The Sustainer Spring 2018

THE Journal of The Royal Logistic Corps ❘ SPRING 2018

RLC

5th April 1993 – 2018 #WeAreTheRLC #RLC25

THE ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS

OPEN DAY SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018 Silver Stars Parachute Display Team Cart Rides • Funfair • Live Music Craft Stalls • Sports • Cream Tea Party in the Park Evening Concert FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

FREE ENTRY/FREE PARKING

Dettingen Road, Dettingen Fields, Deepcut, Camberley GU16 6TB www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk

Sustainer THE

Corps Motto: We Sustain Regimental March: On Parade by Albert Elms Regimental Slow March: Lion, Sword and Crown by Craig Bywater

formed in 1993

Volume 26 No 1 R Spring 2018

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6 Global advance A snapshot of The RLC across the world

8 Defence digest An update on matters affecting soldiers and officers careers, fundraising for charity, cultural celebrations and training defect reports

13 Worthy Down update An update from RHQ The RLC on the future Combined Mess

14 A splash of MacDuff tartan A round-up of the Edinburgh Tattoo from 154 Regiment

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16 Celebrating 25 years JHSS marks the occasion with a special Royal Visit

24 Sun Military Awards WO2 Matt Bragg gives us the lowdown on the award for 3 Cdo Bde RM

30 Ex Lightning Cassino 27 Regiment's Battlefield Study Group

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32 Ex Finn Himalaya Overseas AT expedition to Nepal

34 RLC Foundation Awards Dinner 17 All the action from the evening at the HQ Officers’ Mess

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39 Unit Notes Updates on what's happening in regts and units across the Corps

74 Sports & Adventurous training News from across the Corps and the world, everything from trekking and rock climbing to football and rugby

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

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EDITORS’ NOTE Welcome to the spring issue of The Sustainer and to a really exciting year for The Royal Logistic Corps.

This year, the Corps celebrates 25 years and a very special Corps Open Day is planned in July. Added to this, the next issue of The Sustainer (Summer 18) will be a special ‘silver edition’ to mark the special birthday celebrations taking place around the Corps.

So, if your Regiment or unit will be marking the celebrations in your own special way, be sure to tell us about them and send us some pictures so that we can make sure you’re included in the next issue.

Back to this issue. What a fitting way to start off this special year with a Royal Visit. This latest visit saw JHSS take its turn in hosting our Col in Chief, Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Anne and we’ve got some really special pictures which record the day.

Once again, we’re reminded in this issue how truly talented our people are in The RLC. 17 Port and Maritime Regiment (17 P&M) won the Inclusive Teamwork category in the Women in Defence Awards 17.

Remarkably, in 17 it was the only Regt in the British Army to field a female at every rank from Pte to Lt Col, so the award was fully deserved.

Additionally, there was national recognition for The RLC’s work when HQ 3 Cdo Bde RM won the Judges’ Award for Special Recognition’ in the 17 Sun Military Awards for its involvement with Op RUMAN. As you have come to expect from this time of year, the exercises featured in this issue are largely winter sports centric, enough to keep our snow sports enthusiasts going until next season rolls around!

But this issue also features some unique functions associated with the RLC’s work, namely bomb disposal and the British Forces Post Office, which make really interesting reads.

Enjoy it!

Anne-Marie Causer RLCSustainer@gmail.com

Charter: The Sustainer records the activities and achievements of the Corps family, its units and personalities, as well as the organisations of the Forming Corps and their Associations. It keeps soldiers of today in touch with each other and soldiers of yesteryear in touch with the Corps of today. The Journal is not only a means of cohesion and communication within the Corps but also a source of research material for posterity.

Publishing: The Regimental Association of The Royal Logistic Corps, Dettingen House, The Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut, CAMBERLEY, Surrey GU16 6RW.

Editorial Staff Editor: Miss Anne-Marie Causer BA (Hons) Copy Editor: Miss S C Waller BA (Hons) Graphic Design: David Blake House Rules: Copy should be typewritten, with minimal use of abbreviations.

It is requested that units send separate text and photographs/graphics files via email. CO's and OC’s should approve their unit entries before submission.

The SUSTAINER should be prepared in blocks of 450 words with separate supporting photographs; longer contributions will inevitably be cut!

Photographs: Photographs must be sent in digitally, exceptions can be made occasionally for clear hard copy photographs. Digital photographs must be high resolution and have been taken with a minimum of 3 million pixels. Do not embed images into text documents. Photo captions should be typed and added at the end of the word document. Colour slides are not acceptable; neither are cuttings from newspapers or magazines.

Closing Dates for THE SUSTAINER: 10 April 2018, 20 July 2018, 1 October 2018, 14 January 2019 E-mail: Articles and messages can be sent to the Editor or Copy Editor at RLCSustainer@gmail.com or RLCRHQ-CopyEditor@mod.uk Births, marriages and deaths should be notified separately from main contributions.

Change of Address: Serving members of the Corps who are due to move into or out of non-RLC appointments (eg E2) and other subscribers are requested to notify the Editor of their change of address. No information, no magazine!

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Typesetting, Printing, Binding and Distribution: Holbrooks Printers Ltd, Norway Road, Hilsea, PORTSMOUTH, Hampshire PO3 5HX. Advertising: There is normally no space for commercial advertising, please contact the Editor.

Address: The Editor, RHQ The RLC, Dettingen House, The Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut, CAMBERLEY, GU16 6RW Tel: Deepcut Mil (94214) 5770 or Aldershot (01252) 833303/833377 Fax: Deepcut Mil (94214) 5375 or Aldershot (01252) 833770 E-mail: RLCSustainer@gmail.com Security: This Journal contains official information. It should be treated with discretion by the recipient. © Crown Copyright: All material in this Journal is Crown Copyright and may not be reproduced without the permission of the Regimental Association of The Royal Logistic Corps. © Cartoons are copyright.

Disclaimer: No responsibility for the quality of the goods or services advertised in this Journal can be accepted by the publishers or their agents. Advertisements are included in good faith.

The contents of this Journal and views of individual authors or units does not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise, of the Corps or Ministry of Defence.

Front Cover: Happy 25th birthday to The RLC

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

Honours and Awards Congratulations are offered to the following members of The Royal Logistic Corps on their honours and awards: New Year Honours List 18 Military Division As Companions (CB) Winners of all categories at the Women in Defence Awards 17

Women in Defence Awards 17 17 Port and Maritime Regiment (17 P&M) is delighted to have won the Inclusive Teamwork category in the Women in Defence Awards 17.

Having been announced as finalists at the shortlist event in Main Building, Ministry of Defence, the Regt had the privilege of being represented at the Women in Defence Awards Dinner held at Plaisterers’ Hall in London.

17 P&M Regt fought off competition from the Cost Engineering Team, Project Controls, DE&S and the Defence Intelligence Gender Equality Group, Joint Forces Command, to win the award.

17 P&M Regt is unique in that it is Defence’s only deployable port, maritime and logistic capability, held at Readiness. The Regt includes Port Operators, Mariners, Marine Engineers and Vehicle Support Specialists, all male dominated trades.

Remarkably, in 17 it was the only Regt in the British Army to field a female at every rank from Pte to Lt Col. This achievement was noteworthy as only 6% of the Regt are female.

Furthermore, in 17 a female soldier became a Marine Engineer, making history for The RLC. Consequently, for the first time, the Regt had a female in every RLC trade group. The maritime industry remains a male dominated sector, yet this Regt is challenging this paradigm. The unit actively encourages males and females to work together to maximise their talent.

Driving forward best practise, the Regt takes pride in embracing emerging policies aimed at helping to improve retention. It supports flexible working, helps new mothers returning to work and facilitates parental leave. Employing initiatives such as the ‘female champion’, it has ensured that all members of the Regt have a known point of contact for females to share ideas.

Professional development for the Regt has included leadership training at every level, often delivered by external organisations from across the private and public sector. All ranks have been encouraged to consider the benefits of inclusivity, ensuring everyone feels a valued part of the team, regardless of gender, ethnic background or religion.

Women from the Regt work alongside their male counterparts whilst embarked on Defence contracted and Royal Fleet Auxiliary shipping conducting a wide range of operational commitments.

Recent tasks have included the outload of all vehicles for the 5 RIFLES Battlegroup to support NATO in Estonia, anti-piracy operations in the Mediterranean, disaster relief operations in the Caribbean and executing the load and discharge of Defence shipping in more than 16 locations around the world.

This diversity, accentuated by the ethnic groups and religious denominations represented in the Regt, is actively embraced.

The Regt is highly regarded by the Army and the Royal Navy for its unique role and for the diversity it promotes.

Maj Gen Angus Stuart James FAY

As Officers (OBE) Lt Col Richard George HALLETT, The Royal Logistic Corps Lt Col Victoria Caroline REID, MBE, The Royal Logistic Corps

Queen’s Volunteer Reserves Medal (QVRM) Sgt Alan RAINEY, The Royal Logistic Corps

Meritorious Service Medal WO1 Geryn James JONES, The Royal Logistic Corps WO1 Kevin Lee ORPE, The Royal Logistic Corps WO1 (now Capt) Malcolm Scott ROBERTS, The Royal Logistic Corps WO1 Jamie Paul SUMNER, The Royal Logistic Corps WO2 Mark FINCH, The Royal Logistic Corps WO2 Steven Henry WAITT, The Royal Logistic Corps

Commander Field Army Commendations Maj S C HORN, The Royal Logistic Corps Maj C FULFORD, The Royal Logistic Corps Capt T P CRAWSHAW, The Royal Logistic Corps SSgt K L BOND, The Royal Logistic Corps SSgt L KEELY, The Royal Logistic Corps

Commander Home Command Commendations Maj (Now Lt Col) D A BROWN, The Royal Logistic Corps

CGS Commendation - Combined (Graded with QB18) Maj E L POPE, The Royal Logistic Corps Pte K TWYDALE, The Royal Logistic Corps Acting Maj J M MUNCE, The Royal Logistic Corps WO2 I RADFORD, The Royal Logistic Corps SSgt R M HURST, The Royal Logistic Corps SSgt B S SMITH, The Royal Logistic Corps Cpl W FREDERICK, The Royal Logistic Corps Pte Z MORGAN, The Royal Logistic Corps

Recipients of The Conductors Coin Award for this quarter Cpl WALTERS Pte LIMBU Cpl Victoria MITCHELMORE, 29 REGT Sgt Michael WRIGHT-POWELL LCpl Daniel RAINFORD

Lord Lieutenants’ Certificate of Merits Maj Wynne JONES MBE SSgt Lee HUTCHINSON Sgt Clayton GIBBONS Cpl Karen SPENCER-JENKINS

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A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE An RHQ Perspective

Having been in post now for twelve months I have to say I have been hugely impressed by the professionalism and contribution that all of you have, both individually and collectively, delivered

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Welcome to the first edition of the Sustainer for 18. I hope you all had a wonderful festive season and that those of you who were able managed to get some time to re-charge your batteries in preparation for the year ahead.

Activities since the last edition have continued unabated with many deployed overseas on operations and training, such as the 6 Regiment team in Kenya (see their article later in this edition). Our excellent Postal and Courier personnel, many of whom work in Northolt, have ensured that the vital link between service personnel and their families and friends continued by delivering over 150 tonnes of mail in the festive period alone.

The hugely successful Ex Ski RLC has also been held closing off yet another trophy winning season for the Corps; many congratulations to all who took part and specifically to 1 Regt, which in addition to regaining the crown of Army champions by winning the Princess Marina cup, delivered a very impressive exercise which saw all of our Regular and Reserve units taking part.

On the sporting front we have seen yet more success with the men’s rugby union team becoming the Inter-Corps champions beating the Gunners in a brutal encounter in their final match of the season and at unit level 27 Regiment becoming the male and female basketball Army Champions; a fantastic achievement.

Looking forward you won’t need me to remind you that the 5 Apr 18 marks the 25th Anniversary since our formation. There is a lot planned to celebrate this milestone and you will see that the Corps SM has dedicated his article to this.

Please read and digest it; you’ll have no excuse for not fully understanding what is planned if you do. Each of our units are marking the event in their own way so the programme reaches out to most of the serving personnel.

If you are at E2 you can also conduct activity to mark the occasion and at any time during the year; you will of course also be welcome to attend something at any of the unit events. As a Corps we have a lot to look forward to.

The re-shaping of the Army under A2020(R) provides a wonderful opportunity for us to re-organise to be able to support the Armed Forces for the next 25 years.

Having been in post now for twelve months I have to say I have been hugely impressed by the professionalism and contribution that all of you have, both individually and collectively, delivered.

Whether you have been intimately involved in operations, both here at home or overseas, conducting training, including the vital task of providing support to training, playing sport at every level, or enjoying the pursuits that Adventure Training provides whilst also enjoying yourselves socially, I cannot help but feel an enormous amount of pride.

As the Army’s Professional Logisticians, our stock is high and that is solely down to the efforts that you all make. Let’s ensure that we continue to shine and I look forward to witnessing your contribution throughout the next year.

C J Francis Colonel RLC

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FROM THE RANKS 2018 will be a landmark year for The RLC. It is the year of RLC 25, the name we have given to the Corps 25th anniversary year.

In my first article of 18, I am going to give an update on some of the key Corps events that are relating to RLC 25. All standard Corps events will be run as normal on or around the same date, but these will be more elaborate and better supported than any other year because it’s the year of our silver anniversary.

As I write this, I am just about to deploy to South Cerney where 29 Regt will host the Corps 24th WO1 Convention. This year we are getting back to basics and we will discuss topics at the tactical level to see what we can do to influence change for the benefit of our soldiers.

We want to know how we can better empower our juniors; they are the future of The Royal Logistic Corps. On the 5 Apr 18, we will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the formation of The Royal Logistic Corps. This will also mark the beginning on a year’s worth of celebrations and commemorations that truly begin on 18 Apr 18.

The afternoon will see the Corps formed up and on parade at ATC Pirbright. Five hundred officers and soldiers, representing every regiment in the Corps and those serving wider at E2, will march on as HRH The Princess Royal reviews the parade and takes the salute.

This will be followed by a short reception and a Corps Photograph will be taken for us to display in our new Headquarters in Worthy Down. There will be an evening celebration too hosted by the Colonel RLC. For the first time in our history, the Corps Officers’ and Sergeants’ messes will dine together at Corps level in a combined Regimental Dinner hosted at the Central Officers’ Mess.

Thank you to all of you that have stepped up to the plate and are working hard to make this vision a reality.

The Master General of Logistics and Colonel RLC have given direction down to our regiments, independent sub units and all of our people serving outside of the Corps to get involved at every level and to contribute to the RLC 25 effort. There is a lot going on throughout the year and some really exciting prospects to look forward to including:

On the 5 Apr 18, we will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the formation of The Royal Logistic Corps. This will also mark the beginning on a year’s worth of celebrations and commemorations that truly begin on 18 Apr 18

World record parachute descent attempt 29 Regt is coordinating this event which aims to include RLC volunteers from around the Army. The event will take place on or around the 21 Jun 18 (weather dependant).

The aspiration is to beat the current world record of 403 parachute descents in a 24-hour period. Watch this space!

25 Doko This will be a take on the Gurkha selection process where soldiers from 10 QOGLR and volunteers from around the Corps will embark on an arduous undulating course carrying 25lbs in the ‘Doko’ which is a wicker basket that is carried, suspended from the head and shoulders with straps.

25 Peaks challenge 3 Regt is coordinating this one. They will deploy to the ‘Lakes’ and summit the 25 highest peaks over a seven-day period which translates to three or four per day. I already have my name down for this one.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 154 Regt is the lead and will showcase their talents to a worldwide audience that will be broadcast by the BBC. This is to mention just a few of the activities that will be carried out in our 25th year. There are lots of other things going on, including family days, an array of sporting events, Regimental dinners, freedom parades, Battle field studies with a 25th anniversary theme, celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Masters VC alongside RLC 25, an array of boxing events and, last but not least, a 25th anniversary Corps Open Day that promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Everyone is urged to get involved at every level. Let’s see what we can achieve here.

Finally, I would like to congratulate WO1 RSM Broom (9 Regt RLC). He has been selected as the next Corps Sergeant Major and will take up post 13 Jul 18.

Please give him the support you have given me during my tenure.

SWR Owen Corps Sergeant Major RLC www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

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THE SUSTAINER | DEFENCE DIGEST

GLOBAL ADVANCE A snapshot of The RLC across the world

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ESTONIA

Op CABRIT

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A Tp of 4 Regiment personnel are currently deployed in Estonia attached to the 1 ROYAL WELSH BG as part of the wider NATO Enhanced Force Presence in the region. The troops are providing G4 RLS to the BG, as well as being the Supply SMEs to various forces on the ground.

FALKLANDS

Rolling detachment

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Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS) has an enhanced commitment to the Falkland Islands. A team consisting of one Helicopter Handling Instructor (HHI) and four Defence Landing Point Commanders (DLPC) will deploy for a three-month rolling detachment in support of the British civilian aircraft fleet.

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KUWAIT KENYA

Ex ASKARI STORM 6 Regiment has a Sqn level deployment in Kenya on Ex ASKARI STORM has provided Log Sp to the 1RIFLES Battlegroup.

Personnel within the Regt are also deployed to BATUK, representing the Corps in a number of Log roles.

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Op SHADER

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1+0 from 10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment (QOGLR) is currently deployed in KUWAIT, assisting with movements, facilitating and supporting training throughout the region.

With the push to promote STTTs globally, this deployment is essential in ensuring the maintenance of momentum and force projection.

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DEFENCE DIGEST | THE SUSTAINER

FRANCE

Ex DRAGON BARBARIAN SKI 18

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At time of going to press, snow is a more welcome sight for those members of 159 Regiment lucky enough to be deployed on Ex DRAGON BARBARIAN SKI 18 in Flaine, France. A balance of instructors and novices will be away for a week learning new skills in the backdrop of Mont Blanc.

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DENMARK

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Port Task Group 17 Regiment’s deployment of a Port Task Group to Esbjerg is in support of a major reserve exercise and fully demonstrated the integration of the reserve forces as part of the Army 2020 programme.

CANADA

Ex PRAIRIE STORM 16 Suppliers from 27 Regiment are currently deployed in Canada as part of the Winter Repair Team ensuring all vehicles are ready for the next rotations of Ex PRAIRIE STORM in 18.

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CYPRUS

Ex LIONSTAR ONE

156 Regiment is focusing on its build-up training in preparation for Ex LIONSTAR ONE, an overseas training exercise that will see the Regt deploy to Cyprus in Mar and Apr 18.

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THE SUSTAINER | DEFENCE DIGEST

Army Personnel Centre | CSS | RLC Soldiers’ and Officers’ Wings

SO1 Soldiers’ Wing: Lt Col JN Williams SO1 Officers’ Wing: Lt Col M Collins

MS Mission: “Manage the careers of officers and soldiers in accordance with the needs of the Army in Defence in order to sustain the delivery of the required number of capable and well-motivated individuals.”

Soldiers’ Matters Promotion boards The WO2 – WO1 promotion board was conducted between 6 Nov - 8 Nov 17 to select soldiers for promotion in the promotion year 1 Apr 18 to 31 Mar 19.

The standard of report writing was generally good, however there are a number of headline points which need to be noted: • Promotion prospects. There were 159 soldiers who were eligible to go to the board. 157 were assessed as being above the quality line; 75 were selected for promotion. This represents a 47.1% chance of promotion across all trades.

• Recommendations. Recommendations must match the narrative.

• Head of Arm. Head of Arm inserts remain variable in quality. The insert should add value and must grade and shade against formation peers and offer realistic potential advice.

• Recommendations for LE Commission.

As above, the whole report needs to match the narrative and leave the board member in no doubt why the recommendation is being given – just being a WO1 does not mean LE Commissioning is the next logical step.

It might be that SSCP or the Reserves might be a better fit.

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• E2/SSCP. All RLC runners to E2 and SSCP compete in boards run by MS7 in an all arms environment. Competition is fierce but RLC personnel should not be put off by this as they are as good as, if not better than, most of their all arms peers. In order to compete however, there is work to be done to ensure that reports and PPPs support RLC personnel competing in this environment. As above, the report must support the recommendation and the SJAR should be consistent and joined up, i.e. the aspirations, narrative and PPP should be consistent and mutually supportive – a last minute decision to step outside the E1 arena without the written evidence is unlikely to result in E2/SSCP success.

Remember, RLC personnel have much to offer in these areas, so do not be put off applying but individuals must ensure that their CoC understand that their soldiers’ aspirations are cognisant and it might take a couple of reports to build the profile, knowledge skills and experience to compete.

• VEng(L). The Army and The RLC continue to experience under manning difficulties which in some trades is resulting in key skills shortages. One of the ways that this under manning can be mitigated is to offer VEng (L). The RLC selects personnel for VEng (L) by boarding and offering. The CoC and soldiers concerned are asked to remember what VEng (L) is and what it is trying to achieve. Too often, ROs are recommending personnel for LE Commissioning, VEng(L), SSCP and anything else they can think of. It is unlikely that such recommendations are reflective of the aspirations of the soldier or the realities of the qualities of the individual or where they can offer most value to The RLC. VEng(L) is an offer of up to six years’ additional service to mitigate against trade skills shortages. Whilst personnel remain eligible for promotion, the CoC are asked to consider the reason for VEng (L) – it is not there to offer personnel the additional service to promote, but rather to fix manning shortages with really high-quality soldiers that know their trade, but who might not be eligible in all other respects for further promotion.

Remember, the bottom line for all ranks is to take ownership and influence of individual careers to ensure reports not

only do justice on performance, but also assist in attaining personal aspirations.

Conductor Selection policy In line with the WO2 – WO1 Promotion Board, the Head of Trade (HoT)/Conductor Selection board was held. There were ten different trade groups to be considered: Ammunition Technician, Chef, Driver, Logistic Supply Specialist, Postal Courier Operator, Marine Engineer, Mariner, Petroleum Operator, Pioneer and Vehicle Support Specialist. After conducting this process for the promotion year 18/19, it was agreed by the Corps, APC and the Head Conductor that the current process should be refined. The main reason for this was to improve the current process and empower the Corps to identify talent, manage it appropriately and to realign some of the HoT groupings. There will be more to follow on this, but for those personnel interested in these prestigious appointments, they should ensure that they are up to speed with the amended policy in RLC Corps Instruction. A key point to take away from this is that if you have an aspiration to become a HoT/ Conductor then you should ensure that you have the requisite recommendations by your 2RO in your SJAR and that your aspirations reflect this.

Officers’ Matters Beige List (BeL18) The results of BeL 18 were published in Dec 17. As a reminder, the 17 Promotion Board is referred to as BeL 18 because those individuals who were successful will substantiate in the rank of Maj on 31 Jul 18. 45 RLC DE Capt’s were successful (1st Look 19 of 48; 2nd Look 17 of 29; 3rd Look 8 of 9; 4th Look 1 of 2). All 45 officers will receive an FCR and are required to submit PPPs for Initial Grade 2 appointments; they will also be offered the opportunity to attend the Battlespace Technology Course. All DE Officers will attend ICSC(L) at Shrivenham for nine months, starting in either Sep 18 or Jan 19.

17 of 39 Army Reserves Capts were above the quality line for promotion at BeL 18. These individuals are required to complete ICSC(R) and be selected for an OF3 appointment in order to substantiate.

Pink List (PL18) The PL18 Pre-Select Board convened in Nov 17 and filtered the 124 eligible officers

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DEFENCE DIGEST | THE SUSTAINER to select 51 to run to the Pink List Main-Board in Jan 18. Eligibility for promotion to Lt Col is detailed in the Career Management Handbook.

The Pink List quota for Jan 18 is 18 Lt Col promotions and results are released on 1 Feb 18.

There will be 18 Army Reserve Majs identified as being promotable to the rank of Lt Col. These individuals will be required to identify and be selected for an assignment in the rank of Lt Col in order to substantiate.

Key RLC MS Dates for 18 14-17 May 18

Unit Visits

24 May 18

Initial Grade 2 Results Published

9-12 Jul 18

Unit Visits

1 Aug 18

Professional Technical Course Board

2 Aug 18

Senior Capt Regimental Duty Board

3-5 Sep 18

Army Commissions Board and Arms Selection Board

9-7 Sep 18

Initial and Subsequent Command Board

18 unit visits – MS Presentations PL17 Feedback Not only did The RLC promote 18 DE Maj’s on the PL17 Main Board, to date there has also been seven promoted on the Reserve List. The promotions are based on individuals having the required KSE for roles which have been made available, in part, from Blue List results; seven RLC Lt Cols were selected for promotion to Col from the Blue List and a further seven have been promoted on the Blue List - Reserve List.

Late Entry Officers 34 individuals were selected for a Late Entry Commission in Oct 17.

15 LE Officers were selected for promotion to Maj from BeL 18.

12 LE Officers were selected to run to the Pink List Main Board in Jan 18.

The RLC Offrs Wing (Reg) will be conducting two periods of Unit Visits during the summer of 18 and the APC lead for this activity is Maj Simon Barker (Capts’ Career Manager - 94561 3462).

A point of contact, usually the Adjutant of the selected Regiment, will be identified to coordinate the hosting requirements on the day and separate Admin Instructions will be distributed and uploaded to The RLC MS Web page, to confirm this detail.

Each location will receive a central presentation which aims to communicate the main bulk of the information and then cohorts will split by rank into workshops to discuss key themes relevant to the cohorts. A separate proforma will be released to formally request individual interviews and this

Date

Location

14 May 18

Deepcut

15 May 18

Andover

16 May 18

Abingdon

17 May 18

Hulavington

9 Jul 18

DST Leconfield

10 Jul 18

Cottesmore

11 Jul 18

Colchester

12 Jul 18

London

Hosting arrangements and POC will be confirmed by the Admin Instruction document aims to identify the reason for interview to allow some preparatory work to be completed by APC staff prior to the appointment.

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THE SUSTAINER | DEFENCE DIGEST One trainee Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) is looking to break two World Records when he runs the Bath Half Marathon in aid of the Felix Fund Charity.

For many of us running a half marathon in shorts and a running top would not be easy, but Capt Mark Gibbs will don a full bomb suit and helmet when he attempts to break the fastest Mile and fastest Half Marathon records.

“The suit weighs 55lbs and the helmet is an extra 10lbs and to get the World Record you need to wear both.

“The biggest problem we have had is the lack of heat dissipation in the suit. It gets rather hot in there,” said Capt Gibbs.

Capt Gibbs will be supported by the men and women from his course at Shrivenham, who have been training with him since before Christmas 17.

Melanie Moughton, CEO of Felix Fund, said: “When Mark first told me what he intended to do I didn’t quite believe it. He and the team have been dedicated to this challenge for many months now.”

“It is not just about the training and the world records but about raising funds and awareness for Felix Fund. All this on top of the intensive training they are undergoing on the ATO course.”

You can lend your support to Capt Gibbs’s endeavour on his Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/58-ato The Felix Fund provides welfare support and financial assistance to help personnel from any military or police unit who have been involved with EOD and Search duties.

ATO runner attempts double World Record

Capt Gibbs in training with his fellow trainees

STOP PRESS: Unfortunately, the Bath Half Marathon was cancelled due to snow.

But this hasn't deterred Capt Gibbs who will be using a standard 400m athletics track to attempt the record. This means lapping the track 52 and three quarter times!

Poetry competition to mark the end of WW1 Stephen Fry, a long-term supporter of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, has lent his backing to an exciting new national poetry competition marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Called “A Poem to Remember”, it is intended to honour and convey the challenges faced by current serving men and women, and their families.

“Like many, I was captivated and enthralled by the poets of the First World War when introduced to them at school.

Later in life, we had collections of Wilfred Owen, Sassoon and other great poets of that war made available in our rehearsal rooms during the making of the television series Blackadder Goes Forth,” Stephen Fry said.

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The winning poem will be chosen by the public and read by HRH The Duke of Cambridge at a special event at the new Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC) this summer. It will also be mounted at the DNRC, with its author receiving a £2,000 cash prize.

Entries will be whittled down to a longlist of 25, before the best five are selected by a panel of shortlist judges chaired by historian and broadcaster Dan Snow and including Stephen Fry and Andy McNab. The winner will then be decided by public vote.

The competition is being officially supported by many leading poetry organisations and military charities including the Poetry Society, Poet in the City, the War Poets Association, the

Wilfred Owen Association, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Help for Heroes, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, Style for Soldiers and Walking with the Wounded.

The competition is open to everyone aged 17 and over. The overall winner will receive a £2,000 cash prize, with four runners-up receiving £500. Only one entry is permitted per person. Entries are acceptable from any location.

Poems must be no longer than 25 lines. Entries can be submitted in three ways: Via the secure online form on www.poemtoremember.co.uk, emailing a Word or PDF attachment to entries@poemtoremember.co.uk or by post to: A Poem To Remember, PO Box 74616, London, SW6 9LB Closing date is 23.59pm on 9 Apr 18.

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DEFENCE DIGEST | THE SUSTAINER LCpl Victoria Mitchelmore of 99 Squadron, 29 Regiment, has been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from Maj Gen Herbert, Deputy Advisor Ministry of Interior, for her exceptional commitment and support to the Afghanistan Injured Martyred (AIM) project that contributed to sending Afghanistan’s first team to the Invictus Games in 17.

The AIM project, coordinated by WO2 Matt Madine, consists of multi-national, military and civilian personnel, who are deployed in Kabul. This team of individuals have roles in training, advising and assisting the Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) to create a sustainable security model that enhances governance and protects the people of Afghanistan. Many of the Afghan National Security Forces are being severally injured or killed through their service.

The Aim of AIM was to run, walk or row 291 miles (the distance from Helmand to Kabul). Each participant donated $30 which payed for a T-shirt and training vest, the rest went towards the Afghan Invictus Team. The US Army Morale and Welfare Activities fund donated $1500 towards the cost of T-Shirts which bolstered the funds allowing the whole $30 donation to go straight to the Afghan Invictus Team.

