The Sustainer Spring 2025

Sustainer THE

Journal of The Royal Logistic Corps ❘ SPRING 2025

World-class • Innovative • Adaptable

We Sustain

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 33 No 1 ❘ Spring 2025

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Contents

14 Defending the Eastern Flank

2 Honours & Appointments

16 Project CONVERGANCE CAPSTONE

New Year’s Honours and a new Colonel Commandant

3 The RLC App Coming soon for your mobile device

8 The World’s Toughest Row WO1 Sheri Lucas MBE talks about her Atlantic experience

RLC trades excel on Ex STEADFAST DART 25

The RLC at the cutting edge of digital sustainment

24 Operation CHARIOT Memorial RLC Officer’s mission to remember the heroes of St Nazaire

30 Ex TIGER DHAULAGIRI YATRA 27 Regiment RLC heads for the Himalayas

34 Ski RLC Six pages of reports from Corps Winter Sports

41 The 2024 RLC Charity Impact Report See how your money benefitted the Corps in 2024

50 Unit reports Activity and achievement over the last four months

82 Joint Culinary Training Exercise 25 British Army Chefs compete on the international stage

EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to the spring 2025 edition of The Sustainer.

The RLC Council has approved funding to develop an App for The RLC which will revolutionise how the Corps family connects and communicates. The MOD approved ‘Military App’ platform has been chosen and is currently used by several other regiments and corps.

The App is a white labelled version and will be launched to the Corps family on 2 Jun 25. The App will be in the App Store and on Google Play and a web app version will be embedded in the RLC Association Website. All forms can be used on MODNET and personal devices. The App will require a passcode to access it which will be made available to the serving Corps, veterans and families from launch.

The App is based on a group system and a series of workshops have been taking place to train the initial group admins in the App’s use. The groups in the App are being kept minimal initially and will include groups for all 16 RLC trades, groups for Officers, WOs & SNCOs, JNCOs & Ors, Recruiting, RLC Veterans/RLC Association, RLC Partners & Family, Sports, RLC Connect, The RLC Museum, and one group for each of the Forming Corps. Following launch, and a settling in period, a second phase could see Unit groups, Association Branches and other groups added on request.

Following the launch, information will be available on RLC social media, the website and on the Downrep.

Once launched the Corps will be sent marketing materials to promote uptake.

While Sustainer will remain the Corps' primary source for ‘in-depth’ news and articles about the Corps’ activities, the RLC Council has decided that its print circulation will be reduced at a point following the launch of the RLC App. This reduction in printing and mailing quantities will help fund the App’s annual costs. RLC and Forming Corps Association members who have signed up to receive a hard copy will continue to do so. This will see a move to reliance on the digital version for the serving Corps and others. The link to this will be available, as now, on the RLC Association website and will be promoted across RLC social media. A link to the digital Sustainer will be prominent on the App’s front page and an archive of digital editions back to 2020, will also be accessible through a group on the App. The plan is for the summer 25 edition to be the final edition with the current print circulation with the reduction taking effect from the winter 25 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 Editorial assistant: Anne Pullenkav Email: anne.pullenkav@icloud.com Graphic Design: David Blake FORTHCOMING SUSTAINER COPY DEADLINES: Summer – 20 Jun 25, Winter – 6 Oct 25, Spring – 27 Feb 26

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

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!

Advertising: While we do accept paid-for advertisements, space is very limited. Please contact the editor.

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

© 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.

Typesetting, Printing, Binding and Distribution: Holbrooks Printers Ltd, Norway Road, Hilsea, PORTSMOUTH, Hampshire PO3 5HX.

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.

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

Security: This Journal contains official information. It should be treated with discretion by the recipient.

© Cartoons are copyright.

Front Cover: 13 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC

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1

THE SUSTAINER | NEWS

New Year’s Honours List 2025 Military Division

#BritishArmyLogistics

Colonel Lucy M Giles CBE

The Royal Logistic Corps congratulates the following officers, warrant officers, SNCOs and JNCOs on their awards and commendations in the New Year’s Honours List 2025 – Military Division.

