Apr 29 - Reservist Soldier Takes On Port Sergeant Role
A Royal Gibraltar Regiment reservist soldier has taken on the role of Port Sergeant.
In the presence of the Governor, Colour Sergeant (CSgt) Steven Wood handed over the historic keys to incoming Port Sergeant, CSgt Mark Hitchcock.
This is the first time a Reservist soldier has been chosen to take over the role of Port Sergeant and the Governor has absolutely no reservations about it:
“I think it is a good idea; as we know, in the British Army at the moment regulars are reducing and reservists are being recruited in greater numbers, so perhaps once again Gibraltar is leading the way,” he said.
It was a reflective day for outgoing Port Sgt CSgt Wood who was very proud to have been selected, he said: “It was a great honour for me as a Gibraltarian; the highlight for me was the Ceremony of the Keys and when my image was used for a commemorative postage stamp. I was also very proud to be involved in the ceremonial departure of the previous Governor.”
New Port Sgt CSgt Hitchcock was surprised to be offered the position and said: “I was speechless when the RSM asked me to think about it, for me there was nothing to think about because it is such a privilege, especially being the first reservist.”
Mark thoroughly enjoys his life as a reservist and he takes on the role of Port Sergeant 16 years to the day that he first joined the Army, in his civilian life Mark works for the MOD as a Budget Manager and said:
“My employers at the MOD have been very supportive and flexible and my line management in particular are very proud that I have been appointed.”