LCpl Mitchelmore coordinated a diverse cast of international personnel to organise the social media, Just Giving page and correspondence to ensure that when the requirements of the challenge were completed, the participants received their reward. In addition to this,

Afghanistan Injured Martyred (AIM) Project

The Afghan Invictus Games Team with all the kit they received using funds raised from the AIM Project LCpl Mitchelmore set up stands outside the DFACs at HKIA and HQRS to encourage participants to sign up.

The AIM Project raised $16,500 in total, with $2,680 from the Just Giving page.

The initial donations provided the Afghan Invictus Team with tracksuits, trainers, suits, ties, shirts and suitcases to get to Toronto for the 17 Games. Furthermore, BMW paid for the all the flights for the Afghan Invictus Team members.

The rest of the money raised by AIM will now be used to buy equipment for the Afghan Invictus Team. This will ensure that they can train for future competitions in the hope of returning to the next Invictus Games held in Sydney Australia later this year. Since the project’s initial success, it is now being rolled out across many embassy missions in Kabul and across garrisons in the UK.

A reputation for helping those in need LCpl Elysia Martin, 29 Regiment, has made an outstanding contribution to public life including working tirelessly to help the homeless in Gloucestershire.

A regular voluntary support worker for homeless foundations in the Gloucester and Swindon areas, she has sacrificed huge amounts of her personal time to support disadvantaged persons.

This example of selfless commitment has earned her the Pride of Buxton award which garnered heavy media attention.

Of the 37,000 nominations for the award, all of whom have made exceptional contributions to society, she was recognised as an expeller of charitability and received the prize sponsored by Very.co.uk.

Eternally modest about her contribution LCpl Martin said: “People keep

congratulating me on winning and thanking me for everything I have done to help others but that is just who I am. I shouldn’t be rewarded for helping people.”

True to form, LCpl Martin refused the prize, a holiday abroad and instead at her insistence, the funds were redistributed to a silver service dinner for those in need.

In the margins of ceaseless unselfishness, LCpl Martin also finds time to support the Regimental welfare office, running weekly youth clubs.

On her most recent deployment she helped in an orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya, where she befriended a child with HIV, with a hole in his heart.

She later ran the Nairobi halfmarathon to fund his treatment and his medicine, which has remedied his lifethreatening heart condition.

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

By Lt Col Simon Midgley The Commonwealth War Grave site on the Mediterranean island of Crete is often cited as one of the most picturesque. It’s designed by architect Louis de Soissons, whose son was killed off the coast of Crete on 22 May 1941 on HMS Fiji.

The site is the final resting place of over 1,500 servicemen and several British civilians caught up in the evacuation of Greece. Over 750 of the graves are unidentified, 19 are from the First World War and a number from the Greco – Turkish War in 1897. It is located just outside the port of Souda in Western Crete and is the only Commonwealth War Grave site in Crete. Seventeen of the identified graves are from the founding Corps of The RLC and more of the Unknown Soldiers will be ours as well.

Whilst serving as CO UK Forces Crete, I was honoured to be asked to lay a wreath on behalf of the UK. I had expected to lay The RLC one which I had ordered from the British Legion.

After clearing the wording with the British Embassy in Athens, in front of an audience of approximately 500 plus a 150-strong contingent from the Royal Navy (HMS Diamond, Enterprise and Pembrooke), ex-pat’s, local civilians, the local mayors, Hellenic armed forces senior officers, US Navy senior officers, local media and a Channel 5 film crew, I proudly laid the UK’s wreath with the wording: On behalf of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. “You lie far away from home in a beautiful place, but you are not forgotten. We will remember."

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Remembrance in Crete CWG Souda

Cross of Remembrance

LCpl Wagner Pioneer Corps

Pte T Morris RASC

Lt A L Taylor RAOC

Pte A Hyde RASC

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER

An artist’s portrait/photograph of the future Combined Mess in Worthy Down

The future Combined Mess in Worthy Down Whilst the construction dates in Worthy Down remain a moving target, RHQ The RLC is keen to provide an update regarding the future Combined Mess in Worthy Down that will facilitate both the Officers’ and Sergeants’ Messes circa March 2020.

When completed, the Combined Mess will sit alongside the new RHQ The RLC, the new Museum and, at the time of writing, the new Corps Band technical accommodation.

Indeed, Worthy Down will very much be the focal point for the Corps heritage and ethos in the future.

Activities to date There have been a variety of meetings held at different levels over the past year The RLC is the largest Corps in the Army. It was formed on 5 Apr 1993 by the union of five units: Royal Corps of Transport, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Royal Pioneer Corps, Army Catering Corps and Postal and Courier Service, previously part of the Royal Engineers.

This year sees the 25th anniversary of The RLC and to mark this grand occasion BFPS has produced a commemorative cover to be published on 5 Apr 18.

The cover bears a colourful schematic image which provides an insight into the various roles that The RLC carries out. A Royal Mail 1st class stamp will be cancelled by the BFPS 3215 special handstamp, a bespoke design featuring the Corps cipher.

Each of these covers will have an A4 information insert featuring the history of The RLC. Presented in a protective cellophane slip this makes a highly

or so to ensure that the Corps is suitably represented at Worthy Down.

This includes ensuring that Corps requirements are noted at tri-service meetings during the planning stages and development of the future Combined Mess, where everyone can rest assured that the Corps is well represented with regards to issues such as décor, an interior scheme/style, that has already been agreed.

Work is also on-going both within the HQ Officers’ Mess and the HQ Sergeants’ Mess in Deepcut to understand what Corps property needs to be moved to Worthy Down and what remaining property will be made available to distribute throughout other Messes across the Corps.

Dinner nights Whilst the central intent is to hold Corps Dinner Nights in the new Combined Mess in Worthy Down, the Corps is also considering the possibility of having a ‘Country Retreat’ Officers’ Mess at a second location (TBC). This is in order to be able to switch location should the Combined Mess (Officers’ Segment) be unavailable or indeed, as an alternative location to further enhance the Corps.

Notwithstanding the above, the Central Sergeants’ Mess will continue to take its functions on the road from time to time, utilising many of the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Messes throughout the Corps.

RHQ The RLC will provide a further update towards the end of 18.

25th Anniversary of The RLC

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desirable memento of the Corps’ anniversary. A standard unsigned version will cost just £6 each whilst the signed limited edition will cost £12. Both of these most sought-after covers may be ordered from the

BFPS online shop (www.bfps.org.uk/shop).

Covers and stamp sheets may also be ordered by post by sending a cheque (payable to ‘BFPS CIC’) to BFPS The Old Post Office Links Place Elie LEVEN KY9 1AX.

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: A splash of MacDuff tartan

By Maj Torquil Corkerton Given its unique history 154 (Scottish) Regiment has been keen to develop a Pipes & Drums for some time. It’s antecedent; 153 (Highland) Regt RCT once had a world championship winning Pipes & Drums and there was a strong ambition to return the Regt to its former glory.

The catalyst for the raising of the Pipes & Drums was the appointment of WO1 Stuart Bowie as RSM. Having begun his army career as a piper in 3 SCOTS (Black Watch), the RSM decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and joined The RLC as a Port Operator.

Upon arriving in post, WO1 Bowie discovered that the Regt was affiliated with a local civilian pipe band and found an RHQ adorned with pipe banners and other paraphernalia from the days of 153 (Highland) Regt. With several members of the Regt being talented pipers, including the SQMS of 239 Sqn, who was the former Pipe Maj of the 1st Bn Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, a plan was hatched to resurrect the Regt’s Pipes & Drums and perform in the world renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 17.

In Nov 16, the Regt approached the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming (ASBMHD) in Edinburgh, who thought that the ambitions were laudable if optimistic, but were fully supportive of the idea, along with Corps HQ. Having identified a Pipe Maj, Pipe Sgt and Pipe President, numerous members of the Regt who were already skilled pipers or drummers were recruited who also assisted in bolstering numbers further through various contacts across the Pipes & Drums community. Following this, the Regt was able to bring Pipers and Drummers together from across the country for the first practice in Jan 17.

Practices were held in Dunfermline over scheduled training weekends, while great efforts were made behind the scenes to ensure that the Regt was appropriately prepared and attired. In the blink of an eye it found itself at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh for the Tattoo rehearsal week.

There was a great sense of pride as the Regt marched onto the parade square for the first rehearsal with more than 30 14

Pipe Maj Martin Huxter, WO1 Stuart Bowie, Pipe President Maj Torquil Corkerton, Pipe Sgt Kevin Harraughty, Drum Maj Grant Craig and 154 Regt’s pipes & drums flank the CO, Lt Col Alan Wilkinson and Hon Colonel, Col Gordon Stewart during a visit to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo pipers and drummers on parade with members of the Regt standing alongside bolstered by Officer Cadets, Army Cadets and ex-Regular soldiers, many of whom have since joined the Regt.

The Tattoo rehearsal week is an exceptionally demanding time with a cast of over 1,200 performers from around the world including France, Japan and India, practising tirelessly from 0900-2300hrs in order to be ready for the opening night of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. It was sold out for the 14th consecutive year and would involve over 25 performances.

Throughout Aug 17, the Regt performed to a number of high profile individuals including HRH Prince Charles, the Corps Col-in-Chief HRH Princess

Anne and Prince Albert II of Monaco.

With what is arguably the most prestigious job for Army Pipers and Drummers over for another year, the Regt is keen to exploit its success and set the foundations for the future. It has Pte Conner Easdale attending the Class 3 Piping course and LCpl Ross McNaughton attending the Pipe Majors’ course which is a fantastic achievement.

The Pipes & Drums of 154 Regt are extremely proud to have represented the Regt, the Corps and the Armed Forces in such a prestigious event and look forward to doing so again as part of the Combined Pipes & Drums of The RLC for its 25th Anniversary at the 18 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The Company united

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER

THE RLC RESERVES’ - DAY’S PAY SCHEME: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED Officers and soldiers may, under the Payroll Giving Scheme, pay subscriptions to their Regimental or Corps Associations and benevolent funds from their military salary, under the Day’s Pay Scheme. All deductions are based on a percentage of a day’s pay in accordance with Queen’s Regulations, which restricts voluntary Day’s Pay Scheme subscriptions to no more than two a half day’s gross pay a year for each soldier. RLC rates fall well below this cap being set for those on full military salaries (Regular/FTRS) at one and a half days (170% with tax relief) for officers and one day (120%) for soldiers. Since November 2015, Army Reserves contributions migrated away from centralised Regimental payments onto JPA in exactly the same mechanism as their Regular/FTRS counterparts.

The rates set for RLC Army Reserves are soldiers 10%, SNCOs 12% and officers 15%. This reflects the smaller Army salary payable through MTDs.

Q A

Q A

Q A

Q A

What is the Day’s Pay Scheme?

This scheme was introduced for the Regular Army in 1964, for voluntary subscriptions to Corps charities from all serving Regular Officers and soldiers. RLC soldiers pay 120% of 1 day’s pay, officers 170%.

What about the Reserves’?

Until 15 The RLC Reserves’ had a scheme called Reserves’ Association Contributions. These were collected in the unit and paid to The RLC Association Trust Fund. Contributions were: £5 for Cpls and below, £10 for WO and SNCOs, £15 for Officers and £20 for Red Tabs.

Q A

What has changed?

From 23 Nov 15 voluntary contributions to Regimental Associations via JPA are available to members of The RLC Reserves under a parallel scheme to the Regular Army Day’s Pay Scheme (DPS). Deductions are taken automatically from gross salary [ie not taxed). The Reserves' Association Contribution ceased in 16.

Q A

How much do I pay?

Deductions will be based on 15% of one day’s pay for officers, 12% for WOs and SNCOs and 10% for Cpls and below; tax relief will apply to these payments. These amounts are broadly equivalent to the current Reserves’ Association Contributions.

Q A

How do I join?

By completing a JPA E014 in your unit Admin Office. More information is contained in Army Briefing Note 178/15 “Army Reserves’ Contributions to the Day Pay Scheme”.

When do I pay?

Contributions will be collected through your pay in Apr, May or Jun, to coincide with the Reserve bounty payment window and where sufficient funds in your pay account allow.

What happens when I leave the Corps?

Subscriptions to the DPS cease automatically on discharge. But, you remain a Life Member of The RLC Association, which you can also join as a Full Member and continue to receive The Sustainer and other Corps publications for a small subscription.

Q A

What is The RLC Association Trust Fund?

A registered charity (No 1024036) managed by RLC Trustees, who are serving and retired RLC officers and soldiers, both Regular and Reserve. The annual accounts are published in The Sustainer. These funds provide all the financial support for The RLC and its Forming Corps personnel and to fund Corps activities.

Q A

How is the money used and how do I benefit?

The Benevolent Grant Scheme.

The RLC Association Trust distributes benevolence grants on behalf of the Corps. Support for Reserve personnel in service from Jan 14 or after is available to all those with three year’s service and to all who have deployed on operations or undertaken Full Time Reserve Service.

Sports. The Corps supports all our Corps sports teams with an annual grant.

Grants can also be made to top-level sportsmen and women, Regular and Reserve, if subscribing to the DPS.

Adventure Training and Battlefield Studies. The Corps provides grants for Adventure Training and Battlefield Studies to those subscribing to the DPS. The Corps funds an adventure training lodge in Cumbria, available to all RLC units at no charge throughout the year.

Corps Journals. The Sustainer is funded by the Corps, published four times a year and sent to all units and detached personnel; the RLC Foundation Review is also Corps funded.

The Bands and Corps of Drums.

The Corps helps fund Regular and Reserve RLC Bands, Corps of Drums and Pipes and Drums.

The RLC Museum. It maintains the heritage of the Corps, its history and links to The RLC today. The Museum is moving to a new site at Worthy Down by 2020 and the Corps will support the costs of the design and build of the new displays as part of the project.

Esprit de Corps. Grants cover a variety of Corps events, often at unit level and for community engagement. Corps property, much of it gifted by our predecessors, is maintained and new silver and paintings commissioned to commemorate significant events. Initial issues of the TRF and RLC rank slides to Pte's and 2Lt's at Phase 2 training are funded by the Corps.

Professional Development. The Corps has established a Foundation that will support and deliver Accreditation Certification and Educational Courses for all RLC soldiers and officers across all RLC Trades. Funding support to approved individual personal development programmes is also available if subscribing to the DPS.

Summary. The Corps needs all officers and soldiers to subscribe to the DPS to support Corps activities and the welfare of past and present members. If you are not a member of the DPS, please join now!

Full details can be obtained from your Unit Admin Officer or from RHQ The RLC: regttreasurer@rhqtherlc.org.uk or DII(F): RLC RHQ-RegtTreasurer-SO2 www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

By Rebecca Hunt 2017 marked the year of Joint Helicopter Support Squadron’s (JHSS) 35 Year Anniversary and on 31 Oct, the Sqn was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Anne who visited in her role as the Colonel-inChief of The RLC. Her Royal Highness was joined by the Corps Colonel of The RLC, Col Colin Francis and the previous Corps Adjt, Maj Mark Pasalk, who were welcomed by OC JHSS, Maj Tom Shaw and Station Commander, Group Capt Hamish Cormack.

Following a Sqn photo and short overview of the Station, the 90 minute visit

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JHSS celebrates 35 incorporated a walkthrough of three capability stands manned by officers, soldiers and airmen, as well as role demonstration. Ably supported by a Chinook and Puma, the demonstration displayed the basic soldiering skills needed in order to secure and prepare the Helicopter Landing Site for the rigging of a selection of underslung loads.

Her Royal Highness seemed suitably impressed and ensured the team was kept on its toes by asking copious questions. She was particularly

interested in the support the team gave to helicopter operations in the Caribbean during Op RUMAN. During the visit, Sqn personnel and their families were lucky enough to spend some time with Her Royal Highness, who was very interested in meeting everyone involved.

HRH left by Royal Flight S76 to her next engagement at Buckingham Palace with a smile on her face and a bouquet of flowers presented by MACr Gareth Attridge’s six-year-old twins, Harry and Sophie.

OC JHSS, Maj Tom Shaw said: “The visit

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER

years with a Royal Visit went extremely well. Her Royal Highness left with a firm understanding of the support that JHSS provides and the different levels of readiness that we operate at, not only in the UK but worldwide.”

JHSS was initially formed in July 1982 for one purpose; to support Mk 1 Chinook helicopters in the Falklands War to support Ground Troops. It continues to support the British Forces in the South Atlantic Islands, with Helicopter Handling Teams being front and centre in the Falkland Islands.

On 1 Jul 17, past and present members of the Sqn reunited in celebration of the anniversary.

SSgt Rob Punchard from The RLC flawlessly executed the event which included stands showing the capabilities of the Sqn along with a Mk 6 Chinook and a Formula 1 race car.

The anniversary also included talks from previous members of JHSS, in particular a member of the then Joint Helicopter Support Unit and his experiences whilst deployed to the Falklands War.

Over the 35 years the Sqn has been established, it has supported the UK Armed Forces across the globe and as such has been integral to operations and exercises alike. JHSS has continued to have a busy time since its move to RAF Benson.

The Sqn has supported exercises and operations across the UK, Norway, Germany, Afghanistan, Canada and the USA, not to mention support to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Pakistan and Op RUMAN.

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17

THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

By Mirren McLeod A new year brings us not only the perfect opportunity to look to the future, but also a fitting time to reflect on all that has been achieved. And 17 has brought the British Forces Post Office (BFPO) much to reflect on.

As the service dedicated to processing and despatching Armed Forces personal and official mail, as well as the nation’s secrets (known as ‘Protectively Marked Material’ (PMM)), 17 proved to be a very productive one. An increase in mail volume of 3% was seen across the Defence Postal Service when compared with the previous year, alongside a growth of 11.45% in Foreign & Commonwealth Office mail processed by BFPO. While the numbers tell their own story, we take a look at some of the other achievements that contributed to a successful year at BFPO HQ.

A successful 17 at British Forces Post Office

Embracing technology The start of 17 was a significant leap forward for postal services within Defence as the BFPO team launched two new cutting-edge technological capabilities. The new six colour scanner gives an enhanced ability to test mail for chemical, biological, or explosive substances, while the radiological scanner is able to identify any radioactive substances before they enter the BFPO compound. These upgrades are enabling BFPO to provide a higher level of security to all of its customers, including the MOD Main Building and military operations across the globe.

High-profile visits Throughout 17, BFPO hosted a number of high-profile visitors including Lt Gen Paul

Lt Gen Jaques take a tour around the BFPO sortation office Jaques, Chief of Materiel (Land), Lt Gen Richard Nugee, Chief of Defence People, Mr James Gray MP and other members of the DE&S Executive Committee.

Reviewing his year in the iLog Function newsletter, Mr Parton commented on his visit in the summer: “I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities to interact with you

directly over the course of the year –the most memorable of which was definitely my day spent with the hard-working staff of the British Forces Post Office at RAF Northolt.”

Lt Gen Jaques similarly praised staff during his visit to the sortation floor at the start of the Christmas mail rush, commenting: “Today I have been struck, once again, by just how important BFPO continues to be to our support of the Armed Forces. The service you all provide is so appreciated by everyone in uniform and those closest to them.”

Maintaining standards

BFPO staff members dispatching festive gifts from Operation Christmas Box 18

During 17, BFPO had two routine inspections from the Civil Aviation Authority and maintained its regulated agent status with the Department for Transport. The stringent security requirements needed to maintain this accreditation allow mail to be put directly on civilian planes without further security checks, which allows more efficient transportation of Armed Forces mail overseas.

2017 also saw the organisation strengthen its relationship with the Border Force, the regulator in charge of

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER

2017 in figures

9 Postal mail dispatched (personal and official) 2,038,573kg 9 Defence Courier mail processed 37,177 items 9 Mail dispatched by the Defence Postal Service over the ‘Christmas Mail Rush’: over 155 tonnes 9 Number of charity Christmas Boxes delivered to Personnel serving on Operations over Christmas: 7,872 9 Number of Twitter followers for the BFPO HQ account: 1,346 (and counting!)

9 Total number of Ballot Papers processed for the General Election (incoming): 3,090

A very welcome Christmas mail delivery to troops in Afghanistan customs controls for goods entering the UK. There were five visits in the run up to Christmas, with BFPO mail passing all random checks.

Customer satisfaction

9 The strangest prohibited item of mail in 2017 was a fully assembled adult bike –clearly over the size limit for parcels!

9 As of 2017, the top four longest serving staff members have given almost a century of service between them.

9 2017 marked 10 years since the purpose-built Centre at RAF Northolt was created.

Official launch of the radiological scanner by the Director of Logistics Delivery, with BFPO Head of Operations

Looking forward

Summing up the challenges of the year ahead, Hd BFPO, Col Andy Moffat OBE, says: “Where social media may have eroded the frequency of the written word, the advent and growth of online services continues to fuel the growing amount of parcels we are required to process. While Protectively Marked Material requires secure and sympathetic handling, the need to meet all of these demands in the most swift and secure manner remains.”

With the successes of 17 bolstering BFPO into 18, it is clear that the organisation’s commitment to Defence and the unique relationship between mail and morale will endure this year and beyond.

8 To stay up to date with BFPO’s news and services, you can visit www.gov.uk/ bfpo and follow it on Facebook and Twitter @HQBFPO.

BFPO contended with the anticipated Christmas mail rush, with planning commencing as early as Oct.

The cover can be purchased online for £5 from the Corps Shop - www.rlcmuseumshop.co.uk

This past year has also seen BFPO continue to make improvements in the service delivered to customers, which is ongoing focus for the 230+ staff at the organisation.

Particular successes include mail services for service personnel deployed to Diego Garcia, which were revised with a new and improved transit route, cutting expected transit times for mail from six weeks to just seven days. Later in the year, the operations team delivered beyond expectations when they were called upon to deliver supplies and PMM to HMS OCEAN in support of Op RUMAN within a matter of hours.

2017 quirky facts

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19

THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

29 FLT British Army Training Unit Sheffield Army Air Corps (BATUS): First Aid Aircraft Outfit Supplier (FAACO)

By Sgt Ron Cameron Working in 132 Aviation Support Squadron, 7 Battalion REME, Wattisham has offered me many opportunities to travel during my career. When I was told I was off on a six month tour as the FAACO SNCO at 29 Flight AAC, I was more curious than excited. As a newly promoted sergeant, I’d been on operational tours including Op TELIC and Op HERRICK. I knew BATUS was a great non-operational posting but never expected it to be just as busy as ops.

After a restless seven hour RAF transport flight, I arrived at Calgary, Canada. Thankfully I had anticipated the three feet of snow and a temperature of around -20˚C so I was adequately dressed for the climate. The cold weather kit we were issued provided much needed protection against the harsh weather experienced during the mid-winter months.

For example, we were made to wear warm ‘deputy dog’ style insulated hats instead of our berets once the temperature dropped to -10˚C or below, which was most of the time! Only a two and a half hour coach journey through the wide open landscape was now standing between me and my new temporary unit.

We eventually arrived and after sitting through several arrivals briefs (whilst fighting the effects of jet lag), we finally made it to the accommodation for some much-needed rest and to prepare to start work at 29 Flight the very next day.

The AAC hangar was easily recognisable with a Gazelle AH 1 gate guard at the entrance to the huge white building overlooking the frozen, snowcovered airfield. I, along with the other new arrivals, received briefs on the Flight’s hierarchy, roles and SOPs before moving to take up our new work stations.

I met my new Canadian colleague Mr Steve Brier, a Department of National Defence (DND) civil servant, who helped me settle into the office and start work.

Spares were needed to bring the five Gazelle aircrafts to the required flying standard ready for the first exercise of the season, Ex PRAIRIE STORM 1 (PS 1). 29 Flt is tasked to support BATUS through 20

Explosion on the hills

The fire ignites

provision of 24 Hr MEDEVAC cover for the exercising troops since ground moves across the rough terrain and dirt roads can take several hours particularly in adverse weather conditions.

The exercises conducted at BATUS provide Armoured manoeuvre and Combat Service Support Battlegroups with a realistic combined arms training environment in an challenging, austere environment. The exercises are the largest live fire manoeuvre exercises conducted by the British Army and also

include a testing phase of force-on-force operation against a live OPFOR. The high demand placed on the Flight resulted in constant maintenance to be carried out by the Flight’s small and efficient REME aircraft workshop and a steady and reliable supply of spares. The workshop depends on the FAACO for aircraft spares and so the job quickly became busy and challenging, particularly as the supply chain is not as straightforward as might be expected for such a well-established base.

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER We worked relentlessly to ensure our demands were satisfied and despatched promptly. The role involved frequently communication with UK supply units, as well as regular liaison with other Gazelle units, the Gazelle PT in Abbey Wood and specific product teams. Being an isolated demander offered an insight into the spares chain and how the logistics behind this important support function works, including the intricacies of manufacturing new parts for an aircraft approaching the end of its service life. STATE demands quickly filled my Op State board and it became clear just how busy the tour with 29 Flt AAC was going to be.

By the beginning of PS 1, the Flt was fully manned. It was at this point that I realised just how small the Flt was once I knew the pilots were all in dual roles: Unlike other units that I’ve worked at, most of the hierarchy including the OC, 2IC, Flight Sgt Maj (FSM) and OpsWO were also the aircrew delivering support for BATUS. With so few permanent staff, some temporary staff were tasked to take on additional responsibilities to help the Flt achieve its goals.

Despite the busy programme, there was an opportunity for a trip to exercise control EXCON which offered the chance to see Challenger 2 tanks conduct night live firing. I also managed to get a flight around the largest Manoeuvre Training Area (MTA) available to the British Army: The ‘prairie’ or BATUS ‘block’. The area hosts all kinds of wild life including gophers, rattlesnakes, several types of deer including enormous elk, coyotes and huge birds of prey. The pilot specifically told me to keep my eyes open for these raptors, which to me seemed almost as big as the tiny Gazelle, and would no doubt cause significant damage if we hit one.

The MTA is an expansive area of desolate terrain, ideal to practice firing live weaponry and perfect tank manoeuvre country. One of the Flt’s support tasks is to conduct ‘Red Top’ range safety, which involves providing a vital link to the ground safety staff ensuring that all the armoured vehicles are safely positioned and their arcs cleared for dynamic live firing.

During the flight, the pilot hovered the aircraft 100 ft above the Challenger 2 main battle tanks (MBTs) and using the excellent view from the Gazelle cockpit and the air-ground radios he helped to control the tanks and keep them in safe firing lanes. As well as the 24 Hr MEDEVAC cover, the aircraft are also tasked with reconnaissance, range

Block Map clearance and safety and the movement of VIPs and commanders around the expansive MTA. Occasionally compassionate level ‘A’ cases would require personnel to be rapidly moved to Calgary airport, which was usually best achieved by the agile Gazelle.

But the tour wasn’t all work. Before the PRAIRIE STORM exercises started and during the respite between them, the Chain of Command encouraged all TS to take up opportunities for sports, adventurous training and travelling.

Skiing and Canada’s national sport, ice hockey, (simply ‘hockey’ to Canadians) were the sports of choice during the winter period.

Budding skiers can start on the beginner hills at the nearby Hidden Valley Ski area before advancing to the resorts in the stunning Rocky Mountains such as Lake Louise and Sunshine Village in Banff. On the ice, the BATUS Hockey

League (BHL) was open to all skill levels once the basics of skating are mastered, and there are regular informal ‘shinneys’.

During the warmer months there was AT in the Rocky Mountains which offered horse riding, mountaineering, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and canoeing.

The end of the tour was marked by a PS vs TS softball game followed by a BBQ in the Flt garden.

My tour with 29 (BATUS) Flight AAC was without a doubt the best of my Army career so far. It demanded hard work supporting the Army’s biggest live firing exercises, but offered AT, sport and travel opportunities as a reward. It was fantastic to work within a small and unique part of the Army delivering vital support to such an important training establishment. I would encourage any supplier within the aviation units to apply for this attachment and seize the opportunities it brings.

Helicopter circles above

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) Squadron: Improving course delivery and assessment

By Maj Mat Tennant Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) is a difficult risk to life activity which requires a mixture of intelligence, leadership, empathy and stamina.

Not everybody will pass the course first time and not everybody can be taught it.

Our operators must be able to select an appropriate render safe procedure and execute it safely. The current rigorous standards are as exacting as they have always been and they will remain so; we are just being a little cleverer to remove assessment artificiality to allow potential operators to show us their technical prowess rather than how good they are at being assessed.

My aim and that of the CO for all courses across the Regiment is to work hard to get those individuals who can be taught the skill set through on their first attempt.

Apr 17 saw a new OC for IEDD Training Sqn and a new CO for DEMS Trg Regt. It was an excellent opportunity to cast a fresh look over a Sqn still conducting exactly the same day job (albeit at a significantly higher tempo) as it has since the Felix Training Area (FTA) opened in 1992.

The Sqn continues to present DEOC, AEOC, AMT (Defence EOD Operators Course, Advanced EOD Operators Course, Advanced Manual Techniques) and International courses. Up to the end of Oct in training year 17/18 first time pass rates are skewed by soldiers attending multiple courses and are outside the scope of this article, but we

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IEDD Training at The Felix Centre Kineton hold a huge amount of detail on all attending students to allow us to identify and address trends.

What should leap out of the table is the continued number of No1 Operators failing the AEOC course. There are a number of reasons students fail our courses and successive SAT’s (author included ten years ago) have promulgated detailed lists of errors to SAT’s and trainers within Front Line Commands (FLC).

IEDD is very much a cerebral sport with a small amount of fitness and manual dexterity required. Our philosophies,

principles and courses have developed organically over nearly 50 years, some lessons hard learned on operations. They are now mature, if not Defence Systems Approach to Training (DSAT) compliant.

We are largely confident that we are teaching the correct skills, teaching them at the correct level and maintaining the required standard by assessing at the appropriate level.

So what is the problem? There is no simple answer to this, but we felt that one factor underpinning many of the isolated mistakes is the understandable stress of performing under artificial conditions and under assessment. We are now working on methods to alleviate that stress.

Initially, we instigated of a pause between arrival on the stand and starting the task. Taskings are as normal but a short period (a few minutes) is allowed between arrival and actually starting the task where students have a quick chat with the DS and team and get a quick ground brief where appropriate and then start into the task when they are ready.

This has been well received and gone some way towards breaking the cycle of misery some students find themselves in pre-assessment.