The Most Honourable Order of The Bath Companion (CB) Major GG Ewart-Brookes OBE Lt Col DC Groce MBE Brig AE Kimber Lt Col IP Mills MBE MBE Capt EJ Clinton Meritorious Service Medal WO1 S Martin WO1 G Patterson WO1 NJ Perkins, MBE WO1 PE Poole WO2 RG Stacey WO1 DJ Todd WO2 PG Williams Chief of the General Staff Commendation Maj NL Cripps WO1 VK Darko WO1 HR Hilliard LCpl NA Mensah WO1 B Molife WO1 R Verah Commander Field Army Commendation Maj CR Boyden WO1 MA Delaney Maj PR Dorsett Maj SJ Hindmarsh Cpl ML Mackay SSgt LJ Miles LCpl AR Smart Capt A Steen Capt DAP Swallowe SSgt JR Tompkins Commander SJC(UK) Commendations Major A Francis Major R C Gilbert WO2 P Johnstone WO2 Y Singh Thakuri A/Lt Col AJ Thackway MBE COMARRC Commendation Maj GR Dickerson

2

His Majesty King Charles III has approved the appointment of Colonel Lucy Giles CBE as a Colonel Commandant of The Royal Logistic Corps.

Col Giles was commissioned in 1992 after studying at Exeter University. Postings with The RLC included Germany and South Africa with deployments to Bosnia, East Timor and Sierra Leone. After gaining a Master’s degree she was posted to HQ Northern Ireland in 2003.

She commanded 47 AD Sqn enabling operations in Iraq and Afghanistan before instructing at the Joint Services Command and Staff College in 2011, where she gained a PGCE. Appointed Commander of New College at RMAS in January 2015, she received an entry into Debretts’ People of the Day in 2016. She won the ‘Inspirational’ and ‘Woman of the Year’ awards at the inaugural Women in Defence event in October 2016 and received an honorary doctorate from Exeter University for services to the military in July 2017.

Promoted in 2018, she was the 37th President of the Army Officer Selection Board and is currently serving at the Land Command and Staff College in Shrivenham.

Lucy is an ambassador for First Women UK, Girl Guiding and Walking with the Wounded. She is a Freeman of the City of London, a Director for the Foundation for Leadership through Sport, a member of Somerset CCC and the FA’s Performance Advisory Group and is on the governing body for Women in Defence. She is Honorary Colonel of Exeter University Officer Training Corps. Lucy is married to Nick with two teenage children. She enjoys Metallica (as heard on Desert Island Discs, 2020), loves orienteering and completed the Marathon des Sables in October 2021.

She said about her appointment: “As I finish my regular service this year after more than three decades, I look forward with gratitude and humility to being of further service to our Corps as one of your Colonels Commandant; it is a privilege. Thank you.”

The RLC Individual and Inter Unit Squash Championships are being held 14-16 Oct 25 Winchester Racquets and Fitness For more info on RLC Squash, contact: WO2 Ian Butterworth, Secretary - ian.butterworth386@mod.gov.uk

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neJfA nnf gîƭŠČĺĿŠij ūŠ ƥĺĚ ǨŠē cƭŠĚ ǨǦǨǫȡ ƥĺĚ ¤g ƎƎ DžĿŕŕ ċĚ îDŽîĿŕîċŕĚ ūŠ ŠēƑūĿēȡ Ŀ¡ĺūŠĚ îŠē ƥĺƑūƭijĺ ƥĺĚ ¤g DžĚċƙĿƥĚȦ ØĿƥĺ ĺîƥȡ HƑūƭƎƙȡ /DŽĚŠƥƙȡ ¬ĚîƑČĺ ʁ ūŠŠĚČƥ îŠē ¡ĿŠċūîƑē IJƭŠČƥĿūŠƙ ƥĺĚ ¤g ƎƎ DžĿŕŕ ƥƑîŠƙIJūƑŞ ƥĺĚ DžîNj DžĚ ČîŠ ČūŠŠĚČƥ ƥĺĚ ĚŠƥĿƑĚ ūƑƎƙ GîŞĿŕNjȦ TŠIJūƑŞîƥĿūŠ DžĿŕŕ IJūŕŕūDž ĿŠ ēƭĚ ČūƭƑƙĚ ūŠ ĚŞîĿŕƙȡ ƙūČĿîŕ ŞĚēĿî îŠē ċƭŕŕĚƥĿŠƙȦ

THE COLONEL RLC's PERSPECTIVE

‘‘

I would also like to extend the warmest of welcomes to the new Corps Sergeant Major, WO1 Wayne Marquis RLC

4

Four months in and with spring firmly upon us, the Corps has started the year at full speed.

The first quartile has been dominated by the NATO ARF deployment on Exercise STEADFAST DART which saw multiple units from the Corps advancing from the UK across Europe, often in treacherous conditions, to take part in this testing and realistic exercise. Incorporating every one of the sixteen trades from across the Corps, it is possibly one of the best examples of cohered logistic operations in action, and a reminder just how far the Corps has come in its cross-trade cooperation in its 32-year history.

The winter conditions proved equally as testing for sporting challenges, with the Corps taking part in all three major winter sports disciplines: Alpine, Nordic and Snowboarding as well as the more niche sports such as Luge, Ice Hockey, and Bobsled. The Corps continues to spend almost £600,000 on sport and adventurous training, supporting 46 sports at last count, including the new additions of Padel and Darts. We look forward to the summer period with trophies up for grabs across the numerous disciplines and hope to build on the considerable success of the past few years. To find out more about how the RLC Charity spends your contributions please take time to read the Annual Charity Impact Report attached to this copy of The Sustainer.

I would like to take this opportunity for one final plug of the ‘RLC App’ prior to its launch in June 25. Please keep an eye on the Corps’ social media, website and communications via the Chain of Command for information and links to

where to download it and look out for advertising pop ups in your unit lines. These will also provide you with all the detail required to become part of the RLC’s digital communications revolution.

Available on the App Store and Google Play and as a Web App, I urge all of you to download it and let us make it work for you, delivering a better connected and more informed Corps going forward.

April saw us bid a fond farewell to Corps Sergeant Major, WO1 Stevie Muir RLC. WO1 (CSM) Muir has been in post for over two and a half years, and I have been lucky enough to work closely alongside him for the past nine months. No one believes more strongly in the importance of the Corp family than he does and during his tenure he has worked tirelessly on behalf of that family for the betterment of us all; fighting for our trades, cohering social and sporting activity, and facilitating improved leadership for our JNCOs and SNCOs. Whether you realise it or not, he has played a part in representing each and every one of us and, on behalf of the whole Corps family, I would like to publicly thank him and wish him the very best of luck on the Army Sergeant Majors’ course in Texas.

I would also like to extend the warmest of welcomes to the new Corps Sergeant Major, WO1 Wayne Marquis RLC, who joins the RHQ team from APC. Selected as an experienced WO1, with multiple previous appointments at Regimental Duty (Regular and Reserve), in training, and on the staff; I have no doubt he will bring a great deal to The RLC over the next two and a half years and his arrival is eagerly anticipated.

Colonel J S Powell ADC

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#BritishArmyLogistics

By WO2 Ellis MBE When anyone thinks of sporting opportunities in Brunei it’s understandable to focus on warm weather activities. Seeking a challenge, a 5-day exercise was planned (by the SO3 Log Sp Capt Hodgkinson and Sgt Garbutt) in Japan for Alpine Skiing with a temperature difference of 35°C. Two Instructors (WO2 Fitzgerald and WO2 Steele) joined from the UK while one (WO2 Ellis) came from Brunei.

Within HQ Brunei Garrison and many departments work together.

This AT was very beneficial for teamwork, meeting people who don’t usually cross paths.

Ski Foundation 1 was taught to two groups. The students became familiar with their equipment and had lessons on snow as well as weather. The skills they learned were put to good use on no less than three different resorts. Ski Foundation 2 was taught to a third group, this included a day Ski Touring as well as advanced Alpine techniques.

