#BritishArmyLogistics 20 Brigade (20X), The Iron Fist, forms the British Army’s lead armoured task force. It has global commitments, as well as maintaining its readiness to deploy as 3 (UK) Division’s vanguard armoured fighting force. The Brigade HQ currently employs 12 RLC soldiers and officers, from Private to Major, all of whom are committed to sustaining and enabling Brigade operations. When asked about what life is like in HQ 20X, three key themes were identified by everyone. Empowerment at every level Every logistician in HQ 20X is an SME in their area and every job role is vital - irrespective of rank. From the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) advising the Commander on G4 considerations, through to the MT private, ensuring the Brigade’s white fleet is maintained and distributed correctly; every position is only one deep, and everyone needs to be on point, which makes the job so rewarding. As Pte Jones, the MT driver, puts it: “A key difference from regimental duty is that you must rely on yourself more and be totally accountable for your actions, as you work in such a small team. At 20X you stand out more and how you conduct yourself is more important than ever.” The level of empowerment enables all ranks to really develop their professional knowledge. Units, and your own chain of command, will look to you to be the SME in your area. The direction and guidance you give directly impacts operational outputs around the world. You are empowered to make the big G4 decisions and the exposure to these decisions accelerates professional development. A fast-moving challenge “The depth of complexities when dealing with the routine activity of an AI Bde are challenging in their own right; add to this the management of a battle group deployed on operations and the training burden to prepare the next within the environment of COVID, compounds the difficulties further! That said I wouldn’t change it for the world, Headquarters 20X is a
RLC DETACHED ROLES | THE SUSTAINER
The RLC in HQ 20 Armoured Infantry Brigade By Capt Al Coe, SO3 G3 Movements
thriving and exciting place to work.” Maj Heppenstall, Brigade DCOS. At the time of writing, the Bde has a battle group (BG) deployed on Op CABRIT 8, Estonia, whilst simultaneously executing the BG pre-deployment training for the Op CABRIT 9 in Germany. It has a unit preparing for a BG live-fire exercise in Wales and two more units held at readiness in support of UK Contingency Operations. No two days are the same and most days lead to new challenges. You can expect to deal with multiple work strands at any one time, with ruthless prioritisation a must. However, the key to success is how every member of the team works towards a larger goal and it is this that enables 20X to successfully deploy and sustain its forces worldwide. “If you are confident in your abilities and thrive on being busy, then this is the place for you.” SSgt Purvin, Brigade SQMS. Breadth of perspective “Deploying on exercise I have gained an understanding of Brigade tactics and planning. Within my role I have gained an insight into ES Mat procurement and activity and resource planning,
8 20X, logistics at the sharp end of the spear
whilst understanding how the Army uses data to forecast its needs for the future.” WO2 Hillman, Warrant Officer ES Mat (WOMAT). Working in HQ 20X exposes you to the broader sustainment picture. Be that how operational movements are planned and conducted from PJHQ down, or procurement of materiel at defence level, it highlights the significance of sustainment operations in all that the Army does. As a member of the Bde Staff, you are at the forefront of this process, advising and executing. However, it doesn’t stop at logistics. Deploying on exercise, you will learn about Bde tactics and contribute greatly to the enablement of the fight. You will see the value of logistics from the front end of the spear. “The interaction between the various components (G1 to G9) in the Brigade HQ has been fascinating and eye-opening to me.” Cpl Akhimien, BOWO Clerk. Working in HQ 20X is a challenge, but an incredibly rewarding one. It is a great place for any hard working and motivated soldier or officer to ply their trade.
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