The months seem to have flown by since I took on this role – probably because we’ve all been so busy – so this is a good opportunity to pause, take a breath and thank you all for your hard work.
You have all put in a tremendous effort in dealing with the task we have been set by the chief of the general staff – to double our fighting power by 2027 and treble it by the end of the decade.
When this issue arrives with you, by my reckoning we will have fewer than 400 days left to achieve the first part of that goal.
Given how rapidly the last 12 months have gone, this isn’t long at all. But I’ve been out and about on visits to units, exercises and deployments, and from what I’ve seen everyone is rising to this challenge and – in particular – my ask that you do the basics well.
It’s important that we, as soldiers, focus on the things over which we have control and let the politicians and senior command focus on the bigger picture. They have their remit; we have ours.
The army doesn’t stop because it is Christmas. While many of you will be on leave, others will be on duty at home, abroad and on ops.
It goes without saying that all of your efforts are well appreciated.
Finally, I know this time of year can be difficult for some.
Please remember that help is available if you are struggling with your mental health or feeling lonely.
Make sure you reach out if you need support because there are people waiting to help you.
As well as your welfare team and chaplains, you’ll find an abundance of useful contact points in the Directory section of this magazine on page 56 too.
I wish all of you a very happy and peaceful Christmas. I hope you are able to enjoy the festivities, wherever you are in the world and whatever you are doing. We shall all regroup in January 2026 for what promises to be a hectic new year.
