7 minute read
Public duties
As the Coronavirus pandemic hit its peak in early 2021, 91 Squadron, 27 Regiment RLC, switched their MC 9090 scanners for ammunition boots and Parade Gloss in preparation for three months of prestigious Public Duties (PD).
The Squadron’s training saw some early mornings and late nights, not only from the SP trying to learn the complex drill movements required; but also for those in support who gathered uniform and burned down boots. The hard work paid off and on the morning of the 29 Apr it was finally time for the ‘Fit For Role’, inspection carried out by the GSM and Commander London District. Although there is always room for improvement, the Sqn passed the inspection with flying colours, which allowed it to mount guards at Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, the Tower of London and Windsor Castle.
However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the Sqn only covered administrative guard mounts, which meant while standing guard in the famous pill boxes, there was no ceremonial march to the guardrooms or the changing of the guard parade.
For many of the soldiers it was the first time they had visited the historical London sites, so it was a real eye opener for them. Pte George (pictured) shares her experience:
“COVID-19 made preparation for PD exceedingly difficult, as new guidelines and policies needed to be adhered to. Extra precautionary measures were in place to prevent any spread of infection, but this did not deter us from perfecting our drill movements in line with the ceremonial formats.
“Despite these challenges, we continued with hard work and dedication. We also maintained a high state of readiness throughout ensuring that Army mandatory requirements from ranges to MATTs were delivered. This ensured that we were ready to deliver on wider commitments if required.”
“After three months of conducting administrative mounts, Pte George reflects: “Being on the sentry points gave us the chance to reflect on ourselves and the fact that we are not only representing our regiment but the whole Army. This added to the pressure of ensuring our kit and our personal drill was to the highest standard. Having strong encouragement from our Chain of Command and peers was a key part of being on PD, especially as it was the first time for most junior ranks and at times it could be overwhelming.
“In addition to the Queen’s Guard, we also conducted random Quick Reaction Force (QRF) simulations so that we understood the procedures and got used to the urgency of getting ready to give support to the police. All the hours of training before deploying on PD helped us a lot, not only physically but mentally. We also gained an understanding of the hard work that goes into getting a Sqn ready; from the planning and training by the SSM and her team, to the SQMS making sure that we have the correct kit and equipment.
“Despite the disappointment of not being able mount the ceremonial parades, PD was a breath taking opportunity. The pride that you feel once you are mounted on the sentry point, being a part of such a prestigious duty and being able to see and guard the Royal Family is an honour and something I will never forget. It has boosted my confidence and made me so proud to represent my regiment, the Army and my country, especially when I marched to my duty post, seeing the amazement and smiles on the faces of tourists. As they videoed and took my picture, I thought about what the Garrison Sergeant Major always saying: ‘Chest up, chins high and let that swag out.' I would definitely do PD again and I advise anyone, if they are given the opportunity, to grab it with both hands.”
27 Regiment RLC Public Duties 2021
By Corporal Mensah-Yawson
I have been a Logistic Specialist (Supply) within Standing Joint Force Headquarters Group (SJFHQ Gp) since October 2019. The SJFHQ Gp is HM Government’s default rapidly deployable joint operational level command and control capability for responding to immediate crises. The unit is joint, multinational, interagency, scalable and adaptable; designed to provide command and control across the spectrum of conflict.
My job within SJFHQ Gp involves direct logistic support to the HQ, both in barracks and on deployments. The small team I work with ensures that our essential kit and equipment is held ready to deploy at short notice.
SJFHQ Gp has links with France under the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF). This configuration can be activated to support operations under the auspices of NATO, the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, or other coalitions.
The HQ also holds command of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). This brings together the full range of military and inter-governmental capabilities from the United Kingdom and up to nine other partner nations from northern Europe.
We spend a lot of our time refining our holdings and anticipating the needs and requirements for each unique task. This often goes beyond the handling of traditional military materiel as we procure a lot of commercial off the shelf kit and innovative electronic equipment. Our team is small, but the size and magnitude of the support we provide to the HQ is invaluable. I’ve spent a lot of my time delivering support in the Home Base in Northwood, but I’m also often deployed further afield on staff exercises, including work with our partners. Supporting these varied structures and liabilities requires me to apply quick understanding of developing situations and to adapt to new ways of working, with a varied and unique customer base.
In Spring 2020, the HQ was tasked with delivering the early
stages of OP BROADSHARE, providing support to Caribbean COVID-19 relief efforts. I found this a challenging period as I found myself demanding, receiving and issuing a huge variety of kit at very short notice. The team pulled together and we delivered everything that was asked of us, which was very rewarding.
I have also been involved in supporting the potential deployment of the whole HQ as a rapid response to events in the broader Middle East, preparing rapid air freight consignments and applying my dangerous goods knowledge to meet tight deadlines and the needs of the end users. It is this blend of proactive and reactive periods that keep my job interesting and satisfying. It routinely gives me exposure to responsibility and decision making that I would suggest is above the normal duties of a tradesman of my rank and grade.
This job keeps me on my toes and gives me the opportunity to work within a highly competent and diverse organisation. The joint environment enables me to interact with staff from different Services, civilian organisations and other Government Agencies at all levels, with access and relationships across the Command, who all show genuine gratitude and recognition for my work. The high-profile nature of the organisation we underpin makes my current role very different from any previous roles I have performed. It’s a great job for LSS personnel who take pride in their work and can deliver professional attention to detail and issue logistic timeliness. I think that the experiences and skills I’ve developed in this job will prove beneficial as I progress through the rest of my career.
8 SJFHQ 2020 Infographic
e The Th Royal Logistic Corps oR ogal Ly istic C psor
Chef Ethos
The RLC Chef Ethos is about being agile in thought and in skill, ensuring mission defining deadlines are met with tenacity and fortitude. It is about passion, creativity, pride and a want to achieve our core aim, sustainment. We are mentally and physically robust, we accept challenge and lead with empathy. We adapt to our environment and remain focused on service delivery. We are professional, courageous, intelligent and above all, we trust and value our team members.
We are a Family, We thrive together, We are the Chefs #WeAreTheChefs
Mission
y The Royal Logistic Corps Chef sustains the Army and Defence community ohe RT ps Chef sustains the Aoristic Cogal L y and Dmr ommunite cencef y by maintaining physical and nutritional health, using our knowledge, y mainb professional skills and experience at home and overseas. essiooffepr t A world class intergrated and agile Trade, with a holistic approach to sustaining Defence. Maximising our potential, exploiting cutting edge technology, investing in highly skilled people with an intellectual edge.
sical and nutrytaining ph itional health, using our k essional sk xperills and e t home and oe aienc . wledgeno
erseasv
isionV
orA w ld class in ed and agtarger , with a holistic appraderTile o oach t sustaining D echnologyt . Menceeffe aximising our pot esting in highly skv, in , etialen xploiting cutting edge illed people with an in ellect tual edge.
