The Sustainer Autumn 2022

Sustainer THE

Journal of The Royal Logistic Corps ❘ AUTUMN 2022

HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II 21 APRIL 1926 - 08 SEPTEMBER 2022

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 30 No 3 ❘ Autumn 2022

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Contents

18 A Day in the Life

3 Exploiting Technology

25 Ex DEFENDER EUROPE 22

HQ BFPO reports on some technological advances

5 Commonwealth Games How The RLC played a lead role in delivering The Games

8 Sporting Excellence Who were the winners at the 2022 RLC Sports Awards?

The role of a SNCO Military Careers Advisor explained

2OSG on Contract Management and Labour Support

28 Exploiting Technology Gaining the knowledge to be digitally ready

31 RLC Polo Team training in South Africa

34 The RLC Museum We need your tour T-Shirts!

36 Corps Open Day 2022 The return of Corps Day in pictures

38 Unit News A round-up of reports from across The RLC

72 At the Sharp End Life in the 1LO Team at 1 MERCIAN

EDITOR’S NOTE For this edition of The Sustainer we asked you for articles that highlight how The RLC is embracing and exploiting technology. As ever, you have delivered and my thanks go to 6 Regt, 11 EOD&S Regt, 17 P&M Regt, 25 Regt, 27 Regt, HQ BFPO and Capt Jordan Kemp for their interesting and insightful contributions.

The next, and final edition of 2022 will not have a specific theme but reading all the look forwards in this edition, you will have plenty to write about given the number of exercises and deployments that are happening during the autumn period.

Pictures paint thousands of words, so please remember to take some.

On page 24 the Command Master Driver, WO1 (SSM) Ockwell, in his first article as Head of Trade of The RLC’s Driver Trade, reports on a little-known trial, which 26 drivers from 3 Regt and 4 Regt have been involved with since the beginning of May 22. The Defence Enterprise Approach (EA) scheme is designed to address the challenges of a competitive market by identifying opportunities to share skills, knowledge, and expertise for mutual benefit with industry.

Defence People says this should enable serving personnel to develop skills and build flexible portfolio

careers based on their interests and specialisms, while enhancing Defence capabilities, maximising talent, and supporting a Whole Force approach. Defence can benefit from this programme by offering an enhanced lived experience for individuals.

The Army logistics (driver) trade was selected to trial the scheme and saw RLC drivers trained and qualified to civilian HGV driver standards and then these drivers deployed for three months to work full time driving articulated lorries for Tesco, John Lewis and logistics provider, Kuehne+Nagel. If the logistics trial is deemed a success by Defence and the industry partners, the scheme could be rolled out to other military Career Employment Groups. The RLC Media Team has been working with Army HQ and Defence People to capture content from the logistics trial and a full report will appear in the winter edition of The Sustainer.

I hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to receiving your news, views and reports for the next edition.

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.

Associations. The Sustainer 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, Richard Stockman. Richard is Assistant Regimental Secretary and can be contacted at: Richard.Stockman256@mod.gov.uk

Editorial Staff Editor: Peter Shakespeare Assistant editor: Miss Katherine Lack Email: rlcsustainer@gmail.com Graphic Design: David Blake Copy deadlines for THE SUSTAINER: 7 Oct 22, 16 Jan 23, 17 Apr 23, 14 Jul 23 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, RHQ The RLC, DCLPA Worthy Down, Winchester Hampshire. SO21 2RG. 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

8 Peter Shakespeare Email: Peter.Shakespeare100@mod.gov.uk Contact: +44 (0) 7901 676309.

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. peter.shakespeare100@mod.gov.uk 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: Image Shutterstock - Alessia Pierdomenico 2008.

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THE SUSTAINER | NEWS

#BritishArmyLogistics

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN 21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022

By Major General Simon Hutchings OBE Master General of Logistics Like all of you, I was deeply saddened by the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She has been the constant in a world of change in peace and in conflict. For all of those currently serving in The Royal Logistic Corps and the many veterans of our Forming Corps she was the only monarch we have

known. She served our country selflessly; her presence was timeless and reassuring through many turbulent times. Her sense of duty was unparalleled. The collective sadness and grief is more intense than perhaps we expected, testament to a wonderful monarch and the personal affinity we felt having pledged our oath of allegiance to our Sovereign. At this time our thoughts are with the Royal Family.

God Save The King.

SKYDIVE RLC The RLC Sport Parachuting Association took home a haul gold and silverware from the Armed Forces Parachute Championships 2022.

It was an outstanding performance for Team RLC at this year’s annual Armed Forces Parachute Championships, hosted by the Army Parachute Association at Skydive Netheravon, in July.

The British weather usually presents a challenge for skydiving, but this year’s record-breaking heat wave was something else; the temporary relief of free falling at 120 mph was frustratingly brief.

With even the aircraft struggling in the punishing 37+ degree heat, the team’s nine competitive skydivers kept up the pace, each entering multiple disciplines in the five-day event, to dominate the podium at the prize giving ceremony.

The team’s successes at AFPC 22: First place (gold): AAA (Senior) Formation Skydiving – Capt Amii Calway, with the British Army VOLT4GE Formation Skydiving Team A (Junior) Formation Skydiving – Capt Amii Calway, Capt Jon Parnall, LCpl Rhian Hogg, Pte Cameron Gibson; Wingsuiting Acrobatics (Rookie) Capt Amii Calway, Cpl Dave Icely; Free Fly (Rookie) – Sgt Scott Cozens, LCpl Rhian Hogg.

Second place (silver): Canopy Formation – Capt Dean Hoskins, Cpl 2

Dave Icely, Sgt Scott Cozens.

In addition to this whopping medal collection, the winning A Formation Skydiving team was awarded the prestigious Daz Gardiner Sword. The OC of the RLC Sport Parachuting Association, Capt Amii Calway, was presented with the Soldier Magazine Cup as overall senior competitor.

If you are interested in following the team – like and follow Skydive RLC on Facebook. While you’re there, check out the RLC Silver Stars

Army Parachute Display Team.

The Association is looking for new members! If you fancy joining, to jump out of planes for fun, drop the Association a message on Facebook and it can help you find your nearest drop zone.

Alternatively, check out the ATG app through Defence Gateway and book yourself onto a Parachute Foundation Course – but don’t forget to get in touch and let the Association know!

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#BritishArmyLogistics

The RLC Photographic Competition is open to regular and reserve RLC soldiers and officers and RLC affiliated army cadets.The competition offers the opportunity for personnel to capture the wide variety of job roles and environments that The RLC currently operates and trains in. It not only encourages and develops budding photographers, but also showcases the very best of what the Corps has done over the last 12 months; all whilst building up an archive of good quality stock images to replace the very outdated one.

Entries for 2022 can be submitted into the following six categories: The New Normal, RLC Equipment and Trades in action, Soldiering, Interoperability, Sport/AT and Person or People (portraiture and selfies).

The judges, made up of a panel from within the Corps HQ (including

NEWS | THE SUSTAINER

The RLC Photographic Competition 2022

a senior member of the RLC’s Army Photographer trade), will select two amateur-taken ‘best' images in each

subject category.The RLC’s Professional Army Photographers are invited to submit RLC related portrait images for any category.The overall winning professional entry will appear on the front cover of the March 2023 edition of The Sustainer.

The best two images from each category will be published on the centre spread of The Sustainer.

Closing date for entries is 9 December 2022 with the winners announced in January 2023.

For more information and details of where to enter, visit The RLC Defence Connect page or email: rlcsustainer@gmail.com

HQ BFPO ROLLS OUT TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES

By Capt Chez Chester It has been a busy time for HQ BFPO’s Technical Support Services (TSS) team. It has been involved in a multitude of activities, ranging from upgrading the BFPO PACER system to providing wider support to Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S).The original PACER system sat on Windows 7, this is now being migrated to Windows 10 at all BFPO locations worldwide.

With COVID-19 restrictions on travel lifting, the team was finally able to continue the rollout.

This has seen members of the team travel to Kathmandu and BATUS and everywhere in-between. The project is now 75% complete and we hope to have all BFPO locations upgraded by the end of 2022.

Supporting DE&S at short notice, WO2 John (Systems Analyst) and Sgt Penu (Postal & Courier Op) deployed to HMNB Clyde to deliver an urgent requirement to migrate legacy LogIS equipment to MODNet for the Future Maritime Support Programme. For their invaluable efforts, they were awarded a 2-star commendation by Director LSOC. There has been a complete technical refresh of the Service

Management toolset and the phone call distribution system used by the BFPO Service Desk. Sgt Prophet (Postal & Courier Op) led on the migration from the old system (Hardcat) to the new Cherwell system. Migration also required a 100% physical check of all assets in BFPO, DMC’s and deployed locations worldwide. Cherwell has greatly increased the productivity and effectiveness of the TSS department allowing BFPO to create and manipulate its own dashboards, providing greater flexibility, with users being able to uniquely tailor the system to their role whilst retaining the wider collaboration functionality. This has enabled better

management and collection of call traffic data, automatically format reports and provide real time systems administration.

Sgt Penu has also designed a new BFPO Web Portal from the ground up, enabling TSS the facility to remote work from any computer on technical queries. Building on the portal success he is also developing a new FPO and customer care online reporting tool, enabling users and customers to track in real time their BFPO enquiries.TSS also project managed the upgrade of BFPO’s conference facilities, delivering a more effective and efficient means of communication and interaction, through a combination of high-quality audio and video equipment.

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A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE The Colonel RLC

‘‘

RLC Corps Open Day was back bigger and better than ever.

I am most grateful to CO 29 Regt and the team for the excellent real-life support provided and to all contributors to the event – the Heads of Trade did an excellent job showcasing the niche areas of the Corps

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With the weather changing and the shortening days indicating that summer is now behind us, we move on to the inevitable hard yards of the autumn term. I trust that everybody managed to get some leave, or if committed to duties, will catch up over the next few weeks.To those that are deployed, we are grateful for your service and look forward to your safe return.

Summer has been an intensely busy period for the RHQ with plentiful public engagement and RLC events confirming we are truly back to normal and learning quickly how to best serve the Corps in our new home. The RLC Cocktail Party was delivered at Worthy Down and we welcomed members of the wider Corps Family, industry partners and sports sponsors, as well as fostering new relationships with key members of the local community. This was closely followed by The RLC Sports Awards – a superb celebration of sporting excellence. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Regimental Secretariat for making the occasion so special and it is a testament to the energy and creativity of Mr Richard Stockman (Asst Regt Sec) that the Awards has outgrown its current location. The Corps Sergeant Major is shortly to recce alternative venues where we could potentially hold the 2023 event, to ensure that as many people as possible can attend. RLC Corps Open Day was back bigger and better than ever. I am most grateful to CO 29 Regt and the team for the excellent real-life support provided and to all contributors to the event – the Heads of Trade did an excellent job showcasing the niche areas of the Corps.

You will have seen the concerted effort to promote the Day’s Pay Scheme and I thank the 150+ personnel that attended the Association Trust AGM, in person and online. This was a record number of attendees, showing just how many of the Corps Family are engaged in this.

The RLC Media team has produced an excellent short video on the Day’s Pay Scheme. High resolution copies are available from RHQ Media for unit briefing if required. Concurrent to the work on the Day’s Pay Scheme, has been leveraging funds from the RLC Assn Trust to alleviate additional hardship due to the cost of living crisis. Additional funds have been dispersed to unit COs, the Benevolence Team at RHQ and the Veterans Charity for rapid relief.

MGL wrote publicly to all members of the Corps Family outlining the scheme. A copy can be found on Corps Social Media. Likewise, under the leadership of the Corps Sergeant Major and the RHQ Welfare Team, 40 families from across The RLC (regular and reserve) were able to enjoy a short holiday at no cost to them. We will continue to seek initiatives to alleviate hardship for all the Corps Family.

And finally, exciting news about RLC30. After a couple of false starts, I can confirm the date will be Thu 1 Jun 23. Slightly later than the actual 30th anniversary, but this date has deliberately been chosen to take advantage of (hopefully) the better weather but more importantly the early summer bank holiday and half term week to capture as many families as possible. The event is significant not just to mark 30 years of The RLC, but also our first large scale opportunity to engage with the local community in our new home and to build and maintain excellent relationships for future generations.

Formal orders will be issued shortly, but the event will consist of a march past, a service of thanksgiving, a reception and Corps Open Day in Worthy Down. It is my intent to have the whole Corps Family parade: cadets, regulars, reserves and a veteran’s contingent. Please clear diaries now and should anybody wish to volunteer to be part of the planning committee, please contact Lt Col Rob Williams (CO 165 Regt) who has volunteered to be Chief of Staff of the planning committee.

We Sustain.

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#BritishArmyLogistics

Military support to the 2022 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Birmingham, was the largest deployment of British troops on UK soil since Op OLYMPICS in 2012.

The military support to the CWG was consistent with the approach taken at the 2014 Glasgow games and the 2012 London Olympics.

Planning of Op UNITY involved liaison with the Home Office,West Midlands Police (WMP), DCMS, with niche and specialist military capabilities and personnel through the Military Assistance to Civil Authorities (MACA) process.

Several MACAs resulted tasking Command, Control and Intelligence, Explosive Ordnance Disposal & High Assurance Search with Electronic Countermeasure (ECM), Imagery analysis, Counter-UAS (C-UAS) capability, Ceremonial Assets and security in the form of the Venue Assistance Force (VAF) and Contingent VAF. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anybody that The RLC had a significant and diverse role in the planning and execution of the support to the CWG. As Chief of Staff for Op UNITY, Maj Chris Scott RLC was the lead for planning the three pillars of Defence’s involvement in the games (Security, Ceremonial, Engagement).

His team planned and executed the training and deployment of over 1,500 Tri-Service personnel both Regular and Reserve. Once the games started, he took his place in the Multi-Agency Command Centre (MACC) located in the Police C3 building as a Military LO to the Police Tactical Commander.

NEWS | THE SUSTAINER

The RLC at the Commonwealth Games

Maj Mike ‘Davo’ Davies RLC (SO2 Log JMC WM), with his team, was key in the RLS support for the deployed force. They enabled a complex transport plan (including the issuing of over 150 vehicles) to the deployed force for 21 venues, 18 FOB locations and five accommodation sites. His team also planned the accommodation for the deployed force, which not only included the aforementioned sites, but the addition of hotel bookings and inevitable fastball visits, plus a feeding and laundry plan for each site.

11 EOD & Search Regt RLC was key to the Police’s shaping plan with the

8 The Ceremonial Team at the Netball final

Regt’s expertise required for the high assurance searches of all venues, athletes’ villages and on-call tasks.

162 Regt RLC assisted with the RSOI and MST package at NESSCLIFF camp with 159 Regt RLC planning and executing the inaugural engagement event held at Birmingham University celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee and Birmingham’s involvement in the Games.The Regt then expanded its support with extra drivers, training and AT instructor support for off-duty personnel. Finally, 1 Regt RLC was drafted in for driver support as the operation required over 50 D1 drivers and to top it off, over 100 RLC soldiers from all regiments were deployed as part of the security plan.The RLC even infiltrated the Ambulance service with Ex-ATO Rob Stevens.

Now the games are over the RLC team within JMC HQ are planning for Op PELKIN (the Conservative Party Conference) and are looking towards winter resilience and flood prevention planning and any other requests for military assistance that must be supported.

8 Maj Makand Singh and the engagement team meet the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast

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FROM THE RANKS

‘‘

If you and your family feel the cost of living is becoming an issue, reach out to your Unit Welfare Officers - or for our Veteran community contact www.

VETERANSCHARITY. org.uk There is always someone to help

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Hello everyone, and I hope most of you managed to get some time off over the summer.There has been so much Corps activity since my last “from the ranks” update, I will do my best and attempt to capture it all.

Whilst no one likes to start on a negative, I think it is obvious the country is at an all-time financial low; which is a huge concern for everyone. The cost-of-living crisis means that financial security is becoming increasing difficult to achieve. The recent MOD pay rise feels like it has been subsumed by a huge inflation rise, causing worry an angst amongst us all. I can hear you all saying… ’So what are you doing about it?’

The Corps’ Benevolence Team and I have recognised that members of the Corps family are currently suffering hardship and have acted quickly to assist those struggling during this unprecedented time. The Corps now has a Discretionary Payment Fund, empowering Commanding Officers to make small payments to help struggling Soldiers and families. We have also set up a Respite Holiday Scheme for families to enjoy free holidays in the north and south of England. Not forgetting our Veteran community, The RLC through the Corps Benevolence Team now have a partnership with the Veterans Charity that provides immediate light touch support for Veterans from The RLC and the Forming Corps, that fall on hard times.

My plea. If you and your family feel the cost of living is becoming an issue, reach out to your Unit Welfare Officers - or for our Veteran community - contact www.VETERANSCHARITY.org.uk There is always someone to help.

I continue to visit our people in and around the Corps, who unsurprisingly are doing fantastic things; whether in barracks, supporting operations or in the sporting arena. The RLC Rugby League team unexpectedly beat the Infantry to win the Lawson Cup. This result took the Army Rugby

League community by surprise. In another giant killing, imagine four RLC Soldiers rocking up at Sandhurst with pace-sticks, in the company of seasoned “Stickers” from the Blue Red Blue gang and walking away as the 2022 All Arms (World) Pace-sticking Champions, I had the privilege of being there, and it most definitely happened. A massive well done to WO2 (SSM) Wardle and the 1 Regiment team.

June and July saw HRH The Princess Royal conduct visits to Defence Munitions Kineton - who celebrated 100 years of the Ammunition trade - and 17 Port & Maritime Regiment which commemorated 40 years since the liberation of the Falkland Islands. We also delivered a volley of Corps events; the most notable being the annual RLC Sports Awards, recognising our awesome athletes and everything they have achieved.

The following day was the return of RLC Corps Open Day and the Party in the Park. Despite some questionable weather, the day was a huge success. It was fantastic to see Soldiers and Officers old and new socialising, competing in various sporting competitions and having fun. I must mention the team at 29 Regiment and 9 Regiment who delivered the event excellently, not forgetting the Heads of Trade who lead the fantastic capability stands.

On the operational front, I was overwhelmed by the huge amount of effort being put in by the team from 7 Regiment, currently supporting Op INTERFLEX. The team lead by the STWO, SSgt Sutterby, is working around the clock supporting the ongoing efforts In Ukraine.

Looking forward, 25 Regiment is planning Ex NORTHERN STRIKE The RLC’s Military Skills competition taking place at DST on 8 Oct 22. I will finish of by plugging RLC 30.

Next year the Corps is 30 years old, and we plan to celebrate this in style here in Worthy Down on the 1 Jun 23. #Savethedate.

WO1 C Sutherland Corps Sergeant Major RLC

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THE RLC CHARITY | THE SUSTAINER

The RLC Association Trust Annual Report and Accounts 2021 (Abridged) The Regimental activities of The RLC are funded through private (non-public) funds held within“The RLC Charity”, The RLC Association Trust (Registered Charity No 1024036). These charitable funds comprise of contributions from serving members of The RLC via the One Day’s Pay Scheme (DPS) as well as investments providing income and growth.

The Master General of Logistics chairs the Trust Fund supported by a board of Trustees representing the serving Corps, RLC Veteran community and four predecessor Corps. The Forming Corps donated the Trust’s initial capital which having been invested has been the Corps’ financial underpinning for the last 29 years.

The objects of the Trust are the promotion of the efficiency of The Royal Logistic Corps, support to fraternity and the relief of need for eligible personnel. Each year the Corps reports on the status of these funds.

Annual Report 2021 (Abridged) The Trustees remain confident that the objectives of the Trust, namely welfare and benevolence support for its past and present members and the efficiency of the Corps, are being met.

Additionally, that the plans for the Trust are sound and well placed to meet the current and future needs of The RLC.The Trust activities include public benefit and community engagement wherever possible.

Financial reserves policy The priorities set are to provide sufficient income to meet Association expenditure in addition to the DPS, which for 2021 totalled £1.08M. All capital expenditure associated with relocation of the home of the Corps was concluded in 2021.

Plans for future periods All the Trust’s investments are held in

the Armed Forces Charity Growth and Income Fund; the investment performance continues to be strong and ahead of expectations. This is balanced by concerns about the long-term strength of the economy and the potential impact of inflation or market corrections on the value of investments. The charity’s financial priority is to ensure it can sustain its core benevolence funding in the event of significant investment losses or reduced income. The value, as at 31 Dec 21, of all investments within the Trust totalled £45.95M. Public benefit COVID-19 restrictions affected our responsibilities to engage with the wider community. The Corps Open Day was cancelled, and our close links with The Tower of London and our four dedicated Livery Companies were curtailed. Normally the Corps funds Freedom Parades, Bands and the Corps of Drums which perform at a wide range of public events providing closer ties with our society.

The RLC Museum (which reopened in 2021 received a grant of £100K) along with other heritage areas.

Objectives and activities The Trust supports the activities of The RLC, the largest Corps in the Army totalling some 9,800 Regular and 3,700 Reserve soldiers and officers, funding and managing the fraternal activities of Predecessor Corps across some 80 branches. The budget in 2021 to support all Corps activities was £2.437M. Regular, trained RLC Reservists and Veterans of The RLC, Predecessor Corps are eligible for benevolence support.

Communication with the Corps and our Associations is through The RLC Website,‘The Sustainer’, The ‘RLC Foundation Review’ plus a total of 10 Newsletters at a total cost for publications, including distribution of £77k. Grants totalling some £388k were made to support sport and

adventurous training including shared use of the adventurous training lodge (Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre) in the Lake District.

Achievement and performance Support to benevolence represents the greatest single financial outlay of the Trust. The Army Benevolent Fund received a donation of £200k in 2021 and 692 grants totalling £511k were made to those in need. All Regular members of The RLC contributing to the DPS continue to be covered for accidental death or injury whilst off duty. Unfortunately, there were three payments in 2021.

The DPS also provides the Medical Discharge Grant Scheme; in 2021, £51k was paid to 94 eligible medically discharged soldiers to assist with their enforced return to civilian life; an average grant of £545 per claimant, based on £80 per year of service to a maximum of 10 years.

Efficiency of the Corps The Trust continues to support Reserve Bands, Pipes and Drums and the Corps of Drums who continue to play an increasing role in community engagement and perform at charitable and public events. The Central Sergeants’ Mess received a much-reduced grant of £14.8k due to COVID restrictions.

The Headquarters Officers’ Mess, to which officers pay specifically an additional 50% of a Day’s Pay for events spent £51k. Furthermore, grants continue to be made to assist units and formations in maintaining RLC traditions and heritage and fostering community engagement.

Summary: Income from the DPS, investments (including growth), donations and subscriptions in 2021 totalled £2.74M. Expenditure across the full range of Corps activities for the said period was £2.33M.

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THE SUSTAINER | RLC SPORTS AWARDS

#BritishArmyLogistics

The 2022 RLC Sports Awards While the 2022 iteration of The RLC Sports Awards was held only eight months following the 2021 event, the awards are now back on track following the hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The awards were held on Thursday 30 June 2022 at the at the Bicester Garrison Officers’ Mess, courtesy of the Garrison Commander. This year’s guest of honour was Steve Collins, a former professional boxer who competed from 1986 to 1997. Steve defeated Chris Eubank in 1995 to win the WBO super-middleweight title. He successfully defended his title seven times including two fights with Nigel Benn. Steve is a member of the Army Reserves, has coached the Army boxing team and is a fervent supporter of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The Pipers of 152 (North Irish) Regiment RLC and The RLC Corps of Drums provided musical entertainment.

The RLC would like to thank the following sponsors of the 2022 RLC Sports Awards Army Sports Control Board (ASCB), Agility Defence Services (UK), Briggs Defence, Pearson TQ, Motif8, Silver Lady, Veolia Ltd, Squarcle Consulting Ltd, Peli Products, Edwin Doran Sports/Gullivers Sports Travel.

Sports Personality of the Year Pte Viliame Kotobalavu (Rugby Union) 8

Sports Team of the Year RLC Ladies Cycling Runners up - Men’s Athletics, 4 Regt RLC Men’s Football Sports Coach/Official of the Year SSgt Nick Hood (Athletics) Runners up - Capt Lloyd Diprose (Alpine Sports) SSgt Sarah Ness (Netball) Young Sportswoman of the Year Pte Courtney Pursglove (Rugby Union) Runners up - Pte Fern Morrin (Swimming) 2Lt Kerenza Bryson (Modern Pentathlon) Young Sportsman of the Year Pte Alfie Sprake (Nordic Skiing) Runners up - Pte Lewis Harvey (Boxing) Pte Bishal Babu Khada (Badminton) Sportswoman of the Year Cpl Megan Reid (Boxing)

Runners up - Pte Chandra K Gurung (Various) Lt Molly Firth (Aquatics) Sportsman of the Year Pte Viliame Kotobalavu (Rugby Union) Runners up - LCpl Binod Gurung (Powerlifting) Cpl Jack Halsey (Athletics/X-Country) Outstanding Achievement Cpl Channon Heaney (Netball) Runners up - WO2 Kalem Hicks (Enduro) LCpl Liam Phillips (Enduro) Lifetime Achievement Maj Andy Martin (Various) Runners up - Maj Tracey McKenzie-Rayner (Cycling) Lt Col Toni Gray (Netball) The Pioneer Spirit Award 6 Regt RLC The Hemming Belt LCpl Keeley Austerfield

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RLC SPORTS AWARDS | THE SUSTAINER

8 Maj Andy Martin

8 Cpl Channon Heaney

8 SSgt Nick Hood

8 Pte Viliame Kotobalavu

8 Pte Alfie Sprake

8 Pte Courtney Pursglove

8 Sports Team of the Year - RLC Ladies Cycling

Images: Cpl McKenzie RLC VPT

8 LCpl Keeley Austerfield

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THE SUSTAINER | CAREER MANAGEMENT

#BritishArmyLogistics

YOUR CAREER, YOUR CALL Career management team

RLC SOLDIERS SO1: Lt Col Bratcher SO2: Maj McHugh SO3: Capt Jack WO1: WO1 Neilson QOGLR: SSgt Subba In this iteration of Your Career, Your Call, the RLC soldiers team at the Army Personnel Centre in Glasgow would like to give readers the opportunity to get to know them.

