Sustaining a Brigade

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 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, 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.

The RLC in HQ 20 Armoured Infantry Brigade

By Capt Al Coe, SO3 G3 Movements

8 20X, logistics at the sharp end of the spear

#BritishArmyLogistics

Bollywood sensation to Private Soldier: One reservist’s journey into The RLC

By Katherine Lack

Whether they are lawyers, paramedics, teachers or university students, there’s no shortage of variety when it comes to the people serving in the British Army Reserves. Reservists come from all walks of life and have a vast array of skills sets that can benefit the Armed Forces.

Private Jazzmin Davis is no exception. An established performing artist and musical theatre specialist, she is also a conscientious and capable reservist in 159 Regiment RLC. Sustainer asked her about her experiences so far: what attracted her to the Army Reserve in the first place, what makes her reservist commitment so fulfilling and how she found the pioneering role she played in changing the future of British Army reservist training?

It was clear from just a few conversations with Pte Davis that she is highly motivated and proud of her role within the British Army Reserves. She explained that she’s always been interested in the role the Army plays in supporting, helping and protecting and that the overall Army ethos has always appealed to her. However, it wasn’t until she attended her friend Robyn’s passing out parade, that she really contemplated the idea of joining herself.

“I thought it was brilliant that my friend was in the Army. She told me all about the Reserves… Essentially being part-time and that I could still pursue my civilian career. The more I learnt [about the Reserves], the more I wanted to know and it was when I attended her passing out parade, that I knew the Army was for me. As soon as I got home, I began my application.”

Outside of the military, Pte Davis is a professionally-trained performing artist: a career she has navigated since the age of two and one that has encouraged her to explore many different directions. From competing nationally in dance competitions to touring the UK, Wales and Germany in theatre shows and even working in Bollywood, her career thus far has been extremely diverse. Most recently, during the COVID-19 lockdown, the entertainment, performance and event industry, like many others, took a big hit. For Pte Davis, this opened up the opportunity to become a manager for an events company where she found herself leading a project to staff Covid Testing Centres and was responsible for the recruitment and management of staff in locations around London.

Pte Davis explained that one of her greatest career achievements is the six months she spent in India working in the Bollywood film industry. She summarises it as one

of her most incredible yet tough experiences to date. She described her work as a dancer on 12-hour film shoots, in locations all over the sub-continent and remembered a momentous occasion when she joined a local community for their religious Holi festival celebrations, where she was overcome by the hospitable and generous community and the way they welcomed her despite their evident struggles with basic human needs.

“We were welcomed in and we celebrated and danced with the people in the community. The children, who clearly had very little, were so grateful and had the biggest smiles. Being a part of their special day was so eye-opening and you could see how much it meant to them.”

In June 2020, post Army selection and with an interest in the supply and movement trades, she joined 237 Squadron, 159 Regiment RLC. She explained how the Regiment has been extremely supportive of her endeavours to date and that she is grateful to be involved with such a variety of people and personalities, all of whom are ambitious to learn, support and assist in any way they can.

Pte Davis talked about her role in the ‘Pilot CMS 21’; a pilot scheme using a new method of Reserve Basic Training, which was born out of the virtual training conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The course, which combines distanced learning and ‘in the field’ days, has since become the Army Reserves’ new and improved answer to the old Alpha and Bravo courses.

Starting with two weeks of distanced learning, junior soldiers begin by learning the basics of any soldier’s role; from the qualities of a British soldier, to military knowledge, injury prevention, nutrition and CBRN to name but a few of the aspects covered. Alongside this, recruits are started on an eight-week physical training programme designed to develop their overall fitness with exercises including cardiovascular workouts and loaded TABs. The skills and progress made are then tested in the first ‘field course’ – the eightday Phase 1 which covers many aspects including weapon handling and PT, and which Pte Davis describes as “challenging but brilliant!”

“I loved it! She says, “It was excellent to be around such likeminded people and everyone was highly supportive and wanting the best for each other. I really developed my personal growth during this part of the course; in particular my ability to ask for help which was such a necessary aspect considering how much we had to remember! There was a lot to learn, but the distanced learning we had already completed was a really good base to work and develop from.”