NEWS | THE SUSTAINER

Ex FROSTED KUKRI 2025

Held in February the first couple days were a bit snowy, then windy.

During the middle of the courses, it wasn’t possible to see a cloud, so the students needed the sunscreen.

On the final day so much snow and wind meant there was a temporary white-out!

There was a cultural day in Tokyo before returning to work which

allowed everyone to experience (with Google Translate) the sights and friendliness of Japan.

Anticipation is high for next year, some now wishing they brought their skis from the UK when they were assigned to Brunei. Everyone on this exercise confirmed a critical element of AT, no matter what they learned, was fun!

RLC Virtual 5K Championships The New Year marked the start of a new running challenge across RLC, as the RLC Athletics Committee launched the Virtual 5K Championships. The idea originated from Junior Female Team Manager, Cpl Ryan 4 Regt.

Inspired by the COVID fitness challenges, Cpl Ryan set out to challenge the Corps and its soldiers to participate in a 5K throughout January; this could be achieved through Commanding Officers PT, using their local parkrun, or an individual effort.

As well as utilising the results to

find hidden talent across the Corps; the 5K allowed Regts and attached SP to identify and select team members for the RLC Championships.

The 5K Champs ran across a four-week period starting on 1 Jan 25 and concluding on the 26 Jan 25.

There were 311 entries in total with an average time of 26.41.

However, some entries were as quick as 16.15! Whether participants chose to go for PB, use it as a social gathering or it was their first run of the year; the Virtual 5K Championship clearly proved to

be a resounding success. It is now something the Committee hopes to hold annually.

The RLC Cross Country Championships The RLC Cross Country Championships took place at Dalton Barracks, Abingdon on 29 Jan 25, organised by 4 Regiment RLC. The course was an 8K route for females and a 10K route for males across a combination of trail and road.

The race had 161 participants in total, which given the high readiness of many units, was a worthy turn out. Much like the Virtual 5K Champs, the results of the XC Championships allowed the Cross-Country Committee to select the best Corps teams for the InterCorps on 26 Feb 2025.

Both new and continued participation by runners in both events has been greatly appreciated by the Committee. It has allowed strong teams to be built all with hopes of winning silverware in 2025.

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5

FROM THE RANKS

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Our Corps family is highly regarded across defence, so please continue to wear our colours with pride and showcase everything we do, because we are the best in the business

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I have the pleasure of writing my final article as your Corps Sergeant Major on my return journey from Cyprus.The Colonel RLC, Corps Adjutant and I managed to spend a few days visiting all Sovereign Base Areas (Episkopi, Akrotiri, Dhekelia and Nicosia).Thank you to Headquarters British Forces Cyprus for sponsoring the visit, and Major Adam Hardaker,WO1 Charlie Bruce, and in particular, WO1 Dave Mackay for shaping and enabling the RHQ team to see and hear aspects of our officers and soldiers professional and personal lives in BFC. It certainly is not a sunshine tour as many would have us believe.

Ex STEADFAST DART, the largest NATO exercise in 2025, empowered elements of 102 Operational Sustainment Brigade to deploy 120 vehicles via a sailing from Marchwood to the Port of Emden, Germany. Their land journey had them road move across Germany to Bucharest, transiting through five convoy support centres established in advance by 104 Theatre Enabling Group. The exercise was a resounding success story with Officers and Soldiers exercising at reach and delivering valuable trade outputs.

I managed to visit this year’s Ex LOGISTIC BOARDER to watch our snowboarders in action. The sport goes from strength to strength, and I would strongly encourage Soldiers to volunteer and attend next year. It is definitely value for money and an experience to be had for the thrill seekers amongst you.

We finally managed to deliver a sliver breakfast in the Officers’ Mess

which enabled the Colonel RLC to present the Kings Coronation medals to our HQ staff.

Thank you to WO1 (RSM) Penny Viant (165 Port & Maritime Regiment RLC) for having the vison and initiative to plan, plus deliver the first overseas RSM study and cohesion event in Gibraltar. The RSM’s learned some valuable logistic history within the “Rock’s” tunnel systems. In addition, they had the perfect opportunity to build on their professional and personal relationships with one another, which I am sure will enhance unit collaboration.

