Ex DEFENDER

By Major Viliame Nanovo

2 Operational Support Group (2 OSG) deployed its full range of capabilities in support of NATO Deterrence events across Denmark, Germany and Poland around Ex DEFENDER EUROPE 22 (DE22). While its support to HQ ARRC (via 497 Operational Support Unit) was eventually scaled-back, a total of 20 reservists deployed over 14 weeks in six rotations as individual augmentees to the UK’s Theatre Enabling Group (TEG); either as contract management (CM) SMEs (from 498 Labour Support Unit and 499 Contract Management Unit) or as Comms Specs (from 500 Comms Tp).

The TEG co-ordinated the reception, staging and onward movement (RSOM) of Force Element (FEs) from 12th Armoured Brigade Combat Team east to the Drawsko Pomorskie training area (DPTA) in Poland with Enabling Group – North (EG-N) covering Denmark and Poland along with Enabling Group – South (EG-S) covering Germany.

The CM SME’s core role was to monitor and manage the provision of Host Nation Support (HNS) in accordance with a Statement of Requirement (SOR) agreed with a HN which utilised either indigenous military or contractor provided solutions, i.e. for accommodation and feeding. Any financial obligation by the UK MOD for HNS services had been agreed with payment authorised on confirmation that services had been received. 2 OSG’s Maj Jim Hicks deployed on the advance party in earlyMarch to Oksbol in Denmark as preparations were underway for the in-load of UK FE at Esjberg SPOD. He was initially involved in the set-up of TEG HQ and monitoring a bespoke NATO Support & Procurement Agency contract for a 270-bed capacity tented accommodation solution. Whether monitoring real-life support to transiting troops or arranging emergency veterinary support to a military working dog, the CM SMEs had to remain flexible, innovative in solving problems and build positive

Exercise DEFENDER EUROPE 22 – 2 Operational Support Group RLC

working relationships with HN military representatives and civilian contractors.

Further south in Germany, the first team of CM SMEs joined EG-S at Sennelager to facilitate the sustainment of FEs on site, at a Convoy Support Centre near Berlin for the road move to Poland and be poised for contracting support required further east. Our SMEs were also able to reinforce the TEG staff for key aspects G4 movement planning and ops as the situation changed. At short-notice, business cases were generated to put in place innovative movement solutions for FEs in Germany and Poland.

In addition at SENNELAGER, Comms Specs from 500 Tp bolstered the TEG Comms Tp (centred on 5 Bn REME). Over three rotations, five of our colleagues across the Pte – Cpl rank range played a key role in maintaining the TEG’s tactical communications network.

As attention turned in mid-April to the sustainment of 12 ABCT at DPTA, EG-N responded to changes around a switch of SPOD/E’s from Szczecin to Gdansk. As a result our CM SME’s were engaged with assisting in the generating a Statement of Requirement (SOR) for an unplanned contract solution for accommodation services and offices at Gdansk with a contractor already supporting US Forces. This unplanned use of Gdansk called upon the soft-skills of the CM SME’s to build trust quickly with the contractor’s representatives and to maintain a positive, professional relationship. While not always easy, our CM SME’s were able to bring their civilian workplace perspective to this area of networking, appreciating the challenges faced by a business enterprise.

Overall, 2 OSG delivered fully on its mission to support a TEG for Theatre opening and closure. Ex DEFENDER 22 proved to be a great opportunity to live the Reservist ‘offer’; bringing our military and wider civilian workplace skills to bear on a real-time deployment overseas, responding to tricky challenges while integrated with our regular colleagues.

8 That’s a lot of kit to move 8 Maj Hicks (Jim) builds Host Nation

relations in Denmark

By Lt Henry Hobbs, 3 Regt RLC

The growing RLC Adventurous Training (AT) Association has developed a new initiative this year, focussed on empowering junior soldiers (Pte-Cpl) and officers (2Lt-Capt) throughout The RLC through the medium of AT as a leadership development tool. A ‘zero to hero’ program was co-ordinated by 3 Regt RLC, taking participants from foundation levels in their chosen discipline, gaining relevant experience in the mountains, and then completing an instructor qualification before returning to their units with valuable experience and ready to lead quality AT.

Participants were able to choose from two disciplines, Summer Mountaineering and Rock Climbing. In each case they completed the relevant foundation course, gained further experience in challenging environments and then completed either the Mountain Leader Training (MLT) course, allowing them to take six students into mountainous areas, or Rock Climbing Supervisor (RCS), allowing them to supervise up to six climbers.

The program started with Ex PANTHER’S RISE in the Lake District, based out of Ambleside Hut. This was many students’ first exposure to the complexity of their chosen discipline and allowed students to complete SMF or RSF as well as collate valuable experience and enjoy their initial exposure to new areas of AT and bond with a new group of people from around the Corps. Evenings were spent learning about mountain meteorology, hazard management, coaching techniques and emergency procedures.

After a short break, the program resumed with a week based out of Capel Curig in Snowdonia on Ex RHINO RIDGE. SMF and RSF were again on offer, along with the opportunity to start consolidating their experience, planning full days independently and gaining experience in more challenging conditions under the watchful eye of instructors.

The culmination of the program was a three-week deployment to

RLC Junior Mountain Leadership program 2022

8 RCS students climbing in the

Mourne Mountains

8 RCS students abseiling in the

Mourne Mountains

JSMTW Northern Ireland, based out of Ballykinler near the Mourne Mountains. Students enthusiastically continued their development within their chosen discipline with a well thought out program from JSMTC. They completed build-up training including QMD’s in the Mourne Mountains, completing all seven of the highest peaks in the area and

8 MLT students summit one of the

Mourne Mountains’ seven high peaks

developing their fundamental skills to build up a concise logbook as well as finessing knowledge of complex climbing techniques.

Whilst enjoying continued development within the mountainous environment, there was also plenty of downtime where students were able to enjoy some of the sights and activities that Northern Ireland has to offer.

Hard work ultimately paid off for all involved with all personnel passing their final assessments, resulting in a strong cohort of the next generation of AT leaders within The RLC.

A hugely successful program with a total of 13 SP from six different Regular and Reserve RLC units successfully completing instructor qualifications, having largely started as novices.

Success on its initial implementation has set a solid foundation to build on in the future and develop future generation of junior leaders within the Corps. 8 If you are interested in attending AT courses, speak with your Unit AT Officer. Alternatively, browse the available course on the ArmyAT app on Defence Gateway, but remember to check with your chain of command before bidding.