A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE

One of the purposes of the Corps journal is to form a historic record of events across the Corps, Regiments, Sub-Units, Detachments and the Trades. With the removal of formal historic record keeping, and so much contemporary activity recorded online, often all that we will be able to reflect on in future years is our own journal. I encourage any member of the Corps to contribute news stories and articles to the Sustainer.This is now more relevant than ever, with the shifting tides of world events and significant changes to the Corps and its structures.

As trailed in the RLC Downrep, and as a result of reduced staff capacity, the Sustainer will now only be produced three times a year, but I look forward to additional content through an increased reporting period.

2023 kicked off with the Corps HQ staff coming together for an estimate to better - not just prioritise - our own workflow, but to understand our own outputs and how we can optimally support our units and people. Part of this was creating a mission statement (below) for the Corps HQ, which I trust you will support and engage with.

Promote heritage,conduct commemoration. Promote pride,ethos,identity and belonging inThe RLC.Support serving personnel,veterans, cadets and their families. Support workforce planning and career management.Deliver influence,engagement, recruitment and retention activity...In order to enhance the reputation,and to improve the cohesion of the Corps family,its engagement with society and sustain operational capability.

It has been a tremendous privilege to attend two Corps-wide events this year already. The first was a JNCO symposium held at Worthy Down Station. A genuinely superb

The Colonel RLC event, which over 100 JNCOs voluntarily attended, including a range of guest speakers from the APC desk officers, to external motivational speakers. The event concluded with a formal mess dinner night which was world class occasion and an excellent educational opportunity. I look forward to hearing accounts of the positive effect from the event. The second was the annual WO1’s convention, this year held at Grantham. What a privilege and honour to open the event and meet so many talented WO1s at the absolute top of their game, bursting with energy, innovation and ideas on taking the Corps forward. These two events, at both end of the experience spectrum, further convinced me of the talent and commitment in and amongst our ranks.

Throughout January and February I’ve had further opportunities to visit units and detachments supporting operational activity, NATO and UK and global operations. The professionalism and tenacity that our people are demonstrating on a daily basis is truly inspirational and befitting of our coming of age.

This is the last issue of The Sustainer prior to the RLC30 event in Winchester on 1st June. Early indication is that the event will be a sell out with the Corps packing Winchester Cathedral (contingency plans are being worked to give additional capacity) to give thanks to those that went before us and to celebrate our achievements. It will also mark the first Corps Open Day at the rightful home of the Corps since 2018.

Finally, huge congratulations to Col Andy Geary OBE, Col Pete Skinsley OBE, Lt Col Billy Dilkes MBE, Maj Rab McAllister MBE, Maj Sophie Spencer-Small MBE, WO2 Abimbola Oluwasona MBE and Sgt Pardeep Kaur MBE who were recognised in the 2023 New Year’s Honours List.

We Sustain.

Colonel P A Allen ADC

On 1 June 2023 The Royal Logistic Corps will formally recognise relocation to the historic city of Winchester to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Corps, with a Freedom of the City Parade and service of Thanksgiving at Winchester Cathedral.

8 Parade and Service of Thanksgiving 500 personnel from across The RLC will conduct a Freedom Parade. They will be joined by RLC and Forming Corps veterans. Following the parade there will be Service of Thanksgiving at Winchester Cathedral. Tickets should be booked via the QR code below.

8 Reception Events

Following the Service of Thanksgiving there will be a VIP reception at the Cathedral and a Regimental Lunch. Free transport will be available to Worthy Down Camp where food and refreshments will be available including an all ranks BBQ and curry lunch for on duty personnel. Further tickets are available below for veterans, families and friends.

8 Open Day and Concert

From 1500hrs a Community Open Day for 3,000 people will highlight the breadth and depth of the talent within The RLC, promoting the aspects of diversity, sport, STEM and sustainability, representative of the modern Army and The RLC. The open day will transition to an open-air concert following a spectacular firework display commencing at 2200hrs. Entrance will be by ticket only (see below). There is no parking on site.

To register to attend the RLC 30 events scan the QR code and select from the menu of options

For updates on the RLC 30 events go to: www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk