The Autumn and Winter have passed in a blur and whilst we paused albeit briefly, to write these articles, it is hard to believe that it is nearly Spring.  This is largely, but not entirely, due to the pace of life generated by multiple lines of operation and deployments, but also due to the most unseasonal deep snow at ‘The Dale’ in Chester.

We launched the Next Generation Combat Team on the 12 Oct 22.  This new role for the Bn sees all sub-units central to making the Army more agile, more lethal, and more relevant against a pacing threat and the clear requirement for the UK Army to gain advantage at a pace of relevance.  We are all pushing the boundaries in every area, seeking to exploit existing capabilities and justify new ones.  The new role brings the requirement for change and attracts some uncertainty.  Change is to be embraced, but managing and mitigating the consequence of uncertainty, for our soldiers and their families, remains my number one command priority – now and into the future.

The Teams have all done brilliantly at flexing to the new challenges and the multitude of conflicting priorities.  Central to the successes since last Autumn has been the agility and dexterity of the Quartermasters’ Department who have, and apparently effortlessly, sustained the integration of new capabilities, deployments to Germany; USA, Norway, France, Portsmouth, Sennybridge, Salisbury Plain, Scotland and Otterburn.  Not to mention delivering two most excellent external inspections.  No mean feat by any stretch.