Junior Officers Voice of Experience

“Shortly after arriving at unit, whilst held at high readiness, I was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan on Op PITTING - the largest non-combatant evacuation in recent history. Here I worked closely with Pathfinders to help search local nationals prior to them entering the air base in addition to liaising with the RAF on the freight flying in and out of country. I have additionally deployed to France, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Georgia, amongst other countries, where I have conducted resupply missions in addition to working closely with their own Armed Forces. Moreover, I have been fortunate enough to be able to represent the Regiment, Corps and Army at both Swimming and Water Polo”. Lt Firth

Since promoting to Lt I have completed the Survival Nepali Language Course in Nepal where, on top developing a deeper understanding of the language and culture of Gurkha soldiers, I was able to go trekking in Bhojpur and work at an area welfare center in Lamjung, supporting the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

I am currently deployed on Operation TOSCA in Cyprus, having completed all predeployment training and during my time here have competed in a multinational military skills competition and completed an exchange program with the Argentinian Army.

My next appointment is as a Platoon Commander at ATR Pirbright, training phase 1 recruits.

“After a year of regimental duties commanding a Troop I was lucky enough to deploy to Eastern Europe on Op INTERLINK 2. An operation in its infancy this was a terrific opportunity to widen the scope of the operation and enact changes. I deployed as the Logistic Enabling Node (LEN) commander during which I was the sole officer commanding 30 soldiers from numerous capbadges on live operations facilitating the movement of Gift in Kind munitions to the Ukrainian Armed Forces”. Lt Thomas

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Part way through Troop Command, my Sqn resubordinated, forming 15 Sqn Queens Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment (QOGLR), 13 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC, a unique opportunity to work within 16 Air Assault Brigade with opportunities for P Company, whilst also serving with Gurkha soldiers.

I then travelled to Nepal to attend the Nepali Language Course. An amazing opportunity this in-depth insight to working with Gurkha soldiers and their culture whilst providing valuable linguistic skills to aid young officers’ effective communication skills with their soldiers. This course is completed by all Troop Commanders joining a QOGLR unit”. Lt Aird

“A great introduction to life in the Corps, I was lucky enough to deploy straight to Estonia on Op CABRIT. Managing the Theatre Supply Troop we faced the challenges of supplying deployed elements across the Baltic States and Poland throughout the harsh Baltic winter. Adapting to significant global changes, we also facilitated the arrival of a second Battle Group in Estonia for the first time following the invasion of Ukraine”. Lt Hobbs

“On arrival to 19 Tank Transporter Squadron, 27 Regiment RLC I was told that I had become part of one of the oldest and more niche trades within The Corps. This was tested and stretched when I deployed to Estonia on Op CABRIT, taking command of a hybrid troop of Tank Transporters and Drivers. We were essential in the readiness plan and relied upon almost daily by The RTR BG. On my return to the UK I was informed that I would be quickly deploying on Ex DEFENDER 22 stepping up as the Squadron Operations Officer, this saw me planning and executing road moves across Europe. Then after what felt like a short break, I was told I would deploy to E Europe on Op INTERLINK. I was the Host Nation Liaison Officer, working directly with the International Donation Co-ordination Cell and tying in with the host nation MOD to ensure a smooth transition of donations into Ukraine.

It is a very busy time to be a logistician in The Army, the output displayed over the last two years shows how important The RLC is in the modern world.” Lt Taylor