The Sustainer Summer 2018

THE Journal of The Royal Logistic Corps ❘ SILVER EDITION 2018

#RLC25

#WeAreTheRLC

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Li “P ve ar Br Ba ty i in nd n t g s he yo 6p P ur m a pi - 1 rk” cn 1 ic pm !

THE ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS

OPEN DAY

SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018, 10am 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 2 ❘ Summer 2018

2 HRH Princess Anne’s RLC25 parade speech From the Parade ground at Pirbright on 18 Apr

6 RLC25 events A snapshot of events held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of The RLC

12 DOKO 25 A special birthday edition of the Brigade of Gurkha’s selection process

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16 Happy 25th anniversary to The RLC All the action from The RLC's 25th Anniversary Parade at Brunswick Barracks in Pirbright

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18 RLC25 Officers’, Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess Dinner

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Delivered by 167 Catering Support Regiment

20 Band of Brothers Four pairs of brothers who account for nearly 4% of the WO1s serving in The RLC

22 The ‘Old Guard’ A handful of LE Officers at 4 Regt were there at the birth of The RLC

23 ‘The Silver Eagle’ Members of 7 Regt share their insight and the odd word of advice for future members of The RLC

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24 25 years of RLC memories Q&A with Maj Chakrabahadur Khatri From the Queen’s Own Gurkha Transport Regiment (QOGTR)

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

73 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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HRH Princess Anne’s RLC25 parade speech I can’t quite believe that it is 25 years ago since I was with you on a previous parade, a formation parade in Deepcut in 1993 but it is a real pleasure as your CinC to take the salute today for this parade which marks the 25th anniversary since the formation of The RLC. So, 25 years ago on the 5 April 1993 five forming Corps came together to form The RLC. The amalgamation of the RAOC, the Royal Corps of Transport (RCT), the Army Catering Corps (ACC), the Royal Pioneer Corps (RPC) and the Postal and Courier Trade from the Royal Engineers, saw the birth of a Corps that has made an outstanding contribution to defence throughout the last quarter of a century.

Each of them, of course, were steeped in their own history and ethos but it is obvious that their legacies have been built upon and enhanced, manifesting the character and qualities on display across The RLC today. Since the amalgamation, I have had the pleasure of visiting the Corps in their home base, away on many overseas operations and on many sporting and social occasions and it is evident in all my visits; the professionalism of the personnel serving in the Corps has shone through. Today has been no different, with pride on display here which is a testament to your sense of belonging to The RLC family.

During inspections, it is very obvious the vast array of operational medals which reminds me of the personal sacrifice that service personnel and their families have made. The RLC has been central to every deployment where the British Army has been involved, the Corps lies at the very centre of operational capability and has been central to much of the success of our armed forces over the last 25 years. In fact, the Corps has had someone deployed on or in support of operations on every single day since the Corps formed. That is over 9130 days consecutively, that is an impressive statistic and one to keep up your sleeves for Corps quizzes.

The bulk of your contribution started in the Balkans in the 1990s followed by the significant contribution to operations in the Gulf and then specifically in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other notable contributions in helping to deal with the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone and more recently, being involved in the humanitarian aid effort in the Caribbean following the catastrophic 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.

Editorial Staff Editor: Miss Anne-Marie Causer BA (Hons) Copy Editor: Miss S C Waller BA (Hons) Graphic Design: David Blake Closing Dates for THE SUSTAINER: 20 July 2018, 1 October 2018, 14 January 2019, 10 April 2019 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!

Publisher: The Regimental Association of The Royal Logistic Corps, Dettingen House, The Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut, CAMBERLEY, Surrey GU16 6RW. Email: peter.shakespeare100@mod.gov.uk Tel: +44 (0) 7901 676309 Typesetting, Printing, Binding and Distribution: Holbrooks Printers Ltd, Norway Road, Hilsea, PORTSMOUTH, Hampshire PO3 5HX. Data Privacy: We distribute The Sustainer using mailing data held in a secure contacts database within RHQ The RLC. Your inclusion on this database is by virtue of the fact you are serving in the military, or you are a current member of the RLC or Forming Corps Associations. The Sustainer

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hurricanes of last summer. Reflecting on the contribution the Corps has been able to make since formation, it is easy to see how it will continue to contribute to defence over the next 25 years. If I was confident in 1993 of the Corps and its abilities to cope with the challenges ahead, I am even more confident now that it will cope with whatever challenges lie ahead. It has evolved impressively to meet the ever-changing threads to our nation and I am particularly confident that we will continue to do so.

This is a very large corps, it is not easy to bring it together to celebrate, this is the value of this parade and it is very much the obvious centre of a corps as a start of your celebrations and as it represents over 17 different professional trades in the Corps. It is very obvious how much attention to detail has been put in and I‘d like to thank our CSM, Warrant Officer Owen, for orchestrating such an impressive spectacle.

It is particularly good to see The Band and the Corps of Drums of The RLC on parade because that musical accompaniment is crucial to this parade. It is also an enormous encouragement to see so many of the families here to support you, particularly conscious of when you are away so often that they have the confidence to know that they are looked after as well. It can be a lonely and difficult life at home and it is a pleasure to see so many here today.

This is the beginning of your celebrations for your 25th anniversary. It is an entirely appropriate way to do so and I wish you every success in the next 25 years. only uses your personal data for the purpose of sending you the magazine.

The mailing data is treated in the strictest confidence, is password protected, is only shared with our printer and is deleted after each use. If any serving RLC personnel have concerns with regards to the storage and use of their personal data they should contact RHQ The RLC’s Data Protection Officer, Maj R Barrett. Email: Richard.Barrett862@mod.gov.uk Members of the Associations should contact RHQ The RLC’s Personal Information Risk Manager, Shelley Whittaker. Email: Shelley.Whittaker650@mod.gov.uk Photographs: The Editor accepts photographs for publication on the understanding that those submitting them have, where required by data protection legislation, obtained consent to publication from those depicted.

Anyone who believes this is not the case or has a DPA related concern should contact the Editor. RLCSustainer@gmail.com Advertising: There is normally no space for commercial advertising, please contact the Editor.

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: The RLC celebrates 25 years

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Honours and Awards

9 Regt Major awarded MBE

Apprenticeship Awards 2018

A Wiltshire based officer has been awarded an MBE for his work with the Army supporting the UN’s work in Sudan.

Maj Levi Ashley, who serves with 9 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps based at Hullavington, has been commended for his work in planning the British contribution to the UN mission in South Sudan, known as Operation TRENTON. “I was overwhelmed and completely taken by surprise by the news I was to be honoured in such a way, for genuinely doing my job,” he said.

When Maj Ashley’s current Commanding Officer was asked about the outstanding achievement, Lt Col Geary said: “Levi exemplifies what can be achieved in the military having joined as a boy soldier, and now, through hard work and dedication receiving state recognition for his achievements.”

Maj Ashley attended his investiture at Buckingham Palace with his wife Melanie, his twin boys and his mother, Dawn. He received his MBE from His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales.

He joined the Army in 1987 as a Driver and has served worldwide on operations and exercises and reached the rank of Warrant Officer Class One before taking a commission in 2011.

Maj Ashley remains at 9 Regt as an Officer Commanding of 84 Medical Supply Squadron, which provide a unique capability to British Defence and provide a continuous detachment of specialist soldiers to Op TRENTON. 9 Regt is the only Theatre Logistic Regiment within the British Army.

LCpl Tem Meh from 27 Regt RLC was nominated for the Army Apprentice of the Year award and although he didn’t win it was a very tight affair.

LCpl Tem Meh displayed an incredible level of professional maturity and determination whilst assigned to 27 Regiment RLC, with what his Regt calls an “unwavering focus to achieve professional and personal development at a level and pace unmatched by his peers.”

This was encapsulated by his completion of the Logistics Operations Advanced Apprenticeship in 2016 and his attainment of the Level 3 Logistic Operations Apprenticeship Scheme.

During his apprenticeship, LCpl Tem Meh was assigned to the Falkland Islands, which may have been an insurmountable barrier in terms of distance and connectivity for less determined individuals. But LCpl Tem Meh did not let this hinder his training or weaken his drive for self-improvement. He remained fully focused throughout and completed every aspect with a flawless commitment to achieve his goal.

LCpl Tem Meh’s training was conducted to the highest standard, enhanced by his mentoring approach to others during the classroom phase.

Incredibly driven and proactive, LCpl Tem Meh took it upon himself to complete further work and extra-curricular tasks to professionally and personally improve himself maintaining a high standard throughout.

Major awarded top student prize Maj Michael Brown RLC has been awarded the Burch prize as top student on the Battlespace Technology course.

Maj Brown received the prize from Dr Matt Chinn, Head of the Technology School at the Defence Academy.

The Battlespace Technology course is run for newly promoted majors from across the Army destined for appointments in the Capability and Acquisition career field.

It equips 48 majors each year with the technical knowledge and skills required for demanding assignments in Army Capability, DE&S and DSTL. Maj Brown received the award following 30 weeks of education in military technology, information systems and defence capability acquisition, for which he received a Post Graduate Diploma.

In August 18, following a few more months at ICSC(L), he moves on to an ECM Project Team appointment in Abbey Wood where he will put his new skills immediately into action. If time and opportunity permit, he will also complete his dissertation to receive his Master’s degree.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MAJOR FIONA ALLISON DANGERFIELD, THE ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS, FOR ACHIEVING HRH THE QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR VALUABLE SERVICE www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

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A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE An RHQ Perspective

While it is good to mark this anniversary, life in the RLC doesn't stop and we must look to our future. One thing is certain, there will be change. However, change is not a threat, rather an opportunity to deliver further logistic excellence

Welcome to the “Silver Edition” of The Sustainer. An edition celebrating every aspect of the Corps’ 25th Anniversary.

In this souvenir edition, we also talk to the RLC’s very own “Band of Brothers”. Did you know four pairs of brothers account for nearly 4% of the WO1s serving in the Corps today?

As only 1.5% of soldiers achieve this rank the odds of these siblings making WO1 at the same time must be huge. We have included the recollections of some LE officers, who were serving in the ranks at formation in 1993 and throughout the magazine, there is advice from various quarters for young soldiers and potential recruits. The men and women, in whose hands the future of the Corps rests. In addition to all our RLC25 focus, we have not forgotten all the latest news on what our units and associations have been up to: at work, on the sports field and at play.

I have been privileged to have been a part of so many of the celebrations that you have organised to mark this significant milestone in our history and development. The highlight to date, was arguably the biggest parade the Corps has held since it formed 25 years ago.

The parade and dinner on the 18 April was attended by our Colonel in Chief, the Princess Royal. It was a joy to see so many on parade with all the units of the RLC represented and to see so many families and friends supporting us on our big day. A massive vote of thanks must go to the Corps Sgt Major and his team for putting the parade together; and to every participant for their commitment and dedication. The parade took months of planning, weeks of practice and on the day, the sun shone and the day was a superb reflection of the Corps’ diversity and professionalism.

The dinner was an opportunity to meet up with friends, renew acquaintances and share memories. 167 Regiment fed 478 diners with an outstanding four course meal that a Michelin starred restaurant would be proud to serve. The RLC soldiers who served us would not have been out of place serving its guests. Thank you to all involved for an excellent and memorable evening; we certainly celebrated in style!

The RLC works and plays hard. We have an opportunity to do the latter on Dettingen Fields at the RLC’s Corps Open Day on 7 July. There will be sports, displays, craft stalls, a fun fair, bars and a party with live music in the evening. By this time next year there will be a housing development on Dettingen Fields and Corps HQ will be transitioning to Worthy Down. I want to encourage you and your families to attend what should be a spectacular final, ‘Party in the Park’.

In the eyes of many we are the new Corps. But we inherited an illustrious history from our five Forming Corps going back many centuries. Today, most of us have only ever known the RLC and we have more than demonstrated our abilities, both at home and on operations. Few would dare to argue that we are indispensable. Over the last 25 years we have had hundreds of adventures. Each of us has stories to tell and we have our heroes.

Those who have regularly gone above and beyond whether formally recognised or not.

While it is good to mark this anniversary, life in the RLC doesn't stop and we must look to our future. One thing is certain, there will be change. However, change is not a threat, rather an opportunity to deliver further logistic excellence. We will be better trained and it is probable our terms of service will be different, preparing us better for careers once we leave the Army.

We are going from strength to strength both professionally and technically and there are many wishing to join us or transferring into the Corps; recognising our unique and exciting offer. We all need to communicate our positive message. This message must inspire and impress those who will join and ultimately direct the Corps over the next 25 years.

So, happy RLC25 to you all and I look forward to meeting up with many of you as we continue to recognise our 25 years of exemplary service as the RLC. C J Francis Colonel RLC

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FROM THE RANKS As I write my final Royal Logistic Corps Sergeant Major’s “From the Ranks” column for The Sustainer, I look back on what has been two terrific years at the helm. I could spend an age listing the things that have happened and how far we have come as a Corps, but I would undoubtedly miss someone or something out.

Since taking over in July 16, I can honestly say, that during every week of my tenure, I have been impressed by the RLC’s soldiers. Your efforts across the globe are astonishing and you should all be justifiably proud of the role you play in the defence of our country. Your efforts on operations, exercises, in barracks, on the sports pitch, the charitable work you do and the contribution you make to UK resilience operations is truly phenomenal; keep it up!

I am proud to report that the RLC25 celebrations have been a resounding success and I am grateful to all who contributed to this. Our centrepiece event started with two weeks of parade rehearsals at 29 Regt RLC’s home, ‘Duke of Gloucester Barracks’.

Nearly 500 officers and soldiers came together to rehearse the Anniversary parade that took place on 18 April. I must thank 101 Brigade’s Sergeant Major, WO1 Alcorn, for being the architect of such a superb parade. I was fully aware that the troops committed to this task were doing so over, what should have been, their Easter leave period. You all showed total dedication and your efforts were fantastic. The military and civilian support staff at 29 Regt were most accommodating, making the task go without so much as a hiccup. They worked tirelessly to ensure we remained fed and watered throughout. Those on the rehearsal braved the horrendous weather in week one, with horizontal wind and rain and the temperature plummeting to 5 degrees on the Wednesday. Little did we know, then, that on the day of the parade it would be a scorching 27 degrees. On day one, I thought we’d cracked it when I caught a glimpse of the soldiers from 3 Regt, drilling with guardsman like precision. Then I remembered that they were on the back end of their public duties tour. To be fair, it didn’t take long for the rest of the regiments to catch up. Special mention must go to those reserve soldiers who took time out of their day jobs to commit to the parade. Meanwhile back in Deepcut, WO1 RSM Broom and his team from 9 Regt were on task, creating the build for the RLC 25th Anniversary Dinner Night, which was due to take place after the parade. Back in Aldershot and Deepcut respectively, 27, 10 and 25 Regts were fully immersed in all the detail of both events and were doing all the nitty gritty behind the scenes work, that often goes unnoticed. WO2 Carroll did a superb job throughout and deserves a special mention.

On the 18th April, at 1330hrs, it was my honour to march the RLC onto the parade square at ATC Pirbright. The sun shone as 505 of the Corps’ finest, including the RLC band, marched onto the square to await the arrival of the Colonel RLC followed by HRH the Princess Royal; transferred from her helicopter by Monty’s Rolls Royce. Our Colonel in Chief, reviewed and inspected the parade, before issuing stable belts to 36 soldiers and officers from the Corps. A small reception followed where the Princess Royal met men and women from all the Corps trades, and their families. We then formed up for an RLC parade photograph.

The Officers and Sergeants Mess departed for a quick change into mess kit, before meeting for dinner. We were joined by the Princess Royal and 500 sat down in the grand marquee to enjoy the superb four course meal prepared by 167 Catering Support Regt. What a sublime feast, perfectly executed by the Army’s only catering regiment. We were served by 100 young soldiers who had been trained for the task by 167 Regt. They were immaculate and they conducted themselves like seasoned professionals; and only after three days training.

Again, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the dinner, not forgetting The RLC Band and Corps of Drums who never fail to deliver a splendid musical performance. Your reputation precedes you across the British Army.

To be at the centre of two of the biggest events the Corps has ever staged, working alongside a team of such fine men and women is the perfect way to end my time as your Corps Sergeant Major. Thank you for the backing you have so generously given me over the last two years. Mr Broom is about to jump into the hot seat. Please stand behind him in the same way and give him your full support. The RLC is currently in a great place. Be proud of your Corps and always strive to maintain its great reputation. One you have helped to build.

Since taking over in July 16, I can honestly say, that during every week of my tenure, I have been impressed by the RLC’s soldiers.

Your efforts across the globe are astonishing and you should all be justifiably proud of the role you play in the defence of our country

WO1 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

RLC25 EVENTS 30/04/18 - 08/05/18

LAKE DISTRICT

25 Peaks Challenge The #RLC25 Highest Peaks team successfully climbed the 25 highest peaks in the Lake District. They walked over 108kms, ascended over 9600m, ably led

by Lt Jake Ardley from 3 Regt.

05/04/18

BILBOROUGH

Cake Cutting Regular and civilian staff of 162 Regt gathered in the RHQ Combined Mess, Bilborough ARC to cut a specially crafted RLC25 cake. The cake was cut by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire Wing Comd (Ret'd) Phil Giles OBE DL.

11/05/18

CHIPPENHAM

9 Regt Buckley Day A full day event that showed off unit capabilities and sport, a dinner night that marked RLC25 and the 161st anniversary of the BUCKLEY VC, awarded following his gallant actions at the Delhi Magazine and after whom 9 Regt's barracks are named after. Corps Col and Corps SM participated.

28/3/18

WARD BARRACKS, BULFORD

27 Regt RLC Dinner Night Joint Officers & Sgts’ Mess function for 150 personnel including Chelsea Pensioners and the Worshipful Company of Carmen.

Bde Comd, Col RLC, Comd Log, Corps SM. 6

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DEFENCE DIGEST | THE SUSTAINER

19/05/18

GRANTHAM

167 Regt Ex ARMY SUSTAINER A competition open to all serving members of the Army's chef community. Showcasing outstanding capability and including for the first time, teams from Denmark and the US Army. Corps Col and Corps SM participated.

05/04/18

ALDERSHOT

RLC25 baby Capt Zabina Holt, who until recently worked as SO3 Officers within the HQ, will never forget the day the Corps celebrated its 25th Anniversary as her daughter, Isme, was born on that very day, 5 April 2018, perfect timing and what dedication to duty.

18/04/18

PIRBRIGHT

RLC Anniversary Parade All Regiments congregate to celebrate RLC 25 with Col in Chief HRH The Princess Royal in attendance. Corps Col and Corps SM participated.

02/05/18

THAMES, LONDON

Ex SEAHORSE THAMES 17 P&M Regt had two Army work boats were on the River Thames as part of the RLC25 celebrations.

They sailed from Tower Bridge to Westminster and back.

20/04/18

ALDERSHOT

25 DOKO A gruelling element of the Gurkha recruitment selection, carrying a Doko (a wicker basket suspended by shoulder and head straps) 25lbs over a steep course. Corps Col and Corps SM participated. www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

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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 SSgt – WO2 promotion board was conducted between 16 and 18 Jan 18 to select soldiers for promotion in the promotion year 1 Apr 18 to 31 Mar 19.

There were 277 soldiers who were eligible to go to the board and 276 were assessed as being above the quality line; 137 were selected for promotion. This represents a 49.4% chance of promotion across all trades.

The Sgt to SSgt promotion board was conducted between 12 and 15 Mar 18 to select soldiers for promotion in the promotion year 1 Apr 18 to 31 Mar 19.

There were 366 soldiers who were eligible to go to the board and 348 were assessed as being above the quality line; 173 were selected for promotion. This represents a 47.2% chance of promotion across all trades.

Soldier Promotion and Assignment Policy All soldiers should be aware that to be eligible for promotion in The RLC they must be in a MFD/MLD grade. All soldiers that are graded MND(T) or MND(P) will not be selected for promotion.

The policy that supports this is in the CM Handbook, Part 3, Annex A which can be found on the MS Web page and RLC Corps Instruction (H6). RLC Soldier Wing at APC will monitor this and on completion of a promotion board an 8

employability board will be held for those soldiers with a MND JMES. Things like smoking cessation and maternity leave will not prevent a soldier from being selected for promotion. If a soldier has scored sufficient points on the promotion board but they are in a MND grade, they will not be provisionally selected for promotion.

The chain of command should also be aware that if soldiers are to be moved out of synchronisation with their normal assignment dates then AGAI 67 removal from post paperwork will need to be submitted. This paperwork (AGAI, Vol 2, Ch 67, Annex C to AGAI 67 Part 5) will need to be submitted to the soldier’s respective career manager in the first instance.

Initially this should only be completed up to Sect 5 and then submitted to APC for approval (by Col CSS), the paper work must be submitted with original signatures, scanned copies are acceptable. If supported, a letter will be issued by APC to support the request and parts 6 to 7 should then be completed and resubmitted to APC. At this point the soldier’s career manager will request a PPP and issue an AO.

Arrivals and departures There have been a number of staff changes at RLC Soldiers since the last publication, they are as follows:

Arrivals • Capt Keith Rickerby RLC – SO3 RLC Soldier Wing - Career Manager for Ammunition Technicians.

• WO1 Kevin Adams RLC – WO1 RLC Soldiers - Responsible for all soldiers serving in RLC ARTD posts, Secretary for the RSM and SSM Boards.

Departures • Capt Jonathan Wylie RLC – SO3 RLC Soldier Wing - Career Manager for Ammunition Technicians who has recently left the Army to join the Civil Service.

• WO1 Gordon Bruce RLC – WO1 RLC Soldiers - Assigned as 2IC, 64 Sqn, 6 Regt RLC.

• Mrs Yvonne Semple – Sect 3 who has recently moved to Wales.

Officers’ Matters Grade 3 Number 5 Bd The results of the Feb 18 No5 Gr3 Bd were published on MS Web on 15 Mar 18.

Selections were made in accordance with TLB priorities and the breakdown of results is below:

Professional Technical Course (PTC) The PTC Bd sits on the 7 Aug 18 to grade all eligible Lts and Capts for suitability to be employed along a PTC career path. The deadline for application is 26 Jun 18 and individuals who have not submitted an application will be graded by the Bd regardless. Full details of the PTC Bd can be found in Chapter H4 of the Corps Instruction.

Senior Capts’ Regimental Duty Board (SCRD) The SCRD Bd 2019 sits on 8 Aug 18 which is one month earlier than previous years in order to prevent the SCRD clashing with the No5 Gr 3 Bd activity required throughout Sep 18. An SCRD PPP will be requested from all runners who successfully score 30 points or more and these successful runners will be prioritised into SCRD appointments.

Capts who score below 30 points will be invited to submit a PPP for the No5 Gr3 Bd. Full details of the SCRD and the appointments type being considered can be found in Chapter H21 of the Corps Instruction.

In-Service Degree APSG will issue a Calling Notice in Jul 18 inviting applications from suitable officers to read for an In-Service Degree (ISD) commencing in 19. RLC ISD places are limited and selection will be based on merit. APC contact is Leigh Motherwell, RLC Offrs SO2D. Please refer to 2017DIN01-032 for current policy.

Beige List Eligibility There is no longer a requirement for

Routine E1 appointments

22 selected (73% of appointments filled)

E1 OCE appointments

6 selected (100% of appointments filled)

Routine E2 appointments

6 RLC Capts selected (66% of all E2 appointments (147) filled)

E2 OCE appointments

3 RLC Capts selected (100% of all E2 OCE appointments (27) filled)

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DEFENCE DIGEST | THE SUSTAINER Capts to complete MK Beige to be eligible for promotion to Maj. Eligibility requirements for promotion to Maj are detailed in CM Handbook on MS Web and this is supported by the Officers’ Career Development Handbook. All Capts of sufficient seniority, wishing to run to the Beige List 2019 are to have completed the pre-requisite courses and updated JPA to confirm completion by 1 Oct 18.

Joint Logistic Operations Course (JLOC) The two-week JLOC, delivered by DLS is being delivered between 8 and 19 Oct 18.

The course is linked to future appointments and targets SO1s, SO2s, SO3s and senior WOs, depending upon experience. Any RLC officers wishing to bid for a JLOC place are to approach their Career Manager who will inform the Operational Support Career Field which consolidates course loading.

Board attendance Any RLC officers (OF1-OF3) wishing to

observe or participate in an RLC Bd should be familiar with ABN 161/15 (Mandatory Pre-Bd Training) and contact SO2 RLC Soldiers’ Boarding on 94561 3472 or speak to their Career Manager.

Pink List 18 Of the 18 DE RLC officers selected for promotion to Lt Col, 8 were selected for Army Staff Training which commences in Sep 18 (5 to ACSC, 3 on AADP).

Key Dates

Event

7 Aug 18

Professional Technical Course Board

8 Aug 18

Senior Capt Regimental Duty Board

3-5 Sep 18

Arms Selection Board (LE Commission and DE&LE Conversion of Commission)

6-7 Sep 18

Initial and Subsequent Command Board

26-28 Sep 18

Number 5 Grade 3 Board (results published tbc Oct 18)

8-12 Oct 18

Number 5 Grade 2 Board (results published tbc Nov 18)

18 Oct 18

Late Entry Commission Results Published

1 Nov 18

DE&LE Conversion of Commission Results Published

12-16 Nov 18

Late Entry and Army Reserve Beige List 2019

19-23 Nov 18

Direct Entry Beige List 2019

Dec 18

Beige List Results Published

25th Anniversary of The RLC

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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. It was 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

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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A VIEW FROM BEHIND THE MARINER TRADE Army Maritime Trade Conductor The Mariner trade formally known as Seaman Navigators can trace its origins back to the formations of the Inland Water Transport units of the Royal Engineers and a branch of the Army Service Corps. Both formed back in 1916 during WW1, where barge operators, deckhands and navigators were drafted into service.

As WW2 gained pace in 1940, the War Office directed the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) to form and lead a fleet of vessels for the transportation and security of personnel, equipment and cargo and thus the Motorboat Companies were formed. These motorboat companies were the first to hoist the Army maritime blue ensign, that is still flown today by RLC maritime vessels.

During WW2 these motorboat companies were instrumental at Dunkirk, Normandy and played a heavy part in covert operations as part of the ‘Forgotten Fleet’.

The Seaman Navigator trade remained part of the RASC until the formation of The Royal Corps of Transport (RCT) in 1965 where around the same time the ships operated by the Seaman Navigators

and Marine Engineer trades were formally recognised and granted by Royal Warrant the title of Her Majesty’s Army Vessels (HMAV).

Army Maritime and the Mariner trade is a firm fixture of The RLC since the formation of the Corps in 1993.

The Mariners of today still learn the same seamanship skills and knowledge

as their predecessors. They are responsible for the safe navigation, load, discharge and distribution of materiel on maritime vessels, through sea lines of communication via coastal and inshore waterways.

The Mariner trade maintains the sea worthiness of their own vessels, ensuring they are safe for sea, compliant with all national and international legislation, and as such, Mariners gain civilian accreditation throughout their service.

As subject matter experts in ship to shore logistics, the Mariners and their vessels are called upon to deploy worldwide in a variety of defence tasks.

These include: from hurricane and disaster relief in the Caribbean, amphibious beach operations with 3 Commando Brigade worldwide, ship to shore fuel sustainment and conduct logistic beach and harbour reconnaissance.

Maritime logistics are still a key driver for defence outputs, which means professional Mariners are a must to enabling strategic ship to shore effect.

WO1 Vincent Styles

The Mariner trade maintains the sea worthiness of their own vessels, ensuring they are safe for sea, compliant with all national and international legislation, and as such, Mariners gain civilian accreditation throughout their service 10

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A VIEW THROUGH THE PIPELINE Conductor and Command Petroleum Warrant Officer Fellow Petroleum Operators, This is the first opportunity I have had to be able to address you all publicly in my capacity as the CPWO. I would like to start firstly by thanking you all for your continued support and loyalty to trade over the 24 months of my tenure and secondly to give you an update on some of the upcoming trade developments in the “pipeline”.

The recent trade group study day that was conducted at 10 QOGLR was a great success and the points raised were interesting and it was great to see many of you there with real vested interest in the future of our trade. I have been fortunate enough to have visited almost all your units recently and it has been extremely valuable in gaining insight into some of the issues that you are facing.

The theme remains consistent across the units, with the concerns being lack of time and experience on the Joint Operational Fuels Systems and promotion prospects being an area of concern at the JNCO level.

Trade manning The current level of manning within the trade has remained relatively consistent over the last 12 months with inflow and outflow being reasonably balanced. Trade manning levels have fluctuated at the JNCO level, leaving us overmanned at LCpl, but undermanned at Cpl. This will need to be addressed in the next 12 months to ensure we have a better balance.

Promotion across all ranks remains fiercely competitive and I would urge you all to ensure that you are as up to date and qualified for the next rank as possible. This includes attendance on trade courses as well as the CLM requirements. We all have leadership responsibilities, therefore I urge you to assist in the mentoring and development of our juniors to ensure they are well prepared both as soldiers and as tradesman. The future of our trade is in their hands.

Training Petroleum Operator trade training is currently undergoing significant changes which include the introduction of a Class 2 course to replace the current system of the record of achievement upgrading process. The introduction of the Class 2 course has offered the opportunity to fine tune the current Class 3 course, which will now also incorporate the reserves, training together with regulars on the

same course. Further developments of the Class 1 course will occur over the coming 12 months.