Secondly, is the stress of planning during all the phases of a task. Having

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER an overarching plan to help drive the task and then planning in more detail the remote phase and each manual approach have the twin effect of ‘common sense checking’ operator plans and then giving a clear list of tasks to achieve on any given manual approach to avoid thinking whilst wearing the EOD suit.

This may not seem revolutionary to people who have come to this of their own volition but the process has been formalised across both courses and is then strictly imposed during training. To reassure some, a manual plan should still be closer to fifty words on the door not a 1500-word essay.

A number of other initiatives have been started by RHQ, SHQ and from team members and some examples are detailed here: • Internal agility - Filling spare places on courses with DEMS personnel to allow Sqn’s to surge manpower to assist during busy periods. This also ensures that DEMS personnel continue to professionally develop whilst here and return to FLC after two years refreshed and better qualified.

• Instructor development - There is now a Regt plan for the training, Defence Train The Trainer (DTTT) and development of instructors with regular training and mentoring from the Sqn SAT. • Staged de-brief - During the training phase, the task is stopped at the end of each of the phases of the task for a debrief rather than saving it all up for a 40-minute chat in the bay away from the task.

• Re-training day - In two separate situations during the exercise phase of the AEOC, students will be given a retraining day. This is consistent with the Army Recruitment and Training Division (ARTD) policy of re-train and re-test and happens in the following circumstances: T 2 Nil down - Where this is the case the student will be granted a training day to try to arrest the slide toward failure. After this training day he/she will take their next two assessments and where he/she passes they are subject to a review process to see whether he/she is suitable for a resit. If suitable they go straight into that task.

T 2:2 - Where this is the case the student will be subject to review and where offered a re-sit will then conduct a day’s structured training before sitting the fifth task.

• AEOC 3 in a bay - The AEOC had moved to 2 in a bay at some point in recent

No 2 Training on Remote Controlled Vehicle (RCV)

The Long Walk history, presumably to increase instructor/student contact time.

This had not resulted in significant gains in trained soldiers. It was felt that 3 in a bay was the right balance of time under the spotlight and time to reflect and consolidate at the back of the Incident Control Point (ICP). This also had the benefit of offering an extra 50% training spaces to FLC without significantly increasing the requirement for scarce resources.

• PRE-Training - The student end state on passing DEOC does not equal the start state required to ensure success on the AEOC. A period on consolidation, practice and training is required to jump the gap in capability.

The Regt SAT DEMS Trg Regt has the task of agreeing, assisting and implementing a training programme to address this.

The majority of the community will remember courses at the Felix Centre as seminal events in their career but not all will remember them with fondness.

Instructors and staff are working hard to engender a more collegiate surrounding where the student feels that their instructor is a part of the bay/team and is therefore approachable at any time.

To summarise, pass rates are rising slowly to the desired end state where most students should only have to attend each of our courses once.

Bomb Disposal Team in action

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23

THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

Group picture of all the nominees in No 10

By WO2 Matt Bragg I was honoured to be nominated to represent HQ 3 Cdo Bde RM at The Sun Military Awards on the 13 Dec 17 for our involvement in Op RUMAN. It was a big deal that they nominated an RLC Movement Controller to potentially accept this award for the Royal Marine HQ, which shows the gratitude and understanding of the movements’ function in force generating and deploying the Brigades’ elements.

Coordination by The Sun and links within the MOD were extremely smooth and seamless. I was contacted to ask my location so travel tickets could be purchased for me; accommodation was arranged in a top central London hotel and all I had to do was turn up with the right dress and all would be arranged.

Arriving at the hotel, I found I was sharing a room with the Executive Officer of Royal Fleet Auxiliary Mounts Bay. While we had never met personally, I had spoken to him on a number of occasions outside of the operation. I also met up with a couple of the other Op RUMAN representatives, including LCpl Andy Bingham who was from a Mexeflote troop in 17 Port & Maritime Regiment.

The day was split into two parts. The morning was the visit to Number 10 Downing Street and the evening was the presentation event in Banqueting House on Whitehall. The briefing I received was to turn up at a set time in No 2’s and I would be transported to No 10 for a group picture and refreshments.

The Secretary of State for Defence, The Right Honourable Gavin Williamson CBE was in attendance and we were also given the chance to have a quick chat (and a picture) with him. During my time 24

“Mover at The Millies” in Downing Street I also had the pleasure of chatting to some inspirational nominees such as Lt Jared Bambridge, who later was awarded the Hero At Home Individual award for his selfless acts during the London Bridge bombings.

After a group picture of some 140 nominees (which took some positioning) and a short speech from the Defence Secretary, we were given the chance to mingle, chat and have a look around the rooms. No 10 is home to a number of interesting display pieces, such as a painting at the top of the main stairwell which is by L.S Lowery entitled “Good Friday, Daisy Nook”, which I then researched to find out that it sold for £3.8 million at auction in 07.

WO2 Matthew Bragg outside No 10

There was also a display piece given by US President Richard Nixon to the then UK PM Harold Wilson a year after man first landed on the moon. This simple display piece was a silk Union Flag mounted alongside a small plastic sphere with moon fragments encased.

This flag and moon fragments had been brought back by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the Apollo 11, the first manned moon mission.

There is also the display of bronze, silver and gold medals and the 2012 Olympic torch. After being transported back to the hotel, we had a couple of hours down time before heading for the evening event.

Arrival at Banqueting House in Whitehall was the full red-carpet treatment. Paparazzi lining the route in, beautiful people shepherding you into position and offering endless champagne top ups.

As we chatted to the stars from television, sport and stage it became apparent that they were there for us, grateful of our service and it really was a proud moment. I spent a while speaking to Arlene Phillips and her daughter Alana. The former Strictly Come Dancing judge was telling me how she was working on a show with Lord Lloyd Webber as we sipped champagne. Her daughter is a make-up artist and is heavily involved in a dog rescue charity; we traded pictures of our beloved dogs.

Standing there looking around, the first thing I noticed was how slick and well organised the event was. Also, how humble the celebrities were and how

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER

WO2 Bragg meets his hero Mark Cavendish they respected the real reason for the event and were happy to chat and take endless pictures.

The person I was most looking forward to meeting was cyclist Mark Cavendish.

He has the title of the fastest man on two wheels. For those who do not follow cycling, he has an amazing record for winning cycle races all over the world. I have been into cycling for about ten years and have followed Mark, sometimes literally, through the Alps and on the grand tours.

I was not disappointed, he was really friendly and we chatted about Bradley Wiggins and his latest rowing venture.

We also got “papped” and the picture you can see of Mark, Peta (Mark’s wife) and I, featured in the Sun. I also had a chat to Ross Kemp. I actually know someone who is a friend of his so that was a good ice breaker. He told me that he was filming for a programme at the moment and that his girlfriend has just given birth to twin girls. No wonder he looked a little tired! A nice bloke and again happy to engage and chat to people.

The main awards event was amazing, it was hosted by Lorraine Kelly with awards being presented by a host of celebrities.

Seated in the main hall at Banqueting

WO2 Bragg meets his twin – Ross Kemp

Judges’ Award for Special Recognition Winners

WO2 Bragg and LCpl Bingham along with soliders from 24 Cdo RE and 40 Cdo RM with the Secretary of State for Defence, The Right Honourable Gavin Williamson CBE House, it added to the experience when Op RUMAN won the Judges’ Award for’ Special Recognition’ presented to the ten representatives led by Brig John Ridge.

The award was presented by the Prime Minister. We were then whisked away back stage for pictures and interviews.

Seeing the selfless and brave acts that were short listed in all categories really was worthy of such a prestigious event.

Also having the opportunity to meet and chat to these people was in itself an amazing opportunity.

The awards event was followed by a gourmet meal and some red wine. This also gave people the chance to chat and enjoy the evening before being transported back to the hotel with a loaded goody bag.

It was a great day thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. More information can be found on the recipients of the 17 Millie awards by going to www.forces.net

WO2 Bragg meets Arlene and Alana Phillips

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25

THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

By Lt Col Matthew Hing Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum in The Netherlands, is one of two NATO Joint Force HQ’s (the other being in Naples); each is able to deploy in command of a Major Joint Operation supported by HQ Land Command, HQ Maritime Command and HQ Air Command.

The Command is currently responsible for providing out-of-theatre enabling support to the NATO Resolute Support Mission, Afghanistan. It is also responsible for implementing a number of assurance and deterrence measures on NATO’s eastern border.

There are currently four RLC personnel serving there.

8 Lt Col M Hing – Staff Officer Political Affairs Unlike the other members of The RLC in Brunssum, I am employed at E2.

My role in the Office is to focus on the political dimensions of Afghanistan. The HQ is the out-of-theatre HQ for the NATO Resolute Support Mission and as such provides support in order to enable the mission. To this end, I have spent over six months in Kabul on a project to better coordinate the international community support to the Ministry of Interior and the Afghan National Police. Whilst this was not necessarily a political role, it had many political aspects and required frequent working with International Organisations and Embassies.

For me, it has been a very interesting experience and I have learnt a huge amount. It has also reminded me that we, the members of The RLC, have a lot of operational experience and, therefore, have much to offer.

8 Lt Col J Brown - Section Head Logistic Operations The Section Head Logistic Operations position in the J4 Division is currently an RLC E1 post and I have been employed here since Oct 15. The 1* division sits in the 2* Support Directorate of Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum and is further divided into Logistic Operations and Plans (LOP), Movements and Transport (M&T) and Multi-National Logistics (MNLB) branches. Key tasks are currently supporting the NATO Resolute Support Mission, Enhanced Forward Presence and advanced planning for deployments into NATO’s Eastern flank.

Despite the Log Ops title, my position is also the ‘Regional Focus’ lead for the J4 Division. With Supreme Allied Command 26

Service with NATO

Lt Col M Hing, Capt R Crawford, Sgt N Sarpong and Lt Col J Brown Europe’s (SACEUR) implementation areas split between JFC Brunssum in the North and JFC Naples in the South, this means responsibility for operational J4 input into North-Eastern European plans, exercises and deployments (such as the Enhanced Forward Presence deployments into Poland and the Baltic states). It is safe to say that this side of the job has increased exponentially since the events of Mar 14 and provides for much travel. I have worked in ten European nations since my arrival and hope to add another two at least, before I leave.

8 Capt R Crawford - Transportation Cell Chief & Staff Officer in the Office of the Director of Management After a career of nearly 30 years, most of which was spent at 17 Port & Maritime Regt and DLS, I finally took the plunge and volunteered for a number of overseas assignments.

The Transportation Cell is a small but extremely busy section, consisting of military personnel from America, UK, France, Belgium, as well as a number of Dutch civilians. It is responsible for managing a large fleet of both military and civilian vehicles for the HQ. They are also responsible for providing advice on transport issues as well as enforcing the transportation policy on behalf of the Commander, which itself is challenging.

The Cell is also a deployable asset which has seen members deploy in support to the HQ on major exercises. They are also responsible for delivering all NATO driver training to the HQ. After six months in charge of the Transportation Cell, I was given the opportunity to work on the Static Warfighting HQ concept on behalf of Director of Management (DOM), who is currently a 1* from the RAF.

Working on the projected allowed me the chance to work directly with all of the major divisions within the HQ and to gain an understanding of how the HQ works, as well as the opportunity to improve my staff work (which isn’t a bad thing).

8 Sgt N Sarpong - Inventory Technician Having previously served at PJHQ as SNCO Information Manager (IM) of the Joint Force Logistics Component (JFLogC), providing IM and IT service to the JFLogC 1* Command Group and Staff Officers, including the Higher Readiness Liaison Team, I had skill fade from my core role.

Regarding my present post as Inventory Technician, I work within the NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA) at the Asset Management and Supply Branch. The NCIA is an agency responsible for all NATO CIS Equipment, including the procurement, maintenance, support and the delivery to the 29 NATO member Nations. Working at the Agency are members of multinational forces, NATO international civilians and contractors.

My role is to coordinate the inventory schedules and inspections with custodians and perform inventory checks on an annual basis. I am also part of the inventory management team that responds to all enquires raised by external agencies connected to NATO, providing them with feedback on all logistical and technical issues.

It is a challenge and a joy working in such a complex multinational environment as the experience it brings is enormous and diverse.

8 For more information about Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum: https://www.jfcbs.nato.int/

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER Where is it?

Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre (LGFC) is set deep in the remote countryside of the Lake District; in beautiful Ennerdale, in England's quietest and least inhabited valley. It can be found at the feet of Pillar, Steeple and Red Pike, accessed only by a forestry track.

The nearest public road is two miles away. It has no Wi-Fi and limited phone signal, which means it is great for really getting away from it all and going off the grid.

Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre

What is it?

The idyllic centre is adapted from traditional Lakeland 17th century farm buildings and offers self-catering accommodation for up to 40 people. The accommodation includes two cosy lounges with log fires, a large 40 seat dining room, an equipped kitchen with a catering cooker and five dormitories. There is also a resident warden, to help show you around.

Who can use it?

The RLC has exclusive use of this location for adventure training for thirty weeks a year. The Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre is an ideal base for units when doing adventure training that includes walking, rock climbing, canoeing, orienteering, field studies and exploring the Lake District’s remotest mountains, valleys and fells.

The initial connection between the Field Centre and the Army began when an RAF helicopter on exercise developed a fault and had to make an emergency landing in the Gillerthwaite field. The crew and their maintenance team were very interested in the place they had involuntarily discovered, and it was mentioned to other military contacts.

Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre was established with an aim of encouraging a love and respect for wildlife and wild places. A wealth of activities can be pursued from the centre, where a qualified leader can provide activities for your group .

What activities can you do there?

• Mountain Biking • Fell Walking • Abseiling • Night Navigation Exercises • Climbing • Scrambling • Orienteering/Fell Running • Canoeing • Wild Camping

Booking: For information on how to book this facility please visit www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk/ www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

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THE SUSTAINER | EXERCISE

20th Anniversary of the RLC Ski Championships in Ruhpolding

By Lt Oli Roberts Feb 18 saw the start of the annual RLC Ski Championships, Ex SKI RLC. This saw over 400 competitors from 29 different units, including disabled skiers from the Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team, being represented in what was an enjoyable and challenging event.

It was great to see that 113 of the competitors were novices and over 130 were from Reserve regiments. The town of Ruhpolding has had the pleasure of hosting the competition for the last 19 years and this year it once again welcomed us with open arms to mark the 20th anniversary of the event being held in the town.

The opening ceremony saw the Mayor of Ruhpolding and the Commanding Officer of 1 Regiment RLC take to the stage to mark the anniversary which was accompanied by a firework display put on by the town. It ended with a bang as two cannons fired a total of six shots into the night sky, a tradition that has taken place to mark special occasions in the Ruhpolding calendar for over 600 years!

The snow conditions were fantastic this year which gave the opportunity for competitors and the administration team alike to get out and enjoy what Army winter sports has to offer.

As ever, the event was supported by our sponsors, without which we could not deliver the Championships.

Chris and Sian Pomfret from Motif8 thoroughly enjoyed watching the races and relished the opportunity to ski with the alpine competitors.

In particular, thanks must go to our new lead sponsor, Arturius International, a leading integrator of logistic services in the government and commercial markets. CEO, Stuart Ball and finance director, Cameron Macnish (both ex RLC Officers), ensured that their team brought much colour and flair to the Championships.

The pinnacle of this was securing the services of Graham Bell, five times Olympic Alpine Racer, to attend the exercise and comment in the style of Ski Sunday, as he charged his way down the Super G course, camera in hand, commenting as he went.

Fireworks put on to mark the 20th anniversary of Ski RLC being held in the town of Ruhpolding

He also commentated on the arduous Patrol Race, where he highlighted the physical and mental fitness required to complete the course and the vital marksmanship skills to be successful on the range (both clips can be found on YouTube).

Major Garth Taylor, the Chief of Nordic, added: “The snow conditions have been fantastic this year allowing for good training and competitive races. The competitors have been excellent with some real talent shining through in the novice division. It is excellent to see the new skiers pushing themselves and learning from our more experienced athletes.”

Ex SKI RLC has become somewhat of an institution in the Corps and has become a greatly anticipated annual event for the town of Ruhpolding.

This year’s competition was the last one to be run by 1 Regt RLC which has run the event for over two decades. 6 Regt RLC, the overall winners of this year's event, will have the privilege of hosting the 2019 RLC Ski Championships.

There is already an air of anticipation for next year’s competition!

Col Anna Kimber presenting the medals to the Individual Nordic Ladies Champions Corps Colonel inspecting ATSG at the start of the Patrol Race

Cameron Macnish of Arturius International, starts the Mens Mass

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EXERCISE | THE SUSTAINER

The 1 Regt RLC Female Nordic Ski Team

LCpl Jamie Russell from 6 Regt RLC in the Super G

Alpine Individual GS Men: 1st LCpl Jamie Russell 6 Regt 2nd LCpl Andy Durham 9 Regt 3rd SSgt Mike Roberts 154 Regt Women: 1st LCpl Leah Jennings 29 Regt 2nd Pte Callie McKenzie 27 Regt 3rd LCpl Danielle Parker 159 Regt Team GS 1st 6 Regt; 2nd 154 Regt; 3rd 9 Regt Individual Slalom Men: 1st SSgt Mike Roberts 154 Regt 2nd LCpl Jamie Russell 6 Regt 3rd Sgt Steven Jackson 6 Regt Womens: 1st Pte Bethany Chapman 27 Regt 2nd LCpl Danielle Parker 159 Regt 3rd Pte Danielle Wilde 27 Regt Team Slalom 1st 6 Regt; 2nd 154 Regt; 3rd 27 Regt Super G Men: 1st SSgt Mike Roberts 154 Regt 2nd Cpl Min Gurung 10 QOGLR 3rd LCpl Andy Durham 9 Regt Women: 1st LCpl Leah Jennings 29 Regt 2nd Pte Bethany Chapman 27 Regt 3rd Cpl Hayley Carney 159 Regt

Andy Barlow Army Para Skier testing his skills against the RLC Alpine Skiers

A team conducts their shoot during the Patrol Race

Team Super G 1st 154 Regt; 2nd 6 Regt; 3rd 9 Regt

Classical Ladies Team 1st 6 Regt; 2nd 1 Regt; 3rd 29 Regt

Nordic Day 1 - XCountry Sprint Men 1st Sgt Ben Woolley 17 P&M Regt 2nd LCpl Adam Williams 6 Regt 3rd Sgt Scott Cassidy 6 Regt Women 5 Km 1st LCpl Emma Drew 6 Regt 2nd Maj Elizabeth Sedgwick Army HQ 3rd LCpl Kayleigh Oliver 6 Regt

Classical Men Ind 1st Sgt Ben Woolley 17 P&M Regt 2nd LCpl Jordan Foley 17 P&M Regt 3rd LBdr Vinny Fountain 16 Regt RA 4th Sgt Scott Cassidy 6 Regt

Day 2 - Mass Start MEN 10 Km Cross country 1st Sgt Ben Woolley 17 P&M Regt 2nd LCpl Adam Williams 6 Regt 3rd LCpl Jordan Foley 17 P&M Regt Day 2- Mass Start Women 7.5 Km Cross country 1st Maj Elizabeth Sedgwick Army HQ 2nd LCpl Kayleigh Oliver 6 Regt 3rd Sgt Holly Mellors 1 Regt Day 3- Classical Ladies Ind 1st LCpl Emma Drew 6 Regt 2nd LCpl Kayleigh Oliver 6 Regt 3rd Sgt Holly Mellors 1 Regt

Classical Men Team 1st 17 P&M Regt; 2nd 6 Regt ; 3rd 9 Regt Day 4 - Relay Men 1st 17 P&M Regt; 2nd 6 Regt; 3rd 9 Regt Day 6 Presidents Race 1st Pte David Belsten 17 P&M Regt 2nd 2Lt Greg Jardine 165 Regt 3rd Pte Willy Tutchings 17 P&M Regt Team Combination 1st 6 Regt; 2nd 154 Regt; 3rd 27 Regt

Captain Sasha Kirkham 4 Regt RLC competing in a Nordic race

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29

THE SUSTAINER | EXERCISE

27 Regt Battlefield Study group

By Cpl Karl Byatt and Capt Laura Fisher Arguably one of the most perfect defensive positions in Europe, the impregnable heights of Monte Cassino blocked the Allied advance into Rome in 1944.

The steep, rocky terrain rendered armour ineffective, reduced the fight to ferocious hand-to-hand combat and created huge trains of brilliant but complicated Logistic chaos. Over 250,000 men were killed in a six-month battle across a 16-mile front line. The battle for Monte Cassino was the most bitter and most bloody encounter with the German Army on any front in World War Two. Our study began at the Rapido river where the 141 Infantry Regt (36 US Infantry Division) began the first battle from the 20 to 21 Jan 1944 to secure the river crossing. Seeing the rise and fall of the sheer river banks surrounded by a huge killing area provided the stark reality of what the soldiers were going to face during the Italian campaign.

The second day involved seven miles of steep hillwalking and spectacular views of both the vital ground and key terrain. Our study covered the breach of the Gustav line – a superb feat of bravery and skill from hundreds of infantrymen, the logistic organisation of Hove Dump a spectacularly clever divisional supply area designed by a young Captain and a visit to the German cemetery.

Day three and we were off to Castle Hill where we learnt about 2 New Zealand Division who by March 1944 were fighting for Cassino Town itself, while British Infantry Divisions were moving up 30

Ex LIGHTNING CASSINO

Frank de Planta briefs the group from Point 593; the vital ground treacherous and bare hillsides towards the looming yet picturesque monastery in the battle for vital ground.

The hillside changed hands tens of times between Gurkhas, New Zealanders, Poles, Indians, Brits and French soldiers all fighting the robust German defence.

The visit to the Polish cemetery set below the monastery was an especially poignant reminder of the costs of war.

On day four, we visited Point 593 and studied the vital ground which the Allies repeatedly tried to secure. 34 US Infantry Division fought for it in first battle, 4 Indian Division in the second battle and finally II Polish Corps in the fourth battle.

The height provides an uninterrupted 360-degree view and a dramatic perspective regarding the German defensive positions. It demonstrated the sheer determination, fortitude and individual skill required of each Allied soldier to make each attack a success. A remembrance service organised by Sgt Carlie Johnson and Cpl Karl Byatt ensured ample time to reflect and lay crosses in the British Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery.

The monastery, which played a key role in the morale component of Allied fighting power, had been bombed by the RAF prior to the third battle. Although this improved morale, logistic movement on the ground below remained significantly hampered. This raised an interesting debate about what part of the battle was the most important – the close teeth arms battle or, the battle for the rear echelon supply line freedom of movement, clearly this was subject we all felt passionate about!

Each evening Frank de Planta led us through an exciting and engaging quiz.

All the questions were based on the Principles of Logistics, Principles of the Offence, key Allied leaders, the dates of different battles and various locations – not to mention Frank’s award-winning history trivia knowledge.

All syndicates were totally gripped, all desperately vying to win the top prize. It was agreed that by the last night, the fifth battle for Monte Cassino (2017) was raging between Syndicates 1, 2 and 4 for first place, with syndicate 2 eventually finishing victorious.

As the Allies marched into Rome four days prior to the launch of D-Day, so each syndicate explored the length of Rome with metro tickets and maps on the last day of the study. The trip back to the UK was quiet, with everyone reflecting on their experiences and newfound appreciation for the military endeavours on the Italian Campaign and the individual bravery and professionalism that we should aspire to.

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EXERCISE | THE SUSTAINER

By Capt Sasha Kirkham The annual Corps Nordic and Biathlon Ski Camp was once again held in the mountains of Obertilliach, Austria from 1-11 Dec 17.

Known as one of Europe’s premier Biathlon centres and a race venue for the IBU International World Cup; it is full of race teams looking for consistent highquality training conditions throughout the months of Nov/Dec. With extensive artificial snow and floodlights, training is guaranteed from late Nov onwards.

This unique location became the home of 87 athletes from across the Corps both reserve and regular Army, with 60 competitors being complete novices experiencing Nordic skiing for the first time. The aim of the exercise was to broaden the base of RLC competitive skiing through the provision of a focused and professional race training camp for RLC athletes and teams, thus raising the standard of Nordic ski racing throughout the Corps. It also gave the Corps a chance to select future Nordic athletes to represent The RLC Corps team.

With the following RLC Units sending teams; 1 Regt, 7 Regt, 29 Regt, 151 Regt, 154 Regt, 165 Regt, 167 Regt, DM Kineton, ARRC Sp Bn, this was the biggest attendance to date which will ensure we have good representation at

EX KNEES STRETCH 17

Warm up for the 10km Skate race the Divisional and Army Championships.

It also means the standard at The RLC Ski Champs will be exceptional.

All athletes were tested physically and mentally, improving stamina, determination, courage and leadership.

Biathletes were given instruction on how to conduct themselves on the range and to be able to shoot with an elevated heart rate which will hopefully means less penalty loops at future races.

The athletes are tested at the end of the exercise with a 10km Biathlon or Skate ace for the non-Biathletes

and a 10km Classic race. The standard was impressive with all competitors finishing with some impressive times and most fortunate of all, no injuries. The icing on the cake was all athletes received a two-star Nordic Proficiency certificate which is the first rung on the ladder to being a future instructor.

Congratulations go to Pte Becky Gumble and SSgt Phil Devine, winners of the biathlon race. The overall winning team for 17 was 1 Regt lead by WO2 (SSM) Pete Archer.

Start of the 10km Classic Race

Lt Hannah Kirkham showing off her Biathlon Skills

Ex KNEES STRETCH 17 Nordic teams formed up ready to compete

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31

THE SUSTAINER | EXERCISE

By Cpl Catherine Beattie In Dec 15, Maj John Swanson and Cpl Trevor McWhirter from the Northern Ireland Garrison Support Unit (NIGSU) began the extensive planning process for their first overseas AT expedition to Nepal. The culmination of this planning was Ex FINN HIMALAYA, which took place from 15 Sept 17 - 7 Oct 17.

The team of 14 personnel came from a wide cross section of the British Army, with 13 full time and one reserve member on the team, representing NIGSU. The team was predominately Royal Logistic Corps cap badged (trades represented Drivers, Chefs, Postal & Courier and an Ammo Tech), but also represented were soldiers from the Royal Engineers (Geographic), Royal Signals (Technician), Adjutant General’s Corps (RAO) and Royal Irish Regt (Band and a member of the Guard Force).

Ages ranged from the youngest at 20 years old to the oldest at 54 years old! In preparation for the main expedition, the team completed two training weeks within the UK, trekking on Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland and completing part of the West Highland Way in Scotland, as well as summiting Ben Nevis. The majority of personnel also completed their Summer Mountain Foundation (SMF) phase during these training weeks.

The main objective on the Nepal trip was to complete 14 days of trekking in the Himalayas and to reach Everest Base Camp. Fourteen days is the minimum timeframe for a trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back, otherwise you would be exposing yourself to the risks of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

So it begins – onwards and upwards

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Ex FINN HIMALAYA The team (with Tigger) at Everest Base Camp

14 days on the mountain There was 14 serious days of effort on the mountain but the key day was at the objective; namely Everest Base Camp.

Based at Gorak Shep, we made the trek from here to Everest Base Camp. This section of the trek begins on the flat sandy plateau to the north of Gorak Shep and the remainder is a draining scramble over rocks and boulders.

The initial stages of the trek are cold and frosty, as the early morning sun hasn’t yet reached into the valley between the ranges of high peaks.

During the two-hour trek over glacial

moraine, we had good views of the peak of Everest (we still had not had a full view of the mountain as so far this had been hidden from view by other peaks).

Finally, in spite of a number of the group feeling far from 100%, we completed the main objective of the expedition and the group of fourteen all successfully reached Everest Base Camp (5356m the highest point of the trip so far). As the main climbing season is April and May, there were none of the familiar yellow tents of a base camp.

However, the site was clearly marked by a number of memorial stones and

The reason why we came

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EXERCISE | THE SUSTAINER endless prayer flags and there were many opportunities for the group to soak up the significance of the site, admire the Khumbu Icefield (the first challenge that any climber has to overcome while attempting to summit Everest) and take numerous photographs.

The view from Lukla Airstrip

Reflection Throughout the trip, the chance to work together as a team was presented to the group, and on occasions was tested to the extreme by the lack of oxygen and other effects of altitude. However, by working together as a team, the group was able to overcome these hardships and successfully reached Everest Base Camp together. For me personally, reaching Everest Base Camp and seeing sunrise over Mount Everest are the two most memorable moments of the trip and are memories that will last a long time.

Two final memorable phrases that I will now never forget: “Attitude over altitude – gets us to Everest Base camp” “Go the extra mile to ensure success – it is never a crowded place” In addition to the main expedition, this experience has also given me the opportunity to gain my Summer Mountain Foundation (SMF) qualification.

This qualification is the first step towards further training opportunities such as Mountain Leader Training (MLT) and Joint Service Mountain Expedition Leader (JSMEL) allowing us to actually lead groups on adventure training. I can honestly say I enjoyed every moment of the expedition, I am truly grateful to have been selected for the team and the memories of the trip will last a lifetime.

High Altitude International Football

High Rope Bridge descending from Namche

Prayer flags over the Himalayas

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33

THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

RLC Foundation Awards Dinner 17 On 8 Nov 17, the third annual RLC Foundation Awards Dinner was held at the HQ Officers’ Mess at Deepcut.

Maj Gen Angus Fay, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff, Logistics Operations and Personnel, hosted the event. There were 102 in attendance, including Lt Gen Mark Poffley, the Master General of Logistics and an eclectic mix of serving military and civilian partners. The principal aim of the Foundation is to encourage professional development and thought leadership by engaging with Industry and Academia.

The Awards Programme is designed to recognise significant achievements in line with these goals both within The RLC and wider industry. Without the generous sponsorship of individual awards by industry, the event would not be possible.

The Foundation is grateful for the superb support provided and to Pearson TQ for sponsoring the dinner programme.

There were seven awards in 17. The award nominees and winners were: 5 Award 1 – RLC Foundation Mentoring Support Award – Sponsor: The RLC Winner SSgt Robert Bicker-Caarten – 10 QOGLR; Runner Up - Mr John Strike 17 Port and Maritime Regt Citation - in part: SSgt Bicker-Caarten used his initiative to give junior soldiers in the Logistic Supply Specialist role in 10 QOGLR the opportunity to gain experience by organising placements with units operating live custodial accounts. In addition, he personally mentored 60 soldiers who are now fully trained in their specialisation. This has been a remarkable contribution.

