Defence Munitions (DM) Kineton Station

TEMPLE HERDEWYKE

121 Squadron continues to repair and maintain ammunition in support of operations and training, with Advanced Short-Range Air to Air Missiles (ASRAAM) recently being processed for the first time at DM Kineton. This was a Whole Force effort including civil servants, RAF, and Army personnel from the Ammunition Technical Support Group (ATSG). The ASRAAM needed to be inspected within tight timelines to ensure the missiles and containers were fit for issue for operational use.

This involved inspecting the missile for damage and ensuring it had the correct markings, as well as repackaging the missile into a new container utilising appropriate cranes and lifting equipment. As the Ammunition Technician in Charge (ATiC), Cpl Marfell was responsible for planning the task and supervising his team to ensure safe and timely completion of the task whilst adhering to strict technical standards. Cpl Marfell’s team, including Cpl Jones, Cpl Prosser, LCpl Hall, LCpl Pilbeam, AS1(T) Farrall and AS1(T) Thor-Dymond, demonstrated their technical ability whilst highlighting their adaptability and innovative prowess.

The tight operational timeline aside, another significant challenge to overcome was how to get the ASRAAM safety into the Ammunition Processing Building (APB) itself. Originally designed for processing general munitions, the three-meter ASRAAM containers made it especially difficult for the ATiC and his team to fit the missile through the transit doors. Undeterred, the team used their initiative and engineering proficiency to devise a series of controlled manoeuvres around structural pillars and tight corners allowing the missile to enter safely enter the APB.

Sport

In December 2022, six Army personnel from DM Kineton deployed to the RLC Downhill Ski

Championships. The team was split into ability groups, ranging from complete novices who had never skied before, to those who have a couple of seasons’ experience. The first two weeks were spent undertaking quality training days before the competition began in the final week. Cpl Hill achieved the team's best result finishing 18th in the individual slalom. Every member of the team improved on their initial seeding places, giving an excellent benchmark on which to build.

Overall, a successful, injury-free exercise where soldiers tested themselves in a competitive setting, gaining valuable experience on the snow. Roll on next year!

Op TEAMWORK

DM Kineton has maintained a full and varied Op TEAMWORK program since the ‘All Stop 2022’. A recent competitive team event was held and, in the spirit of inclusivity, was specifically designed to ensure 100% participation regardless of medical status or injury. Junior LCpls were selected to become team leaders helping to prepare them for LCpl Army Leadership Development Program courses. Designed and delivered by the Unit PTI, Cpl Sanneh, the event consisted of a host of command tasks, physical challenges, and individual tests. Strategy and leadership were required to ensure the best person was selected for each event, depending on individuals' strengths and weaknesses. DM Kineton is now looking forward to ‘All Stop 23’ on the 8 Feb 23.

Finally, DM Kineton would like to congratulate the RSM on his award of the Meritorious Service Medal on His Majesty the King’s 2023 New Year's Honours List.

As the 2023 competition season looms around the corner, the RLC Mounted Sports Club (MSC) has a very promising year to look forward to.

The club heads into 2023 with an up-and-coming grassroots cohort, a strong representation of RLC soldiers and officers on the Army Teams and continued RLC influence at all levels within Army and UK Armed Forces equitation. To better aid the support it provides to all ranks within the club, it has also reorganised into supported disciplines – see contact panel.

Army teams 2023

We are extremely pleased that The RLC has had a very successful intake into the Army teams for 2023. We have representation from all ranks, both regular and reserve and across all equestrian disciplines. All riders will participate in both Corps and Tri-Service level competitions in addition to national and international level competitions against civilians.

Army Dressage Team: Maj Rebecca Darke (29 RLC), Cpl Gillian Gallagher (att 103 RA)

Army Eventing Team: Maj Rose Lambert (9 RLC), Pte Brian Leung (151 RLC) **

Army Showjumping Team: Capt Lara Dixon (1 RLC), Cpl Chris Davidson (att 4 SCOTS), Maj Hannah Hewins (AHQ) ** ** Army Development Team

Army Grassroots League (AGRL) – Series 1

The AGRL seeks to develop, educate and start less-experienced riders on their competition journey. Riders are assigned a horse kindly provided by the RA Saddle Club at Larkhill. They ride a set dressage test with an optional showjumping course, together which forms ‘combined training’. The 2023 series kicked off early in January with four RLC SP from a range of units. All RLC SP managed to get a placing and we look forward to following them into the AGRL final in April 2023.

Dressage: Maj Paul Gotobad (AHQ) - 3rd

Combined Training: WO1 Ben Wright (DES) - 3rd, LCpl Ben Stevens (att to 5 Bn REME) - 4th, Pte Beth Guzkowski (162 RLC)– 5th