Progression towards gaining the Authorised Person (AP) Petroleum qualification has been aided by the roll out of the Petroleum Operator Logbook.

The aim is to capture the experience gained over the lifetime of a Petroleum Operators career and will be used to show an individual’s experience level in the Petroleum field when qualifying as an AP. Soldiers will be issued this book at the end of phase 2 trade training and they will be required to keep it up to date.

I have been pleased to see that units are continuing to share training opportunities throughout the year by offering places on technical exercises to each other. This has assisted with efficiencies and reducing the contracted usage rates on the equipment and was also a great tool for sharing some best practice across the regiments. Units have been seizing opportunities for external visits including a day at the Essar oil refinery and meeting some of our reserves counterparts in 503 Specialist Team Royal Engineers, the MODs experts in fixed fuels infrastructure. The visit gave our people a greater understanding of civilian industry best practice which can be applied on our deployable fuels infrastructure on both Operations and Exercises.

BOC continues to offer support to units for training on gases. Units have taken the opportunity this year to conduct training on gases and are encouraged to continue through the HoT to attend these courses.

organisations. SSgt Atkinson went on a secondment to World Fuel Services where he underwent a rigorous six week’s programme of works where he gained some great knowledge and understanding into the civilian fuels network. More work is to be done in the coming months for further opportunity to have individuals go and undertake similar exercises. World Fuels Services also support us on our trade courses and sponsor the top student award.

Trade proponent Our current Trade proponent is Col P Edwards MBE and he is responsible for representing our trade interests at the Corps Professional Development Committee. Your voice and opinion on matters is extremely valuable and so any ideas you may have should be sent up to me via your chains of command or the trade working groups, where I will feed this directly through to him.

Final thoughts I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate WO1 Paul Franks on his selection for the appointment of Conductor and wish him all the very best when he takes over as the new Command Petroleum Warrant Officer in Jul. I ask that you continue to give him the same level of support that you have offered me as we look forward to the rest of 2018 which will continue to be an exciting and challenging time for the Pet Op trade. Always remember that fuel is the lifeblood of the Army and without it, the battle is over!

WO1 Bloomfield

Industry placements This year saw the beginning of what will hopefully be a great way forward in integrating with external industry

Promotion across all ranks remains fiercely competitive and I would urge you all to ensure that you are as up to date and qualified for the next rank as possible, this includes attendance on trade courses as well as the CLM requirements

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

DOKO 25 On 20 Apr 18, 10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment (10 QOGLR) delivered ‘Doko 25’ to mark the 25th anniversary of The RLC. The Doko race is a unique element of the Brigade of Gurkhas' selection process.

Recruits were equipped with a Doko (a hand-woven bamboo basket in a conical or “V” shape used in Nepal for the transportation of goods, usually supported by shoulders straps and a “Namlo” or head-strap. They race over 6km of undulating ground, starting at the bottom of a valley and then climbing steeply carrying 25kg in under 45 minutes.

The event took place around the Queen’s Parade ground in Aldershot and whilst it was nowhere near the challenge of the original Doko race undertaken in Nepal, it gave UK personnel a small insight as to what the majority of our regimental Doko Presentation

Setting off!

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Sgt Cutherbert being presented a bespoke centrepiece by the Corps Col soldiers go through during selection.

During the event, the Sun God Surya was watching over the 13 teams of three

soldiers from the Regt’s sub-units, including the LAD, who each covered a course measuring just less than two miles, carrying a Doko weighing 25lb, before handing over the pennant (made by our very own Master Tailor) which acted as the ‘baton’ between teams.

The challenge was to cover a total distance of 25 miles as a Regt. The Regt was proud to host the Corps Col, Corps RSM and 101X Comd Log Sp, all of whom completed a lap of the course complete with Doko. They were ably supported by the Regt’s own Commander, Adjutant, RSM, Quartermaster and Quartermaster (Technical).

On the completion of his lap, the Corps Col was presented a bespoke centrepiece, hand crafted by the Regt’s Metalsmith, Sgt Cutherbert. The piece was exceptional and represented key capabilities within 10 QOGLR. The base was made from recycled flat rack wood as routinely used by the Regt’s Drivers in transportation activity. A brass number represented the ammunition the LSS personnel can supply, with the crossed kukhuri representing the Gurkha soldier.

This was a most poignant moment as the Corps Col was presented a piece by a REME Craftsman, encapsulating the phrase often used within 10 QOGLR, “You are not in the Regiment, you are the Regiment”.

Underpinning the success of the event was the Regt’s dedicated G4 team which included its fantastic chefs who provided high quality sustenance for all the competitors and supporters alike – dhanyabad and shaybas (thank you and well done).

Jai 10 QOGLR, Jai Doko 25, Jai RLC 25!

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25,000 miles for RLC 25 At the beginning of 2017 WO1 Rob Bierton, the RCMO at 159 Regt decided to set himself a crazy challenge.

He decided to mark the year, by cycling 2017 miles on the WATT bike. So, he dusted off those lycra shorts, found his bike shoes and set himself a little area in the gym to complete this task.

As he neared 2017 miles he thought it was too easy and so he extended it to go to Australia. And when he found that too easy he then went for the distance around the world which equated to 24901.55 miles.

He achieved this in 475 days, averaging an amazing 52.5 miles per day, every day.

As it happens, WO1 Bierton can recall what he was doing to prevent him getting on the bike for only eight of those days including Christmas and New Year.

As a proud ex-Pioneer, WO1 Bierton then decided to round these miles up to 25000 miles to celebrate the 25 Years of The RLC which he finally completed on Wed 25 Apr 18.

What WO1 Bierton has achieved is nothing short of amazing and epitomises the drive, determination and selfless commitment the Army values. He is an inspiration to the Regt and the Corps.

After completing this challenge WO1 Bierton was asked how he felt and his response was “I am really happy I have finished it but now I need a new challenge. Any ideas?”

Watch this space!

What W01 Bierton has achieved is nothing short of amazing and epitomises the drive, determination and selfless commitment the Army values.

He is an inspiration to the Regt and the Corps

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE RLC Food Services Wing (FWS), Worthy Down, part of The Defence School of Logistics (DSL) has produced two cakes to mark The RLC 25th and RAF 100th anniversaries.

FSW ‘husband and wife’ team of Sgt Paul and Cpl Alisha Henderson, expertly supported by Sgt Michael Cottingham (2 Yorks), designed and produced the 450-portion RLC 25 cake by carefully incorporating the cap badges of the forming Corps. The cake was presented to HRH The Princess Royal during the RLC 25 parade and dinner celebrations on 18 Apr. At the same time, Cpl Ian Mark of CTS (and ‘Bake Off’ fame) has been busy making the RAF 100 Cake, a similarly detailed piece of work, to present to Her Majesty the Queen later in the year.

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE Congratulations go to trainee Ammunition Technical Officer, Capt Mark Gibbs, for smashing not one, but two Guinness World Records for the fastest half marathon in full UK bomb suit.

The original plan was to go for the record attempt at the Bath Half in early March, but the weather had different ideas when the event had to be cancelled because of the snow.

But Capt Gibbs and his support team were still determined to try for the world record, having already broken one for the fastest mile in full UK bomb suit.

This first record to achieve the mile in 7 min 24.21 sec was achieved by Capt Gibbs in Perth, Scotland on 22 Dec 17. The record attempt was held at the George Duncan Athletics Arena and served as a warm up for the half marathon.

On the 19 Mar, at the athletics track in Tidworth, after clearing the running track of yet more snow, Capt Gibbs and the team set off to try for the second record. In order to prevent overheating, Capt Gibbs had to stop after every 12 laps to take on water and cool down, the team had rehearsed this as skilfully as any F1 team and 53 laps later it was all over in a record breaking time of 2 hours and 23 mins.

Just after finishing his run, Capt Gibbs said: “We put in the training to break the record and we’ve done that. I couldn’t have done it without the team.”

The whole purpose of the challenge was to raise funds for Felix Fund – the bomb disposal charity. The initial target was £2,500 but to date the record attempts have raised an amazing £5051.46, all of which will go towards helping the men and women of the bomb disposal and search community.

He’s a double record breaker The celebrations begin!

This was a tremendous effort by Capt Gibbs and the whole of the ATO course. Seven months of physical training whilst attending an intensive course at Shrivenham! We are hugely grateful for their support and the awareness this has brought for the charity Melanie Moughton, CEO of Felix Fund said: “This was a tremendous effort by Capt Gibbs and the whole of the ATO course. Seven months of physical training

whilst attending an intensive course at Shrivenham! We are hugely grateful for their support and the awareness this has brought for the charity.”

A huge thumbs up for a fantastic achievement

Capt Gibbs takes on water to cool down 14

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER

11 EOD awarded Firmin Sword of peace

The men and women of 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Regiment have received one of the highest accolades that can be bestowed upon a military establishment – The Firmin Sword of Peace.

11 EOD works tirelessly to protect the UK population from explosive hazards and materials, working closely with Police and other Government Departments.

The award reflects in particular the Regt’s specialist search operations during the Didcot Power Station tragedy (Operation BRIDLED) and the safe disposal of the hazardous chemical 2, 4 Dinitrophenolhydrazine (DNP) from school laboratories nationwide which posed an explosive threat to UK school children (Op MATSU).

These operations were completed on top of the Regt’s routine ‘shouts’ to make WWII bombs and ammunition, discovered by both the emergency services and general public, safe.

The award was presented to the Regt at Blenheim Palace during a ceremony which included the Band of the Royal Logistic Corps and a parade of 150 troops from the Regt’s five squadrons from across the UK. Maj Gen David Shouesmith (Ret’d) presented the sword to LCpl Andrew Cassidy from Catterick based 521 Squadron, who received the sword on behalf of the whole Regiment.

The honour and responsibility of accepting the sword was granted to the young soldier for his exceptional contribution to the Regt’s operational output. Most notable was his contribution during Op MATSU, his deployments to Jordan and Northern Ireland as a second in command of an EOD team. www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

On 18 Apr 18, The RLC held its 25th Anniversary Parade at Brunswick Barracks in Pirbright.

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal and Colonel-inChief of The RLC, was the guest of honour and inspecting officer and gave an address to the grand parade of 460 troops.

During the parade HRH, The Princess Royal, inspected the first rank of troops before issuing stable belts to 36 of the soldiers on parade.

In this special anniversary year, the presentation of the belts symbolically marked the return of the Corps to wearing the uniquely coloured belt that identifies the wearer as a member of The RLC. The RLC25 Regimental Dinner followed on from the anniversary parade earlier in the day with HRH The Princess Royal and Colonel in Chief of the RLC both in attendance.

The evening saw over 400 serving officers and soldiers from the Corps Officers’ and Sergeants’ messes dine together at Corps level for the first time in Corps history.

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

By WO1 Sam Barton The RLC Foundation Director 167 Catering Support Regiment was honoured to deliver the Corps' largest combined Officers’, Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants' Mess dinner to celebrate RLC 25.

The Regt is a nationally recruited Reserve Regt of chefs based in Grantham. WO1 (SSM) Barton, SSM of the Reserve School of Catering, relished the opportunity to deliver the catering and service for this prestigious event. Not only was it a chance to promote the capabilities of the unique Regt, but also a valuable training and development opportunity for the junior chefs, continuing to invest in higher culinary skills, a task set by MGL. None of the above could have been achieved without WO2 (RQMS) Martin West’s meticulous planning for all required infrastructure and equipment, which was transported to Deepcut by 7 Regt.

Sourcing suppliers for the meal began weeks prior, following a menu development weekend. The dishes were designed to suit the mass service and therefore kept simple. This meant that the ingredients had to be of the highest quality to showcase each element of the dishes. Ingredients were sourced from a range of local suppliers, as well as speciality suppliers from across the England and Wales.

Three days prior to the dinner, a local supplier informed us they couldn't fulfil our order of ham hocks for the starter.

After some hard work 60kg of hocks were received by courier the following day from a new supplier in Wales. The fantastic cannons of lamb were provided

by Turner and Sons Butchers in Aldershot. Our heritage carrots, micro herbs and edible flowers were collected from Norfolk and the speciality bread was gifted by Bridor UK. Being a national Regt, the Reserve soldiers commit to a minimum of 19 days per year, therefore trade progression for the soldiers not ordinarily employed within the catering industry can be difficult. Assembling a balance of individuals with the right leadership and craft skills with ability to mentor was key to the success of the dinner.

Designing the menu was largely planned around the requirement to serve a large amount of people within the tight time constraints of HRH The Princess Royal’s attendance.

Advanced cooking preparation began two days earlier. The starter, ham hock 18

RLC25 Dinner

Top table silver – The Corps of Drums terrine served with pickled vegetables was pre-cooked the day prior to the event leaving the accompanying warm black pudding and apple bon-bon to be added just prior to service. Plating 470 meals, ensuring all dishes looked the same and were served hot, was the most challenging and rewarding part on the main course.

The servery area consisted of three conveyor style sections within a tunnel of three 18x24 tents. Three teams of five chefs systematically plated the seven elements of the main dish in under two minutes, in waves of 30 plates per section. That’s 90 plates all ready at the same time before a conveyor of 45 stewards, each carrying two plates, funnelled into the marquee to serve their allocated tables. This service continued in six waves until all guests had received their meals, completed in 28 minutes!

The main course was a cannon of lamb served with a potato creton, sweet potato puree, sauté savoy cabbage, heritage carrots and lamb gravy. Cooking all 470 portions of lamb just right – pink in the middle – was all down to preparation and timing. The dessert, a Belgian dark chocolate brownie with cherries, mascarpone mousse, chocolate tuile biscuit and flowers was prepared in advance using almost 40kg of chocolate.

Cpl Paul Liczbinski, aided by nine team leaders from the Regt, trained 98 soldiers from six RLC Regt’s in table service, wine service and table laying. Adapting to last minute changes, environmental and time constraints, both the catering team and

stewards were under immense pressure to deliver, but planning, team work and professionalism from all involved saw the service of the meal delivered like clockwork in record time.

Fortunately, all of the cutlery, crockery and glasses came from a local hire company who took the items away dirty reducing the ‘washing up’ burden. This allowed a quick close down of kitchen and servery enabling the supporting staff to join the celebrations. On completion of the dinner, the whole team felt an enormous sense of achievement, having played their part in the Corps’ 25th celebrations.

Picture order. Top to bottom, left to right 1. The Top Table 2. Pre-laid starter of ham hock terrine served with piccalilli puree, pickled vegetables and a warm black pudding and apple bon-bon 3. Final stages of the main course meal ready to be served 4 Dessert –Kirsch infused Belgium Dark chocolate brownie served with a compote of cherries, dark cherry syrup, pink meringue and a mascarpone mousse with chocolate tuile biscuit 5. A view from inside the marquee 6. Cpl Maynard plating the main course during service 7. Sgt Whitby adding finishing touches to the dessert 8. Soldiers from 167 Cat Sp Regt RLC and 27 Regt setting up the field kitchen tents

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

Currently serving in The RLC are four pairs of brothers who are quite unique.

What makes them unique – probably across the Army – is they are all currently WO1s. They account for nearly 4% of the WO1s serving in The RLC. Considering only 1.5% of RLC soldiers ever achieve this rank, the odds of this happening are huge.

The Sustainer decided to assemble The RLC’s WO1 brotherhood to find out how brotherly love has helped them and to hear about their best bits. But first some introductions.

8 WO1 Lee Hughes initially enlisted into the Royal Artillery in 1995. After eight years, he transferred to The RLC after attending his brother Kim’s graduation.

WO1 Kim Hughes joined The RLC as a driver in 1997. Following a tour in Northern Ireland with 321 EOD Sqn in 2000, he retrained as an Ammunition Technician. Currently they are serving together in 11 EOD Regt. Kim is the Regimental Senior Ammunition Technician (SAT) and Lee is one of the Troop WOs in 621 Sqn. Selected for promotion to WO1 on the December 2017 board, in Jul, Lee moves to a new role as 20

BandofBrothers

Stories of siblings serving together in the same unit, same theatre of operations or in the case of the Royal Navy, the same ship, have made the national press. But The RLC has a tale to top them all in its 25th birthday year. By Peter Shakespeare the Munitions Sqn SAT at DEMS Training Regiment in Kineton.

8 WO1 Shaun Broom, joined the Army in Jan 1994. He wanted a trade and one that ensured he was on the ground all the time and offered variety and challenges.

The RLC offered the driver trade and Shaun enlisted. Following a career that has seen service in 13 Air Assault Support Regiment and the Commando Logistic Regiment, Shaun is serving his final 12 months in the Army. RLC Corps Sergeant Major designate, WO1 Phil Broom, joined The RLC two years after his brother in 1996. He followed him into 13 Regt where, at one point, they were in the same platoon. Phil takes over from WO1 Shaun Owen as RLC CSM in August 2018.

8 WO1s, Jamie and Gareth Sumner’s father served for 22 years in the Royal Green Jackets. He tried to dissuade his sons from joining the Army, but said if they must join, they needed a trade.

According to the Sumners, he had spoken highly of the RCT, so in 1994, Jamie joined The RLC as a driver. Inspired by Jamie’s tales of his first two years’ service, in 1996 Gareth followed his brother into the Corps. Gareth has taken over from his brother Jamie as RSM 6 Regt. Jamie has been picked up for a commission. He will take over as squadron 2IC in 3 Regt.

8 WO1 Grant Clarke, was not able to join the discussion in person. A supply WO1 attached to 4 Armoured Support

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER

Battalion REME, he was on a nine-week exercise in Canada. Grant enlisted into The RLC in 1998. He chose supply as his trade, and according to brother WO1 Russell Clarke, his achievements both inspired and motivated Russell to join The RLC. Grant has been selected for a commission and is looking forward to his next posting with the UN in Cyprus.

Russell joined The RLC in Jan 1999 as a Pioneer. He wanted a trade and the prospect of achieving this, while working alongside the infantry, meant The RLC ticked all the right boxes. He is Para and Commando trained and has attended Senior Brecon. He has just taken over as the welfare WO1 at Deepcut, having been RSM of 159 Regt in Coventry.

Within The RLC young soldiers get a career.

The way we encourage our soldiers to progress and to continually develop through the education that is offered to them, through additional courses, is the way forward As the Hughes’ are currently serving in the same regiment, we ask whether there are any benefits? “I think with my brother being the regimental SAT, I probably get advanced notice of courses, which is good!” laughs Lee. “Early on in our careers we were literally in the same troop,” adds Kim. “You have to remember you are ‘at work’, but it is good to have sideways brotherly chats if you need a bit of advice.”

The Broom brothers served in 13 Regt together as Sergeants. Shaun says: “We were on the same deployment together within the same platoon but we weren’t allowed to work together…’Band of Brothers’ scenario! It was our OC’s decision. Having spent our childhood trying to get separate rooms, on deployment we had camp cots a foot from each other, it was brilliant. We wanted to

work together, but I think in hindsight it was the right decision. Being in the same unit together was really good.”

The Broom brothers agree they’ve shared a healthy competitive spirit throughout their careers, but they have always been able to rely on each other.

Shaun explains: “If I have problems I generally phone him. He does likewise and there is good mutual respect between us.” Phil comments: “From our parents and wives’ perspectives, I think being away together was a great benefit for them.”

While all the brothers are very positive about having their sibling in the same unit, there must be some negatives? “I don’t think there are any cons!” says Gaz Sumner. “I have one,” retorts brother Jamie. Gaz replies: “I know what you are going to say…competitiveness!” Jamie explains: “On TELIC 1, the CO wouldn’t take us both. He left me behind! That’s my only bad point,” he smiles. Gaz adds: “I know we aren’t all fortunate to have a brother in the Army but he’s your absolute go to man. So, if there’s something you are not sure of or haven’t experienced, he’s done it or I’ve done it.

It’s a big benefit.”

In terms of career highlights, the Sumners put opportunities sport has created at the top of their list. Gaz Sumner explains: “Jamie started at Abingdon and I started at 2 Close Support Regt in Gutersloh. I’d been there about a year, when he jumped ship.” Jamie emphasises: “I was posted from 4 Regt and ended up in 2 at Gutersloh. But we were in separate squadrons.” Gaz continues: “Boxing was 2 Regiment’s key sport. We both boxed at least six months of the year, for five years.” Jamie adds: “The regiment was very good. They won the RLCs five times on the bounce and I doubt that has been done since. I think the reason they kept us in the regiment for so long was because we were both boxers. We went on to be Corps boxers and both of us boxed for the Army team.

Germany was a good time for us.”

Russell Clarke became the first Pioneer to become both Para and Commando trained. He views this as one of his best achievements, but becoming RSM at 159 Regt allowed him to move his family back to his home town and it was a proud moment for him to realise his career ambition. Grant Clarke views getting a first-class honours degree in logistics management as the big highlight of his career, but Grant’s ambition was to be selected for a commission. He has achieved this and

came top of his commissioning board.

Russell Clarke will leave the Army in four years. Before he does he echoes the sentiments of his fellow WO1s. “The RLC has been good to me,” he says. What I want to do now is to give some of that back by helping the young soldiers.”

It’s the varied role we have in The RLC that is the best thing. That stands out and so many people are transferring across from the other corps and the combat arms. We have seen a lot of them swapping cap badges because they know they are going to come to us and do a job, which takes them all over the world. The RLC is a really good place to be at the moment Phil Broom’s message to the young soldiers is: “Be proud of what you achieved by getting into The RLC. Try everything. Take every opportunity and give it time. Young soldiers are easily frustrated and quick to say they don’t like something. Listen to the old and bold around you. I don’t say take their advice, but they have got years of experience. So listen, take every opportunity and grasp the bull by the horns.” Kim Hughes adds: “Within The RLC young soldiers get a career. The way we encourage our soldiers to progress and to continually develop through the education that is offered to them, through additional courses, is the way forward.”

In The RLC’s anniversary year, our band of brothers unite with one voice to wish the Corps a very happy birthday.

All agree that there is now one esprit de corps and The RLC has a strong identity and is getting noticed across the Army. Jamie Sumner sums it up. “It’s the varied role we have in The RLC that is the best thing. That stands out and so many people are transferring across from the other corps and the combat arms. We have seen a lot of them swapping cap badges because they know they are going to come to us and do a job, which takes them all over the world. The RLC is a really good place to be at the moment.”

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

Togetherness and professionalism At 4 Regt in this special anniversary year those soldiers who were there at the birth of the Corps are becoming fewer and farther between, with only a handful of LE Officers at 4 Regt RLC fitting the bill.

A career of 25 years or more is an impressive achievement in itself, but to have gone through the process of ‘five in to one’ must have been a turbulent experience, and not just for those in the newly formed Royal Logistic Corps.

What stands out from the experience of those around at the time was that they went to sleep as a Driver in the Royal Corps of Transport or a Chef in the Army Catering Corp and woke up all part of one team with a new cap badge and Corps identity.

This clearly confused the infantry brethren with certain units presuming they now had a camp full of chefs who were apparently first parading APVs instead of cooking breakfast! There were also issues for those deployed, particularly on the UN Mission in Bosnia, who despite being in UN berets, received their new Corps cap badges regardless.

Not able to wear these cap badges until they returned in Oct 1993, the unfortunate QM had to deal with a queue of personnel outside of his department who had either lost them or swapped them for ‘bounty’!

Doing it right Pleasingly, when all feedback on the 22

The ‘Old Guard’ Corps was received from each Sub Unit, it was the same points being highlighted on what The RLC is doing right. The qualifications available to soldiers and officers, both trade and educational, are second to none and lay the foundations to enable the professional organisation that we have today.

Further to this, and of particular note, is the variety and opportunities that The RLC provides. Wherever the Army is in the world, there will always be the requirement for an RLC soldier or officer to be there with them; how many other units can boast that claim?!

Since birth, The RLC has been deployed on every operation and major exercise that the Army has been involved in and the operational tempo of its units shows no signs of slowing.

Future members The advice to those future members of our Corps, from soldiers currently serving, is loud and clear, be professional and learn how to be both a soldier and a logistician.

Choosing where you spend your career can be one of the most important decisions a person can make so an understanding of the Corps’ role, a soldier’s role in this and the career transition is paramount. Hopefully, those joining the Corps today know exactly the

type of organisation that they are joining and are not expecting to be sat in the cab of a DROPS for their whole career, we are, after all, soldiers first.

As well as this, those joining the Corps should be prepared to have some fun!

The RLC offers unrivalled opportunities for sports and AT and our future members are advised to grab all of these opportunities with open arms, they will not be disappointed!

Hopes (& fears) The quick and easy answer to this question is “more of the same please”! The wider Army’s understanding of the importance of logistics continues to develop which means that the Corps will hopefully deploy on every operation and major exercise that the Army finds itself on.

Finally, the hope is that the opportunities to have fun and develop remain because, as the old adage goes “a happy soldier is an effective soldier”!

Whether five or one, the Corps has always had an identity and a history to be proud of from the Battle Honours of the Royal Waggon Train to the recent bravery awards given to troops from TELIC and HERRICK. The future is not yet written but 4 Regt hopes that it includes “more of the same please”.

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER For some members of 7 Regt this is their first unit, for others their last, some have been here before. Several soldiers and officers were asked about their careers within The RLC, offering an insight into the varied roles and the odd word of advice for future members of the RLC.

‘The Silver Eagle’ Maj Roger Marshall QM, 30 Years, Chef I have deployed to South Georgia, NI, Belize, Bosnia, Iraq, Canada, New Caledonia and New Zealand.

As a soldier (Cpl) the proudest moment for me was I spent five years as the personal chef to CDS and the last ever Field Marshal – Barron Inge from 1992 – 1997.

As a WO2 Masterchef, I would always tell everyone that being a chef is the best job in the army, however now the way forward for promotion and travel opportunity is a career as a Log Spec.

Capt Gemma Pearson Sqn Ops Offr, 3 Years, Generalist The RLC is fantastic for all things sport and AT and has solid structures in place to ensure those avenues continue to develop.

In my time I’ve had the privilege of touring USA with the RLC (W) Rugby team and captaining the side in the InterCorps final; one of my proudest moments.

The RLC’s ability to balance its highly skilled and task-able work force with its capacity to still supply extra-curricular opportunities for its soldiers is unparalleled in other Corps.

WO2 Mark Calverley RSWO, 19 Years Communications Specialist I joined the Army in Mar 1999 and have served in Germany, Cyprus, Kenya and various locations around the UK. I’ve been given the opportunity to take part in AT Expeds all over the world including South Africa and Peru. I deployed on OP HERRICK 7 with 27 Regt as well as most recently on Op TOSCA with 7 Regt.

To new recruits, grab every opportunity.

You regret the things you don’t do.

Capt Neil Moreton RTO/Regt Ops Officer 27 Years, Former LSS I’ve had numerous opportunities from short deployments to Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Gibraltar to organising and deploy on AT in Kenya and deployed operationally to Afghanistan.

I feel privileged to have been a soldier that had the chance to spend a large amount of my career overseas, primarily in Germany.

I hope that as an organisation we continue to reflect on our accomplishments in history and take stock of them before, as Lord Elcho referred to after the Crimean War, ‘Too Late! Those unhappy monosyllables which were written up over the doors of the War and Commissariat Departments…and which have been written on almost every page of our military history’.

SSgt Andrew Masefield Contracts SNCO, 19 Years, Supplier I’ve enjoyed postings in Germany,

Northern Ireland and the UK, completing tours in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. My current role has seen me deploy to Kenya, Belize, Jordan and Australia.

My proudest moment so far was during the 2012 London Olympic/Paralympic Games raising the GB flag to the national anthem for a gold medal, a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget.

I hope that over the next 25 years The RLC can continue to flourish and not lose any more of the trades within our corps that makes us unique.

SSgt Hannah Jenkins Regimental Driver Training Wing SNCO/Regt Op SNCO, 15 Years, Driver I have served with five mainstream RLC units in Germany and the UK. I have had the opportunity to deploy on exercises to the Czech Republic, Canada, Kenya and Germany.

Whilst serving with 2 LSR in Germany I deployed on OP TELIC 7.

One of the highlights of my career was deploying as a STTT to Uganda focusing on delivering lessons to the Ugandan People’s Defence Force.

The best part of serving within The RLC is the diverse job roles and opportunities the solders have to deploy overseas and lifelong qualifications they can gain.

I would advise new recruits to grasp all opportunities that The RLC can offer them whether this be personal qualifications, military qualifications, AT or experience on exercises and deployments.

WO2 Simon Pemberton RQMST, 21 Years, Log Spec I’ve served as a supplier with 22 SAS, Royal Marine Commando’s, Parachute Regiment, Engineers, REME and The RLC. I have deployed to Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Oman, Kenya, Germany and Norway.

The proudest moments for me were when I passed the All Arms Commando Course in 2003 and when I was selected for promotion to WO2 in 2016.

I hope that in the next 25 years The RLC make better use of their tradesman, particularly in RLC units and reframe from contracting every trade group out to a civilian organisation.

The best things about The RLC are the opportunities to travel and the diversity of employment. Though the Army in general has changed since I first joined, I would still recommend joining The RLC as it’s full of great opportunities.

LCpl Wilfred Okogie Regimental Duty Staff, 5 Years, Supplier I’ve been trawled to the Falklands, worked alongside the Navy and RAF also deploying to Kenya in support of BATUK. My proudest moment was when I got recognised and invited to the Commonwealth Diaspora by the Queen and also had the opportunity to meet and speak to The Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and Duchess of Gloucester.

