Page 22 - AGC Journal 2018

AGC JOURNAL 2018

Provost Marshal (Army)

By Brigadier David Neal
Writing my notes for the AGC Journal allows me to reflect on the two years

since I took up the appointment of Provost Marshal (Army) and consider
what our most valued assets, our people, have achieved Army (and Defence)
wide during that time.

Necessary, Unique and Distinct Engagement

Churchill said: “this is no time for ease and comfort, The Military Police family has an excellent

it is time to dare and endure.” This is reflective of the reputation and peaks the interest of both external
modern Army in which we operate where resource and internal audiences. The Military Corrective and
pressures endure. Yet the resolve of our people Training Centre is in high demand and continues

to affirm our necessary, unique and distinct role to host the great and the good. Furthermore, this

never ceases to amaze me. We have highly trained year the Royal Military Police had the honour of
and motivated people who dare to take on new having the Freedom of Salisbury bestowed upon
challenges and meet every challenge laid before us, in recognition of the close links we share with
them. the city. This is one of many Freedoms we have In an historic
ceremony at the
been given and is testament to the strong bonds we Guildhall, the Royal
Brand forge with the communities we live alongside. We Military Police
hope to exercise our Freedom in 2019 at the head are granted the
The Royal Military Police brand is exceptionally of the Armed Forces Day celebrations which will be Freedom of the City
of Salisbury
strong and getting stronger. Our Apprenticeship focussed on Salisbury.
scheme is the exemplar of British Army’s
apprenticeship programme, allowing me as an
employer to ensure my personnel earn skills for life
and an Advanced Level Policing qualification. One Adventure Training and Sport

of our Junior Non Commissioned Officers has just There are a multitude of benefits from

had leadership insights published with the Centre taking part in sport: increased physical
of Army Leadership and now briefs on this topic to robustness, channelling and controlling
Commanders. The confidence of our people is sky- aggression, self-discipline, and importantly

high with opportunities open to all. Communicating it is great for our mental health. We have
messages about our people, their capabilities and a Karate World Champion amongst our
commitments on our social media platforms allows ranks and so many of our personnel have
the strong bonds we have with the Royal Military demonstrated their competitive spirit whilst
Police Association and the Broader Royal Military proudly representing the cap badge in
Police veteran community, to flourish and keeps our Corps and Army level sports and adventure

base strong and engaged.
training activities.
Recognition Deployments
I value the contribution made by all; we work as one Personnel from our hybrid Brigade are very
team. We have exceptional people, Regular, Reserve much in demand for deployments around
and Civil Servants, producing fantastic work for the world. Whether it is providing a Short-
our business, both in the Firm Base and overseas. Term Training Team to Sierra Leone, a
Rewarding and promoting the achievements and Close Protection Team to Nigeria, exercise
efforts of our people inspires and motivates others Lieutenant Colonel Competitive spirit troops to the Oman, real time policing

to fulfil their potential. This year alone one of my Jules Park-Robinson, and Regimental Non Commissioned Officers to Estonia or

Commanding Offi cer

Commanding Officers received a national award Special Investigation pride on display providing short notice Special Investigation
at the annual
acknowledging her role in mentoring to improve Branch, receives her Southwick Park Branch expertise worldwide; our personnel
gender diversity. We are fortunate to be flush with national award at the Rugby Sevens are ready to serve and are meeting every

exceptional role models right across the ranks. ceremony in London tournament challenge.

22 23