Lt Col S Bratcher MC – SO1 RLC Soldiers Hi I am Lt Col Simon Bratcher. I was commissioned into The RLC in 2000 and qualified as an ATO in 2004. Outside of work I enjoy outdoor sports, have just taken up archery and spend a lot of time walking with my dogs.

Units served in: 6 Supply Regt (Tp Comd and RSO), 11 EOD Regt (Tp Comd, SO3 and OC), OPTAG, 51 (Scottish) Bde, Defence Intelligence, DEMS Trg Regt, SJFHQ and APC. I have completed three tours of Iraq, one of Afghanistan and I spent a year in Kuwait.

Within the Army Personnel Centre I am responsible for supervision of all aspects of the RLC Soldier Wing and attendance on all Soldier Wing Promotion and Assignment Boards (less Pte – LCpl).

Maj L Polson – SO2 RLC Soldier Hello, I’m Maj Liz Polson. I was commissioned into The RLC in April 2007. Outside of work I compete in CrossFit and am an avid backcountry skier, spending much of the winter in the Alps.

Units served in: 17 P&M Regt – Port Op Tp Comd (Op TELIC 10, HERRICK 10), DTUS Birmingham – Instructor, 29 Regt – Sqn 2IC, OIC PC Sqn (Op HERRICK 20), Army HQ – SO3 PersOps, DCSU – Adjutant, [Career Break], 7 Regt – Plans Officer, Comd Wing – Instructor, ICSC(L).

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Within the Army Personnel Centre I am responsible for cross desk policy co-ordination within Soldier Wing, RLC management planning, CSS No.7 Board co-ord, RSM & SSM Appointment Boards.

Capt AP Bannister RLC – SO3 RLC Soldier Wing Section 1 Hello, I am Capt Andy Bannister. I joined The RLC in 1997 as an Ammunition Technician. I spend my downtime motorcycle touring at home and abroad.

Units served in: Base Ammunition Depot (BAD) Kineton (Pte-LCpl), the Army School of Ammunition (ASofA) (LCpl), BAD Longtown (Cpl), Cyprus Service Support Unit (Cpl), British Forces Falkland Islands (Cpl), 521 EOD Sqn (Edinburgh (Sgt) and Chester(SSgt), HQ Land Command (Principal Ammunition Technical Officer’s Branch)(SSgt), ASofA / Defence EOD, Munitions and Search School IEDD Wing (WO2), Loan Service Oman (WO2), 321 EOD&S Sqn (Aldergrove)(WO2), HQ 721 EOD Sqn (WO1), HQ 29 EOD&S Gp (WO1), and the Defence Academy of the UK (WO1). Operationally I have deployed on Ops TELIC, BANNER and HERRICK. I was privileged to be appointed the Ammunition Technician Trade Conductor in 2018. My first assignment after commissioning in 2020 was 2IC of 721 EOD Sqn in Ashchurch and I arrived here in Glasgow in August 2022.

Within the Army Personnel Centre I am responsible for supervision and career management of the Ammunition Technician trade from WO1 – LCpl, and management of Ammunition Technician and Ammunition Technical Officer OCE staffing.

WO1 Neilson RLC - APC CSS 2IC of RLC Soldier Wing Section 1 Hello, I’m WO1 Neilson. I Joined The RLC in 1999 as a Driver Tank Transporter Operator. Outside of work I enjoy family time, deer

stalking, fishing and walking with my dog.

Units served in: 8 Regt RLC, 3 Tank Transporter Squadron as a Pte to LCpl, Army Training Centre Pirbright as a LCpl – Cpl, Trg Section Commander, Army Training Centre Bassingbourn as a Sgt Trg Platoon Sgt, 27 Regt, 19 Tank Transporter Squadron as a training and admin Sgt, 7 Regt 16 Tank Transporter Squadron as a Troop SSgt and SQMS, 7 Regt 16 Tank Transporter Squadron as a Warrant Officer Class 2 SSM, 154 Regt 221 Squadron as a Senior Permanent Staff Instructor WO2, Defence School of Transport as a Warrant Officer Class 1 RSM and finally Army Personnel Centre Glasgow.

Within the Army Personnel Centre I manage the following appointments: The Corps of Drums; Recruiting Appointments – Ranks Pte – SSgt; Training Appointments Basic & ITT – Ranks LCpl – SSgt; Senior Permanent Staff Instructor – Rank SSgt; Squadron Sergeant Major appointments; Regimental Sergeant Major appointments.

Responsibilities: 2IC of RLC Soldier Wing Section 1; assist in the Career Management of section 1 trades and appointments; maintenance of key appointments within Training and Recruitment Establishments; co-ordination and promulgation of VEng Fll and VEng Long boards; loading of RLC Personnel on JSWOC and RMAS Instructor Courses.

SSgt Subba GSPS – CM QOGLR Soldier Wing Section 1 Hi I’m SSgt Subba. I joined the GSPS as a RGR Clerk in 2006 before the formation of GSPS in 2011. Outside work I enjoy skiing, hiking and travelling.

Units Served: 2 RGR as a Despatch Clerk in Bn HQ as a Pte, 36 Engr Regt as a Junior Sqn HR

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CAREER MANAGEMENT | THE SUSTAINER

Carolyn Irwin

Catherine Brown

Charmaine Johnston

Tracy Bryceland

within 70 and 69 Gurkha Field Sqn as a LCpl, 36 Engr Regt as a Senior HR Admin within 20 Field Sqn as a Sgt, 30 Sig Regt as a Staff Support Assistance (SSA) as a Sgt. Within the Army Personnel Centre I am responsible for the following: supervision and career management of Pte to WO2 Gurkha Soldiers within 10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment (10 QOGLR) including Gurkha Chefs within the Brigade of Gurkhas.

Implementation of Army Workforce Levers The purpose of rescinding ABN038/2021. ABN038/2021 was issued in Apr 21 when there was significant uncertainty about the future Army structure and a requirement to reduce the size of the workforce to 73,000 by 2025.

Following the publication of Future Soldier, and subsequent analysis and workforce planning, it is now considered appropriate to rescind ABN038/2021.

The Royal Logistic Corps Association and Forming Corps Associations Membership If you are keen to enhance your network, join a group of like-minded professionals who share a common purpose, or just catch-up with lost friends and acquaintances, why not join The RLC Association or one of The RLC’s Forming Corps Associations? If interested, please contact the Veterans, Families and Civil Engagement Officer (VFCEO) - Victoria Parkes at: Email - VFCEO@rhqtherlc.org.uk Telephone - 01962 887785 Alternatively, you can download the Membership Registration Form from the RLC website. https://www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk/who-we-are/the-rlc-association/

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THE SUSTAINER | EXPLOITING TECHNOLOGY

By Sgt Richard Wright 25 Regt RLC and Dave Matthews Learning Technologies As the British Army transitions into new methods of training, DST is trialling and investing in technology to provide quality soldiers of the future. It enables the instructional staff to create tactical scenarios to practice and test the students in a ‘safe to fail’ environment.

While a significant part of military training is delivered using simulation within the Army, investment in the simulation of logistic vehicle operation falls short of other platforms. In comparison, the US military has for some time used simulation as an integral part of learning to drive, operate and maintain all classes of vehicles.

Research indicates that analysis and training of key driver skills using simulator platforms could deliver savings of up to 9% in fuel consumption as well as reducing maintenance costs and in-life support requirements.

The platform DST initiated a driving simulation trial in Jan 2021. This work sits alongside the development of the existing VBS3 augmented training at DST to encompass planning and mission rehearsal requirements.

The early results of the trial are encouraging, and the School is in the process of expanding the scope of the trial with the introduction of bespoke LGV simulators that deliver a more realistic driving experience by incorporating a motion platform. There are numerous types of specialist applications available that can be used to assist new drivers learning

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Technology is Driving Change at The Defence School of Transport

8 The simulators are PC based with high end wheel/pedals/gear stick attached to a simulator ‘rig’ with a ultra-wide curved monitor

to cope with the demands of modern-day motoring. Simulation will not replace practical driver training, but it will augment the time spent on public roads and training areas and enable trainees to experience hazardous driving conditions safely. As a result, students will be better equipped to deal with real life situations having experienced them in the simulator.

As the use of driver simulation develops further, there is considerable potential to increase its use across logistic units.

The user experience The simulators 25 Regt use are PC based with high end wheel/pedals/ gear stick attached to a simulator ‘rig’ with a ultrawide curved monitor,

using a variety of commercial based driving simulator and driving test preparation software. The VBS3 system has a state-of-the-art virtual training environment based on commercial gaming software with military application. The system was designed to be the most realistic training experience as the programme can imitate any arena; from peacetime town driving to tactical driving in operational theatres.

The local towns have been mapped into virtual reality and students are able to drive any chosen vehicle platform in any traffic conditions with any simulated weather environment, all in the complete safety of the classroom.

Since the introduction of VBS 3, 25 Regt RLC has seen a decrease in RTCs and credits the time spent on the virtual system as a major contributing factor. At a cost of £160,000, this is money well spent.

The future The School is already upgrading the system to the next-generation VBS4 suite as well as increasing capacity to 24 terminals with global mapping included. The scope for improvement is fantastic, it will widen the possibilities of tactical awareness and allow us to train more soldiers to drive.

We have also found the driving simulators can be used in an Esports capacity (Sim Racing).

Esports has several benefits and transferable skills like improved hand eye co-ordination, improved attention and visual acuity, improved decision making and problem solving, enhanced socialisation and leadership. This allows students to personally develop alongside their professional training.

8 The driving simulators can also be used in an Esports capacity

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#BritishArmyLogistics For a number of years, the UK’s Specialist Military Units have had a small number of Ammunition Technicians (AT) and Ammunition Technical Officers (ATOs) working alongside them, providing a specific skill set which no other trade can do.

Approximately 18 months ago, a new position was created for an AT Warrant Officer (ATWO), after a need by the specialist units was identified.

The position was created to assist the HQ and to undertake the following: 1. Provide advice and guidance to the units in the overall management of Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives (OME).

2. Provide unique skill sets to facilitate operations and training for the specialist units.

3. Provide a single POC for all OME related queries to external agencies where required.

Ammunition Technician ATs are expected to be the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in all aspects relating to OME. Within The RLC, the AT/ATO trade is small in comparison to other trades, with approximately 600 in total. All of the training received at Class 2 and Class 1, combined with the experience gained throughout your career, is considerable.

ATs though are best known for their ability to carry out the disposal of OME and is one of the main reasons why personnel want to join the trade!

The job – By the ATWO at MOD A Block As the first ATWO in this newly created position, it has been a privilege and a challenge to join this unique group of people. Being the first in post, in a new position, gives the individual a lot of responsibility to establish the role and relationships required to make it work. You are continuously working to prove to the units that you can deliver what they need with the minimum hassle, when it’s needed within tight deadlines, normally yesterday!

The team I work with daily are OF3s and above on average, consisting of other CSS trades which all contribute to enabling logistics for the units whether on

RLC ROLES MAB (AMMO TECHS) | THE SUSTAINER

Managing Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives for Specialist Military Units

operations, training or on unit sites.

The emphasis is on delivery of the job so you are marked against your ability to deliver and not your rank.

Other postings available to ATWOs normally offer a reasonable degree of predictability when forecasting for the week or even month ahead. The nature of the community that we work within means it can be challenging. When something does not go to plan, you need to shift focus quickly and react to the issue noting that this may include a significant amount of travel, within the UK or abroad, which comes with the job. As the

8 The training and experience Class 1 & 2 ATs receive is considerable

8 The new ATWO provides unique skills sets to facilitate operations and training for specialist units

only ATWO, you are required to constantly review your workload, prioritise your efforts and deliver as there is on one else to hand the work over too.

This role encompasses many different subjects, some of which were my first exposure to the topic and thus, new to me. This can be daunting but also rewarding as there is plenty more to learn.

Despite all of the training noted above, I have found myself learning new aspects relating to the management, transport and disposal of OME. I can genuinely say that each day has been different, you need to face the challenges as they arrive and to be able to provide a solution quickly with limited time and/or resources. This will lift you out of your comfort zone and broaden your experiences which improves your ability to deliver.

One of the most satisfying aspects of my job so far has been the ability to provide tactical advice and seeing its strategic effect at a later date.

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THE SUSTAINER | TRAINING MATTERS

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Defence School of Logistics and Administration Commandant Gp Capt L Griffin RAF The Defence School of Logistics and Administration (DSLA) hosted a reciprocal visit by Brigadier-General Nannt and members of the Command team of the Logistikschule Der Bundeswehr, following the School’s visit to Germany earlier this year.The visit provided an overview of the Realistic Working Environment of the DSLA at Worthy Down and included a visit to the Defence Movements Training Squadron at RAF Brize Norton where they observed a winching training serial and were introduced to the use of Virtual Reality. After moving to the Defence School of Transport, the delegation returned to Worthy Down where a Technical Agreement was signed between the Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration and Logistikschule Der Bundeswehr undertaking to collaborate, exchange best practice and to explore partnership opportunities to help develop a Centre of Excellence.

The visit concluded with a celebratory German BBQ! The DSLA also held its inaugural awards evening to mark reaching the School’s first anniversary. Of the three awards conferred, Best New Trainer was awarded to Lance Corporal Cuzen, Logistics Specialist Training Wing and Instructor of the Year was awarded to Sergeant Kampela, Supply Training Wing.

Since the DSLA reached Interim Operating Model earlier this year, Training Support Wing is firmly embedded within the School and has expanded its remit to include Training Operations, Training Resources, Media and Technology Enhanced Learning. The Wing is supporting the School to optimise its training and to transform at the pace of relevance.

8 Casualty Extraction Drills on Ex TIMBER TRUSS

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8 Major Theodorakakis delivers an abridged Ex MAGLITE to officers of DSCOM

Command Wing – Chief Instructor Lt Col Andy Moss OBE Field Logistics 1 has seen a massed change of personnel in recent months, but has continued to focus on the successful delivery of the RLC Troop Commanders’ Course.The culmination of the course is seen by many as Ex TIMBER TRUSS. In mid-July this was conducted on the Barton Stacey and Salisbury Plain Training Areas. It saw 23 young officers put through their paces as they conducted Troop Commander appointments focusing on Distribution Point and BLRV activity.The majority of the officers were returning trainees who had completed a ‘Virtual TIMBER TRUSS’ during their spring course as a consequence of operational support to the war in Ukraine tying up SET units.The benefits of conducting the training with troops cannot be overstated and brought the many months teaching and education to life.

In spite of the heat and the long days, the exercise flowed well.The exercise followed LWC direction to include UAS serials and Digging In as standard during field training and adhered to the “Train as we Fight” ethos. Actions On and TTPs were rehearsed multiple times ensuring swift and accurate responses from the officers being assessed and the exercising troops.

Field Logistics 2 has been busy over the last few months with the delivery of the Defence Logistics Contract Management and the International Logistics Officers’ courses.The requirement for contract management KSE-B on operations and the professionalisation of the capability within the RLC Strategy has meant that demand is growing rapidly for this training. At the forefront of training development, DSLA has been working with Defence Logistics to create contract management awareness and specialist training.These courses will provide Defence with enhanced generalists and SME that can be deployed to support operations world-wide.

On an international front, Command Wing hosted 11 trainees (Lt to Lt Col) from seven nations (Estonia, Ghana, Nepal, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Kuwait and Brunei) on the International Logistics Officers’ Course. A significant Defence Engagement activity, the course visited numerous RLC units to draw lessons for their own nations while

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seizing opportunities to experience UK culture along the way. DSLA is now working to build on these new relationships with potential exchanges and symposia.

Field Logistics 3 has had a busy period since the last Sustainer delivering back-to-back courses, Conceptual Doctrine refinement and ongoing support to the RLC strategy.

JLOC 01/2022. In May, Capt Hobson organised a very successful Joint Logistic Operations Course (JLOC) which consists of one week of classroom-based lessons on Joint Logistics fundamentals and 6 Step Estimate Training.This is then followed by Exercise MAGLITE, a one-week exercise hosted by our Hungarian allies at their National University of Public Services in Budapest. Ex MAGLITE saw British Tri-Service Logisticians, Artillerymen and Infanteers, along with colleagues from Hungary and the Ohio National Guard, deploy to Budapest and conduct joint exercise planning acting as a SJFLogC.This exercise also had the privilege of Maj General Simon Hutchings OBE deploying as the VIP offering precious insights to the trainees. Information on the next JLOC and how to apply can be found in 2022DIN07-036.

RLC MC 01/2022. Following the JLOC, work developing the RLC Majors’ Course soon followed.The two-week course sees the first batch of newly selected Majors complete logistic support training and education to prepare them to meet the demands of subsequent SO2 appointments.The students cover a range of topics from logistic principles, doctrine revision and solutions to warfighting dilemmas.The recent course finished with Major General (Retd) Tim Cross providing an excellent presentation of his time during Operation GRANBY.Thanks must be extended to those external presenters who have set up this cohort for success.

DSCOM: Not to rest on his laurels in his final weeks before assignment, Major Theodorakakis was invited to provide logistic planning training to the DSCOM plans pillar in advance of a busy autumn season.This will help DSCOM continue their transformative work on the strategic base outload.

85 (Herring VC) Sqn was the first DSLA sub-unit to deploy overseas in its history to deliver training.The Sqn delivered the Army Leadership Development Programme to members of The Royal Gibraltar Regiment, Royal Engineers on ‘The Rock’. Alongside the usual RSOI activity, the Sqn made use of the superb training resources available to conduct Adventurous Training, Subterranean

TRAINING MATTERS | THE SUSTAINER

8 ILOC at Number 10

8 ILOC at RMAS

Warfare Training and a battlefield study.The highlight for the Sqn was learning from the SMEs in Subterranean Warfare on how to survive and fight inside the seemingly never-ending tunnels. A skill not practiced by many, the key to this activity is momentum combined with a continuous weight of fire to suppress and kill the enemy. A real leadership problem difficult to navigate, due to the limitations placed on the soldier from heat; difficult terrain; limited visibility; and deafening noise when in contact. It is not unreasonable to expect a CSS soldier, sailor or aviator to find themselves operating underground guarding vital CSUPS, so this was an outstanding opportunity.

Gibraltar’s spectacular terrain was exploited to the fullest to conduct some AT. Given the heat, it was refreshing to explore the coastline through bouldering, abseiling, swimming, cliff jumping and stand up paddle boarding.The activities presented an opportunity for the new members of the Sqn to integrate with their respective teams. It has been evident that AT is a tool that enhances operational effectiveness as it certainly pushed people out of their comfort zones and, for some, to confront their fears.The final activity was a tour of the defensive features built on ‘The Rock’ over a period of 400 years.There are more roads (34 miles) inside Gibraltar than on the surface, so under the expert tour led by a local historian, the Sqn covered over 12 miles; including an ascent to the highest defensive position built in WW2.The Sqn was sighted on positions preserved in time, including range cards from WW2 and kitchens and hospitals that were in the same condition as when they were last used.

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THE SUSTAINER | TRAINING MATTERS

Maj Alex Mortimore RLC (OC 85 (Herring VC) Squadron) said:“It was an absolute privilege to be able to represent the DSLA overseas and deliver some ground breaking activity to our colleagues in Gibraltar.This was the first time that the ALDP syllabus has been delivered overseas and the efficiencies that this model offers to the Army are noticeable. It also offered a superb chance for my team to become better instructors as they were certainly placed in an environment that they were not used to and had to quickly adapt to their new surroundings”.

Supply Training Wing (STW) - Chief Instructor Lt Col Devendra Ale MVO MBE QOGLR STW has continued to deliver supply training to the Tri-Service community at pace across the full suite of Logistics Specialist Supply courses to ITT and STT; Regular, Reserve, RFA and Civil Servants.

Quartermaster Divison (QMD) is conducting course development, along with the Training Requirements Authority and Log RST, re-designing the courses in compliance with the DSAT process. RQMS course instructor WO2 Jamie Davis, Royal Signals, received 11 Sig Bde Comd’s Commendation at an awards ceremony in York for his heroic life saving actions on a local football player by administering timely CPR.West Midland Police commented that the casualty would not have survived without his intervention.

Supply Chain Division (SCD) started off the quarter with four trainers, Capt Lucy Thindwa and Sgts Anna Kampela, Prince Yeboahasuama and Kamal Thapa Magar, taking part in the Forces March. A gruelling challenge that saw them complete a marathon a day for four days. Sgt Natasha Pavlou won the female High Gun Trophy at the RLC Clay Shooting Championship and SSgt Otabil volunteered as a Service Steward at the AELTC Championships. SCD delivered their first RLC LSS Class 1 Course in the external Realistic Working Environment deploying the trainees in the field where they conducted the duties of an RLC LSS Class 1 in line with the “Train as you Fight” concept.

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8 85 Sqn experiencing subterranean warfare training

The Royal Engineer Logistics Division has seen a workforce churn, with a farewell to the Senior Instructor Maj Sam Osbourne and QMSI WO2 Mark Higgins and a welcome to their replacements Maj Shaun Montague and WO2 Matt Murphy.The Division delivered a sucessful 0-2 ME Engineer Logistic Specialist Course, the first complete course post pandemic, with LCpl Martin Laberth from 22 Engineer Regiment being awarded Top Trainee. SSgt Afriyie volunteered for Service Steward at the AELTC Championships while WO2 Matt Murphy renewed his boxing coach qualification and advances towards the next generation of coaches for the Royal Engineers and Army.

Royal Navy Division (RND) had PO Kenny Young join the team, he hit the ground running as a trainer and has successfully taken a promotion course with excellent results.The Div bade farewell to Sgt Cai Britton who left on promotion and welcomed Sgt Lloyd Kelly. CSgt Rosey Rose

8 WO2 Davis receiving his commendation

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TRAINING MATTERS | THE SUSTAINER

assigned to 42 Cdo RM in September on promotion to WO2.

RND delivered CTU training to CLR with CSgt Rose and PO Donovan teaching 11 ratings/ranks. CPO Jack took part in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Martial Arts Championships 2022 and earned a Silver Medal. Sgt Keiran Johnson took part in the Royal Navy & Royal Marines UK Training Camp in North Wales.

RAF Div has undergone a couple of Senior management changes, with the RAF Senior Instructor, Flt Lt Neil Madigan being replaced by Flt Lt Emmanuel Molai.WO Ian Stocker arrived from RAF Marham on promotion into the WO RAF Logs Training post replacing WO M O’Mahony. Good news for the Div, two of the RAF JNCOs, Cpls David Venn and Dan Davidson, were selected for promotion to Sgt. Food Services Training Wing – CO Commander Tom Shaves RN As we emerge from the Covid period and return to normality, the Food Services Training Wing has been working hard to re-establish relationships with catering colleges in the local community as part of its new Outreach programme.

Brockenhurst College visited the Wing for a ‘Look at Life’ day during early June, bringing a small group of their catering students to tour the training facilities and to meet the Tri-Service and Civil Service instructors.

The aim of the visit was to show the skills and experiences trainee Chefs and Air Stewards will gain on courses whilst at the Wing, and to observe the delivery of lessons by instructors. At the Wing, training is delivered to trainees (and staff) which develops confidence, knowledge and the skills needed for a successful career as a caterer in Defence.The Wing works together to build a learning culture founded on equality of opportunity that celebrates the rich diversity of trainees and staff and supports the Wing’s ambition to be an international Centre of Catering Excellence.

8 Sgt Pavlou receiving her award at The RLC Clay Shooting Championships

As part of the reciprocal relationship, in early July, the Wing’s Chef Instructors were invited to Brockenhurst College to attend a masterclass session hosted by Allan Collier who was previously a pastry chef at the Ritz Hotel, London.The session was focussed on chocolate work, with instructors teaching different techniques to create a chocolate centre piece. Stretching the capability of the instructors and as part of their continuing professional development, the masterclass broadened the skillset of military chefs and will enhance the training at the Wing.

The Wing’s ambition is clear; to build its engagement with the local community and to strengthen links within catering colleges to share best practice and information, to raise awareness of the Wing, of military chefs and to enhance the capability of the instructors.

8 Brockenhurst College students attending FSTW

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THE SUSTAINER | ARMY RECRUITING

By SSgt Alan Lothian I was posted to Army Career Centre Bolton in July of 2021; I’d previously been a Fuel Troop MT SNCO in 4 Squadron 4 Regiment RLC, so it was a completely different role to anything I’d previously done.

I quickly discovered that recruiting was a busy and dynamic job, that is challenging in a completely different way to any other role I’d previously undertaken. I am still required to fulfil my G1 duties as a SNCO, overseeing the JNCOs under my command on a day-to-day basis, as well as undertaking the added challenges that working in a public facing role brings.

We work alongside civilian Capita staff within ACC Bolton, which was a new experience for me. I was apprehensive at first, but after seeing what the Capita staff do on a daily basis, I feel that we have now built a good working relationship.

On an average day, we get potential candidates and their parents coming into the office.

Some of the candidates are interested in the Regular Army, but we do get a lot of enquires about the Reserves and officer selection.

When we have someone showing interest in a particular corps or cap badge, we will sit them down and discuss their motives and expectations for going into the military. If, they are still interested, we will then guide them through how the recruitment and application process will look for them.

Another part of my role, as the Military Career’s Adviser, is to spread awareness of the opportunities that the Army provides. We have built a good relationship with the schools,

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An insight into a day in the life of ACC Bolton

colleges and education providers in the local area and regularly deliver Army briefs to them and also to employment providers that show an interest in the Reserves.