My time in the army has been a journey and I have enjoyed every single moment. Hopefully, I see myself going through the ranks quickly. I don’t see a reason why recruits would want to join any other cap badge.

Here’s to the next 25 years of 7 Regt RLC and the Corps!

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE 25 years ago, in Apr 1993, the Queen’s Own Gurkha Transport Regiment (QOGTR) was in the process of moving from Hong Kong to the UK. It was a period of uncertainty and there were questions being asked of the viability and relevance of a Gurkha transport unit.

At this time, the Regt was comprised of a small HQ element and a single Sqn. Fast forward 25 years and 10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regt (10 QOGLR) is now three Sqn’s strong with an RHQ element. The Regt is celebrating its 60th birthday this year and is in the middle of a period of unprecedented growth, beginning the generation of two new Sqn’s by the end of 18.

Fund raising In celebration of RLC 25, members of 10 QOGLR completed ‘Doko 25’ on 20 Apr 18. The event saw teams of three soldiers marched a total of 25 miles in a relay, each carrying a Doko basket (a traditional Nepalese method of load-carrying) weighing 25lbs.

This took place on/around the Queen’s Avenue, Aldershot, and money raised was donated to charitable causes. The entire event was captured with suitable media coverage (including BFBS and the Commander QOGLR Facebook site). It was a truly magnificent event and we are proud of all who took part!

Maj Chakrabahadur Khatri

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25 years of RLC memories from a Gurkha Maj Q&A with Maj Chakrabahadur Khatri Maj Chakrabahadur Khatri enlisted into the Brigade of Gurkhas in Nov 1990 at the British Gurkhas Depot Pokhara in Nepal.

He currently holds the post of Gurkha Maj and is the senior Gurkha soldier within the Regt, responsible for upholding the rich culture and traditions of the Unit and looking after its unique personnel.

Q Best things in the RLC so far?

A During my 28 years’ service, I have travelled to a number of countries and have been able to build a life for myself that I had only dreamed of. The British Army and The RLC have truly enabled me to unlock my potential and I have had a lot of fun along the way.

Q What would you say to Recruits joining now?

A Work hard and make the most of what The RLC can offer you. The Corps provides an abundance of opportunities, for people from all backgrounds, to really develop their skill sets and learn a trade.

In the Corps, you will develop quickly and will be surprised by what you can achieve.

Q What are the memories of soldiers from each decade?

A In 1990 a composite Gurkha Transport Sqn was formed and deployed from Hong Kong to Saudi Arabia in the ambulance support role in the Gulf War 1991. In 1992, in recognition of the Regt’s operational service, HM the Queen approved the grant of the royal title ‘The Queen’s Own Gurkha Transport Regiment’ (QOGTR). The QOGTR moved to the UK on a permanent basis in 1993. The Regt undertook Public Duties at the Tower of London and in 1995 and deployed on operations in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia with the United Nations Protection Force.

The Regt took part in the Iraq War in 2003 and was the only formed Gurkha unit to have taken part in both the 1991 and 2003 Iraq conflicts. Further operational tours

by Sqn’s of the Regt to Iraq followed in 2004 and 2006. In 2007, the Regt deployed as part of the United Nations Force in Cyprus.

Throughout this period, detachments of the Regt also served on operations with other Gurkha units in the Balkans, East Timor, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan. The Regt celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 2008 when the Queen’s Own Gurkha Transport Regt was re-designated 10 QOGLR. The next year all the QOGLR Sqn’s deployed to Afghanistan.

Work hard and make the most of what The RLC can offer you. The Corps provides an abundance of opportunities, for people from all backgrounds, to really develop their skill sets and learn a trade In 2011, there were subsequent deployments to Afghanistan by the RHQ and individual Sqn’s in the logistic support and police mentoring roles, as well as to Cyprus with the United Nations. The Regt had also faced a humanitarian challenge with the deployment of elements to Op GRITROCK in response to the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone. In 2015, the Regt celebrated 200 years of Gurkha Service to the Crown.

Along with other Regt’s of The Brigade of Gurkhas it took part in all of the celebrations and ceremonial parades, to include Public Duties.

Q What do you hope for in the next 25 years of The RLC? A The next 25 years will bring with it challenges we will need to overcome as a Corps. Our importance to future operations is undeniable and we must continue to train to maximise our deployability and readiness.

With the Op HERRICK era behind us, we must focus on being adaptable and look to train as soldiers first, logisticians second. Continuing to perfect the image of The RLC will be pivotal to recruitment and future success. We must be proud of our history and the honours which have been awarded to our Corps, long may our success continue.

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER On 13 Mar 18, British Forces Post Office (BFPO) staff celebrated the anniversary of the official opening of its bespoke, purpose-built HQ at RAF Northolt a decade ago.

Up until 2007, the BFPO premises had been situated at Inglis Barracks, Mill Hill, where it had been since 1961. More than just a change in location, the move signified the adoption of technology and innovation to provide a more effective and efficient service to the Armed Forces community –a drive that has continued throughout the last decade.

Moving to RAF Northolt brought a number of benefits to the organisation, making it a more modern and cohesive workplace. As BFPO’s SO1 Operations, Lt Col Brett Duxbury, recalls: “Coming to Northolt brought BFPO staff onto one site, where they had previously been spread across two larger sites.”

“The other major change was in the way we sorted mail. We moved from largely manual mail sortation to an automated system, an improvement without which we could never have delivered the Enduring Free Mail Service (EFFMS) that continues to benefit so many of our Service Personnel deployed overseas.”

However, the process wasn’t without its challenges. He adds: “The logistic implications were immense. Completion of the first phases of the move and training of staff in the use of the new technology, all in time for the Christmas mail rush of 2007, was a major accomplishment. The technology was very new and cutting-edge at the time, requiring staff to get to grips with new ways of working very quickly.”

The most interesting fact about the move, however, is perhaps that a far greater number of staff made the Facts from the last decade at BFPO 5 Five different officers have served as Head BFPO 5 Over 24,066,600kg of forces mail has been delivered by the Defence Postal Service alone 5 In the last five years, demand for adhoc deliveries via the Defence Courier Service has increased by 500% 5 223,000 charity Christmas boxes have been delivered to Personnel overseas at Christmas 5 BFPO was the first organisation within Defence Equipment & Support to create a social media account 5 BFPO has launched three different customer apps, two of which are still live

British Forces Post Office celebrates a decade at RAF Northolt Newly built HQ

transition from Mill Hill to Northolt than was expected.”

One such staff member is Mary Vyse, who works in the Operational Support department of the Defence Courier Service. Mary took the bold and dedicated step of learning to drive so she could stay with BFPO once it moved to West London.

She says: “It was a little daunting, but I knew that I wanted to stay with BFPO, even if this meant getting my driving licence and increasing my commute from ten minutes to around one hour each way.

I enjoy my job, so it was an easy decision.

I’m glad I made the move and hope to be here until I retire in a few years!”

The Head of BFPO, Col Andy Moffat OBE, says: “We have enjoyed celebrating our successes from the last decade; from the move to Northolt itself to the delivery of EFFMS and the new technologies that have allowed us to provide a better service to personnel across the world. We look forward to the new challenges the next decade will bring and will continue to deliver the services that are so vital to the morale of our Armed Forces.”

RLC 25 The 10th anniversary of BFPO’s move to Northolt coincides with another significant milestone – the 25th anniversary of the foundation of The Royal Logistics Corps.

Before The RLC was established, military members of the postal and courier trades had belonged the Corps of Royal Engineers. Since this time, personnel of The RLC have staffed the BFPO, with 25 posts in the organisation currently being filled by RLC staff.

Four of these staff members will attend the upcoming official RLC 25 celebrations on behalf of BFPO, in

recognition of the close association between the two organisations over the last quarter of a century.

10 key moments from the last ten years at BFPO Christmas 2007 The Christmas Families Free Mail Services (CFFMS), a free small parcel service for Service Personnel serving in operational locations over Christmas, is introduced and delivered from the new HQ 13 Mar 2008 The new HQ site at RAF Northolt is officially opened by HRH Princess Anne 2008 A year-round Enduring Families Free Mail Service (EFFMS) is launched for the first time 2009 BFPO’s bespoke Postal and Courier Electronic Records (PACER) system developed to enable enhanced mail tracking capabilities 2012 Launch of the BFPO customer Track & Trace and Information apps 2013 Installation of a new six-sided camera for more efficient, automated sortation 2015 Extension of EFFMS entitling a further 1,200 Service Personnel overseas to the service 2016 Renewal of the Forces Mail Settlement, the agreement through which Royal Mail and BFPO partner to help military personnel keep in touch with loved ones via mail Feb 2017 New security screening technologies launched including six-colour screener and radiological scanner Feb 2018 Upgrade to the technology used in Forces Post Offices across the globe commences

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE On 4 Apr 1993, the Army Catering Corps in British Forces Cyprus hosted an Officers’ and Sergeant’s Mess Dinner to bid farewell to the ACC and ‘toast in’ The RLC ahead of the Corps formation the next day.

Two of the 60 plus guests were Maj Phil Sinclair, OC Central Catering, Dhekelia Garrison and (then) SSgt Terry Speak, a Master Chef from HQ United Nations Peacekeeping Force Cyprus stationed in Nicosia. The next day, Maj Sinclair attended the Cyprus Logistic Unit Formation Parade and SSgt Speak returned to Nicosia for UN Formation Parade to commence 25 years’ un-broken service in The RLC. Whilst serving in Cyprus, Maj Sinclair was posted to the island’s Logistic Unit and then went on to (UK) Armd Div in Germany to take up the first of three Logistic Support roles. This was followed by a Phase 2 training sub unit command appointment at the Defence School of Catering before becoming a post graduate student in Defence Logistics Management at Shrivenham.

He then occupied a number of Grade 2 assignments at APC Glasgow, SP Pol in London and the Defence Logistic Support Training Group. A 12-month unaccompanied tour of Sierra Leone followed as part of the International Military Advisory and Training Team, where he was the senior logistic advisor to the Joint Logistic Unit. He completed his Regular Army service in Shrewsbury with HQ 5th Division in Sept 2012, before taking early retirement to join the Army Reserve, where he continues to serve.

SSgt Speak was also promoted posted as the British Exchange Warrant Officer at the US Army Quartermaster School in Fort Lee Virginia. He then served as a WO1 with 7 Sig Regt, HQ British Forces Germany at 49 Bde. Taking the opportunity to diversify within The RLC and after working in various formation headquarters, he was subsequently commissioned.

Capt Speak served in a variety of roles that included OC Stores with 22 Regt RA, SO3 Log at 49 Bde and returning to the UN in Cyprus in the rank of Maj as the QM Sector 2. In Sept 2004, Capt Speak resigned his Regular Army Commission to become a member of the Non Regular Permanent Staff as the Admin Officer with 237 Tpt Sqn as part of 157 Log Sp Regt, which later became the Welsh Tpt Regt.

In 2006, Capt Speak assumed appointment as the Permanent Staff Administration Officer (PSAO) at 123 C 26

ACC to RLC - 25 years on and still serving

Maj Sinclair and Capt Speak enjoying a skiing trip

Maj Sinclair and Capt Speak in their younger days Sup Sqn RLC based in Telford that went on to join 159 Regt RLC on its formation in Apr 2008.

Since the Corps formation, the pair briefly met on occasions, but it was not until 2013 when Phil joined the Army Reserve as 2IC 159 Regt did they once again serve together.

In Feb 2016, Maj Sinclair assumed appointment as OC 123 (Telford) Sup Sqn where Capt Speak remains as the PSAO. In Jan 2018, the duo were photographed again for the first time since 1993 on top of Mont Blanc as part of the Regt’s AT Expedition to France.

Sport and AT have also been integral to both officer’s careers. Maj Sinclair

focused mainly on cricket and offshore sailing and in 2016 was Skipper’s Mate on the Army’s Yacht Curlew return journey from Kiel to Gosport, as part of the Germany draw down process.

Capt Speak has a passion for golf and skiing. Since joining the Army Reserve as OIC skiing he has delivered over 300 opportunities to Corps members on overseas exercises since learning to ski himself at the ripe old age of 40!

Between them they have served 74 years in the British Army, 50 years in The RLC and seen service in one way or another all over the UK, in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Belize, Canada, USA, Germany and most

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER Do you enjoy taking photos, or video, of the Army working, resting or playing on your phone? If the answer is 'yes', we have introduced a new category in the Army Photographic Competition 2018 just for you. Operation Smart Phone will give you a chance to enter your Army themed photos and videos.

Are you an amateur photographer with a love of all things Army? ‘Operation Camera’ will give your photographs a chance to shine. It was so successful last year, we have decided to run it again. ‘Cadet Life’ also returns for a second year. Check online for eligibility, terms and conditions.

The traditional categories are open to all Regular Army and Army Reserve personnel and cadets of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), Army Cadet Force (ACF), University Officer Training Corps (Army) and Ministry of Defence civilians who work directly for the Army. Check online for categories and eligibility.

As soldiers first, Army photographers deploy into fields of operation with units to capture life on front lines and training areas around the world. They are the eyes of the Army and capture an unrivalled view of Army life right at the heart of the action.

Command Master Photographer WO1 (Cdr) Will Craig says: “I am genuinely excited for this year’s Army Photographic Competition. The new category Operation Smart Phone smashes the competition wide open enabling anyone including the public to enter the video category for the very first time.”

“The quality of video that the modern phone can produce is excellent. There are lots of great prizes this year and you have to be in it to win it.”

The ever-popular online category as voted by the public on Facebook and Instagram is back. Votes will be combined from both channels, for each image chosen to go forward. The highest scoring image will be the winner.

Judges will be looking for high quality photographs and videos, which can be used to promote the Army across traditional and social media channels.

Army Photographic Competition 2018 launches OPERATION SMART PHONE IS GO! '18,000ft'-WO2 Ben Houston

Into the storm'-Sgt Rupert Frere

'Fan Dance'-Ian Griffiths

Rules and eligibility online To make things even easier, all entries can now be submitted online; hi-res jpegs and MP4s will be accepted.

Certificates confirming subject permission must be completed and submitted for each entry.

Entry forms, rules and further details are available in the ABN posted on the Army website at www.army.mod.uk/ photocomp along with terms and conditions and points of contact. www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

25 BEST BITS 1. The posting opportunities are so diverse, whether you wish to work in or outside of the Corps 2. The Corps is a friendly place to serve and many have made lifelong friends 3. There are diverse opportunities for soldiers to work outside of their trade 4. The opportunity to achieve professionally recognised qualifications 5. There are opportunities available to all for sport, not only mainstream sports but all the niche sports – enduro, bobsleigh, sports that not many people in the world can say they have tried and we have teams of people doing them right now 6. Adventurous training opportunities and the fact the Corps have the use of Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre.

7. ‘We Sustain’ every aspect of the Army 8. The RLC comes with a proud history and we maintain links to our five forming Corps 9. We are the largest Corps in the British Army 10. The RLC is a very accepting Corps – we embrace all nationalities, genders, and backgrounds 11. The Corps has specialist units offering specialist attachments 12. The inclusivity – the fact that we have soldiers serving from so many backgrounds but who pull together to achieve things we can all be proud of. Having inclusivity at the heart of our ethos enables that to happen 13. Opportunities to see the world – where there are soldiers serving there are always logisticians and we go to pretty obscure places in small numbers, on tours or postings 14. The cultural diversity in The RLC, even just in one Regt is amazing. A real strength and one that says a lot about the Corps 15. We are relied on for real life rapid logistical tasks and you can be needed anywhere in the world, across any terrain 16. We are an essential component that is often underrated by other cap-badges 17. We are formally recognised for being professional and good at our jobs (European Supply Chain awards etc.)

18. We are a force to be reckoned with in the sporting world.

The Corps are Army Enduro champions, Athletics champions, Boxing champions, Skiing champions, Netball champions. We should not be underestimated 19. Morale is always good. Even when times are hard, there will always be banter and positivity 20. The Corps values everyone’s experiences, whether you have been in for two years or 20 21. The opportunity to obtain all your vehicle licences.

22. As a Corps we are very family orientated and whilst we know the Army must come first, my family know they are valued 23. In The RLC all religious festivals are highly respected. We held a fantastic Dashain celebration at 9 Regt 24. We promote equality, there are currently women serving at every rank 25. Our professional links with industry and the Worshipful companies are really beneficial

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9 Regt’s 25 ‘Best Bits’ about serving within The RLC In this article, soldiers and officers from 9 Regt describe their best bits about serving with the Corps.

Celebrating The RLC 8 Maj Al Spurden, Quarter Master I joined the RAOC on 12 Oct 1986.

My brother had joined in 1981 and served in the Falklands, his experiences and stories convinced me that the Army was the place for me. I chose Supply Controller as a trade and soon found myself in what was still a divided Germany. The Army of the 80’s was a stark contrast to what it is today; in Germany alone, we had four Armed Divisions and over 150,000 troops preparing for the Cold War. My second ever posting was to 9 Ordnance Bn RAOC in Corsham, I was a LCpl in 91 Ordnance Company, running a manual account on Kalamazoo’s. 16 postings and Maj Al Spurden, QM 28 years later, I’m back in 9 (32 years’ service) Regt RLC as the QM! When the Corps amalgamated in 1993, it was a huge change but one that made perfect sense and one which we all embraced. Since then so much has changed, equipment, how we train, uniforms and attitudes. However, what has not changed are the opportunities. I joined the Army to do something different, to travel, get a career, meet new people and play sport. I have fulfilled all of this in equal measure and whilst I’m considerably older, I’m enjoying life in The RLC as much now as I always have.

8 LCpl Edwards, Driver, 66 Fuel & General Transport Sqn I joined The RLC on 25 April 1997. My Great Uncle had been in the Parachute Regt and he transferred over in the last two years of his service to the Royal Corps of Transport and he said that it would be better, as you can get a trade and get your licences from it.

With the Corps you can do the courses that the Infantry can do, but also alongside getting trade knowledge and experience.

My best memory is working with the best people from across the countries that decide to serve, I don’t have a worst memory and even bad memories have some silver linings!

8 Sgt Ronnie Leonce, Supply Specialist, 84 Med Sup Sqn I think it’s important that we keep demonstrating our value, what we really bring to the table. I think 1LO jobs have been a great move for us as a Corps. The more we’re seen and heard, the better our reputation.

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER 8 Cpl Clare Annesley, Communication Specialist, 90 HQ Sqn, Comms Tp The RLC has given me a chance to travel. Notable operations include; Op TELIC 10 as Force Protection Troop providing security for the protection of vital supplies in and out of Basra city, Op HERRICK 18 Force Protection Troop providing security to CLP’s closing down FOB’s, four times to BATUS as exercising troops and sporting and AT activities to Portugal, South Africa, Germany and Canada.

Pte Lauren Barr, Driver Communication Specialist

8 Sgt Richard Turner, Communication Specialist, 90 HQ Sqn, Comms Tp I deployed on Op BLANCA in Nov 2015 working as the only RLC soldier on the Deployment. I was in a diverse advisory team to the Afghanistan Special Police unit. The team was made up of 50 personnel from different nations and an array of different Corps and Trades; we earned a Joint Commanders Certificate of Commendation.

8 LCpl Charlotte Preece, Carmen Company’s Soldier of the Year 2017 I joined The RLC because, there are many opportunities including all different types of sports, exercises, Adventure Training, National Vocational Qualifications and many military courses. I currently compete in clay target shooting and this enhances my shooting skills in the military. I have deployed on various exercises to Canada on EX PRAIRIE STORM, Cyprus on EX LION SUN and Jordan on EX SHAMMAL STORM. In The RLC, there are so many deployments and detachments for soldiers to gain plenty of experience.

LCpl Charlotte Preece, Driver

8 Pte Downes, Petroleum Operator The best thing about serving in The RLC is that in most trades you can acquire your driving licences. Opportunities for adventure training and sport are great across the Corps. You also get to work in a diverse environment; working with people from across the country, as well as the rest of the world. I have been on EX SHAMAL STORM which took place in Jordan; this was doing my trade which is being a Petroleum Operator. This was a deployment for a number of months and I got to explore different parts of Jordan which included Petra.

8 LCpl Mannion, Petroleum Operator The amount of opportunities to practice our trade on exercise is excellent throughout the year. Postings are great because you never stay in the same place for your whole career.

Why did you transfer to the RLC? 8 Cpl Chadwick (Ex-Infanteer) – ‘Coming to the RLC has been great for me. I have re-traded to be a Supply Specialist. I’ve been made welcome and afforded sporting opportunities like I never knew existed before’.

8 Pte Devon, (Ex Guardsman) I transferred to be challenged and to do something new. My Class 3 Petroleum Operator Course was excellent, getting a formal qualification. I hope to now progress through the ranks and deploy to different parts of the world, taking every day as it comes. Getting lots of NVQ qualifications and driving qualifications to enhance my career is a bonus.

SSgt Alton Powell, Driver

8 Pte Burns-Muir, Communication Specialist, 90 HQ Sqn, Comms Tp The RLC has given me a chance to travel and taught me about myself as a person. I would say to anyone wanting to join The RLC that it will give you the opportunity to develop as a person and be part of a large but diverse team.

It’s a great decision to make and offers you a lot of qualifications that will help you well in later life. I joined The RLC because it is a large Corps and has many opportunities and different job roles. www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE The Defence School of Logistics (DSL) is about to go through exciting change as it prepares to move out of three of its seven sites (including Deepcut) and into the new DCLPA tri-service training facility in Worthy Down.

Some of DSL’s training (Supply - RLC and All Arms - and Postal), will begin to transition in to the New College from late 18. There have been delays to the build and so some training will continue in Deepcut until 20; however, the new site will be worth the wait.

Exciting times ahead for The Defence School of Logistics (DSL)

Food Services Wing (FWS) Since Sep 2017, FSW has delivered 20 separate courses to over 270 trainees including: RLC, RAF and Gurkha Defence Chef Basic (DCB) courses, Chef Class 1 and Food Services Warrant Officers’ (FSWOs) courses. Alongside the training activity, the Wing has supported the development of a new Tri-Service Ph2 DCB course, which incorporates singleservice trg requirements. The outcome was the creation of a new DCB course and the pilot course began in Feb 2018 and is working well so far.

Following a successful Wing Battlefield study to Arras and Ypres in Sep 2017 (led

by Lt Jackie Ford and WO2 Lynn Marston), FSW then played a major role in supporting the annual Tri-Service Culinary competition Ex JOINT CATERER, held at Shrivenham in Oct 2017.

The Army team was led by Capt Jules Rann (Food Services Sqn Trg Offr) and the RAF team by WO Gaz Smith (Catering Trg Sqn (CTS) WO). Personnel from both Sqn’s competed in and supported the event including Ph2 trainees who brought back an impressive array of medals.

In Jan, some of FSW’s permanent staff joined the Worthy Down annual AT Ski Exped, to Val Thorens, France. Skiers of all abilities tested their skills but the advanced team, including Capt Marius Reeves, completed the 3 Valleys Challenge by skiing 16 runs and covering 42km in seven hours.

In Mar, staff competed in the International Salon Culinaire as part of the Combined Services Culinary Arts Team, the UK’s most prestigious culinary competition. FSW instructors showcased their skills against their civilian counterparts, with staff again coming away with a haul of medals.

FSW also ran its third annual Open Day with a record number of over 150 students taking part from local schools and colleges. FSW DCB trainees, led by Sgt Amrit Limbu, also prepared lunch for the visit of CGS to Worthy Down - it was 30

The Petroleum Operators SNCO Course at DPTS so good he’s asked them to do it again for the next ECAB meeting!

FSW has also produced two cakes to mark the RLC 25th and RAF 100th anniversaries. FSW ‘husband and wife’ team of Sgt Paul and Cpl Alisha Henderson, expertly supported by Sgt Michael Cottingham (2 Yorks), who designed and produced the 450-portion RLC 25 cake and incorporated the cap badges of the forming Corps.

The cake was presented to HRH Princess Royal during the RLC 25 celebrations on 18 Apr. At the same time, Cpl Ian Mark of CTS (and ‘Bake Off’ fame) has been making the RAF 100 Cake, a similarly detailed piece of work, to present to Her Majesty the the Queen later in the year.

Command Wing Making a link between the realities of war and what is learnt on course is vital.

Battlefield Studies are one way of helping the students to understand the issues they will have to deal with on operations, particularly in relation to the terrain.

All Troop Commanders’ courses now include a Battlefield Study, the most

recent (TCC76) heading to Sicily in Mar 2018. Ex TIMBER HUSKY offered the troopies a unique opportunity to develop their overall understanding of logistic operations before joining their units.

This TCC was joined full time by officers from the Army Reserve and by two Kuwaiti officers. They examined the allied invasion on the island’s south-eastern coast and time was spent examining the logistic challenges posed by airborne and amphibious ops, the difficulties of shipto-shore logistics and the complications that can be encountered when securing lines of communication.

On the second day, the course visited Commando and Primosole bridges, which were targeted to unhinge the Axis defences. This drew the attention of the troopies to the courage and fortitude of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI), which suffered terrible casualties during the operation. The scale of the losses were emphasised by the rows of grave stones at Catania War Cemetery.

On the final day, they studied the German forces’ expert withdrawal from the island. The story was told from Messina Heights, which provided a view

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER of the straits across which the Axis forces withdrew. This phase highlighted the importance of pre-positioned stocks and how best to use dwindling resources.

Many lessons from World War II remain highly relevant to the contemporary logistic officer today.

73 Training Sqn RLC (part of Log Specialist Trg Wing) Ex CHALLENGER is the final Ex of The RLC Vehicle Support Specialist’s Class One course, set in a realistic scenario which involves the management and resupply of Battle Group vehicles.

A five-day tactical exercise (on SPTA), it was designed to instil the robust and knowledgeable mind-set required of a VSS Section Commander and test them in a variety of trade tasks on an operational deployment. The exercise (in freezing conditions) required students to convert theory into practical success, they were put through their paces with live vehicle receipts and issues, including CES and BOWMAN accounting checks.

It also included a Demo Force (DEMFOR) under Sgt Billy Matthews, with instructors representing an Armoured Infantry Battle Group HQ. New scenarios and vehicles were incorporated in the exercise this year, including the use of AFVs, which required students to use their training and experience to manage not only the platforms, but a variety of tools, equipment, weapons and radios.

Troop Comds’ Course 76 at Catania Commonwealth Cpl Callum Waiter was able to mentor the students throughout with SSgt Marcus Collings also providing coaching.

Additionally, it was a learning experience for those attached; Pte James Dodds and Pte Aaron Roberts from 17 Regt (both recent Class 2 graduates), gained invaluable experience. Pte Dodds commented how he enjoyed tasks such as camouflaging and maintaining the AFVs in an exercise environment.

Next year’s exercise will hopefully be another well supported event with more interactive scenarios. Congratulations to all the students who passed successfully and thanks to 17 Regt for its support to this invaluable exercise.

Cpl John Bagudu and Sgt Sean McMenemy brief catering college students at the Food Services Wing Open Day

Defence Petroleum Training Sqn (DPTS) (part of LSTW) The first Petroleum Operator SNCO course was held over two weeks in Feb 18 at West Moors. Students from DPTS, 10 and 27 Regt’s and Commando Log (CLR), were tested rigorously on management elements of the trade, including H&S, explosive regs and control of substances hazardous to health.

In-depth study was required in order to pass the formative exams and students conducted recces on static fuel installations and tactical field locations for large-scale deployable primary bulk fuel installations, presenting their plans to the directing staff.

The top student was Sgt Newal Wang Dorjee Lama from CLR with an impressive 94%!

The Petroleum Trade has also managed recently to obtain an agreement with industry for a workbased secondment of 1 SNCO per year for eight weeks with World Fuel Services (WFS). The secondment consisted of two phases; an attachment to a WFS branch and a bespoke project to rationalise the efficiency of the WFS tanker fleet.

SSgt Neil Atkinson was selected to attend. Partnered with a regional manager, the project was to analyse the efficiency of a tanker fleet of over 40 vehicles tasked with re-supplying fuel depots from one of the UK’s main fuel terminals. In the process, SSgt Atkinson recognised the commonalities between the duties of a SNCO pet op and a civilian depot manager and that experience gained in-service is highly transferable.

His research and recommendations were so well received by WFS that future tasks were immediately allocated to his team. If you are interested in volunteering for future industry secondment activities, please contact the CPWO in Army HQ.

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THE SUSTAINER | ARTICLE

Carmen’s Joint Services Dinner

Lt Gen Mark Poffley with Mrs Paulette Poffley, Regimental Colonel Colin Francis, Oc 19 Tank Sqn Maj Matt Stott, Colonel Nigel and Maureen Gilbert and The RLC award winners The Carmen held their annual Joint Services Dinner in Plaisterers' Hall on Thurs 26 Apr 18, with the Master Patrick Marsland-Roberts TD presiding, attended by the Wardens, Stephen Britt and Colonel Simon Bennett TD VR. The event started with a Court meeting at 4.15pm in which two of the award winners were given the Honorary Freedom of the Company. A champagne reception followed at 6.30pm before Past Master HRH the Princess Royal arrived and was met by the Master and Clerk, as well as the Master Plaisterer and his Clerk, where she had the chance to speak with the award winners.