I am not sure where two years has gone? But to serve as your 21st Corps Sergeant Major has been a privilege. I would like to thank you all for the support and kindness you have given me throughout my tenure.

The journey and memories have been truly magnificent and will always be cherished. The talent, skills, energy, and total professionalism I have been fortunate to witness across the globe is truly remarkable.

Our Corps family is highly regarded across Defence, so please continue to wear our colours with pride and showcase everything we do, because we are the best in the business.

For those who are unaware, I hand over to an experienced, committed, and selfless member of the Corps, WO1 (Corps Sergeant Major) Wayne Marquis.Wayne, I wish you all the absolute best, and I genuinely hope you enjoy every moment like the 21 gone before you. I know you will have the greatest of time serving the Corps family (regular, reserve, veterans, and civil servants).

WO1 S A Muir Corps Sergeant Major RLC

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#BritishArmyLogistics

NEWS | THE SUSTAINER

RLC Sporting Legends Recognition

8 Maj Gen Darrell Amison CBE, CEO Army Sport, and Army Sport Coin recipients who were available on the day to receive their presentation in person. Left to right: Sgt Shamim Khan (RLC, Army, CS and NGB Boxing), Maj Amanda Game (RLC and Army Netball), Maj Dickie Gittins (RLC Hockey), Capt Nic Watkins (RLC, Army and CS Rugby League), Capt Wendy Eagle (RLC, Army and CS Basketball), Maj Gen Darrell Amison CBE (CEO Army Sport), Cpl Mikey Spann (RLC Angling), Maj Dave Matthews (RLC, Army and CS Cricket), WO2 Nigel Jones (RLC, Army, CS and NGB Angling) and Lt Col John Porter (RLC, Army and CS Athletics and Cross Country) On 12 Feb 25 RHQ The RLC had the great pleasure of hosting a number of the Corps’ current sporting legends and Maj Gen (Retd) Darrell Amison CBE, CEO Army Sport, on the occasion of Gen Amison presenting CEO Army Sport Coins in recognition of their careers of high performance, dedication and development in their chosen sporting fields.

The presentations were held in The Princess Royal Room within The RLC Museum. General Amison had a full day, running straight from an RLC Council meeting to carry out these presentations but still made time to have a chat with each recipient prior to commencing presentations.

CEO Army Sport Coins are presented in recognition of individuals who have continually or exceptionally gone above and beyond in their role in support or delivery of Army Sport. In this context, Army sport ranges from unit sport up to Army representative sport. CEO Army Sport Coin awards are open to all serving Army Personnel (both Regular and Reserve) and civilians

involved in the delivery or support of Army sport. Emphasis on awards should be on performance and achievement rather than seniority and length of service to sport.

Recipients of the CEO Army Sport Coin would be expected to have displayed exceptional achievements in the categories below, but this list is not exhaustive.

If you know of an individual who is deserving of such recognition please contact The Assistant Regimental Secretary, Richard.Stockman256@ mod.gov.uk who will be very happy to assist you through the nomination process.

Overview of nomination criteria, this list is not exhaustive: a. Commitment to Army sport. b. Outstanding single or series of performances. c. Secondary duties (coaching/officiating). d. Enhancing the prestige of the Army through sport. e. Organisation of Army Sport. f. Community/civil engagement activities.

Unfortunately, the following individuals were not able to attend the presentation: Lt Col Jase Lowe - RLC and Army Rugby Union;

Maj Jerry Cross – RLC and Army Alpine Skiing; WO2 Ted Best – RLC and Army Volleyball; WO2 Paul McFarland – RLC and Army Football; Cpl Dave Whitehouse – RLC Angling.

Did you know?

Two of the six women on the staff at the Tower of London are ex RLC – Brigadier Anna Kimber OBE is the Deputy Governor and Head of Operations and former Warrant Officer, Amanda (AJ) Clark, is a Yeoman Warder.