As with any job, these events take a lot of organisation, and a key part of my role is to make sure that the staff I have are up to date with their training and knowledge base.

In turn, they can deliver briefs that keep the audience engaged and will hopefully bring more potential recruits through our doors.

Since I began my journey with the Recruitment Group back in July last year, I have had a lot to learn. I have put my all into my team and into learning the new skills to make ACC

8 Military Careers Advisors spread awareness of the opportunities the Army provides

Bolton an approachable and helpful recruitment office. COVID-19 brought many challenges, but we are starting to see more candidates coming into the office now.

I enjoy every minute of being part of such a hard-working team. My team is made up of various different cap badges and we support and encourage each other daily. I know that my team feels a great sense of pride when they have supported a candidate throughout their journey and helped them to reach their goal of becoming a soldier.

My role has given me an insight into a side of the Army that I knew very little about. It is an extremely rewarding role; meeting different people from all walks of life and ultimately, helping to nurture and shape the next generation of British Army soldiers. I have another year in post, and I hope we can continue to help and support the local community of Bolton.

8 Helping to nurture and shape the next generation of soldiers is extremely rewarding

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INTEGRATION | THE SUSTAINER

International Integrated Brigade Logistic Course

By Maj Toby Oliver Over the period 4 – 21 Jul 22, I was fortunate enough to attend the International Integrated Brigade Logistic course (IIBLC) in Israel. Alongside logistic officers from Germany, Singapore, India, Greece, the US, Cyprus and Austria, I received a unique insight into Israel, its Armed Forces and how it conducts logistic operations.

The first part of the IIBLC was based in Be’er Sheva, the majority of which was spent in the Consolidated Training Centre, a vast complex in the Negev desert region which serves as the principal training facility for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Here we received several briefings regarding Israel and the IDF along with a range of CSS related topics including logistics, supply, maintenance and medical; including practical demonstrations of the equipment, vehicles and procedures used by the IDF. Away from the classroom we visited a kibbutz (community settlement) in the Gaza region where we learned about various security operations and entered a Hamas attack tunnel before touring the Urban Training Centre, a similar facility to Cellini Village. The final

part of the week consisted of a jeep tour of the Negev desert and a visit to the home of David Ben-Gurion, the primary national founder of the State of Israel and its first Prime Minister. This provided a fascinating vision into the past (and perhaps the future) of the country.

For the remainder of the course, we relocated to Tel Aviv where upon arrival each international student was invited to an IDF colleague’s home for a Shabbat Dinner, taking part in the breaking of traditional challah bread and enjoying fantastic hospitality amongst our hosts’ extended family. The following day we visited Jerusalem where we explored the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, followed by a swim/float in the Dead Sea overlooking Jordan.

Later we visited the National Transportation and Movement Control complex and the Home Front Command, both of which play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of Israel and ensure the continued readiness of the IDF. The course was also taken to one of the supply depots which equip all IDF recruits upon conscription along with a storage warehouse which can be rapidly utilised by the IDF reserves when required.

Returning to Jerusalem, the course visited Yad Vashem, the national Holocaust Museum, where we received a guided tour from a second-generation Holocaust

survivor in what proved to be a sombre day but provided the course with a vital understanding of one of the cornerstones of Israel’s national identity. We then travelled to the Northern Command where we visited 91st Division which is responsible for overseeing the border with Lebanon, the Blue Line with the UNIFIL mission and ongoing operations against Hezbollah, followed by a practical demonstration of armoured resupply and recovery operations.

The course concluded with a Low Intensity Conflict planning exercise, which highlighted the logistic challenges the IDF face when operating in a congested and condensed battlefield.

Throughout the course each of the international students presented an overview of their respective country, its Armed Forces and how it conducts logistic operations, whilst several members of the course also delivered contemporary briefings regarding logistic lessons learned from recent campaigns in Afghanistan and Ukraine, all of which furthered our understanding of logistic operations.

The IIBLC provided me with an incredible opportunity to learn not only about Israel and its Armed Forces but many nations across the world and has been one of the highlights of my career to date.

I sincerely hope that it will be as equally rewarding for the next British participant in 2023.

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THE SUSTAINER | TRAINING MATTERS

#BritishArmyLogistics

The Defence School of Transport Integrating technology and simulation within DST The Defence School of Transport’s drive to exploit emerging technologies has gathered strength and is beginning to deliver tangible results across all areas of activity.

For driver training DST now has eight PC-based car simulators based on a trial conducted by 25 Regt RLC and which are covered in more detail in Sgt Wright’s article in this issue of Sustainer. Evidence gathered so far suggests that simulation will offer a tangible reduction in the average time to pass a car driving test, with the associated cost savings in contract delivered training and reduced environmental impact.

Building on the School’s experience with car simulators, funding has been secured to procure a concept demonstration suite of bespoke truck simulators this year.The ‘feel’ of a fully loaded vehicle is essential feedback for HGV drivers and requires advanced hardware and software.

Integration of effective driving simulators with existing training methods offers opportunities to deliver greater efficiency in training in terms of; Licence Acquisition, Driving Instructor/Driving Examiner training and assessment. It will support consistent and safe environmental training, hazard awareness and student assessment. Building on this will allow DST to explore opportunities to support specialist training such as blue light driving and

Commandant: Colonel Chris Henson QGM COS: Lt Col Ben Aumônier RLC GSM: WO1 J Girvan

military driver scenarios.

The School is also exploiting Defence’s Virtual Battlespace (VBS) programme, with a suite of 20 stations being brought online. The stations are equipped to suit vehicle scenarios, with steering wheels, pedals and gear stick; allowing experimentation at scale for military driver training. A detailed simulation of DST’s Training Area has been replicated in the VBS environment and will help instructors and course design staff to conceptualise training opportunities.

While the simulators contribute to platform operator training,VBS has the potential to offer scenario-based

8 One of DST's eight Car Driver Training Simulators

driver training that is impractical in real life.This might include climatic conditions, actions on situations such as RTA’s, enemy action or the opportunity to drive the virtual streets of operational areas.

Technology of a different sort will provide DST with an immersive Urban Driver Training Area. Printed screen techniques similar to those used to cover scaffolding in cities will provide over 1km of simulated urban streets; big enough to swallow a packet of military vehicles.Training which cannot be conducted on public roads such as manoeuvring, recovery, vehicle camouflage and concealment, air sentries, CBRN and NVG driving is currently conducted in the rural setting of DST’s Driver Training Area.

The addition of the Urban Area to the current landscape will allow the military to ‘train as we fight’ on contemporary operations.

Emerging technology also has a role to play in DST support functions.The PROMETHEUS Solar Farm has been a huge success, producing significant savings in energy costs. DST has invested in a fleet of six electric 8 DLW meeting DST staff during his visit

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vehicles; replacing the diesel Ford Rangers used by Quartermasters and Estate Support staff.These new vehicles are effectively powered for free from the abundance of solar energy on site, are discrete, rugged, reliable, and 100% emissions free.The theme of technology being used to unlock cost savings and environmental benefits has been exploited further in the most recent initiative to address issues with the School’s aging transit accommodation. New NetCAP (carbon neutral) energy efficient accommodation blocks will be built this financial year to house short term courses. These blocks will replace the oldest twelve-person barrack room accommodation with modern blocks providing 100 bed spaces in two and three person rooms.With a supported life of up to 60 years, the NetCAP buildings offer value for money and reduced environment impact. As well as being the right thing to do, offsetting the School’s high annual road mileage is important in preserving its license to operate in the community. Happily, these green technology initiatives are also proving to be money savers for Defence.

All the above is only possible because of the effective collaboration of DST’s ‘Whole Force’.The staff of tri-service personnel, Civil Servants and contractors covers every discipline imaginable from expert instructors to information systems, infrastructure, carpentry, estates, training management, catering. Proud to include 25 Regt RLC in DST’s ranks and to be the ‘home of the Corps in the North’, DST is a thriving Defence establishment.The School is always keen to take on new talent and has a strong ex-service community amongst the instructional staff: search Civil Service Jobs.

Visit of DLW to DST DST recently had the pleasure of hosting the newly appointed Director Land Warfare, Major General Barry CBE and the Land Warfare Centre Command Sergeant Major,WO1 Hird.

During the visit DLW observed the diverse training delivered at DST, both on the 550-acre training estate and in the classrooms where he also had the opportunity to view the new high-tech Virtual Battle Simulators in action and the CSS CIS training facility, which enables the communication challenges

TRAINING MATTERS | THE SUSTAINER

posed by differing physical and electronic environments, EW threats and equipment types to be replicated.

DLW met with some of the military and civilian permanent staff as well as students in training. His visit concluded at Ladysmith House with a guided tour of some of the welfare facilities open to all staff and students at DST.

8 Beverley Armed Forces Day, Freedom of the ERY Parade

Rewarding excellence DST staff have continued to secure promotions and awards which reflect the quality of the School’s team. Most recently, Cpl Nicole Wilhoite was awarded a Commandant Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration (DCLPA) Commendation for her work in supporting the welfare of students, staff and families. Cpl Wood RAF was selected as the RAF driver of the year and promoted to Sgt, DST sporting teams and individuals won accolades in several sports including Orienteering and Iron Man triathlon

Beverley Armed Forces Day Having supported the National Armed Forces Day in Scarborough this year, by providing equipment, stands, and personnel at the venue and a logistic hub and C2 Coord at Leconfield and Driffield; DST had its own moment in the limelight celebrating Armed Forces Day locally the following week.

In 2010, DST was awarded the Freedom of the East Riding of Yorkshire, and on a gloriously sunny 3 Jul this year, the School exercised that freedom in the market town of Beverley. 25 Regt RLC led the parade with marching contingents provided from across the School, and, with bayonets fixed, proceeded to the Beverley North Bar Gate to find it shut and barred. It took CO 25 Regt, Lt Col Rob Amor, to bang on the gate’s doors with his sword hilt to gain permission from the Town Crier for the gates to be opened. On officially entering the town, the parade marched to the market square where they were inspected by HM Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Mr Jim Dick OBE accompanied by the Commandant,Town Mayor and Chair of the East Riding Council. Supported by static displays showing some of DST activities, stands from the Yorkshire Regiment (Reserves) and 150 Regiment RLC, the day was a great success.

8 Cpl Wilhoite received a Comd DCLPA Commendation

events. Most recently, DST has been selected as this year’s winner of the Defence Road Safety Award as a result of the road safety campaign and linked initiatives led by DST staff throughout 2021.

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THE SUSTAINER | HEADS OF TRADE

#BritishArmyLogistics

Movement Controller

By WO1 Matt Bragg MBE As I complete the first six months as Head of Trade, I reflect on the good work that the trade has delivered. I am proud to be a part of a trade that not only delivers globally and continually, but that also supports more than we are structured and resourced to do so. As a trade we have been extremely busy supporting operations and Defence activity but our reach outside of our regular portfolio to ensure success is impressive.

It has been satisfying to see the Movement Control employment badge appear in operational photography, on the BBC and on the cover of the RLC Review. I believe that identity is important, and this has been echoed by the breadth of our trade. We have a new Trade Proponent, Col Parker, currently Commander Logistic Support in 1 (UK) Division. I am confident that together our passion for the trade and corps will produce many positive outputs.

Trade Working Group In mid-June I held my first Trade Working Group. The aim was to inform all ranks of the assignments that are open to them. I gave an in-depth trade update with my first two slides detailing those who received Honours and Awards, both in and outside of the Queen’s Honours lists. On the day, Pte Wilson of 29 Regt RLC was awarded a Conductor’s Coin for his exemplary work at HQ 3 Cdo Bde RM, kindly presented by WO1 (Cdr) Hutchinson, Postal and Courier Head of Trade.

Trade outputs Throughout the trade, our people continue to overreach, not content 22

8 Corps Open Day Mov Con stand SSgt Jordon, Pte Ball, WO1 Bragg, Sgt Rouse and LCpl Graham

outputs that are supported outside of the mainstream career employment group, equating to approximately 5-10% percent of the overall Movement Control liability.

We also have a sizable footprint in training establishments, supporting the training of phase one recruits.

8 Pte Wilson being awarded his Conductor’s Coin by WO1 (Cdr) Hutchinson

with just delivering in their areas of responsibly. 29 Regt RLC’s support to Defence outputs continues to be relentless and highly significant; Op CABRIT, Op INTERLINK, Op INTERFLEX, support to Very High Readiness deployments and redeployments, establishing and force generating workforce for activity and multiple Force Movement Control Centres (FMCC) as well as supporting the deployment of Defence through the Joint Air Mounting Centre (JAMC).

Their outputs are quite staggering, and I have not really scratched the surface. Regional Command have deployed to support operational and non-operational activity, globally, rcently supporting 16 AA BCT during their redeployment from Ex SWIFT RESPONSE in Macedonia.

Our Mov Op reserves continually train and support both UK outputs and deployed training.

As I look across the breadth of the trade there are a great deal of

Corps Open Day It was good to see that the damp weather did not deter the crowds or atmosphere during the Corps Open Day. Our trade stand was developed and built by Sgt Rouse and Pte Ball (29 Regt RLC) and SSgt Jordon and LCpl Graham (Regional Command). They worked hard showcasing “The Movement Controller on Operations” with a display of photography from Op PITTING which drove engagement from those in and out of uniform.

Look ahead As we continue to support a myriad of defence activity, we will also see the restructure of 29 Regt RLC and some reshaping of our support to the Division and Brigade Combat Teams. There will be positions established to further support the Future Commando Force and Regional Command. This will present some exciting opportunities for our tradespeople and a better trade structure to allow for a more balanced and better trade pyramid.

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HEADS OF TRADE | THE SUSTAINER

Marine Engineer

By WO1 James Taylor Army Marine Engineers (MEs) are specialist Engineering Technicians, trained and employed to provide Equipment Care and Engineering Support, including logistical needs and administration, to a range of MOD waterborne assets. MEs work in a number of environments, such as within a base port, at sea as part of a formed crew or individually as a deployed Subject Matter Expert (SME).

This can be as part of a deployable Expeditionary Port Task Group of the Army Fleet, the main enabling capability of 17 Port & Maritime Regiment RLC, or providing SME close support when posted to a UKSF unit. As such, Army Marine Engineers enjoy a varied career with global deployment, encompassing two apprenticeship schemes and other civilian accredited qualifications.

This year, the trade has welcomed me as the new Head of Trade, having taken on the baton from WO1 (Cdr) Karl Arnott, former Conductor of Maritime trades. My career thus far has placed me in every aspect of the trade’s business, having served at 17 P&M RLC across its range of vessels, in Cyprus and the Outer Hebrides as a Ramped Craft Logistic Chief Engineer, on tours with 460 Port Tp in the Falkland Islands, as an instructor at trade training and also serving in the RLC ME positions at both UKSF units. I hope to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the post and serve to advance the trade to staggering new heights. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome our newly qualified Class 3 MEs to the trade; Pte Crummack, Pte Pickard and Pte Williams.

Over the past 12 months, RLC

Marine Engineer trade training has undergone a large shake up based on the recognised need to improve and streamline the CEG’s career pathway. Previously, RLC ME Phase 2 (Class 3) Trade Training was conducted at MOD Lyneham where soldiers would complete the REME Vehicle Mechanic Class 3 (VM3) course, however the training provided has proven too generic, non-Maritime specific. VM3 caused training deficiencies leaving MEs with gaps in the skill sets for the role whereby they are expected to be engineers with little supervision or resource at sea. Additionally, trainees were assessed on land-based platforms for civilian accreditation, to which they would seldom work on.

With the help of our Royal Navy counterparts, RLC Marine Engineer Phase 2 training has moved back to the Defence School of Marine Engineering (DSMarE), HMS Sultan to accompany our Class 1 courses.

The re-vamped training sees RLC ME Apprentices train on the ME150 Engineering Technician Marine Engineer Initial Career Course. The six-month course qualifies RLC ME3s to the same standard as RN ETMEs and RFA Motorman 2s before undertaking Specific-to-Arm training with 17 P&M Regt. The course provides the Apprentices with a C&G L2 Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic

8 Mexeflote Thrustmaster engine electronic fault diagnosis

(Knowledge) Diploma, to which then the apprentices undergo 12 months workplace learning at unit before being awarded another C&G L2 (Competence) Diploma. After a successful oral and practical boarding, the apprentices are awarded a L2 Apprenticeship as a Maritime Mechanical Electrical Mechanic and upgraded to Class 2 Marine Engineer.

After our soldiers have served as a LCpl for at least a year, they are eligible to be invited back to Sultan to complete the Class 1 Course. This course has also undergone positive changes and is the start of a second apprenticeship at L3. Trainees attend the 12-month ME151 Leading Engineering Technician (ME) Qualifying Course (LETMEQC) before being upgraded to Class 1 and completing another apprenticeship portfolio at unit.

After successful boarding, ME1s will have accrued two C&G Level 3 Diploma’s in Maritime Defence, a Level 3 Apprenticeship as an Engineering Technician and professional recognition as EngTech with a body such as the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

Interested by the RLC Marine Engineer CEG? Contact your local Army Careers Office or Unit RCMO through your chain of command.

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THE SUSTAINER | HEADS OF TRADE

By WO1 (SSM) R D Ockwell

Driver As this is my first article as Command Master Driver for Sustainer, I want to take the opportunity to introduce myself.

Before I do, I would like to thank Capt Andrew Corke for his monumental effort and the lasting positive effect that he has made to our trade. These are large boots to fill and I relish the opportunity to continue in his footsteps. Capt Corke recently took up the role of OC JAMC and the trade wishes him the very best of luck in his new position and for his future.

I am WO1 Richard Ockwell, your new Head of Trade for Drivers; a role in which I have long admired and pursued. I have taken some time for reflection and thought of all the people who have influenced and challenged me throughout my career. A heart felt thank you to all of them as they have enabled me to achieve my aims.

#BritishArmyLogistics I am looking at three themes that I wish to take forward within my tenure; first is to continue the digitalisation pathway of our working practices in development and implantation. Second is to improve the way in which we, as a trade, communicate to ensure you all have awareness on trade specific information, activities and events. Lastly, to continue to support the apprenticeships and career development pathway within our trade.

April 2022 saw 30 RLC drivers, accompanied by Sgt Colgate (4 Regt RLC) and WO2 Hayes (MD 101OSB), commence with the first Enterprise Approach venture. The drivers initially undertook an intense bespoke four-week upskilling training package in partnership with Drivers Direct Ltd and Ultima Training. The training was delivered at Abingdon Station and provided each driver with their CPC drivers’ card and, importantly, the skills and accreditation they would require to drive an articulated lorry in a commercial environment.

The next step was to allocate drivers to the strategic partners (John Lewis, Tesco and Kuehne+Nagel). This was an important step as each Industry Partner provides a different and varied logistic output, notably with Kuehne+Nagel transporting Defence munitions across the country. We are eight weeks into the Industry Partner placement and have already achieved some fantastic statistics which will only benefit our units when these soldiers return. Over the last four weeks, Cpl Moore (3 Regt RLC) has

covered 95 hours worth of driving which equates to 3,033 miles. To put this into perspective, it is the same as driving from Aldershot to Baghdad, Iraq. This trial will not only develop the reputation of Military Logisticians in the civilian sector, but also help develop the conditions for future trials.

Within my short period in the role, I have had the opportunity to visit 4 MI Bn’s Exercise GREYHOUND DRIVER (road safety competition) organised and delivered by the MT SNCO, SSgt Moor and his department. A challenging event, which highlighted the dangers of driving including using handheld devices and trailer reversing. It is these activities that highlights our trade and personnel as the key drivers for safety at unit level.

I also spent a few days at 16 Air Assault Brigade delivering ‘Survive the Drive’ road safety presentations to both 13 Air Assault Support Regiment and 16 Medical Regiment as part of their units’ road safety programmes.

Engagement activities such as these present great opportunities for active engagement and to field questions with answers to the pressing issues regarding the trade.

I am looking forward to continuing to visit as many units (regular and reserve) as possible in the coming months. Please, I urge you all, if you have any questions, concerns or ideas that will benefit or enhance our trade, do contact your Bde Master Driver through your chain of command. Stay safe and keep up the fantastic work you are doing.

8 John Lewis is one of the strategic partners part of the Enterprise Approach venture

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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 | THE SUSTAINER

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.

8 That’s a lot of kit to move

8 Maj Hicks (Jim) builds Host Nation relations in Denmark

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.

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THE SUSTAINER | PROMOTION

Elliot Brown watches are seeking expressions of interest prior to the production of an official RLC wrist watch to commemorate 30 years of The Royal Logistic Corps.

The watch will be available with either a Seiko self-winding automatic movement (from £695) or a Swiss Ronda quartz movement (from £525).

The watch features a bead blasted steel case, bespoke dark blue dial, red and yellow “Corps Colours” markers above 9 and 3, the Corps cap badge in subdued grey at 6, the Corps TRF as the 6 marker, 5th and 30th dates in red, a red tipped second hand, 1993 on the internal bezel at 12, the cap badge acid etched in the centre of the caseback, The Royal Logistic Corps in relief above. The watch will be tested to 200m in water and the bezel can be turned with a gloved hand.

The watch will be serial numbered and can have up to 25 characters of personal engraving. There will be an option of an RLC webbing strap (subject to minimum order).

Elliot Brown will donate 10% of sales to a military charity chosen by the project lead. Expressions of interest can be made until 31st October 2022 using the QR code.

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#BritishArmyLogistics

Elliot Brown RLC30 watch

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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

ADVERTUROUS TRAINING | THE SUSTAINER

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

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.

8 MLT students summit one of the Mourne Mountains’ seven high peaks

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THE SUSTAINER | EXPLOITING TECHNOLOGY

#BritishArmyLogistics

The Digital Readiness Experiment

By Capt Jordan Kemp, Defence Industry Placement at Adarga The Digital Readiness Experiment (DRE) aimed to test and learn about the ‘digital readiness’ of 1(UK) Division. Over a nine-month period, the experiment followed a realistic Readiness timeline of the Division preparing and deploying on operations overseas.

With support from Adarga - a UK tech start-up which was contracted to create an ecosystem of industry partners - the DRE explored what kinds of software and artificial intelligence (AI) driven technology the Division might equip its people with; in the same way it does with physical equipment. The overarching goal was to get the best digital tools to win in the information domain, drawing from the best from industry to ensure that the solutions presented were world class. The approach also ensured that our soldiers, the users, were invested in the product design from the outset forming a constructive tension between the art of the possible from industry and the art of the practical from the users.

for experimentation on Ex RHINO CHARGE (RC21 – 1(UK)XX biennial Validation Exercise) and to capture a comprehensive learning account to inform the recommendations to support agility in future innovation and procurement. Overall, there were over 400 Defence personnel and partners from industry involved in the DRE and it was led by a 1-star Steering Group of key Army leaders in digital, innovation and technology invited by Commander 11 Bde, Brig Ben Cattermole.

at their Cyber TTX; assessing supply chain resilience or on the writing team for the Army’s AI Strategy, which will lay out the roadmap for an “AI-ready Army”.

8 In the Dragon’s Den

8 Capt Jordan Kemp at Hacakthon 21 held at the British Army Battle Labs

8 Med planners in virtual reality on Ex RC21

There were three objectives of the experiment: to accelerate the Army’s understanding of digital Force-Preparation timelines and processes; to develop viable software and AI-driven technology 28

After working as the Regimental Ops Officer at 9 Regiment RLC, I was released as the DRE Project Officer from August – December 2021, before heading to Adarga on a nine-month External Placement in Industry. Throughout both assignments I have remained connected to Army and RLC technology development and thinking, through the work at DSCOM and Director Joint Support

As the only full-time person working on the DRE, I was responsible for the main outputs which started with helping 104 Bde organise Hackathon 21 at the British Army Battle Labs in Dorset.

Hackathon 21 was an innovation event that partnered soldiers with data scientists and engineers to work on problem sets for 48 hours.

The problems were all posed by the subordinate brigades, to solve likely operational challenges. On conclusion of the 48 hours, soldiers and industry partners pitched their ideas to a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style panel of military and industry leaders. There were ten teams, representing each of the Brigades in 1(UK)Div. Seven of the prototypes were selected to be developed further for testing on Ex

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EXPLOITING TECHNOLOGY | THE SUSTAINER

RC21, including those proposed by teams from 104X led by Capt Alex Wilkins (9 RLC) and 102X led by Lt James Saunders (7 RLC) and Lt Kier Leech (6 RLC) for their excellent solutions for convoy route planning and real-time event tracking.

8 Captain Alex Wilkins at Hackathon 21

Working with the developers from the winning seven companies (Adarga, Atreides, Babcock, IBM, Maxar, PA Consulting and Esri), the solutions were developed to working prototypes to deploy into the 1(UK) Div HQ in just six weeks… a significant challenge, working with pan-Defence stakeholders.

The prototypes were designed to cut right to the heart of the challenges faced by the planners in the HQ. We developed software that automated the SOHB yardsticks, replacing cumbersome CSS Calculators; a tool that ingests mobile phone diagnostic data that provided invaluable insights for communications planning; a 3D mapping program that allowed planners to fly through a digital twin of the Area of Operations in virtual reality and a tool that tracked casualties from the point of injury all the way through the clinical care pathway.

8 On the road to an AI-ready Army

There were 140 users for the software, trained during the RSOI package, and the DRE team measured their use against set performance metrics and collated feedback. Some of users wished they had previous access to the tools to support the pre-deployment phase, others felt that the tool

saved them time or gave them access to information they previously wouldn’t have had.

Rather than being replaced by the DRE tools, Intelligence or Geo analysts were freed up to do more difficult analysis as the staff had more ready access to quick information requests or visualisation products for their planning. Although none of the tools were individually sufficient to transform the HQ, they offered glimpses of what AI could provide to the staff, to genuinely exploit their data and support their decision making. All the staff saw the potential of the technology increasing their ability to collaborate, to provide continuous shared situational awareness, have AI-predictions capable of supporting their decisions and removing information and technology from stove pipes to be accessible to all that need it.