Later in the evening she presented the Company’s Military Awards to the Sword of Honour to Lieutenant Louise Tester and Soldier of the Year award to LCpl Joby Barrick from The Royal Logistic Corps. Other medals presented were The RAF Cup and RAF Medal, 2 Mechanical Squadron and 24 Squadron from the RAF and the Royal Navy Medal.

Lieutenant Louise Tester receiving the Carmen’s Sword of Honour from HRH The Princess Royal

SSgt Daniel Kerr receiving the Carmen’s 19 Tank Transporter Squadron Award LCpl Joby Barrick receiving the Carmen’s Soldier of the Year Award

Regimental Colonel with the RLC Award Winners 32

Award winner with HRH and Patrick Marsland-RobertsTD

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EXERCISE | THE SUSTAINER

The team on Ex ASKARI STORM

By Lt Josh Royle In Oct 2017, 82 Air Assault Support Squadron (AA Sp Sqn) deployed to Kenya on Ex ASKARI STORM, to provide 2nd Line logistic support to 3 PARA Battlegroup (BG), our affiliated dependency.

Kenya is a testing environment for both soldiers and vehicles; the 35˚C temperatures and heightened altitude was immediately noticeable and the need to acclimatise was balanced against frantic readying of a tired vehicle fleet.

3 PARA BG deployed to Archers Post Training Area (APTA), with 82 AA Sp Sqn occupying its own leaguer in austere conditions, transporting personnel and defensive stores between Company harbours and our leaguer. In this 28 square mile area, (which does not sound an extensive distance) the terrain and poor tracks meant that movement was sometimes at a crawl, thus taking hours to cover short distances.

In this phase, 82 AA Sp Sqn conducted its Live Firing Tactical Training (LFTT) package. For the majority, this was its first insight to the challenge of live firing, with heat and dense scrub requiring close command and control under pressure. Over a week, we transitioned from individual fire and manoeuvre to section attacks, whilst also conducting numerous other dry training serials.

After ten days, the Sqn moved to Forward Operating Base (FOB) SIMBA for

Ex ASKARI STORM the next phase, which allowed junior soldiers a taste of living conditions more associated with the Upper Sangin Valley.

The General Support (GS) Troop was augmenting A2 Echelon within SIMBA, whilst Fuel & General Transport Troop were conducting moves for up to 196 personnel at a time, which the Sqn’s Junior Non-Commissioned Officers (JNCOs) led on. These moves came with complications, such as communication with the Kenyan Army and limiting the environmental effects on the vehicles. However, the main problem was the dramatic weather conditions; heavy rains caused flash flooding of once dry river-beds, with dangerous water levels and roads became submerged. Tellingly, several Local Nationals lost their lives in such appalling conditions and this brought home the need to thoroughly apply driving skills.

As well as transportation and Combat Supplies (CSups) resupply, this phase allowed 82 AA Sp Sqn to exercise its Force Protection. Airborne Troop provided this, including using Jackals to provide fire support.

GS Troop maintained the steady flow of materiel and CSups, manning nodes in Nairobi, Laikipia and SIMBA. This allowed constant access to the full range of Log IS, as well as manual accounting when forward in APTA.

In the BG’s final phase, 82 AA Sp Sqn’s attention swung more towards resupply and reinforced how valuable it is to the success of any operation. All three Tps combined for three effective Distribution Points near the enemy. Immediate Replenishment Groups (IRGs) also supported the BG with routes, timings and locations changing day-to-day, as packet commanders showed excellent leadership as they took their details right up to the Forward Edge of the Battle.

Ex ASKARI STORM was an excellent experience for 82 AA Sp Sqn. Statistics from the exercise demonstrate the strong work ethic that 82 AA Sp Sqn possess; 113,894 km were covered in seven weeks; moving a total of 4,875 people and supplying 292,000l of water, 171,720l of fuel, rations and bridging.

Even negotiating the chaotic towns provided great value for the young drivers.

Multiple phases allowed us to truly rough it in leaguers and hasty harbours, allowing us to brush up on the basics for weeks at a time and bolster the reputation of 13 Air Assault Support Regt.

2018 poses new challenges for 82 AA Sp Sqn, in addition to a multitude of UK Exercises, small teams of drivers and suppliers will deploy to Belize and Jordan, while others return to Kenya to support members of 1 RGR BG.

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THE SUSTAINER | EXERCISE

Op MORLOP How do you go from parading at Blenheim Palace to launching a bespoke task force onto the streets of Salisbury, to recovering vehicles contaminated with nerve agent within 24 hours of each other?

11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment was about to find out as it found itself in the middle of a situation that seemed to be drawn straight from the pages of a John Le Carre novel.

Having just received the Firmin Sword of Peace, an award given to units of the British Armed Forces for activities above and beyond the unit's normal role that improve relations with the community, members of 11 EOD Regt were at Blenheim Palace eating canapés and sipping tea. A function was planned in the Officers’ Mess that evening to allow the award to be celebrated in a more traditional style.

Fast forward 24 hours, the champagne is still in the Officers’ Mess, unopened and starting to go warm. Following a request for military assistance from Wiltshire Police, SJC(UK) activated the CO’s Tactical HQ from 11 EOD Regt and a composite force of military SMEs in response to the nerve agent poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter, Sergei and Yulia Skripal. The Tactical HQ and Assembly Area for Op MORLOP were established at Winterbourne Gunner Camp (WBG).

The removal of a contaminated vehicle

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A number of operators preparing for a task

Sergei Skripal was a former member of the FSB, a Russian security agency largely acknowledged to be the successor to the KGB following the end of the USSR. He had moved to the UK following release from prison, where he was serving a 15-year sentence for acting as a doubleagent for MI6. In addition to Sergei and his daughter displaying symptoms of severe nerve agent poisoning, so too was DS Nick Bailey – a police officer who was amongst the first responders.

Over the next 12 days, under the command of CO 11 EOD Regt, Lt Col BK Howard, members of 11 EOD Regt, 4 Regt, 27 Regt, 20 Wg RAF Regt, 40 Cdo RM and FALCON Sqn RTR, closely

supported by 42 Engr Regt (Geo), 251 Sig Sqn, the Defence CBRN Centre and HQ South West Bde, removed 23 contaminated vehicles from the streets of Salisbury and its environs.

Perhaps equally impressively, according to the tally kept by the café at WBG, over 6000 cups of tea and coffee were also consumed.

Never before had this type of operation been attempted. Each day soon started to be referred to by the technique used; the removal of eight police cars using a forklift truck became known as ‘forklift day’, a recovery truck lifted by a crane ‘crane day’ and when the car belonging to Sergei Skripal was loaded into an ISO container ‘ISO day’ was born.

The locations and varieties of vehicles (ambulances, police cars, private cars and pickup trucks) meant that no single technique could be used twice. On occasion, there was also the need to consider the preservation of forensic evidence, adding an additional complication to the proceedings. With a new challenge presenting itself daily, at no time did the task force experience ‘Groundhog Day’.

Each recovery operation was undertaken under the scrutiny of international media outlets and general public. It’s safe to say that the Op MORLOP task force were not found wanting, proving once again the diversity, flexibility and professionalism of the British Armed Forces.

This professionalism didn’t go unnoticed; during the operation, the Op MORLOP task force was visited by Comd SJC(UK), the Lady Lieutenant of Salisbury and the Prime Minister, where the 2IC 11 EOD Regt Maj Steve Roberts was privately thanked on behalf of the entire task force.

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EXERCISE | THE SUSTAINER

6 Regt Op Trenton contingent - Cpl Maher, LCpl Wilson, SSgt Raines, Sgt Heddon, Pte Clewes (Left to right)

By LCpl Cameron Wilson Op Trenton is the UK Task Force of 380 people providing engineering and medical support to the UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), supporting the delivery of UN intent.

The UKTF is split across two main engineering groups close to the northern Sudan border, Malakal (MEG) and Bentui (BEG). There is also a small Theatre Enabling Group (TEG) in the capital Juba.

Op TRENTON was initially focused on the establishment of UK camp locations, developing relationships with other Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) and working with the wider UN community.

Our predecessors on Op TRENTON 3 were the first to commence major engineering tasks on behalf of UNMISS and this has carried on through our deployment. We are fully committed to a range of construction, repair and improvement tasks across the broader Protection of Civilian (PoC) sites.

The long road of Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) started in Jul 2017. PDT consisted of the All Ranks Brief in Lydd, multiple range days, brushing up on trade and field craft skills and a Mission

Op TRENTON Rehearsal Exercise run by MTMC in STANTA training area during a freezing cold Nov. It gave all of us Log Spec Suppliers from different units a first chance to work together and to get to know each other.

Op TRENTON 4 Logistic Support Detachment (LSD) deployed in Jan 2018 to provide the link between supply and demand for the UK Engineering Task Force. The LSD consists of only 11 soldiers all from various units within The RLC with the bulk coming from 6 Regt, who are responsible for an account of stock worth over £11 million.

These soldiers are based split across the locations previously mentioned and there are five in Malakal working directly for the LSD Commander – SSgt Shaun Raines, Medical Supplier; Sgt Martin Heddon, LSD 2IC; Cpl William Maher, LSD JNCO; LCp Cameron Wilson and Pte Neil Clewes, LSD Pte. The working environment during the middle of the day is challenging as temperatures can reach up to 45C

We are just tiny cogs; but have a huge impact by enabling targets to be completed which is ultimately why we are here in South Sudan working inside ISO containers which amplify the heat. The LSD is responsible for all equipment and equipment in and out of theatre which for 11 soldiers is a substantial task.

LSD Commander SSgt Raines said: “We are just tiny cogs; but have a huge impact by enabling targets to be completed which is ultimately why we are here in South Sudan.”

There is still a lot of work still to be done on the accounts and the boys are cracking through it like a crocodile in water. We are always working towards the next TRENTON and forecasting what will be required for the following six months, this is due to the long re-supply times.

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THE SUSTAINER | RLC FOUNDATION

By Lt Col (Retd) A J Woods, The RLC Foundation Director The Royal Logistic Corps Foundation is the focus for engagement between the Corps, Industry and Academia; sharing best practice knowledge and mutual understanding amongst logistic professionals.

Our 2017 events programme finished off with The RLC Autumn Lecture on 12 Oct and The RLC Foundation Awards Dinner on 8 Nov, with the events programme for 2018 already well advanced. The RLC Foundation theme for this year is “Automation in military logistics; where the people/robot boundary is and what are the implications for military skills and culture”.

In the past, regional activity and community engagement with commercial organisations was conducted on an ad hoc basis and the Foundation was somewhat unsighted as to the good work that was going on within the regimental footprint. We now have a centralised system in place whereby all regional activities/events are recorded in a central archive so RLC Foundation support can be earmarked early on in the process to make sure we are actively supporting our Regt’s.

Autumn Lecture On 12 Oct, the RLC Foundation held its annual Autumn Lecture in the RHQ The RLC Officer’s Mess. The focus of the lecture concentrated on: “Innovation: It’s just not about good ideas. It is a ‘people’ challenge. With its traditional culture can the military embrace this challenge and be effective at innovation?”

The guest speakers were Col Guy Hammersley from the Engineer and Logistic Staff Corps, who specialises in innovation and change management within the building environment sector and, Col Richard Hunt also from the

The RLC Foundation

13 Air Assault Military Planning event Engineer and Logistic Staff Corps, who up until recently, was the Chairman of The London Ambulance Service. The lecture was attended by over 80 military and corporate partners who provided for a lively debate on the lecture topic.

2018 events programme Our launch event this year was held at 4 Regt on 1 Feb. A General Dynamics team of supply experts in conjunction with 33 GS Sp Sqn looked at the various ‘end to end’ supply chain issues relating to industry and the Army across the Purple Gate.

This was a two-phase event with the first phase being held at the GD site Oakdale and the second phase at Abingdon. 33 GS Sp Sqn gave GD an overview on the Joint Supply Chain processes with strategic focus on modernisation, efficiency, readiness and the ’people’ factor. More of these ‘joint venture’ events are planned for the future, with the possibility of

military/industry attachments between GD and 33 GS Sp Sqn. “The Beast from the East” resulted in the cancellation of our joint Ernst & Young and Lincoln University Thought Leadership and Professional Development Event on 2 Mar. This event will be rescheduled for 31 Jul at EY head office, London.

Our next event is sponsored by DHL at its Argos site in Bedford on 25 Apr and a full report will be published in the next edition of The Sustainer.

Future events for the diary are: • 13 Jun – Transportation Management Event, DST Leconfield • 16 Jul – Ex LOG SAFARI, Deepcut • 31 Jul – EY & Lincoln University Thought Leadership Event, London • Sep (date tbc) – Military Planning Event for corporate members, Colchester • 18 Oct – Autumn Lecture, Deepcut • 7 Nov – Awards Dinner, Deepcut

Autumn Lecture

Log Safari 18

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ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER

By Maj Steve Hook MBE My association with the Red and Black DZ flash stretches back to 1988, almost 30 years now, having been posted into 5 Airborne Logistic Battalion as a L/Cpl Radio Operator and then Driver 110 in 63 Airborne Sqn Royal Corps of Transport.

During this time, I attended P Coy at Depot PARA in Aldershot and Wales and gained my military parachute wings at No1 Parachute Training School in Brize Norton in 1989 and 1990 respectively.

Italian and French jump courses followed as did a succession of hair raising parachute descents onto Salisbury Plain, Frog Hill in Thetford, Corbey Pike in Otterburn, Sennybridge and the Galloway Forest in Scotland. These were amazing times and I was surrounded by some extremely motivated team players.

I moved on with promotion to SNCO to sample the wider Corps life just as the new Corps – The Royal Logistic Corps (RLC), was formed in 1993. Fast forward to 2002 and I arrive in Colchester as the RSM of 13 Air Assault Support Regt formed from the sub-units of 24 Airmobile Combat Service Support Battalion and 5 Airborne Logistic Battalion some four years previously. This time wearing the DZ flash as part of 24 HQ Sqn. Within six months, the Regt had deployed in support of the Foot and Mouth crisis, the UK Fireman’s strike and in early 2003 we were in IRAQ on Operation TELIC supporting 16 Air Assault Brigade.

By early 2004, I had been accepted for a Late Entry commission into The RLC and was assigned to Northern Ireland for a two-year tour as a Late Entry Captain.

The DZ flash was put away in the bottom draw again.

2006 and a deployment to KANDAHAR on Op HERRICK 4 saw the DZ flash once again on my smock sleeve. I was assigned to 82 Air Assault General Support Sqn as the Admin Officer and little did I know that post this tour I would wear the DZ flash for a further seven years which would include undertaking posts as the Regimental Training Officer, Quartermaster Technical (QM(T)) and Quartermaster Main (QM).

Additionally, there would be two more HERRICK tours to Afghanistan, one as a Combat Service Support Mentor with the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) attached to 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regt in 2008 and the other as QM Close Support Logistic Regt in 2010 on Op HERRICK 13.

For my services to Afghanistan and to the Regt, I was awarded the MBE in

The Red and Black DZ Flash: NCO to Late Entry Officer Formerly Capt Hook on patrol

the 2012 New Year’s Honours list.

In 2013, I was assigned to Army HQ and at this stage the DZ flash was firmly placed in the bottom drawer covered by 30 years of military memorabilia never to be worn again.

How wrong was I! In 2017, I assumed the appointment of Second In Command 13 Air Assault Support Regt. The DZ flash is back on my smock but definitely for the last time as my final tour wearing it has been curtailed by promotion to SO1 to move to the Defence School of Transport in 2018.

Whilst the years have been kind and I have avoided serious physical injuries,

the old body is feeling the strain of Regimental life. My time as a NCO, WO and finally a LE Officer wearing the DZ flash has come to an end…unless the training establishment let me wear it as a keep sake?

That said, I am probably the last of a few out there who started the association with the Red and Black DZ flash way back when in Aldershot and who completed P Coy at Depot PARA, jumped the Balloon on Queen’s Avenue and fell out (rather than jumped) of a C130 carrying a Clansman HF 320 radio to communicate by Morse Code on the DZ. The flash will take centre place on the wall in the office to remind me of those challenging and great times I had wearing it and serving with some of the RLC’s most motivated team players over the last 30 odd years.

Maj Hook with his MBE

Formerly Cpl Hook after a parachute jump

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THE SUSTAINER | VETERANS

By Lt Col (Retd) R A Pow TD 25, 92, 100 –Just numbers? Think Apr and Nov. No bells ringing? Then read on: 25 - Years since the formation of the Royal Logistic Corps, which not only absorbed the fine traditions and practices of the forming Corps but is developing and evolving the art and science of logistics in the Army fit for the 21st century.

92 - The age achieved by Her Majesty The Queen on 21 April, may she reign over us for many years to come.

100 - In Nov this year we will have reached the anniversary of the end of World War I in which our Corps and its predecessors played such a decisive role.

The Waggon Club, whilst thwarted by a Royal wedding and the FA Cup Final, had to bring its AGM and Members’ Dinner Night forward from 19 May to 21 Apr and thus had the opportunity to be able to hold its premier event at a time when we could celebrate the first two aforementioned anniversaries and anticipate the third.

With the kind permission of Lt Col R Forsyth, R Scots, CO of the ATR at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks in Grantham, we not only held our celebration in the Officers’ Mess, but had the great fortune of having Lt General Mark Poffley OBE, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Military Capability) as our Principal Guest.

Also, Brig Johnny Blair-Tidewell, Comd 104 Log Bde, attended as our guest. Many of our more senior retired officers, will know Col Mike McHenry USA who travelled from Norfolk, Virginia to be with us. Col Mike not only served as Exchange Officer at Buller in the early 1980s, but also went on the serve as on exchange at HQ UKLF and at MoD. He writes books on logistic matters with such a heavy emphasis on The RLC and its forerunners – his books can be bought at The RLC Museum.

The Waggon Club AGM and Members’ Dinner Night

Aperitif time Our day started off with our AGM, then at 1600, Gen Poffley joined us and 2 OSG. General Poffley gave a talk to the combined group on various logistic matters and earned our most sincere thanks for his very interesting and informative discourse.

Our pre-dinner aperitif was taken on the lawn at the front of the Officers’ Mess where Lt Col Edward Waite-Roberts and Maj John Butler had parked the Wagon GS Mk X (1916) of the Corps Heritage collection. This not only proved a great topic of interest and conversation but also a wonderful backdrop to the start of our dinner and our invitation to General Poffley to become an Honorary Member of The Waggon Club, which he graciously accepted.

Dinner went off well and our meal was extremely good, so many thanks to the Mess staff and to Lt Col Len Clifford for choosing such a tasty menu.

Just over a month prior to our Dinner Night we held a lecture and social gathering at HQ 3 MI Bn in London with a theme of “UK Defence into the 2020s”.

The presentation was delivered by Lt Col Richard Williams OBE and was received with great acclaim.

The Waggon Club supports The RLC Museum and archives by creating and putting online histories of Reserve units.

We also donate research material to the museum for inclusion in the unit boxes which are maintained.

We are very proud of our reservist heritage and the way we have always responded to a call to arms in both World Wars and recently in Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

Remember, on D-Day, 6 June 1944, only one initial assault division was regular Army, the other two were TA including, by now, conscripts.

The average age of Waggon Club members is lowering with the inclusion of serving officers. The membership number remains stable even allowing for ‘Last Parades’, something every comrades’ association experiences.

8 Any officer who has served with the RASC, RCT or RLC reserves who would like to join The Waggon Club, please contact Lt Col Bob Pow at robertpow@blueyonder.co.uk Col Mike McHenry USA

Brig Hood Lt Gen Poffley Maj Holman

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MUSEUM | THE SUSTAINER What was the Corps doing 25, 55, 75,100 and 125 years ago?

Museum Musings

25 Years ago (1993)

By Maj (Retd) Simon Walmsley Manager, The Royal Logistic Corps Museum

The Royal Logistic Corps formed on 5 Apr 1993, 25 years ago. I remember attending a celebratory breakfast at Warminster during my Captain’s Course and looking around the table at officers, who until today, had been Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC), Royal Corps of Transport (RCT), Army Catering Corps (ACC), Royal Pioneer Corps (RPC) and Royal Engineers (RE) Postal & Courier Section.

We walked into the mess wearing one beret and left wearing another. Up and down the country there were formal parades, dinner nights, beret changing ceremonies and other events to commemorate the event. For a small number of RCT and many RPC Soldiers, it was the third time in their military careers that they had changed cap badge.

The RCT formed from The RASC in 1965, 28 years earlier and The RPC having been issued with a new cap badge to replace the rifle, pick and shovel in 1985, only eight years earlier.

55 Years ago (1963) As well as the end of National Service, where Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) “Driver” was the most sought after trade, 1963 saw the publication of a report detailing major changes to the logistic support functions of the British Army.

The McLeod report recommended one Corps for supplying the Army, one for moving the Army and another for repairing vehicles and equipment. The RASC was chosen to be the Corps which would be responsible for transport and it would absorb movement control, sea transportation, fixed wing aircraft, port operations and railway. The RAOC was to be made responsible for both provisioning and supplying the Army, absorbing fuel, rations, accommodation and staff clerks.

Finally, this report paved the way for the formation of the RCT in 1965 and so led to the end of the end of the RASC which had first formed in 1888, although it can trace its history back to 1799.

2nd Lt Alfred Herring VC ASC

Pte George Master VC ASC

recently lost much of our former vehicle and equipment repair responsibilities to the newly formed REME in 1942.

The forming Corps RASC, RAOC, PC (Pioneers were not Royal until 1946) and ACC now all existed, although postal and courier still remained with the RE. The logistic effort was focused on preparing for D-Day, the allied forces invasion of Northern France and saw much stockpiling of equipment and resources to support the operation.

involved.

In November 1918, both the ASC and AOC became Royal and the following year in 1919 the LC was disbanded. The RLC earned two Victoria Crosses in 1918, 2Lt Alfred Herring VC ASC and Pte George Master VC ASC.

100 Years ago (1918) As we approached the end of the Great War (1914 -1918), The Labour Corps (LC) a forerunner of the RPC was nearly 400,000 strong, when you include all of its foreign labour companies, which is close to four times the size of the current Army.

The LC along with the ASC and AOC are supporting the Army by providing all of its supplies, equipment and ammunition. When you consider that more than one million artillery shells would be fired before any major advance and the supply chain required to move these shells from the UK to the guns in France, you realise the herculean effort

125 Years ago (1893) In 1893, a committee was established, largely under Col Steevens, a strong character and a brilliant administrator, whose task was to reorganise supply within the British Army.

General Buller had earlier combined the Commissariat and Transport Staff and the Commissariat and Transport Corps to form the ASC and now it was the turn of the supply function to be changed.

The changes, which took place in 1894, saw five branches amalgamated into an Army Ordnance Corps and an Army Ordnance Department. Moreover, the pay of junior officers was increased and they were also required to attend demanding accounting and storekeeping training courses at Woolwich.

Maj General Sir John Steevens KCB, KCMG then went on to become the first

RLC in the Balkans

75 Years ago (1943) In 1943, the country felt that the end of WW2 was in sight, Churchill referred to it as “not the beginning of the end, but the end of the beginning”. The USA had now joined the allies, the British were victorious at Alamein and the siege of Leningrad had just ended.

We also now had an Army Catering Corps (ACC) formed in 1941 and had www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

1 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Bicester CO: Lt Col N Crew • Adjt: Capt C Campbell • RSM: WO1 Z Sharif

Future

1 Regt’s Rugby Team moved forward to the semi-finals of the Briggs Cup This year has already been extremely busy for 1 Regt. In Feb, the Regt hosted the RLC Ski Championships as Ex SKI RLC in Ruhpolding. The event saw over 400 competitors from the Corps battling it out in -14 degree temperatures.

The Regt has long been the lead on competitive RLC skiing across the Corps and has enjoyed a skiing pedigree and reputation. Both the Alpine and Nordic teams have succeeded in winning the Army and Inter-Services Championships.

Training Following Ex SKI RLC, the Regt deployed out to some equally snowy training areas to complete Ex RHINO ADVANCE (CSS Battle-craft Syllabus).

This intensive two-week exercise focused on developing basic soldier skills and empowering JNCOs. It also provides the basis for progressing onto Ex RHINO STRIKE, where the Sqns will be tested on their field-craft and trade skills against a determined enemy, allowing the Regt to develop the STRIKE CSS BCS package required for delivery in 2019.

STRIKE CSS doctrine will further develop when 12 CS Sqn deploy to BATUS this summer and the remainder of the Regt deploy on Ex SAIF SAREEA 3 from Jul 2018.

Sport On the sporting front, the Regt’s boxers have been hard at work preparing mind and body for the InterSqn boxing competition. Other teams and individuals from the Regt have also had great success in a number of sports.

The Regt’s footballers finished in the last 16 of the Army Cup and our Rugby Union team is currently moving forward to the semi-finals of the Corps wide Briggs Cup. The opposition will be fierce but the Regt has prepared well and remain hopeful this young team can battle against the odds and deliver in their first competitive year.

The Regt is also leading the field in powerlifting with one of its soldiers qualifying to compete in the 2018 World Championship Single Event in Malta.

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If this year’s focus is preparing for STRIKE CSS, then next year is all about the delivery. The Regt will conduct an amalgamation with 1 Battalion REME to form the first STRIKE CSS Regt (1 STRIKE CSS Regt).

This Regt will provide the CSS support to 1 STRIKE Brigade and be at IOC from early 2019.

Work is already underway to develop new doctrine and TTPs to allow greater flexibility to the Brigade whilst maintaining a high level of force protection and mobility. Some of these concepts will be put into practice later this year when the Regt deploys on Ex SAIF SAREEA 3 in Oman. The doctrine for STRIKE CSS will then develop over 2018/19 as the Regt refines the CSS capability to support STRIKE, an evolution in manoeuvre in the Land Environment.

RLC25 The Regt is proud to have a number of serving personnel who have served for the entirety of the Corps’ life in this special RLC 25 year.

Capt John ‘Spike’ Milligan joined the Royal Corps of Transport in Nov 1987 as Junior Leader. His career highlights have been serving on a number of operational tours in Northern Ireland, Iraq (including both Gulf Wars), Bosnia and Cyprus.

As well as his operational history, he had the pleasure of being a Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM) on Public Duties in 2007.

Maj Adam Lloyd was serving in the Royal Corps of Transport when The RLC was formed. His highlights have been the achievements during Op TELIC and Op HERRICK where the Regt’s soldiers have delivered logistic support to the deployed force and have simply excelled. Equally, he has seen the Corps build a solid reputation across the Army.

SSgt Richard Barker spent his early years training at St Omer Barracks after joining the Army Catering Corps in 1992. Since then he has had a wealth of posting and deployments. SSgt Barker thinks the best thing about the Corps is the opportunities it gives to work with a diverse range of people and units from across the whole Army.

Maj Tony Philogene spent nine years in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) prior to the formation of The RLC. His long service has seen a myriad of operational tours as well as posting in Germany, UK, Brunei and Sierra Leone. Through his time in the Corps, he has seen significant change including the loss of a number of trades and greater focus on contractor support. However, this has been balanced by the improvement of the professional aspects of the Corps and civilian recognition of trade courses and experience. Furthermore, the creation of the 1LO concept has provided the Army with professional, highly motivated and versatile Logistic Supply Specialists.

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

3 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Abingdon CO: Lt Col S Cooke • Adjt: Capt C Graham • RSM: WO1 M Robertson

Overall victors and winners of the Craig Beasley Cup, named after LCpl Beasley, a soldier and boxer who tragically passed away in Aug 17, was 31 CS Sqn.

Ex WARFIGHTER

Lt Jake Ardley, leader of The RLC 25 Lake District expedition, out on a morning recce of the hills It has been a fast quarter for 3 Regt with a plethora of assignments keeping the officers and soldiers active. Continuing to support the BATUS exercising troops, 2Lt Lara Dixon and her team have been helping to keep the cogs turning in the busy 105 Sqn as they prepare for the upcoming exercise season on the prairie.

Back in the UK, the rest of the Sqn’s have been working through the challenges of managing the Custodial Account, providing maintenance on the vehicle fleet and continuing to stay active in a multitude of sports.

Delivering on Ex TIMBER TRUSS, competing in the Regimental Operational Shooting Competition, preparing for upcoming Public Duties in London and sending WO2 (SSM) James Girvan on his drill course have been at the forefront of recent deliverables together with a large cohort training for the upcoming Regimental Boxing competition.

Regimental Boxing On 29 Mar, 3 Regt held its annual Regimental Boxing competition. It was an impressive night with ten bouts of high quality boxing between eager, disciplined and committed soldiers. Dedicating themselves to months of arduous training in preparation the boxers truly excelled and impressed.

Due to the impeccable organisation and skill of SSgt Paddy Smyth and Maj Rob Swan, 32 Sqn Ops SNCO and OC respectively, the night played out without a hitch. With a variety of esteemed guests, including Brigadier’s Hutchins and Woodham the night was truly a spectacle. Special recognition should go to LCpl Tennant for best boxer of the evening, and Cpl Beatty for most gallant. There were additional noteworthy performances from Pte O’Mahoney, LCpl Fakih and Sgt Anderson.

Ex WARFIGHTER was an American two-week exercise to test and evaluate a HQ using a simulated battlefield. The exercise saw 3 (UK) Division come under command of the US XVIII Airborne Corps alongside the US 4th Infantry Division.

