sgt CJ Pearson, Section Commander ATC PIRBRIGHT
THE GAZETTE QARANC 21
My role as a QARANC Non Commissioned Officer at ATC Pirbright
DMG (S) & (SE) WO & SNCO Royal Hospital Chelsea Visit
On the 14th January 2016, the Warrant Officers and Senior NCO’s of DMG’s South and South East travelled to London to visit the Royal Hospital Chelsea and spend some valuable time with the veterans who live there.
After an early start and a trouble free journey into central London we arrived in the Royal Borough of Chelsea. Driving through the wrought iron gates we were met by the stunning 300-year-old Sir Christopher Wren buildings, founded by Charles II back in 1682.
Our first port of call was the lounge bar, this presenting an excellent opportunity to chat with and get to know the veterans. Over a shared love of a stiff drink we heard the captivating stories of past glories and their time spent travelling the world whilst in the Army. Equally the veterans were just as intrigued in our modern day stories and how military life has changed in the years since their retirement.
The two Units then enjoyed the age old tradition of a curry lunch, provided by the Chefs from the Royal Hospital, before splitting into smaller groups where we were given a tour of the Hospital and grounds. This presented a fantastic opportunity to learn about the unique history of this national institution.
Our guide for the tour Dave, was a charismatic and entertaining ex Royal Warwickshire Fusilier who had spent time in both the British and Australian Army, travelling to all corners of the globe. With his mischievous sense of humour and boundless enthusiasm, he had us eating out the palm of his hand, bringing stories both old and new to life and ensuring the tour was captivating, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable.
Learning what life is like for today’s veterans at the Royal Hospital, we saw first hand the fantastic facilities it provides,
as well as the vast improvements and transformation the hospital has undergone over the years. Particularly the size and facilities of each resident’s accommodation which has grown from a meagre 7ft by7ft room to the modern, spacious en-suite living area with a view that they enjoy today.
Now also with the fully functioning Margaret Thatcher Infirmary, the Royal Hospital is able to provide gold standard care to all veterans who are unwell or convalescing. The infirmary strives at all times to support the veterans to enjoy the best possible quality of life and maintain their choice of independent living for as long as possible.
As well as being a resident, Dave also works regularly as a tour guide and volunteers for parades and events held all over the world. He was keen to inform us that it’s not all hard work though, as he uses every opportunity to put his celebrity status to good use. Especially when it comes to getting the best seats in London, in particular at Whitehart Lane to watch his beloved Tottenham Hotspur, and at the recent festive events held at Westminster Abbey attended by Her Majesty the Queen.
The day concluded with another opportunity to chat with the residents back in the comfort of the bar, before reluctantly joining the rush hour traffic back to our respective units. A fantastic day was had by all. Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude go out to all the veterans at the Royal Chelsea Hospital who made us feel so welcome in their home.
Sgt R Frake DMGS