Throughout the experiment lessons were grouped into four themes - Processes, Culture, Products and Experiment Design published by 1(UK) Div in a lessons document. The DRE is an example of what rapid innovation and concept development can achieve, but in the words of Brig Cattermole: “We have to be ruthlessly honest in asking ourselves if the British Army’s processes are agile enough to enable the rapid exploitation of digital innovation. Our commercial and cyber security protocols are essential, but they must be streamlined and accessible to all.”

8 Team Hackathon

The DRE provided further evidence to support 102 Bde Comd’s statement that: “Innovation is an ecosystem which requires the right people, processes, resources and environment to be aligned for success.” The challenge for the Corps is how we harness and cohere this innovation to allow us to operate differently whilst still depending on legacy platforms and evolving force structures.

Successful innovation and digital transformation in the Army is widely acknowledged to require a whole-force approach. Our people must have the freedom and power to fix their own problems and we should not take for granted how exciting tackling Defence’s hardest obstacles can be, giving soldiers a sense of fulfilment, empowerment and awareness of new technology and skills.

The Digital Readiness Playbook was published in April 22, with the aim to provide a resource for any project lead, of any rank and at any formation; to lead them through innovating and procuring software and AI driven technology. The aim is to give everyone the freedom to successfully innovate, think and resource ideas to overcome their close challenges and equip our teams with the Digital tools to remain relevant in the age of constant competition.

Both the DRE Playbook and Lesson document can be found on the 1(UK) Div SharePoint site.

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THE SUSTAINER | SPORT The RLC Equestrian Club has had a very busy few months. Special congratulations to Sgt Sammie Jones (3 Regt RLC), Pte Elizabeth Ellis and Pte Nick Akuffo (5 FS Bn REME) for graduating from Grass Roots to Corps teams.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show – Maj Rose Lambert (9 Regt RLC) Every year, HM The Queen hosts the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

In addition to performances from the mounted regiments and many others, the main arena hosts an Inter-Services show jumping competition.

This year, Maj Rose Lambert was selected to represent the Army team, jumping the course on her own horse Fines Fox. Recently back from operations, Maj Lambert’s round went well and the pair completed the course with just eight faults.

Royal Tournament Tent Pegging Team – Maj David Puckey (DIO RD) The Tent Pegging Team consisted of Maj Puckey on his own horse Disco, out on her first ever competition and Maj Nigel Prescott (DIO RD) on a hired horse, Schnapps, who he met that morning for the first time.

Maj Prescott and Schnapps formed a quick bond, resulting in a second place in the Individual Sword class, beating mounted duties riders form the King’s Troop and Household Cavalry.

The Tent Pegging Team is looking for new riders to join its ranks. Riders need to be established in a fast canter and have good hand eye co-ordination. Everything else can be taught. This unique sport requires skill and determination to attack and draw targets using a sword or lance from a galloping horse.

Royal Tournament Corps Eventing Team – Maj Hannah Hewins (Army HQ) Members of the Corps Eventing Team attended The Royal Tournament on 20-24 Jun 22 to compete in Show Jumping, culminating with the Derby.

There were new rider/horse combinations this year - Maj Hewins and Simba; Pte Leung (151 Regt RLC) and Jay and Sgt Jones (3 Regt RLC) and her hireling Billy.

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RLC Equestrian

The team was joined by Maj Lambert on Fines Fox. This was Sgt Jones’ first competition as a Corps Rider having been selected to compete from the grass roots cohort.

Our Corps riders were supported on the ground by Pte DowneyBrown (9 Regt RLC). One of the Grass Roots’ newest riders, it was her first grooming experience for the team. Despite this, she very quickly adapted to the horse and rider needs – a demanding job with four horses to assist. This was Pte Leung’s second year competing for the Corps and his first on his own

8 Tent Pegging: Maj Prescott receives his prize represented the Army at RWHS

8 Royal Windsor: Maj Lambert represented the Army at RWHS

horse. They put up a sterling performance showing real promise.

Polo – Capt Nikki Hemsworth (RAFC Cranwell) The first tournament of the season was the Women in Polo Military Ladies’ tournament on 2 May 22.

Fresh from training in South Africa were Lt Col Lucy Anderson (APC), Capt Nicky Hemsworth and OCdt Tilly Harrison (BUOTC) were ably supported by two external players, Lucie Barker and Joy Senior. The first game of the day was against the Royal Signals, with goals from Lucy and Lucie securing a victory.

The second game was against a Tedworth Park team for the title.

The RLC team held the Tedworth Park team, however Tedworth Park prevailed in the final seconds.

The RA Cup on 2 Jun 22 saw Lt Col Lucy Anderson, Maj Nigel Prescott, Capt Nicky Hemsworth, team captain Capt Nick Lowe (33 Engr Regt)and OCdt Tilly Harrison enter the pitch. The team had a strong start against the Royal Lancers. Sadly a mistake in the RLC goal meant the game went to penalties which unfortunately did not secure an RLC win. The Royal Navy was the next opponent, but after Capt Lowe was unseated, breaking his arm, the team could not quite recover.

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By Capt Henry Christiansen The RLC Polo Club overseas sports visit was originally due to take place in 2020 and, like all military sports during COVID, was unfortunately postponed. It was therefore even more special this time around for the RLC Polo Team to be able to get away to South Africa and really immerse themselves in some pre-season high quality training with professional coaches and excellent horses.

Some of the team had been to Selby Williamson’s ‘Jurassic Park Polo Academy’ before but for others, this was their first time.

Selby Williamson (ex Capt of the national South African Polo Team) coaches many other British Army regimental teams as well as groups and players from all over the world.

The main aim for the visit was to develop players’ skills prior to the beginning of the UK Polo season, thereby giving the RLC team the best chance of success at upcoming competitions.

Jurassic Polo is based on Selby Williamson’s farm in Kwazulu-Natal, in the picturesque region near the Drakensburg mountains. Visitors and guests of Jurassic Polo stay within cottages and rooms dotted about the farm grounds and meals are taken centrally with the Williamson’s home. This had the bonus of enabling the RLC players to get to know each other better as many of us had not met before or since COVID-19 put a halt to the sport.

We were not thrown straight into the deep end with chukkas and tournaments, instead the training began by bringing everyone back down to the basics. This was achieved by using ‘wooden horses’, a barrel on legs with a saddle on it.

This allowed us to focus solely on hitting techniques with one-on-one instruction from the Jurassic Team without being distracted by having to manage a horse as well. This was to prove a very welcome staple throughout the whole visit daily we would start and then finish with stick and ball exercises which helped to build muscle memory and our hitting technique.

As well as the wooden horse exercises, we were able to go out

SPORT | THE SUSTAINER

Exercise JURASSIC CHUKKA

on a long hack around the farm as well as practice riding skills in the indoor school. For some of the team, it had been a long time since they had received flatwork tuition and so this experience and training was most welcome.

Once the pitches had dried out enough for us to ride on, we started with stick and ball exercises; low level dribbling and passing to start putting what we had learned on the wooden horses to good use.

Once we had ‘zeroed’ our various shots, we progressed onto chukkas with constant instruction from the Jurassic Team. Not only did we play on the beautiful Williamson farm pitches but also at the local club grounds at Swartburg. Playing on such immaculate fields was a real treat and while we were there, the local high goal team that included members of the South African national side were also playing so there was plenty to watch and try and emulate later.

When the training for each day had finished, we had free time to be able to enjoy the local area and the rest of what the farm had to offer.

Of note was a tour of the farm one

8 Back row: Capt Nicky Hemsworth, Capt Henry Christiansen, Pte Elizabeth Ellis, OCdt Tilly Harrison, Front row: Lt Alika Molloy, Maj Matt Pittaway, Lt Col Lucy Anderson, Capt Nick Lowe

evening courtesy of Codie, Selby’s son. We were treated to ‘sundowners’ (a snack picnic) overlooking the area from one of the hills on the farm, the scenery was utterly breath-taking. One cannot come to South Africa and not have a famous ‘Braai’ and Selby treated us to several wonderful barbecues which helped us truly explore what food South Africa has to offer.

For all who attended, this was an amazing experience and one that will not be forgotten. The RLC Polo Team wishes to thank the Jurassic Park Polo Academy for generously hosting us and providing us with such excellent horses throughout.

Without this, our game would never have developed at the rate it did. The RLC Equestrian Chairman, Lt Col Lucy Anderson, would also like to thank all Commanding Officers who were able to release their players to participate in such a great visit.

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THE SUSTAINER | SPORT

By SSgt Surye Gurung 10 QOGLR The 10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment (QOGLR) Basketball team deployed on Ex QOGLR BALLERS 2022, an Overseas Sports Visit (OSV) to Lisbon, Portugal over the period 3 – 10 Apr 22. The aim of this OSV was to maximise team performance, build team cohesion and gain experience playing against the unfamiliar opponents from overseas.

Furthermore, it was an effort to enhance the relationships and reputation of the British Forces with the local people from Lisbon.

The Regimental Basketball team, comprising of 19 members, travelled to Lisbon on 3 Apr 22 and was accommodated near the University of Lisbon before regular training sessions commenced. Four robust training sessions were conducted at the University of Lisbon, led by Sgt Fostin and Cpl Nom. Different attributes of the game were discussed, and team set plays were rehearsed. The players had opportunities to hone their individual skills and synchronise with the team set plays. Two competitive matches were played against a very talented local team, the Southsiders Lisbon. The 10 QOGLR team was victorious by a very narrow margin on both occasions displaying complete understanding of the team tactics and set plays.

Improved team co-ordination, increased confidence individually

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Ex QOGLR BALLERS 2022

8 19 members of the basketball team travelled to Lisbon

8 One of the OSV aims was to build team cohesion

and as a team were the clear results of the robust and well organised training.

Apart from the training benefits, the OSV provided an excellent opportunity for team bonding and to learn the culture and tradition,

experience food and visit the historic city of Lisbon. The team organised a city tour to the famous Pena Palace in Sintra which is located approximately 32 miles to the North West of Lisbon. The Pena Palace is one of the most famous tourist attractions, which bears a very rich history. At the end of the tour, the team organised a team dinner at the restaurant ‘Love Lisbon’ where the team enjoyed the amazing foods and drinks that the city had to offer, especially the seafood.

In conclusion, the entire OSV was a fantastic experience; learning basketball in depth and exploring the city of Lisbon at the same time.

The team would like to thank the 10 QOGLR Chain of Command and the Army Sports Control Board for the opportunity. It must also thank the Army Sports Lottery, the HQBG Brigade Education and Welfare Fund, the Berlin Infantry Bde Memorial Fund, 4 Division Trust Fund (Sports) and the QOGLR Trust for providing the funding support for the OSV. Lastly, the team would like to thank Capt Niraj Gurung (GSPS), the tour OIC, for organising the OSV successfully and providing knowledge about what Army sports and the British Army has to offer when developing potential new talents.

8 The team visited the Pena Palace while in Portugal

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

#BritishArmyLogistics In this edition of The Sustainer the RLC Foundation Book Club reviews two relatively recent publications; which are both thought provoking and disconcerting in their own way.

Each are likely to become highly debated topics within defence, wider government, academia and industry over the next twelve months.

BOOK REVIEWS | THE SUSTAINER

RLC Foundation Book Club

Volt Rush; The Winners and Losers in the Race to go Green, Henry Sanderson, Oneworld, 2022.

The Integrated Review spelt out that Britain could either be a leader in new technologies or it would be left behind – so, no choice at all really. Volt Rush offers cautious optimism for a world transitioning to a decarbonised future, but it also highlights that there is likely to be acute geopolitical competition for precious resources; made worse by the fact that China has already secured a head start in guaranteeing its supply of rare earth elements. All those new cleaner electric cars that you may think will offer you guilt free motoring are likely to come at a cost, albeit a different one from climate change. Sanderson details some of the precious elements which must be secured to deliver the brave new green world. Cobalt, nickel and copper will all be in short supply and high demand but nothing like lithium whose demand will increase thirtyfold by 2030 (the date from which, coincidently, you will not be able to buy a petrol car in the UK). China seems to have taken the approach that owning the supply base is safer than trading for it. The author explores the background of what and from whom China has already secured resources for its domestic manufacturing base; indicating that traditional global market forces may not prevail in the near future where earth elements may not be for sale at any price. Countries may look to onshoring options (the UK is currently assessing lithium deposits in Cornwall) but it is highly unlikely that domestic supply will meet increasing demands. How this global conundrum will unravel is unclear but the competitive tempo is building – perhaps it’s time to

dust off your bicycle clips whilst watching already stressed supply chains bend themselves into a new shape.

Necessary Heresies: Challenging the Narratives Distorting Contemporary UK Defence, Ed by Justin Bronk and Jack Watling, RUSI, Whitehall Paper 99, 2021.

If challenge is seen as a good thing, then Necessary Heresies should form part of the central debate on the future of UK defence; its priorities, realistic fiscal resources versus emerging technologies versus military structures, and how threat narratives should be framed.

Bronk and Watling question the current narratives espoused by senior officials which lead, in their opinion, to some problematic outcomes. The aim of the paper is to expose the realities of weaponising selected emerging technologies and correcting some of the misleading narratives surrounding them. Seven distinguished authors examine a range of defence technologies which they believe have, to varying degrees, been misreported. This situation has developed as a direct result of an absence of detail in how future capabilities actually work. From cyber warfare through swarming munitions to conflict in

space, the authors provide evidence of how challenging some of the technologies are to field as a consistent suite of game-changing weapon systems. By overemphasising the threat and cherry picking some advantages of these emerging technologies the authors contend that misleading narratives can distort Defence in several ways, including acquisition decisions which subsequently influence the balance of conventional forces. What readers may find fascinating is the way the authors unpick some widely accepted military jargon such as ‘grey zone operations’ – they explore what this descriptor might mean, what might be left out and the area for confusion (which could be exploited in some circles).

Whilst there may be another technological step change looming over the horizon that constitutes a new revolution in military affairs, readers may be more persuaded that conventional forces (mass) still have a large part to play in future diplomacy, deterrence and conflicts.

The paper posits that reducing what is left of Britain’s conventional forces on the promise of new fieldable technologies which bring efficiencies (read cuts) is currently unproven. A RUSI paper that needs to be widely read, understood and debated before decisions are made – if it’s not too late!

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THE SUSTAINER | RLC MUSEUM

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The RLC Museum needs your Tour T-Shirts By - Major (Retd) Simon Walmsley Director, The Royal Logistic Corps Museum

The RLC will be turning 30 next year. Throughout this time, it has constantly had soldiers deployed on operational tours or on exercises overseas. The museum intends to capture this story and these many deployments using “tour t-shirts”.

We are seeking three t-shirts for each of the 30 years of our Corps history, meaning that 150 will be required to complete the display.

A big ask…

The introduction of the new Combat Soldier 95 uniform saw t-shirts being issued to every soldier for the first time, for use in temperate as well as hot climates.

These t-shirts were designed to form an essential base layer, providing both thermal insulation and sweat wicking and were based upon the operational hot-weather t-shirt variant. Squadron t-shirts with a personalised motif quickly began to appear and often replaced the issue version.

Today, no operational tour or exercise would be considered complete without the design and distribution of a tour t-shirt.

Squadrons or regiments normally

8 6 Regt Ex LION SUN 2020

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8 9 Regt Op BANNER 2000-1

8 11 GS Sqn - Op TELIC

hold competitions to seek the best design, with the command team making the final choice.

However, it is not unknown for troops or even small teams to produce their own t-shirts. These t-shirts have become ever more elaborate over time, with detailed stitched and embroidered designs replacing the earlier printed versions.

Some motifs are rather rude, tongue-in-cheek or include novelty figures or a cartoon; whereas others are more informative rather than humorous.

T-shirts have included illustrations of vehicles, equipments or flags, or perhaps the country where they are deployed.

Thus, these t-shirts capture the time, location, unit name, activity and spirit of the soldiers deployed and are a unique record of the Corps’ history.

the deployment or exercise where it was used. Also, please let the museum know if we can keep this t-shirt, as a donation, or whether you wish to have returned after the exhibition.

The subjects and deployments we seek include: Bosnia, Kosovo, Croatia, Macedonia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Cyprus, UN Tours, Kenya, Norway, adventure training, corps ski team etc. This list is not exhaustive. Any trade t-shirts, exercises, courses, adventure training activity or deployment, where a t-shirt was produced for RLC soldiers, is considered in scope.

Can you help?

If you wish to donate a tour t-shirt for this museum temporary exhibition, please email information@rlcmuseum.com heading your email “Tour t-shirt”.

Please include a picture of your t-shirt motif and give details of the unit, date, location and specifics of

8 14 Sqn RLC Botswana 2003

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#BritishArmyLogistics The RLC Foundation exists to foster relationships between The RLC and industry; sharing best practice, knowledge and mutual understanding amongst logistics professionals.

On 11 May, RLC Foundation corporate members visited the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS). This event was well attended by 32 corporate members and 12 military hosts. Our sponsor, Maj Gen Duncan Capps CBE, Comdt RMAS gave a briefing on military leadership, which provided for a lively debate amongst attending delegates. This was followed by a briefing and tour of the Indian Room and the Chapel.

So far in 2022, RLC Foundation events have been via webinars and other social media platforms. This was the first ‘live’ event of the year and to have this unique opportunity to visit Sandhurst was very much appreciated by our corporate membership. It was also a trip down memory lane for many of our military hosts. Guests enjoyed a curry lunch before departing.

On 18 Jul, RHQ The RLC hosted Ex Log SAFARI at Barton Stacey training area for our corporate members. Before departing for the training area, our guests enjoyed a guided tour of the RLC Museum.

Many had previous links with the Corps and they were suitably

THE RLC FOUNDATION | THE SUSTAINER

The RLC Foundation impressed with what was on show in the Corps’ new hi-tech museum.

On the training area, RLC trade specialists showcased trade skills within a field force setting and it gave our corporate members the opportunity to get a feel for the Corps’ equipment and talk to its soldiers about their particular trade specialisations. Our corporate members enjoyed an excellent lunch in the field prepared by RLC Chefs.

Dates for the diary: 28 Sep - 13 Air Assault Support Regiment is running a Military Planning event for our corporate membership. This event will be staged within a simulated field force headquarters, with ‘hands-on’ for our members who will get to grips with military supply chain issues within a war gaming scenario.

19 Oct – Project Management (PM) event at Theatre 1, Worthy Down.

Guest speakers include Iain McKend - a PM lecturer at Cumbria University - Brig Mike Taylor – the Chinook Team Leader from MOD Abbey Wood - and a guest speaker from Wilson James. This is an excellent opportunity to hear from

the experts, for those that are considering a future career in PM. This event is proving to be extremely popular, so get your bids in early to avoid disappointment.

Email: therlcfoundation@gmail.com 01 Nov – The RLC Foundation Awards Dinner at the Officers’ Mess, Worthy Down. This gives us the opportunity to recognise and reward those individuals from the Corps and Industry that have achieved success and contributed to logistics development in supporting the objectives of the Foundation.

The RLC Foundation is now working from 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade and from home. Contact details are: Director: Alan Woods rlcfoundation@gmail.com or Alan.Woods195@mod.gov.uk Business Support Manager: Marti Jerrard therlcfoundation@gmail.com Follow us on Linkedin and Facebook by searching for Royal Logistic Corps Foundation or visit our website: www.rlcfoundation.com 8 Foundation guests and hosts on the steps of Old College at RMAS

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THE SUSTAINER | THE RLC CORPS OPEN DAY

The RLC Corps Open Day returns in 2022

Images: Cpl McKenzie RLC VPT

Following a two-year hiatus, Corps Open Day made a welcome return on 2 Jul 22. The event was organised by a team from 29 and 9 Regts coordinated

by WO2 Daren Noel, 55 Sqn. The emphasis of the 2022 event was a day out for the Corps and the opportunity, following two years of COVID-19 restrictions, for the Corps family to gather and celebrate all that is great about The Royal Logistic Corps.

COD 2022 sports results: • RLC Rugby 7s The Bruce Cup – 9 Regt RLC • Tug of War – 17 P&M Regt RLC • RLC FA (Reg) v RLC FA (Res) Football – RLC FA (Reg) • RLC Womens Football Team v Army Reserve Women – Draw (7 – 7) • The Bunting Cup – The RLC Allstars The Corps thanks all the participating Units and display teams, who made Corps Open Day 2022 possible.

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THE RLC CORPS OPEN DAY | THE SUSTAINER

Looking for a new challenge We are recruiting!

?

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

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1 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps BICESTER CO: Lt Col H Cook • Adjt: Capt C Graham • RSM: WO1 J Halliday Unapologetically, let me (Lt Col Helen Cook) exploit this opportunity to say a huge thank you and congratulations for a job well done to all the members of 1 Regiment RLC #teamRHINO. While COVID-19 has not left us, the pace of life has certainly returned to a new normal. And while at times, it feels almost impossible to keep up with the routine MT and EC, let alone the relentless pace of trawls, tasks and tours, the Regt must reflect on the work it has achieved, the opportunities it has exploited and the resilience it has demonstrated, which has been simply superb.

Moreover, the Regt has delivered success in a humble and inclusive style which has created the culture for people to feel genuinely at home… And for that I am extremely proud to serve alongside the members of 1 Regt RLC. Thank you.

Sustainment excellence The Regt has travelled the length and breadth of the country to test its CSS skills to ensure it remains the Brigade’s sustainment experts.

It has been deployed across a fair amount of the globe including Canada, Belize, Falklands, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Gibraltar, Italy, Kenya, Poland, Romania, Somalia, Slovakia, South Korea and the USA. Our soldiers and officers have received glowing praise from all the various units or formations they’ve been attached to and they have represented 1 Regt with aplomb.

It’s not all been about green skills as the Regt has also stepped up to offer support to the nation in its time of need. While 2 CS Sqn took the lead (twice) for the support to the North West Ambulance Service – it was a whole of team effort to deliver the number of professional drivers required, as well as the flawless wrap around care, but the Regt was also deployed on Op RESCRIPT tasks in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. It should be justifiably proud.

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There is no denying the Regt has worked hard, exceptionally hard at times, showcasing the incredible knowledge, skills and experience it has and has gained. But to my mind, most importantly, it’s the way our people have delivered success – how they have managed to balance the work with the play, sustainment with sports and the normal with the novel.

Starting with sports my special thanks goes to Capt James Donavan and Cpl Mathew Cuckson for generating a rugby team. My premise has always been to encourage inclusive participation in sports – any sport – but not just for the few stars. And in my mind, they delivered just that (a bit more rugby would be nice though).

8 Capt Donovan, SSgt Brown, Maj Turner, Pte Marr, Capt Graham & Cpl O’Connor at the finish of the South Downs Ultra Marathon

Finally, the Regt has embraced some perhaps unexpected or novel pursuits. Enabling our people to feel supported and actively encouraged in their particular event, which I feel has contributed to the resilience and mental well being of #teamRHINO. I have been privileged to witness first-hand the look in someone’s eye as they showcase their passion. I have felt the pride being in the room as you have openly come out because you have felt comfortable and safe. I have seen the ripple effect of your work transcend across the Brigade and on occasions even further afield. #teamRHINO, the future looks filled with opportunities: Op INTERLINK, Op UNITY, Pj LIGHTFOOT, Pj CONVERGENCE, Op ISOTROPE, Ex ALLIED SPIRT, BATUS and Op CABRIT. The pace of life will remain, but as a team you are more than capable of delivering success.

Stay Resilient, Humble, Inclusive, Knowledgeable and continue to exploit the opportunities.

8 Cpl Weaver and LCpl Cawley judging the Regiment’s Inter-Sqn B.A.W.F competition

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

3 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps ABINGDON CO: Lt Col G Wincott • Adjt: Capt A Baldwin • RSM: WO1 R Conway Spring 2021 saw 3 Regiment RLC continue to build upon its expansive and engaging commitments. Against the backdrop of the Regt’s scheduled disbandment, it has continued to meet a variety of operational commitments both at home and abroad. Over 400 personnel have either been deployed, held at increased readiness, or aligned to taskings at the height of this period.

The Regt has enjoyed a longstanding commitment to Op CABRIT and has increased its presence on the operation in recent months. The creation of the Theatre Support Squadron (TSS) was enabled by the deployment of a command element made up of 3 Regt personnel who have been responsible for overseeing the creation and initial success of the TSS. The uplift of a second British Army battle group to the enhance Forward Presence (eFP) has afforded those 3 Regt soldiers significant opportunities for trade upskilling. Our Logistic Specialist Suppliers (LSS) have proved their impressive trade ability, processing over 27,000 demands in the first three months of Op CABRIT 10.

Whilst the drivers have undertaken a busy deployment, frequently conducting moves through the Baltic three to Poland; and at times, stretching as far back as Germany.

Operational commitments further increased, following orders to deploy a troop to Poland on Op INTERLINK in support of NATO’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. During its deployment, elements of the Troop worked alongside 45 Commando and other UK forces whilst the remainder were responsible for the receipt, preparation and onward movement of lethal aid from various NATO allies to Ukrainian forces.

At home, the Unit has maintained its commitment to Ops TEMPERER, RESCRIPT and ESCALIN as well as holding a commitment to UKSB. The latter included relevant training with

the Police and government agencies which included a TTX and flood defence drills in preparation for the commitment.

