FROM THE RANKS

Hello everyone and I trust you and your families are all safe and well. I am struggling to understand where time has gone, as I write my final ‘From the Ranks’ article as the Corps Sergeant Major.

Despite it only being March, the Corps has continued to be extremely busy in the initial months of 2023, with Military Aid to the Civil Authority (MACA) twinned with a response to industrial strike action, which saw a lot of RLC Soldiers lose their Christmas leave. A huge thanks to all of those that deployed for keeping your sense of humour and approaching these tasks with professionalism and a sense of Corps pride. It was amazing to see.

As always, I have been out and about visiting the Corps’ units.

9 Regiment hosted an excellent VVIP visit which saw Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal shown the great work its Soldiers do. During the visit HRH also presented Operational Service Medals and Long Service and Good Conduct Medals. I took a week out to visit the RLC Soldiers working in British Forces South Atlantic Islands - aka the Falklands. The 100 plus Soldiers there are doing amazing work providing logistic support to both MPA and the wider island. I also had the privilege to see some amazing battlefield sights from Op CORPORATE; a truly amazing trip and well worth the 18-hour flight.

February saw 15 Squadron QOGLR resubordinate to 13 AASR. This was marked by a brilliant parade in Colchester were all the squadrons welcomed 15 Squadron back to the fold. Here in Worthy Down, we delivered some awesome events for the people of The RLC, kicking off with the inaugural RLC JNCO Leadership and Development event. This saw, for the first time, nearly 100 JNCOs come together to listen to some inspirational and educational presentations, finished off with a Corps dinner night in the Corps Sergeants’ Mess. A huge thank you to the team from Kineton, under the leadership of WO1 (RSM) Walker, who expertly delivered the event.

This year’s RLC WO1 Convention was delivered in Grantham Station. Our Senior Soldier Leadership came together to discuss and receive presentations on ‘The Modern Day Royal Logistic Corps’. It was a rich couple of days connecting people professionally and socially. Massive thanks go to WO2 (SSM) Wardle and his team from 1 Regiment, who delivered a superb convention.

I wish to end if I may, with a plea to the Soldiers of the Corps. On 5th April 2023, your Corps is 30 years old. On the 1st June 2023 in Winchester and at Worthy Down, we will come together to celebrate the 30th Anniversary and plant the flag in our new Corps home of Winchester Garrison. Please attend and support the RLC 30 events on 1st June, they are for you and your family to enjoy.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, this is my final Sustainer ‘From the Ranks’ and I cannot begin to tell you what a privilege and honour it has been to be the Senior Soldier of the best Corps in the British Army. Thank you for an amazing two years and the unwavering support and honesty you have given me as your Corps Sergeant Major.

Finally, I wish my successor, WO1 Steve Muir, the very best of luck as he takes over in June. Good luck Steve, I know The RLC is in good hands. Corps SM… Out!

WO1 C Sutherland Corps Sergeant Major RLC