5 Award 2 – The RLC Foundation Industry Professional Development Award – Sponsor: DHL – Winner: Ernst and Young; Runner Up Engineering and Logistic Staff Corps Citation - in part: A very strong relationship between The RLC Foundation and the Ernst & Young Woman’s Network has been established in 17. Two excellent events to examine “supply chain problems” and “what makes a Professional Logistician” were run during the year with more events planned for 18 examining Thought Leadership.

5 Award 3: The RLC Foundation Regional Partnership Award – Sponsor - Leidos - Winner: Ubi-tech; Runner Up - PA Consulting 34

Seated at dinner

Citation - in part: Ubi-tech (3R) has formed a very strong bond with The RLC providing ELCAS approved Post Graduate Certificate training for the Communications Specialist Community.

Twenty-six soldiers of all ranks have been instructed and mentored through the process including successful academic submissions to Wolverhampton University. Its support to The RLC and The RLC Foundation has been first class.

5 Award 4 - Best Professional Article in The RLC Foundation Review Magazine 17 – Sponsor - Ernst and Young Winner: Capt Alexander MacLaverty DST; Runner Up - Maj Andrew Cox DST Paper Title - Why did the Dieppe Raid prove such a disaster and what was learnt from it that led to the success seen on D-Day? 5 Award 5 – RLC Foundation Thought Leadership Award – Sponsor - PA Consulting - Winner General Dynamics; Runner Up - DHL Citation - in part: General Dynamics as a foundation corporate partner to the RLC Foundation have been very supportive of both the Foundation and The RLC. In 17, combined training between General Dynamics SMEs and Log Supply Specialists from 4 Regt took place. The highly successful event examined logistic problems across the purple gate, improved tracking of individual items and reducing delivery times. In 18, 4 Regt will host a followon event looking at end to end supply chain issues.

5 Award 6 – RLC Foundation Junior Initiative Award – Sponsor: Kuehne and Nagel: Winner Cpl Mathew Brown HQ 3 (UK) Div; Runner Up: SSgt Karly Bond 27 Regt Citation - in part: Cpl Brown is highly rated by his chain of command.

Technically adept and a strong communicator, he has a real knack of analysing data which resulted in potential savings of £1.3m for 3(UK) Div. Additionally, he provided support to external validation of Log Sup Specs across the Division. He is an outstanding soldier who punches above his weight.

5 Award 7 – RLC Foundation Apprentice of the Year Award 2017 – Sponsor Ubi-tech - Winner: LCpl Rommel Tem Meh – 27 Regt; Runner Up: Cpl Michael Ford – 29 Regt Citation - in part: LCpl Tem Meh is a highly competent JNCO who has completed his apprenticeship training to the highest standards. Despite a tour in the Falkland Islands, he continued to achieve the highest marks possible. He even took on additional work in his spare time to set himself above his peer group which provided an overall exemplary performance.

Many congratulations to both the winners and runners up for their outstanding achievements in 17. The Awards nomination process for 18 will be found in The Sustainer and on the Foundation website. Readers are encouraged to identify suitable candidates who can be nominated for their achievements.

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER

Brig Shirley presenting award

Capt MacClaverty Award

Ernst & Young Award

Cpl Brown Award

LCpl Tem Meh Award

Ubi-tech receiving Award

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

Civil servant to Army reservist

By Pte Dawn Harrison I have worked as a civil servant with the MOD for the past eight years and have been asked whether I have thought about joining the reserves on numerous occasions.

The truth is I had thought about it on and off since I started. Even before I joined the MOD as a civil servant, I applied to join the regular Army as an AGC Officer but bottled out after the initial interview stage. After more ‘encouragement’ and support from the whole unit – regular and reserve- I applied to join and made it to the assessment weekend at Lichfield Assessment Centre.

In preparation for the assessment weekend, I increased my fitness tenfold and went from barely being able to run for a bus to regularly running five miles two or three times a week. I attended a preparation day at Lincoln Army Reserve Centre to prepare me for the weekend and was told that I was very vocal in the team tasks, not sure if that is a good thing or bad thing!

I attended the assessment weekend at Lichfield and after a medical, run and team tasks I’m pleased to say that I passed with flying colours. The staff were Pte Harrison getting ready to go out on her tab

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Mrs Harrison behind the desk as the unit pay support officer very professional and helpful. The weekend was enjoyable, although I was completely out of my comfort zone.

I have completed a number of days for my Phase 0 which has included handling a weapon safely, fieldcraft and basic navigation. I found the whole thing fascinating and as it is completely different to the administration role I have with the unit, it was exciting to be learning something new.

After a lot of deliberation with dates, ensuring that everything fitted with my home life, I finally confirmed my Phase 1 (A) dates. I opted to take the modular option as this fitted better with the children and childcare. I was really nervous about the whole thing as I wanted to succeed so much and didn’t want to let down those that have supported me. I put a lot of pressure on myself.

I completed my first Phase 1 (A) weekend and really enjoyed it. It was great meeting new people and getting involved with different tasks. I didn’t even mind when it started bucketing it down with rain whilst we were out on the Drill Square practising drill – apparently ‘If it’s not raining, it’s not training’! A rainbow came out so that cheered me up as well!

I was the only woman in the squad and thought that I would find it quite daunting but it didn’t bother me. There were two women in my accommodation block who were on their third weekend so I got to chat to them about how things worked and they showed me the ropes.

The lads in my squad are quite a bit younger than me and a hell of a lot fitter so I knew I needed to improve my fitness but saying that my 1.5 mile run time was the best that I had managed to complete. Even though I was last by quite a way, I was really pleased that I finally managed to get it under 13

minutes, never mind the 13 and a half minutes I had been aiming for previously during training.

Phase 1 (A) is now completed and I passed. I would like to be able to add ‘with flying colours’ but that would be a stretch too far! I started to lag behind on the threemile loaded march and had to trot to catch up with the rest of the squad. With the support of the DS I made it in but it was hard work and I still can’t understand why.

When I’m out with members of my unit I’m fine and can keep up with them but that weekend I didn’t manage very well.

I also got a free trip to the Med Centre and an interview with the Platoon Commander. I’m not quite sure how I imagined it but I passed and get to move on to Bravo.

I had a lot of problems with the children at home for my final two weekends and I’m beginning to understand the sacrifices and choices that the forces, both regular and reserve, have to make. It was touch and go about whether I would actually make it to my third and fourth weekends. However, I really wanted to make it with the squad that I joined with. I’m hoping that this was a contributable factor to the problems that I had with the TAB and that once I do my Bravo I’ll be breezing through it!

I have had a lot of help and support from 2 OSG RRMT and the unit as a whole. I have had extra weapons lessons put on for me and been lent numerous bits of extra kit. I have been taken out running and tabbing by the majority of the permanent staff. I have been given support and welfare, hugs, texts and emails when my morale was low. I am only just beginning to understand what it means to be part of the Army ‘family’ but I am really enjoying being part of it. Thank you to my wonderful work family. I love you all, see you at my Passing Out Parade.

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VETERANS | THE SUSTAINER

RLC and RAOC Corps Sunday 18 Please find included in this Sustainer The RLC and RAOC Corps Sunday proforma where we are keen to entice an unprecedented number of serving, retired and veterans to The RLC and RAOC Corps Sunday Church Service and thereafter lunch in The RLC HQ Officers’ Mess on Sun 8 Jul 18.

Whilst this years’ service will be somewhat different as we will be unable to conduct a ‘March-Past’ on the parade square due to the continued redevelopment of Deepcut, the team will be working tirelessly to ensure that the modified service, that is due to be held entirely in St Barbara’s Church, remains a notable event. The service will include the laying-up of National and Branch Standards and will be conducted by the Station Chaplain and the Honorary Chaplain to the RAOC. Finally, whilst it has been muted on numerous occasions that this will be the last Corps Sunday Church Service in Deepcut, it would be fair to say on this occasion, that the service in 18 will undoubtedly be the last on such a scale.

Accordingly, we encourage you to join us at what will be a significant service alongside the many events marking the 25th Anniversary of The RLC and the 100th Anniversary of the RAOC .

Please note that all cheques should be made payable to: ‘The RLC Association Trust Fund’

The RLC and RAOC Corps Sunday, Deepcut 8 July 18 at 1100 hours Name..........................................................................................................................

Address ..................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................

Postcode.........................................................Tel No ................................................

Dress: Suits with Medals Dress: Suits with Medals. The Church Service will take place at St Barbara’s Church at 1100 hours. Please be seated by 1045hrs.

There will be NO march past of the War Memorials.

Lunch will be served in The RLC HQ Officers’ Mess.

The cost will be £12 for each member and their first guest.

Additional guests will be charged £18 per head.

A child’s place aged 12 and under will cost £6 each.

I would like:

Places at the Church Service.......................

Curry Lunches at £12..................... Curry Lunches at £18....................................

Roast Lunches at £12.................... Roast Lunches at £18....................................

Veggie Lunches at £12................... Veggie Lunches at £18...................................

Children’s Lunch at £6 .........................

Any special dietary requirements: ........................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................

Please note that members are allowed one guest at the lower cost.

All additional guests will pay the full cost as shown above Names of those in my party are:.............................................................................

RAOC FUNCTION DATES 18

....................................................................................................................................

18/19 May 18 RAOC Reunion, Coventry

....................................................................................................................................

My vehicle details are:......................Make:..............................................................

8 Jul 18 RLC and RAOC Corps Sunday Deepcut

Reg No: .............................................Colour:............................................................

I enclose a cheque for £..................................made payable to:

19 Oct 18 23rd Meeting of the RAOC Council, Deepcut 19 Oct 18 RAOC Officers’ Club AGM and Dinner, Deepcut

The RLC Association Trust Fund Please return to: RAOC Secretary, RHQ The RLC, Dettingen House, Deepcut, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 6RW CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 23 JUN 18

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THE SUSTAINER | MUSEUM

Museum Musings

By Maj (Retd) Simon Walmsley

This very early ordnance soldier’s tunic was found on Ebay for £500 and dates to just after the Crimean War, during a period of fundamental change in the provision of logistic support to the Army.

At the start of the Crimean War (1854-56), logistic support was not under the control of the Army and The Royal Waggon Train had been disbanded some 20 years earlier to save money.

It was instead provided mainly by the Commissariat which belonged to the Treasury and also by a small Field Train Department belonging to the Board of Ordnance, who principally concentrated on supporting the Artillery and Engineers.

However, at the start of the war, the Commissariat were woefully under resourced with just 75 mules and a few carts to support a force of 33,000 soldiers.

Fragmented control meant that many government departments were responsible for different aspects of the provision of military logistics, all of them under pressure to reduce costs and each blaming the other when things went wrong.

The advent of the telegraph meant that reporters were now able to send their stories back to the UK in near real time.

This led to a public outcry over the serious lack of supplies and the terrible conditions in which the men lived. The loss of a ship during a storm which was carrying all the winter clothing didn’t help matters.

As a result, responsibility for supplying the Army moved from civilian to military control, eventually leading to both the Board of Ordnance and the Commissariat being disbanded.

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To improve logistic supply in the Crimean War, a Land Transport Corps was raised in 1855, but lasting only one year it was superseded by the Military Train in 1856. This organisation was responsible for the forward transport and distribution of stores and for the local purchase of fodder and food etc.

The Board of Ordnance and its Field Train Department was replaced by a newly formed Military Stores Department (MSD) in 1857, with officers responsible for running Army supply depots both in the UK and on operations abroad.

These officers were supported by SNCO called Military Stores Clerks (MSC) and in 1865, also by soldiers in the separate Military Stores Staff Corps (MSSC).

This Tunic found on Ebay dates from between 1857 – 1865 and belonged to a clerk in the MSC and has “Military Stores” in raised lettering on each button, as described in detail in Army Dress Regulations for 1857.

This is a very early example of a tunic belonging to an ordnance clerk who would have worked in a stores depot 150 years ago, and who is now serving as part of the Army, rather than being a uniformed civilian working for the Board of Ordnance.

This this is an extremely rare and important tunic, which may be the only a few left in existence and we are very thankful that Tom Allen, our Assistant Curator, spotted it.

The tunic is in quite poor condition with many moth holes and large rips in the lining and the question for any museum when dealing with such a damaged object is do we “Conserve it”, so just give it a light clean and prevent any further damage occurring to it. Or do we “Restore it”, so make repairs to rectify the damage, replace sections of torn lining and make it look how it did when first worn 150 years ago, so as good as new!

The answer is that we will conserve it, having it professionally treated by a trained conservator specialising in antique clothing. The damage is not so extensive that it prevents anyone appreciating what it is and actually gives the tunic its age and an authenticity which would otherwise be lost if we changed it significantly.

By placing a piece of similar colour cloth behind the moth hole, the skilled conservator can lessen the visual impact of the damage and very gentle cleaning may remove some of the larger white stains.

The torn lining will not be on show and should not get any worse, so will be probably left as it is.

The tunic will probably be placed on displayed alongside a tunic from the Military Train, dating from a similar period in the mid 1800’s, bringing together both the transport and supply functions, which is the very foundation of the modern RLC. 18 is a historically busy year for The RLC. We formed as a Corps 25 years ago, two of our Victoria Cross winners (2Lt AC Herring and Pte RG Masters) won their respective medals 100 years ago and we also celebrate the centenary of the end of WW1.

RLC Museum Appeal – Can You Help The museum has a hit list of objects which we are on the lookout for and is asking you the readers to help.

Our telephone number is 01252 833371 and we would love a call from anyone able to provide us the following: 5 RLC Chef Whites, including chef hats and rank badges.

5 RLC Mess Kit, Officer and SNCO, both male and female.

5 Any issued maternity uniform.

5 RLC Service/No2 Dress Hats, for Soldiers, SNCO’s and Officers.

5 An RLC Desert Combat/MTP Jacket, which has been worn on operations and which has all the appropriate badges.

5 Any E-Bluey letters, which you don’t mind going on display.

If you also have an accompanying photograph of yourself wearing the actual item of clothing being provided, then this would be fantastic and allow us to display the photograph or image alongside the item.

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

1 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Bicester

CO: Lt Col N Crew • Adjt: Capt C Campbell • RSM: WO1 Z Sharif

Events and charity work Community Engagement has played a big part in the Regt’s activities over this last period. It has built a good rapport with local schools and the local cadet detachments, delivering presentations and training to develop young persons and raise awareness of what the Regt does.

The Regt also had the honour of providing a large contingent to parade in Bicester on Remembrance Sunday. A number of charity initiatives have also been very successful with the LAD raising over £2500 for the North of England Children’s Cancer Research and 12 CS Sqn helping to serve food and distribute clothes at a local soup kitchen. SSgt Stacy Irving also led a local event to provide Christmas lunch for the needy, receiving hundreds of donations to support vulnerable people in the local area.

Sgt Abdou Boye and some of his Op RUMAN team on one of the hottest days at Grantley Adams Int Airport

Sports In Sept 17, a contingent of 15 Logistic Supply Specialists from 1 Regiment deployed at short notice with the Commando Logistic Regt on Op RUMAN in the Caribbean Islands.

This was in support of the 1200 strong tri-service task force involved in the humanitarian relief efforts following the devastation of Hurricane IRMA. Held at Very High Readiness (VHR) for the duration of 17, 1 Regt was able to quickly force generate the personnel with the skills and training required to maintain Logistic Support Detachments and a Brigade Logistic RV at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados.

The team were responsible for the provision of lifesaving aid including water, reconstruction materials, hygiene kits and medical items, receipting over 3400 packages during their deployment.

Working closely with HMS Ocean, RFA Mounts Bay and 38 Expeditionary Air Wing, the team played a key role in ensuring the task force received all materiel in a timely and efficient manner.

Regimental duties Another key regimental effort was the planning and execution of the CSS stands at the Staff College Land Component Briefs (SCLCB) on Salisbury Plain Training Area. This was delivered to Staff Officers from the Intermediate Command and Staff Course and Advance Command and Staff Course, who use the briefs to widen their knowledge of the Field Army and all of its component parts.

This saw elements from the whole Regt deploy to demonstrate the capabilities of a Close Support Logistic Regt in support of an Armoured Infantry Brigade. As the lead unit, the Regt also provided the coordination of the event over a two-week period.

There have also been successes in the sporting arena. LCpl Vijay Rai from 12 CS Sqn reached the semi-finals of the Army Badminton Championships and LCpl Stuart Elvin, also 12 CS Sqn, won gold at the men’s 2000m Welsh Indoor Rowing Championships and broke the Heavyweight British Indoor Rowing 4000m record.

The Regt’s cross-country team has also been making noise with success at various events where the teams star runner, LCpl Jack Riley, achieved first place in the male category at the Army Championships and second in the senior male category and third overall at The RLC Championships.

Success has continued with the football team dominating in the Southern League Cup where the highlight has been a 13-0 win away against the Royal Tank Regt. We also mustn’t forget the outstanding efforts from Maj Bruce Ekman who competed in the 17 Invictus Games, taking Gold in the 1500m event.

Of course, it wouldn’t be 1 Regt without mentioning our elite skiers and their hard work throughout the winter period with both the Regimental and Corps teams competing in The RLC, Divisional and Army Championships.

Looking forward After a busy period, the Regt is now focused on the challenges and rewards of 18. The year is dominated by overseas deployments which will see the majority of the Regt deploy to BATUS in support of Ex WARRIORS CRAFT 1 and 2 and then again to Oman in support of Ex SAIF SAREEA. Coupled with these great training opportunities will be the transition to amalgamating with 1 Bn REME to become the 1st CSS Regt in support of the 1st Strike Brigade.

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

3 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Abingdon

CO: Lt Col S Cooke • Adjt: Capt C Graham • RSM: WO1 M Robertson

Christmas stand down period. While the chance to spend an extended period with loved ones was welcomed by all, there was also a number of the Sqn who held off that extra mince pie with Inter-Sqn boxing training commencing on our return.

Focus now switches to supporting the Troop Commanders’ Course which will see 31 Sqn take the lead on Ex TIMBER FIGHT and Ex TIMBER TRUSS. This is not only an excellent opportunity to deploy on a larger scale but also will provide a unique first sight of potential future commanders for the soldiers; a chance for one or two “Remember when Sir/Ma’am…” moments.

From Salisbury Plain to Sennybridge, Herring Tp and Murphy Tp will head back to basics for their Battle Craft Syllabus (BCS). The two troops plan to work both independently and co-operatively to produce an exercise that is equally fun, challenging and relevant.

Capt George Holdcroft (right) handing over duties to Capt Brendan Wood (left) on Op CATAN, Somalia

35 HQ Sqn & Training

Returning from a well-earned Christmas leave after a busy year that saw the majority of 21 GS Sqn deploy to BATUS as exercising troops & TDS, the Squadron jumped straight back into its core business of supply with the realignment from 1X to 20X. This has seen the logistic supply specialists dealing with a whole host of receipts and issues whilst the drivers have been planning new delivery routes to our dependencies around the UK. In addition to this, the Sqn has deployed four of its LSS to Germany in support of 32 Close Support Sqn to assist the QRH with their firing camp.

21 Sqn’s SHQ deployed to Fort Bragg, America, early in the New Year on Ex WARFIGHTER providing LOCONs to 101X & 20X.

31 General Support Sqn Following a successful return from Public Duties, 31 Sqn capped a very productive 17 with a four-week 31 Sqn in the field conducting low level leadership and combat drills

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Lt Thomas Lowry and Sgt Keith Campbell recently took over responsibility of the Regimental Training Wing. With their first responsibility coming in the form of the first PNCO Course of 18, this has seen them develop and mentor 25 newly selected junior leaders from across the Corps.

At its conclusion, they will be expected to display the skills and qualities expected of a JNCO. It is Lt Lowry and his team’s intent to make use of their facilities to focus on the new BCS development of the Regt while simultaneously using their trade specific skills.

Sports Over the last few months, the Regt has been involved in a successful series of sporting events. 10 Jan 18 saw Regts from across the Corps make their way to Dalton Barracks, Abingdon to compete in The RLC Cross-Country Championships.

Hosted by 3 Regt, the event was a fantastic success and what better way to usher in the new year than putting your right food forward in a muddy crosscountry affair. Despite the chill in the air and slippery terrain, there was a strong turnout with ranks ranging from Maj to Pte representing both Regular and Reserve.

Racing on their home turf, 3 Regt put in a strong performance with the female team finishing third and the male team finishing fourth. Individual performances of note were Maj Laura Clarke and 2Lt Tom Sheppard, both finishing fourth overall in their events.

The Regimental British Army Warrior Fitness Team, led by LCpl Osman Muskwe, came second in the first ‘A Celebration of Fitness Competition’ competing against nine other teams from across the Corps. With all members giving it their best, they were beaten by a combined team from 25 & 13 Regt’s.

Finally, the Nordic Ski Team has been kept busy training in Bavaria, prepping themselves to represent the Regt at Ski RLC in Ruhpolding, Germany.

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

4 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Abingdon

CO: Lt Col C I Hanson • Adjt: Capt M J Ruocco • RSM: WO1 K Adams

soldiers threw themselves into the training with gusto, determined to get the most out of their time behind a rifle. The troops hugely enjoyed their time away and they certainly learned a lot, putting the Regt in a much better place for its operational commitments.

Other deployments for Regt personnel were exercises including Ex IRON VIPER, Ex SENATOR, Ex IRON RESOLVE, Ex LIGHTNING ACE, Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL and one soldier deployed on Ex LONG LOOK in New Zealand.

Enjoyment SSgt Conway flying the flag in Nepal Deploying at short notice to the Virgin Islands to provide disaster relief following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma, 4 Regiment’s soldiers once again proved their selfless commitment.

A trip to a small island in the Caribbean may sound like bliss to some, but the Regt’s men and women toiled tirelessly in austere conditions providing a link in the G4 support to over 1000 British troops providing aid to 87,000 trapped British Nationals.

The Regt also has a number of soldiers deployed on Op CABRIT as part of the Enhanced Forward Presence in Estonia, providing close logistic support to The Royal Welsh, the on-point Battle Group.

Despite the near permanent sub-zero temperatures for much of their deployment, morale remains high as they work closely with their dependencies and other coalition forces, reassured that they are playing a vital role in NATO's defence plans.

In Nov 17, members of the Regt deployed to Norway as part of the six man Alpine skiing team on Ex KNEES BEND. Held in Hemsedal Ski centre, the exercise was aimed at refreshing and training skiers from across The RLC, as well as training complete novices such as those members of the Regt.

Lead by Lt Matthew Pearce, the team were all experiencing skiing for the first time. Aided by excellent training and development from a team from Kandahar Racing they were all taken from zero, to almost hero, by the close of the four week exercise and could confidently tackle Slalom and Giant Slalom courses.

33 Sqn deployed on a multi-activity Adventurous Training exped; a mixture of mountaineering on the Cornish coast and mountain biking. The culmination of the exped was a morning of coasteering, before braving the Friday afternoon traffic dash from Cornwall back home to Abingdon.

The coasteering provided a good amount of nerves and butterflies, however few things are as terrifying as mountain biking behind the unpredictable cycling catastrophe that is WO2 (SSM) Paul Anderson, some say he still haunts the mountains.

Exercises 4 Close Support Sqn has been heavily committed in renewing the bond of friendship with 503 Regiment Du Train, the paired French Regt. This culminated in Ex PISCES MAITRE, a two-week exercise conducting logistics at reach, interoperability training and expeditionary planning.

The exercise saw 24 members of the Sqn and wider Regt deploy to Nimes in France via Sennelager to train and test kit with the 503 Regiment Du Train.

The whole exercise covered 3300Km transiting through five European countries in five vehicle types.

The exercise proved a huge success and has cemented a lasting partnership.

Closer to home, the Regt deployed en masse onto Ex EAGLES DRAW, a live fire exercise. This involved deploying to Lydd Ranges and conducting the high tempo training package including the basics of application of fire, defence of a Platoon House against a sustained attack and everything in between.

Being soldiers first and foremost, the Regt’s

Something a bit different SSgt Raymond Conway (60 Sqn) deployed on an educational and cultural visit to Nepal. He was a member of a Tri-Service team who had raised £1536 to improve the educational materials in a village school.

The trekking was challenging but very rewarding and the trip was a once in a lifetime experience.

Teachers and pupils were delighted to receive two computers, enabling them to upgrade the library and science department. This was a great opportunity for SSgt Conway to gain to get a better understanding of the history and culture of the Nepalese.

Finally, 17 culminated in a 33 Sqn charity event.

This was a team effort to cycle from Abingdon to Estonia in 24 hours (notionally on exercise bikes, of course!) which was completed and then some, with the final total being 1800 miles cycled. The event was extremely successful and raised over £600 to be split between ABF The Soldiers Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support, the Sqn charity.

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

6 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Dishforth

CO: Lt Col T J Crossland • Adjt: Capt J R Harris • RSM: WO1 J Sumner

WO1 Sumner with Lt Col Crossland following the announcement of his commissioning as a Late Entry Officer Building on a successful summer quarter that culminated in the Regt’s battle camp at Warcop and Low Gillerthwaite training centres, the foot remained firmly on the gas for 6 Regiment right up until the Christmas break.

Military training Having put together a well organised and thorough training plan, PTI LCpl Greg Janman led a squad of ten members from the Regt to a well-earned overall third place in the mixed category in The RLC Gore Trophy.

2Lt Andrew English gave a good effort in attempting to complete Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL. He and the rest of the team dedicated their time over the summer months to train to their best ability in preparation for the event. Difficult weather and injuries led to the team withdrawing partway through, but the Regt remains committed to fielding teams in the future.

The Regt’s annual training concluded with the regimental-led Collective Training 2/3. The exercise was designed to push all members of the Regt out of their comfort zone, performing their trade under simulated pressures that they may not normally be experienced in barracks.

Proving to be incredibly rewarding for all who took part, the Regt will look to use this format for future training serials. Part way through the exercise, GOC 1 UK XX Maj Gen Wooddisse, took the time to visit 6 Regt whilst operating out of Hullavington Airfield.

Newly promoted Lt English and Lt Oliver Lewis with Bde Commander (102 Log Bde) Brig J BlairTidwell

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OC 600 Sqn Maj Niel Kendrick with students on the Peace Support Operations Logistics Course in Rwanda Maj Neil Kendrick, Capt Joe Harris and Capt Chris Hepburn deployed to Rwanda to play their part in the Peace Support Operations Logistic Course. They instructed members of the Rwandan Police and Defence Forces, members of the Somali, Tanzanian, and Ugandan armed forces and civilians, in logistics, equipment support and medical support in the Peace Support Operations environment.

Celebrating success Among a number of promotions in the last quarter, (including WO2 to WO1) WO1 (RSM) Jamie Sumner received the news that he was selected for commissioning. In celebration, the Officers’ Mess hosted him and the four new Troop Commanders.

Other successes around the Regt included the successful completion of the AAPTI by LCpl Liam Daly and Pte Ryan Kelly, the awarding of LS&GC medals and the award of the Queen’s Honour (MBE) to Sgt Emmanuel Ottih.

Sport 6 Regt continues its commitment to health and wellbeing by launching the Regimental Sports and Health Fair. Sporting success came with victories in the Army North League Premier Division.

The 6 Regt Snowboarding team also attended the Army freestyle training camp with a view to bringing home silverware at the Ex LOGISTICS BOARDER event.

Commitment to the community In early Nov 17, 6 Regt Officers’ Mess opened its doors to local business people and dignitaries to host them in its inaugural Friends in the North Networking Event.

One of the biggest, yet humbling, achievements from the last quarter has been establishing a relationship with the local community. As a consequence, the Mayor of Boroughbridge has proposed to award 6 Regt the Freedom of Boroughbridge which will be exercised in 18.

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7 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Cottesmore

CO: Lt Col S A Cornell • Adjt: Capt Z Lester • RSM: WO1 P Jordan

have a quick breather before being deployed on Ex WESSEX STORM. The Sqn will then have a wellearned Easter Leave, with Sqn level AT and sporting events to look forward to.

68 Sqn

HRH the Princess Royal presenting medals to 7 Regt Group, Op TOSCA 26 Following a successful deployment to Cyprus on Op TOSCA 26, 7 Regiment quickly regrouped in order to enter it’s training year.

The Regt’s sporting prowess has been maintained in a plethora of disciplines including football, rugby, badminton, body building, cross country and many more. The Regt is also looking forward to various AT packages this year to Poland, Cyprus and here in the UK, as well as leading with the Real Life Support (RLS) for Army Staff Ride 18 in Oct.

9 Sqn Since returning from Post Operational Tour Leave in Nov, 9 Sqn has quickly re-organised. To begin with the Regt hosted Her Royal Highness Princess Anne. The visit comprised of a number of stands and presentations to HRH before the medal parade and the presentation of Op TOSCA medals to members of the Sqn. Concurrently to this, the Sqn was also preparing to send over 50 soldiers on Ex TIMBER TRUSS, which was a great success despite the deploying soldiers not having put in to practice their field skills in over a year.

On returning to Kendrew Barracks from Ex TIMBER TRUSS, there was no time to relax, as the Sqn then underwent specialised training in preparation for its up and coming Op TEMPERER commitment.

This took 9 Sqn into and over the Christmas leave period. 9 Sqn then returned from leave in readiness for deployment once again to Cyprus, this time on Ex LION SUN. On return from Ex LION SUN, 9 Sqn will

It’s been an eventful few months for 68 Sqn. The main effort was the deployment to Salisbury Plain in support of the Troop Commanders Course final exercise, Ex TIMBER TRUSS. This proved to be an excellent opportunity for the Sqn to fully deploy all troops on a testing exercise, whilst giving the new Troop Commanders their first taste of commanding RLC soldiers.

The Sqn has been equally busy on the sport front.