As part of this effort members of 3 Regt set off for the adventure at a ridiculously early time one wet and cold Fri morning and arrived many hours later in sunny Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After getting used to the scale of the 19 square miles and 50,000 troops of Fort Bragg, the soldiers settled in for our ‘puckster’ training, the American term for the operators of the simulation used by the soldiers.

Trained and ready the unit settled in for a busy two weeks that proved 101 Log Brigade was ready to sustain 3 (UK) Division operating alongside its US allies.

RLC 25 As you are all no doubt aware, the RLC celebrated its 25th anniversary on 5 Apr 18. To mark the anniversary, Lt Jake Ardley of 3 Regt lead a mission to climb the 25 highest peaks in the Lake District.

The 25 participants came from, and represent, the 25 Regular and Reserve Regt’s that the Corps has and embody what The RLC is about; diversity, teamwork and family. The soldiers and officers began climbing at 0600 every morning, hitting several peaks a day, before ‘Wild Camping’ in the mountains. They then rendezvoused with their administration team, led by Sgt Dave Goodchild, replenishing food, water and exchanging any damaged kit before climbing all over again.

Stories and photographs were broadcasted over social media, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The hashtag #WeAreTheRLC and #RLC25 was used on social media throughout. Congratulations to all involved!

Tug of War On 18 Apr, 3 Regt entered the ‘Jack Smith Memorial’ tug of war competition hosted by the Royal Signals at Blandford Camp. The Regt entered four male weight categories; 560kg 600kg 640kg and 680kg. The teams did extremely well to place as runners up in the 560kg and 680kg.

The females entered two categories, 520kg and 560kg and took gold in both weights. This was the first time the female team had pulled together and it was a very positive start to their season.

Once again, the Tug Of War team left a challenging competition with silverware for the Regt. Everyone is looking forward to the season ahead.

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

4 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Abingdon CO: Lt Col C I Hanson • Adjt: Capt M J Ruocco • RSM: WO1 K Adams

4 CS Sqn on Op CABRIT in Estonia Feb saw 4 Regt deploy on Ex BEAVER MASTER in Thetford. This exercise saw elements from all Sqn’s working together as a Composite Logistic Sqn (CLS) in preparation for Ex PRAIRIE STORM 1.

While the primary aim of the exercise was to further enhance the regt’s capabilities as a CLS before hitting the Prairie (based on the recently implemented Battlecraft Syllabus), it soon became clear that plummeting Feb temperatures would also offer soldiers an opportunity for acclimatisation.

As the CLS contained troops from all four Squadron’s within the Regt, the early days of the exercise focussed on confirming a unified set of SOPs, ensuring Sections were easily interchangeable and that dependencies knew exactly what to expect no matter what part of the Squadron they were dealing with.

CBRN, anti-armour and casualty drills were also refreshed and a number of Protective Logistic Movements (PLM) with Distribution Points (DP) established. Midway through the exercise, soldiers awoke to the greatest of all aromas, the fine smells of fresh food prepared in the newly deployed field kitchen as part of its rehabilitation phase. If the exercise’s fast pace and cold weather had been taking its toll on anyone, it was soon forgotten as a variety of hot meals warmed their bellies.

The Regt was also joined by Ex LOG SAFARI – 24 officer cadets from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, with ambitions to join The Royal Logistic Corps. Whilst with the Regt, they had the chance to experience how logistics work under field conditions, deploying on DPs and working with the 60 Sqn in the ‘Hotzone’ on Op MORLOP

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Bde Log RV; getting their hands on various Logistic Information Systems and seeing supply distribution in the field. However, what they all enjoyed most was the opportunity to speak with the soldiers and gain first-hand accounts into the opportunities offered by the Corps.

Ex BEAVER MASTER provided a wide range of complex scenarios, challenging all ranks which took part. Perhaps the most tested element was the LAD, whose work was never done as its vehicles were pushed to their limits. The hard work of all involved saw the Regt’s effectiveness as a CLS improve immensely and it is now set up for every success once it reaches BATUS.

Op MORLOP It has been an extremely busy period of activity for the Regt, including BCS training, run by the JNCOs and utilising assets such as the airfield or DCCT, as well as Regimental skiing at Ski RLC and various exercises and deployments. Perhaps the most interesting and unique task carried out was the involvement in Operation MORLOP, a MACA operation aiding in the clean-up of Salisbury after the incident involving a Russian nerve agent.

Personnel deployed on short notice and endured long hours while reacting to the situation on the ground. The team’s task was the removal of several contaminated vehicles and equipment from ‘hotzones’ in the aftermath of the poisoning to contain the situation and ensure the safety of the public. Very much in the public eye, the work done by all involved was outstanding and highlighted the very real CBRN threat that exists.

Enduring activity 4 Sqn currently has one of its Troops deployed in Estonia on Op CABRIT, providing the logistic element for the eFP BG. The Troops have endured the harsh winter that comes with the Baltic weather and have been supporting the various BG exercises that have slowly been ramping up in intensity ready for the spring season of NATO exercises in the B3.

The rest of the Regt has been put through its paces in preparation for Regt’s readiness year.

This is being tested by the Regt’s assurance regime, the Ex EAGLES FLIGHT series.

These Readiness Verification Exercises (RVE) have seen all manner of readiness administration checked, from medical, to personal kit, to equipment availability and they most recently saw the Regt deploy to Barossa for a 48hr exercise.

With the Regt currently deployed on Op CABRIT, Op ORBITAL and in BATUS, the pace of life shows no signs of relenting as it looks forward to maintaining its readiness and supporting its higher formations whenever and wherever required.

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

6 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Dishforth CO: Lt Col T J Crossland • Adjt: Capt J R Harris • RSM: WO1 J Sumner

Lt Andrew English conducts an O Gp for a Combat Logistics Patrol With 6 Regiment going from strength to strength, 2018 has so far seen success on all fronts including operations, exercises, sport, AT and community engagement.

Military training Early 2018 saw 62 Sqn with a number of attachments from across the Regt deploy on Ex ASKARI TEMPEST in support of 1 Bn Rifles Battle group. The Sqn conducted both real life support alongside CLPs and various methods of distributing supplies and resources. The exercise phase was followed by some well-earned adventure training along with community engagement to support local communities.

Celebrating success The New Year saw the promotion of the Regimental Second in Command Maj Austen Moore promoting to Lt Col. Not to be outdone, the RSM WO1 Sumner was also awarded the Meritorious Service medal and was fortunate enough to be presented it by the Chief of the General Staff General Sir Nick Carter and the Army SM (WO1) Glenn Haughton.

The Regt was also highly successful in the promotion board of SSgt to WO2 with a total of eight SSgts from the regiment receiving their Royal Warrant.

A total of seven Long Service and Good Conduct medals were presented to the men and women of the Regt by Col Tonkins on his visit to the Regt, he also CST and Drops Deployed on Ex Askari Tempest

paid tribute to the sacrifice and commitment of their partners and families.

Sport 6 Regt continued its sporting success on the snow with success in snowboarding and both disciplines of skiing. Both the snowboarding and the combined ski team were crowned as champions at their respective intra-RLC competitions with a number of Army and RLC colours being awarded.

Community commitment The Regt has continued to be highly involved with the local community with a highlight being the Inaugural “Dishforth Dash” a 10km running race held on the decommissioned airfield and organised by the QM Maj Darren Fisher. The event ran smoothly with excellent feedback from the multitude of runners who attended on the day.

62 Sqn enjoyed a mix of military training and community engagement when they walked the full length of Hadrians Wall in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund. The event was organised by Sgt Chris Mitchell of the Royal Marines and WO2 (SSM) Andy Parker providing invaluable team building, fitness and training to the Sqn.

RLC25 The Regt has also been enjoying the celebration of RLC25 with a contingent travelling to participate in the highly successful and enjoyable Corps parade at Pirbright. Members of the Regt, both long-serving and more recent additions to the Corps, have taken the time to reflect on both the last 25 years and the longer histories of the forming Corps with an eye firmly fixed on what the future has in store.

The Regt also paraded through the Boroughbridge in May, following being awarded the freedom of the town in 2017.

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

7 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Cottesmore CO: Lt Col S A Cornell • Adjt: Capt Z Lester • RSM: WO1 P Jordan

68 Sqn

Over the last few months 9 Sqn has been providing support to exercises in the UK and deploying on their own exercises abroad.

In Nov, it provided a number of soldiers and vehicles to support the final exercise of the Troop Commanders course for TCC75. This was an excellent opportunity for the soldiers to deploy in trade and have their input into the development of the officers that will lead them in the future.

It was especially significant as three of the Troop Commanders now serve in the Sqn with soldiers from that exercise.

Post-Christmas, the Sqn deployed on Ex LION SUN 2 where they were provided the opportunity to train in an infantry role. This was an arduous exercise at times but there was space in the programme for some downtime in-between the field exercises where the troops had some social time to welcome all their new members after being re-orbatted from Op TOSCA 26 last year.

The highlight of the exercise had to be the ten-day range package which saw soldiers conducting a variety of operational shoots on both static and moving targets.

The Sqn also deployed on Ex WESSEX STORM in support of the 1 Bn REME lead where the weather was testing at times, with enough snow to close the exercise for three days. This provided the troops time to get back into their vehicles and get back to grips with their trade.

As always, the Sqn has been heavily involved with sport and the football team has recently won the Army Midlands six-a-side competition and therefore have qualified for the Army six side finals later in May. They are also strong contenders for winning the Lincolnshire Services League for the first time and on its 100th anniversary, so good luck to them!

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The start of 2018 brought with it lots of opportunities for 68 Squadron to take the lead on several tasks, provided support to exercises in the UK and abroad and take the lead on some regimental sports.

In Jan, 2Lt Nottage led the Regimental Skiing team, both Alpine and Nordic to France and Austria for the Divisional and RLC Ski Championships. The team has definitely improved over the season and finished in a respectable position. Notable performers for the Regt were SSgt Devine and SSgt Leeming.

Mar saw an eight-week deployment of F&GT troop to support Ex JOINT VENTURE at RAF St Mawgan as RLS. The soldiers enjoyed this deployment as it got them away and allowed them to build more team cohesion – certainly some days were spent on the beach…

Concurrently to this, a section from Cbt Sp Tp, under the command of Cpl Patterson, provided RLS to RMAS Cadets on their final exercise in Germany; Ex DYNAMIC VICTORY. For their professionalism they received praise from the Deputy Commandant RMAS. A good effort by all.

2Lt Shiels has taken ownership of the Regimental Shooting team and has tirelessly spent hours on the range preparing them to compete in the 102 Log Bde Shooting Competition. The training paid off and the team was selected to compete at the divisional shooting competition later in the year. Good luck!

RLC 25 Like some, 7 Regiment can trace its roots back far beyond 1993 and the forming of The Royal Logistic Corps. The unit’s white eagle is known by many but its history less so.

At the end of the Second World War, the dispossessed Polish community remaining in western Germany formed Mixed Service Organisations, based on Montgomery’s original Polish Auxiliary units, recruited from refugees and prisoners of war.

These Mixed Service Organisations were employed to drive the British tank transporters and were integral to the British Army, forging the way towards the modern era of diversity and inclusiveness.

Diminishing recruitment from the Polish community led to these units being augmented with British Troops in 1965. The Polish soldiers presented the British officers of the Regiment with an Orzel lapel pin as a sign of their gratitude for the camaraderie and support shown to them during the years of the Polish inclusion.

On the formation of the Royal Logistic Corps, 7 Regt was given permission to retain the Orzel lapel pin on its Officers’ Mess dress, where it may be worn for an individual’s entire Army service, marking the history and pride it has in its Polish heritage.

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

9 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Hullavington CO: Lt Col A J C Geary • Adjt: Capt C Hardwick • RSM: WO1 P Broom

out to Fort Lee, Virginia, to take part in the annual Operational Contract Support joint exercise with their US colleagues.

Set within a SOUTHCOM scenario the UK team set about an in-depth three-day education package which saw them develop a strategic understanding of US Army contracting policy and doctrine. This was followed by an exercise phase in which they found themselves acting as the multi-national representatives embedded within an Operational Contracting Support Integration Cell.

Ex BAGHEERAS BLITZ Ex LION SUN There are high hopes for 9 Regiment in its 25th year as the Corps celebrates #RLC25. The Regt has seen no let-up in tempo and 18 is already proving to be even busier than last year. The unit remains on permanent high readiness, has delivered the first round of BCS training in Cyprus sunshine and British snow and has had a number of successes on the sports pitch.

Operations 84 Medical Supply Sqn’s commitment to Op TRENTON continues, recently welcoming back SSgt Maikali Tuinabua and his team who have done an outstanding job in South Sudan. SSgt Mick Young and his team have now taken over the roles in Bentui, Malakal and Juba and will continue to deliver first class logistic support in this incredibly challenging environment.

Exercises and training 66 Fuel & General Transport Sqn continues to train and develop as the lead ‘at readiness’ Composite Sqn. In Feb, it deployed on Ex LIONSUN 3 with 120 soldiers and officers from across the Regt, including reservists from 157 and 167 Regt’s.

The exercise provided the ideal opportunity to trial the delivery of the new soldier first syllabus; Cyprus offers excellent range facilities and demanding training areas, as well as the ideal opportunity to test the Sqn’s ability to deploy outside of the UK. Ex LIONSUN included a live firing package including GPMG shoots and advance to contact lanes, battle field lessons covering section and platoon attacks, finalised with a six-day exercise. There was also the opportunity to enjoy the sunny Cyprus climate with walking trips to Troodos and cultural activities, including a trip to the Tombs of the Kings and a visit to the historic port of Paphos.

Operational Contract Support In Mar, Capt Nick Covington and SSgt Leighton Russell from the Sustainment Fusion Cell deployed

Amidst the ‘beast from the east’ in mid-March, 95 Supply Sqn deployed to Salisbury Plain for its annual CT1 Ex BAGHEERAS BLITZ. Trade lessons were delivered for the first 48 hours led by Sgt Penjani Sibakwe, followed by Lt Elliott Bevan delivering a set of deployment orders and the Troops establishing a harbour area.

Over the next few days, under direction of the Troop Commanders, sections conducted clearance patrols, recces and observation points, as well as section and platoon attacks. Overall, a very positive week for all those who deployed on the Ex - even in the snow!

Sport and AT During late Feb, twenty-one members of 95 Supply Sqn deployed to North Wales to conduct AT on Ex TIGER SAFARI. The aim of the exercise was to develop individual skills, leadership and team cohesion.

The activities conducted were rock climbing led by Sgt David Dorrell, hill walking led by LCpl Atma Gurung and mountain biking led by WO2 SQMS Scott Kennedy.

With the bad weather that dominated this period, closing in the significant snow fall in Wales further tested the skill and judgement of the instructors and students. Although the exercise was finally cut short, all those that attended had a fantastic time and were all stretched out of their comfort zone.

Ex SKI RLC 18 The Regt sent three teams to Ex SKI RLC 18, one Alpine and male and female Nordic teams. The 17 skiers from the Regt thoroughly enjoyed the competition, achieving success in a number of events. Special mentions go to Lt Elliott Bevan, who received top novice in the Nordic category, Pte Natasha Langley-Bunce who won the most promising novice skier and Pte Patrick Rossiter who won overall junior champion and the Stuart Young Trophy.

Finally, LCpl Fern Davies from 84 Medical Supply Sqn was selected to play netball for Wales at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia.

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment Aldershot Comd: Lt Col A West • Adjt: Capt J T Alsop • RSM: WO1 P Gurung There has also been a continued drive towards developing and promoting leadership at all levels, achieved within Ex KUKHURI CONQUEROR, a twoday battlefield study to Hastings. The package was organised by the RISO, Capt Jimmy Starling, and looked in detail at Mission Command, Command and Control and the use of doctrinal principles to evaluate courses of action.

Overseas, the Regt has continued to uphold its commitments with Force Elements deployed in support of training in BATUS, BATUK and Ex WARFIGHTER in the USA. In addition to this, there has been an increase in Regimental personnel deployed on Op CATAN in support of the United Nations in Somalia and on Op SHADER in the Middle East.

Awards Capt Dipendra Rai handing over to WO1 (RSM) Prakash Gurung 2018 is well underway and we have celebrated the New Year with the festivals of Shiva Ratri and Loshar, deftly led by Lama Guru, the Regiment’s Buddhist spiritual leader.

Following these events, both the Corps Sergeant Major, WO1 Shaun Owen and the Army Sergeant Major (ASM), WO1 Glenn Haughton OBE, visited 10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Regiment (10 QOGLR), in what was an exceptionally informative day, expertly organised by Capt Dipendra Rai. After updates from each of the visitors and some discussion with the Troops, there was just enough time for some Messing and Gurkha entertainment. The Regt is also experiencing the beginning of a period of unprecedented events and monumental change. These include the handover of the RSM appointment from one Gurkha WO1 to another for the first time since 1994 in Hong Kong. Additionally, under QOGLR Growth, the Regt is incorporating two additional sub-Units into its ORBAT as it moves into its 60th year of existence.

The start of the year has also seen a flurry of achievements. 10 QOGLR personnel have continued to impress and excel in a number of different disciplines. Of particular note are Pte Jiban Shahi who was awarded top student on his LSS Class 2 Course, LCpl Santosh Rai who was awarded a Gurkha Company Excellence Award and Cpl Kul Bahadur Gurung, who received an Army Sergeant Major’s Coin for his contribution to a recent Army JNCO debate event.

In the sporting arena, the Alpine Ski Team, who in their first full season boasted a haul of ten medals, finished third of 27 x RLC Units in the recent Corps Championships. At the same time, The Commander’s Sword Competition is nearing its completion, with the March and Shoot and Cross Country events being the most recently contested activities.

Goodbye and good luck Finally, 10 QOGLR would like to take this opportunity to thank and bid farewell to the outgoing RSM, Capt Dipendra Rai. He has been superb in his every endeavour as the senior soldier within the Regt, always striving to celebrate the rich diversity of the Regt’s personnel, while at the same time maintaining Gurkha culture and ethos.

Exercises Over the last three months, there has been a great deal of training activity within the Regt, with both task Sqn’s deploying on BCS exercises.

At the beginning of the year, 1 Supply Sqn deployed for a week to Hullavington, with technical expertise and accounting tested throughout 24-hour operations. 28 Fuel and General Transport Sqn has also been busy, having deployed for three weeks to the Outer Hebrides and northern England on Ex KUKHURI THISTLE 18, travelling over 1,500 miles, conducting live ranges, driver training and a significant number of low level serials along the way.

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Maj Jamie Monument, with the record breaking 10 QOGLR Alpine Ski Team

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Didcot CO: Lt Col B K Howard • Adjt: Capt L Shepherd • RSM: WO1 P Gonzalez

Firmin Sword of Peace 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (11EOD) Regiment continues to deliver EOD capability and Ammunition Technical Support worldwide.

This quarter has included 472 EOD tasks in support of Military Aid to Civil Authorities across the UK and overseas deployments to 15 countries on operations and exercises.

Firmin Sword of Peace 11 EOD Regt was awarded the Army Firmin Sword of Peace for its actions in 16. The Sword is awarded to a unit from each service that is judged to have made the ‘most valuable contribution to humanitarian activities by establishing good and friendly relations with the inhabitants of any community at home or overseas.’

2016 was not necessarily an extraordinary year in the life of 11 EOD. Year-on-year, the Regt has a significant and wide-ranging humanitarian effect through its long standing and close relations with local communities and civil authorities nationwide.

During 2016, there were several high-profile humanitarian actions, which served to amplify and demonstrate the Regt’s profound impact in this arena.

Three extraordinary operations in 2016 at ‘home’ headlined the Regt’s submission; Op BRIDLED, support to casualty recovery at the Didcot Power Station collapse; Op MATSU, support to the Department of Education to remove the 2-4 DNP explosive hazard in schools and the Bath German Air Dropped Weapon incident. Each had a huge impact on the local community, be it in Didcot or Bath or in

secondary schools nationwide. Resolution of the problems relied upon the Regt’s close community and personal relationships at each location to avert disaster, keep school children safe, enable criminal investigations and the recovery of human remains.

The latter was emotionally and politically challenging and carried out in the unforgiving gaze of the national media and ministerial scrutiny. The Regt’s actions brought relief, hope, comfort and reassurance to the affected communities.

During 2016, members of the Regt worked to generate funds for charitable organisations ranging from curing cancer to helping children, with £30,000 raised in 2016. In addition, it routinely supported local community events from county shows to taking part in science, technology, engineering and maths fairs, raising awareness of the Army’s technical soldiers.

The Regt was given no direction by Firmin as to how the sword should be presented and 11 EOD wanted to do something different. Given how proud the Regt is of the accolade and what it represented, the presentation had to be fitting. Cognisant that the award was given for relations with the community, the Regt decided to have the Sword presented at Blenheim Palace; close to the community which it had assisted during Op BRIDLED. Once the venue had been selected, the Regt was full steam ahead to organise a parade, which is not the easiest of tasks when spread over 14 locations, with over 200 people on duty at any one time. However, this did not stop it, the Regt had over 200 members on parade at Blenheim Palace. In addition to the military personnel, it had many of its civilian staff and families watching the parade. The Sword was presented to the Regt by Maj Gen (Retd) David Shouesmith.

Whilst the award was given to the Regt for its actions in 2016, it was extremely fitting that we could be presented with the Sword during the RLC 25 year.

As the Corps celebrates its 25th birthday during 2018, the parade allowed 11 EOD to start celebrations slightly early with such a momentous and memorable event.

It was not long before the Regt was back to aiding the local community, as less than 48 hours later the Regt was deployed to Salisbury on Op MORLOP!

11 EOD Regt on parade in Blenheim Palace Courtyard

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

13 Air Assault Support Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Colchester CO: Lt Col M Genko • Adjt: Capt S Spencer-Small • RSM: WO1 R Falls

AD of specialist equipment into water 25 years ago, the Royal Corps of Transports (RCT) crown was handed over to the newly founded Royal Logistic Corps along with the trade of “Air Despatch” as part of the bundle.

Since then, the soldiers and officers within the trade have carried out their duties to an exemplary standard, be it on operations, exercise, or on the sporting or AT front. Indeed because of the aviationbased nature of the trade, 47 Air Despatch Squadron has even visited places that the rest of the Army has not, Antarctica and Mount Sinjar in Iraq being the two most notable examples!

The Sqn has been under the command of both 29 Regt and 13 AASR during this time, carrying out vital aerial delivery operations in the Middle East in support of Op HERRICK, Op TELIC and Op Over Salisbury Plain

LANSBURY, dropping countless tonnes of supplies in support of UK and NATO dependencies.

In 2000, 47 AD Sqn deployed to Sierra Leone in support of Op BARRAS, showing its adaptable nature by air dropping from CH47 helicopters, which was again utilised as an aerial delivery option during Operation HERRICK. On top of the countless operations carried out during this timeframe, the Sqn also has a crew permanently deployed to the Falkland Islands, carrying out various duties, including search and rescue missions and air despatch to the resident infantry units.

When not on operations, 47 Air Despatch Sqn has carried out a plethora of high level exercises worldwide in support of countless UK assets, air dropping various loads to countries such as the United States of America, Canada, Fiji, Australia, Hawaii, Norway, Belize, Oman, Bahrain, New Zealand, as well as to the full range of United Kingdom drop zones.

The Sqn has also been tasked in the humanitarian role, carrying out work in Pakistan in 2005 and more recently in 2014 conducting air drops to the Iraqi refugees located on Mount Sinjar, an effort that saw the Sqn working directly with UK Aid. In 2016, the Sqn deployed in support of the British Antarctic Survey Team, which saw a year’s supply of fuel airdropped to the remotest of locations.

The Sqn has undergone some serious changes in the past 25 years. Moving from RAF Lyneham, to the current home at RAF Brize Norton, the transition from C130 K to C130 J, as well as the forthcoming transition to A400M. But as always, the Sqn has embraced wholesale changes with open arms.

The trade is currently awaiting the certification of the full spectrum of air despatch platforms from testing, enabling the Sqn to deliver the full range of stores, equipment and vehicles by parachute worldwide.

It has been a great first 25 years in The RLC for Air Despatch in which time and again the Sqn has proved its utility, flexibility and readiness. The Sqn stands ready and excited for whatever the next 25 years should hold!

Dakota outside 47HQ

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

17 Port & Maritime Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Southampton CO: Lt Col K Dagless • Adjt: Capt H Travis • RSM: WO1 G Richards

From left: Sgt Woolley, LCpl Foley, Lt Roberts, Pte Tutchings, Pte Belsten, Pte Brown The Regimental Nordic Ski Team has returned from Ex NORDIC SEAHORSE which saw it deployed from 29 Oct 17 until 2 Mar 18 to train and compete across Europe in Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing Championships.

Ex NORDIC SEAHORSE was comprised of a sevenweek training camp in Beitostolen, Norway, a twoweek training camp in Serre Chevalier, France, the Army Divisional Championships Ex SPARTAN HIKE, the Army National Championships Ex RUCKSACK and The RLC Corps Championships Ex SKI RLC. The training camp's aim was to improve fitness and introduce and teach and improve the classic and skate techniques and marksmanship skills with the 0,22" biathlon rifle. There was a significant focus on developing the potential talent of four novice aspiring Nordic skiers.

The sessions, although always guaranteed to be disgustingly hard, cold and strenuous, were balanced with mobility sessions, strength and conditioning sessions and the well needed occasional rest afternoon. The camp closed off with some competitive in-house races to select the team of six skiers to go on and compete at the Divisional, Army, and Corps Championships after Christmas.

Having had a short break from training for Christmas, the team departed from McMullen Barracks on New Years’ Day to once again cross into the continent. This time it was to Serre Chevalier in the French Alps for its final two-week training camp and subsequent competition in Ex SPARTAN HIKE, the Army Divisional Championships.

Competing among 40 male teams, the team of six managed to upset the odds and achieved first place in the Divisional Championships. The team’s defining moment was winning the Military Patrol Race and therefore edging 16 Regt RA for overall first place at the championships.

Running now on high spirits and a new-found degree of self-belief, especially for the two novice skiers, the team had to maintain its excellent performance for Ex RUCKSACK; the British National, Inter Service & Army Biathlon and Cross-Country Championships.

Held in the Ruhpolding World Cup Stadium, the competition and rivalries at this Championship

were fierce, with bodies being pushed to their extreme physical limits in each race. The team completed the Championships in an incredible third place and finishing on the podium in four out of the five team races.

Further individual successes were achieved by Sgt Ben Woolley, who was awarded British Biathlon Union Male Champion prize and LCpl Jordan Foley, who earned his Army Colours for representing the Army in the Inter Service 15KM Classic race.

Finally, on the back of its excellent form the Regimental Nordic Ski Team secured first place at Ex SKI RLC this year, maintaining its reputation at the Championships. Pte David Belsten, 52 Sqn, earned a well-deserved overall second place Novice at the Championships and looks to be a talented young individual to watch for the future.

Ex SOLDIER FIRST As part of CFA’s directive re-establishing basic combat skills, 51 Port Sqn deployed on the first of a number of planned ‘Soldier First’ exercises. The Troop (+) exercise consisted of SNCO taught lessons for the first phase, culminating with a tactical phase in order for the troops to demonstrate and practice the fundamental skills learnt and revised.

The exercise required the troops to occupy a harbour area as a base from which lessons from the syllabus were conducted and from where low-level operations could be launched. The troops also conducted a navigational exercise to hone and develop the key skills of being able to navigate by map and compass by day and night. The basics of fire manoeuvres were retaught, alongside battle drills, building the troops towards conducting section attacks.

The final day saw the Troop conduct a round robin of scenarios as opposed to the conventional final attack that an exercise would normally complete; consolidating the confidence gained by section commanders. The round robin consisted of three separate scenarios. The first being a patrol advance to contact, the second being the detention of captured persons and prisoner handling and the third scenario being a casualty evacuation under fire from an enemy position.

The troops are now in prime position moving forward into future exercises progressing through a special to arm phase, leading to a multi-activity Sqn exercise.

RLC 25 17 Port and Maritime Regt celebrated RLC 25 on Ex SEAHORSE THAMES in style. Two Army Work Boats sailed down the River Thames to recreate an iconic photograph taken in 1977 of Army vessels in front of the Houses of Parliament.

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

25 Training Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Deepcut CO: Lt Col M A Scannell • Adjt: Capt S Foster • RSM: WO1 D Burditt carwash. The carwash day earned money for the school whilst also being a fun day out for all those involved and providing a break from the rigors of training for the trainee soldiers.

Basic Close Combat Skills Soldiers from 109 Sqn on the BCCS Exercise 25 Training Regiment is planning a series of events this year to enhance the training year of all permanent staff and course attendees from across the multitude of courses run at the unit.

Based at The Princess Royal Barracks in Deepcut, the Regt has been lucky to share this location with RHQ The RLC. However, with the planned move to Worthy Down in Winchester to be completed by the end of 2019, the Regt will also be bidding farewell to its historic home during the next 12 months.

Adventurous Training The forecast of events is already set to be full of AT packages, battlefield tours and for 109 Sqn, a live fire range package that is sure to offer something for the permanent staff, as well as the trainee soldiers it is aimed at. This will take place while 25 Training Regt continues to deliver high quality training ranging from Command, Leadership & Management training to all selected WO’s, Sgt’s and Cpl’s within the Corps, to driving and soldiering skills to the trainee soldiers of 109 Sqn.