On the sporting front, 3 Regt personnel continue to enjoy success in a number of areas. The Tug of War team has developed significantly under the guidance of A/WO2 Richardson, winning gold in three weight divisions at the RLC and REME Championships, as well as two golds in the ‘Gunner Pull’ event. This impressive haul of medals has earnt them an invitation to compete at this year’s Royal Highland Games. The Regimental football team has also produced pleasing results with the team progressing to the semi-final of the UK Southern League Cup. And in athletics, the Regt continues to dominate across a number of disciplines. A/Sgt Preece and Pte Phillips have achieved outstanding results in the 800m. Having placed first and fourth respectively at the Inter-Corps meet, both were deservedly selected to represent the British Army at the Inter-Service Championships. In their debut at this event, A/Sgt Preece placed fourth and Pte Phillips thrid despite being deployed on Op INTERLINK only shortly before the competition.

Within the past few months soldiers within the Regt have been

8 3 Regt gym staff conducted a programme of resilience PT to enhance the physical and mental robustness of the Regt's soldiers afforded extensive opportunities to undertake Adventurous Training on land, sea and in the air. 3 Regt led the RLC Junior Mountain Leadership Programme under expedition leader, Lt Hobbs. This included two build up exercises in Snowdonia and the Lake District before travelling to the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland to undertake the programme. Soldiers have also taken to the skies in recent weeks by seizing a chance to learn to both skydive and fly gliders and personnel will also take to the waves in a week’s sailing on the RLC’s sailing expedition in the Mediterranean. In all, it has been a period of RLC multitasking at its finest!

8 3 Regt soldiers stepping out of their comfort zone on Adventurous Training

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4 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps ABINGDON CO: Lt Col A Gartside • Adjt: Capt J Critien • RSM: WO1 J Brackenbury Hot off the heels of the re-subordination to 12 Armoured Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), in May, 4 Regiment RLC’s RHQ deployed to Germany to take part in a CAST exercise. Since then, the Regt has focused on an extensive vehicle rehabilitation run by the hard-working LAD. Coupled with a myriad of training, this has been the preparation for Ex IRON STORM 1/22, where the RHQ along with 4 and 75 Sqns will deploy and validate as the CSS Group in support of 12 ABCT and 1 MERC BG in July. On the sporting field, 4 Regt beat 1 MERCIAN to win the final of the Army Football Cup and the cricket team was crowned RLC T20 champions.

4 CS Sqn An eventful and varied month for 4 CS Sqn beginning with change of command as Maj John Parkes departed and Maj Jezz Walter arrived as OC. SSgt Mucheuki hosted an innovative approach to driver safety-awareness training with the Ford Driving Skills for Life team, providing several engaging and educational activity stands. This included oversteer-correction, HGV blind-spot awareness, heavy braking control and distraction awareness. Latterly, Op TEAMWORK 2 provided a great opportunity to get the Sqn together ahead of deploying on exercise, to discuss ways to improve the lives of the soldiers and enhance operational effectiveness. To round the month off, SSM Wayne Ball led members of the Sqn with Cpl Bird to ‘Get On Parade’ at the Flag Raising Ceremony in Oxford City Centre, which was attended by dignitaries such as the Lord Lieutenant.

33 GS Sqn 33 GS Sqn has been focussed on its Op CABRIT deployment later in the year, beginning with the ITR syllabus and then deploying on Ex DEFENDER 22. The SQMS, SSgt Jim Drury, had many a sleepless night 40

8 WO2 Ball at the Flag Raising Ceremony in Oxford

8 33 Sqn’s Pte Taylor on LFTT getting all the freight prepared for the RORO to Poland and the newly formed ‘Whiskey Tp’ was busy preparing the fleet to support the KRH. For many this was their first overseas exercise, but much was learnt and those deploying to Estonia later this year are better prepared for the experience. The Sqn has also been to Dartmoor for LFTT and whilst hitting targets was never in doubt, the glorious weather was a much more pleasant surprise. LCpl Matthew Woodfield has been selected to represent The RLC in Enduro and SSgt Everton Edwards was selected to be usher at Wimbledon!

60 CS Sqn Newly formed in April, the Sqn has been finding its groove both in barracks and in the field. An ITR

Camp provided the opportunity for the Sqn to brush off its green skills, whilst Ex MUSHROOM RISE enabled it to focus on Close Support TTPs. Both proved extremely useful in preparing A Tp to deploy on Ex IRON STORM under the 4 Sqn SHQ. Activity in camp has focussed on sqn cohesion and the soldier experience with the highlights being an Inter-troop sports competition, a smoker and a cultural study afternoon culminating with Op TEAMWORK 2. The Sqn is now preparing for the Collective Training pathway in the autumn ahead of validation in November.

75 (HQ) Sqn The Sqn conducted an ITR camp in Bramley in order to bring the soldiers up to speed with the new training syllabus and prepare them for future exercises. Trawls have continued to come thick and fast and therefore several of the Sqn’s number are deployed around the world. There has been a change of OC with Maj Carl Green departing and Maj Mark Henderson taking over. Since then, the Sqn has been heavily involved in preparation for Ex IRON STORM 22, with a short SHQ exercise taking place in Bramley training area, to build up the basic skills and drills of the HQ personnel.

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6 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps DISHFORTH CO: Lt Col A Richardson • Adjt: Capt JP Oliver • RSM: WO1 S Lucas MBE Operations and training exercises have been 6 Regiment RLC’s focus as it commences readiness as the Brigade Support Group for the “The Desert Rats”.

Operational commitments continue at pace with soldiers deployed in South America, Africa and in Europe.

The PJHQ Small-Scale Operations team continues to operate at high tempo. The team of 15 LS(S) work in direct support of PJHQ and were recently commended for their support to Op TANGHAM and in their outstanding work to close the Op BATTONE account – saving defence c£750k. The Op STONESMITH team has recovered from Europe, having spent three months deployed forward. The Op SHADER team continues to do sterling work in support of that operation keeping the supply chain running and helping those deployed.

Training 6 Regt soldiers and squadrons have all deployed to complete a range of individual and collective training ahead of the Regt’s deployment on Ex WESSEX STORM in October. The Driver Trg wing has delivered EPLS, CST, UST, WDR and TFLRT. A franchise has been secured through DCLPA, which allows the Regt to assess competent operators and award them an instructor qualification on bulk fuel platforms.

The Military training wing has been busy conducting Live Fire Tactical Training (LFTT) in Otterburn. This has seen members of the Regt go through IBSR, individual and pairs fire and manoeuvre as well as section in defence. The training has particularly focused on command and control at the JNCO level. The Communications Specialists have been incredibly busy, both training themselves and supporting the RHQ through CAST. The new BSG HQ is even more agile and deployable thanks to their innovative work. In addition to this the CBRN Instructors delivered an excellent package to the Regt,

going through the basic skills, drills, lessons on various pieces of CBRN equipment and culminating in conducting vehicle and personnel decontamination lanes.

Innovation The Innovation Working Group aims to continue to modernise the Regt, both camp life and in a warfighting context. The Group has taken advantage of the CFA’s Fund for Innovation and Experimentation, securing new equipment to trial and experiment with in the field. The Gp also attended the Information, Technology, Training and Experimentation Conference (IT2EC) in London with the aim of looking at the technologies available to industry, which could enhance the Regt. The IWG brought back several ideas, from VR Driver training to simulated vehicle repairs. The future of training may well be in VR and

8 Pte Naylor Army Boxing Champion

8 The Regts female rowers placed one and two in the Army Festival of Sport (N) singles event AR technology, which is an area the Regt is keen to invest in. With several ideas in the works, all of which will enhance the fighting power and combat effectiveness of the Unit, the Gp is helping to prepare the Regt for the future.

The Army Festival of Sport (North) 6 Regt won the Army Festival of Sport (North) beating 18 other units over 12 different sports. The indoor rowing team gave a strong performance in the women’s singles, walking away with both first and second place. The Tug of War team came away with an all-out victory, winning every pull it went into. The women’s athletics team also secured a first-place finish with several impressive performances as did the mountain bike team. Other notable successes were the volleyball, tennis, basketball and golf teams all securing either second or third place finished and helping push us to victory.

After winning the Corps Boxing Championships, we entered three boxers into the Army Individuals competition. LCpl Lawson, Pte Naylor and Pte Knight. LCpl Lawson was runner up in his weight category across the whole Army.

Pte Naylor took on an exceptionally good opponent from the Fusiliers and was crowned the Army Champion. A fantastic effort by all.

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7 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps COTTESMORE CO: Lt Col D Groce MBE • Adjt: Capt A Coe • RSM: WO1 D Todd This has been another busy few months for 7 Regiment RLC, which has seen personnel deploy on a variety of operations and exercises around the world, as well as preparing for several large-scale overseas exercises from summer onwards.

Both 9 and 68 Squadrons have deployed on mounted and dismounted CT-CHARLIE exercises, including Ex TIGER ATTACK and Ex TIGER PROWL. These exercises tested low-level troop dismounted soldiering skills, as well as building up to the squadron-level activity that will be required of the subunits on exercises such as Ex WESSEX STORM, Ex KHANJAR OMAN and Ex ASKARI STORM. Ex TIGER ATTACK was a particularly successful dismounted exercise at Leek Training Area (LTA); a hidden gem in the training estate and an excellent area where soldiers from 9 Sqn were tested in a series of dismounted patrols culminating in a dawn deliberate troop attack.

68 Sqn’s focus has been on the upcoming deployment to Ex KHANJAR OMAN, including the transfer of 23 vehicles to the new established Land Regional Hub Oman (LRH(O)) to form the permanent green fleet establishment. Over the summer months, the temporary duty staff and exercise advance party will also deploy to Oman. Their task will be to set the conditions for success for the 2 SCOTS BG in what will certainly be a dynamic and challenging exercise from a CSS perspective and a great learning opportunity for all in an emergent Regional Hub. 617 (HQ) Sqn has been equally productive, organising a series of regimental events. This included a three-week AT package, sweeping up the final DL19 courses and executing a series of specialist trade courses, including training soldiers on CST(F), CST(W), UST and FLRT platforms. The AT package was a notable highlight for the junior soldiers, giving many 42

of them their first experience of AT across several disciplines, including MTB, kayaking and trekking up Mount Snowdon.

7 Regt continues to provide logistical support to operations and exercises worldwide. This includes soldiers and officers deployed to BATUK, BFSAI, Op NEWCOMBE, Op HALLEX and Op KIPION. Deployment opportunities have been coming thick and fast across all trades.

On the sporting front, the cricket team has continued its winning streak with victory in The RLC Inter-Unit 6’s Championship, as well as (at the time of writing) making it

8 RLC Inter-Unit 6’s Cricket Champions to the semi-finals of the Army Cup. A growing number of soldiers have also recently begun participating in the Regimental BAWF (British Army Warrior Fitness) Team, reaching the finals in the master’s competition in early July and eventually finishing a commendable fourth. The Regimental Shooting Team has also had success by winning the 102 Brigade Operational Shooting Competition and competing in the 1 (UK) Div Divisional Operational Shooting Competition.

In summary, a busy quarter for 7 Regt RLC where the focus has been on setting the conditions for success for the plethora of overseas exercises that the Unit is supporting over the next twelve months. A challenging task, but one that will undoubtedly be a rewarding and excellent opportunity for the Regt’s soldiers and officers.

8 At the summit of Mt. Snowden

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9 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps HULLAVINGTON CO: Lt Col A Bhundia • Adjt: Capt L Brooks • RSM: WO1 C Blackburn 9 Regiment RLC continued its busy year with a number of personnel (including the CO) deploying at short notice on Op INTERLINK, supporting the delivery of aid to Ukraine. On top of this, the past few months saw 66 F&GT Sqn deploy on Ex DEFENDER 22, 84 Sqn support Ex LOG SAFARI, 90 Sqn leading the charge to win the Bari Cup and 94 Sqn get stuck into preparation for Public Duties.

66 Fuel and General Transport Squadron In March, a large number of 66 F&GT Sqn personnel deployed for three months on DEFENDER 22.

This saw the Sqn deploy first to Denmark, working closely with American and Danish counter parts. Following success in demonstrating interoperability at Esjberg Port, the Sqn then relocated 735km to Szczecin in Poland for the next stage. At this point the Sqn was split between elements located at Gdansk Port and DPTA, in order to support 12 Bde and 4 Bde exercises. This was a challenging logistical problem and one which provided plenty of opportunity to work closely with other brigades and cap badges.

Following a well-deserved leave period, a number of 66 F&GT SP took part in the 7’s Rugby competition at the Corps Open Day. Working tirelessly, the team achieved the coveted first place trophy.

84 Medical Supply Squadron 84 Sqn continues to work alongside 16 Medical Regiment supporting the Air Assault Task Force. This includes a monthly rotating detachment which helps to improve trade skills, interoperability and unit readiness. In addition, the Sqn supported Ex LOG SAFARI. This was a huge success, which saw SP from the Sqn brief RMAS OCdts on medical supply, life in barracks and operational deployments. A great opportunity that enabled SP to showcase the vast diversity found

within the Corps. The Sqn also found time to visit both the RLC and Gurkha Museums, organised by Sgt Sarjo and Cpl White. A massive congratulations goes to Pte Kotobalavu who won the RLC Sportsman of the Year award. He has seen success with the Regimental, Corps and Army rugby teams, the pinnacle of his season earning a contract with professional side Newport FC. Well done Koto!

90 (Headquarters) Squadron 9 Regt took part in the Bari Cup Hockey Tournament with a scratch team. On day one the team had a highly successful day, winning all three matches. Day two was more

8 Pte Kotobalavu

8 The Bari Cup winning team challenging, drawing two and losing one. This was still enough to get the team into the semi-final vs 29 Regt. It was a hard-fought match, with Sgt Jackee in goal making the save of the tournament in the last seconds to secure a 3-2 win, with SSgt Jackson scoring twice and Sgt Ayrey getting the other. In the 9 RLC vs 1 RLC final, 1 Regt got ahead during the first half; however 9 Regt equalised with only 30 secs left of the second half, bringing the match to extra time.

With no goals scored it came down to sudden death penalty flicks, with Cpl White scoring the tournament winning goal bringing the Bari Cup back to 9 Regt.

94 Squadron QOGLR 94 Sqn has been training hard for a number of events including the QOGLR Inter-Squadron competition and preparation for Public Duties later in the year.

Every year, the 10 QOGLR nominate the Soldier of the Year in terms of exceptional contribution and work for the Regt. And this year, Pte Tukraj Gurung from 94 Sqn won. The whole sqn is immensely proud of his achievement and excited to see how he continues to develop.

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10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment ALDERSHOT COMMANDER: Lt Col G R Sugdon • Adjt: Capt R Melhuish • RSM: WO1 R Gurung

On an upwards trajectory after returning from exercise in Scotland, 10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment has had a busy start to the year. Always ready to support 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade and 3 (UK) Division, personnel have deployed to Op CABRIT, mounted guard on Public Duties in London and trained for the Regimental deployment on Op TOSCA. Furthermore, the Regt celebrated its 64th Birthday in Aldershot.

1 Squadron Since May, 1 Sqn has been mostly focussed on leading the Regt’s Public Duties commitment in London and Windsor. After two weeks of drill with the Guards STTT, the soldiers were confident with the peculiarities of heavy drill. For six weeks, the troops wowed tourists from across the world at palaces in London and Windsor Castle, during the period of the Queen’s Jubilee.

Simultaneously, the Sqn led the Regimental Shooting Team. Placing sixth out of the Army was the highlight of the season, along with every member of the team placing in the Army 100. The Sqn now says farewell to outgoing OC, Maj Jim Sutton, and welcomes in Maj Mike Ruocco, who will take the Sqn to Cyprus as the UN Reserve in Nicosia.

28 Squadron 28 Sqn has been busy since its MACA task driving Ambulances in 44

Yorkshire. 12 SP have deployed to Estonia on Op CABRIT, providing support to forces deployed on NATO’s flank. Meanwhile, the Sqn won the Commander’s Sword Challenge - the competition between all three sqns of 10 QOGLR. The coveted sword was presented to the Sqn at the Regimental Birthday, for the second year in a row. It will now continue to adorn the walls of the Sqn lines.

Last month, the Sqn deployed to Germany to hone its driving skills, while recceing European routes for Brigade deployments. Now, the Sqn is focussed on preparing for Cyprus, deploying as the Sector 2 Operations Sqn. Public order training has been the priority, with soldiers learning the basic drills of operating within the shield wall.

8 1 Sqn led the QOGLR's Public Duties commitment

8 Birthday Parade

36 Squadron Under the QM, 36 (HQ) Sqn deployed in May on Ex WYVERN TOR, supporting the Ten Tors - a march across Dartmoor aimed at young people. Providing life saving RLS, five members of the team were awarded the Commander South West’s coin for their professional excellence. In June, the Sqn took the lead on the Colonel of the Regiment’s Khukuri Challenge. This event saw all six Sqns from across the QOGLR come together and compete in events such as hockey, football and tug-of-war, with 1 Sqn winning. Finally, the Sqn sent some members on AT in Turkey. Hiking through the Turkish mountains was a dramatic change from the south of England and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Closing Thoughts 10 QOGLR is a regiment that is busy, and it is through the sheer hard work and determination of its soldiers that it achieves all that it does. Having enjoyed a weekend of celebration over the Regt’s 64th Birthday, attention has now shifted to Op TOSCA and meeting all deployment requirements. The opportunity to deploy overseas and work to the UN doesn’t come around often and all involved are looking forward to the opportunity.

Jai Gurkhas! Jai 10 QOGLR!

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11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal & Search Regiment RLC DIDCOT CO: Lt Col M Miller • Adjt: Capt R Dunbar • RSM: WO1 S Soper From EOD to Search and Electronic Counter Measures (ECM), capabilities across 11 EOD & Search Regiment RLC have seen significant enhancements thanks to advances in technology.

In a world with an ever-changing threat picture, technological developments are keenly employed by members of the Regt to uphold our key philosophy, the preservation of life. This article will highlight only some of the applications of technology used by the Regt and how it helps us provide world leading EOD and Search capability.

Remote Controlled Vehicle (RCV) Harris T7 STARTER A recent and significant addition to the EOD arsenal is the new Harris T7 STARTER RCV. Replacing its predecessor, CUTLASS, STARTER that can bring decisive EOD action onto a threat whilst operating in a multitude of environments.

Improvements include, but are not limited to, enhanced 4K optics for increased visual capability and situational awareness, haptic feedback controls to give the operator a ‘feel’ for how the RCV is performing the task, better cross-country mobility and ability to climb stairs.

Shorncliffe Troop training day To test STARTER and its operators, 621 EOD Sqn’s Shorncliffe Troop recently completed a capability training day at the Channel Tunnel; the aim to test manoeuvrability, handling and communication capabilities within this confined space. STARTER was easily able to climb stairs to access ‘dummy’ devices and was able drive 400m from the Portable Control Console (PCC) whilst still maintaining quality communications and real-time handling. The day proved to be a resounding success and improved the SOPs for operating within where this key infrastructure sits. The operators’ consensus is that it is a much better piece of kit;

8 STARTER in the Channel Tunnel a perfect example of technological development.

Search New technologies have been used to create and hide Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), conventional munitions, firearms, drugs and other illegal and potentially dangerous materials. To counter this threat, a High Assurance Search Team will need to employ and utilise various techniques and specialist equipment to find and secure these devices or harmful materials. A Search Team will have to locate hides and search buildings, or areas known to be used by VVIPs or large crowds that could become a target.

For these threats, GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) allows the team to find any deep or shallow buried items. Other equipment also allows them to find any items which may be secreted in walls, cavities or ceilings.

ECM When requested, highly trained members of the Electronic Warfare Signals Intelligence (EWSI) trade group, deploy as ECM Operators within a two-person team and are tasked with protecting the EOD

8 SearchOne Operator from the threat of Radio Controlled IEDs. They do this by utilising specialist equipment that can find and inhibit signals within the electromagnetic spectrum.

Remote Piloted Air System (RPAS) Since May 2021, the Regt has been endorsed to use RPAS by the Military Aviation Authority for applications in Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance (EOR) and has been employed to great effect from planned operations in Northern Ireland to PDT for EOD Operators supporting specialist military units.

The optics used on the current RPAS improves the clearance of a threat area and have an increased range over ground-based assets.

With six remote pilots (and growing) within the Regt, the future of RPAS will look to include CBRN detection and C-IED capabilities.

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13 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC COLCHESTER CO: Lt Col R Edwards • Adjt: Capt O Todd • RSM: WO1 G Patterson Early April 22 saw elements from every part of 13 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC deploy on Ex SWIFT RESPONSE. It was a two-month exercise testing the Regt’s ability to deploy across Europe in response to emerging threats. 63 Air Assault Support Squadron, 24 HQ Squadron and 8 PARA Field Company REME made up the main tasking elements for the exercise with elements of 47 AD Squadron supporting and 82 Air Assault Support Squadron providing the real-life support.

The Logistic Supply Specialists and Petroleum Operators deployed as early as March to set up both a Brigade Log RV and Field Storage Area and a Permanent Bulk Fuel Instillation.

The exercise provided an extremely air heavy element prior to the GLOC opening, testing 63 Sqn capabilities. From the Brigade Storage Area, 63 Sqn’s Airborne Troop used two landing points to demonstrate the Helicopter Under Slung Loading capability that is core to 13 AASR. With interoperability a key focus for the exercise and utilising the CH47’s, Airborne Troop flew out 2 PARA Battlegroup’s vehicles, 23 PARA Engr’s collapsible bridge and assisted in the rigging and landing point command of 7 PARA RHA’s 105mm light guns.

63 Sqn also held the responsibility for the rapid replenishment of the BG through the rigging and holding of Pegasus Lift, allowing the Regt to sustain any dependency at two hours’ notice.

Force protection was a key consideration throughout the exercise, with 24 HQ Sqn being tested in command of the BSG through multiple engagements within their AO and providing command and control of the force protection elements.

15 Air Assault Support Squadron (QOGLR) re-designation gathers pace 15 Sqn has enjoyed a busy period 46

of transition, as the process of re-designation and reorganisation into 13 AASR gathers pace. The development of air skills competency remains the priority looking ahead to assume readiness next year, in support of the 2 RGR BG. Marking the start of this process, the Sqn recently deployed on Ex KHUKURI TAYARI, which was a weeklong ITR camp to revise and recap on soldering skills.

The Sqn looks forward with excitement to seizing new opportunities and integrating with the wider 13 AASR community.

Air Despatch excellence on the European Tactical Airlift Programme A small detachment from the Sqn deployed on the European Tactical Airlift Programme (ETAP 22) in June. ETAP 22 is intended to allow European Air Transport Command and UK crews to practise airlift operations in a challenging environment, simulating the dynamic conditions that soldiers will face when deployed. The contribution of 47 AD Sqn to such an important exercise was exceptional. Its contribution saw SSgt Dibbs from the Sqn received a 3-star commendation from the home nation, Portugal.

Sporting success Pte Jarmolinski and LCpl Johnstone fought their way to becoming the Army Individual Boxing Champions in their weight categories, a culmination of months of hard work

8 Lt Firth, Cpl Heaney, Pte Morrin, with CO 13 and RSM at the RLC Sports Awards

and dedication. The Regt also saw continued success at The RLC Sports Awards with Cpl Channon Heaney being crowned winner of the Outstanding Achievement award, Pte Fern Morrin gaining First Runner Up in the RLC Young Sportswoman of the Year and Lt Molly Firth being awarded Second Runner up in the RLC Sportswoman of the Year.

8 Pte Jarmolinski - Boxing Ex NOBLE PARTNER preparation 82 Air Assault Support Squadron has been busy preparing to take over readiness and for deployment to Georgia on Ex NOBLE PARTNER, a live fire ground close combat exercise, by deploying on several exercises at both STANTA and Longmoor. These have enabled the Squadron to revisit basic soldiering skills at section level, increasing to platoon level operations culminating in a deliberate dawn attack.

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17 Port & Marine Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps SOUTHAMPTON CO: Lt Col V Crompton MBE • Adjt: Capt N Brown • RSM: WO1 B Sweeney The UK’s only Regular Port and Maritime Regiment has continued to fulfil its worldwide commitments this period.

Highlights have been a Royal Visit from The RLC’s Colonel in Chief; leading celebrations for the Falkland Island Campaign’s 40th anniversary, supporting Ex DEFENDER 22 in Europe with a multitude of Port Task Groups (PTGs); embarking with the Royal Marines in Norway on Ex COLD RESPONSE, as well as continuing to operate the Sea Mounting Centre.

Port Operators and Vehicle Support Specialists (VSS) from task squadrons continue to independently deploy in gangs on overseas PTGs around the world, from Gibraltar, Cyprus, Oman, Poland, Germany, to Estonia for week-long details and then returning to Marchwood. The Regt has also fully supported Op INTERLINK over the last six months, augmenting 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade staff and contributing to PTGs both home and far bank. 17 P&M Regt routinely has around 100 soldiers and officers committed and deployed to these various tasks.

The versatility and adaptability of the VSS trade in particular, to enable the embarkation and disembarkation of unit vehicles, is highly underestimated; they are statistically the most persistently deployed component of the Regt and therefore arguably one of the most used trade across the Corps.

The Unit’s primary focus remains maintaining readiness of 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade’s Theatre Enabling Group, in particular the PTG Squadron, Dive Team and Operational Hygiene Unit, which are held at high readiness to deploy within five days’ notice. This is no mean feat to retain 41% of the Regt at this state.

The REME Workshop and the Drivers are credited with maintaining excellent availability on the fleet of 163 prime movers.

In addition to this operational activity, the Sea Mounting Centre in Marchwood never stops. There are weekly Roll-On-Roll-Off ships importing and exporting equipment, and 17 P&M Regt continues to support worldwide operations and exercises from the UK Strategic Base. Since the Ukraine crisis Marchwood has seen a doubling of activity from shipping in connection with current global events, which is keeping these niche trades busy. Of note, and praise goes to our small team of Movement Controllers, headed up

8 The Army Work Boat utilises the MEXEflote as an austere pontoon as part of the Logistic Beach Unit on Browndown beach – a key component of the TEG capability

8 Mariner crews on parade at the Falkland Island 40th celebrations, in front of historic vehicles from the campaign

by WO2 Page, who tirelessly ensure that cargo is correctly manifested and embarked, often out of hours or at weekends.