2Lt Caroline Nottage took the lead on the Regimental Nordic Skiing team, deploying both a male and female team prior to Christmas for Ex KNEES STRETCH, with SSgt Kevin Hollett taking a team to Ex KNEES BEND. In support of the skiing season, 68 Sqn deployed six personnel to Nordic and four personnel to Alpine. A special mention goes to Capt Gemma Pearson who consistently represents the Army and Corps women’s rugby teams and the Army women’s netball team.

The start of 18 sees a busy time for the Sqn, including supporting Ex JOINT VENTURE in RAF St Mawgan with RLS, conducting CT1 exercises or skiing at the Divisional Championships. A period to look forward to, it provides countless opportunities for the troops to bond and build on the ethos already created.

Training Wing The Training Wing underwent a transformation in the latter part of 17. Now encompassing a newly formed Driver Training Wing, internal courses and refresher training have begun to have a positive impact on the Sqns. Last year ended with a PNCO cadre which was successfully completed by 26 newly promoted LCpl’s from across The RLC. This year has begun with a focus on the new BCS syllabus and driver training with courses being run in-house.

68 Sqn on Ex TIMBER TRUSS

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

9 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Hullavington

CO: Lt Col A J C Geary • Adjt: Capt C Hardwick • RSM: WO1 P Broom

opportunity by enhancing their trade knowledge towards their Class 3-2 upgrades.

Cpl Lee Allen and LCpl Mark Kelly used their experience to help locate and site all Joint Operational Fuel Systems (JOFS) in preparation of being constructed. This laid the groundwork for multiple small teams of Pet Ops from across The RLC to build the fuel installations.

Baking success Ex FUELS ENDEAVOUR 9 Regiment has faced yet another busy quarter with its main effort being the successful validation of the Vanguard Enabling Group OF4 HQ on Ex IRON VIPER 17. Troops from across the Regt, Brigade and Division deployed to Barton Stacey Training Area to establish the OF4 HQ in conjunction with 30 Signal Regt.

The exercise validated 9 Regt as the only Theatre Logistic Regt at permanent readiness, but demonstrated great interoperability with other Bde units, whilst also achieving its CT4 training objectives.

Sgt Craig Griffiths (84 Med Sup Sqn) deployed to Cyprus in support of Op NIGHTINGALE. The perennial Op provides recovery assistance to sick and wounded soldiers through an archaeological dig led by the Defence Archaeology Group, allowing participants the opportunity to re-connect with other servicemen and women in a productive but relaxed environment.

Cpl Lee Allen and LCpl Mark Kelly used their experience to help locate and site all Joint Operational Fuel Systems (JOFS) in preparation of being constructed

The Catering department took part in the FTC Christmas cake competition with Sgt ‘Ronnie’ Biggs, Cpl Gav Small and Pte Olivia Smith baking, icing and making edible decorations for the masterpieces. The standards of the competition were outstanding, over 40 Christmas cakes, 30 Gingerbread houses and 25 fruit loafs. After a long day of judging, Cpl Small had received first prize in the Baked Fruit Cake category. It was a fantastic effort by all the Chefs at 9 Regt.

Trade expertise 9 Regt is providing 14 Supply Specialists to assist project teams in Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) in MOD Abbeywood (Bristol). They are providing assistance into identifying a number of data anomalies and outstanding workflows across the Land Environment Operating Centre (LEOC) Portfolio.

DE&S did not have the resources to rectify the issues fast enough so they requested assistance from subject matter experts in 9 Regt. Sgt Penjani Sibakwe and a team of suppliers from across 95 Supply Sqn and 84 Med Supply Sqn immediately put their MJDI knowledge and experience of stores to good use by identifying and hastening units who held obsolete items, had overdue stores due in and held excessive stock levels of slow or non-moving stocks for disposal. This work will save the MOD a considerable amount of money.

Inter Sqn Boxing Op TRENTON 3 continues for soldiers within 84 Med Sup Sqn, seeing 1+6 deployed across South Sudan in their Med Supply roles, supporting the Role 2 hospital in theatre. The next rotation of six is currently on Pre Deployment Training, due to replace their comrades over the coming weeks. Important work well done and the detachments are highly commended.

Ex FUELS ENDEAVOUR saw members from 66 F&GT Sqn, Petroleum Troop deploy on a two-week exercise based out of Chatham, Kent. Pet Ops worked alongside 516 Specialist Team Royal Engineers (STRE) to construct the Ship to Shore Pipeline System (SSPS), Towed Flexible Barge Discharge System (TFBDS), Enhanced Storage Module (ESM) and a Primary Bulk Fuel Installation (PBFI). This was a great opportunity to develop relations with the Royal Engineers and improve trade skills. The soldiers took full advantage of this 44

The Regt hosted Comd 104 Log Sp Bde and other distinguished guests at the Inter Sqn Boxing Championships in Dec. The event was superbly organised by WO2 (SSM) Gaz Sumner and the QM (T) Capt Wayne Fuller. After six weeks full time training, the boxers fought in the prelims matches, prior to the final, where eight bouts took place across all weight categories, with real grit and determination being displayed by all competitors. Thanks go to all the boxers and coaches for an excellent event.

Congratulations Finally, 9 Regt would like to congratulate the Adjt Capt Katie Vannerley, Ops Officer Capt Jon Ottaway, the RAO Capt Asong Asongafac and Pharmacist Capt Bex Heaton for their selection for promotion to Maj and WO2 (SSM) Sumner and WO2 (SQMS) Iain Baynham on their selection for WO1.

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10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment Aldershot

Comd: Lt Col P S Reehal MBE • Adjt: Capt A E Petherbridge • RSM: WO1 D Rai

Intake 17 As the year draws to a close, so too does a period of celebration in 10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment (QOGLR).

Oct and Nov 17 are routinely periods of intense activity in the Regt, with the festivals of Dashain and Tihaar falling in these months. As always, the Regt has been ably led by the Pundit, its Regimental Hindu spiritual leader, who has expertly planned and executed a number of inclusive temple services.

In true Gurkha fashion, these services were followed by excellent cultural programmes which showcased the talents of the Regt’s soldiers and family members and the rich cultural fabric of Nepal.

In addition to this, the Regt has also celebrated its 60th birthday in Kathmandu with a great deal of zip, style and flare, marking an auspicious occasion in the history of 10 QOGLR.

Exercises and operations The Regt’s operational and training support commitments were many and varied. QOGLR soldiers have deployed on operations throughout the world, to locations including Nigeria, Somalia, Iraq, East Africa, Cyprus and the Falkland Islands, to name but a few.

Regimental personnel conducted a convoy move over 4,000km from Germany to Estonia and back, thereby proving a concept that the UK could support NATO at reach and at short notice if required to do so.

They have also supported innumerable exercises in QOGLR 60th Anniversary

the UK and overseas, including a significant commitment to the British Army Training Unit Suffield in Canada.

On the home front, there has been a continuous stream of developmental opportunities for personnel, ranging from Sqn led trade-training to higher level exercises. Of particular note is Ex FUELS ENDEAVOUR, a month-long undertaking which validated our Petroleum Operators as being amongst the most highly competent and current tradesman in not just the Army, but the Tri-Service environment.

The Regt has also conducted a PNCO Cadre, under the direction of SSgt Rajkumar Rai, delivering essential mandatory training to 30 personnel from across the Army. The end of the 17 also brought with it a range of military skills competitions. Members from the Regt, under the leadership of Sgt Yam Gurung, completed the gruelling Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL bringing home a silver medal and the Regt just missed out on retaining its Gore Trophy title placing second and third behind a strong 17 P&M team.

Members of 10 QOGLR have also continued to impress in the sporting arena with wins up to Army level across a diverse range of disciplines.

The Regimental Badminton team won The RLC title for a record breaking fifth year in a row and members of the Tae Kwan Do team secured a number of accolades including the Army Championship title. The Regimental Shooting Team excelled in operational shooting competitions, with one of the Regt’s soldiers achieving the title of Overall Rifle Champion and the Champion of Arms (Rifle and Pistol) at the Force Troops Command meeting.

Regimental personnel have conducted a range of adventure training packages including mountain biking, trekking, climbing, skiing and snowboarding, at home and abroad. In addition to this, there have been a number of internal sporting competitions including basketball, volleyball and the hotlycontested doko race, which have seen the sub-units competing for points in the preliminary stages of the Commander’s Sword Competition.

A special mention must also be made of Cpl Martin Tye, injured in 09 whilst serving at 10 QOGLR, who has represented Great Britain at the Invictus Games, winning gold, silver and bronze medals in a number of disciplines. Finally, earlier this year, Sgt Yam became the first ever QOGLR soldier to summit Mount Everest.

Hello and goodbye 10 QOGLR would like to take this opportunity to thank and bid farewell to the Commander, Lt Col P S Reehal MBE, in what was his sixth and final year with the Regt. Finally, we would like to welcome the 55 new recruits from Intake 17 into the 10 QOGLR family. www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Didcot

CO: Lt Col B K Howard • Adjt: Capt L Shepherd • RSM: WO1 M Jowett

Bespoke Hotline Decontamination Area at Stixwould Lake 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment continues to deliver EOD capability and Ammunition Technical Support worldwide. This quarter has included 766 EOD tasks in support of Military Aid to Civil Authorities across the UK and overseas deployments to 15 countries on operations and exercises.

Op SADDLEBACK Op SADDLEBACK was a multi-agency operation to recover chemical munitions from Roughton Woods and Stixwould Lake, both near Woodhall Spa, a small town just outside of Lincoln from 4 to 13 Oct 17.

During World War II, Woodhall Spa famously accommodated the Officers of No. 617 Sqn, RAF more commonly known as the Dambusters. Less famously, between 1943 and 1947 it was home to the infantry troops of the 1st Airlanding Bde, who took part in Op MARKET GARDEN, flying gliders into Arnhem.

Part of the training undertaken by the 1st Airlanding Bde was the use of 2lb ground-bombs, a small areadenial weapon containing Sulphur Mustard gas. Part of the training was to actually expose the soldiers to mustard gas, so they would recognise the effects – worth remembering next time you try and avoid MATT 4!

Fast forward 70 years, the Joint Service EOD Operations Centre received a call from Lincolnshire Police, two members of the public had presented themselves to a local hospital with chemical burns. It transpires that they had discovered two crates of 2lb ground-bombs in Roughton Woods and taken them home. When they realised what they had, they put one crate back where they found it and dropped the other crate of ten bombs into Stixwould Lake; believing this to be the best way to dispose of a chemical munition.

The disposal of the munitions in the wood initially appeared to be a fairly simple EOD affair, until more were found and, then following deployment of Search Teams, more…and then even more.

The additional munitions were severely eroded and leaking their contents (Sulphur Mustard) into the soil.

Led by WO1 (SAT) Jay Hobden, a team of 39 personnel from The RLC, RE and RAF, who were supported by dozens of civilian personnel from the 46

police, fire and ambulance services, began the painstaking work of recovering the contaminated munitions and transporting them to DSTL Porton Down for safe disposal.

Meanwhile the Regt Ops WO, WO2 (SQMS) Harry French, had to devise a completely new method to enable the recovery of the chemical munitions from the bottom of Stixwould Lake; the difficulty being to ensure that nobody was exposed to water that was potentially contaminated with Sulphur Mustard.

This task was achieved with a team of RN divers, led

by CPO ‘Chuck’ Norris. The specialist diving suit for entering chemically contaminated water (typically industrial chemicals) is known as a ‘Dirty Harry’.

Unfortunately, the MOD does not possess such a suit, even though there was much excitement surrounding the potential of seeing Chuck Norris work with Dirty Harry. All the munitions were safely recovered without the use of Dirty Harry – one up to Chuck.

Over nine days, teams from all three services, multiple cap-badges and 24 different agencies spent countless hours in CBRN suits, cleaned the Fire and Rescue Service out of emergency rations and recovered the remains of 150 2lb ground bombs.

Special mention should be made to the Regt Ops Maj, Maj Steve Roberts, who went to Lincoln for a two-hour meeting and stayed for nine days!

Over nine days, teams from all three services, multiple cap-badges and 24 different agencies spent countless hours in CBRN suits, cleaned the Fire and Rescue Service out of emergency rations and recovered the remains of 150 2lb ground bombs Op RUMAN On 2 Oct 17, the Close Support Ammunition Troop (CSAT) deployed a number of two person teams to support the hurricane relief effort in Barbados and the surrounding islands.

On arrival at the Barbados Defence Force garrison, the CSAT quickly established a plan for inspecting the ammunition, which was spread across the Turks and Caicos Islands, British Virgin Islands, Barbados and Bermuda. Prior to its recovery on airframe to Barbados and then on ship back to the UK, the CSAT was required to check that every item was safe to move. Liaising with the HQ element and units on the ground, the CSAT centralised the ammunition on each island and then split into two teams, flying on Hercules and A400M out to the various locations.

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13 Air Assault Support Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Colchester

CO: Lt Col M Genko • Adjt: Capt S Spencer-Small • RSM: WO1 R Falls Lithuanian forces all mixed freely, with various levels of tactical adeptness. This arrangement was thoroughly tested on two occasions, the first of which saw enemy armour punch through the heart of the BSG. The next shock came on the penultimate night of the exercise, with an enemy force infiltrating the BSG and unsuccessfully attempting to seize the HQ. After a brief rest and relaxation period, the Regt began the return journey to the UK. Unlike the Indian Summer experienced a month prior, this time the BENELUX countries had nothing but rain in store.

This notwithstanding, the mood remained high: Job done, everyone home safe and in good order.

So what did the Regt learn on Ex SWIFT RESPONSE? Firstly, it learned that flexibility is crucial to the Brigade’s high-tempo concept of operations.

Secondly, it became evident that the multinational facet of war is hugely challenging, especially when a language barrier intercedes. And finally, it learnt that the current crop of soldiers are hugely capable, professional and selfless individuals, all of whom worked extremely hard and did themselves proud.

On that basis alone, we ought to be in no doubt that the challenges of 18 will be overcome and the Red and Black ethos will underpin another year of success.

Lt Sabo and a French Counterpart

Ex MOBILITY GUARDIAN Ex SWIFT RESPONSE 17 was a test of the FrancoBritish Airborne Combined Joint Expeditionary Force, played out on Hohenfels Training Area. After a four-day road move to Bavaria the Regt began its battle preparation in earnest.

63 Squadron pushed deep into the German countryside to familiarise the drivers with the terrain and to rehearse force protection drills, all while Regimental HQ commenced its planning cycle.

After a busy ten days at Grafenwoehr, with the Brigade’s stores receipted and its vehicles fit to fight, the Brigade massed at Hohenfels camp – a home perhaps more austere than the shell scrapes which loomed on the horizon.

Fuel & General Transport Troop, along with Airborne Troop, began pushing material out to the 2 PARA Battlegroup – moving kit ranging from antitank rounds to water. Meanwhile, General Support Troop worked tirelessly to facilitate this effort and it was extremely rewarding to see the Sqn working seamlessly on both a personal and professional level.

With the establishment of the Brigade Support Group (BSG), the Brigade then moved in its entirety to the field. Suffice to say 63 Sqn’s night insertion went without a hitch, moving over 30 vehicles six miles through enemy territory before reaching the BSG, a small airfield.

The complexity of command and control soon became clear – British, French, American and

47 Air Despatch Sqn built on its air despatch interoperability with other nations when nine soldiers deployed on Ex MOBILITY GUARDIAN (MG). This was a United States led tactical training exercise that took place at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington State, America.

Scenarios were based around Joint Forcible Entry, Humanitarian Relief Operations and AEROMED scenarios in a contested battlespace, all of which are future operations British Forces could face.

The overall aim of the exercise was to further interoperability, with UK Air Despatchers working alongside their US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and French counterparts. It was a fantastic opportunity for Air Despatchers to learn new skills and be exposed to the different ways each nation operates on and off the aircraft.

Members of 47AD with their American counterparts

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

17 Port & Maritime Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Southampton

CO: Lt Col K Dagless • Adjt: Capt H Travis • RSM: WO1 G Richards 165 Port & Maritime Regt. In the blistering Cypriot heat, a platoon from 17 Port & Maritime Regt undertook two weeks of live firing and BCCS exercise, culminating in a well-deserved two days of AT. 17 Port & Maritime Regt came away overall winners of the 17 Gore Trophy

Mil Skills Competition

17 Port & Maritime Regiment has been particularly busy of late; whether conducting Op KIPION, Collective Training, trade training or on the sports field, the Regt has delivered successfully on all fronts.

The Regt is rightly proud to have been announced as winner of the ‘Inclusive Teamwork’ category in the Women in Defence Awards 17, officially recognising the excellent work of men and women, at all ranks across the Regt in the pursuit of a more inclusive and diverse culture.

17 Port and Maritime Regt’s Mounts Troop, deployed on the Bay class ship MOUNTS BAY were recognised as part of a Tri-Service Team who were awarded the Judges’ Special Recognition Award at ‘The Sun’s Millies’ for the totality of Defence’s contribution to Op RUMAN, the hurricane relief effort.

LCpl Andrew Bingham represented the Troop as he was one of the MEXE Marine Engineers deployed on the ship. A chance of a lifetime, LCpl Bingham enjoyed an all-expenses paid two-night stay in London to attend the prestigious awards ceremony among many high-profile guests and TV celebrities. He also relished the opportunity to step inside 10 Downing Street to have his photo taken with the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, the Regt has continued to fulfil its commitments to Port Task Groups (PTGs) overseas.

In the last few months, members of the Regt have deployed to Bahrain, USA, Norway and Kenya, to name a few.

Exercises As well as support to on-going operations, the Regt has deployed personnel overseas and at home on exercise to hone both their trade and soldiering skills. Ex IRON VIPER represents one of the largest and most complex UK based CSS exercises that the Field Army undertakes. 17 Port & Maritime Regt played a key role in the execution of the exercise with 52 Sqn deploying a Logistic Beach Unit and two Mexeflote rafts, including a rarely built MaxiMexe consisting of five rows of cells.

More than just tradesmen and women, 25 members of the Regt deployed to Cyprus to take part in Ex LION STAR alongside reserve counterparts from 48

Sept and Oct saw the Regt prepare two teams to enter into the Gore Trophy Military Skills Competition.

Following six weeks of thorough preparation, led expertly by SSgt’s Bjorn and Brad Sprake, the two teams achieved excellent scores. The Regt’s ‘A’ team was awarded Best Major Unit, Fastest over the Obstacle Course and the prestigious Gore Trophy itself. The ‘B’ team comprised many more junior members of the Regt and similarly did themselves proud, coming second in the falling plate competition, showing some real talent for the future. It was an outstanding performance from all and huge congratulations on behalf of the Regt.

Sporting success There have been further successes across the Regt’s sporting teams. The MTB team competed in The RLC championships and as well as a host of individual victories, the team came away as Major Unit Champions. Later that same week, the Regt entered a male and female team into The RLC Swimming Championships. There were, again, some impressive individual performances, but special congratulations to the ladies who finished second overall.

Finally, during 17 Port & Maritime Regt’s annual festivities, the officers and seniors played their traditional yuletide football match. It was a great game for all those involved and played in good spirits with good humour, but eventually the seniors came out on top with a comfortable 9-2 victory. Before the game, the new Regimental football strip was unveiled, kindly donated by The British Trading Board (TBTB).

The TBTB maps military qualifications to civilian qualifications by recognising military courses and experience. Service personnel can use SLCs and ELCs to gain civilian accreditation, allowing future employers to understand soldiers’ achievements during their careers.

Cpl Scott Brearley commands the MaxiMexe disembarkation of 9 Regt’s vehicles onto Browndown Beach

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25 Training Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Deepcut

CO: Lt Col M A Scannell • Adjt: Capt S Foster • RSM: WO1 D Burditt

Pte Abdul Satter on Remembrance Sunday with veterans of the Royal Corps of Transport In this quarter, the Squadron entered two teams into The RLC Military Skills event. The A Team led

by Lt Adam Rough achieved third place and the B Team placed just outside the top ten, pretty impressive from a field of 62 teams.

The Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre has remained the favourite location for conducting AT. Set in the heart of beautiful Ennerdale, trainees rode the mountain bike trails at Whinlatter, climbed at the Keswick Centre, walked Scafell Pike and even brushed up on their culinary skills. Trainees visited Frimley Park Hospital to deliver chocolates and treats, visited Portesbery School and sung carols at the Camberley Manor Care Home.

There have also been a number of notable sporting achievements; Pte Adrea Vasuitoga represented the Army U23 Rugby Team and Pte Elly Tarus won the Army Cross Country Championships. The Sqn would like to congratulate Cpl Claudius Lesporis who passed the All Arms PTI Course on 8 Dec 17.

85 Sqn A concentrated effort on the draw down to Christmas for 85 Sqn meant numerous courses have been delivered in the last three months of 17. The implementation of the new basic close combat skills (BCCS) phase for SNCO CLM appears to have been well received with excellent feedback thus far.

Outside of routine delivery, the Sqn has found space for SSgt Michael Hart and Capt Stephen McHugh to deploy on Ex KNEES STRETCH to lead the Regt’s Nordic Ski team in Obertilliach, Austria. The Sqn says goodbye to Sgt Robert Bellis who leaves on promotion.

Those attending future CLMs are encouraged to take advantage of the extensive revision packs available on the Defence Learning Environment in order to maximise potential whilst on course.

Regt visit Pompeii to find out how the allies conducted their beach landings and subsequently travelled from Naples to Rome.

The group then travelled along Highway 6, the original route taken in 1943 to Cassino where it visited the Abbey. It then continued its journey up Cavendish Road to Monte Cassino, a narrow and treacherous tank path built by Indian and New Zealand engineers. A destroyed Sherman Tank remained in the form of a Polish memorial near Albaneta Farm.

Throughout the trip, numerous war cemeteries were visited and the Padre held a service and wreath laying at the Cassino War Cemetery. The last day saw the group at the allies’ final objective - Rome.

The BFS was concluded with a visit to the Museum of the Liberation of Rome prior to touring the city.

Thanks go to SSgt Georgina Broadhurst and Mr Andy Robertshaw for organising an excellent BFS.

AGC CLM Sqn CLM Sqn’s main effort has remained the delivery of robust and relevant CLM training to the SPS community which continues to establish a firm footprint in Bramley Training Area. With the reinstatement of the HLS at Worthy Down, the Sqn looks forward to being dropped off at Bramley by Chinook in the very near future.

AT has also been on the agenda; a ski trip to Val Thorens and surfing (Ex SHARK BAIT) in Newquay. It soon became apparent that the team were no water babies but the title of top merman went to Cpl Danny Hillan.

On top of this, CLM Sqn has been conducting lots of running challenges to raise money for the ABF. SSgt Haley Cornforth and SSgt Dave Symms completed the South Coast 100km Challenge (in a very respectable 16hrs 36 mins) with the OC, Maj Susan Wilkinson completing three half marathons, the New Forest 10 and Great South Run. The challenges will continue in 18 with the team taking part in the Glasgow to Edinburgh 55 mile race.

Ex SHARK BAIT

Deepcut Support Unit (DSU) In Sept 17, a Battlefield Study (BFS) to Monte Cassino was conducted to learn about the battle, one of the longest and bloodiest engagements of the Italian campaign during World War II. The first day saw 25 www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

27 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Aldershot

CO: Lt Col J C West • Adjt: Capt T P Armitage • RSM: WO1 W Eagle

service during which the CO award Commander’s Coins and promoted those individuals who were successful from the Pte – LCpl board.

Other activities

BATUS Views The final quarter of 17 saw 27 Regiment come to the end of a busy and highly successful Training Year as it moves into its Readiness period as Theatre Logistic Regt (TLR) 2 for 18 and 19.

Following summer leave, the Regt’s immediate focus was the deployment on Ex IRON VIPER, a Collective Training Level 3 exercise which saw all elements of the Regt deploy to Wales as a culmination of its training year. The Regt has also continued its momentum on the sporting front with success across several sports, the conduct of periods of conceptual study and the completion of an AT expedition to Nepal.

Finally, the Regt continued its support to exercises and operations in UK, Europe and Canada.

19 (Tank Transporter) Sqn has remained operationally focused with its continued deployment in Estonia on Op CABRIT, as part of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence providing heavy lift capability.

Additionally, the Sqn also provided the third Regt Troop rotation in support of 3rd Line Support to BATUS. This focused on the first STRIKE experimentation group, Ex IRON STRIKE 2, providing an opportunity to experiment, refine and learn new TTPs. 8 (Fuel and General Transport) Sqn notably deployed a Troop on Ex DRAGON II in mid-Sept. This nine-day interoperability exercise took place in Toul, France, with the Regt’s paired Regt, 516 Regiment du Train.

They spent the week practicing Protected Logistic Manoeuvres, conducting weapon familiarisations and developing the established bonds of friendship.

Boxing night

Ex IRON VIPER At the end of Sept 17, the entire Regt deployed to Caerwent, Wales on Ex IRON VIPER. The exercise tested the Regt’s capability to operate in field conditions, in support of dependent units throughout 101 Logistic Brigade and 3rd (UK) Division.

Whilst based in the Joint Air Mounting Centre in South Cerney, elements of 9 Regt provided the infrastructure and support to enable the completion of the Regt’s Receipt Staging and Onward Movement training. They deployed forward to Caerwent, Wales along with other elements of 101 Logistic Brigade, including the paired Reserve Regt 154 (Scottish) Regt, the Regt conducted divisional supply and transport operations.

Over a period of two weeks, 27 Regt established the Divisional Supply Area, two Bulk Fuel Installations, a Convoy Support Centre and transported material and ammunition across the country.

The operation and testing of these functions proved highly successful, with all ranks being put through a testing exercise scenario. Whilst deployed, the Regt hosted the 101 Logistic Brigade Commander and Deputy Commander Logistics 3 (UK) Division.

Additionally, the Regt was fortunate enough to have a visit from the Logistic Supply Specialist Head of Trade, WO1 Conductor Gavin Emmerson, who awarded two of his conductor coins, for excellence, to Cpl Walters and Pte Limbu from 91 Supply Sqn. At the conclusion of the exercise, the Regt held a field 50

Sport and AT Ex HIMALAYAN WOLF provided an opportunity for 16 officers and soldiers to trek to the remote Kanchenjunga Region of Eastern Nepal over the course of three weeks. In Nov 17, the Regt held a Regimental Boxing Evening with principal guests Col T Symonds and Col Chestnutt.

The 16 soldiers and officers fought over eight bouts providing further competition to the Lewis Memorial Trophy, 27 Regt’s annual inter-squadron competition and helped to identify future talent for Regimental Boxing Squad. The Regt is the only non-infantry unit to be drawn in the Major Unit boxing finals and it travels to Blackpool on the 5 Mar 18 to face the 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regt in the quarter finals.

Look forward This year will see the Regt move in to two years of High Readiness and it looks forward to CAST, overseas training and opportunities and participating in the Nordic and Downhill Skiing Championships in the first quarter.

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

29 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps South Cerney

CO: Lt Col C G Munce MBE • Adjt: Capt R D Irvine • RSM: WO1 M A Scott

Members of 29 Regt with HRH Prince Harry.

Left to Right: Pte Jack Smith, Pte Callum Roberts, Pte Harley Douglas, LCpl Ateca Matiyavi. HRH Prince Harry, WO2 Clarke, 2Lt Tom Rushby The 29 Regiment finished 17 on a high. Under Command of the new CO, Lt Col C G Munce MBE, the tempo of commitments to operations, exercises and firm base activity, including support to HQ British Forces Germany remained extant.

The Joint Air Mounting Centre (JAMC) successfully maintained operational effectiveness processing about 322 flights both routine and High Readiness, deploying over 19,000 soldiers around the world.

Winter was dominated by cold weather with the Regt experiencing its first ‘snow day’ in over ten years!

Ex INVICTUS ERNEST Members of the Regt deployed on Ex INVICTUS ERNEST to Canada where they conducted a study on wounded, injured and sick veterans representing Great Britain in their respected sports, examining their progress and success since sustaining life changing injuries.

Organised and executed by WO2 Sean Clarke, 59 Sqn, members of the Regt travelled to Toronto where they met and interviewed competitors along with spectating numerous events. Visiting the Invictus Games proved to be an inspirational insight into the strength of character, resilience and mind-set of the veterans.

The study concluded that strength of character, mirrored with self-belief and determination got the injured veterans through the darkest days of their lives. It was an inspirational trip, affording the team the opportunity meet His Royal Highness, Prince Harry, coupled with travelling across Canada visiting a number of landmarks including Niagara Falls.

Op CABRIT The Regt has seen several members deploy on Op CABRIT providing both Postal and Courier and Movement Controller expertise to several nations. Of

note are SSgt Shaun Stevenson and Cpl Steven Campbell, who successfully established a British Forces Post Office, providing mail and courier support theatre wide supporting over 1000 personnel; the largest of its kind since conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The initial setup was a complicated task that required detailed planning and integration between Army HQ, HQ BFPO in London and 29 Regt personnel. Well done to all involved.

Achievements 2017 saw a fantastic year for achievements across the Regt. Cpl Victoria Mitchelmore of 99 Sqn received a 2* commendation and a 4* coin for charity work conducted whilst deployed on Op TORAL where she raised £15,000 for the Afghan Injured and Martyred project, an incredible amount. LCpl Elysia Martin of 55 Sqn received a Special Recognition Award from the Mayor of Buxton for voluntary work with the homeless and Movement Controller Conductors coins were awarded to Sgt Michael Wright-Powell for his efforts during Op RUMAN and LCpl Daniel Rainford whilst deployed in BATUK.

Sport and AT The Regt successfully generated and deployed two ski teams (both nordic and alpine) to Norway in Nov 17, completing pre-season training camps in preparation for the 18 ski season. The ladies football team had success in the Women’s Army Commemorative Cup in Grantham and the crosscountry team has been out in full force competing in the UK South Cross Country League.

The Regimental rugby team is going from strength to strength with more and more players selected to represent the Corps. Further afield, LCpl Tyler Jackson, 69 Sqn was in France with the Army Skeleton Bob Sledge team where he was competing on the international circuit.

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THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

150 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Hull

CO: Lt Col M Casey • Adjt: Capt E Hanley • RSM: WO1 P Doherty

Elements of the Band at the Festival of Remembrance 150 Regiment continues to provide support to operations and training, with personnel deployed on Op SHADER and in support of exercises worldwide.