Following Phase 1, Pte Davis continued her training with five weeks of lessons on the Defence Learning Environment; a system which proved to be a vital tool for the Army during the pandemic and a 16-day course which further built upon the virtual learning and gave the students five more days in the field.

“This course provided me with some of my best memories and the challenges that I have overcome will also stick in my mind. It built up my resilience and confidence and I can’t believe how much I learnt in such a short space of time. It was great to be able to combine the Army with my job as a performer and see how skills, such as good communication and problem solving, are so transferable.”

The successful scheme, which according to Pte Davis “was full of opportunities to improve and work at being the best Reserve soldier you can be,” was rolled out across the Army in April 2021 and looks to change the future of the Army Reserves.

The discussion concluded with talk of Pte Davis’ hopes for the future. Having thoroughly enjoyed her basic training, she has not shied away from getting involved; she has already attended a regimental weekend where she conducted supply trade training and she now has aspirations to apply for a commission.

She proudly commented: “I have had an official interview and now have my Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB) booked. I’ve been attending regular leadership development sessions, which I’ve found incredibly useful and effective in my development and preparation and they have confirmed to me that I want to play a part in helping the Army to achieve its objectives. I’m a huge advocate of helping people, I feel a great sense of pride in guiding others to achieve their goals and I want to challenge myself, build upon my own knowledge and continue to improve.”

With a love of the outdoors and maintaining her fitness, she also plans to participate in running and hiking events and take advantage of the Adventurous Training opportunities open to Army Reservists.

In her civilian career, her immediate plans are to continue her managerial work within the events planning world where she enjoys supporting and directing her team to ensure that high standards are maintained.

Further down the line, she hopes to delve further into the film industry and would like to take on prestigious lead acting roles whilst also continuing to perform in theatrical productions and commercials. She hopes to land physical roles that play to her strengths as a dancer and to work together with producers to input her own innovative and imaginative and ideas to create successful productions.

The Defence School of Transport

Project Prometheus

Work has begun at DST on the Army’s first solar farm. In support of the Government’s commitment to meet Net Carbon Emissions by 2050, the major project is expected to deliver £1M in efficiency savings and a massive reduction of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

It is the first of four photovoltaic solar farms to be built on the Defence Estate. The site will be capable of generating up to one third of the electricity needed on site; producing enough power to supply much of the infrastructure including the single soldiers’ and family accommodation, the offices, classrooms and gym. The cost savings will be invested into army infrastructure and help to reach the Army’s net zero ambition.

Col Chris Henson QGM said: “We are delighted that the DST site was chosen as the first solar farm site within Defence. The whole organisation is working hard to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable and it is something we are certainly focusing on. We acknowledge that we are a long way off becoming carbon neutral, but it is something that the DST Conservation Team and Defence are working towards for the future.”

Conservation

DST’s newly formed Conservation group have been busy with many projects. As part of Prometheus, nesting boxes and a mink proof tern raft will be site to encourage Flycatchers, Robins, Pied Wagtails and other nesting birds and a herpetology rockery construction will provide basking areas for grass snakes and viviparous lizards.

DST is also currently assisting the British Trust of Ornithology in surveying our site to establish the status of Turtle Doves. The species is in decline and DST was identified as a site of interest for Turtle Doves in 2013. The survey will identify and record other significant species on site.

DST’s honeybees have had a successful winter and local beekeepers have provided in-depth workshops on all aspects of the bee colony.

Exercise ROADMASTER

In June, soldiers and civilian enthusiasts from across the country converged at DST to take part in BAMA’s Exercise Roadmaster. The challenge saw 13 sports utility vehicles and five motorbikes compete in a variety of races over the day.

Col Chris Henson QGM, who is also Chair of BAMA said: “Good navigation skills are key to the military driver. Although over the past few years people have become increasing reliant on Sat Nav devices, we know that in the future battlespace, those will be denied and we will get back to good old maps and compasses.”