The Regt's fleet of Maritime Craft is starting to show signs of age; obsolescence issues are becoming more and more critical and starting to impact capability. Work is ongoing with higher formations to generate momentum into funding mid-life engine upgrades for MEXEflote, and address navigation and radar issues on the Army Work Boat. The Regt and the wider Army urgently need to invest in the next generation of Logistic Landing Craft now, to avoid a capability cliff edge in this area within the next decade.

Despite the busier than usual tempo of operations, the Regt has still found time to release SP to compete at the highest levels. The Rugby (Dolphins) Team continues to dominate its Army level fixtures, the Triathlon Team has retained its Army Duathlon and Triathlon Unit Champion titles and a scratch team, led by SSgt Coleman, was able to podium in the Army Athletics championships.

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25 Training Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps LECONFIELD CO: Lt Col R Amor • Adjt: Capt C Woods • RSM: WO1 T Rennie From representing the British Army at high level sporting matches and Armed Forces Day activity, to driving team cohesion through physical and mental challenge, the last quarter was a varied and busy time for 25 Regiment RLC. Training The continuation training programme has been packed for the Phase Two soldiers. In April, the Chefs in the Regt conducted an insight day to showcase their trade and give awareness into sustainment in the field. The monthly BCCS exercises have been revising soldiering skills, starting with refresher lessons and finishing with a platoon attack. To encourage inclusion there was a diversity day, where trainees and staff from a range of different cultures came together to deliver presentations, food and performances from around the world. There have also been numerous days out, including a 20-mile walk as part of Humberside Community Engagement. Two teams were submitted to the Wagoner’s Challenge, a historic military skills competition that tested equine skill alongside more traditional physical challenge. A great effort in coming third across The RLC. Sport The CO’s competition is in its final phase and is very close at the top.

Duathlon, cricket, basketball and football have seen teams battle with some impressive performances from all. The hockey team went to the Bari Cup, where four trainees were scouted for the Corps level team. In volleyball there was great success at the RLC championships with winning male minor unit champions and female minor unit runners up. In rugby the male team made it to the final of the Bruce 7s tournament, and two females were successful in being selected to join the Army Rugby League development squad.

SSgt Brown completed her first ever 48

ironman and the DST triathlon team achieved third place in the Army Minor Unit Sprint Triathlon Relay. An outstanding performance by all.

Representation Trainees and staff have attended three high level sporting events at Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadiums to represent the Armed Forces by carrying flags onto the pitch. This was fantastic exposure for all and was done very professionally. Soldiers also attended Scarborough and Bridlington Armed Forces Days to give the public an insight into The RLC face-to-face. The Freedom of Beverley Parade saw all ranks

8 Sgt Gopal, 25 RLC

8 25 Regt in Lourdes marching through the town centre to demonstrate the close links between the town and the military in front of packed streets, as well as running a stand to represent the Regt. Capt Bikram Thapa and his team ran an element of the Humberside Night Challenge to collaborate with Humberside Police and represent the military to teenagers.

Father McCourt led a team to attend the 62nd international pilgrimage to Lourdes, France.

With 42 countries in attendance it was a chance to march, pray and meet different nations.

Development Cpl Kelly and Cpl Middleton have promoted to sergeant. A fantastic achievement and we wish them all the best as they progress with their careers. Sgt Gopal Thapa has received the QOGLR Slim Trophy, awarded to a SNCO who has distinguished themselves. A notable achievement for being the first sergeant operating outside of the QOGLR to be awarded this. There have been several CPD days to keep every member of permanent staff up to date with the latest policy and build on their leadership skills.

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

27 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps ALDERSHOT CO: Lt Col B Reehal • Adjt: Capt A Heathwaite • RSM: WO1 R Simpson 91 Supply Squadron, 27 Regiment RLC, has been looking into how it can use technology to improve the setup of a Divisional Storage Area (DSA). This had seen a team of mixed ranks visit the Commando Logistic Regiment (CLR) to see what technology it has been using and trialling and whether the technology has an application further back in the theatre. More specifically, the team from 91 Sqn was looking at whether technology can be used to help select the correct area for a DSA, as well as help to secure and defend its location.

Due to the size of a DSA and the fact that a logistic squadron is heavily committed just running it, it has become increasingly difficult to ensure the highest levels of security around the highly valuable assets and equipment needed to support a division deployed across a battlefront. It was seen on Ex IRON VIPER that it was almost impossible for one squadron to run the DSA as well as keep it secure. Therefore, it was important for the Sqn to go and look at what equipment could be used to help assist the security of both materiel and ammunition.

The first bit of kit that the Sqn looked at was a tethered drone. This drone is designed to sit above a site and keep constant monitoring on the surrounding area as well as inside the DSA. The drone comes equipped with infrared and high magnification camaras. Equipment such as this would become an asset in a DSA, especially for ammunition storage sites, as the teams will be able to ensure that no buildings encroach the safety areas as well as offering security checks for the whole DSA. The downside to this equipment is that it is not able to be used in high winds as well as operating in hot and cold climates, as extreme weather conditions affect the flight time and the altitude the drone can fly. Current ammunition sites in the UK are using drones where way points can be inputted to ensure that no one

enters the off-limits area. These are sent up in case of emergencies, within the ammunition site, or when enhanced threat levels come into force. Drones could start to play a major role in a DSA for both security and safety as they are able to search large areas much quicker than a vehicle mounted patrol.

The second piece of equipment that the team looked at was a system of cameras that use 30 times magnification and an automatic ‘slew’. The slew can be activated by both movement, if programmed to, or by using a seismic monitoring system which is embedded in the ground. The sensitivity of the seismic monitoring system can be altered, allowing it to only be activated by humans or vehicles. This prevents animals from activating the system. Once all the systems are set up and there are vibrations or movement, the cameras will immediately focus on the area alerting those who are on guard. This system benefits from the fact that it isn’t affected by the weather, however it is stationed in one position and in a large DSA, the Unit would have to look at having multiple cameras as well as seismic monitoring systems set up.

8 The Log Sp Sqn CLR has been trialling the use of drones to support the Future Commando Force since 2020

These two advances will allow units to deploy and run a DSA with less soldiers than has previously been the case. This is key to maximising numbers of British Army soldiers available to the deployed force. The use of technology such as this will allow units to secure an area ensuring that the local population are kept safe if an incident was to happen in a DSA. The equipment’s capabilities would also allow teams to react more quickly to potential threats, enhancing the security of the DSA’s perimeters.

8 Hi-tech security cameras can be activated by movement or ground vibrations

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29 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps SOUTH CERNEY CO: Lt Col J Symons • Adjt: Capt N Subba-Row • RSM: WO1 S Goldsborough In April, 32 personnel from 29 Regiment RLC deployed on Ex DEFENDER 22, a large-scale global exercise spanning Denmark, Germany and Poland.

The Regt deployed its Movement Control capability to ensure all inter and intra theatre movements were planned and executed legally and on-time.

Operating in small detachments across the area of operations, the teams were able to demonstrate their unique capabilities to the exercising troops of 12 and 4 Bdes and also to the wider Theatre Enabling Group, which was commanded by 5 Bn REME. With the bulk of the deployed troops coming from 99 Sqn, commanded by Maj Vannerley and WO2 Hathaway, Ex DEFENDER 22 was a perfect opportunity to develop the more junior Movement Controllers, many who had had limited opportunities to work overseas due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tasks included loading and unloading of RORO ships in in Emden (Germany), Esbjerg (Denmark) and Gdansk (Poland); co-ordination and control of over 400 pieces of VaME into and out of Poland; and co-ordination of both civilian line haulage and military HETs from 19 Tank Transporter Sqn. Overall the team processed over 640 passengers and 10 tonnes of freight.

It wasn’t all work, the troops were able to complete team medic training and over the three-month period conduct battlefield study in Berlin and Warsaw as well as visit some of the local sites around Gdansk, Paderborn and Schezin.

8 The Brandenburg Gate

8 Control of Berlin following the end of WW2 Ex BERLIN CENTURION Personnel from 29 Regt deployed on Ex BERLIN CENTURION - a battlefield study walking the battlegrounds of Berlin - from 5 to 11 Apr 22. The exercise helped understanding of the current Russian threat, by studying a number of crux moments in history, focusing on Russian operations during WW2, the Cold War and

present day. During the study, the party visited some of the significant areas in the Battle for Berlin, where they discussed the outcome from the past conflict and analysed how that has affected future operations - this included the tactics used in the current Russia-Ukraine war.

Some of the areas visited were; Brandenburg Gate - where the Russians finally broke through to take Berlin from the Germans - the Reichstag – The German Parliament building - and various museums to get an overall feel for the whole conflict and how it transitioned.

Bari Cup In June, 29 Regt hosted the 75th Bari Cup Inter-Unit hockey tournament. Utilising the local pitches at the Royal Agricultural University, thirteen RLC teams from across the country descended onto Duke of Gloucester Barracks.

After a strong winning streak in the early rounds, 29 Regt lost in the semi-finals to 9 Regt, who then went on to win the overall competition. A great week of matches, with strong performances across the Corps.

8 Civilian line transport was used on Ex DEFENDER

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

The Defence EOD, Munitions and Search Training Regt BICESTER CO: Lt Col S Jenkinson • Adjt: Capt J Brewerton • RSM: WO1 P Clark With emerging Explosive Ordnance threats in Europe and a constant presence around the world, the need for well trained and suitably qualified EOD operators from the Army and Navy is an ever-growing issue.

DEMS Training Regiment is at the forefront of establishing a training cycle which ensures quality trained individuals and sustainable pass rates. Part of this process has been to investigate the possibility of moving the Advance EOD Operators Course (AEOC), traditionally run at Kineton to Bicester. This is in order to free up training area and facilities to run additional Defence EOD Operator courses at Kineton, whilst maintaining a steady output of qualified advanced operators.

Change is never an easy thing to manage, but with briefings, familiarisation and building effective inter-sqn relationships, the team gathered momentum and focused to deliver a quality product. This was achieved without detriment and compromise to the students.

The course preparation went smoothly and the planning required the relocation of classrooms, teaching aids and the four full team kits, including the new STARTER RCV. Once all the kit and equipment was in place, the team bays were re-established and work started to fit out the classrooms to the required standard to deliver the course material. The Directing Staff (DS) really stepped up and delivered going above and beyond to ensure the students arrival was met with well-prepared classrooms, quality

8 EOD and ECM Wedgewoods at Bicester

8 A Harris T5 RCV shoots out a windscreen

8 An ICP in Bicester woods training aids and detailed up to date course material.

The course is now seven weeks long and can be broken down into three phases: the first two and a half weeks are theory and skills, followed by two and half weeks of training tasks prior to the final assessment phase over the last two weeks of the course. During the training tasks of Ex GOLD WARRIOR, the student will receive two Targeted Training Days which are designed to focus on any weaknesses in skills or understanding identified during the exercise, ideally giving the students the best chance of achieving success in Ex PLATINUM WARRIOR (the assessment phase).

For the first time the familiar hum of EOD and ECM Wedgewoods can be heard early in the morning around Bicester. Students from all areas of the EOD & Search trade are working together on the same

training area and cross tasking training is now a possibility, building a combined EOD & Search opportunity to meet the threats expected on the battlefields of the future. AEOC moving for two of the four instances a year allows DEMS to increase DEOC training at Kineton. This will meet the demand from 29 EOD & Search Group, the Royal Navy, the RE EOD and Search trade plus SMES in wider Fd Army and Defence posts. As the teams deployed onto Training Area South to start the first day of Ex GOLD WARRIOR with the EOD and ECM vehicles moving from the team bays to form up at the gates ready to be called forward. Tasking message stated, “1 x SUSPECT VEHICLE”.

8 An AEOC Operator searches a vehicle

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150 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps HULL CO: Lt Col D Aspin • Adjt: Capt A Ellis • RSM: WO1 B Stephenson With a geographical footprint covering Yorkshire and the North East, 150 Regiment RLC was on hand to support some of the many Armed Forces Day events taking place across the region. In Hull the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Aspin, attended an Armed Forces Covenant signing with Hull FC and many of their commercial partners. In Leeds and Pontefract, the 217 Sqn recruiting team provided stands to support both events and, in Doncaster, the Sqn took part in the Armed Forces Parade where members were presented with their Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medals by the Civic Mayor.

Visits galore The Regt has recently hosted both Brig Crossland, Comd 102 Operational Sustainment Bde, and the Colonel RLC, Col Allen ADC. Both were an opportunity for the soldiers to showcase the varied activities personnel have been involved in. This included the AT that took place in June to the ongoing driver training to allow the Unit's soldiers to advance their trade knowledge. Brig Crossland shared his vision for the reserves, identifying how we’ll likely train and be utilised in the future. Of course no visit is complete without a go on the recruiting team’s driving simulator!

Col Allen was lucky enough to visit

8 The CO, Lt Col Aspin, at the Armed Forces Covenant signing event

8 Members of 219 Sqn being presented their Platinum Jubilee medals

whilst the band were training and was able to experience first-hand the skill of the musicians during one of their final rehearsals before they deploy to Gibraltar for two weeks on their ACT.

Ex NORTHERN APPROACH 2 On what turned out to be the hottest weekend of the year so far, Junior NCOs and Privates from across the Regt deployed on Ex NORTHERN APPROACH 2.

Leaving the SNCO and Officer Cohorts behind for some conceptual training, the onus was on the Section Commanders to lead their packet of vehicles from Catterick Training Area to the Defence School of Transport where lessons including convoy drills and setting up a distribution point were delivered by the Permanent Staff.

Once complete, there wasn’t time to rest and the troops were back in the vehicles clocking up more miles on their return to Catterick, where further lessons including convoy drills and reaction to enemy fire awaited. The absence of the SNCOs gave the Section Commanders the opportunity to demonstrate their potential and enjoy leading. It proved a challenging weekend but provided vital time in the vehicles for the drivers and gave them further experience to practice the core skills of their trade.

8 The Bde Comd, Brig Crossland, having a go on the recruiting team’s driving simulator during his visit

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151 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps CROYDON CO: Lt Col E Lewis • Adjt: Capt O Roberts • RSM: WO1 B Hinton In the last quarter, 151 Regiment RLC has clearly delivered the ‘offer’ with a balance of CT exercises, sports, AT and an expedition to Nepal.

Early April saw the departure of Maj Sean Stevenson as XO leaving regular service and jumping straight into the Army Reserve as OC 562 Sqn and Capt Tom Joyce handed over to Capt Oliver Roberts as Adjutant.

Exercises April saw Ex TRIDENT TRADE 1 and Ex TRIDENT CRAWL delivered.

Squadron Headquarters (SHQ) 562 Sqn lead CT level A-B Individual Training Requirement (ITR) trade related serials, including tactical vehicle movement and camouflage, vehicle recovery and wheel changing in the field. It was a great weekend, in some challenging April conditions, at the not-so-sunny Longmoor Training Camp. This exercise was swiftly followed by a mini CPX lead by WO2 Kareen Thomas (SPSI 240 Sqn) and SSgt Ian Gorthy (MT PSI 240 Sqn) which saw the full field set up of 240 Sqn’s SHQ providing C2 to a brilliantly delivered ITR dismounted soldier skills weekend. June swiftly followed with 124 Sqn delivering Ex TRIDENT SOLDIER 1 on STANTA, building on the previous two training weekend’s activities to reinforce and assess ITR soldier capability at section level.

Nepal expedition 22 On the 7 Apr 22, 151 Regt, supported by its paired unit, 10 QOGLR, departed from the UK for 21 days to take on the Three

Passes challenge in Nepal’s beautiful Himalayas. Service Personal from Private to Major included FTRS, Reservists and Regulars. This expedition was a few years in the making, as COVID-19 prevented the first two attempts. Finally given the green light for departure two months out, all personnel completed altitude machine training and document checks. After two weather delays, the team finally made it to Lukla.

After three helicopter rides, the full team had landed and by the afternoon they were on track to meet the first checkpoint Pakhding. Pushing on to Namche Bazar to spend a day acclimatising before hitting one last settlement.

On day eight, the team had cleared the first pass - Renjo La. This was a real test as most experienced light symptoms of acute mountain sickness. This was also the first time breaking the 5,000m barrier.

8 Members of 151 Regt and 10 QOGLR in Nepal

After a rest in Dzonglha, the team made up some lost time on day 13 to trek up to the Everest Base Camp.

After having lunch at Lobuche, they trekked up Gorak Shep to rest before heading up to LaBouche Base Camp. Morale remained high heading into Khongma La Pass.

The final hurdle being the highest, a fantastic challenge to round off a once in a lifetime experience that no-one will forget.

Regimental achievements During quarter two, regimental achievements included WO2 (SSM) Gibbs continuing to represent the RLC Silver Stars parachute display team; most notably demonstrating on the RLC Corps Open Day (COD).

WO2 Gibbs has also successfully trained over 20 new RLC parachutists. Sgt Bysouth has represented the RLC Horse-Drawn Heritage at both the COD and Royal Ascot during the ceremony for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee parade. Competitive shooting in 151 Regiment continues to grow with seven of the team placed in the Army Reserve Top 50.

Great achievements.

8 151 Regt troops deploy on Ex TRIDENT TRADE 1

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152 (North Irish) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps BELFAST CO: Lt Col R T Clements • Adjt: Capt A Gordon • RSM: WO1 M S Macrae 152 (North Irish) Regiment RLC has been focussing on training and support to ceremonial events over the last three months. The Unit’s own Pipes and Drums have been in great demand and have been a great asset to the Unit.

Training 152 Regt competed in the Army Reserve Operational Shooting Competition in June. Sgt John Moore placed a narrow second to the overall Reserve champion and a further four individuals from the Regt were placed in the Army Reserve 50.

152 Regt has delivered training for 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade’s Potential Officers (POs) during Ex POTENTIAL WOLF. Over a packed weekend in June, the POs conducted command tasks, planning exercises, group discussions and other tasks to enlighten this to what they may face both at AOSB Westbury or SSE. Conducted in Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, it was viewed as a success and is aimed to be replicated quarterly.

Wider activities The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee saw the Unit support multiple events in the Province. The Regt supported recruiting events in Enniskillen, marching contingents as part of the Royal British Legion’s event in Belfast and support to the

8 The Shooting Team at Bisley with the CO

8 The ice cream stand at families day VIP event in Hillsborough Castle.

The Pipes and Drums supported the lighting of the beacons at the

request of our Honorary Colonel, who is also Lord Lieutenant of Londonderry. Further events supported included the Armed Forces Day (Northern Ireland) and The RLC Corps Open Day in South Cerney. The Regt's Pipes and Drums were centre stage for both and acquitted themselves well.

152 Regt prides itself on being a family unit and it celebrated this on 29 May 22. The families’ day, held in Kinnegar Logistic Base, had multiple opportunities for the families of the Regt’s Reserve and Regular soldiers to come out and enjoy themselves. In beautiful weather there were opportunities to climb walls, get on moto-cross bikes, eat ice cream and burgers, and get amongst the Regt’s green fleet. An excellent event that also raised over £750 for the CO’s Charity, the MS Society.

152 Regt soldiers also managed to take part in AT and sports events in addition to their training.

The orienteering team placed second amongst Reserve units in the Army Inter-Unit Orienteering Championships in May. Furthermore, personnel have been hiking the Mourne Mountains, kayaking in Strangford Lough and mountain biking in Castlewellan during AT in June.

8 Ex POTENTIAL WOLF command tasks

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154 (Scottish) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps DUNFERMLINE CO: Lt Col S Johnson MBE • Adjt: Capt F Blair • RSM: WO1 W Marquis 154 (Scottish) Regiment RLC continues to prepare for its annual training camp in Sennelager in September. June saw the first FTX of the training year and the Regt was delighted that Brig Patch Reehal MBE, Commander 101 Operational Sustainment Bde, could visit it during the FTX held just outside of Glasgow. Whilst visiting he presented Brigade Commander Citations to LCpl Westcott and Pte Moore, both of 251 Sqn, who selflessly stopped to help others involved in a car crash caused by a snow storm when returning from a training weekend.

The Regt is still trying to harness the improvements made by technology to deliver training during the pandemic and continues to deliver one IBT virtually each month.

The online nights have covered a variety of topics which included a battlefield study presentation, quiz night, Future Solider and JNCO Defence Writing workshops. In June, the Regt celebrated Armed Forces Day and NHS Appreciation Day at Knockhill Circuit where it displayed an EPLS. The Regt continues to develop community engagement programmes across the central belt of Scotland and recently held open days at the ARCs. The Regt hosted the 101 Op Sust Bde MS Study weekend in Edinburgh Castle.

This was an opportunity for reporting officers to improve and refine their MS writing skills. The weekend allowed personnel to

learn from each other and build relationships across the Bde, set in a fantastic location.

The Regt wishes to congratulate Pte Roberts for being selected to play for the RLC Football team in Portugal and Pte Jose who has been playing for the Army Reserve Football team for two years and recently joined it on a tour to Cyprus.

154 Regt has been fortunate to have a few of our junior officers selected for the Lead First scheme.

Below 2Lt White shares her experiences.

“I was a driver in 154 Regt while studying at university and sought the opportunity to spend more time with the Army before embarking on a civilian career. The ‘Lead First’ scheme, which is a FTRS full commitment contract for junior officers, offered the chance to get stuck in with troop command in my regiment, as well as opportunities across the wider Army. My plan

8 Pte Roberts with the RLC Football team on tour in Portugal

was to fill my time with as much variety as possible by balancing reserve troop command with professional courses and attachments to regular units, AT and sport. However, I commissioned in 2020 and COVID-19 quickly disrupted my plans. For the first six months of my contract, regimental training was run virtually, and all AT and winter sport was cancelled.

However, there was a silver lining to this in that I was able to join the Regular Troop Commanders’ course for longer and spend more time getting to grips with tactical troop command. I also visited 25 RLC and trained OCdts at ATOTR. My next hurdle was an injury, so planned attachments to ATR Grantham, 1 Regt RLC and participation in competitive sport were dropped. However, I took on more work for the Regiment instead and continued run our alpine racing team remotely.

Despite not going to plan, the past 18 months have provided me with leadership and administrative experience to take into my civilian life, as well as the tools to be a better officer in the Army Reserve. I now look forward to learning to balance the two!”

8 Brig Reehal presents Bde Comd Commendations to LCpl Westcott and Pte Moore

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156 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps LIVERPOOL CO: Lt Col T Steed • Adjt: Capt A Maclaverty • RSM: WO1 R Thomas 156 Regiment RLC has spent the first quarter of training year 2022/23 conducting a myriad of training activities, all focussed towards the deployment of 120 personnel to Croatia on Ex SAVA STAR 22 10 – 25 Sep 22. The exercise will see soldiers and officers from 156 Regt working alongside the Croatian Forces.

Training has included an introduction to the new RFT to ensure the soldiers are fit and ready for the dismounted infantry exercise; ACMT weekends to ensure marksmanship is to the required level and BCS weekends to ensure the low level soldiering skills are to the standard required to complete the arduous and challenging exercise.

Football Success 156 Regt has had a variety of sporting successes over the last quarter. The Regt has seen three Reserve soldiers selected to represent the Army Reserve Women’s and Men’s football teams - LCpl Dumbell, Cpl Reid and Pte Murphy. Additionally, following his very first season playing for the team, Pte Murphy was awarded the Army Reserve Player of the Year, which is an outstanding achievement for this up-and-coming player. Moreover, seven players from 156 Regt were selected to play for the RLC team at the annual White Cup fixture at the Corps Open Day. This is all leading to 156 Regt entering another football team into the Army Reserve Challenge Cup. The Regimental team reached the final in 2021.

An army marches on its stomach 156 Regt has some absolutely outstanding chefs, and this was showcased during the COs dine-in where regimental chefs cooked up an exquisite three course meal. The Chefs’ skills have been further refined by working alongside cookery students of Lakes College, where the students have regularly been invited into the Army Reserve 56

Centres to get stuck into 10-man ration packs to see what culinary delights they could create. This has refined and honed both Reserve Chefs’ and students’ skills in the kitchen and members of the Regt will benefit when field kitchens are set up on exercise.

Adventurous training and wider achievements 2022 is already stepping up to be a fantastic year for both AT and wider sporting achievements. There have been a myriad of mountaineering training weekends in preparation for Ex LENANA MASTERS where

8 156 Chefs working with cookery students at Lakes College

8 Members of 235 Sqn on the Cateran Yomp

16 members of the Regt conducted a high-risk and remote expedition to climb Mount Kenya between 11 and 22 Jul 22, reaching an altitude of 4,985m at Point Lenana. A team from 156 Regt also entered the RLC Seaview Regatta, led by SSgt Morrel. The team came fifth overall, with Cpl Jones being crowned best novice. Lastly, four soldiers from 235 Sqn participated in the Cateran Yomp in Scotland, which saw them cover 54 miles over 24 hours in extremely challenging conditions and terrain. Overall, they raised just under £2,000 for ABF: The Soldiers’ Charity, which was an excellent achievement.

Looking forward The Regt has just started training year 2022/23 but has already achieved a variety of successes and conducted a diverse range of training events. Ex SAVA STAR 22 will be the culmination of all these activities and will be the pinnacle of the forecast of events for the next 6-9 months. However, there is still a lot of activity outside of Ex SAVA STAR such as; continued sporting and AT opportunities, supply trade training, the Military Skills Competition and brigade and divisional shooting competitions.

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157 (Welsh) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps CARDIFF CO: Lt Col A Briggs • Adjt: Capt J Restell • RSM: WO1 C Jones 157 (Welsh) Regiment RLC’s ‘Welsh Loggies’ flag has well and truly been flown around Wales over the past few months at various community engagement, recruiting and training events.