In addition, the Regt welcomed back its contingent from Op TOSCA following a highly successful and rewarding tour.

RBL Festival of Remembrance Hull The Royal British Legion (RBL) Festival of Remembrance in Hull is an annual event to commemorate all those who lost their lives in conflicts and marks the beginning of the remembrance activities in Hull. Once again the festival was led by the Band of 150 Regt under the stewardship of the Director of Music, Capt Paul Jackson.

A packed Hull City Hall was treated to an extremely entertaining evening, with the band joined by musicians, singers and dancers from across the East Yorkshire region. The event continues to grow and raised a considerable amount for charity, with all proceeds going to the RBL. The Remembrance weekend culminated in the Remembrance Parade and Service held at the Hull Cenotaph. The parade, led by 150 Regt, proved to be a fitting and poignant end to a weekend of reflection and was attend by thousands of veterans and members of the public. In addition to the parade in Hull, the Regt were the lead for events in Tynemouth through 216 Sqn, in addition to supporting parades in Leeds and Doncaster.

Army Carol Service In the run up to Christmas 17, Lt Levi Huck was selected to give a reading at the Army Carol Service.

The annual event is hosted at the Chapel of the Royal Hospital Chelsea by the Army Benevolent Fund and is 52

a traditional service of lessons and carols. Alongside the Chief of the General Staff and six other readers, Lt Huck was honoured and humbled by the experience.

Partnering with 6 Regt 150 Regt’s partnering with 6 Regt continues to flourish and provide training opportunities for both regiments, building on the success of Op TOSCA. At an individual level, the relationship has provided opportunities for personnel from 150 Regt to conduct attachments with 6 Regt, gaining knowledge from shadowing their regular peers and bringing that back in its reserve role.

In the collective sphere, the recent Annual Continuous Training (ACT) Camp gave Officers and NCOs from 150 Regt the chance to conduct leadership and management training and share knowledge with their Regular counterparts. The initiative looks set to continue with elements of 6 Regt augmenting the upcoming Ex LION STAR 4 in Cyprus, and combined training activities throughout the coming year.

Additionally, the two Regt's will be working together to provide a combined contingent for the future RLC 25th Anniversary Parade.

Look forward Looking to the year ahead, preparations for the Cyprus OTX, Ex LION STAR 4, are fully underway. The introduction of the Battle-craft Syllabus (BCS) promises to provide engaging and varied training opportunities.

Outside of training, 150 Regt looks forward to hosting the East Yorkshire Lord Lieutenant Adult Awards before the being bestowed the Freedom of Hull with a parade later in the year. With a new CO inbound, 18 looks to be another full and exciting year for the Regt.

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

151 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Croydon

CO: Lt Col D T Miller • Adjt: Capt J Wooldridge • RSM: WO1 V Chappell

centre every evening when they returned. A good break from usual Regimental life and a chance to do something different, even if Pte Victoria Ewen wished that there was better phone signal!

Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL

Sandhurst - Maj Andy Balchin, OCdt Sarah George, OCdt Alex Russell, Maj Dex Bransby Post the Annual Continuous Training in Sept and aside from the usual Tues night and weekend training, 151 Regiment had a relatively busy end to 17.

This included providing the workings for the London contingent of the Regular Reserve activation trial for over 450 ex Regular soldiers, Adventure Training expeditions to Cyprus and the Lake District and deploying teams on Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL and the Gore Trophy, not to mention the continuing shooting training in both the UK and Canada.

Annual Curry Night

Pte Nick Di-Vita patrolling during Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL

The Regt also held its Annual Curry Night in Oct which was held in Regents Park Barracks Officers’ Mess alongside members of the Officers’ and Sergeants’ Messes of 151 Regt. This included 46 members of the Worshipful Company of Marketors as well as a number of Mayors from various London Boroughs and some Deputy Lord Lieutenants.

Throughout the evening, the Regt was entertained beautifully by Jemima the harpist, by The RLC band and their pipes and drums. During the evening, the Worshipful Company of Marketors awarded their 17 Marketors’ prize to WO2 Tom Stringer.

A great chance to get back to basics, Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL saw the Regt’s finest deploy to the Brecon Beacons in Oct for a 63km ‘walk’ carrying 40kg and spread over 40 hours, all the while ensuring that their patrol was not compromised and remained alert enough to gain the relevant information that was needed to reach the finish line.

The Regt had attempted the event over a decade ago and last time had failed to complete the course.

However, this time was determined not to let this happen again. Led by WO2 Stringer, the team had been well trained over the course of a two-week battle camp, and this time, not only did they finish the event but were one of only three teams to finish their phase. With this now in their pocket, the team are looking forward to the repeated challenge in 18.

Congratulations are due to both 2Lt Sarah George and 2Lt Alex Russell on their completion of the Sandhurst Reserves course and their commissioning into The RLC Hello and goodbye Congratulations are due to both 2Lt Sarah George and 2Lt Alex Russell on their completion of the Sandhurst Reserves course and their commissioning into The RLC. It is great to welcome them into the Regt as Troop Commanders. However, we have also lost Maj Andrew Gifford who has gone to pastures new as the CO at 158 Regt and we wish him all the best in his new appointment.

AT to the Lake District In early Nov, Lt Chloe KirkhamSmith took a number of the Regt to the Lake District, where they made great use of the Low Gillerthwaite centre. They enjoyed an excellent week of canoeing on Ennerdale Water, mountain biking in Whinlatter Forest and climbing at Shepherds Crag, not to mention the amazing views, peace and quiet of the location.

Most importantly, there was the log fire that greeted them at the

Pte Tom Franklin Climbing during AT to the Lake District

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THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

152 (North Irish) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Belfast

CO: Lt Col A Chambers • Adjt: Capt T Hartle • RSM: WO1 J P Donaghue

Soldiers from 152 Regt provide support to the Engineers 152 (North Irish) Regiment has had a quieter time over the winter, constrained both by the Atlantic storms blowing in and the Training Maj conserving funds for the more important training. This has now put the Regt in a good position for 18 to exercise in role having met Full Operating Capability.

fuel and driver tasks, from which the Regt will benefit long-term. This was completed just before Christmas and now enables the Regt to train both the Petroleum Operators and Drivers in Province, as well as being more to offer units coming across to exercise.

Sport Commanding Officers’ Challenge Weekend The calendar year was concluded with the favourite Inter-Squadron competition and festive celebration in Palace Barracks. Organised this year by 220 Sqn, it involved teams from each sub-unit competing against each other for the driving skills trophy; testing manoeuvring and guiding ability and the overall competition trophy, which involved a Land Rover pull and Command Tasks all finished off with a log race. It was with relief that the drivers of 220 Sqn were the best in the vehicles but the fitness of Pet Ops was too much and 400 Sqn were the overall winners.

After the hard work, the opportunity of having so much of the Regt in one place was utilised with a talk from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and the PSNI delivering a very graphic safe driving presentation. This was followed by Padre Gallucci giving a very lively carol service in the station church. There was plenty of enthusiasm if little talent!

The day was concluded with an outstanding and generous Christmas dinner cooked by our chefs.

New Cross Country Circuit Following on from the new fuel training site being built at Aldergrove, 591 Engineer Sqn has been busy building a new Cross Country driver training circuit at Ballykinler. 152 (NI) Regt supported throughout with 54

The Regt has enjoyed more success with team wins at both The RLC Orienteering Championships and The RLC Cross Country Championships (after a recount!). SSgt A Hayes was the standout success coming second overall SNCO in the orienteering, not bad for his first attempt!

Social media The Regt has recently built on the digital media recruiting campaign for the last two years with the addition of Twitter. If anyone would like to know what is happening, follow us @152RegimentRLC – just look for the shamrock!

The Regt has enjoyed more success with team wins at both The RLC Orienteering Championships and The RLC Cross Country Championships (after a recount!). SSgt A Hayes was the standout success coming second overall SNCO in the orienteering, not bad for his first attempt!

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

154 (Scottish) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Dunfermline

CO: Lt Col A Wilkinson • Adjt: Capt T J Oliver • RSM: WO1 S Bowie

154 (Scottish) Regt teams at The RLC Mil Skills competition A composite Sqn from 154 (Scottish) Regiment deployed on Ex IRON VIPER, a Bde level exercise in partnership with 27 Regt. This provided the soldiers with the chance to work side-by-side with their regular counterparts and gain invaluable experience in the role of a Theatre Logistic Regt.

Following a two-day Reception Staging Onward Movement (RSOM) package in South Cerney, the troops conducted a road move to the Divisional Supply Area at Caerwent where they spent the remainder of the exercise tackling the challenges of living in the field under arduous conditions whilst carrying out road moves of over 400 miles. This was a task in which they performed to the highest standard throughout.

Ex TARTAN HYBRID 13 soldiers from the Regt successfully completed their two-week Driver Class 3 course at Altar Training Camp and Catterick, the latter being the location for the cross-country phase which proved to be the highlight of the course. MAN SV 6T trucks and Land Rovers were put through their paces as the students manoeuvred their way around the challenging routes set by the instructors.

The Regt will now utilise these new assets in all aspects of Regt and Sqn training, thus enabling soldiers to develop their new skill set and advance through their Class 3 to Class 2 Modular booklets.

on and off road across Central Scotland, the eventual winners in the Regimental class were LCpl K Davie and OCdt F Watson of 239 Sqn and Tayforth UOTC.

Sport It has been another outstanding few months for the Regt on the sporting front with the 154 (Scottish) Regt Female Team winning The RLC Mil Skills Reserve Female category along with Rowing and Volleyball in the ‘Female Festival of Sport’.

Ex TARTAN CASSINO In late Oct 17, nearly 30 members of the Regt travelled to Italy as part of the Regt’s Battlefield Study where they focused on major battles from the Italian campaign of 1944. Over the course of several days, the various syndicates produced some excellently researched presentations on key battles at Cassino and Anzio, before concluding the trip with a visit to the Polish, German and Commonwealth War Graves to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice on both sides.

Pipes & Drums Following their success at the 17 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Pipes & Drums have continued to prosper with performances at the Falkirk FC Remembrance match and for HRH Princess Anne at the centenary of Dr Elsie Inglis at St Giles Cathedral.

Ex MUDMASTER The Regt’s annual Safe and Skilled Driving (and Navigation) Competition, Ex MUDMASTER is jointly run with the British Army Motorsports Association and the Scottish Land Rover Owners’ Club. This year’s event was based at 221 Sqn in Glasgow and saw 58 crews taking part, including teams from 4 and 27 Regt, the partnered Regt’s.

The exercise involves each crew completing 23 tests over the two days including highway code, manoeuvring, trials and orienteering, all linked by 150 miles of road navigation.

After two hard days of driving and navigation, both

WO1 (RSM) Bowie of the 154 (Scottish) Regt RLC Pipes and Drums at Falkirk FC

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THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

156 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Liverpool

CO: Lt Col T Gould QGM RLC • Adjt: Capt C Monk • RSM: WO1 B Gallagher

command tasks, military knowledge stands, weapons training and section attacks.

The arduous march and shoot marked the final stage of the competition, taking place under inclement weather conditions that pushed both the younger and older members of the Regt to their respective limits.

Fighting to the bitter end, it was 235 Sqn under the leadership of Sgt Rob Wheelan who managed to walk away as winners of the Rob Peck Shield, but despite their valiant efforts, it was not enough to prevent 238 Sqn from being crowned once again as the overall winners of the Chalker Cup 17.

238 Sqn leading the Regt on the Assault Course at the Chalker Cup weekend

236 Sqn preparing for Ex LIONSTAR ONE

Ex LIONSTAR ONE

156 Regiment bids a fond farewell to a retiring Capt Dave Law RE as it welcomes the newly appointed OC 236 Sqn, Maj Andy Tang back and Capt Steve Bowen in as the Permanent Staff Admin Officer of 381 Sqn. The Regt now marches into 18 with a renewed focus on Back to Basics training. With an imminent deployment on Ex LIONSTAR ONE, each Regimental training weekend seeks to build and develop basic soldiering skills across all ranks.

The Regt now focuses on its build-up training in preparation for Ex LIONSTAR ONE, an overseas training exercise that will see the Regt deploy to Cyprus in Mar and Apr 18. Exercising on unforgiving ground and in temperatures rising up to 30 degrees, the soldiers will develop their basic soldiering skills as the Regt trains in step with the freshly implemented battle craft syllabus incorporating the soldier first, tradesman second ethos.

Ex LIONSTAR will qualify as the soldiers’ Annual Collective Training Camp for the training year, which requires demonstrating proficiency of basic military skills.

Chalker Cup weekend

Community engagement

The Chalker Cup is a physically arduous and conceptually challenging Inter-Squadron Military Skills Competition that takes place annually on the final training weekend of the year. This year each Sqn entered a particularly strong team who spent the weekend locked in a head to head battle, vying for the accolade of winning both the Rob Peck Shield (march and shoot winners) and the Chalker Cup (overall winners) in a competition that incorporated obstacle courses, MATTs focused

The Regt continues to maintain its prominence in the local community with a number of engagement projects within the North West. Capt Geoff Nuzum and Capt Jon Price both attended the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards held at Manchester’s Heritage Centre. The awards seek to recognise businesses and organisations that have made a positive contribution to supporting the UK’s Armed Forces with an emphasis on reservists.

The Regt also hosted a veterans day at RHQ The RLC, supported by key veteran organisations including Tom Harrison House, Everton in the Community and Sefton Veterans, all from the Liverpool city region to show appreciation for their service.

Looking forward The Regt now looks forward to deploying on Ex LIONSTAR ONE before returning to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of George Masters VC, a key piece of Regimental history. It serves as a timely reminder that although over the year’s key personalities may change, the Regt remains a figure of stability for The RLC in the North West of the UK. 8 If you are a service leaver and are settling in the North West, please contact the ROSO on 0151 729 2044 to discuss employment opportunities at 156 Regt.

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

157 (Welsh) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Cardiff

CO: Lt Col A M Madams • Adjt: Capt R Rudge • RSM: WO1 A Lodwig

L-R: Cpl Mark Davis (398 Sqn), Pte Nathan Berry (249 Sqn) and Pte SallyAnne Haines (224 Sqn) laid on an excellent Christmas Dinner As with all units, in Nov 17, 157 (Welsh) Regiment was committed to local Remembrance Sunday events. It also had the privilege to send representatives to the Cardiff Blues vs Zebre Remembrance rugby match on 4 Nov. It also had the honour of watching the UK Armed Forces Women’s Rugby Team Remembrance Match against Wales Ladies at the Cardiff Arms Park on 8 Nov, which celebrated not only 100 years of women in the Armed Forces, but also 100 years since the first Ladies’ rugby match was played in Wales (Cardiff vs Newport, 1917).

Ex RUDOLPH DRAGON In Dec, the Regt deployed on Ex RUDOLPH DRAGON over a freezing but blue sky weekend where InterSqn challenges included an assault course, Santa’s Sleigh Pull (cunningly disguised as 15T SV), orienteering, three-legged football, navigation, safe and skilled driving and the now infamous Turkey Trot.

Having been out on South Cerney’s airfield (and beyond) all day, personnel were able to warm up at the traditional soldier’s Christmas dinner.

So back to the Turkey Trot! Pte Shaun RawlinsonMcGregor donned not very little clothing to be chased by each Sqn around the rugby pitch (up to three times in some cases). All the running around kept him warm as did a snow-suit worn during Sqn change overs. The object was to catch your turkey dinner while avoiding being ‘shot’ by the farmer, who would periodically emerge from his 12x12, at which point any turkey rustlers had to take cover. It may not seem to be overt military training but it did in fact test stamina, observation and reaction. Once the turkey was caught, he was carried (CASEVAC’d) back to base which also cunningly disguised as another 12x12. The weekend was a great success and showed just what

can be done with limited resources and bags of imagination. A big thank you must go to Sgt Hazel Blackmore who pulled the whole thing together.

The closing Sun morning saw the weekend finish off with mandatory lectures most notably the substance abuse/drink drive briefs which were given most expertly and enthusiastically by OC 398 Tpt Sqn (Queensferry) - a police officer by day.

The troops are now fully conversant with the options open to the strong arm of the law when it comes to breathalysers etc!

A number of the weekend’s activities contributed to the Inter-Sqn CO’s Sword competition, adding to previous events such as the Regimental Military Skills and Drill competitions, so enthusiasm throughout was high. At the end of the day, scores were so close they had to be added up several times and validated by a third party before being published.

In the end, it was 224 Tpt Sqn (Carmarthen) who was the winner for 17.

During Ex RUDOLPH DRAGON, the Regt was delighted to host the outgoing AComd 3rd (UK) Div, Brig Bruce of Chrionaich OBE and the new Bde Comd, Brig Ewart-Brookes, who presented Maj Jase Lowe with his long-awaited CFA’s Commendation and Major Al Tindale with his LS&GC clasp; Brig Bruce of Chrionaich presented Sgt Anneli Davies with her VRSM.

Sports Sporting success came on Ex KNEES STRETCH where Pte Oliver Pritchard put in an excellent performance and won 1st Junior in both the Skate and Classic Nordic races, coming sixth and seventh place of 87 competitors respectively. Pte Kelan Burbridge, who entered as a complete novice, gained his One Star Award and Maj Claire Abel placed first in the Skate and second in the Classic Women’s races.

The Regt is clearly blessed with brilliant officers and soldiers, some of whom have been publically recognised. The RCMO, Capt Glenn Hall MBE, beat the Goat Major of 3 R Welsh (no mean feat) and others, to win the Armed Forces Award for “Overall Contribution” at the 160 Inf Bde and HQ Wales, Armed Forces in Wales Awards on 1 Dec in Cardiff City Football Stadium. In the stakes for the Armed Forces Covenant Capt, Chris Evans MBE narrowly lost out to the University of South Wales.

Lord Lieutenants’ Certificate of Merits have been awarded to Maj Wynne Jones MBE, OC 223 Tpt Sqn, SSgt Lee Hutchinson, Sgt Clayton Gibbons (both 580 Tpt Sqn) and Cpl Karen Spencer-Jenkins (249 (HQ) Sqn). 2017 was topped off on 29 Dec with the ROSO Capt Tim Crawshaw being awarded a CFA’s Commendation and WO2 Mark Finch, the Meritorious Service Medal.

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THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

158 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Peterborough

CO: Lt Col A Gifford TD • Adjt: Capt C Boyden • RSM: WO1 J Goodridge

Maj Anna Swales teaching UN Structure including support from outside agencies In the final months of 17, 158 Regiment maintained its active and busy schedule, with soldiers and officers deploying to Canada on the Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration (CAFSAC), Ethiopia on an Ethiopian Short Team Training Team (STTT) and Kenya in support of Ex AFRICAN STORM. The year culminated with a changeover of command; the Regt warmly welcomed Lt Col A Gifford TD into command and bided farewell to Lt Col A Parker MBE as he moves onto his new post in RHQ The RLC.

movement carrying 15 kg, including ECBA/plates, belt kit and helmets. In the end, the LSW Gunners were the most successful members of the team, winning the machine gun matches outright.

The Regt was represented and well supported by WO1 Mark Davie as the team coach and Capt Jabez Crisp, Pte Ian MacLeod and Pte Adam Scattergood as competition firers. The experiences gained will help to further develop the Regt’s shooting team in preparation for the 18 OSC season.

Defence Engagement – STTT Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration (CAFSAC) Four members of 158 Regt earned places to represent the Army Reserve in Canada at this year’s CAFSAC. They were selected from among the top 100 shots in the Army Reserve Operational Shooting Competition which took place in Jun 17.

The trip provided a number of rare training opportunities for the team, including live-fire kill houses, two way simunition ranges, training from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on Pistol training from their CP guys and dealing with the Canadian Rangers, to name but a few.

The CAFSAC itself included a Biathlon competition focusing on fitness, speed and accuracy under duress, as well as the Soldiers’ Cup on the final day, which included an assault course, TAB, team fire and Happy faces of the Regt Shooting team in Canada

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Dec 17 saw a new task within the Regt, proving the concept that a reserve unit can undertake STTT tasks. Maj Anna Swales acted as the Regt’s lead in delivering the African Mission in Somalia (AMISON) Logistic course to 24 Ethiopian Officers. Following a brief four-hour visit to the AMISON HQ in Mogadishu, Maj Swales joined Capt Carl Boyden and WO2 SSM Toby Wing in the Peace Support Training Centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The course started with an education into the organisation and laydown of the United Nations (UN) mission, including the structures of the UN and AMISON and UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).

This was then followed by teaching and refreshing the students in categories of supply, logistic principles, med supply, equipment support and maintenance and finally dangerous goods. All of the lessons were tied in to the UN structures to provide an understanding of where support and resupply comes from, including the channels of demands.

The final stage of the course covered the six-step estimate, which taught the officers a fresh and new way of planning. Delivering the course was both rewarding and challenging, if not only to see Maj Swales miming out her lessons to ensure the message was received.

The Regt proudly looks back on its many successes from 17 and looks forward to more opportunities and challenges in 18.

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

159 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Coventry

CO: Lt Col P Allen • Adjt: Capt R Jones • RSM: WO1 R Clarke

Pte Duke and Pte Philpott in Kenya The latter stages of 17 and early 18 saw members of 159 Regiment continue to deploy in role as Logistic Specialists in the UK and abroad; excel on the sports field and at AT; commemorate Remembrance Day; welcome two high profile visitors and continue to recruit new soldiers and train others.

The Birmingham Launch of the Poppy Appeal was a particularly well supported event at the beginning of Nov 17. Soldiers from the West Midlands based Sqn’s braved the Birmingham weather with collection buckets and ABF Poppy merchandise and were met with gratitude, generosity and in some cases, free brews by the public.

This was followed later in the month by Remembrance Day celebrations throughout the region, duly supported by soldiers from 159 Regt. A member of 237 Sqn, Pte Lee Wallis, honoured the occasion by appearing in the ‘Passchendaele 100’ theatre production with his local theatre society.

Members of the Sqn turned out in force to support the event and their colleague in a production described on social media as “amazing”.

Soldiers from the Regt have deployed to provide Supply capability in Belize, Canada and Kenya.

Two of the Regt’s newer recruits, Ptes Sophie Duke and Matthew Philpott deployed to BATUK in Dec 17 in support of British exercising troops.

Both individuals joined the Regt in 17 and were able to put recently acquired trade skills into practice in a busy LSS Detachment.

The Christmas period brought snow to the UK and West Midlands in particular. In sub-zero conditions, The RLC Ladies Football team were victorious in their match with the AGC. At any one time, the Regt provides up to five players for the outfit, a figure that 159 Regt is immensely proud of.

Charitable work continued in the form of the Regimental cake decorating competition immediately prior to stand down. In a closely contested battle, LCpl Dan Watkins (243) emerged victorious. The cakes were subsequently auctioned off for charity.

A new year heralded another flurry of activity. After hosting GOC 1 UK Division prior to Christmas, RHQ welcomed Bde Comd 102 Log Bde in Jan. He was able to meet Reservist and Regular staff and refresh his marksmanship skills on the .22 Range before watching a health fair activity delivered by the QMSI. This included a lesson on healthier cooking, delivered by (that man again) LCpl Watkins.

Snow was a more a welcome sight for those members of the Regt lucky enough to be deployed on Ex DRAGON BARBARIAN SKI 18 in Flaine, France.

A balance of instructors and novices were away for a week learning new skills, working outside their comfort zone and engendering team spirit before the stunning backdrop of Mont Blanc (which incidentally the Adjt has climbed).

Brigade Commanders’ visit

Ex DRAGON BARBARIAN SKI 18

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THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

162 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Nottingham

CO: Lt Col D E Jenkins • Adjt: Capt M Taylor • RSM: WO1 D Jackson-Smith

282 Sqn Open Day - Capt Matt Abbott, LCpl Oz Sadiq, Sgt Simon Cortez, Saeed Ahmed from the organisation ‘TARIF’ and his children With five of 282 Movement Control Squadron’s 59 members currently coming from the Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, the overall BAME percentage within the Sqn is above the Army’s average, equating to just over 8% of the held strength.

Building on the success of BAME recruiting, further work has taken place throughout 17 to build upon the diverse team, through engagement with the local BAME community and faith groups. As the lead for all Sqn BAME activity, LCpl Oz Sadiq has built on the contacts made via his civilian employment as a youth worker to further expand recruiting and engagement activities within several BAME communities in the North East. This work has proved to be very beneficial in supporting 282 Sqn’s own Op FORTIFY actions.

The last quarter of 17 saw several BAME activities take place across the region. In particular, and for the first time in its history, an extremely successful Remembrance Parade took place at Middlesbrough Cenotaph, where various members of the BAME communities and organisations laid wreaths throughout the service.

Historically, there has been no BAME representation at these poignant events, despite numerous BAME individuals paying the ultimate sacrifice for the Commonwealth. The event was supported by 30 people from the local Mosque, Sikh Temple, Teesside Bangladeshi Association, Praise International African Church, Islamic Cultural Association, Teesside Against Racism, Islamophobia and Fascism (TARIF) and the Teesside International Students Union.

Remembrance Parade – Members of the Sikh Temple pay their respects at Middlesbrough Cenotaph

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The hard work of LCpl Oz Sadiq was indispensable and paramount in achieving the successful integration of all organisations; his engagement with the local BAME groups made a truly diverse event possible.

Dec 17 saw two key BAME activities take place in the North East; at the beginning of the month several members of the Sqn visited a local mosque to learn more about Islam and promote the Army Reserves and in particular what 282 Sqn has to offer to both employer and employees. The day was a success, achieving its aim of promoting a culture of understanding about both Islam and the Army Reserve; having the opportunity to tour Bowesfield Mosque and witness proceedings during Friday prayers, was a noteworthy experience that truly broadened the understanding of those who attended.

The other event took place just before Christmas leave, where 282 Sqn hosted an open day at the Middleborough ARC. Councillor Zafer Uddin, Chairman of the Tees Valley Bangladeshi Association and Vice Chairman of the Bangladeshi Mosque in South Bank and Saeed Ahmed from ‘TARIF’ attended, allowing significant one-to-one engagements with members of the local BAME community. This again provided a platform from which the Army Reserves and 162 Regt were able to advertise their capabilities and employment prospects to key individuals within the local area.

The success of BAME activities to date and the continuous strengthening of the BAME network within 282 Sqn’s catchment area, has significantly raised awareness of diverse faith groups and religious/cultural practices across the Sqn. Whilst the key message of what the Army Reserves can offer has created a sense of integration and understanding within both 162 Regt and the local community. Further engagement activities are planned for 18 that will hopefully continue the hard work which started in 17, such work is paramount to Op FORTIFY and the Army’s inclusive nature, which will only strengthen the bonds between 282 Sqn and its surrounding communities.

Other news 162 Regt’s busy schedule continued throughout the last quarter of 17, with large amounts of trade specific and general training being conducted by all five Sqn’s. As the lead Regt for Community Engagement within Derbyshire, 162 Regt hosted its annual reception and Beating Retreat at Chatsworth House at the beginning of Oct. The event was once a huge success with the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, the MP for Chesterfield, and over 100 local dignitaries and key employers attending. With the CO thanking all those who had supported the Army Reserve throughout the year, the night was concluded by an excellent performance from The RLC band, despite some ‘technical’ lighting issues.

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

165 Port & Maritime Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Plymouth

CO: Lt Col C Hampton-Stone • Adjt: Capt D Withers • RSM: WO1 C Henbest

The Burrator Fun Run The end of 17 was the culmination of a busy year for 165 Port & Maritime Regiment, with much achieved including the establishment of Sponsored Reserves to the Regt, supporting resilience operations and increasing the junior officer cohort among many other things.

The Regt has also seen significant manpower shift over the year with some key appointments changing over, notably the Training Maj, QM, RCMO, as well as some Sqn OCs. At the time of writing the Regt is preparing for the departure of the CO, Lt Col Pete Skinsley and to welcome Lt Col Craig Hampton-Stone to Plymouth. Recruiting remains the main effort.

Ex LION STAR In 17, the Regt was fortunate enough to be granted an overseas ADE. Ex LION STAR 7 was a range and basic close combat skills (BCCS) package focused exercise. It took place in Cyprus from 30 Sep – 14 Oct 17. This was the Regt’s main Annual Continuous Training (ACT) activity for 17 and was classified as an Assured Training (AsT) event.

The exercise consisted of three overarching training serials; Ranges, BCCS (including an FTX) and Adventurous Training (AT). The primary aim of the OTX was to further develop the core individual soldiering skills of our reserve officers and soldiers, whilst delivering a retention positive experience.

Lt Col Skinsley with other service heads at the Plymouth Cenotaph

The secondary aim was to build team cohesion and professional relationships across the Regt via a challenging but enjoyable field-based exercise. A mix of 108 regular and reserve soldiers from 165 and its sister Regt 17 P&M deployed on exercise, all of which were put through a challenging training package which proved both beneficial and enjoyable to all involved.

Remembrance 17 heralded 165 Regt’s turn to lead on remembrance for the Army in Plymouth, this meant taking over the ceremonial element of Remembrance Sunday from 29 Cdo RA and uniquely assuming the military lead for the Plymouth Festival of Remembrance.

This was the first year reserves had been used for the festival and 165 was charged with coordinating all military elements of the event, as well as providing the CO and Adjt for the roles of Lead Presenter and Deputy Director, respectively. The cooperation of reserves from all three services was a fantastic opportunity to build relationships with partners in the area and showcase the reserves to the local community. The Sun parade was led by Capt John Scammell and saw 18 reserve soldiers parading alongside regular sailors from the Royal Navy in one of the largest events in the South West.

Fun run The Regimental Tradition of the Christmas fun run around Burrator Reservoir on Dartmoor continued in 17 with members of the Regt (and their dogs) donning fancy dress for a lap of the Reservoir. This was followed by a healthy breakfast courtesy of the CO. The event was well attended and ensured that everyone went on Christmas leave in high spirits.

8 If you are a Service Leaver with previous Port & Maritime experience or you are settling in or around Devon, Cornwall, Hampshire or the Bicester region and wish to know more about opportunities in 165 P&M Regt please contact the RCMO on 01752 835819.

