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DEFENCE MEDICAL SERVICES TRAINING GROUP (DMSTG) KEOGH BKS WO2 (QMSI) R D Bell RAPTC
T
his is my second year in post at DMSTG and the pace of life has certainly ramped up over the last few months with the Unit relocation to Defence Medical Services (Whittington) (DMS (W)) well underway. Packing boxes and back loading equipment seems to have dominated the workload, but the move presents exciting new challenges ahead.
to have been a part of history as we observed the DMSTG flag being lowered to the sound of The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines. I was honoured to be appointed as a Divisional Warrant Officer and had the pleasure of escorting Surg Rear Admiral McArthur RN, Comd JMC on his inspection. This undoubtedly made the experience all the more memorable and enjoyable.
Since 2010 Whittington Barracks in Lichfield became the home of Military Medicine and subsequently the Midlands Medical Accommodation project (MMA). The site already incorporates both the Surgeon General’s strategic Headquarters and Joint Medical Command, both of which are fully operational. From 3 Mar 14, when DMSTG have assumed Command of the site it will become the central focus for military medical expertise and assets, with approximately 2,000 military and civilian staff employed there.
During Oct 13, DMSTG hosted the Army Medical Services (AMS) CrossCountry Inter Unit Team and Individual Championship. This was another significant milestone in the history of the Barracks as it was the last event that will be held at Keogh Barracks as a Tri – Service establishment. The competition went very well and the turn out was fantastic.
In summary, another fantastic year with many exciting challenges ahead. We look forward to the necessary close down procedure of Keogh Bks and celebrating new beginnings as we establish ourselves at DMS(W) and mark the occasion with The Dedication Day and hopefully the presence of a very special guest (to be confirmed). This event celebrates the renaming of DMSTG when it becomes The Defence College of Healthcare Education and Training (DCHET).
WO2 (QMSI) Bell reciting Holy Willie’s Prayer
WO2 (QMSI) Bell briefing trainees at Unit Health Fair
I have been actively involved in the Warrant Officers’, Petty Officers’, and Sergeants’ Mess as a member of the Entertainments Committee, particularly for the Burns Supper. I decided to offer my services by rehearsing my rendition of the 17 versus of Holy Willie’s Prayer and additionally, I read out the Immortal Memory of Roberts Burns
Another challenge will be the amalgamation of 2 Gymnasiums into 1 where procedures and protocols are already established and in place. Fortunately we have developed a good rapport with current members of Gymnasium staff and they are looking forward to our imminent arrival. The Relocation Parade has been the highlight of the year and I am proud
WO2 (QMSI) Bell during Relocation Parade