With The Queen celebrating her Platinum Jubilee, along with Armed Forces Day and recruiting season, 157 Regt’s unique selling point of being the only logistic regiment in Wales has seen the Regt involved in some great events as detailed below. The Regt welcomed Lt Col Briggs into command and sadly said goodbye to a few old and bold.

As the Regt enters the summer months, it looks ahead to some excellent training.

The Battle of Fishguard 225th anniversary parade The Regt took part in a ceremonial parade to mark the 225th anniversary of the Battle of Fishguard. This was the last time Britain was invaded and the Pembroke Yeomanry, who have now been amalgamated into 157 (Welsh) Regt, came to blows with the French Army in 1797 as it landed 1,400 men near Goodwick, Pembrokeshire. Within two days of the landing, the French surrendered to the 600-strong Pembroke Yeomanry and the Unit was awarded the battle honour “Fishguard”. 224 Transport Sqn is honoured to bear the distinction of the only unit in the British Army to be awarded a battle honour for an engagement on the British

mainland. Further to this it was also the first battle honour to be awarded to a volunteer unit.

A proud piece of regimental history, the parade offered a great opportunity to integrate with the local community. The parade was an opportunity for the Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Sara Edwards, to present the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal to over 30 members of the Regt. A march-past and salute followed, conducted by 157 Regt, local veterans and over 100 children from local schools, all ably led by our very own Corps of Drums. The parade was commanded by 2Lt Tim Johnston of 580 Sqn, who said: “The local community of Fishguard welcomed us with open arms and I consider myself privileged to have led the Regiment on such a historically significantly parade. The

8 Lord Lieutenant for Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, presenting QPJMs to 157 RLC Reserve Service Personnel in Fishguard

communities show of force made it clear to see how much our shared history meant them.”

The Regt then went on to enjoy an afternoon of AT including mountain biking, kayaking, walking and for a lucky few, coasteering.

A great weekend continued to build-back the social element into the Regt post COVID-19. The Regt can confidently say a good weekend was had by all.

The Corps of Drums As we head out of the pandemic, 157 Regt’s Corps of Drums, under direction of the Drum Major WO1 Lock, has commenced activity once more and reintroduced its spectacular light show. It has conducted valuable training alongside the RLC Corps of Drums and also performed many events within Wales. Of particular note were the ‘Mela Festival’, in Swansea and performing for the Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford, at the ‘Hope Festival’.

8 157 (Welsh) Regiment RLC Corps of Drums, accompanied by the RLC Corps of Drums, supporting the 225th Anniversary of the “Last Invasion”

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158 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps PETERBOROUGH CO: Lt Col R Futter • Adjt: Capt A Hyndman • RSM: WO1 L Hutchinson General – Future Soldier Future Soldier brought the news that 158 (Transport) Regiment RLC would transition to become the Army’s only dedicated Aviation Logistic Support Regiment, aligned to supporting 7 Bn REME and the 1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team.

Given this switch from 3rd to 2nd line, and the associated training requirement in using new equipment like EPLS and Close Support Tankers, this is a significant but very welcome opportunity. In preparation, many of the Regt’s Field Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers have been engaged in estimates and table-top exercises, to ensure a smooth transition into the new operational role. The G7 team has refined this year’s forecast of events to include a greater trade focus whilst concurrently looking out to next year for the resources to execute all necessary activity to make 158 Regt operationally effective in the shortest time possible.

Ex KRONUS HUNTER 4/22 (Cyprus) 158 Regt conducted a 15-day Overseas Training Exercise (OTX) – Ex KRONOS HUNTER – in Cyprus. It was a Dismounted Close Combat (DCC) exercise refining soldier’s low-level tactics, improving their field craft and testing their ability to operate in an austere environment.

With a comprehensive live fire range package that developed the individual’s marksmanship and

8 WO1 (RSM) Hutchinson was awarded his Meritorious Service Medal by the CGS at a ceremony in RMAS in May 22

confidence in their weapon system; KRONUS HUNTER’s DCC syllabus culminated in a three-day FTX phase around Paramali Village in a testing scenario. This allowed commanders, at all levels, the opportunity to engage with estimates, deliver orders and conduct offensive actions in a controlled but pressurised environment. For some of the junior soldiers it was the first time they have been involved in tactical action on such a scale; learning what it means to become vital members of a larger team, ensuring that they worked for each other to accomplish the mission is what Reserve service is all about. The OTX was capped off with a multi-activity phase including cultural and wildlife visits, sports and a Regimental BBQ.

Transport Operations and Driver Training – Ex STEEL BACK 1 Members of the Regt deployed to STANTA to conduct Ex STEEL BACK 1, a transport operations exercise.

The trade-focussed FTX refined skills already held within 158 Regt including living and fighting from a vehicle platform, first parading vehicles and level one maintenance, route planning, convoy drills and packet discipline. On arrival at the training area, the sub unit packets refined their urban harbour entry drills and harbour routine including camouflage and concealment. Other specific skills that were revised included: blocking junctions, staggered junctions and IED strike drills; with all the accompanying skills such as casualty extraction and battlefield first aid.

Adventurous Training – Ex DRAGON DRIVER Ex DRAGON DRIVER was a level two AT package delivered in the Lake District. The activities conducted included hill walking, mountain biking, rock climbing and canoeing. The hill walking routes included some of England’s most spectacular landscapes and soldiers had the opportunity to conduct navigational legs enhancing key skills for all in a challenging environment. In the evenings, team cohesion activities took place bolstering the already high-level of team spirt held within the Regt.

8 Ex STEEL BACK 1 took place on STANTA

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

159 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps COVENTRY CO: Lt Col A Heather • Adjt: Capt K Cahill • RSM: WO1 (RSM) P Whiting 159 Regiment RLC has embarked on new training year, with the initial focus being on deployability, as the Regt looks to move towards its new Future Soldier role on 1 Apr 23.

Deployability and well-being training The training year began with a health and deployability focus for the first assured event. From mental health doctors to civilian sports nutritionists, a wealth of knowledge and experience was shared with the troops, re-energising and educating on the importance of maintaining a healthy mind and body as key to deployability. With mental health ever more in the spotlight, the MoD is clearly taking it seriously, developing ways that support can be provided to troops who are struggling. The event also featured a formal dinner night to say farewell to the outgoing CO, Lt Col Stewart Dines and the WO1 (RSM) Steve Muir, whilst also hosting the outgoing Comd 102 Bde, Brig Faithful-Davies.

Ex KRONOS HUNTER Several soldiers from 159 Regt took part on Ex KRONOS HUNTER in Cyprus, excellently hosted by 158 Regt. As part of this exercise, they completed a range package, the Battle Craft Syllabus and AT, which afforded them the opportunity to further develop their infantry skills as well as build ties and friendships with troops from other RLC regiments. Many thanks to 158 Regt for the opportunity!

Ex BARBARIAN COMMUNICATOR 123 Supply Sqn delivered an excellent comms exercise with the Royal Signals, using the Airwave Radio system as a useful opportunity to develop their comms skills and voice procedure. The junior ranks discovered that the Airwave was more secure, sturdy and significantly lighter than the

bowman manpacks they had become accustomed to. SNCOs and officers equally had the opportunity to gain an understanding of how best to manage the network for efficient comms across numerous agencies. Critically for all, this training benefited everyone in building confidence using VP and enhancing C2 ability across the Regt.

Endurance and Ex WAGON CHALLENGE Cpl Moloney and Pte Allison (both 125 Supply Sqn) took on a new adventurous sport of mountain biking and quickly qualified for the RLC team in March 2022. They went on to complete their first two races, seeing Pte Allison achieve third in the men’s event in Scotland and Cpl Moloney coming third in her category.

At the same time a team took part in Ex WAGON CHALLENGE,

8 Cpl Moloney and Pte Allison medal in mountain biking

8 The victorious tug-o-war team at Ex WAGON CHALLENGE

hosted by 6 Regt RLC: a historic wagon train-based competition, engrossing troops in the lived experience of how transport had to be managed in the age of horses. A sterling effort from the team saw them come top in the tug-o-war event.

West Midlands Platinum Jubilee engagement In support of their wider engagement strategy, leading up to the Platinum Jubilee and Commonwealth Games, 159 Regt provided HQ West Midlands with event planners and support to the events’ execution.

Majors Bell and Birtle were integral to the planning and delivery of the West Midlands Armed Forces Platinum Jubilee Tattoo in the pleasant surroundings of Birmingham University. As one of the first massed military bands events post COVID-19, the event hosted VIPs and key employers from across Defence and all West Midlands Regions, including Birmingham City Council and the Commonwealth Games Operating Committee. Regimental personnel took the opportunity to engage with all guests, demonstrating a range of capabilities and the wider benefits of Reserve Service to the West Midlands area, local employers and their organisations.

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THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

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162 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps NOTTINGHAM CO: Lt Col W Steel MBE • Adjt: Capt W Charley • RSM: WO1 D Teal 162 Regiment RLC has been focused on delivering a comprehensive Annual Continuous Training (ACT) exercise this quarter. During the period of the ACT, the Regt welcomed the new RSM, WO1 Damien Teal.

Adventurous training (AT) The Army’s hut in Ambleside was the perfect location for the Regt to run its summer mountaineering, rock climbing and mountain biking foundation courses. 18 personnel gained an AT foundation qualification.

Excellent weather, combined with the spectacular scenery, provided the ideal classroom for navigation, knot tying and bike handling skills to be developed over the week. The training did not disappoint, with everyone gaining five quality mountain days for their log books.

General Service Modular 1 (GS MOD 1) driving course Reserve driving instructors from across the Regt and an instructor, from 29 Regt RLC, assured that the Regt achieved its aim of 18 students successfully completing the GS MOD 1 course.

Once students had successfully passed the classroom elements,

1 course and many now want to further their driving skills by putting themselves forward for EX MUDMASTER in October.

8 Rock climbers taking in the view they were then able to get to the off-roading practical lessons on the Catterick off-road course. The students were assessed on their driving skills whilst on route from Halton to Catterick and off-road during day and night drives. For some it was their first time driving off-road.

At the end of the two weeks, all students had passed their GS MOD

Defence Train The Trainer (DTTT) course SSgt Lauren Verlander (PSI 280 MC Sqn) ran two DTTT Phase 3 courses for those unit personnel looking to get involved in future training and instructional opportunities. Students fully immersed themselves in the techniques being taught - working on their own coaching and mentoring skills, understanding adaptive learning styles and getting the most out of IT. Being able to deliver the two DTTT course means a significant increase in the instructional capabilities within the Regt down to sub-unit level.

Ranges During the ACT, members of the Regt completed an ACMT range package and implement the Training Objective (TOs) of the new Individual Training Requirements (ITR). The package culminated in the ACMT (BCC) shoot, firing up to 200 meters and conducting the CQM shoots (3-15 meters). Each member of the Regt is now more deployable and a better shot due to the coaching efforts from SSgt Marsden (PSI 281 Sqn).

SNCO development Some of the Regt’s seniors attended a two-day SNCO Development session. The development lessons took them back to fundamentals and consisted of planning an exercise/event, recce’s, warning orders, TSIs, MELs, EASPs and risk assessments. The students were then tasked to plan a ITR weekend incorporating all the subjects they had been reminded and refreshed on and deliver their plan to the CO the following day.

8 SNCO Development classroom

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

165 Port & Maritime Regiment RLC PLYMOUTH CO: Lt Col R Williams • Adjt: Capt L Hunter • RSM: WO1 Liguari Providing Port, Maritime and logistic enabling capability is the core mission of 165 P&M Regiment RLC. This summer the Regt is focussing on the basis of all its output… Its people.

Growth To support growth, the Regt has continued to develop recruitment plans and attended events across the country.

Retention is key to growth, so the welfare of SP is paramount. The Regt is gathering and acting on feedback, while continuing to support SP by creating an open, positive and inclusive environment.

Regimental visits have been used as rewards and the Regt conducted a battlefield stud to Dieppe in July. It has continued to support its people with their endeavours in sport and AT and a permanent staff development week was run at the end of July.

Skills development In order to develop the skills of those within the Regt, squadrons have begun building up to the main event of the year, a deployment on Ex UNIFIED WOLF in October.

The exercise will identify, develop and exploit lessons on how 165 Regt would conduct a Port and Maritime RIP with 17 P&M Regt in an expeditionary environment in the absence of host nation support or infrastructure.

Dartmoor. The Sqn also facilitated the Army Village at The Royal Cornwall Show. Awarded third place in the commercial trade stands, Sgt Chapman was awarded a Commander’s Coin from Commander HQ SW for her input. The Sqn has also been training and taking part in the new ITR packages.

265 Port Sqn (Plymouth) 265 Port Sqn is gearing up for October with a series of StA and specific trade training events. This will prepare it for a challenging maritime exercise, where reservists will work alongside, and support 17 P&M. Driving recruitment, 265 has also attended numerous recruitment and engagement events, including

142 Sqn 142 (QOOH) Veh Sqn maintains a focus on trade training and recruitment, in addition to events, such as Banbury’s Armed Forces Day celebrations, where members of the Sqn were presented their Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medals by the High Steward of Banbury and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Sir Tony Baldry.

232 Port Sqn (Bodmin) 232 Port Sqn has taken part in the planning and execution of the 70th Ex TEN TORS on

8 2Lt Kay Bryson at the recent RLC Sports Awards Dinner. She is currently first in the world in her sport, modern pentathlon

8 142 Sqn in Banbury, Armed Forces Day Parade

having a stand at the Devon County Show at the end of June.

266 Port Sqn (Southampton) 266 Sqn has attended the HQ South West military insight day for cadets, the Royal Bath and West Show and Armed Forces Days events in Southampton and Newport (Isle of Wight). This is alongside maintaining currency and competencies on MHE, for the Port Ops and the Mariners, while Marine Engineers have completed an Embarked Forces Sea Survival Course.

710 OH Sqn (Aylesbury) 710 Sqn is the only Operational Hygiene Squadron in the Army and has continued to host training weekends which both develop trade skills and routine annual training.

Farewells The Regt said goodbye to Capt Dave Wynn, who has supported the Army with his service for the last 42 years and has been an invaluable member of the Regimental family. The Regt wishes him the best of luck in the future.

Additionally, we have said good bye to Anne Murray who was awarded a certificate of long service by the CO for over 30 years in the Civil Service.

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THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

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167 Catering Support Regiment RLC GRANTHAM CO: Lt Col M Dyos • Adjt: Capt S W D Parry • RSM: WO1 A Cartwright 167 Catering Support Regiment RLC deployed on DEFENDER 22 in Germany for a six-week period to support 5 Bn REME and the TEG, through the provision of catering support.

During this time, the Chefs provided three meals a day, seven days a week, for up to 1,200 service personnel; feeding through two locations, three main kitchens within Sennelager and Paderborn and operated, for RLS and training purposes, on Operational Field Cook Sets to ensure delivery of culinary excellence and complete individual trade objectives.

At the peak of the support, during a surge of roulement troops moving forward to Eastern Europe, it meant facilitating and opening of additional kitchens, which for the reserve chefs was a challenge that was taken up with ease and additionally uplifting personal to the contracted workforce to deliver and sustain catering support.

In total, 38 chefs deployed with four officers and two WO’s providing G4 and G3/G7 cover for the full deployment. The complexity of deploying regimental personnel to Germany was a logistical effort delivered by the RHQ and Ops team ensuring G1 docs and med checks were completed with a final GSR check was efficiently done.

Vehicle, individual and chalk moves through four different ferry ports and three major airports proved challenging but was achieved, ensuring a national regiment could effectively deploy.

Students spend nine days in the kitchen classroom being assessed on their daily production, culminating in a final practical assessment.

During the field phase of the course, students are refreshed and coached on the safe operating procedures of the in-service field catering equipment prior to deploying on a three-day exercise to produce meals within a field catering environment. On successful completion of the Army Reserve chef class 2 course, a chef is deemed competent to operate in a catering environment under minimum supervision.

8 The 167 Regt recruiting team out on the road

For those that supported the main effort for the duration were able to take part in a battlefield study in Berlin and AT in the Harz mountains with cultural days out, including Bergen Belsen.

Chef Class 2 course insight The Army Reserve Chef Class 2 course is delivered at the Technical Training Wing of 167 Catering Support Regiment RLC and is 16 days in duration inclusive of weekends. The entry requirements to attend the course are to have completed the Army Reserve chef class 3 course, completion of two camps or equivalent in role and have completed Special to Arm practical training and Special to Arm DLE training packages within 12 months of attending the course.

Ex ARMY SUSTAINER 2022 – 10 September 2022 Ex ARMY SUSTAINER is open to all Regular and Reservist Army Chefs.

Tri-Service and NATO Chefs are invited to compete in specific events. The aspiration this year was to expand the scope and include UK Tri-Service and teams from other nations. It included a field catering team event, improvised catering team event, street food team event and individual categories.

The aim is to bring together chefs in a challenging, competitive environment to compete in their trade, demonstrate military catering capability and prove their culinary ability against their peers.

A report on the 2022 Ex ARMY SUSTAINER will appear in the winter edition of The Sustainer.

167 Regt has welcomed the new RSM, WO1 Alison Cartwright and XO, Maj Adam Galloway – both a great addition to the 167 family.

Thanks go to WO2 Whitby and the 111 Sqn team for delivering a superb family event which followed our QPJM Parade.

The Regt has plenty on the horizon, including: CERBERUS, AUSTERE Wolf, CAP DEV and ARMY SUSTAINER 22. If you need support for an event or exercise, then don’t hesitate to get in touch.

8 The recent family cohesion event

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

2 Operational Support Group RLC (2OSG) GRANTHAM CO: Lt Col A Chambers • 2IC: Maj J Bastin • RSM: WO1 Allison 2 OSG has had another busy period with the deployment of personnel on Ex DEFENDER 22, plus training weekends, both trade specific and military skills related.

Ex DEFENDER 22 The main effort over the period March to June 22 was the deployment of 24 personnel on Ex DEFENDER EUROPE 22. The deploying personnel worked in Denmark (Oksbol and Esbjerg Port), Germany (Sennelager) and Poland (Gdansk, Szczecin and Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area) on an individual augmentee rotational basis. Most personnel were embedded in or working to the OF4 TEG HQ in an enabling capacity with work strands focused on host nation Statement of Requirement agreements together with contract delivery and assurance processes. Members of 500 Comms Tp were based in Sennelager and helped to maintain the theatre communications network. Ex DEFENDER EUROPE 22 proved to be a great training opportunity for 2OSG personnel with a robust refresh of skillsets at the same time as exposing personnel to a slightly wider spectrum of outputs.

Armed Forces Day 2OSG attended the Armed Forces Day Parade in Newark town centre.

30 members of the group formed the serving contingent and were joined by local veterans and cadets. The 2IC led the parade, with the RSM, ensuring turnout was of the highest standard and everyone kept in step.

The parade came to a halt outside the Town Hall and was presented to the Lord Lieutenant and Mayor of Newark, who commended them on their impressive turnout and valuable contributions.

Sport/AT In June, Sgt McNee and LCpl Bancroft represented the Unit on the RLC Corps football tour of

Portugal. Over the four games played, the female corps team won three and lost one, with LCpl Bancroft scoring on multiple occasions throughout the tour.

Sgt McNee linked up with the Portuguese FA and joined the referee team to officiate in matches for both the male and female team.

Members of the group also deployed to Capel Curig Training Camp in North Wales for five days during June to undertake some AT. 2OSG runs a series of AT exercises throughout the year mainly covering mountain biking and mountaineering and can

8 The Newark Armed Forces Day Parade accommodate up to 15 personnel on each exercise.

Welcomes and Farewells 2 OSG has welcome Lt Col Jolly into 499 Contract Management Unit, WO2 Firbank and Sgt Jones into 498 Labour Support unit and LCpl Graham and Pte’s Goldsworthy and Sharp into 500 Comms Tp. The Unit said a fond farewell to Lt Col Gaudoin, WO2 Cooksey and PSI Sgt Mcnee. All have been an integral and instrumental part of 2OSG. Looking Forward 2 OSG is busy planning of the upcoming ACT in September and is continuing to prepare for commitments to Ex AUSTERE WOLF and EX CEBERUS later in the year.

8 Lt Col (Retd) John Gaudoin receiving the Sporting Achievement Award for RLC Badminton

About 2 OSG 2 OSG RLC is a nationally recruited unit based in Grantham. It offers real time roles supporting 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade, HQ ARRC, Labour Support and Contract Management across the Field Army, as well as communications support to the Army Medical Services Field Hospitals.

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British Army Training Unit KENYA OC Stores Troop: Capt T Spetch • BOWP: WO1 Z Khan Over the summer period in Kenya, the 2nd Line storehouse in BATUK has provided G4 support to Ex ASKARI STORM 5/21, Ex ASKARI SERPENT, Op CORDED, Ex RANGE SWEEP, Ex ASKARI PHOENIX and numerous STTTs run from 11 (SFAB) Brigade.

Whilst juggling support to various exercises and STTTs, RLC personnel within BATUK have made time for Adventurous Training and sporting and social events such as a street party for HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Nyati Barracks.

As per BATUK’s SOR, the Unit has seen a change over in the two 6-month, TDS tours that BATUK see each year. There are approximately 20 TDS positions for RLC soldiers (plus one role for an officer) on each TDS trawl for a mixture of trades from LSS to Driver and from Chefs to Comms Specs. For the TDS that served in BATUK from January to July, thank you for your hard work, dedication and input to BATUK. For those TDS who are currently serving in the TDS tour from June-December, they have a busy period of Ex ASKARI STORM 3/22 and Ex ASKARI PHOENIX 2 to contend with.

Whilst home to a wide array of TDS, BATUK also employs many RLC permanent staff (PS) in key and critical roles. These roles have experienced a large turnover of staff in recent months with PS saying a fond farewell to their time

in BATUK as they move onto new postings and new PS arriving.

Whilst fulfilling roles within BATUK, the opportunities for families, spouses to enjoy the Kenyan lifestyle are second to none.

Competitive sport within BATUK plays a large part of working life.

BATUK RFC has competed in the National Kenyan 7’s circuit at locations across Kenya including Embu County, Nairobi and Mombasa and has seen successful results in all tournaments entered.

Likewise, BATUK FC has competed against various local teams whilst BATUK Cricket Club played in the Rhino Cup Cricket Competition held at Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

8 The BATUK Rugby 7's team in Mombasa

Engaging in Kenyan sport across the country is a fantastic experience for all those involved and helps promote BATUK and the British Army within Kenya.

BATUK engages in various community engagement projects within both the local area and on the national stage. This helps build relations between British and Kenyan Governments, influence the local population and helps to build understanding between all parties.

BATUK has also invested in a the Policare Project: a project to ensure that victims of sexual and gender-based violence are treated with dignity and respect.

Sgt Efejuku, the 2nd Line Storehouse SNCO, successfully organised a donation of books and school supplies to a local orphanage in Nanyuki. Sgt Efejuku liaised with schools in the UK, to get books, diaries and stationary supplies donated to a local orphanage. The supplies were greatly received by both staff and pupils and will help educate young boys and girls in Nanyuki.

8 Sgt Efejuku organised the donation of school supplies to the Nanyuki orphanage

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British Gurkhas NEPAL Dep Comd: Lt Col S Townsend • SNCOs: SSgt Harwood (BFPO) SSgt Sandel (MCC)

Headquarters British Gurkhas Nepal (HQ BGN) currently has a cohort of four key RLC personnel.

The Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff – Lt Col Simon Townsend, Field Director Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT) - Lt Col Matthew Hing, British Forces Post Office (BFPO) SNCO IC - SSgt TJ Harwood, and Movement Control Centre (MCC) SNCO WO SSgt Mark Sandel. HQ BGN also has a cohort of seven Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment (QOGLR) Warrant Officers and NCO’s.

It has been a busy period since the start of the year, and not to be deterred by Nepal’s third wave of COVID-19, Central Selection for Gurkha Recruit Intake 22 took place with 218 Gurkha recruits starting their journey in the British Army.

Chief of Defence Logistic Support, Lt Gen Richard Wardlaw OBE, presided over the recruit’s attestation in his role as Colonel Commandant Brigade of Gurkhas.

The co-ordination required to ensure that all Recruit Assistants from UK, Brunei and Singapore were able to arrive and depart on time despite international travel restrictions, late changes due to COVID-19, and internal flight delays, was deftly completed by the Movements Control Centre under the guidance of SSgt Sandel. In addition, they co-ordinated the departure of the 196 selected

Trainee Riflemen to Catterick and assisted with the arrangements for the 140 selected Trainee Policeman to Singapore.

SSgt Harwood continued the key logistical support to all SP and dependants, receiving over 20,000 kg of mail into the BFPO. The Post Office also provides Horizon online (HoL), the same system a UK Post Office uses, meaning all SP and dependants are entitled to use their UK debit card to withdraw up to £1,000 per calendar month.

In April the restrictions were lifted slightly, duty treks and visits happened with GOC Regional Command, Major General David Eastman MBE, visiting. For the first

8 AT Nepal is not for the feint hearted

8 The QOGLR 64th Anniversary celebration at BGN

time since 2019, the LEA and LSA&I teams arrived from HQ RC and all the hard work of HQ BGN paid off with a successful Combined Assurance Week. All teams were aided through immigration, security and customs

by SSgt Sandel and his excellent movements team.

Finding time, with the restrictions easing, members of BGN including RLC personnel thoroughly enjoyed a weekend of AT, completing activities of abseiling down waterfalls; not for the faint hearted as the waterfalls were up to 45 metres high, bungee jumping over a 200-metre gorge, and concluding with white water rafting, a really good team bonding weekend that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

HQ BGN has said goodbye to SO3 G4 Captain David Gibson, who left for pastures new. On 9 Jul 22, SSgt Harwood represented The RLC at the celebration of the 64th birthday of the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment (QOGLR) along with the QOGLR SP, veterans from the Regimental Association Nepal and Commander BGN, Colonel Paul Smith (late RLC). In the September, all of BGN will be saying goodbye to Lt Col Townsend and his family as they leave for his next post in SHAPE.