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THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

167 Catering Support Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Grantham

CO: Lt Col J A Cattermull • Adjt: Maj S L Conway • RSM: WO1 D Samuel Visits

Cpl Liczbinski in action at Ex JOINT CATERER Autumn 17 was filled with visits for 167 Regiment. It was delighted to welcome its Honorary Col, the new Bde Comd, Brig Neil Thorpe, The Worshipful Company of Cooks, as well as Chef Trade Champion, Col John Asbee and Head of trade WO1 Roger Hart.

Over 35 chefs supported a variety of exercises including Ex ARRCADE FUSION and Ex IRON VIPER, and six trade courses were delivered.

Ex JOINT CATERER 17 In Oct, Regimental personnel entered the Ex JOINT CATERER 17, a tri-service culinary competition held at Food Service Wing, Worthy Down. Mentored and managed by WO1 (SSM) Chris Marsden and SSgt Rob Oberhoffer, the team undertook a week of intense culinary training in Grantham prior to the event. They spent time concentrating on their own specific areas of weakness to ensure they were well equipped to ‘cook off’ against the regular Army component, during the first stage in the competition. Winners of each cook-off stage then combined to form the Army team, competing against the RAF and the Navy.

Evidently, the thorough preparation paid off as every single member of the regimental team won their cook off and was placed on Army day. Furthermore, everyone came away with an award. Indeed, from a team of ten, the medal haul was significant: Best in Class – 1, Silvers - 8, Bronze - 5 and Merits – 2.

Particular recognition must go to the highly skilful Cpl Paul Liczbinski, who mentored and coached the Army Front of House team throughout the exercise.

Master Thatcher signs the Letter of Association

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Last year the Regt was visited by members of the Worshipful Company of Cooks where a formal Letter of Association was signed by the Master, Michael Thatcher and the CO. In doing so, the Company has pledged to support and encourage the pursuit of efficiency and excellence through the award of prizes and will also invite the CO and selected members of the Regt to attend certain social functions.

On the charitable front, the Company will contribute towards appropriate associations supported by the Regt, as well as possible assistance towards individual compassionate cases. For its part, the Regt will invite members of the Company to visit on selected work and social occasions to encourage better understanding of the Regt in particular. Lunch during the visit was provided by 113 Sqn which, under the direction of WO2 (SSM) Alison Cartwright, served up an innovative menu using the contents of an Operational Ration Pack.

Recently, the Regt has been very pleased to welcome its Honorary Col, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach with his wife, Lady Peach for a visit.

Starting with a Regimental brief, the Honorary Col was then kind enough to present General Officer Commanding Force Troops Command certificates to WO2 (RQMS) Martin West and SSgt Mick Gott and a 104 Brigade Commander certificate to Mr Ryan Corner, who was recognised for his work within the Quartermaster’s department.

He was then introduced to members of the Army Reserve on their Chef Class 3 course and the visit culminated in a fantastic lunch provided by the Chef Class 2 course students. It is truly amazing what can be achieved in a field kitchen!

Sports Finally, the Regt continues to raise its profile in the sporting arena. Its football team, ably managed by WO2 Neil Brewster was successful against 158 Regt, winning 4-1 in the first round of the Army Reserve Cup. Unfortunately, they weren’t as successful against 6 Scots in the second round but arguably, the 9-0 defeat could be explained by much of the team being unable to travel to the match in Edinburgh due to snow warnings.

The cross-country runners returned from Abingdon, where they braved mud and very deep puddles to win the prize for the Female Reserve Unit Cross Country Runners-Up, as well as the Male Minor Reserve Unit Cross Country Runners-Up. Special mention should go to LCpl Yvette Adair who had a fantastic run, coming second to achieve not only the Female Veteran Cross Country Runner-Up, but also the Female Cross Country Runner-Up. She will represent the Army in Jan 18.

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

20 Transport Squadron The Royal Logistic Corps London

OC: Maj K Tilby • SSM: WO2 A Salihu wheelbarrow ‘driving’ skills stand) and British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) generously supported with their ice cream van (free ice creams for everyone!).

Some of the Sqn’s sporting ‘gladiators’ competed in the LONDIST X-Country Championships, a 10k at Tweseldown Racecourse. Thankfully, competitors were not required to negotiate the horse jumps! The team achieved a very respectable third place Minor Unit and fourth regular unit overall and it’s rumoured that LCpl Jack McGuire was seen signing up for his annual subscription of Horse and Hound!

Remembrance and charity work

Mr Whittaker ‘wearing it pink’ 20 Transport Squadron has been busy supporting LONDIST and also squeezing in PT, sports afternoons (every week without fail!) and a range of other activities.

Work is on-going to improve life for Sqn members; the Soldiers’ SLA will be repainted (after new carpets last year), the refurbished cookhouse will open soon and new garden furniture and equipment has been bought for the Sqn welfare facility.

Avoiding all work and no play Cpl Kev Harbour organised a brilliant cultural themed Sqn Families Day, with foods from the home nations of Sqn personnel, activity stands and inflatables. The RLC Museum kindly loaned the Sqn Monty’s car for the day, the local Police EOD Unit attended with a bomb disposal van (and ran a 20 Sqn sporting ‘gladiators’

Remembrance is a busy time, providing transport support to LONDIST, but it’s important the Sqn takes part too. This year the Sqn had the honour of attending the Field of Remembrance at Westminster and took part in a Remembrance Parade at the Mornington Crescent Prisoner of War Memorial with the local RASC Association and the MET Police (who take part and stop traffic for the silence). The event even made it into the local paper!

The Sqn once again collected for the Poppy Appeal, working with the Royal British Legion (RBL) and veterans. However, it’s not just soldiers that get involved; for Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Mr Glenn Whittaker, one of the Sqn’s Civil Service Drivers, dressed in pink (even dyeing his beard!), to raise awareness among the military that men can also get breast cancer. Providing an awareness brief for the passengers on his coach that day, he received applause and cheers for his efforts.

Remembrance is a busy time, providing transport support to LONDIST, but it’s important the Sqn takes part too In other news The Sqn hosted a successful annual Quiz Night with the Master and members of the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers. It also held Sqn Halloween and Christmas Parties (it’s difficult to say which event had the scariest outfits!). General Officer Commanding LONDIST, Maj Gen Benjamin J Bathurst CBE, visited the Sqn, he toured the site and met some soldiers (who enjoyed discussing their taste in music with him).

Congratulations go to Cpl Sarun Gurung and LCpl Kawaljeet Singh and their wives on the arrivals of their new additions. And finally, the Sqn sadly bids farewell to Capt James Kilburn and Sgt Dale McMahon, who leave for pastures new.

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THE SUSTAINER | OTHER UNITS

Logistics Wing, Cyprus Operations Support Unit (COSU) Cyprus

OC: Wing Commander C Brown • Adjt: Capt J Hill • OC JLS: Maj C Ralling

Members of 162 Regt during deployment to Cyprus It has been another busy year for The Cyprus Postal and Courier Troop, providing a full range of Postal and Courier services across Cyprus to Op SHADER and Op TOSCA, as well as the permanent bases located in the East and West Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs).

British Forces Post Office (BFPO) Cyprus, offers a fast paced and rewarding work environment with output levels comparable to British Forces Germany (BFG) and the opportunity to work alongside the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. Every month the Troop (1 + 22, including augmentation for Op TOSCA and Op SHADER and four civilians) will process and distribute more than 3,000 airmail bags flown over from RAF Brize Norton, 12 tonnes of large parcels transported in ISO containers from Marchwood and a full complement of diplomatic mail.

BFPO Cyprus continues to provide the full range of postal counter services across four permanent locations as well as a limited counter service at BFPO 567 for personnel supporting Op TOSCA. All British Forces personnel and their dependants are Members of 162 conducting trade training alongside PC Troop Cyprus

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The reserves were fully integrated into the Tp across the island and rotated through various roles and responsibilities to ensure a wide exposure to the full range of services provided eligible to take advantage of the BFPO counter services; chip & pin continues to be very popular with the Troop handling over £900,000 worth of transactions each month.

162 Regt personnel have deployed to Cyprus twice in 17 to take advantage of the full complement of postal and courier services offered in Cyprus to conduct valuable trade training.

The reserves were fully integrated into the Tp across the island and rotated through various roles and responsibilities to ensure a wide exposure to the full range of services provided. This year, their deployment coincided with the Annual Logistic Support Audit from SO2 PCS, Dave Austin and the Trade Conductor, which provided an excellent opportunity for all to understand the audit preparation requirement and inspection process.

The mutually beneficial and long standing relationship with 162 Regt allows PC Tp Cyprus to release busy personnel for trade and promotion courses and to take advantage of the many AT opportunities across the island. These include, but are not limited to, parachuting, rock climbing and scuba diving, as well as extra mural activities located in the SBA such as the RAF Akrotiri Go-Karting Club and the Episkopi Clay Pigeon and Target Shooting Club.

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

Defence Munitions (DM) Kineton Station Temple Herdewyke

CO: Lt Col W A Davidson • RSM: WO1 M Avant

Regt to compete in the Breda Regatta, the Dutch Royal Military Academy’s International Military Regatta. All this has put Kineton in a strong position to represent the RLC in 18.

Other sport Cpl Charlesworth gracefully competing in Cyclocross As the financial year draws to a close, perhaps the smallest unit in The RLC, DM Kineton, reflects on its numerous sporting and adventurous training achievements and how, despite a demanding real time role, it is effectively delivering ‘The Offer.’

Cycling After training weeks in both Yorkshire and France, the team started the season strongly and retained The RLC Minor Units Road Race. The winning streak continued as Cpl Richard Jennings went on to win the Army and RLC Time Trial Championships.

As well as these achievements on the road, Cyclocross enthusiast, Cpl Sebastian Charlesworth has been instrumental in promoting the sport across the Army. As well as competing in various UK competitions, he represented the Army at the World Masters Cycloscross Championships in Belgium.

Skiing

The year saw golfer, Cpl Fraser Kinninmonth, take away the Travers Clarke Cup from The RLC Summer meeting. Also, Kineton continues to support the Army at water polo and The RLC at swimming by deploying LCpl Helen Seal to the Inter-Corps Swimming Championships where she placed third and participated in the Inter-Corps Water Polo team, placing second.

The year has also seen Sgt David Okyere represent the station on The RLC basketball team, Kineton Station football team progresses in the Army Minor Unit Cup, two teams participating in The RLC Squash Championships and an orienteering team participating in The RLC Championships with Cpl Natasha Pavlou coming third in her category.

Adventure Training This year’s main AT expedition was diving in Malta as 12 troops were funded to learn how to dive in the clear and sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Not only this, due to the close relationship with 11 EOD Regt, ten soldiers were able to deploy with them to Cyprus to conduct a varied AT package. The overseas expeditions continued into the winter as Sgt David Illingworth deployed on The RLC snowboarding exercise and gained his freestyle instructor qualification.

Dec 17 saw six personnel deploy on Ex KNEES STRETCH in Austria, The RLC’s Nordic skiing expedition aimed at developing all levels of experience. It saw the troops undertake ten days of skiing in the Austrian Alps.

This event saw Kineton take its first skiing victory, in the Veteran Novice category, since the 1980s.

Rowing After last year’s success with indoor rowing, six troops took to the water and completed the Army’s learn to row course. They subsequently competed in the Army Rowing Regatta, winning the Novice 4+.

They then went on to compete in the Joint Service Regatta and beat the RAF in the Novice Quad. The season culminated in the unit joining forces with 9

Nordic ski team in Austria

Kineton Station rowing team at the Army Regatta

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THE SUSTAINER | OTHER UNITS

821 Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search (EOS&S) Squadron Wimbish

OC: Maj A Hambley • SSM: WO2 G Masters RE

Members of 821 EOD&S Sqn at a “meat grab” hosted by the Saudi Engineer Institute 821 Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search (EOD&S) Squadron has had another busy period with EOD and search teams conducting role specific training and validation to provide support at readiness to the Air Assault Task Force and Lead Commando Group; GS and quad driving courses; Explosive Ordnance Clearance tasks in the UK. There has also been pre-deployment training for several personnel deploying on Op SHADER; a Sqn level exercise; skiing courses and numerous successes on EOD&S courses.

Ex NORTHERN CHALLENGE Late in 17, an EOD team, consisting of a high threat operator, No 2 and ECM operator, along with a full Search Team form 821 EOD&S Sqn, deployed on Ex NORTHERN CHALLENGE 17. The exercise took place in Keflavik, Iceland where the team was hosted by the Northern Lights in Iceland during Ex NORTHERN CHALLENGE

Icelandic Coastguard and involved a number of NATO countries including; USA, Denmark, Germany, France and Norway.

The aim of the exercise was to promote cohesion, to learn from the different nations on show and to improve the team’s own skills and drills in a different and demanding environment. It was good to see how the different nations conducted an EOD task, as well as the different Render Safe Procedures (RSPs) used and the equipment available.

All this was useful to a British EOD Team and has given the Sqn ideas regarding other equipment it could look into using in the future. As an EOD team, the Sqn has conducted and completed 17 individual tasks to a high standard which impressed a number of the foreign nations who made up the directing staff panel.

Outside of the working week, the team managed to get down to the Blue Lagoon and even managed to see the Northern lights. All in all, the exercise was a massive success and has proved why Britain as a nation is a leader in EOD and Search.

Op CROSSWAYS A four-man EOD & Search team deployed to Saudi Arabia to deliver a two week short term training team (STTT) package.

The team arrived in Abba after an emotional flight, missing its connection in Jeddah and having a six hour wait for a second flight, to find its baggage at the other end was nowhere to be found. Later that night, the team experienced its first taste of the staple chicken and rice that it would come to love over the next two weeks.

After a threat brief and knowledge exchange to see what the Saudis were facing on the Yemen border, the team tailored the course to focus on route search and basic disposal. Most of the Saudis turned out to be very competent throughout with a wealth of experience between them and they took to the procedures well and all passed the course.

The deployment culminated with a presentation morning from the Saudi Brigadier followed by sit-down meal consisting of a whole sheep and rice without any cutlery.

Outside of the working week, the team managed to get down to the Blue Lagoon and even managed to see the Northern lights. All in all, the exercise was a massive success and has proved why Britain as a nation is a leader in EOD and Search 66

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

Defence Petroleum Training Squadron (DPTS) Dorset

CO: Maj N Swift • Sqn WO: WO2 C Lamb Wootton’s leg!). LCpl Jason Booth and Cpl Mark Frost both excelled in the shooting and were awarded their marksman qualification. The ultimate test was the respirator checks in the CS gas chamber, highlighting the need for us all to remain competent with CBRN drills or succumb to the effects and embarrassment.

Longmoor is an excellent base for this type of Sqn activity and highly recommended.

Sgt Ben Calloway (right) instructs DPTS permanent staff on CBRN drills in the CS gas chamber

Ex FUELS ENDEAVOUR

The focus of the Defence Petroleum Training Squadron (DPTS) this period continues to be the delivery of fuel courses across Defence, with the RAF Troop now fully integrated in all aspects of the DPTS life.

Military Annual Training Test Camp (MATTS) Keeping in line with new MATT regulations for Army Recruitment and Training Division (ARTD) units, the Sqn embarked on an all-encompassing (MATTs 1-9) camp the week before Christmas 17 in sunny Longmoor Camp. Temperatures that week were freezing thanks to Storm Caroline, however this added to the Sqn’s bonding in the face of adversity.

The full suite of lessons were conducted, ranging from values and standards, equality and diversity, fitness, weapon handling and ranges to theory and practical navigation (or bog swimming on Sgt Brad Sgt Wootton’s shortcut through the bog during the map reading practical

This year, the Sqn’s engineer friends at 516 STRE organised an outstanding practical demonstration of the rarely used towed flexible barge discharge system and pollution control equipment, which the Sqn HQ was privileged to visit on Ex FUELS ENDEAVOUR. These are key fuel delivery capabilities which are sadly rarely deployed and trained on due to the environmental complexities and restrictions. It is hoped that future exercises are given this same level of support and the equipment is invested in more for the future.

Family life Family activities within the Sqn this period have been plentiful. From a successful family bonfire night, Remembrance Day mess social and the highlight of the year being a Vegas Casino themed Christmas function and annual prize draw, organised by Sgt Craig Melrose and his team. How he managed to win the XBox is still a mystery!

The Sqn now has a full programme delivering Phase 2 trade training, the Officers’ Petroleum Course, RAF Fuel Operator’s course, Petroleum Laboratory Technician training and routine Vehicle Bulk Fuel Operators courses. In the new financial year, it looks forward to spending a £40,000 LIBOR funding grant on much needed additional welfare facilities on camp which will significantly improve the West Moors lived experience for staff and trainees in the short term.

Rarely deployed Pollution Control equipment in action on Ex Fuels Endeavour, Chatham www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

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THE SUSTAINER | OTHER UNITS

132 Aviation Supply Squadron Royal Logistic Corps Ipswich

CO: Maj E Stokes • SSM: WO2 J Madine

LCpl Orrian Bennett thinking “my other vehicle is an APACHE!” With 17 over, it is fitting to reflect on 132 Aviation Supply Squadron’s achievements over the year. The two major activities, Ex CRIMSON EAGLE and Ex SWIFT RESPONSE encapsulate the diverse year it has been for the Sqn.

Ex CRIMSON EAGLE Ex CRIMSON EAGLE, a Joint Helicopter Force live firing and environmental training exercise, saw a seven-man team of Logistic Specialists from the Sqn deploy to California in the USA to provide the FirstAid Aircraft Outfit (FAACO). The exercise comprised of two phases: The high altitude flying phase in El Centro and the live firing phase in Gila Bend, Arizona.

Ex SWIFT RESPONSE, on the other hand, is a multinational exercise hosted by the US military at Joint Multinational Readiness Centre (JMRC) in Germany. The exercise is focused on enhancing multinational interoperability and exercising Joint Helicopter Force 1 (JHF 1). In Oct 17, another eight-man team deployed from the Sqn as part of JHF 1 based at Vilseck Airfield.

The Sqn deploys two Deployable Spares Packs (DSP) to these exercises. Each DSP comprises of

approximately 750-line items and is worth £18 million. The DSPs are provisioned for and maintained using a collaborative process between 132 Aviation Supply Sqn, REME Aviation Technicians and Industry.

Although similar in composition, deploying the DSPs to these two locations is very varied and relies on Sqn personnel adjusting and adapting to environmental variations to fully support each exercise.

For personnel deploying on these two exercises, the experiences could not be more dynamic. The Ex CRIMSON EAGLE team arrived to temperatures of 45°C and rising; the initial challenge being to acclimatise to these temperatures. The team had to quickly establish communications to run the Logistic Information Systems with the UK before carrying out tasks to tight timeframes. During the live firing, phase two experienced Logistic Specialists, Pte Nti-Boateng and Pte Sarfo, moved to Gila Bend to provide the logistic capability to the Aviation Equipment Support Group.

Ex SWIFT RESPONSE Meanwhile, Ex SWIFT RESPONSE saw the team lead an overnight ferry crossing into Holland and a two-day drive to Grafenwoehr. This was quite an experience for Pte Gurung on his first deployment post his Phase 2 training. Arriving at Vilseck Airfield, the team was greeted to the news of an Apache Helicopter breakdown. This required the establishment of resupply communications and Log IS in double quick time. These two contrasting scenarios demonstrate the Sqn’s intrinsic adaptability in support of such diverse exercises.

Future Looking forward to 18, the Sqn will undergo considerable changes to personnel and has a number of challenging exercises ahead. It must be said that on reflection, 17 has displayed a year of excellence and professional agility to undertake an essential supply role for Army aviation.

AT opportunities in California

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

Typhoon Squadron Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme Loughborough University, Leicestershire CO: Wing Commander G Walker • SSM: WO2 N Young

Vice Admiral Potts CB and Prof Allison at Typhoon Sqn Opening Ceremony Typhoon Squadron welcomed its new first year officer cadets at the start of the 17/18 academic year who have had only a week to take stock after a busy summer that among other tasks, saw personnel deploy on exercises to France, Ukraine, Belarus and Poland.

The new officer cadets were warmly welcomed by the CO in Oct 17 at the initial training and administration weekend. From there, they had little time to rest as the Sqn embarked on a series of training weekends in order to get all personnel up to the required standards for the year ahead.

As well as balancing their academic needs during the week, the officer cadets were kept busy on weekend exercises and courses. Ex TASTER was an introduction to hill walking in the Peak District, swiftly followed by 14 OCdts attending the Food Hygiene Course with 167 Cat Sp Regt.

Whilst the was ink still drying on the certificates, the Sqn deployed into the field on Ex SURVIVOR. This was a test of both the individual’s ability to survive in exercise field conditions coupled with section level tactics.

Ex TYPHOON TATRAS 17 OCdt Christopher Davies along with seventeen members of the Sqn, departed Loughborough in three vehicles to drive across Europe, stopping overnight in Dresden before arriving in Zakopane, Poland.

Once there, nestled in the Carpathian mountain range, the OCdts conducted ten days of hill walking, mainly along the Polish/Slovak border. The return phase of the exercise included time to rest the many aching legs in the city of Krakow and a day of Force Development and Education at the Auschwitz Concentration Camp.

Official opening With the move to its new location completed earlier in 17, Typhoon Sqn was officially opened with one swift tug of the rope by Vice Admiral Potts CB, Director General Joint Force Development and Defence Academy, Shrivenham. Accompanied throughout the day by the University Vice Chancellor, Prof Robert Allison, the CO gave a tour of the new Sqn location and facilities before delivering both guests into the company of its officer cadets for a series of briefings.

Ex TYPHOON TROTSKY OCdt Steven Cooke led seven Sqn personnel on an overseas Force Development Exercise that aimed to study the westward advances of the Soviet Red Army during the Second World War. Flying to Kiev, Ukraine, the curve balls came thick and fast as the OCdts had to navigate their way around an unfamiliar city with some very unfamiliar Cyrillic signs.

Museums visited and briefings given, the group moved onto the impressive Brest Fortress close to the Polish border. The final phase saw more cultural awareness in the form of non-English speaking ticket booth attendants that eventually resulted in the group’s arrival in Warsaw, Poland. Here the OCdts toured the former Jewish ghetto and the uprising museum over two days, before returning home.

In Service Degree Officer (ISDO) The Sqn currently has two regular commissioned officers study engineering degrees at Loughborough University. If you are interested in gaining an in-service engineering degree and want to know more about life on a Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS) Sqn, please contact the CO, Wg Cdr Gary Walker RAF via email at TyphoonSqnCO@lboro.ac.uk.

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THE SUSTAINER | OTHER UNITS

Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS) Hook, Hampshire

CO: Maj T G Shaw • SSM: WO2 L Snelson

Joint Helicopter Support Squadron Regiment (JHSS) has finished what has been yet another busy period.

The Sqn has fulfilled numerous tasks, including international support to Puma and Chinook exercises, as well as its continued support to Op RUMAN. The Sqn was also delighted to receive a high profile visit by the Col in Chief, Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Anne and present the sterling personnel and efforts of the Sqn.

The Royal Visit JHSS were honoured to host HRH Princess Anne in Oct 17. The visit was particularly pertinent as it coincided with the Sqn’s 35th Anniversary since its formation. Months of preparation and rehearsals ensured the Sqn displayed its capabilities, people and values at the highest level. The Sqn OC, Maj Tom Shaw hosted HRH Princess Anne throughout the 90-minute visit, which included a walkthrough of the hangar and presentation of the capability display stands.

Each stand highlighted the Sqn’s output and equipment, amplified by entertaining stories told by the personnel. HRH Princess Anne also witnessed a successful live demonstration which included Sqn personnel and Puma and Chinook assets. The visit ended with one of the most important parts of the Sqn, a meet and greet with the families and children of Sqn personnel. The visit was extremely well received and provided HRH Princess Anne with a clear understanding of the support and readiness JHSS provides at a national and international level.

Ex NORDIC EAGLE A HHT is currently deployed on Ex NORDIC EAGLE in support of Royal Marine’s Artic Warfare training. The HHT, led by Cpl Jon Crossley, has already completed the challenging Cold Weather Survivor Course as part of its preparation for the three-month exercise.

Its responsibilities in Norway will include the rigging, preparation and lifting of underslung loads to provide support to the Merlin, Chinook and Commando Helicopter Force.

Commendations In response to their bravery and courage during a road traffic incident, Cpl Vicky Keats and LCpl Lyndsay Clarke received a nomination for an award in the Sun newspaper Military Awards. Cpl Keats and LCpl Clarke saved the life of a gentleman trapped in a burning, overturned car whilst they returned to JHSS after a detail in Mar 17. Calm under pressure, Cpl Keats and LCpl Clarke selflessly pulled the injured man from the car and administered lifesaving First Aid.

Community engagement Despite the challenging primary duty of JHSS, key members of the Sqn have demonstrated further 70

SSM Lee Snelson proudly meeting HRH Princess Anne on arrival to JHSS capacity by volunteering with the South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS). Maj Tom Shaw, Pte Jess Bartlett and Pte Joe Sullivan have sacrificed their personal time to respond to 999 emergency calls and provide immediate medical care to those in need.

The Military Co-Responder Scheme consists of volunteers who have undergone full medical and driving training and can respond to a plethora of medical emergencies. This scheme is a prime example of Sqn personnel developing their professional and personal skills whilst reinvesting their time into the local community.

Looking forward Following a busy 17 and well-deserved Christmas break, the Sqn is already in full swing and looking forward to a busy 18. With fully charged batteries, the Sqn will prepare for CT1 and CT2 training exercises in Jan. The two-week deployment located in the Longmoor Trg area will test the Sqn on its low-level infantry skills, heli-handling team operations and rigger marshal and landing point commander skills.

In addition to CT1 and CT2, the Sqn has an enhanced commitment to the Falkland Islands. A team consisting of one Helicopter Handling Instructor (HHI) and four Defence Landing Point Commanders (DLPC) will deploy for a three-month rolling detachment in support of the British civilian aircraft fleet.

Looking forward, JHSS will also deploy a number of Helicopter Handling Teams (HHT) including a Mobile Air Operation Team (MAOT) to the desert of El Centro in California, USA. Part of a wider JHC commitment, the initial team will be led by Cpl Simon Sloan who will ensure the provision of an under slung load capability to the Puma Force whilst they undergo desert warfare environmental training.

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

2 Operational Support Group The Royal Logistic Corps (2OSG) Grantham

CO: Lt Col A Hoey • RSM: WO1 A Clayton boots for good and head for pastures new and a considerable amount of DIY.

497 OPERATIONS SUPPORT UNIT (497 OSU)

497 Military Skills Team in full swing with Lt Col Kabia leading 2 Operational Support Group (2OSG) continued with its busy training schedule during this period. The highlight of the season was the Annual Continuous Training Period (ACT) in Oct 17.

Originally planned to take place in Warcop Training Camp, the ACT had to be moved to Grantham at short notice due to accommodation and training facilities being reallocated to units with higher priorities.

However, the AT phase of the exercise was conducted from Warcop Training Camp and centered around the Haltwhistle and Hexam area of Hadrian’s Wall.

The core element of the ACT 17 consisted of Labour Support and Contract Management courses for reserve personnel from within the unit and regular personnel from external units across the Army. While 498 Labour Support Unit (498 LSU) and 499 Contract Management Unit (499 CMU) remained in Grantham, 497 Operations Support Unit (497 OSU) deployed on Ex ARCADE FUSION as part of their ACT. All members of the Gp HQ would like to extend a warm welcome to Mr Alan Smith as the new unit Radio and QM Storeman and congratulations go to WO1 Lee Mahoney on receiving a CGS commendation for his services on Ex SAIF SARIA 16, a well-deserved accolade. Finally, the group said a sad farewell to Lt Col Dennis Dillon, who after a brief stint as the Senior Officer 498 LSU, has decided to hang up his Pte Timson being congratulated by the RSM on successful completion of her CMS(R) Course

As part of the continuing collaboration between 2OSG RLC and HQ ARRC, the 497 OSU main effort for this quarter was in support of HQ ARRC Exercise ARCADE FUSION. 497 OSU also provided core elements to the 2OSG RLC Military Skills Team which competed in the Annual RLC Military Skills Competition.

In 17, seven of the units eleven logistics staff specialists were joined by two colleagues from sister units to augment HQ ARRC’s Ex ARCADE FUSION across five branches or teams.

Reports coming in suggest that the cohort confirmed the utility reservists bring to their regular counterparts with significant input to logistic analysis, movement planning, exercise control and real life support coordination.

For 497 OSU’s Second-in-Command Maj Ian Keenan, the exercise launched him into his fortieth year of combined regular and reservist service. He had, with Maj Peter Wyse, carried out much of the liaison with HQ ARRC that enabled the 2 OSG augmentees including Maj Nial Browne (498 LSU) and WO1 Jasmin Hood (499 CMU) to deploy on the exercise with minimum fuss.

HQ ARRC exercise "newbie" and recently posted to 497 OSU, Maj Alex Hamilton’s staff work and spreadsheet skills earned him one of the Commander ARRC Coins recognising standout contributions to the exercise.

Congratulations go to newly commissioned Capt Kevin Swinbourne after passing the Army Officer Selection Board’s Senior Soldier Entry in Sept 17. His parting shot to the Unit was to Captain the 2 OSG RLC Military Skills Team, which also included the Senior Officer 497 OSU, Lt Col Ibs Kabia who, at 56, was the competition’s oldest participant to the Minor Unit Runner Up position.

In reflection Reflecting on 17, it was a busy year with new recruits and regular to reserves along with rejoiners.

Last year saw Pte Sean Murtagh and Pte Maria Timson passing their Bravo’s and joining 500 Comms Tp, both Pte’s have already volunteered and can be often seen helping out on the RRMT stand at various events. Pte Murtagh used his charm to get the entire cast of Peter Pan who were performing at Grantham Civic Playhouse to pose for a group picture in the freezing cold weather.