Charity work The Regt has again been involved working with charities this quarter. The Regimental SM, WO1 (RSM) Dean Burditt, organised a fundraiser for the local Cherry Trees School which teaches children with disabilities. The school works tirelessly with the Governmental Every Child Matters initiative. Trainee soldiers from 109 Sqn, led by Cpl Catherine Oelofse and Cpl Christopher Young, went to the school to help raise funds for the school by conducting a charity Charity carwash in support of Cherry Trees School

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On 4 Apr 18, members of 109 Sqn deployed to conduct the Basic Close Combat Skills course (BCCS), conducting section attacks, battlefield casualty drills and recce patrols deep into the night.

Combining the stresses of dismounted exercise and the prospect of increased sleep deprivation, soldiers were tested on their personal skills and drills and field craft. The directing staff expected high standards and some of the soldiers stepped up to the Section second in command (2IC) role, normally the role of a LCpl in the field army.

At the end of the exercise, after a tough morning of section attacks, the soldiers know that when they depart 25 Training Regt to join their units in the field army, they not only leave with the requisite trade training, but also confidence in their basic field craft and ready to embrace future challenges.

RLC 25 celebrations Upon return from BCCS, trainee soldiers from the Regt took part in the parade to celebrate the anniversary of the forming of The RLC in Pirbright on Wed 18 Apr 18. The soldiers had a tight turnaround to return from exercise, cleaning and packing their kit and equipment before preparing for the anniversary of The RLC. Drill practice began on the Monday following the end of the BCCS exercise. A number of permanent staff took part in the parade with many spectators from the Regt in attendance on the day. With much polish and elbow grease put into the uniforms, the parade saw soldiers of 25 Training Regt looking immaculate for the Corps anniversary.

Looking to the future The future of the Regt looks markedly different from the past 25 years. This year will see the beginning of huge changes as the Regt both relocates to Worthy Down and re-subordinates to become the Military Training Wing (MTW). Indeed, elements of the Regt are already operating from Worthy Down and the Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC) Command Leadership and Management (CLM) Sqn is already working as part of the MTW from Worthy Down.

It will be a challenge to re-establish a unit with the same ethos and spirit as that which leaves Deepcut, but there is an air of optimism as the unit looks forward to re-building and training RLC soldiers, JNCOs, SNCOs and WOs of the future from the modern and purpose-built facilities of Worthy Down.

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

27 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Aldershot CO: Lt Col J C West • Adjt: Capt T P Armitage • RSM: WO1 W Eagle

BOSC Team 27 Regt had the task of running the Brigade Operational Shooting Competition (BOSC) which ran smoothly, much to the credit of all those involved and thanks to countless hours of work led by OC 8 Sqn. During training, the Wolf Pack’s shooting team struggled as snow caused havoc across the UK. However, by the end of the second week the team had conducted some good training and were set for the BOSC. In the end, The Regt finished third against strong competition from across 101 Log Brigade.

General Officer Commanding Visit In Mar, the Regt had the pleasure of hosting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 (UK) Div on Salisbury Plain during a X-country training exercise. The GOC received a short presentation from RHQ personnel before getting to present a CFA’s commendation and a GOC’s Commendation. Without doubt, the highlight was the GOC driving a HET and declaring it was far harder than it looks while thanking his instructor wholeheartedly.

Basketball Battle Craft Syllabus Feb saw over 100 personnel from 8 and 91 Sqn deploy to Sennybridge to refine their soldiering skills in accordance with the Battle Craft Syllabus. Even “The Beast from The East” didn’t stop the troops refreshing their skills at section attacks, patrolling and navigation.

The General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) shoot was a highlight, as was the sight of the transport after “The Beast” had dropped over a foot of snow in just a couple of hours. Seeing the Infantry Training School calling ENDEX at the same time confirmed it was the right call. Another two feet of snow fell over the following two hours!

19 Tk Tptr Sqn 19 Tk Tptr Sqn recently undertook the fourth rotation on Op CABRIT with 5 RIFLES and 1R WELSH. Tranches 5 and 6 are now undergoing PDT in support of 1 YORKS. Most recently, the Sqn has been seen on Op MORLOP in support of the Civil Power dealing with the chemical attack in Salisbury.

The Sqn’s main effort is now training and preparation for Ex SAIF SAREEA 3 in Oman from Aug to Nov 2018, the largest overseas deployment of heavy equipment transport (HET) since Ex SAIF SAREEA 2 and subsequently on Op TELIC.

There can be no doubt of the Regt’s sporting talents, but one of its proudest moments of the year has to be being crowned Ladies and Men’s Army Major Units Basketball Champions. For the men, it was their second year in a row as champions and next year the treble is on!

Dinner night To recognise and celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the RLC, the Regt held a combined dinner night for the Officers, Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess.

Unusually the dinner was held in 5 Rifles Officers’ Mess in Bulford.

The CO decided that it was only fair that the Regt travel to 19 Tk Tptr Sqn for a change as the Sqn always commutes to Aldershot for Mess events. The evening included readings about the Corps in general and also about those who have been recognised for gallantry, it was a fitting way to remind all those present about how much there is to be proud of in The RLC. Guests included the Master of the Worshipful Company of Carmen, Comd Log Sp 101 Log Bde, the Corps SM, CO 154 Regt as the Regt’s partnered unit, two Royal Navy officers from HMS Artful, its partnered submarine and two Chelsea Pensioners who made the most of their host’s Mess bills! All in all, it was a great evening and a fine way for the Regt to mark the occasion.

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

29 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps South Cerney CO: Lt Col C G Munce MBE • Adjt: Capt R D Irvine • RSM: WO1 L E Russell

Regimental personnel take part in adventurous training expeditions in the French Alps 29 Regiment began 18 by continuing its support to worldwide operations including Op TORAL, Op KIPION and support to exercises in Canada, Jordan and Jamaica, to name but a few.

The Regt has also achieved some outstanding sporting achievements in many sporting arenas such as The RLC skiing championships in Ruhpolding and winning the Ladies Army six-a-side football competition. The Regt now looks forward to a busy operationally focused second quarter of the year.

With RLC 25 celebrations in full swing, the Regt played a key supporting role in welcoming members from all over the Corps to South Cerney for The RLC 25 parade rehearsals and a good catch up.

Ex JERSEY STORM 59 Sqn deployed on Ex JERSEY STORM, an ‘overseas’ exercise on the Isle of Wight; one that conveniently coincided with ‘the Beast from the East’. The exercise opened with a MATTs concentration and fieldcraft instruction phase followed by a range package and military skills competition, all of which helped soldiers develop their military skills ahead of the field exercise that followed. After a demanding and particularly damp experience on Newton Ranges, the exercise wound down with two days of AT, rounding off a challenging two weeks that both tested and rewarded all that attended.

Op FORTIFY

by Pte Joshua Story, 50 Sqn, attached to 281 movement Control Sqn, 162 Regt Throughout my time here I have become a part of a diverse team of reservists, working together with a main effort of recruiting and mentoring. The typical day would involve a small two-man team travelling out to one of the many local job centres, setting up stands and conversing with the local public, informing them about the reserve roles both in The RLC and wider Army.

Working alongside the reserves is something I have not done before in the five years I have served. It has 52

turned out to be very beneficial for both myself and the team I am working with. I have been able to deliver classroom and field-based lessons on subjects such as navigation and camouflage and concealment, as well as attending 281 Sqns drill nights, where I have been able to help mentor and teach.

Being allowed to help plan events and lessons has helped me improve my confidence and effectiveness as a private soldier. I would be more than happy deploy on Op FORTIFY again at a later date.

Sporting success Sporting achievements have been varied; in rugby Cpl Mariette Claassens and Pte Angela Carr represented the Army women’s team playing against the Barbarians. In football, the 29 Regt Ladies Team won the Army six-a-side competition held in Grantham. Playing against stiff competition from across the Army, the ladies were triumphant bringing the silverware back to a very proud South Cerney.

Skiing brought more success to the Regiment with SSgt Lee Jeapes bringing a haul of medals back with him, including Gold in Regular Vet Grand Slalom, Slalom and Downhill races in the Div Champs and in slalom at Ex SKI RLC. LCpl Leah Jennings won gold in the female Grand Slalom and Super Grand Slalom, Pte Lucy Blair-Milligan finished an excellent third place in the Female President Race with an overall third place for the Female Team Combination. Well done to all our sportsmen and women.

Farewell and welcome The Regt bids a fond farewell to both the Regimental Second in Command and the Regimental Sergeant Major. Maj Rob Futter has been selected for promotion to Lt Col and is off to Abbey Wood, while WO1 (RSM) Malcolm Scott has successfully commissioned and will be taking up a post at the Defence School of Transport. The Regt wishes them the best of luck for the future. Whilst we say goodbye we also give a warm 29 Regt welcome to Maj Phil Lawrence and WO1 Lucy Russell.

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

150 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Hull CO: Lt Col M Casey • Adjt: Capt E Hanley • RSM: WO1 P Doherty

Lt Col Casey (centre), CO 150 Regt, at the “Welcome to Bradford” event 150 Regiment bids a fond farewell to former CO, Lt Col Allan Hinton, who departs for a new role within DIO. In turn, Lt Col Michael Casey is welcomed back to 150 Regt as its new CO. Having begun his career as a Pte within 150 Regt, he now has the honour of commanding it.

The achievements of the squad were significant, in-particular the Nordic Team, who attained a fantastic overall result of 8th across all regular and reserve units. Sgt Ian Hendry’s individual achievements were particularly noteworthy, winning four gold medals including the best overall reserve in the competition, despite competing against two ex GB skiers in his category.

In addition, SSgt Raymond Gaughan’s accolade as the reserve novice runner-up deserves particular praise. Unable to stand on skis on his first day of training, his fantastic and rapid development bodes well for future competition.

New enterprises for 150 Regt 2018 marks the beginning of new horizons for 150 Regt, firstly with the opening of a new detachment in Bradford. In collaboration with 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, the Army Recruiting Centre will be based out of Belle Vue Barracks and creates a wider opportunity to recruit in West Yorkshire.

The enterprise was marked with a “Welcome to Bradford” event, attended by the Lord Mayor of Bradford and other business leads within the city. The aim was to enhance the Regt’s relationships with the local community and key leaders, as well as to attract new recruits. The event was attended by the CO, alongside members of 217 Sqn. A new chapter is also being written for the 150 Regt Band, following the opening of a new detachment in Doncaster. The move aims at improving recruiting and retention within the Band and, led by Capt Paul Jackson and WO2 Mark Sabin, it has already seen an uplift in numbers.

Making use of the excellent facilities of the Northern Jazz Centre in Doncaster, the Band has been able to increase its exposure within the local area and the wider South Yorkshire region. With the likely restructuring of military bands within the next year, the future for the 150 Regt Band looks very bright.

LCpl Brian Elvidge at Ex RLC SKI 18

Ex RLC SKI 18

Anniversary dinner 2017 marked 100 years since women were first allowed to perform roles within the British Army. To mark the occasion, 200 female officers and soldiers were invited to a celebratory dinner at the RMAS, with Pte Jennifer Whytock and Pte Lisa Kitchen honoured to be the 150 Regt representatives.

Following a champagne reception and chorus of music by the Military Wives Choir, guests were addressed by Lt Gen James Bashall CBE: The only male present. The main hall was draped with a century of history, depicting the 100-year journey that women had embarked upon in the Army to the present day.

Throughout the dinner, distinguished personnel delivered empowering vignettes relating to a woman’s life in the Army, from the past, present and future. An inspiring occasion for our two young soldiers who returned stimulated and enthused about their own future in the Army reserve.

150 Regt’s attendance at this year’s RLC Skiing Championships (Ex SKI RLC 18), proved to be a huge success. The Nordic Team assembled in Bad Reichenhall in early Feb 2018 to conduct two weeks of intensive skills and endurance training, giving the squad the opportunity to best prepare themselves for competition.

Many of the squad had not competed previously with a number having never put on skies before, so prior training was key. The Alpine Team would join the squad in Ruhpolding a few days prior to competition.

RLC 25 To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of The RLC, 150 Regt is involved in a number of internal and Corps wide events. In addition to The RLC parade and dinner held at Deepcut, the Regt will also have representation on Ex TIGER TREK 25, alongside 3 Regt.

Within the Regt, the upcoming Ex LION STAR 4 in Cyprus will incorporate internal celebrations the anniversary also providing a significant thread during the Freedom of Hull parade later in the year.

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THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

151 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Croydon CO: Lt Col D T Miller • Adjt: Capt J Wooldridge • RSM: WO1 V Chappell

and skills that have been gained will be greatly beneficial to everyone as they return to their Sqn’s and the more steady-state side of regimental life.

Awards

LCpl Ben Spurway Helming 2018 started well for 151 Regiment, with several sporting successes and awards in among the busy training and shooting training schedules.

The sporting calendar started with a win for the female cross-country team in The RLC championships held at Dalton Barracks, with the men’s team coming in as runners up in their category.

These successes were compounded by WO1 Mark Field being awarded his cross-country colours.

It is not just running however, where the Regt has excelled. On 7 Feb, 151 Regt, led by Lt Danielle Ashton, joined forces with 20 Sqn in a demonstration of effective reserve/regular partnering to compete in the London District inter-unit basketball competition.

The scratch team, formed on the day, quickly bonded and ensured they remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, finishing up as overall winners.

In addition, the Regimental Orienteering team, set up in 2017 by LCpl Christopher Marr, has gone from strength to strength with LCpl Marr coming first in several events and the Regt coming 29th out of 61 major unit teams.

In shooting, the Regt’s team, led by Major Neil Whitewick, has held onto the crown of being 101 Log Brigade’s champion unit, additionally LCpl James Templeman was ‘chaired’ off the range after being awarded the Brigade’s champion shot.

The team is therefore much looking forward to representing the Brigade at the Army Operational Shooting Competition in Jun this year. It sent four members to the Armed Forces Skill at Arms Meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the end of Apr, where they represented a quarter of the British Army Reserve Operational Shooting Team.

During The RLC skiing championships in Ruhpolding, the Regt held its own. Under the excellent administration of 2Lt Jonny Bullock and WO1 Si Burke, the male and female teams collected ten individual medals with the female team being selected as the reserve runners up throughout the whole championship.

These successes have been largely due to the effort put into training and the strong team cohesion in each sport. The increased endurance, knowledge 54

The Regt’s first exercise of the year, Ex TRIDENT LEADER 2, was held during a cold Jan weekend in Thetford. While it was good to shake off the Christmas excesses, the AFT at the end might have been a bit of a shock to some.

The biggest surprise of the weekend however went to WO2 Chris Howard who was awarded a GOC’s Certificate of Commendation, presented by Commander 101 Logistic Brigade, Brig EwartBrookes. Not only was he awarded this, but he was also selected as Volunteer Reservist of the Year at an award ceremony for the Greater London Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.

At the same ceremony, Cpl Lisa Ingram and Cpl Gary Meade were awarded a Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service for their outstanding service in their careers to date. All three soldiers were presented with their awards by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Ken Olisa OBE.

RLC 25 In careers longer than that of The RLC, 17 members of the Regt count themselves amongst a dwindling number of soldiers and officers who have served more than 25 years since the Corps’ formation.

The members of the Regt in this club range in rank from LCpl to Maj with the longest serving member, SSgt Ian Smith, having joined the Army in Jul 1979.

Although the memories are slowly fading, the overall impressions of the last 25 years are of the vast improvement in mess accommodation and technology, even if The RLC is a much smaller place than it used to be.

That said, the opportunities within The RLC are vast, with more adventure training and sport than in much of the rest of the Army and many possibilities for further professional development throughout a career.

151 Regt is proud to be a part of this and the Regt is much looking forward to being The RLC 25 unitlead for the Lord Mayor’s show in Nov this year.

Ex Arctic Express White Watch

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

152 (North Irish) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Belfast CO: Lt Col A Chambers • Adjt: Capt N R Allinson • RSM: WO1 J P Donaghue his LE commission he then took up post in ATU NI and is now back in the Sqn to support the OC. He has already produced a varied and realistic training programme and being a keen runner, he has introduced the 211 Sqn running club.

WO2 Hamilton has now taken up the SSM post like his father did in Sept 1990, a proud moment for father and son. WO2 Hamilton is aware of the challenges that lie ahead in his new post and is a man that is oozing to get stuck into the task at hand. 211 Tkr Sqn remains ready for any task and is ready to support the Regt into 2020 and beyond.

400 (Belfast) Petroleum Sqn

The recently procured Bulk Fuel Installation (BFI) aid model Jan 18 saw 152 (North Irish) Regiment deploy to Aldergrove Flying Station on Ex GREEN SHADOW 3.

The weekend exercise was designed to practice the unit’s specific to role trade skills. The training package was also utilised as an ideal opportunity to showcase 152 Regt’s unique capabilities to Commander 104 Log Sp Brigade, Brig Thorpe OBE.

211 Tanker Sqn 211 Tkr Sqn has recently gone through significant changes in the command team within the last year.

The new OC in post, Maj Allen, has had to restructure his team around him. As an independent Sqn which is split into two locations and 40 miles apart, this has not been an easy task. As everyone meets the demand of budget constraints the morale has always been high, targets have been met and all tasks from RHQ The RLC have been completed in a timely manner.

Welcome back to Capt Gibson as the new Permanent Staff Administration Officer (PSAO). He enlisted into 211 Ambulance Sqn RCT, as it was back then in 1985. He has worked his way up through the ranks gaining a vast knowledge of experience in many posts. He left the Sqn to assist in the forming of 400 Sqn in Palace Barracks then took up post in RHQ The RLC supporting commitments for Op FORTIFY. The Sqn also welcomes back its new 2IC, Capt Magee, who originally enlisted into the Sqn in 1996.

During his tenure within the Sqn he has held various key appointments. On promotion, he moved to Queens University Officer Training Corps (QUOTC) Belfast, as a training instructor and on completion of

400 (Belfast) Petroleum Sqn seized the opportunity on Ex GREEN SHADOW 3 to increase its knowledge and trade skills by working with Regular Petroleum Operators from C Troop, 8 Sqn, 27 Regt, who deployed to NI for two weeks overlapping the exercise.

The build by 27 Regt of a bespoke Enhanced Storage Module (ESM) at 152 Regt’s purpose-built fuel training site at Aldergrove, allowed the regular unit to practice a non-standard build. It also provided both Regt’s the chance to practice their own skills prior to completing an in-depth hand over takeover of a ESM Bulk Fuel Installation (BFI).

The integration and synergistic training approach between reserve and regular counterparts allowed soldiers from 400 Sqn to interact with other experienced operators, as well as adding new skillsets to its expanding knowledge base and further cement the inter-unit partnership. This was also a great time for the Sqn to use its bespoke Bulk Fuel Installation (BFI) training aid model, which 400 Sqn recently commissioned from a local model maker.

Army Enduro Championships On 28 Mar 18 at Tidworth, Cpl Hanna of 400 (Belfast) Petroleum Sqn and LCpl Robb of 220 Sqn competed in Round 2 of the 18 Army Enduro Team Inter-Corps Championships. Cpl Hanna, as a veteran competitor, came second in his class and LCpl Rob secured first place in the expert class.

Lord Lieutenants’ Award Ceremony Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants approved the award of Certificates of Merit for 18 to 22 members of the Reserve Forces and Cadets in Northern Ireland, with three of the recipients from 152 (North Irish) Regt: Capt Magee, 211 Tkr Sqn, Cpl Buchanan, 211 Tkr Sqn and LCpl Cameron of 400 (Belfast) Petroleum Sqn. All three were awarded their Certificates of Merit for continued support and commitment to the Army Reserve, with all attending the prestigious Lord Lieutenants’ Award Ceremony in the Great Hall, Parliament Buildings, Stormont Estate, Belfast.

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THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

154 (Scottish) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Dunfermline CO: Lt Col A Wilkinson • Adjt: Capt T J Oliver • RSM: WO1 S Bowie Overall Alpine Champion (SSgt Michael Roberts), Army Giant Slalom Champion (Pte Robert Poth), Overall Reserve Champion (Pte Daryll Maxwell) and Veteran Reserve Champion (Maj Dave Finnigan).

Under the tutelage of WO2 Edward Duff MBE, the Regimental Cross-Country team continues to prosper with the Male team winning the Minor Reserve Unit title at The RLC Athletics Championships at Abingdon. The Regt is also in a strong position to defend its Tri-Service Scotland Minor Unit titles for both the male and female team.

Paralympic Games Following his success at Ex SKI RLC, SSgt Roberts attended the 2018 Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea where he coached two Paralympic athletes on the Paralympic Inspirational Programme ahead of the 2022 Paralympic Games in Beijing. This is a tremendous achievement which speaks highly of his both his capability and instructional ability.

WO1 Bowie, Pte Easdale and Maj Watt following the Class 2 Pipers course

Pipes & Drums With regards to the 25th anniversary of the Corps, 154 (Scottish) Regiment is fortunate enough to have several individuals who have been serving since its inception including Capt Dennis McBride, WO2 Fiona White and Sgt Darren Roe. These individuals have seen the Corps tackle a wide range of challenges and operations, both home and abroad, including Op GRANBY, the fire fighters and fuel driver’s strikes, Foot and Mouth disease and more recently Op TELIC and HERRICK. As part of RLC 25, Capt Toby Oliver (Adjt) is taking part series of events throughout the year including the Cateran Yomp and Nijmegen Marches in order to raise money and awareness for Spinal Injuries Scotland. Several other individuals are taking part in events such as the 24 Hour Forth Bridge Run in support of Help for Heroes.

The opportunities for individuals to join the Regt are looking brighter than ever, especially given the achievements across a number of sports and the chance to deploy on exercises and operations overseas.

Over the next 25 years, The Regt hopes to continue to cultivate its integration with its paired Regular units, whilst developing the pathway for military to civilian qualifications, as well as completing the rebuild of Dunfermline Station.

The Regt has had two soldiers’ successfully complete courses at the Army School of Bagpipe Music. Having been originally selected to attend the Class 3 Piping course, Pte Conor Easdale was fast tracked to the Class 2 course which he passed after a demanding 22 weeks.

LCpl Ross McNaughton attended the Pipe Majors course, where after seven months of toil, he was awarded Top Student by Maj-Gen Robert Bruce CBE DSO along with an A in Piping and Distinction for Theory. Both individuals will now look to utilise their newly acquired qualifications as part of the 154 (Scottish) Regt Pipes and Drums.

Sport It has been another fantastic season for the skiers of 154 (Scottish) Regt at Army, Brigade and Corps level where the Alpine and Nordic teams won numerous accolades including Army Reserve Champions, 56

LCpl McNaughton with Maj-Gen Bruce CBE DSO following the Pipe Majors course

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

156 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Liverpool CO: Lt Col T Gould QGM RLC • Adjt: Capt C Monk • RSM: WO1 B Gallagher

Brigadier David Harrington with the award recipients at GMVC100 156 Regiment bids a fond farewell to two long serving members of its HQ. Both Maj Steve Cotter and Capt Jon Price leave the Regt on retirement after 21 and 38 years’ service respectively.

The RLC 25 celebrations also saw the Regt mark the centenary of Richard George Masters being awarded his Victoria Cross in World War I with a dedication ceremony and parade in Southport followed by a Medal Presentation, Regtimental open day and all ranks function back at George Masters VC Army Reserve Centre in Bootle.

Ex LION STAR ONE The Regt deployed on its inaugural overseas training exercise, Ex LION STAR ONE as it moved back to basics on the unforgiving ground of Radio Sonde Training Camp in temperatures rising above 30 degrees. With a clear focus on developing core soldiering skills, the Regt undertook an ambitious Individual Battle Shooting Range (IBSR) package before moving into the Dismounted Close Combat phase of the exercise that culminated in a final attack led impressively by 2Lt Nick Abbott. Col Kevin Hearty (AComd 101X) was hosted by the Regt as it continues to train in step with the freshly implemented battlecraft syllabus.

George Masters VC 100 Commemoration As part of the RLC 25 celebrations, the Regt marked the centenary of George Masters being awarded his Victoria Cross with a poignant dedication ceremony held at Southport Cenotaph. The RLC band led a 100 strong parade of soldiers, cadets and veterans down the promenade and to the Cenotaph where the CO, Lt Col Tim Gould addressed all present to speak about the depth of admiration the Regt holds for George Masters VC. The Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mr Mark Blundell then uncovered a commemorative paving stone before taking the parades salute alongside Brigadier David Harrington, AComd 3 (UK) Div. A brief reception with the

Mayor of Sefton, Councillor Dave Robinson followed at the Royal British Legion’s Byng House.

The Regt then moved back to 238 Sqn Army Reserve Centre at Pelham Drive where a Regimental Medal Presentation was held.

Brig David Harrington presented Long Service and Good Conduct Medals to WO2 John McDermott and SSgt Nick Gibba before awarding Volunteer Reserve Service Medals to Cpl Mark Pope, LCpl Craig Healy and Pte Steven Griffith's. The Honorary Col, Col Lesley Martin-Wright then presented Royal Warrants to WO2 Andrew Bushell and WO2 Gary Chapman.

Congratulations were given to all recipients and their friends and family before all were invited to watch the Mayor of Sefton and Brig David Harrington officially unveil the renaming of Pelham Drive. The Band of the Royal Logistic Corps performed a beating of the retreat, leading the Regt for the first time down the newly renamed ‘George Masters Way’ and into the Army Reserve Centre where a community engagement focused open day ensued. Full credit goes to Capt Tony Sandle and his team at 238 Sqn for organising such a memorable day in the history of 156 Regt.

Community engagement In addition to GMVC100, the Regt continues striving to maintain its prominence in the local community with Ex YODEL CHALLENGE, a reciprocal community engagement event with Yodel Ltd designed to attract quality employees into the Regt as potential Reservist Officers. Ex YODEL CHALLENGE took the form of a fun leadership and management development day held at ALTCAR training camp.

Looking forward The Regt now switches focus onto preparing for its deployment on its Annual Collective Training Camp held in Sept whilst coordinating a summer of community engagement events including the Southport Airshow, Haydock Park Race Day and Armed Forces Day 2018.

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THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

157 (Welsh) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Cardiff CO: Lt Col A M Madams • Adjt: Capt R Rudge • RSM: WO1 A Lodwig Other areas discussed were inter-cultural leadership, competence and communication; cultural diversity in a military international environment and cultural awareness in the Middle East. CIOR encourages the fostering of relationships, developing cultural understanding and deepening foreign military awareness and so preparing young Reserve officers for a MN environment. Details of the opportunities that CIOR provides for Reserve Officers can be found on their website www.cior.net

Sport Capt Cann (far right) on Ex LION SUN with members of 9 Regt After over thirty-five years’ service in the Army, both Regular and Reserve, 157 Regiment said goodbye to Maj Wynne Jones and saw Maj Pet Harrison take command as OC 223 Tpt Sqn (Swansea).

Maj Jones has his eye on working with both RFCA Wales and the ACF and didn’t leave without being presented his Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit and a final ‘last hurrah’. The Regt expects him to keep in touch!

Exercises The Regt switched its affiliation from 1 CSLR/CSS Strike Bn and 9 Regt to 10 QOGLR very recently but not before Capt Richard Cann and Pte Simon Morris deployed on Ex LION SUN 3 with 9 Regt; they got the opportunity to test their Soldier First Skills from CQB shoots and GPMG ranges before completing a challenging Field Training Exercise based on the ‘Soldier First Syllabus’.

There was but a short respite in the form of a visit to local cultural sites in Paphos, (The Tomb of the Kings) as well as the opportunity to walk up Mt Troodos - this was short lived as it was followed by three days of section level attack lanes dubbed; ‘Prickly Alley’, ‘Heartbreak Ridge’ and ‘Gift’!

157 Regt’s ‘international’ season didn’t just include Cyprus as a trip to Prague beckoned for 2Lt Jordon Owen of 580 Tpt Sqn. Along with eight other Reserve junior officers from across the three Services, 2Lt Owen attended a Young Reserve Officer Workshop (YROW) organised by InterAllied Confederation of Reserve Officers (CIOR). It proved to be a unique joint professional development opportunity and spanned both NATO and Partnership for Peace (PfP) nations with the aim of providing future leaders with enhanced leadership skills – essential for effective Multi-National (MN) operations.

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From the Nordic Teams participation in Ski RLC, Maj Claire Abel proved that once again she is a force to be reckoned with, winning too many medals to count.

This year, Pte’s Oliver Pritchard, Ashley Powell and Joshua Sherman also claimed a healthy number of first and second places in their respective categories. Particularly impressive for the Novices LCpl Ceri Moremon came third Reservist in her race.

The “medal target” was not just for Nordic Skiing.

Pte David Sowden came second in the 101 Log Bde Reserves’ Operational Shooting Competition for the Short Range Rural Contact Shoot and there is a promise of better to come next year.

The Regt’s skills set clearly show that ‘Soldier First’ at the forefront of all it does… with a bit of defence engagement thrown in for good measure.

2Lt Owen was deemed so professional that he’s been invited to lead the UK’s CIOR delegation to Quebec this Aug. The past few months show there are opportunities for all!

