The arrival of January always gives us the opportunity to reflect on our lives and think about our aspirations for the months ahead.
For me, 2025 is going to be an important time – March will mark the end of my tour in this role as well as the conclusion of nearly 30 years in uniform.
I became the Army sergeant major in the summer of 2021 and my tenure in this final part of my military career has undoubtedly been one of the most demanding.
When I took up the post, the international stage was dominated by Nato’s withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the following year.
Both have directly impacted us as soldiers, as we continue to train those defending their homeland on Op Interflex while helping to resettle eligible Afghan nationals in the UK on Lazurite.
This period has also seen three different chiefs of the general staff and a change of the defence ministerial team with the election of a new government.
Whatever our personal aspirations, all of us need to start this year as we mean to continue.
With the world remaining unpredictable, it is critical we, too, stay ready to respond to any situation that might arise.
Our new CGS, Gen Sir Roly Walker, has said the Army must double its fighting power over the next two years and has ordered it to be trebled by the end of the decade.
I’ve already seen real progress towards these goals, so keep up the good work.
There are also a few other initiatives that I’d like to ensure are on a sound footing before I leave – notably the recently created NCO Academy, which will help develop careers.
I want to check that the command sergeant major structure, so critical to supporting our leadership, is well embedded.
Finally, I’d like us all to double down on efforts with our standards of appearance – particularly when out in public.
I’ll be making sure that the expectations are made clear – I think greater clarity could help us – but we should be ensuring we are well turned out, on and off base.
I’d like NCOs to check that standards are upheld. Let’s maintain excellence on all fronts.