Christmas time saw SSgt Alan Girvan RRMT donning his Mess Onesie and taking part in the Ipswich Santa run over 5km with obstacles and mud with all proceeds going to charity. www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

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THE SUSTAINER | OTHER UNITS

Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Munitions and Search Training (DEMS Trg) Regiment Bicester

OC: Lt Col R Hallett • Adjt: Capt S Fox • RSM: WO1 P Marconi RE

Back of WW

The manual approach 72

The Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Munitions and Search Training Regt (DEMS Trg Regt) is split over two sites; RHQ and the RE-heavy Search and Conventional Munitions Disposal (CMD) Sqn’s are based in St George’s Barracks, near Bicester. The RLC-heavy Munitions and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) Sqn’s however, are located in a little-known corner of Warwickshire, just off junction 12 of the M40, in the Defence Munitions Depot at Kineton.

The Felix Training Area is a purposebuilt series of buildings, designed to conduct realistic bomb disposal training serials and is home to the IEDD Sqn. The Sqn is responsible for running IEDD courses throughout the year to meet operational requirements at home and overseas by providing a range of EOD qualified personnel.

Twice a year, a three-week International IEDD Operators Course for up to 16 students from the UK’s International partners is ran, the aim of which is to introduce our International partners to the UK EOD and IEDD methodology, which is in some cases very different to the way they would operate at home. It is a balance of theoretical and practical training, covering UK IEDD methodologies, individual IEDD operator skills and outdoor training tasks utilising current UK inservice IEDD equipment including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) suit and Remote-Controlled Vehicle (RCV).

The course draws students from around the world, with vastly differing levels of experience, enthusiasm and English language skills. In many cases the tactics and approach to IEDD adopted are very different to our own, but are equally as effective, particularly when considering the limitations imposed by equipment availability or the tactical situation. Our instructors form strong friendships with some of the students, developing cultural awareness and learning from one another’s operational experiences and though the course delivers the UK’s approach to IEDD, each instructor is aware that some of the students have a vast operational experience, having successfully rendered-safe hundreds of complex IEDs in their home countries such as Columbia, Nigeria, Tunisia, Lebanon and Egypt.

There is never a dull moment on the International IEDD courses and the administration can often be likened to “herding kittens”. Cultural excursions to great British institutions such as Primark and Poundland are essential and have resulted in some fascinating fashion choices, like the fetching green lady’s overcoat that one trainee bought recently - not for leisure, but for work.

The instructors are always willing to go the extra mile for their trainees, that said, when WO2 Nick Wood was contacted late one evening and summoned to the Officer’s Mess by a student who demanded he make the “swishing noise” that was keeping him awake cease; he had to explain that the noise was the traffic on the M40 and that even a British Army WO2 would struggle to fulfil this request!

Overall, the courses are a fantastic opportunity not only to exchange ideas in the conduct of IEDD operations, but also to build relationships and conduct some highly effective defence engagement projects.

Classroom learning

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

Silver Stars OC: Maj R M McSpadden In Oct 17, LCpl Will Ross of 29 Regt, was selected to start the British Army 4 Way Formation Skydiving Team, also known as British Army VOLT4GE. Alongside WO2 Seiriol Hughes (RAPTC), Cpl Stacey Briggs (AGC) and Cpl Gemma Perkins (RMP), the team will embark on a British Army first. Top level Military teams from across the world compete against each other and the British team will hope to make their mark on the four-way formation skydiving championship, previously won by the US and Belgian Army.

As a seasoned skydiver, LCpl Ross is the second most experienced on the team with 800 jumps. Starting his skydiving career at the Rhine Army Parachute Association (RAPA) in Germany 13, he attended a one jump course set up by 6 Regt as part of its adventurous training programme.

Once qualified, LCpl Ross took up skydiving in his free time, ensuring he could master his passion. In 15 and 16 he joined the team of junior staff at RAPA, where he gained many skydiving qualifications, including becoming a Formation Skydiving Coach and eventually progressing to his Full Instructor qualification in early 16.

The team in the sky Knights, with admiration of their achievements after only three jumps as a team in the UK. Within the team, WO2 Hughes has 1700 jumps, LCpl Ross 800 and both Cpl Briggs and Cpl Perkins 80 jumps, their individual experience helping the team unite.

The Golden Knights’ excellent coaching ensured the team improved with every jump. With rising temperatures in North Carolina and an average of six jumps per day, the team was pushing itself to the limit. During the second week they returned to Skydive Paraclete XP, the weather was not looking promising.

After a slow jump day on Mon, they took full advantage to go through skills and drills and lots of formation theory. Luckily, the US Army set up a wet weather plan which involved training at an indoor wind tunnel. The wind tunnel is used worldwide with skydivers and is an effective training

aid. Carrying out two on two training with World Champions enabled the team to refine their jumps. By the end of the trip, they were moving faster and scored more points than they ever had before. On returning to the UK, all of the team felt honoured to have worked alongside a former World Champion team and inspired to push themselves to that level.

Exciting times lie ahead for the British Army VOLT4GE team! With full backing from the Army Parachute Association (APA), the team will be training hard over the winter season in preparation for competitions including the UK Skydiving League (UKSL), the UK Nationals and the Armed Forces Parachute Championships held at Skydive Netheravon.

8 If you’re part of The RLC and wish to take part in sports parachuting give LCpl Ross a call on 01285 869860.

The circle of trust

US training As part of the British Army VOLT4GE teams pre-season training, the team was invited out to America to train with the US Army Golden Knights formation team, considered one of the best teams in the world.

This training package was two weeks’ long and the team faced a steep learning curve. Flying into North Carolina, along with their cameraman, Capt Graham Jackson (RE), they arrived at Skydive Paraclete XP just outside Fort Bragg where they were greeted by the US Army Golden Knights.

The teams discussed their combined expertise level and experience before taking to the sky to show what they were made of. Their first jump impressed the

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THE SUSTAINER | SPORT & AT

By Capt Lily Thompson Both The RLC Ladies and Men's Seniors Hockey teams claimed impressive victories in the Inter-Corps Indoor Hockey Championship to make The RLC double Indoor Champions, the first time both titles have been claimed by one Corps in the competition’s history.

With the ladies being undefeated in the group stages and claiming a dominant victory over the Royal Signals in the Semi Final, spirits were high. However, the team knew it faced its toughest test yet in the final against the REME. Nevertheless, nerves remained steady and The RLC quickly claimed the lead with a short corner expertly flicked into the top corner

by Capt Gemma Darrington, which was doubled minutes later by a fantastic team goal, swept into the back of the net by WO2 Caz Scott-Baillie.

However, the REME was not giving up easily, scoring a goal back, making it 2-1 at half time. Despite being tired from two full days of match play, the team came out determined in the second half to leave everything on the pitch. The ladies rose to the challenge and a winning attacking combination from Capt Darrington, Maj Andi Cole and SSgt Katy White saw two more goals scored. The game had a nervy finish, with the REME scoring twice to make the score 4-3 in the final two minutes. Yet, The RLC team rallied around for one last defensive effort, finishing victorious. A fantastic team effort by all involved, the ladies claimed their fourth indoor title in a row.

Having also won all their group matches, The RLC Men's Seniors faced a tough test against the current Outdoor Champions the Infantry in the semi-final.

After a cautious start, The RLC took control with a cool finish from LCpl Kristis Bubnelis. The Infantry were quick to level and it took a well-constructed goal from The RLC, which gave LCpl Bubnelis his

Inter-Corps Indoor Hockey Championship

The Double Indoor Champions with their new chairman, Col Tonkins.

Capt Darrington and SSgt White combining to score in the semi-final second, to regain the advantage. Excellent defensive work then followed to seal the victory and put The RLC Seniors in the final against the REME. Boosted from having just seen the ladies take victory, it was now the men's turn. The tournament finale was played at a high tempo and was a highly skilled match, with both teams having a great deal of talent on display. Outstanding play at the back from LCpl Gary Clarke

LCpl Clarke showed off his Indoor skills in the final

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and Capt Jamie Gates combined with smooth interlinking forward play from LCpl Bubnelis and Maj Josh Tester which gave the Corps a 3-2 advantage going into half time.

The REME was quick to respond and an early goal in the second half reapplied the pressure onto The RLC. Tireless work in the centre from SSgt Rob Collins and a disciplined performance from the Capt, LCpl Clarke, led to conversion of two penalty flicks and propelled the RLC to a 7-3 margin over a strong REME side. Overall, it was an enthralling final that kept spectators on the edge of their seat and saw The RLC lift the Inter-Corps Indoor trophy.

Thanks go to the Army Hockey Association for a well-run indoor tournament which gave a very positive first impression to the new RLC Hockey Chairman Col Will Tonkins, who saw both the ladies’ and men’s victories first hand.

The RLC Hockey Club now hopes to continue this success into the outdoor league and the Outdoor Inter-Corps Championships in May 18.

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SPORT & AT | THE SUSTAINER

By Lt Nick Lowe In 17, the RLC Polo Team was in action playing in the AGC (Sponsored) Tournament at Tidworth Polo Club. This tournament has been running for ten years and represents the end of the season for military polo.

For the first time in many years, we were able to field two teams, showing the everexpanding reach of polo within the Corps.

The RLC Blue team consisted of Lt Col Lucy Anderson (-1), Capt James Wilson (-1), Lt Nick Lowe (-2) and 2Lt Henry Christiansen (-2), who combined together to make a -6 goal team playing in Division 2.

In Division 3, The RLC Yellow team consisted of Maj Nigel Prescott (-1), Capt Nicky Hemsworth (-2), 2Lt Xander Smail-Woodford (-2) and Cpl Paul Bennion (-2), making up a -7 goal team. Sadly, as will be seen, it was not to be RLC Yellow’s day as they came third in their division.

However, The RLC Blue team secured victory in Division 2 with an historic win over the Royal Navy.

RLC Yellow were in action first playing in a three-team division, firstly against the RAF B team and then the Welsh Guards; both formidable teams to play. RLC Yellow managed to hold the RAF to a 1 – 1 draw with our goal following a run down the pitch by Capt Hemsworth. After a much needed rest on such a hot day, while the RAF took on and lost to the Welsh Guards, our team were then themselves back in action to face the Welsh Guards. We started ½ a goal down to the WG due to the handicap difference and sadly were unable to hold them off, with the final score being 4 ½ to 1 to the Guards, with The RLC goal coming from 2Lt Smail-Woodford. Sadly, even though the RAF had also lost to the Guards, due to goal difference, the team ended third in the Division.

Blue team L-R: 2Lt Christiansen, Lt Lowe, Lt Col Anderson, Capt Wilson

AGC POLO TOURNAMENT

Prize giving L-R: Yellow team: Capt Hemsworth, Cpl Bennion, 2Lt Smail-Woodford.

Blue team: Lt Col Anderson, 2Lt Christiansen, Lt Lowe, Capt Wilson An hour later, RLC Blue were in action in Division Two. With four teams playing in the division there would be two matches played first, with the losers of each match facing each other in the play off and the winners of the first two matches playing for first and second place. We were up first for the division against tournament hosts, AGC Red. The game was slow to get moving initially, with the ball finding itself in the melee frequently.

However, we were able to secure the win 2-1 with both goals coming from 30yard penalties from Lt Col Anderson. This then put the team through to the winners’ match. With the Royal Navy having beaten the Royal Artillery, it was set to be a match of epic proportions with RLC Blue very much the underdogs against a Royal Navy team including 3 Rundle Cup players (the

annual Army v Navy polo match, successfully won by the RN for the past two years!). We started with a ½ goal advantage due to handicap differences.

After a hard-fought first chukka, the Navy were up 1 goal to a ½. Both teams came back hard into the second chukka with chances coming for goals on either side and with play moving fast from one end of the pitch to the other. At one moment it looked as though the Navy may steal the game, as we accidentally gave away a 60-yard penalty to the Navy.

However, Capt Wilson managed a stunning save, picking the ball out of the air with his stick on the 30-yard line as it looked to sail high over his head towards the goal mouth. Play then moved up into the Navy’s half again and a 40-yard penalty was awarded to us with Lt Col Anderson managing to get the ball between the posts for a goal, giving us the lead again 1½ goals to 1 with just under a minute left of the game. The RLC kept play in the Navy half for the last 40 seconds of the game and as the buzzer rang to signal the end, we were victorious as Division 2 Winners – a historic victory for RLC Polo!

Particular thanks must go to the AGC Polo Club for organising and hosting the competition, as well as Tidworth Polo Club both for the expert training provided weekly to the team throughout the season, running the competition as-well as supplying horses to the RLC Yellow team.

Oxford Polo Club and Hampshire Polo School are also thanked for supplying horses to the Blue team.

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THE SUSTAINER | SPORT & AT

By Sgt Nigel Jones 17 Port & Maritime Regiment I was selected to represent European Federation Sea Anglers (EFSA) England in the European Shore Fishing Championships 17 held in Holland. The Championships consisted of one practice day and three match days.

After the practice day, we were all taken on a sightseeing and culture day arranged by the Netherlands Federation which was a trip to Zeeland. After this, we visited a clog making factory and cheese factory where we tasted all local cheeses.

On returning to the apartments, we attended the opening ceremony which was attended by all Holland’s dignitaries.

Teams were introduced and match position drawn. This was all filmed by the local TV station and local media were there taking photos.

The first day of competition had the teams travelling to the furthest venue at Joossesweg. The venue consisted of a long sandy beach with gullies and a shelf in some places that fish had a habit of diving under leading to many lost rigs. Rag worm and lug worm were the main baits and species targeted were, Whiting and Dab (flat fish). Although many rigs and hooks were lost, all anglers had recorded sizeable fish but the Dutch, German and English teams had dominated the top positions in each zone, a trend that was to continue over the next two days.

The final day of the competition was fished at Oostkapelle due to a sperm whale being washed up at Domburg and the beach being closed. Oostapelle is a very uneven and treacherous inlet where the fishing ground was less snaggy, but large deep gullies made this a dangerous beach and the referee had to keep an eye out that no one got cut off by the tide.

The competition finished with Germany A winning, Holland A in second, England A in third, Italy A in fourth and Wales A Sgt Jones with his three medals

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European Shore Championships 17

The English Team at the opening lunch team in fifth place, with the other 12 European teams slotting in the lower positions. I managed to pick up a silver medal in the four-man team, bronze in the three-man team and bronze in the individual event. The English team is now looking forward to next year’s European Championships 18, which is being held in Italy, which I believe England is more A whale washed up on the beach

than capable of winning. The competition was very well run by EFSA Holland; the fishing was very hard due to the weather conditions, but it was the same for every country across the board. I think England performed outstandingly overall considering a number of other countries including Italy, Germany and Holland, are all professional anglers.

Sgt Jones receiving his individual Bronze medal

Sgt Jones at Joossesweg Beach on the first day of the Championships

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SPORT & AT | THE SUSTAINER

By 2Lt Lara Dixon On Sat 4 Nov 17, The RLC entered a team into the 40th Honourable Artillery Company International Uniformed Services Show-jumping competition, hosted at Napier Lines in Woolwich.

The competition saw teams from the Belgian and French Reserve Forces alongside Regular Army units, the Royal Navy and Cadet Forces.

On arrival at the show, teams were given the opening brief and issued a list of horses all of which spend most of their duties pulling the guns on ceremonial duty in London. Each horse comes with a small biography about its history and character. The team then decides whom to match with each horse depending mostly on experience. Although these horses are trained to jump, it’s not their primary discipline and so the competition tests the horses as well as the rider’s ability to adjust to a new horse in a short space of time, usually around 20 minutes!

The competition was structured over two classes. The first class was a Vibrac (sponsor) team competition, which saw riders jump two rounds. 2Lt Lara Dixon was first to jump, riding ‘Battle Axe’ who unfortunately had eight faults.

Second to jump was Maj Nigel Prescott, whose horse, ‘Spectrum’ wasn’t particularly co-operative and unfortunately was eliminated.

Maj Ange Briggs riding ‘Chico’ was next to tackle the course with a respectable four faults. Finally, Pte Holly Hall jumped a very consistent clear round riding ‘Walsh’.

In the second round, 2Lt Dixon and Pte Hall only incurred four faults, Maj Prescott was unfortunately eliminated again but Maj Briggs jumped clear. The team finished on a respectable score of 20 faults!

Pte Hall saluting

The Uniformed Services Show-jumping Competition

Team line up L-R Maj Prescott, Maj Briggs, Pte Hall, 2Lt Dixon, Maj Darke (AEA Competition Sec) The second class was the ‘Fault and Out’ competition, which is jumped over one round with points scored for each obstacle jumped clear. The clock started

2Lt Dixon about to salute the judges

on the first fence and stopped at either the last fence or the first fault incurred.

As soon as a fault was incurred the rider had to leave the arena. Jumping once again, 2Lt Dixon unfortunately had the first fence down, Maj Prescott made it to the sixth fence, Maj Briggs the seventh and Pte Hall once again jumped a consistent clear.

Following on from this was the dismounted prize giving where The RLC team was placed third overall, the highest placed regular serving unit at the competition. Pte Hall was also placed individually fourth in the ‘Fault and Out’ competition. This was a good test of horsemanship, but also sportsmanship.

A huge thank you goes to the Chef d'Equipe, Capt Georgie Mawbey for such an enjoyable and well organised day. Our thanks must also go to the HAC for organising the whole event and for the King’s Troop RHA for hosting us and allowing us all to ride their horses.

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THE SUSTAINER | SPORT & AT

By Capt Terry Furlong Over a wet weekend on 2 to 3 Dec 17, The RLC Orienteering Team were in action at the annual Inter-Corps Championships that took place in Penn Wood near High Wycombe. Illustrating the Corps’ depth in the sport the 22-person strong squad were able to enter a Female team, Male Senior Long team, two Male Senior Short teams and a Male Under 25 team.

The championships consisted of a challenging night event followed by a day event the next morning in the same area.

The hilly and intricate area of Penn Wood was made all the more technically challenging by the complete darkness of an overcast evening and a low-lying mist meaning that navigating at speed by the light of a head torch proved a challenge to all competitors.

Indeed, a small mistake at night can prove even more costly given the difficulty in being sure of your position in darkness.

With four results to count from the sixman team in the Men’s Senior Long category, top runs from Cpl Dan Cox and Maj Richard Barrett left the overall standings tightly contested with the team in second just 30 seconds of accumulated time behind the RE. Overnight, the women sat in fourth position and the Senior Short A team in second in their respective categories.

The following morning was just as wet, but now in daylight runners tackled longer and more technical courses. Another fast run from Maj Barrett lead a collective strong performance from all of the Men’s Lt Col Hoff keeps searching

Orienteering Inter-Corps Championships

Army Inter-Corps Trophy Winners – Cpl Dan Cox, Maj Richard Barrett, Capt Terry Furlong, WO2 Tom McComiskie, Capt Kevin Swinbourne, WO1 Stuart Ebbrell, Lt Col Christopher Huthwaite (Chairman, Army Orienteering Association) Senior Long team, seeing them finish first on the day and in the whole championships by a margin of 19 minutes.

A great result for the Corps team. They won the Men’s Inter Corps Trophy for only the fourth time, it also being the first time The RLC has retained it. There was success across the other teams as well with Lt Col Lucy Giles leading the women to finish second on the day event and third overall. The Men’s Short team defended their overnight second position and the Under 25 team finished in third.

A fantastic effort across the whole Corps team ensured excellent results in all of the categories. The weekend’s results were

certainly a just reward for regular participation in league events and the Corps training camp earlier in the year.

With South, Central and North leagues, there are military orienteering events taking place across the country most Wednesday afternoons. The Corps team is dependent on unit participation to develop future runners. If you as an individual or potential team captain are interested in finding out more about orienteering, then please visit the British Army Orienteering Club website for event information (www.baoc.info) or contact the Secretary for Corps Orienteering Capt Joe Begley (13AASP-RHQ-Ops Offr).

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OBITUARIES | THE SUSTAINER Brig Alan Mutch died on 7 Dec 17 at the age of 93.

He was born in Apr 1924.

In Oct 1939, he joined the Army as an apprentice tradesman at the Army Technical School, Arborfield.

After qualifying as a skilled tradesman, he gained rapid promotion and was a Warrant Officer at the age of 21.

He was commissioned into the Royal Mechanical & Electrical Engineers in Oct 1951 and served in many appointments in that Corps, the last being as Chief Brig Alan Frederick Instructor of the Far East Training School in Singapore.

Mutch CBE In 1955, Brig Mutch was granted a Regular Commission in the Royal Pioneer Corps. After a short spell at the Depot, Wrexham, he was posted to 405 Company RPC before going to Aden in 1959 as OC 908 Pioneer Civil Labour Unit.

Other regimental appointments followed until

1964, when he went to Strathclyde University to attend the Diploma Course in Personnel Management. This was followed by a posting to Malaya to command 1202 Pioneer Civil Labour Unit.

In 1969, Brig Mutch was promoted to Lt Col and took over command of 23 Group early in 1970. He moved to Germany to command 13 Group in 1971 and returned to Bicester in 1974 to command 23 Group again, but this time in the rank of Col. On 13 Jan 1978, Brig Mutch was appointed Director Army Pioneers and Labour. He was appointed ADC to HM The Queen in May 1979 and then to Honorary Colonel Commandant RPC on 3 Nov 1983.

Since his retirement in 1980, Brig Mutch lived in Ferndown, Dorset, where he spent much of his time at his favourite recreation – golf.

It is with profound regret that the death of Lt Col (Retd) Ross Bennett RPC is reported. He passed away on 25 Oct 17 after a short spell in Dorset County Hospital at the age of 89.

Lt Col Bennett was an extremely proud, loyal and professional soldier, who dedicated his working life to the Army, the vast majority of his service committed to the RPC, with whom he concluded his time as a Late Entry Lt Col. However, his career started as a boy soldier at age 14, encouraged into the Army by his father who was a policeman. Lt Col Bennett’s early service was in 1944 when, as a young REME craftsman, he found himself in a base workshop at Aldershot, repairing battle-damaged tanks brought back from D-Day. There, at the canteen, he met his future wife Eileen.

Lt Col Bennett’s regular service spanned 41 years, concluding with his retirement as a Lt Col in 1983 having gained a chest full of campaign medals and a mention in despatches. He travelled widely, the period characterised by the Cold War and the sunset of Empire. Thus, he found himself moving between the UK base, postings in BAOR, CSM in Cyprus in 1963 on an emergency tour, a stint in Sudan, Captain in Aden in 1966-7, Quartermaster in Northampton and finally as the Camp Commander of British Forces in Belize, to name a few.

Uniformed service was followed by ten years as the RO Camp Commander at Stanmore. He was a loving husband and a devoted father, who played a huge part in his family's life and was always full of fun and encouragement.

Upon retirement, Lt Col Bennett and Eileen moved to Lyme Regis where they remained for the rest of their lives. To adjust to civilian life, they were determined to get involved in local society, which meant joining the church, the RBL, the RNLI, Lyme's Monmouth Club and running many charitable activities.

Lt Col Bennett was a true gentleman: Honourable, selfless, quietly religious and with a great and genuine interest in encouraging and supporting others. Many people have benefitted from his friendship, inspiration, personal example, sage advice and common sense.

To the end, he maintained a ramrod military bearing, the courage and conviction to be counted and was a source of support to his community, his comrades and his capbadge, including Pioneer reunions and days.

Lt Col Bennett was predeceased by his beloved wife Eileen and leaves behind his children Terry, Rosslyn and grand-daughter Kathryn, to whom we extend our heartfelt condolences.

Lt Col Antony Hurst was born on 19 Aug 1945 joined the RAF in March 1968, retiring as a Squadron Leader in Aug 1983. He then joined Suffolk Constabulary as a police constable and, with his knowledge of staff work acquired in the RAF, soon became noticed by the Chief Constable and was appointed to his personal staff before he moved to Special Branch.

However, he did not stay with the Police for too long.

During his time in the RAF Lt Col Hurst was acknowledged as the author of the ‘Dangerous Air Cargo’ publications. Lt Col Hurst was “poached” by the RCT to fill a three-year Short Service Voluntary Commission in the Army Movements Directorate of MOD in the rank of Maj. It was during this time that he

trialled and organised major rail moves for armoured vehicles, both within the UK and on the continent.

On leaving the Army, Lt Col Hurst became Director, Government Contracts for Railfreight. At this time, he was accepted into the Territorial Army (RCT) and joined 496 Movement Control Liaison Unit. He was subsequently promoted to Lt Col and appointed to a regimental command. He had to resign from the Territorial Army before taking up the appointment on being awarded a NATO position where he specialised in rail transportation, a post he held until retirement.

However, he was held in such esteem amongst the NATO staffs, that even in retirement he acted as a consultant to them, a post he held until his untimely death on 24 Dec 17.

Lt Col (Retd) Ross Bennett RPC

Lt Col Antony J Hurst

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THE SUSTAINER | OBITUARIES

LAST POST Agnew - On 21 Dec 17, Mr P Agnew Atherton - On 18 Dec 17, Mr J E R Atherton Baker - On 23 Nov 17, Mr (ex-WO1) R A Baker Beeby - On 10 Dec 17, Mr I J Beeby Blakemore - On 20 Dec 17, Col W H Blakemore Boardman - On 5 Jan 18, Mr T Boardman Bowes - On 18 Dec 17, Maj F T Bowes Brittain - On Oct 17, Mr R C Brittain Bunce – On Nov 17, Mr HR Bunce RCT/RLC Burchill – On 14 Dec 17, Maj R Burchill RCT Burns - On 6 Jan 18, Mr (ex-WO1(SSM) R Burns Camfield - On 21 Dec 17, Lt Col A A Camfield Clement - On 22 Dec 17, Capt J Clement Coan – On 21 Jan 18, Maj CWP Coan RCT Dalton - On 16 Jan18, Brig B M J A Dalton OBE Davis - On 6 Jan 18, Maj L Davis BEM Docherty - On 2 Jan 18, Mr J Docherty Eason - On 5 Jan 18, Capt R Eason TD Else - On 23 Nov 17, Mr J H Else MBE Giles - On 24 Nov 17, Mr K W Giles Gill - On 28 Jan 18, Mr R Gill Gillman - On 23 Nov 17, Mr F H Gillman Grant - On 27 Nov 17, Mr (ex-WO1 (Cdr)) R Grant Graves – On Jan 18, Mr L Graves RCT Greenaway - On 16 Aug 17, Maj D Greenaway BEM JP Groom – On 25 Jan 18, Maj JWJ Groom RCT Harkin - On 10 Jan 18, Mr J Harkin Hindes - On 18 Dec 17, Mr M Hindes Hocking - On 26 Dec 16, Mr W J Hocking Hopkins - On 31 Jan 18, Mr (ex-WO1) M Hopkins Hurst – On 26 Dec 17, Lt Col AJ Hurst RCT Innes – On 24 Jan 18, Maj JJ Innes TD RCT Johnson – On 23 Dec 17, Maj FSM Johnson RCT Kilgour - On 27 Jun 17, Mr K Kilgour Levy - On 15 Dec 17, Mr L C Levy

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Longland – On 8 Dec 17, Mr J Longland RCT MacDonald - On 6 Jul 17, Capt A MacDonald MacEwan - On 28 Sept 17, Lt Col L N A MacEwan OBE Milton – On 12 Aug 17, Mr KR Milton RCT Minchington - On 28 Jan 18, Maj F E W Minchington MBE Mockridge – In 17, Mrs D Mockridge RCT Montague – On 16 Dec 17, Mr PD Montague Moore - On 10 Nov 17, Brig J C Moore MBE Murley – On 14 Jan 18, Maj GW Murley RCT Murphy - On 15 Dec 17, Mr G Murphy Myers – On 14 Dec 17, Maj PM Myers RCT Ollive - On 6 Nov 17, Maj R G Ollive Pardoe – On 28 Dec 17, Mr N Pardoe RCT Pennie - On 8 Jan 18, Mr R W Pennie Pickup - On 8 Nov 17, Mr A Pickup Pink – On 29 Nov 17, Maj TP Pink TD RCT Portman - On 16 Dec 17, Lt Col S H Portman Price – On 19 Jan 18, Mr R Price RASC Rose - On 2 Nov 17, Maj J H Rose Scrimshaw-Wright – On 22 Sep 17, Maj R Scrimshaw-Wright RCT Shearer – On 11 Dec 17, Maj J Shearer RCT Swan – On 24 Dec 17, Mr J Swan RCT Swannick – On 22 Nov 17, Mr HJ Swannick RCT Tebbett - On 11 Feb 18, Mr MJP Tebbett Thayre - On 28 Dec 17, Mr P Thayre Thomas - On 25 Dec 17, Mr D Thomas Tingle - On 26 Jan 18, Mr J Tingle Vanner – On 23 Nov 17, IP RJ Vanner RASC Vaughan - On 7 Jan 18, Lt Col H A Vaughan MBE Warren - On 2 Nov 17, Mr K J Warren Webster – On 12 Nov 17, Mr J Webster RCT Wilbraham – In Oct 17, Mr G Wilbraham REME Williams - On 17 Nov 17, Lt Col D I Williams Yearnshire – Aug/Sep 17, Mr A Yearnshire

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THE ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS COACHING BOARD NEEDS

YOU! Keeping the Corps’ Heritage alive • Our aim is to maintain and preserve as many as possible of the horse-drawn transport types used by the Corps. This can only be achieved with support from volunteers from the Corps.

• The RLC CB is looking for volunteers to maintain and rebuild the vehicles so that we can continue their use by the Corps for Commemorations and Displays across both the UK and the Continent.

• Also, if you would like to try your hand at driving horses, rather than just riding them, The RLC CB can help you develop your skills to represent the Corps at driving events.

The RLC CB already has a collection of horse transport vehicles that covers practically 150 years of our Corps’ Heritage.

We’re looking for volunteers from all ranks within the Corps, both Regular and Reserve.

If interested, contact: http://www.rlcheritage.co.uk/ Inform your chain of command or contact Sgt Bysouth at RHQ RLC Tel Mil : 94214 5760

You don’t always get what you pay for.

Sometimes you get an awful lot more.

For only £15 you could save over £500 The RLC Foundation is part of a charity that supports your personal development and offers you the chance to save money and take advantage of some great free offers!

These offers include a 7% discount at over 60 major retailers, a saving of up to 50% when eating out with the Gourmet Society or Tastecard, and you can also enjoy up to 56% off family days out and sporting events.

The RLC Foundation has been set up to help every member of the RLC and their families.

Signing up for these member benefits will help members of the RLC both today and tomorrow.

Sign up now by visiting:

www.rlcfoundation.com