RLC 25 Members of 157 Regt, both Regular and Reserve, have also recently attended RLC25 celebrations to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Corps. The celebrations included The RLC Ceremonial Parade at Pirbright and a dinner at the Officers’ Mess in Deepcut. The celebrations were attended by members from across the Corps both old and new.

2Lt Owen briefing his MN Syndicate during a CIOR workshop Prague

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

158 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Peterborough CO: Lt Col A Gifford TD • Adjt: Capt C Boyden • RSM: WO1 J Goodridge

Congratulations to both Pte Thomas Jackson (200 Sqn) and Pte Rebecca Lee (201 Sqn) for winning junior Alpine individual reserve medals. Special mention should be extended to the female Nordic team lead by LCpl Rebecca Barwell who, despite all being novices, finished all five of the Nordic events including the 20km Patrol Race, displaying courage and determination well above expectation.

Ex STEELBACK 11

Ex DRAGON DRIVER 2018 has seen 158 Regiment move into its training year, with the focus, centring on individual qualifications and the BCS syllabus. In the past three months, the Regt has concentrated on empowering its junior commanders, whilst developing leadership theories with its SNCO’s and officers.

Basic skills have been enhanced through ranges and driver training, whilst teamwork has been developed through AT. In sport, the Regt has seen success in The RLC Ski Championships, as well as badminton, with Pte Thomas Clancy being selected for the Army team.

EX SKI RLC Once again, the Regimental Ski Team entered The RLC Ski Championships in Ruhpolding (Ex SKI RLC).

This year, the unit entered an Alpine team, as well as a male and female Nordic team. The team composition consisted of a few skiers who had made the trip before. However, most were new to competitive skiing or complete novices.

Snow conditions for the training and competition were outstanding; this aided the novices, who after two days of training competed in their first race.

Foundations have now been set to grow the female Nordic team; enthusiastic and committed individuals are showing great promise of winning silverware in the future.

Ex SKI RLC

Ex STEELBACK 11 was very much a “Back to Basics” Ex, with the primary focus on X-Country driving and convoy drills for the junior soldiers of the Regt.

With ground to cover, Tpt Sqns across the East of England awoke early to start their journey to Salisbury Plain (SPTA). Conditions were perfect, sideways rain and freezing winds; surely this would add an incentive to not get bogged in!

On arrival at SPTA, SSgt Daniel Copeland met the packets and put commanders and drivers through their paces with obstacle crossings and crosscountry driving; both resulted in some slightly wet feet and muddy faces!

Two 40km route drives with an overnight harbour in the middle, tested day and night navigation skills, as well as harbour area establishment and routine.

The last of the road moves took the Regt to the end of the exercise and the SPTA wash-down. It was a successful, compact Ex that covered two core skills of The RLC Driver Trade. The exercise was led from start to finish by JNCO’s, emphasising the importance of Mission Command and the empowerment of Jnr Comds, from which the Regt will reap the rewards in the future.

Ex DRAGON DRIVER Mar saw the Regt venture out into the hills of the Peak District for some well-deserved AT. The weekend included four activities, the first being a 27Km mountain bike ride, taking in the highs and the lows of the peaks, as well as a visit to the worldfamous Derwent Water.

The route was gentle, yet extreme in other parts and a real challenge for even the most experienced, including the exercise leader, WO2 Mick Watkins.

The second was a 25m high indoor climbing wall, which tested both mental and physical strength as people found new heights and a great trust in their colleagues.

The third activity took on the great outdoors and ever-changing weather conditions with hill walking over Man Tor. The fourth and final activity saw the RCMO, Capt Si Lowis, take people to new depths as he introduced them to the underground world of Caving; a deep and dark sport enjoyed by all. In summary, a fantastic weekend’s training, building on team cohesion in a challenging and testing environment.

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THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

159 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Coventry CO: Lt Col P Allen • Adjt: Capt R Jones • RSM: WO1 R Clarke

The women of 159 Regt

For International Women’s Day, the Regt showcased some of the most superb, dynamic and talented individuals it has to offer online and at various events. It is an honour to have such a diverse mixture of soldiers.

its recruitment efforts. This year the focus is on continuing the success of the bespoke Access to Logistics (A2L) consolidated course over the summer and increasing the reserve potential officer pool.

Last year Pte Arran Harvey completed the A2L course having previously left the regular Army some years previously. He undertook the 14 week course and following which his feet didn’t (and still have not) touched the ground. After completing a multitude of different courses and aiding in recruitment events he got the opportunity to deploy to Canada to hone his logistics skills. Upon his return, he will continue to recruit new soldiers into the Regt giving them a firsthand account of what it has to offer.

Recruitment

Sport

In order to share best practice, the Regt met at Amport House with internal and external speakers for two days of inspirational briefs. The two days proved hugely successful and will enable the Regt in

In the sporting arena, 159 retained the title as Midlands Volleyball Champion for another year. Capt Steve Cunningham and Pte Stacey Clamp organised a team to enter the Ram Run. The team competed in a mix of trail running, natural obstacle and man-made obstacles over 10km. Well done guys!

159 Regiment has welcomed summer with open arms having filled the trophy cabinet with a host of medals from RLC Ski. The focus has now shifted towards bolstering the ranks and so the teams have been out and about recruiting in earnest. New partnerships were created with Triumph motorcycles and GlobeBusters with 123 Sqn also attending the Telford Apprentice show.

International Women’s Day

237 Sqn Recruiting

RLC 25 With The RLC is in its 25th year, the Regt has celebrated some amazing stories from its soldiers and officers who have served for over 25 years in the Corps. In honour of this, the RCMO, WO1 Robert Bierton, set himself a challenge to cycle 25,000 miles to commemorate this momentous day. On average, he has cycled over 50 miles a day to complete this historic challenge. An incredible achievement!

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

162 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Nottingham CO: Lt Col D E Jenkins • Adjt: Capt M Taylor • RSM: WO1 J Thompson

A special note must be made of LCpl Stephen Dell and Pte Alan Wood, who as the respective novices for both the Nordic and Alpine Ski teams, put in sterling efforts; especially considering they had never set foot on snow before arriving in Bavaria.

RLC’s 25th Anniversary

Battle PT at the Regt Weekend 162 Regiment continues to support its regular counterparts around the world, providing both reserve Movement Operator and Postal and Courier capabilities across a large spectrum of different jobs in a myriad of diverse locations.

In particular, this quarter has seen the Regt personnel mobilise in support of OP KIPION and SHADER, whilst also deploying in support of exercises to BATUS, BATUK, the Falkland Islands and several other locations around the world. Although a key output for the Regt, deploying outside of the UK is not achievable for the majority of Reservist within the Regt.

For those who have not deployed plenty of STA and SFS training opportunities have been made available to them; whether that has been providing direct support to 29 Regt within the JAMC or attending a variety of training weekends. One highlight was the Regimental weekend held at Beckingham Training camp in Mar, which saw personnel from across the Regt gather together to practice, test and confirm both the vital trade and introduction to the BCS; the culmination of which was a thoroughly enjoyable battlefield PT lesson run by Sgt Daniel Yexley.

Everyone is looking forward to next year’s Annual Continuous Training (ACT) exercise being held at Oakhampton in Jun. Organised by the Regimental second in command, Maj Eirwyn Hughes, it will encompass a Bde PNCO course and the first iteration of the Regt’s BCS training plan; both of which will see instructors and students pushed outside of their comfort zones to develop and improve ready for whatever challenges present themselves over the upcoming year.

With the Corps’ 25th anniversary falling mid-week and the majority of 162 Regt being Reservists and unavailable, this left the permanent staff at RHQ to come together and celebrate the Corps Silver Birthday.

Having ordered a suitably decorated anniversary cake, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Wing Commander (Rtd) Phil Giles, was invited to visit 162 Regt to help those in station commemorate RLC25. In addition to the cake cutting, the occasion was taken to present Miss Val Savage with her Imperial Service Medal which she received after retiring from 47 year’s work with the Civil Service.

RLC 25th Anniversary Celebration

Other news In other news, Feb saw the Regimental Alpine and Nordic Ski teams depart Nottingham for Bavaria to compete at Ex Ski RLC 18. With only a few days refresher and shake out training in the local areas, both teams put in superb performances throughout the competition. All of which resulted in the Alpine Ski team placing in fourth position overall and being awarded the Runner-up Reserve Team Medals.

ISM presentation to Miss Val Savage

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THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

165 Port & Maritime Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Plymouth CO: Lt Col C Hampton-Stone • Adjt: Capt D Withers • RSM: WO1 C Henbest

The ‘Beast from the East’ was not enough to stop 142 (QOOH) Sqn from running an excellent PNCO Cadre. Aimed at developing future leaders, the course persevered through the challenging conditions to ensure 13 RLC soldiers were ready for promotion

A student on the PNCO Cadre takes aim during training

to demonstrate everything they’d learned and command their team in a tactical scenario.

2018 has seen significant change for 165 Regiment, with the arrival of Lt Col Craig Hampton-Stone taking over from Lt Col Pete Skinsley as the new CO. He has settled in quickly and has been busy travelling the 241 miles from Bodmin to Aylesbury to visit his sub-units and meet his soldiers.

Elsewhere in the Regt, the pace continues and opportunities for reserve soldiers to participate in activities are plentiful. Sport has got off to a strong start particularly in the areas of cross-country running, fishing and golf.

PNCO Cadre The ‘Beast from the East’ was not enough to stop 142 (QOOH) Sqn from running an excellent PNCO Cadre.

Aimed at developing future leaders, the course persevered through the challenging conditions to ensure 13 RLC soldiers were ready for promotion.

The students learnt new topics such as the role and responsibilities of a JNCO, an introduction to the orders process and how to command a section. There were also revision topics such as the values and standards of the British Army.

All the students that came were enthusiastic and willing to learn; developing themselves into the future competent JNCOs. Everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed the exercise phase, with members of the directing staff taking great pleasure acting as enemy and the students getting Lt Col Skinsley hands over command to Lt Col Hampton-Stone

RLC 25 The Regt threw itself into the RLC25 celebrations with a team from 142 Sqn contributing to the marching contingent. Regular and reserve soldiers took part in the parade and dinner night at Deepcut.

Cross-country The Regt had great success during the Winter crosscountry season, the Regt's Male Master's team were runners-up in the Regional Command (UK South) Championships 22 Nov 17 at Gibraltar Barracks, with Maj John Porter taking the Individual Master's title, LCpl Sarah Parkin securing a very creditable third Individual Female Master’s place and Pte David Charles as the U23 runner-up.

At The RLC Corps Cross Country Champs on 10 Jan 18 at Dalton Bks, Maj Porter was 2nd overall and the Male Master’s Champion. Maj Porter then also went on secure the Runners-up Male Masters’ positions at both the Army Championships on 17 Jan 18 and Inter-Corps Championships on 31 Jan 18. He was also the second Army Master's runner home at the Inter-Services Cross Country Championships at Gibraltar Barracks.

Overall it was a good first season of competition for the Regt's reservist team, which also included 2 Lt Ben Wall, SSgt Rob Wilson, Sgt Tony Gulliver, LCpl Andrew Mounce and Pte Craig Earl.

Worshipful Company of Launderers 710 (OH) Sqn continued its long association with the Worshipful Company of Launderers by hosting the livery company for a visit in Jan where the members witnessed the operation of the field OH equipment.

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 RLC please contact the RCMO on 01752 835819.

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

167 Catering Support Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Grantham CO: Lt Col J A Cattermull • Adjt: Capt J Caine • RSM: WO1 A Ward

Officers, WO’s and Senior NCOs at the Regimental Dinner night held at the Prince William of Gloucester Barracks Officers’ Mess The New Year saw a third short term training team (STTT) sent to Oman led by SSgt Wayne Hardy and another 22 chefs on tasks in support of the Regular Army. 167 Regiment’s focus then turned to preparation for the Corps 25th Anniversary dinner, which took place on 18 Apr.

Regimental Dinner Night and RLC25 meal In Jan, the Regiment held a dinner night at the Prince William of Gloucester Barracks Officers’ Mess.

Organised by Major Sarah Conway, it not only provided an opportunity to test the menu for the Corps 25th dinner, but also gave the SNCOs and Officers a chance to dine out SSgt Dave Cheval, after 40 years in the Regt. Also dined out was Maj Lorrayn Evanson-Goddard who leaves to take up her next role with 2 Operational Support Group.

The Regt was incredibly proud to have Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach attend his first dinner night as its Honorary Col. Other guests were Mark Grove, Master of the Worshipful Company of Cooks, Brig Neil Thorpe, Commander 104 Logistic Support Brigade and WO1 Shaun Owen, Corps RSM. In addition to the fantastic food and wine, GOC Force Troops Command certificates were presented to WO2 Simon Jeffery, SSgt Bob Oberhoffer and Sgt Dave Hayball. Commander 104 Brigade also presented his own certificate to Sgt Brian Hunt.

Accompanied by The Band of the Yorkshire Regt, the evening was a complete success as was the menu that was designed and prepared by WO1 Sam Barton, WO1 Chris Marsden, WO1 Daz MartinChambers and SSgt Bob Oberhoffer.

All those who attended the RLC 25th Anniversary meal in Deepcut enjoyed an excellent meal. 167 Catering Support Regt is proud to have been involved in celebrating this momentous milestone for the Corps.

Ex SKI RLC 18 In Feb, three teams representing Alpine and Nordic disciplines led by Capt Doug Thomson headed for two weeks on Ex SKI RLC 18 in Ruhpolding, Bavaria.

The teams enjoyed fantastic albeit very cold snow conditions. For the fourth year, the ladies Nordic team, under the captaincy of Maj Lucy Eldred, was successful in winning the Ladies RLC Champion Reserves Team and the Ladies Nordic Reserve Team Champions.

Other noticeable achievements were Maj Lucy Eldred as Individual Ladies Nordic Reserve Veteran Runner Up and Alpine/Nordic Combination race winner and Pte Emma Charlott, Ladies Nordic Reserve Novice Runner Up. Congratulations also go to Pte Ryan Adams who was the Reserve Alpine Novice Champion nd Reserve Junior Runner Up. This was an outstanding and enjoyable exercise once again showing the fantastic opportunities available to Regimental personnel.

HMS Ocean and HMS Argyll The Royal Navy is offering attachments to their ships to regular and reserve Army chefs as they need more chefs with the two Aircraft Carriers coming into service. The CO, WO1 (SSM) Sam Barton, LCpl Craig Hindle and Pte Adams spent a day on board HMS Ocean and HMS Argyll in Plymouth with some Regular Army chefs, in order to get a feel for the job and life on board ship.

As well as duties in the galley, the chefs have secondary jobs including firefighting, damage control and first aid. This is an exciting opportunity for a 12-month detachment in lieu of mobilisation and the Regt’s two chefs were enthused by what they saw.

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THE SUSTAINER | OTHER UNITS

20 Transport Squadron The Royal Logistic Corps London OC: Maj K Tilby • SSM: WO2 A Salihu

After the final assault 20 Transport Squadron is a small independent unit comprising of both military and civilian staff. The main role of the Sqn is to provide transport support to all Formations within London District.

These tasks can range from supporting members of the Royal Household, to transporting Troops in and around London for State, Ceremonial and Public duties. Furthermore, the Sqn is also responsible for transporting high ranking Tri-Service Military Officers and Government officials, in addition to routine MT tasks for Troops to attend appointments and deploy on exercise or AT. 2018 began with ever-changing weather patterns and the “Beast from the East!” However, this proved to be no match for the 20 Sqn team who ably navigated through the snowy streets of central London.

The Sqn continuously works hard to ensure that the soldiers’ personal and professional development is well supported, with the opportunity to get individuals away on a range of courses including educational, trade and adventurous training.

Furthermore, it also maintains a good level of “green skills” and in Mar deployed to Thetford training area to conduct a CT1 exercise.

This package began with some revision periods covering low-level skills and drills, which then offered the Troops a more testing environment for the remaining two days of the exercise, culminating with some really good section attacks during the final dawn attack.

Of note, Sgt Kendell Williams must be congratulated for organising several highly successful range days, with a high number of Troops successfully completing the Pistol and Rifle ACMT. Sport and physical training remains a massive part of Sqn life, with some good, well-structured and often 64

unpleasant PT sessions delivered by the Sqn PTIs Sgt Gavin Halliday and LCpl Jack McGuire.

On the sporting front, the Sqn makes a real effort to ensure that Wednesday sports afternoons go ahead with indoor hockey being the usual sport of choice. However, the PPE worn by individuals playing has gradually increased overtime, especially when Pte Emma Fullick (who has a swing that Rory Mcllroy would envy) is playing.

As well as Sqn sports, the Sqn gets individuals away for competitive sport and was able to get a team lead by Sgt Dale McMahon to The RLC Ski Champs. Also, the QM can often be seen leading a team to compete in cross-country, orienteering and more recently mountain biking attaining some extremely respectable results for such a small unit.

Leading from the front, LCpl “The Lung” McGuire completed ten PFAs back to back in support of the Army Benevolent Fund, which he used as part of his training towards undertaking the London Marathon.

A truly magnificent effort!

At the time of writing this submission, the Sqn is already in the midst of an extremely busy period with numerous state, ceremonial and public duty commitments within Central London. This includes the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the Queen’s Birthday Parade (and multiple rehearsals), as well as preparations for the Royal Wedding.

The Sqn says farewell to Capt James Kilburn (Ops Officer) and wish him luck with his transition into the world of banking and to the OC Maj Karen Tilby as she prepares to deploy on Op SHADER. Good luck and good fortune for the future.

Finally, the Sqn welcomes Capt Matt Field as its new Ops Officer and looks forward to the arrival of the incoming OC, Maj Rich Habbershaw.

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

Logistics Wing, Cyprus Operations Support Unit (COSU) Cyprus OC: Wg Cmd C Brown • OC JLS: Maj C Ralling • Adjt: Capt J Hill

LCpl Gurung operating CUTLASS Remote Controlled Vehicle from the back of an EOD Wedgwood RAF Akrotiri’s Logistics Wing incorporates approximately 370 RLC, RAF and Civilian Suppliers, Movers, Drivers, Vehicle Specialists, Postal & Courier Operators & Ammunition Technicians providing logistics support to British Forces Cyprus (BFC), Operations and other UK Defence interests in the region.

The focus of this article is Joint Logistic Squadron’s Ammunition Troop, currently 12 x RLC Ammunition Technicians and Logistic Specialists (Supply) and with three main areas of responsibility; the Ammunition Depot, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Ammunition Inspectorate.

The Ammunition Depot at RAF Akrotiri has a variety of Explosive Store Houses (ESHs), from earth covered igloo buildings to open traversed bays. The site currently holds ammunition for over 8 different lodger units including a large capability in support of 903 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), as well as ammunition awaiting forward deployment for the Land component of Op SHADER. The Tri-Service nature of the depot offers exposure to a variety of Air munitions in particular that would not normally be seen by RLC personnel. The large array of munitions also presents a unique prospect with regards to demolitions; there are regular demolitions of air munitions for example.

The Troop also provides ammunition technical support for all BFC units and whilst there is a high level of activity within Cyprus, personnel from the Troop still find opportunities to deploy overseas. Two members of the Troop recently deployed to Spain in order to inspect ammunition that had returned from a joint exercise and Ammunition Technicians have also deployed forward to condition munitions on RFA vessels deployed on Op KIPION.

Major works The Ammunition Depot is currently undergoing major works in several ESHs to facilitate the air-cooling of temperature-sensitive munitions. This project has

seen the Ammunition Technicians in the Troop getting back to their technical roots, researching and publishing several complex Explosive Safety Cases to allow the works to go ahead.

This also produced a large logistical problem for the Supply Specialists as they were required to reconfigure all ammunition within a Depot operating near capacity to generate a safe working environment for contractors.

The Ammunition Depot serves as a vital link in the supply chain from the United Kingdom to forward locations and while the ammunition is transiting through Cyprus, it is the Troop’s duty to ensure this is not only safe and secure but efficiently managed.

As the ammunition technical authority for the island, Ammunition Troop is responsible for liaising and ensuring explosive safety is maintained by all the units in Cyprus through annual inspections. In this role, Ammunition Troop has also been used to assist and advise the UN in Nicosia (Op TOSCA) with how to efficiently maintain their ammunition store.

EOD Regarding EOD, Ammunition Troop provides Improvised Explosive Ordnance Device Disposal (IEDD) cover for the East and West Sovereign Base Areas. This is a high readiness duty which sees the Troop being deployed on tasks ranging from conventional munitions disposal (CMD) and recoveries to improvised explosive devices being used by criminal groups.

In addition, the Troop is heavily employed in public engagement and recruitment through open day displays and cadet demonstrations. The Troop is currently developing links with both the Sovereign Base Area Police and the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) EOD Operators and has given capability demonstrations to further improve BFC/RoC relations.

Adventurous training In addition to the varied and interesting workload and inspections the Troop undertakes, it still finds time to make best use of the location and opportunities that Cyprus has to offer when it comes to AT. There are great opportunities for parachuting, subaqua diving and rock climbing, to name a few and much of the Troop manages to get away for Force Development activities at least once a year. As well as the world-class adventurous training, there are also many historical sights and cultural tours to attend.

RLC 25 celebrations Despite being away from the UK, The RLC contingent in Cyprus is making sure that they recognise the 25th Anniversary of the formation of the Corps.

Maj Thomas Agius and his team have organised an all ranks dinner night which will be interspersed with historic stories from the Corps.

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THE SUSTAINER | OTHER UNITS

Ammunition Sub Depot, Log Support Squadron (BFSAI) Falkland Islands CO: Maj T Evans • RSM: WO1 D M Whiting

Celebrating with The RLC flag One of the highlights of this quarter saw Logistic Supply Specialists and Ammunition Technicians (ATs) from across British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) come together to take part in a rewarding and successful demolition day.

Throughout the course of the day, Ammunition Sub Depot (ASD) personnel demonstrated the procedures involved in explosive demolitions to visitors from a wider BFSAI audience made up of personnel from all three services.

The aim of the demolition day was to provide AT JNCOs with valuable trade experience and for them to demonstrate their knowledge to their peers. It also exposed them to the challenges of the organisation and movement of several tonnes of munitions and explosives to the range complex situated 17 miles from the depot.

The suppliers, Cpl Minbahadur Ghale, Cpl Akanisi Vosainaqila and LCpl Suren Purja were tasked to safely transport the munitions and explosives from the ASD to Onion Range Quarry. Then to oversee the movement of MHE and vehicles throughout the day gaining valuable trade experience, as well as being exposed to ammunition technical side of the tasking.

The ATs, LCpl’s Josh Plevey, Alex O’Shea and Stephen Perry were monitored on their ability to produce and follow a Demolition Order and their command and control of the demolition party. The highlight of the day was the demolition of 500kg of unserviceable bulk explosives and pyrotechnics followed by the more technical task of disposing of two GM Rapier Missiles.

Sport and AT During Feb, the ASD took part in a number of excursions to build team cohesion and give personnel an opportunity to experience the facilities and opportunities that BFSAI and the Falkland Islands, 66

have to offer. This involved an afternoon Go Karting on Mount Pleasant Complex followed by a trip further afield to Sea Lion Island to see the extensive wildlife that the Islands play host to. ASD personnel have also been playing in a weekly 5-a-side league and currently hold top place.

A number of ASD personnel were also tasked to assist with Ex ATLANTIC LEGACY which saw Commander Field Army and a number of Falklands veterans return to the island to conduct a battlefield study of the conflict. At the various locations in which they fought, the veterans talked through their experiences in battle. This was a once in a lifetime experience and a fascinating insight in to the Falklands conflict which all of us involved felt privileged to be part of.

A look forward Following a successful and productive quarter for the ASD, the winter period is soon to follow and business will go on as normal despite the weather. The focus remains with maintaining our contingency ops stocks and training stocks whilst providing range support to exercising troops. Personnel will continue to rotate on a six monthly basis leaving with greater trade knowledge and a better understanding of the wider trade groups in a tri-service environment.

RLC 25 The BFSAI RLC contingent held a champagne BBQ to celebrate turning 25 with almost every trade in The RLC represented. The Senior RLC person present was Lt Col Kathryn Heppinstall, the DCOS Spt, who gave an opening address highlighting the successes of The Royal Logistic Corps and its leading role over the past 25 years in shaping wider Army thought leadership. A formal dinner is planned for later this year for all ranks to mark the anniversary in style.

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

Defence Munitions (DM) Kineton Station Temple Herdewyke CO: Maj J D Randall • RSM: WO1 S Brennan

Ex TECHNICAL WARRIOR In Mar, military personnel deployed to Sennybridge, Wales on Ex TECHNICAL WARRIOR. This was the first CT2 exercise Defence Munitions (DM) Kineton Station has organised and its aim was to replicate the typical tasks expected of Ammunition Technicians (AT) and supply specialists on operations.

The ATs were split down into three sections with each section undertaking a specific role for a 48 hour period. These consisted of security, operation of a Mobile Ammunition Inspection Facility (MAIF) and demolition serials. The supply specialists were also split into two sections to undertake quartermaster duties and the running of a Field Storage Area (FSA).

For most of the JNCOs, this was the first time they’d worked in a MAIF; a key piece of ammunition inspection equipment used in an operational theatre and currently on Op CABRIT. The serials included receiving used ammunition, then using trade knowledge to process and condition it so it could either be sent back to the front line or disposed of.

In demolitions, the ATs were given some realistic scenarios were they’d come across misfired and blind mortars. They went through some dry training, setting up a variety of different techniques on how to safely and successfully destroy the mortars and clear the area. This evolved into live serials where they conducted single and multi-item demolitions; taking into account operational considerations.

(meaning that the females did the male distances).

The team was pushed to their physical limits and was rewarded with Best Overall Mixed Team. Watch out 2019 as the unit will be back to defend its trophy!

Created in Conflict Compton Verney, the first arts museum to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant, recently opened up its Created in Conflict exhibit. This unique display shows the works of art that soldiers have produced whilst on operations since the Crimean War. Kineton Station was invited, along with the press, for a personal tour of the exhibit. This allowed the press and curators to discuss with the service personnel their views on the exhibition, strengthening ties with the local community.

#RLC25 This year is a big year of anniversaries. Personnel from Kineton had the honour of participating in one of these as nine of its personnel paraded for HRH and the Corps Col at Pirbright, receiving their new stable belts. Following on from this, the unit looks forward to the Corps Open Day where no doubt, the celebrations will continue.

Patrol race

Ex SKI RLC We won! Kineton Station has won its first Corps level skiing trophy in recorded history! Twelve officers and soldiers deployed to Germany to partake in the 20th Ex SKI RLC. The team of six alpine skiers, despite having no training in the 2017/18 season, crushed the icy slopes. Of particular impress was Capt WhatelySmith who positioned in the top ten overall and third in the combination race. However, Team Nordic stole the day as the team entered the mixed competition www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @RHQ_The_RLC

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THE SUSTAINER | OTHER UNITS

Defence Petroleum Training Squadron (DPTS) Dorset CO: Maj N Swift • Sqn WO: WO2 C Lamb

Petroleum Operator SNCO Course 2018 During the last 25 years, the Defence Petroleum Training Squadron (DPTS) has gone through significant changes, from the introduction of the Combat/Unit Support Tankers and the Joint Operational Fuels System to the change from an Army Petroleum Sqn to a Defence Training Sqn. Two significant changes, which have been highlights for the DPTS this quarter, have included the introduction of the Pet Op SNCO course in Feb 1994 and the Industry Secondment pioneered by DPTS’s SSgt Atkinson.

SNCO Course The SNCO course was held over two weeks in Feb at West Moors. Largely a theory-based course, the candidates from DPTS, Commando Logistic Regt (CLR), 10 Regt and 27 Regt were rigorously tested on the essential management elements of the trade, including H&S, explosive regulations and control of substances hazardous to health.

In-depth study of technical documentation and publications was required in order to pass the challenging formative exams. Students were tasked to do the necessary planning and conduct detailed recces on civilian static fuel installations and also potential tactical field locations for large scale deployable primary bulk fuel installations, presenting their plans to the Directing Staff for their technical scrutiny.

The top student on this course was Sgt Newal Wang Dorjee Lama from CLR with an impressive 94% average mark!

Industry secondment The Petroleum Trade managed to obtain an agreement with industry for a work-based secondment of 1 x SNCO per year over a six to eight-week period with World Fuel Services (WFS).

The secondment consisted of two phases. First an attachment to one of the WFS branches, under management of Watson Fuels. The second part of the 68

attachment was part of a bespoke project to rationalise the efficiency of their national articulated tanker fleet.

Watson Fuels is a new branch of the WFS portfolio which specialises in the supply of fuels and lubricants throughout the UK from over 50 depots.

During the period of his secondment, SSgt Atkinson was granted privileged access to various Watson distribution sites across the country, where he was able to interview and gain an understanding of the business from various depot managers, routers, operations teams, H&S managers and drivers.

This experience highlighted that there are a lot of commonalities between the duties of a SNCO petroleum operator and a civilian depot manager and experience gained in-service is highly transferable.

SSgt Atkinson’s project, partnered with a Regional Manager, was to conduct an analysis of the efficiency of a fleet of over 40 vehicles nationwide whose mission is to re-supply the various fuel depots from one of the main fuel terminals on the Coast and Thames River.

This was first broken down into mapping the current fleet’s activity, followed by looking in detail at vehicle ages/locations, manning, sub contraction and supply volumes in order to gain an understanding of legacy replenishment operations and expenditure.

