| Citation: New Year Honours. Captain Robert William Silk (522697), OC Drug Intelligence Team SIB RMP, UKLF. 18 Apr 86 to 13 May 88.
Citation: In April 1986, Captain Silk was appointed as the first full time Officer Commanding, Drugs Intelligence Team, SIB RMP UKLF and remained in post until May 1988. An ad hoc team had been formed by SIB RMP UKLF in 1984 in response to the Army command's growing concern at the continuing increase in cases of drug abuse by soldiers, but its primary purpose was to assess the possible extent of any drug problem in the UK Field Army, rather than to initiate measures to combat and prevent misuse of drugs by soldiers.
The period of Captain Silk's command of the Drug Intelligence Team (DIT) has been a particularly innovative and demanding one with DIT being at the very forefront of the Army's continuing battle against the threat of drug abuse. Captain Silk has been personally responsible for implementing radical changes in the concept of DIT operations to focus on specific targeting both of individuals and premises, thereby increasing the team's effectiveness both in terms of acquiring drug intelligence and in coordinating follow-up investigations in cases of alleged or suspected drug abuse. In 1987, almost a half of all persons reported for drug related offences in UKLF arose directly out of DIT operations. More importantly and despite its covert role, the work and reputation of DIT has had a considerable deterrent effect and has contributed significantly towards reducing the incidence of reported drug abuse in the UK Field Army.
Captain Silk's personal commitment and contribution to DIT cannot be overstated. He has been responsible for all aspects of internal recruitment, selection, training, operational deployment and control, and for administration of the team whose 'cutting edge' comprises young military policemen and women who, because of their covert role, spend only six month on DIT duties. This frequent but necessary changeover of operatives greatly exacerbates the difficulties of maintaining the team's cohesion and esprit, which has only been achieved through Captain Silk's awareness and sensitive handling of potential problems arising, thereby minimising any adverse affect on morale. his leadership, enthusiasm and personal example have been vital ingredients in motivating young NCOs in circumstances which may at first appear to them to be glamorous but which in reality are frequently monotonous and uncomfortable, always stressful and sometimes potentially dangerous. Captain Silk has been the driving force of DIT operations over a two year period. He has worked intolerably long and unsocial hours, often away from his family at short notice for protracted periods, but never once shirking the need to do so. He has developed essential points of contact with police, HM Customs and other drug enforcement agencies throughout the UK and by working jointly with those agencies has assisted in removing sources of supply from areas frequented by soldiers.
As ex officio advisor on drugs related matters to the RAEC Centre, Beaconsfield, he personally devised imaginative and realistic exercise scenarios for inclusion in the man management modules of both EPC and EPC (Advanced) courses, which have effectively and significantly raised the lever of awareness among supervisory ranks of the threat to their soldiers from drug abuse.
In conclusion, Captain Silk's work over the past two years represents the single most significant contribution by an individual towards the Army's continuing successful measures to prevent and combat the misuse of drugs by soldiers.
Recommended by: Lt. Col, CO SIB RMP UKLF. Col. PM (UKLF). Brig. ACOS G1/G4 HQ UKLF. Maj. Gen. Chief of Staff HQ UKLF. Gen. C in C, UKLF. |
