‘Promotions coming for the pro-active’

AS the TT Regiment makes a leap to Army status, in keeping with international standards, soldiers can expect fast and repeated promotions. This pronouncement was made by recently promoted Ag Commanding Officer Edmund Dillion, in his first address to members of the TT Regiment at a Commanding Officer Scale “A” parade yesterday at Tetron.

The Ag Commanding Officer stamped his authority on the proceedings by having soldiers march in camouflage, rather than ceremonial guard as accustomed, and in a strongly-worded speech, he outlined his programme for 2004 while calling on soldiers to forget the negatives and concentrate on the positives. While complimenting the soldiers on their demonstration yesterday morning, their achievements internationally for the country, their academic advancement, their work with the Inter Agency Task Force and the joint army/police patrol, he lashed out at those who bring the service into disrepute with negative attitudes. “I will simply let you know that I have zero-tolerance for persons caught stealing in the Army,” he said, warning that such persons will be discharged “with haste.”

This parade, the Ag Commanding Officer explained, was to highlight the resources of the Army and examine the positive and negative aspects of the organisation. He also mentioned his intention to continue to focus on infrastructural development, salary increases and living conditions. Dillion spoke about his plans to introduce the branch system, which will bring the number of battalions to four. “With the introduction of this fourth battalion, the regiment structure will be changed to that of a brigade, as four battalions make a brigade and as four companies make a battalion. “We can therefore no longer refer to this organisation as a regiment but as the TT Army, in keeping with international conventions. “With the creation of the second Infantry Battalion, which will be created in South, there will be rapid movement between ranks to fill vacancies. “People who were recently promoted could find themselves promoted again. “This means you have to be professional, proactive persons. Those who cannot keep up will be left behind.” Dillion ended by reminding the officers that they are all part of a team who own a little part of the Army.