Following this, SSgt Atkinson was tasked to generate a strategy recommendation for the company’s national fleet in order to maximise its efficiency and cost effectiveness. Drawing on his trade and logistical background and a healthy dose of military intuition, SSgt Atkinson broke down the country into manageable regions and presented bespoke strategies for each over an intense three weeks covering the following recommendations: • Artic Fleet decommission plan/replacement plan • Driver Plan; including recruitment/ displacement/ rota and contract review • Sub contraction strategy • Planning strategy • Operational accountability SSgt Atkinson’s research and strategy recommendations were so well received by the WFS senior management that future tasks were immediately allocated to the team in order to address the areas required to maximise the future fleet’s profit and remain cost effective.

This is the first secondment of its kind in the Pet Op trade and was deemed by SSgt Atkinson to be of great benefit, not only to WFS and personally to himself, but to Defence. It is hoped that personnel fortunate enough to take this opportunity in the future will return to their workplace with fresh ideas from industry and have time to transfer these best practices back to Defence before they terminate their service. For further details on the next secondment, please speak to the CPWO.

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Munitions and Search Training (DEMS Trg) Regiment Bicester CO: Lt Col R Hallett OBE • Adjt: Capt S Fox • RSM: WO1 P Marconi RE

Members of the ATO Course train in how to identify and dispose of chemical weapons After twenty-one months of academic challenges, examinations and being stretched mentally and physically, Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal Munitions and Search Training Regiment (DEMS Trg)’s ATO Course 57 has drawn to a close.

During the first phase of the course at Shrivenham, potential ATOs are taught to be SMEs in survivability, lethality and capability development. From learning the ballistic effects of explosives and weaponry, to researching and producing concepts to counter threats on operations, culminating in a student led project to solve real-world defence issues, the ATOs are taught first principles of explosives and their effect on the environment and battlefield alike.

At Kineton, the training becomes much more tailored to dealing with munitions and procedures in use within the British Army. This includes land service ammunition, conventional munitions disposal, biological and chemical munitions disposal and storage.

Every module builds on the basic principles and understanding of weapon design to ensure ATOs can assess and recognise munitions, such as a 155mm Smoke round, a WW2 Nazi incendiary bomb or a legacy chemical munition, so that they can be stored, moved or disposed of in the safest way.

The training received on each of these modules paves the way for the Defence EOD Operator Course where the ATOs learn how to deal with IEDs. It is a steep learning curve as the limiting factor to building an IED is the designer’s imagination. The course requires insight into the design and construction of an IED as well as a fundamental understanding in the philosophy, principles and mandatory actions involved with their disposal. The knowledge is not enough on its own, to pass the course students must be able to apply all the above in a safe and practical manner – no easy feat.

At the end of the course, members post into an ATO tied job, which exist in various guises. An ATO

posted to a TLR is expected to prepare mainstream RLC units for the large-scale field storage of ammunition.

For example, 11 EOD Regt utilises the practical skills gained throughout the ATO Course, not only completing EOD tasks, but also assisting units with the safe management of ammunition. 33 (EOD) Regt RE provides an expeditionary EOD capability and 2MI Regt helps discern patterns in the development and use of IEDs and weapons by deploying of WIS Coys.

The ATO course is long and arduous and not for everyone but it demands only a basic understanding in mathematics, physics and chemistry and the willingness to learn. This iteration of the course is the first of its kind, allowing those enrolled on it to gain a Post Graduate Certificate (PG Cert) in Explosive Ordnance Engineering from Cranfield University (taught at Shrivenham).

This sets up the ATOs to professionalise further, continue their studies at Cranfield University and apply for membership to the Chartered Institute of Explosive Engineers with a view to becoming a Chartered Engineer within three years of completing the course. For now though, the members of ATO Course 57 are proud to have earned their ATO badge and look forward to their new roles across The RLC.

RLC 25 The history of DEMS Trg Regt is closely tied to the RAOC, one of the five constituent pieces that preceded The RLC. The silver anniversary marks a great milestone for a Corps that has managed to bring together the five very different entities, each with their own history into the fully functioning organisation it is today. Currently celebrating its fifth year of formation as of Dec 2017, it is an honour for DEMS Trg Regt to also have the opportunity to represent as one of the youngest Regt’s led by an RLC CO in The RLC 25 celebrations.

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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

Taking a break from Ski Foundation 1 on Stubai Glacier 821 Explosive Ordnance Disposal & Search 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, Explosive Ordnance Clearance tasks in the UK and Pre-deployment training for personnel deploying on Op HALLEX. It has also undertaken a Sqn Ski AT expedition and had numerous successes on EOD&S courses.

Ex SWIFT RESPONSE The exercise began with the initial wave of troops parachuting in to take the airfield on the Hohenfels Training Area. In addition to seizing the airfield on the initial assault, there was also a requirement to clear mines and other explosives scattered around the area.

An abandoned vehicle was also located in the middle of the runway that was cleared through a combined effort from British and American EOD Teams. Once these tasks were complete, the airfield became the centre of operations for much of the command element for the duration of the exercise.

During the exercise, the Sqn received a number of 10 liners (requests for EOD assistance) and EOD tasks. Its first task entailed dealing with a pressure plate IED made of a projectile filled with Home Made Explosive (HME) that was positioned under a bridge.

The French Foreign Legion called in the task and provided the security cordon. On arrival at the task, the search team conducted an isolation to mitigate any risk of command wires and then handed over to the EOD Operators.

The majority of the render safe procedures were conducted remotely by the DRAGON RUNNER; Remotely Controlled Vehicle (RCV). The rest of the week consisted of more tasks including daisy70

chained mines buried at a Vulnerable Point (VP) along a likely route. The Sqn also dealt with a rocket rail on the roof of a building pointed towards the airfield.

The final attack entailed a rapid assault on the enemy position. Once the position was taken the Sqn received intelligence that there were a number of enemy ammunition stockpiles that needed to be disposed of. It was also informed that there might be chemical munitions present that would also need to be dealt with. Once the position was secured, the Operator moved to the stockpile and disposed of the munitions as necessary.

Ex HURRICANE POWDER The Sqn deployed on Ex HURRICANE POWDER on the 16 Feb 18 for two weeks skiing in Austria. The plan was for those who have never skied before with the Army to gain the Ski Foundation Level 1 (SF1) qualification, while those who had already got SF1 would go on to achieve SF2.

Overall it was a very enjoyable AT package, ticking all the boxes that you would expect to get from two week’s skiing. During the Ex, the Sqn visited two ski resorts Stubai Glacier and Schlick 2000, where it was able to experience a huge variety of slopes that challenged skiiers in different ways. For example, during the Ex, skiiers experienced -28˚C weather on the glacier, -40˚C taking wind chill into consideration.

During the Ex, the Sqn also visited the local city of Innsbruck to have a look around and fully take advantage of being in Austria. Due to the high calibre instruction received and the amount of skiing which was able to be undertaken while on the exercise, everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable and productive time and all were successful in achieving their qualification.

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

Logistic Support Squadron, Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines Barnstaple OC: Maj J Vain RLC • SSM: WO2 M Smith RM the soldiers’ faces, the Troop received Section level fighting patrol orders to identify the enemy. Under the guidance and mentorship of experienced Commando trained section commanders, the Sqn’s younger soldiers quickly adjusted to the fast pace and demands of the exercise. Having completed a day of demanding battle lanes, a great deal had been achieved in refining basic skills and appreciation of the battlefield.

The second day progressed into a well worked and imaginative ‘patrol matrix’. This moved each section through a variety of scenarios to assess their understanding of the Law of Armed conflict, battlefield first aid and response to enemy fire. With the inclement weather their constant companion, each soldier was under constant pressure and faced their own personal battle to remain focused in the confusion and complexity of the scenario.

The exercise culminated after a day of reconnaissance patrols to locate the enemy, before the final attack. Cpl Martin Jackson proved a capable leader as the Pl Comd; issuing a thorough set of orders over a detailed model, before leading his men into battle and successfully defeating the enemy. The momentum of the exercise will be maintained throughout the year by monthly ‘low level’ training, to assure the readiness of the Sqn to support 3 Cdo X.

Spean Bridge Commando Speed March Team

COMMANDO SPEED MARCH The tempo of Logistic Support (LSS) Squadron has remained frenetic since returning from the Caribbean on the post hurricane HADR operation, Op RUMAN. Apart from supporting the wider Bde in its numerous commitments, the Sqn has looked internally to train and maintain its personnel and capabilities. This has included a deployment to Wales, to conduct the Collective Training (CT) 1 exercise, Ex BRECON DAGGER 18. An extremely demanding experience, that sought to reinforce the soldiers’ infantry skills and the Very High Readiness “fight tonight” ethos that 3 Commando Brigade (3 Cdo X) directs.

This progressed naturally onto the CT 2 exercise, Ex SUSTAIN DAGGER 18, which established a Field Storage Area (FSA) and a Primary Bulk Fuel Installation (PBFI). Both exercises assured the Sqn’s ability to support 3 Cdo Bde anywhere in the world.

This year SSgt David Flounders, LCpl Daniel Barnett, LCpl Phurba Lama, LCpl James Lewis, LCpl Martin Mackinlay, LCpl Ben Weston and Pte Khagen Rai, formed one of the few teams from 3 Cdo Bde to win the Commando Speed March earning them the highly esteemed Brig Joe Starling MBE MC shield.

The Speed March follows a seven-mile route covering the traditional Commando March from Spean Bridge Train Station to the home of the Commandos at Achnacarry House – the first mile to the Commando memorial being the most gruelling.

The team’s success in the competition attests to the Commando values each member holds in abundance. Of note, out of 70 competitors, LCpl Weston earned first place with a time of 51 minutes; LCpl Lewis came third with a time of 53 minutes and SSgt Flounders secured fifth place with a time of 54 minutes. Team members also secured both ninth and twenty-ninth positions among the competitors.

Ex BRECON DAGGER 18 Ex BRECON DAGGER 18 started with an eight-mile insertion yomp into the dark, cold and wet conditions of Sennybridge Training Area. The Troop’s micro navigation skills were tested in the mist and rain, as it passed through several RVs, to a hasty harbour site located in an inhospitable ‘wood block’.

With the unforgiving wind lashing the rain against

RLC 25 The Sqn has been busy on the sporting front, recapturing sporting titles lost to the Bde for several years. It is also making preparation to mark The RLC 25th birthday which will incorporate one of the Commando tests. Due to commitments, the event will take place in July and will be covered in the next edition.

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THE SUSTAINER | OTHER UNITS

Silver Stars OC: Maj R M McSpadden The Corps Parachute Display Team ‘The Silver Stars’ is getting ready for a very busy 2018 display season.

From Apr 2018, the team became an Army HQ Core asset, funded and regulated by HQ Home Command and tasked by HQ Regional Command. As the Corps celebrates its 25th Anniversary, the team will celebrate its 55th Anniversary retaining its status as the oldest parachute display team in the Army.

At time of writing this article over 35 provisional display bookings have already been received with more enquiries being made. In order for a part-time team to ‘deliver the goods’ it relies on the dedication and commitment of its team’s members, with the majority of displays taking place at weekends.

The main difficulty for team members is to maintain their sport parachute and display currency during the season and that is why the team is resourced to contain up to 25 members. About two thirds of the team are qualified display jumpers with the remainder conducting display ground staff duties, but they also deploy with the team on its annual team training exercise and receive coaching as they are potentially the next generation of demo jumpers.

The display team can only continue if new Corps members take up sport parachuting and the first step is to attend a Joint Service Adventure Training course at either Netheravon or Cyprus, so please speak to your unit’s Adventure Training officer for more information. An RLC Sport Parachute Association Facebook Page (Skydive RLC) has been created, separate to the display team one (RLC Silver Stars), where additional information can be found and questions may be asked.

The Sport Parachute Association will be running an Exped in Oct (Ex SILVER CENTURION) and this will be a fast track package consisting of Accelerated Free Fall, Formation Skydiving, and Canopy Handling for beginners. Unit AT Officers will be informed of the dates and student 72

selection criteria for this exercise, if interested please contact yours.

Running in parallel to this, there will be

a progression package for intermediate sport parachutists and future instructor development.

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SPORT & AT | THE SUSTAINER The RLC Cross Country Championships took place around a windy and muddy Dalton Barracks on Wed 10 Jan 18.

Although a little close too Christmas for some, the competition was still fierce, as 170 runners from 27 teams snaked around the driver training area.

Top prizes went to Lt Harry Eaton, 17 P&M in the male race and Maj Mags Miller, Army HQ in the female race. The RLC reserve units again proved they are a force to be reckoned with as Maj John Porter, 165 P&M came in second place male overall and first male master and LCpl Yvette Adair finished second in the female race.

Next it was to the Army Championships at Gibraltar Barracks for The RLC to prove itself against the best units from across the Army. ARRC Sp Bn came away as minor unit winners and 13 AASP finished third in the male major unit category. There were individual successes too with Maj Debbie Whiston and Maj M Miller finishing first and second respectively in the female masters, LCpl Jack Riley scooping first place in the male U23s and Maj Porter finishing second in the male masters.

The Inter-Corps Cross Country Championships also took place at Gibraltar Barracks, following the same course two weeks later. The athletes of The RLC were on good form for what is always a hard-fought event. The female event set off first completing the fourmile route. Maj Whiston raced strong and finished first overall, closely followed in

by Maj Miller.

This season saw the introduction of a female master’s team event which promised to be a highly competitive event.

The RLC was quietly confident and the hard work and dedication of its masters paid off as they finished first place with an almost perfect score of first, second and fourth.

The senior female team worked well together and with a number of athletes making their RLC debut, showed great promise for the future, a special mention to Pte Ella Goodall who finished third in the females U23s.

Maj Whiston wins the Inter-Corps female race

RLC Cross Country Championships

RLC wins the first Inter-Corps female masters championships (L-R LCpl Parkin, Maj Whiston, Maj Clarke, LCpl Adair)

The RLC retains the male masters title (L-R SSgt Gowing, WO2 Kennedy, Maj Porter, Lt Col Crossland, WO1 Field) The male race took place over a similar course covering roughly six miles. Pte Dave Westbury led The RLC team in finishing in third place overall closely followed by Lt Eaton and Sgt Scott Cassidy. Individual success also came to Maj J Porter finishing second in the male masters. Eagerly the team waited for the results, knowing that they had given their all.

The RLC was crowned male masters champions and finished a very respectable fifth in the senior male competition. This concluded a successful day for The RLC which won two of five team prizes and an astonishing six out of 18 individual prizes.

This success meant that for eight RLC athletes it was back to Gibraltar Barracks, with the honour of pulling on an Army vest to compete at the InterServices. Making up a third of the Army team, The RLC stepped up to the mark with athletes in every team; seniors, masters U23s and female. Maj Whiston (fourth overall) and Maj Miller (12th overall) ensured that the Army female

team won the Inter Services. Other standout performances include LCpl Riley who was third overall in the U23s and first Army runner.

Giving her thoughts on the season, LCpl Adair of 167 Cat Sp Bn, said: “l was incredibly proud of my achievement at The RLC Champs placing second, as a reserve soldier I wasn't expecting to perform so well as it is hard to find time during my busy work schedule for training. Competing at this level was another achievement.”

The RLC Cross Country Team has wrapped up an extremely successful season and is now turning its focus to training for the 18/19 season. This will include Ex RLC Runner (30 Sept to 5 Oct) in Keswick. This new developmental training camp aims to educate, inform and inspire novice to elite runners across all categories. Anyone who is interested in attending should contact the new team manager SSgt Simon Gowing: Simon.Gowing116@ mod.gov.uk or 94211 8534.

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THE SUSTAINER | SPORT & AT

By Lt Mitch Dales After achieving ‘the double’ historic victory at the Inter Corps Indoor Hockey championship The RLC Men’s Senior Hockey team extended its indoor season with an opportunity to participate in the Lithuanian Hockey Federation’s Zalgiris Open tournament.

The tournament offered a stern test of the squad’s indoor hockey ability by contesting against teams that participate in the Euro Hockey Leagues and play indoor hockey regularly.

Facing previous tournament champions Stroitel Brest in the first round produced a highly attritional defensive display and saw a strong performance from the goalkeeper LCpl Chris Tyrell. Despite a memorable goal from Capt Rob Cooke against quality Euro Hockey League opposition the team succumbed to an initial heavy defeat.

Further matches against Gomel HC from Belarus and Politechnik HC from Ukraine saw much more competitive matches but unfortunately the opposition’s experience won out.

Spirited performances from Maj Josh Tester and Cpl Kristis Bubnelis left the teams reputation high and the team had ample opportunity to experience Lithuanian culture during a highly rewarding short tour.

The Indoor Hockey experience gained from this tournament is invaluable for the future and with an invite back next year RLC HC will certainly look to come back stronger.

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Valorous in Vilnius!

Pre game presentation of RLC Plaque to Stroitel Brest HC

Open play picture against Stroitel Brest HC Follow RLC Hockey on Facebook for the latest updates throughout the rest of the season. RLC Hockey is

always looking for new players, ask your Unit Hockey Officer for further details.

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SPORT & AT | 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 | SPORT & AT

Capt Lambert riding Norton Harvestman at the Cotswold Team Chase

Royal Mounted Sports Team

By Capt Rose Lambert It has been another exciting and successful winter for The RLC mounted Sport Club. We finished the year prior to Christmas with Capt Rose Lambert and LCpl Holly Hall, accompanied by an AMS rider, coming second in the Cotswold Team Chase Military Cup. A huge achievement which demonstrates both skill and bravery – fancy racing horses in a group of three over hedges, walls and ditches to complete the two miles or so track in the fastest time? Well that takes some courage, adequately shown by the facial expression of LCpl Hall as she jumps down the ‘drop fence’ hoping that Naples finds his feet!

The Defence Animal Centre had their Eventers GP 24 and 25 Mar 18, a combination of Show jumping and Cross-country. Maj Becky Darke competed in the intermediate section (90-95cm) and Capt Lambert in the advanced section (110115cm). We had no riders competing in the beginner’s section.

We need new riders Regardless of whether you have ridden a horse before or not, own your own horse or not and regardless of your ability - we can provide you training, pay for military events, and support you with an enthusiastic team!

Horse riding will certainly test your mettle and is great fun, so why would you not try it?! You could join the club in the following disciplines – Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Tent Pegging and Polo and we can provide the horse. Training is usually at Saddle Clubs such as Larkhill, Tidworth or Sandhurst – this assists the military saddle clubs and the instructors understand the military riders.

Interested? Please join our Facebook page ‘RLC Mounted Sports Club’. We welcome suggestions on the page as the club is for your benefit as a Corps member.

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Why is it so important to fail?

By Maj Becky Darke Ordinarily the reports are of brilliant success, but this only tells 10% of the story in this sport. Behind the tales of glory there is also 40% work in progress and 50% failure in every personal journey.

We concentrate so very much on the 10% that we potentially forget why we do sport in the Army. It is an operational enhancing activity allowing us to practice the values that we require of our leaders and soldiers in varied and complex operational roles.

Think of the traits that were required of you in conflict; Determination, Goal Setting, Ambition, Courage, Collective Team Spirit, Selflessness, Organisation, Dedication and Hard Work.

The list is not exhaustive and is enshrined in Leadership Doctrine where we see all aspects of the Leadership Framework exhibited in sport as equally as on operations. So, you benefit not just when you ‘win’ but in the other 90% of activities. Below is my example of failure which actually achieves an outcome of success.

The Inter-Service teams and the Army

LCpl Hall riding Gulf of Naples

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SPORT & AT | THE SUSTAINER Senior Squad identified for Civilian and national level fixtures are selected in Jan ready for the year ahead. The RLC had three nominations for trails; Maj Becky Darke, Capt Rose Lambert and LCpl Holly Hall. The horses and riders are put through their paces by the selectors over a weekend of taxing and technical exercises.

The horses don’t keep themselves fit or trained and so there have been many weeks of training in the wet winter weather to make sure that the trials were a display of true potential and capability.

With pasture and fitness changing in winter, horses can change shape and tack no-longer as comfortable for the horse.

This is important because the reaction from the horses can resemble a welltrained rodeo horse… the story of demise for Maj Darke and her horse Disco!

Her horse was uncomfortable in the busy training environment and her preparation for this had not been full enough. Service life can mean that training is done late at night after others have long gone home, so riding with other horses was not practiced enough.

Maj Darke had to leave the lesson as it was becoming unsafe, adversely impacting on the others. This would not allow her to show her potential, which made the decision hard - the hours of prep would come to nothing. The welfare of the horse and the other riders had to come ahead of her own ambition and personal goals.

Maj Darke rode again later once everyone had finished in order to further narrow what the actual discomfort was.

As the saddle had been fitted that week, it was more likely that it was the

Capt Lambert riding Norton Harvestman

Maj Darke riding Disco at the DAC Eventers GP

atmosphere making the horse react adversely and so in a quiet arena with a less pressured approach the issues could be ironed out.

Now having survived a pretty good rodeo earlier, it took some courage to get back on Disco. The RLC Team rallied round her, not only to scoop her up off the deck but also to help figure out what training was required to get back on track. The behaviour was successfully corrected but it was evident that Maj Darke had lost a lot of confidence. Capt Lambert and LCpl Hall saw this immediately and encouraged and reassured Maj Darke. They gave up their time, as a team they wanted Maj Darke to achieve her goals.

On the second day, the team rallied and by the end of the session Maj Darke had achieved jumping the same course as the others at the trial and fortunately the selectors saw enough to be able to make a decision. Due to Maj Darke’s individual training with her team mates, they made the Army Development Squad as the potential was recognised.

Capt Lambert’s horse Fergus was on form and jumping very well – the hard work was finally paying off. She jumped the biggest course in the competition and was successfully selected straight into the Army Senior Squad, a squad of the top 12 riders across the Army.

LCpl Hall had cemented her relationship with her horse Remo over the winter and, being an ex-race jockey, she produced a speedy and fluent round over the bigger classes also. She jumped fabulously and also earned her spot on the Army Senior Squad.

The moral of the story - don’t fear or avoid failure; embrace it, use it for benefit and acknowledge that even in a seemingly individual sport you would achieve much less if you didn’t have the team by your side.

The Leadership Framework enables us to thrive in exactly these situations and sport gives us the circumstances and scenarios in which we inadvertently practice. Sport is as much a part of our training as trade qualifications and the growth it enables, through failure and success, should not be underestimated. I learned more about my colleagues and myself that weekend and I am more determined than before to achieve my goals.

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THE SUSTAINER | SPORT & AT

The Annual RLC Tennis Championships will be held from 18 to 21 Jun 18 at the Aldershot Tennis Centre. All regular and reserve personnel are eligible and events will include singles, doubles, mixed doubles and inter-unit doubles.

As ever, all levels of ability and experience are welcome with plenty of court time for every player in a fun and competitive environment.

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RLC Tennis Championships A Final’s Day lunch will be held on Thurs 21 Jun, concurrent to matches and will culminate in prize giving by the President of RLC Tennis. Players’ families and Chain of Commands are invited to attend and support. A calling notice has been sent to

all RLC units and includes an attendance pro forma. The POC for the event is Capt Jezz Walter Jeremy.walter309@mod.gov.uk mailto:Jeremy.walter309@mod.gov.uk, if you have any questions or wish to enter please feel free to get in touch.

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OBITUARIES | THE SUSTAINER

Brigadier BGE Courtis

Brigadier Bernard Courtis left Taunton School after his 18th birthday in Dec 1945 after a successful school career that culminated in becoming both Head Boy and Captain of the Rugby 1st XV. He was immediately conscripted into the Army, joining the Devonshire Regiment and shipped off to Bangalore for what was to be an eventful officer training course. Lance Corporal Courtis was hospitalised for six months after an accidental fall from a scramble net in which he broke both wrists and smashed his face. In 1947, he was commissioned into the RASC. Married life with Jane started in Fontainebleau where he was ADC to Sir John Hunt, the leader of the 1953 Everest Expedition. Thence to Berlin and, with newly born son Nicholas in tow, on to Bulford Camp on Salisbury Plain. From here, he was dispatched to Libya and Egypt during the Suez Crisis.

In 1960, it was off to Malaya and Hong Kong returning to Edinburgh in 1963 – quite a shock to the system after three years in the Far East. From 1965- 67 he attended the Belgian Staff College in Brussels.

Following a couple of tours in the MOD, he took command of 154 (Lowland) Regt RCT (V) in Glasgow.

In a two year spell (1972 –74), he served as Defence Attaché with the British Embassy in Zaire (ex-Belgian Congo), a posting and experience he and Jane thoroughly relished.

Promoted to Colonel, he returned as Chief Instructor to the Mechanised Transport Wing at Bordon Camp (Hampshire). Then to Rome in 1976 for a six-month

course at the NATO Defence College and an opportunity to lap up Italian and European culture that Jane and he took full advantage of.

His last two postings were in the rank of Brigadier, firstly as Deputy Director of Transport and Movements at Army HQ in Andover and secondly, to Grantham as Chief Transport and Movements Officer, United Kingdom Land Forces.

He recalled that his happiest time was probably the three years he had in Hong Kong in the early 1960s where Major Bernard Courtis was commanding officer of the RASC Water Transport Company.

In 1982, aged 55, Brig Courtis retired from the Army and became the Regimental Secretary of the RCT. Perhaps the lasting legacy of his time as Regimental Secretary was the acquisition for the Corps museum of the Victoria Cross which had been awarded to James Langley Dalton for his bravery at the battle of Rourke’s Drift during the Zulu wars.

Having retired as the Regimental Secretary at the age of 62, he decided it was about time to get the higher education he felt he was now his due and registered at the Winchester School of Art in order to pursue his aims, gaining a string of qualifications including Chinese silks and other research work.

He then became a tutor with the Workers’ Educational Association at the Winchester School of Art and Southampton University.

Brig Courtis passed away on 11 Mar 18, aged 90 years, his wife Jane died in Dec 2017. He leaves behind two sons and a daughter and four grandchildren.

LAST POST Agutter - On 19 Feb 18, Capt DB Agutter OBE RCT Balcombe - On 4 Feb 18, Maj DG Balcombe RCT Blackhurst - On 1 Dec 17, Mr (ex-WO1) P J Blackhurst BEM Bowen - In Jan 18, Maj A Bowen RCT Bowen - On 14 Mar 18, Mr J Bowen Bull - On 19 Feb 18, Capt MH Bull RCT Campbell - On 17 Mar 18, Maj E W Campbell TD Courtis - On 11 Mar 18, Brig BGE Courtis RCT Coles - 17 Feb 18, I/P KF Coles RCT Curd - On 20 Mar 18, Capt R V W Curd Dawson - On 2 May 18, Mr (ex-WO2 (SQMS)) B M Dawson Drake - 15 Jan 18, Mrs JE Drake ATS Edwards - On 3 Apri 18, Mr (ex-WO2(CSM)) R Edwards Evans - On 15 Jun 17, Brig AFR Evans MBE RCT Gourlay - On 6 Jan 18, Maj RJ Gourlay TD RCT Harper - On 17 Mar 18, Mr (ex-WO1 (Cdr)) E I Harper Harper - On 4 Apr 18, Maj JC Harper RCT Hazlewood - On 6 Mar 18, Col G A Hazlewood Heaps - On 21 Apr 18, Lt Col WJ Heaps RCT Hester - In Jul 17, Maj BA Hester TD RASC Honeysett - On 23 Mar 18, Lt Col TW Honeysett RCT

Ingram - In Jan 18, Mrs M Ingram Johnson -On 23 Dec 17, Maj FSM Johnson Mcardle - In Feb 18, Mr P Mcardle RCT Morley - On 11 July 17, Maj E Morley MBE RCT Nightingale - On 9 Mar 18, Mrs E L Nightingale Northcliffe - In 2018, Mr C Northcliffe RCT Pitt - In Feb 18, Mr W Pitt RCT Price - On 19 Jan 18, Mr R Price RASC Prior-Sanderson - On 8 Apr 18, Maj R H Prior-Sanderson Purton - On 7 Feb 18, Mrs J Purton Rowson - In Feb 18, Mr G Rowson RCT Rush - On 24 Feb 18, Maj R W Rush Scott - On 28 Feb 18, Lt Col R D E Scott Searle - On 27 Mar 18, Mr (ex-WO1 (Cdr)) E J Searle Smith - On 12 Mar 18, Mr N Smith Smith - On 3 Apr 18, Mr (ex-WO1(SSM)) C B Smith Thomson - On 13 Apr 18, Mr P C Thomson Turner - On 18 Dec 17, Brig MH Turner RCT Whalley - On 26 Apr 18, Maj Gen W L Whalley CB Underhill - In Oct 17, Mrs D Underhill Underwood - On 7 Mar 18, Mr R Underwood RASC

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RLC25 GUESS THE YEAR COMPETITION Can you identify these RLC blasts from the past?

We have unearthed an image that captures an event from each year of the Corp’s 25-year history. Your challenge is to identify which image goes with what year. And if possible to correctly identify the event. One point will be awarded for identifying which numbered image corresponds to the correct year and a bonus point will be awarded for each correctly identified event or unit.

The closing date for entries is 20 July 2018. The winner will receive a rare, limited edition RLC25 key ring. Good luck!

Entries should be emailed to the Content Editor at HQ RLC. Email: peter.shakespeare100@mod.gov.uk

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