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Logistic Support Squadron CLR BARNSTAPLE OC: Maj M Murphy • SSM: WO2 K Naudo LS Sqn has finally consolidated after being split amongst operational theatres and support to winter deployment and COLD RESPONSE 22. The summer term, anticipated to be ‘quiet’, has continued at a relentless pace, with FGen training ongoing for Op ACHILLEAN in the Autumn term and support to 40 Cdo on LRG(S) later in the summer, balanced across wider support to the Commando Force.

Ajax Troop - AT in Cornwall Ajax Troop deployed alongside elements of Dieppe Troop and the Sqn HQ to RNAS Culdrose to conduct an AT package and make the most of some time back in the barracks after deployments over the winter months. The Troop enjoyed paintballing as well as coasteering, surfing and bodyboarding. The coasteering, which started as a fun swim along the calm Cornish coast, quickly turned into a much bigger challenge as the cliffs got higher and the waves got bigger. It was a true test of courage and one where the whole troop did well, with everyone completing all jumps.

The Troop also enjoyed a cultural trip to Falmouth visiting the memorial stone for Operation CHARIOT. Numerous presentations were prepared and delivered by the JNCOs and Ptes and it was both insightful and inspiring to hear the stories of the commandos who left from that harbour on a mission they were not likely to return from.

Forces March The Forces March is a non-profitable charity event consisting of a re-creation of an epic 135-mile WWII training march undertaken by men of the newly formed Airborne Division in 1942. LS Sqn entered a four-man team to undertake the march; utilising determination, courage, willpower and team spirit, the team pushed through to the finish line winning the award for best military team.

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8 The 56-mile 'yomp' team

8 St Nazire Raid Memorial stone located in Falmouth Bay

Falklands 40 – re-creating the ‘yomp’ by 2Lt Olly Pritchard To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict, 12 members of LS Sqn deployed to Porlock in Devon with the daunting task of yomping 56 miles with a fully-packed bergen over three days. The yomp proved no small feat with over 3,000m of climbing along the south west coastal path.

Day one saw the team move 19.6 Miles from Porlock to Martinhoe.

The weather was fantastic and the views world-class, which briefly took everyone’s minds off the never-ending hills of the undulating coastal path. After a gruelling 1,300m of elevation, the team reached the end of day one and got some well needed rest ready for the next two days.

Day two was the longest leg at 20.3 miles and 1,700m of elevation from Martinhoe to Mortehoe. The weather took a turn for the worst and the team had to battle with the elements adding another dimension to the challenge. At the 14-mile point, as the team entered Combe Martin, members of the Royal Marines Association joined the march and provided morale, stories and inspiration to keep everyone going.

The final day saw the team move from Mortehoe back to RMB Chivenor and with the end in sight, spirits were high. Seven members of the RMA joined the team for the last six miles back to be greeted by a regimental clap in. It was a great way to end an event that puts into perspective the impressive feat that those who yomped 56 miles across the Falklands into battle had achieved.

Pre-Commando Package (PCP) LS Sqn, on behalf of the CLR RM, is a main donor unit for the All-Arms Commando Course (AACC).

If you feel you have what it takes to earn the coveted green beret and serve in the Commando Forces, contact LS Sqn Ops at 3cdoxclrlsops@mod.gov.uk

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

44 Support Squadron Royal Military Academy SANDHURST OC: Maj M Barton • TCWO: WO1 L Brier 44 Support Squadron is a part of the Station Support Unit responsible for providing efficient transport, ES and tactical communication support to British Army Officer training at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The Sqn is a busy and active unit with huge opportunities to develop career attributes in a challenging but rewarding working environment.

Army Officer training culminates with Ex DYNAMIC VICTORY, a two-week deployment to Germany which is the pinnacle of the Sqn’s support profile. The Sqn plays a critical role in the support of the exercise whilst benefiting from excellent internal training opportunities. The transcontinental deployment provides ample opportunity for Drivers and the CoC to exercise their operational skills from multi-day driving to ensuring all the customs regulations are met and of course, experiencing some German and US hospitality.

In addition to supporting officer training exercises, the Sqn has been enjoying a series of Leadership Development activities. The first activity had sqn members prove and practice their leadership abilities on a set of mentally and physically demanding command tasks.

During the second activity of the package, the Sqn deployed on Ex ACE OF SPADES, a cross country driving competition on Eelmoor training area. This package had soldiers experienced challenging driving conditions, a timed wheel change stand and a blindfolded guiding task. The opportunity was also taken to invite Maj Gen Capps CBE to take part in the competition and say a fitting goodbye to him prior to his departure from role of Commandant RMAS. The next

8 44 Sp Sqn Leadership Development Training

event will see the Sqn conduct a military history day, visiting both the RLC and Ghurkha museums.

This quarter has seen a turnover of key staff; the Sqn said goodbye and thank you to Maj Swift, WO1 Regan and Sgt Foote. The Sqn warmly welcomed Maj Barton, who will command the it through the next two years, and WO1 Brier the new TCWO. This term has also seen the arrival of six other new sqn members who have all settled extremely quickly into the team ethos and have already deployed in support of officer training. The Sqn is always looking for enthusiastic soldiers to join the team and reap the rewards of working in a historical setting with a full spectrum of benefits. This is one of the few places where a soldier can confidently plan their leave up to three years in advance. If this looks attractive to you, feel free to come for a visit and see what’s on offer.

8 Ex ACE OF SPADES; Maj Gen Capps guiding an SV during the cross-country driving competition

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British Forces Brunei - RLC Logistic Support BRUNEI SO3 Log Sp: Capt N Kelsey • GSM: WO1 Khem Ollivierre The tempo of work within Headquarters British Forces Brunei has continued as the Resident Infantry Battalion (2RGR) executed its Unit Move with 1RGR in Shorncliffe. This has taken a number of months of rigorous planning to ensure all departing SP and families arrive in the UK in good order and all those arriving in Brunei can settle as quickly as possible into their new homes. This has all been achieved whilst continuing to support strategic activity such as logistic support to Jungle Warfare Division, support to 667 Sqn AAC who are preparing to be replaced by the RAF Puma Force and welcoming the first physical Audit and Inspection team since 2019.

As I approach my last five months of serving in Brunei, I can reflect and think about some of the changes that have occurred since my arrival in Sep 18. I arrived in Brunei as a newly promoted Cpl and after completing a two-year assignment, I was fortunate to be selected for promotion to Sgt and remained here in Brunei in the SNCO role for a further 24 months.

The most significant change we have dealt with is the effect that the global pandemic has had on us.

Initially the FPO team split into two smaller teams, working week on week off as the remainder of the Garrison worked from home during the lockdown period. Commercial flights to and from UK were significantly reduced making the job of receiving mail and returning mail to the UK extremely challenging and long winded.

Awards and recognition Along with the hard work that has continued this quarter, a number of personnel have been recognised for their dedication and relentless professionalism. Recently, Commander BFB presented a number of commendations and coins to members of staff, both military and civilian, across the garrison for their contribution in the 68

previous six months. Mrs Swastika Rana Rai, FPO counter clerk was presented with a Commander BFB Coin and Sgt Hitch was presented with a GOC Regional Command Commendation. In addition, Sgt Melhuish who is the outgoing Ammo SNCO was also presented with a Commander BFB Coin for his relentless contribution to the ammo depot, where hard work, has enabled savings of over £3M in ammunition wastage this year.

During the recent LSA&I conducted across BFB by a team from HQ RC and 11X, a number of coins were presented by the audit team. Two LSS JNOCs for their hard work,

8 Mrs Swastika Rana Rai receiving a BFB Commander’s Coin for outstanding contribution

8 Cpl Sijan Kaucha and Cpl Benyamin Limbu, receiving an 11X Comd’s coin for outstanding work within the RLC Stores Section

dedication and professionalism within the RLC Stores Section.

Champion Company Competition 2022 For the first time ever, members from the Garrison Support Troops were invited by 2RGR to enter a team and compete in the Battalion annual sporting and military skills event. This is an extremely challenging event which takes place over two weeks. RLC soldiers were amongst the GST team who took part in the March and Shoot, the Sittang Race, CO’s Endurance, Driving Skills, Crossfit, basketball, swimming and volleyball. The GST team did extremely well considering the time spent in training.

HM Sultan of Brunei Visit HM The Sultan of Brunei visited BFB to mark the departure of 2RGR and thank the Battalion for its contribution to Brunei, specifically, the support it has provided to the Brunei Ministry of Health in the past year during the country’s response to COVID-19. The visit provided an opportunity for members of the whole defence community within BFB to meet and talk to the Sultan.

A very memorable and special occasion for all who were involved.

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Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS) BENSON, OXFORDSHIRE OC: Maj J Wells • SSM: WO2 P Devine Members of the Squadron have worked tirelessly during the first half of 2022 to support SH assets around the world from frozen Norway to the deserts of Mali and the Jungles of Brunei.

Op NEWCOMBE By Flt Lt Matt Snape The penultimate iteration of JHSS’ support to Op NEWCOME saw four personnel deploy to Mali in support of Op BARKHANE (French operation against terrorism in West Africa). On the second day of the three-and-a-half-month deployment, the team was required to move various items of equipment to support French ground troops.

The locations we deployed to varied from well-established Main Operating Bases or Forward Operating Bases but, in some cases, we were also required to deploy to various random grid locations in the Malian savannah to recover stricken French vehicles or re-supply their ground combat troops with vital rations, water, and a plethora of spare vehicle wheels as the harsh environment chews through the tyres.

Most of the time, equipment and supplies were moved by internally loading the freight into the rear of two Chinooks but on occasion we were required to build loads for under slinging. With temperatures reaching 47 degrees at times, loads were built late in the afternoon and then lifted early in the mornings.

The team had a very successful period in theatre. We were all glad to experience Mali in all its glory before the UK finishes its commitment to Op BARKHANE later this year.

Ex CLOCKWORK – NORWAY By Cpl Josh Korik-Carrol RAF JHSS has been operating in Norway located 167 miles inside the Artic Circle supporting Ex CLOCKWORK and Ex COLD RESPONSE 22. The team that deployed represented all trade groups from across the Sqn - AAC,

RLC and RAF. Norway tested the team’s ability to operate in temperatures as low as -30°C! The main role in Norway was to assist with Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) in achieving its environmental qualified arctic aviation training, by setting up night landing sites and providing helicopter handling teams for underslung load training. JHSS has been working with a variety of helicopters from JHC, the Wildcat, Merlin, Apache and more recently with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) CH53 Super Stallion.

JHSS and CDO Mobile Air Operations Team (MAOT) also assisted our Norwegian partners by moving firewood for the National Park cabins called “Dividalshyttene”.

These cabins are open all the year round as a place to stay for one or two nights for people hiking or skiing in the mountains and, more importantly, they can also be utilised as emergency shelters. These logs will keep the shelters supplied for two years.

Ex SWIFT RESPONSE 22 – NORTH MACEDONIA By Pte Benneh – RLC In April 2022, NATO organised its biggest multinational military exercise in North Macedonia, Ex SWIFT RESPONSE 22. Over one thousand paratroopers from eight countries performed numerous airborne assaults. A MAOT led by Flt Lt Scott Miller was dispatched from JHSS to assist Aviation Task

8 The MAOT's recce'd all the Ex SR22 HLSs and was responsible for pax handling

Force 1 (ATF 1) whose mission was to facilitate Helicopter Ops throughout the exercise.

We had the opportunity to work with 4 Army Air Corps (4AAC) and learn about the Apache helicopter's powerful capabilities and its contribution to the Army. To have had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit and examine the primary control systems was an enjoyable and educational experience.

The team’s main responsibilities during the exercise we the recces of confined area HLS and pax handling to ensure troops were transported across the battlefield quickly and efficiently.

The team, led by Flt Lt Miller, had to recce HLS for all rotary aircraft taking part in the exercise. Team members often flew to various sites for these tasks, racking up plenty of flying time!

8 The MAOT on Ex CLOCKWORK worked with a wide variety of helicopter types including the USMC CH53E

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The Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion GLOUCESTERSHIRE CO: Lt Col I Sands REME • Adjt: Capt H Bennett • RSM: WO1 R Wiseman This quarter started with orders received during Easter Leave to begin preparing the Mastiff fleet to be gifted in support of the Ukrainian Army. Personnel from the Battalion worked long hours over the leave period to ensure the vehicles were fully fit, equipped and repainted in time to depart for eastern Europe. It required a huge team effort, not least as the Battalion were asked to support the preparation of a further 20 vehicles from other units. The troops that put in those long hours can be proud knowing that their efforts have contributed to events playing out on the global stage.

Exercise DYNAMIC FRONT In early June, a composite troop from the Battalion deployed to Germany alongside 22 Signal Regiment on Exercise DYNAMIC FRONT in support of a NATO HQ. Following a flawless deployment of the Battalion advance party, the remainder of the Troop, ably led by 2Lt Ali James, immediately conducted their important work of preparing for the ARRC staff to arrive and execute their mission.

Although a relatively small contingent, they are truly a display of what makes the Battalion so unique; a multi-cap badge entity working seamlessly to provide a top-quality logistic output including catering, administration, power supply, security and transport.

During a quieter period, soldiers were able to visit Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site – a sobering and important experience, followed by an afternoon exploring the culture and history of the city of Munich. It was a welcome break before switching focus back to the wider exercise.

Exercise FLYING SPEAR Meanwhile, those remaining in the UK deployed on Exercise FLYING SPEAR which saw 14 Squadron, with supporting elements from HQ Squadron, deploy to Sennybridge Training Area for two weeks. A CP 70

8 Presenting of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medals in July

8 Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion Jubilee Medals Parade

site was secured and built, with particular credit going to Power Troop for transforming an abandoned farm into what could almost be recognised as a high-end Air BnB, with power outlets, lighting and various other luxuries. Phase 2 saw the new Individual Training Requirements being conducted before the Squadron went into an ‘experimental’ phase. This allowed the troops to test new procedures and CP configurations in order to ensure the best possible support is being provided to HQ ARRC. Battalion Operational Shooting Team The Battalion shooting team has had a phenomenally successful season under the charge of Capt Basanta Rai, winning the ARRC Operational Shooting Competition and progressing to the Army Operational Shooting Competition.

There they finished an impressive fifth overall out of 35 qualifying teams with all eight firers finishing

in the Army 100. Special mention must go to Cpl Arshu, QOGLR, who finished foutg overall in the Army, picking up gold in the Urban contact and bronze in the Advance Fleeting Encounter, Advance to Contact and Defence shoots along the way; a truly fantastic achievement. With all but one of the team still here for next year’s competition, the future is extremely promising.

Battalion birthday celebrations In July, the Battalion celebrated its first birthday as a Brigade of Gurkhas unit. The day started with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medals Parade, where medals were presented by Maj Gen Kev Copsey OBE, COSARRC, Brig The Lord Lancaster TD VR PC, Deputy Col Comdt Brigade of Gurkhas and Brig Phil Muir MBE, Comd 1 (UK) Signal Brigade. Particular congratulations go to Pte Lovodua and Sgt Manoj, who each received their Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and to WO2 (RQMS) Thomas, who was presented with a Meritorious Service Medal. Families gathered in the afternoon for the cake cutting ceremony, the CO’s Cup Tug of War competition and a Nepalese cultural demonstration.

Jai Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion!

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

132 Aviation Supply Squadron Royal Logistic Corps IPSWICH OC: Maj McHugh • SSM: WO2 S Jones The Squadron has continued to support aviation units within Wattisham Flying Station and 1 Avn Bde at the usual fast pace.

The Sqn has gone through a change of command with Maj Desai relinquishing the role of OC with Maj McHugh taking over. However, whilst Maj McHugh completes his appointment in APC, the Squadron 2IC, Capt Hawes, has stepped up to acting OC. Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE Ex SWIFT RESPONSE is an annual multi-national airborne exercise involving the British Army, US Army and other partnered nations within NATO, held in Krivolac and Petrovec Training Area in north Macedonia.

132 LSS logisticians’ mission was to establish DSP at Petrovec Airfield in order to provide aviation support to 4 Army Air Corps in order to successfully deliver the exercise’s overarching mission. The last phase of the exercise was focused on Reverse Logistics, ensuring all repairable items have been fed into the supply chain and back to UK for future sustainment.

all about. 132 Avn Sup Sqn RLC represented the Army element and was heavily involved in engaging with the public, showcasing what the Sqn does and what the Army is all about. A military zone featured a range of military vehicles, an Apache helicopter and an interactive area. 132 Sqn members engaged with the public

Individual Training Requirement (ITR) While Logistic Focal Point deployed on Ex SWIFT RESPONSE, the rest of the Sqn took part in a back to basics soldiering exercise based around the new ITR. The Sqn took part in both theory and practical modules designed to be delivered and assessed in classroom-based exercises as well as in the field, conducted over five days in Thetford Training Area. This will put the Sqn in a good place for further sqn exercises due to be conducted in September and March next year.

Community engagement The Suffolk Show is a magnificent celebration of all that is special about Suffolk. The two-day event in Trinity Park, Suffolk brings together companies, families and friends to showcase what Suffolk is

8 Conducting ITR exercises in the field

8 BCD (ITR) on Thetford Training Area highlighting the importance of logistics within the Army and the important role the Sqn plays in ensuring that the Apache helicopters are fit to fly.

Leadership Day During Armed Forces week, the Sqn had the opportunity to visit Lotus Group, Hethel (Lotus cars) and learn about engineering and logistics in the motor industry. Members of the Sqn interacted with motoring engineers and logisticians gaining insight into the fast-paced motor industry and business perspective in comparison to our military logistics.

Lotus showed us some of their iconic cars that have graced the motor sports and the car industry as well as explaining the challenges the organisation has faced in the wake of COVID-19 and Brexit.

Charity Well done to Pte Hasting who took on a challenge to walk from Wattisham Flying Station to Durham Cathedral, covering 244 miles just in seven days! The gruelling weighted walk resulted in him raising money for Marie Curie charity.

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THE SUSTAINER | OTHER UNITS

By SSgt H Ampadu 1LO LSD Commander Over the past few months, the RLC 1LO team attached to 1 MERCIAN has been heavily involved in a variety of exercises and activities, such as Ex IRON STORM – a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) and Final Test Exercise - and the amalgamation of 1 and 2 MERCIAN. This has been done in the pursuit of maintaining operational effectiveness despite the Unit's busy schedule for the past 12 months and returning from Op CABRIT 8.

The Command Ordnance Warrant Officer (COWO), WO1 (Cdr) Gina Simpson, and her team visited the G4 team at base prior to Ex IRON STORM to discuss logistics policies, procedures and practical experiences in the Logistics Specialist Supply (LSS) trade back at base and on operations. The team was met and hosted by Maj Stuart Viveash (Quartermaster Main) and SSgt Henry Ampadu (1LO LSD Commander). The future of the LSS trade was discussed and valuable recommendations were presented to the COWO for the LSS trade improvement.

The 1LO team deployed as part of A2 Echelon during the second phase of Ex IRON STORM FTX to Salisbury Plains Training Area (SPTA) with a Transportable Container Operational Portable Office "Box body" and deployed Management of Joint Deployed

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First Line Optimisation (1LO) Team (RLC) 1 MERCIAN Regiment

8 The COWO and her team with the 1 MERCIAN 1LO team

Inventory (MJDI) system to support the Battlegroup with equipment and general support materiel. The COWO and other key personalities from 12th Armoured Brigade Combat Team Log Department WO1 (SSM) L Nkhata, Brigade Ordinance Warrant Officer (BOWO) and Captain Dean Burditt (SO3 Log Support) - visited the G4 team at SPTA to discuss how policies and procedures are handled in the field and providing the G4 team with clear direction and guidance.

8 The 1LO team working in their Transportable Container Operational Portable Office

The team also took time to understand the welfare of the soldiers and how they are functioning in their role. Capt George Long (Quartermaster Technical), the A2 Echelon Commander, later thanked the team for their continued support to 1 MERCIAN Regiment as the exercise was a huge success and received significant acclaim.

On the final note, the COWO expressed her gratitude to the 1LO and the G4 team for their quality support to the Unit, their notable representation of the Royal Logistic Corps and the Army as a whole.

8 The 12 BCT SO3 Log Sp and BOWO with the COWO and SSgt Ampadu and his team

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LAST POST | THE SUSTAINER

LAST POST Abrams - On 24 March 2022, Mr R Abrams RAOC Aitken - On 26 July 2022, Mr GWS Aitken BEM RASC/RCT Andrews - On 7 June 2022, Mr P Andrews RCT Ashcroft - On 30 June 2022, Lt Col J W Ashcroft RAOC Ashmore - On 30 June 2022, Mr M Ashmore RAOC Atkinson - On 26 May 2022, Mr R Atkinson RAOC Bean - On 12 June 2022, Lt Col L E Bean RAOC Bedford - On 18 February 2022, Mr JMR Bedford RCT Bellchambers - On 16 February 2022, Mr J W Bellchambers RAOC Brock - On 2 August 2022, Mr D R Brock RAOC Bullock - On 1 June 2022, Brig RM Bullock CBE DL RASC/RCT Callaghan - On 1 January 2022, Maj K Callaghan GM QGM RAOC Cameron - On 2 August 2022, Mr S Cameron RCT Carrot - On 8 July 2022, Mr P Carrot RAOC Cassie - On 11 August 2022, Mr E Cassie RCT Coleman - On 26 June 2022, Mr C Coleman RASC Collar - On 3 August 2022, Maj JA Collar RASC/RCT Cook - On 12 August 2022, Lt Col R V Cook MBE RAOC Cordner - On 31 March 2022, Mr D A Cordner RAOC Court - On 28 May 2022, Mr R J Court RAOC Darley - On 29 May 2022, Mr J G Darley RAOC Davies - On 26 Jan 2022,WO2 KP Davies RLC Duncalf - On 14 Feb 2022, Mr J Duncalf RAOC Dunlop - On 4 April 2022, Mr V Dunlop RCT Eman - On 19 August 2022, Maj J M Eman MBE RAOC/RAEC Evans - On 20 May 2022, Maj K N Evans BEM RAOC Field - On 24 May 2022, Maj M R Field TD RAOC Foster - On 11 August 2022, Mr M F Foster RAOC Freeman - On 17 June 2022, Mr D T Freeman RAOC Gordon - On 19 August 2022, Maj J J Gordon RAOC Gregan - On 13 July 2022, Mr J Gregan RAOC Hancock - On 8 February 2022, Maj T W Hancock RAOC Harvey - On 23 June 2022, Mrs J Harvey Hibbs - On 18 August 2022, Mr D Hibbs RASC/RCT Hill - On 19th July 2022, Mr CM Hill RASC/RCT Holtorp - On 10 August 2022, Maj P J Holtorp RAOC Hourahane - On 2 June 2022, Lt Col R D Hourahane RAOC Hudson - On 11 June 2022, Maj MR Hudson RCT

Ivison - On 12 August 2022, Lt Col DM Ivison RASC/RCT Jeremy - On 4 August 2022, Maj DI Jeremy RASC/RCT Jude - On 9 June 2022, Mr R Jude RCT Key - On 4 August 2022, Maj GJF Key RCT/AAC King - On 9 March 2022, Maj J J King RAOC Kingham - On 14 April 2022, SSgt S Kingham RCT/RLC Leeson - On 12 July 2022, Maj AH Leeson MBE RASC/RCT Lehmann - On 16 July 2022, Mr A R J Lehmann RAOC/AGC (SPS) Lilley - In July 2022, Maj J Lilley TD RASC/RCT Lloyd - On 1 March 2022, Mr D Lloyd RAOC Luckraft - On 26 July 2022, Mr AW Luckraft RASC Maidment - On 9 June 2022, Maj D C Maidment RASC/RCT Marzetti - On 29 Jul 2022, Mrs P Marzetti Mitchell - On 29 May 2022, Mr GHJ Mitchell RASC/RCT Moore - On 22 February 2022, Maj A D Moore RAOC Morea - On 11 December 2021, Mr M Morea RAOC Murby - On 5 May 2022, Ms S J Murby WRAC/RAOC Nicholson - On 23 December 2021, Mr K M Nicholson RAOC/AGC (SPS) Page - On 14 May 2022, Lt Col B A Page RAOC Pearson - On 29 May 2022, Mr J Pearson RCT Pow - On 5 August 2022, Lt Col RA Pow TD RASC/RCT Pratt - On 23 February 2022, Mr R L Pratt RAOC Proudlove - On 20 February 2022, Mr W A Proudlove RAOC Rich - On 5 June 2022, Mr J Rich RAOC Scott - On 4 April 2022, Mr C Scott RAOC Sellers - On 28 February 2022, Mr M G Sellers RAOC Singh - On 6 May 2022, Mr A Singh RAOC Sivell - On 3 August 2022, Mr TJ Sivell RASC/RCT Skelton - On 17 July 2022, Maj A Skelton RASC/RCT Smaldon - On 20 July 2022, Mr D M Smaldon RAOC Spindler - On 11 August 2022, Maj HM Spindler TD RCT Tarran - On 25 February 2022, Mr J Tarran RAOC Teague - On 20 March 2022, Lt Col C F J Teague RAOC Waddington - On 2 June 2022, Mr D Waddington RAOC Wansell - On 25 July 2022, Mr J Wansell RAOC Weaver - On 26 February 2022, Mr F Weaver RAOC Wilson - On 25 August 2022, Hon Col CF Wilson RCT Woolmer - In June 2022, Mr A Woolmer RCT Wragg - On 21 July 2022, Mr GH Wragg RCT

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