Military teams used service Land Rovers, while civilian participants brought their own vehicles. Motorbikes also made their first appearance on the exercise since 2010 and it is anticipated that participation in this field will grow in years to come. Races on the sunny Saturday included orienteering and gymkhana. The winning team of the SUV contest was 154 (Scottish) Regt RLC with 77th Brigade taking second place. A soldier from 21 Engineer Regiment scooped first place in the motorbike category with Cpl Limbu from DST taking runner up.

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

8 DST’s honeybees

8 DST’s new Wellbeing Centre Portakabin

Wellbeing

After much planning, co-ordination and hard work, DST’s Welfare Hub has taken delivery of a Portakabin. This will operate as a new Wellbeing Centre, situated in the garden of Ladysmith House where it will remain for the DST community to

8 The Army’s first solar farm - Project Prometheus

enjoy alongside an Eco Garden development currently being worked on by a team of budding gardeners.

Community

Members of the DST Road Safety Committee have been working in partnership with Leconfield Primary School and Safer Roads Humber, delivering essential road safety workshops. The 4 – 11-year-olds were taught about the Green Cross Code and Bike Helmet Safety in a safe, fun and interactive way. The team also joined the school and thousands of children across the country on a Brake Kids Walk, organised by the charity Brake, who work to prevent road death and injury.

Raising awareness for Combat Stress

The successful completion of ‘March in March’ in aid of Combat Stress saw a DST team run, cycle and walk 1,000 miles between Apr and Jul. Their final challenge will now see the team complete a further 120km in Operation Endurance Virtual Challenge. A great effort from WO2 Black, Sgt Clark, Sgt Lang, Cpl Knowles, Cpl Williams, Denis Hartley, Steve Frankish and Mark Mendoza.

6-a-side football

Congratulations to DST’s 6-a-side football team have been crowned champions of the local Leisure Leagues Beverley Division 1. They will now move up into the Premier League Division.

DST Triathlon Team

In July, the DST Triathlon Team took part in Outlaw Holkham Triathlon held at Holkham Hall, Gloucestershire and the surrounding countryside. The middle-distance triathlon, which is exactly 70.3 miles in length, features a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run.

The team produced some impressive results - Capt Hoggart (5:46 hrs), SSgt Brown (5:59 hrs), WO2 Johnson (6:02 hrs) and Sgt Thomson (6:20 hrs).

Commander Field Army Commendation

Captain Simon Lowe, DST’s Operations Officer has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List and will receive a Commander Field Army Commendation for his dedication to duty throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below, Capt Lowe, who joined the Royal Corps of Transport as a driver in August 1991, shares some of the highlights of his 30-year career in the British Army.

“I feel privileged to have served in both the Royal Corps of Transport and The Royal Logistic Corps. It has allowed me to have a varied career, which has seen me serve with many units, such as 9 Regt RLC, 11 EOD & Search Regt RLC and 10 QOGLR and outside of the Corps I have been attached to Medical Units, DCSA HQ and 8 Infantry Brigade HQ NI.

It was my time in Basic Training at Buller Barracks, Aldershot that inspired me to become an instructor; as a result, I had postings to two ARTD establishments instructing recruits in Basic Training at ATR Pirbright and Subsequent Trade Training Trainees at DST.

Deployments during my time was the norm, I have been posted to Northern Ireland, deployed on Operation BANNER NI, Croatia as part of the UN’s Rapid Reaction Force, Operation TELIC and on Operation HERRICK.

The pinnacle of my career was the role of Divisional Master Driver in 1 (UK) Armoured Division a 2* HQ in support of operations. It was quite apt to finish my career as a Warrant Officer Class 1 in the Division where I had my first posting as a Driver - 1 Armoured Division Transport Regiment RCT. It was during this final posting that I decided I wanted to continue to add value; further my career and apply for Commissioning.

On successful selection for Late Entry Officer, I completed a posting with a Medical Unit before returning yet again to Leconfield as 2IC, 110 Trg Sqn RLC prior to moving into my current role. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my career from Driver through Captain and look forward to my remaining time with The RLC.”

Promotions

Congratulations to Sgt Allport on his promotion to SSgt and Cpls Furesz, Thapa and Salt on their promotions to Sgt.

8 Captain Simon Lowe, DST’s Operations

Officer

8 The successful DST Triathlon Team at

Outlaw Holkham Triathlon