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7

THE SUSTAINER | FORCE ATLANTIC 24 On the 26th of January WO1 Sheri Lucas MBE, as part of the British Army’s Force Atlantic, four-woman Trans-Atlantic rowing team, was about to finish an epic 3,000-mile journey.

Rowing towards the finish line at English Harbour in Antigua after 46 days and 45 minutes at sea, they were greeted by a massive squall that could have seen them, and their boat smashed onto the rocks at the mouth of the harbour. Quick thinking, and an Olympic effort from the crew, enabled them to power through the wind and swell to reach safety and the finish line in 46 days and 55 minutes.

WO1 Lucas [about to be Capt Lucas] began the selection for the Force Atlantic team in 2021. While serving as RSM of 6 Regiment RLC she began several months of gruelling physical and mental tests, was successful, and joined Capt Imogen O'Brien RAMS, Maj Rebecca Glover RAMS and Defence Primary Healthcare Nurse Corporal Emma Gibb to form team Force Atlantic 24.

WO1 Lucas, as part of the first ever all female military TransAtlantic rowing team is no stranger to knocking on, or breaking, glass ceilings. Having found her niche working in training establishments, as a SSgt she was selected to be a Platoon Instructor at RMAS and as a WO2 was the first female training company CSM at the Infantry Training Centre. So why after a 21year career in the Royal Logistic Corps did she choose rowing the Atlantic as her next challenge?

She says: “Prior to the row my biggest physical challenge was running the Edinburgh Marathon as a Corporal carrying infantry weight.

I was thinking about doing SF selection, so it seemed like a good training opportunity. As far as mental challenges go, it has been about finding new things to achieve, opening new doors and I have done a lot of work with the Army Servicewomen’s Network working to change policy so we can enhance service for our women.

It all began when I was working at the Centre for Army Leadership and looking for a new challenge. I saw a QR code that had been sent around Defence. I opened the link 8

#BritishArmyLogistics

The World’s Toughest Row

and it said, ‘fancy doing something different and become part of the first all-women military team to row the Atlantic’. I’m not a good swimmer, so the sea definitely wasn’t for me, but I sat back and thought… So, if I really do want a challenge, this must be it. I learnt the skipper of Rosie, our boat, Capt Imogen O’Brien had applied for the boat, while also working at Sandhurst and put in a grant request and won her and then had to select her team. What the skipper [who is a Physio] wanted to achieve was to gain wider knowledge and experience of what women are capable of both mentally and physically and that really interested

8 WO1 Sheri Lucas MBE

me. I also wanted to challenge myself and to inspire others. People come from all types of backgrounds.

Mine was watching my parents work two jobs just so we as kids could keep up with our peers. I didn’t achieve good grades at school and the background I came from meant I had to fight for everything I wanted.

I joined the Army and found I wasn’t very good at that initially and nearly got kicked out as a Private. I had to fight to stay in and thanks to people giving me a little bit of leeway so I could, it allowed me to learn and progress. The way I saw the row was an opportunity to say… Actually it doesn’t matter what background you come from, how many mistakes in life you’ve made, if you want something you can achieve it and then do something for good with the knowledge and experience you have gained. I applied and heard nothing for months.”

The selection process for Force Atlantic was very long. From when Capt O’Brien got the boat to the team of four hitting the start line in the Canary Islands, three years had elapsed. 103 women had applied, and the selection involved motivational, emotional, psychological and physical tests.

Once a longlist had been reached, applicants were assessed to establish their team working ability.

This involved an Outward-Bound style assessment camp in North Wales where teams lived on the

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#BritishArmyLogistics hills and had to face various realworld challenges, including individuals jumping into the Menai Straight while the tide was in full flow to see how they and the team managed their recovery. Once a shortlist of eight had been reached it was all about how they could work within a small team dynamic.

They used psychologist Pippa Grange who had worked with the All Blacks to develop team dynamics and coping mechanisms in times of pressure and stress.

From this shortlist Capt O’Brien selected her crew.

Rowing the Atlantic is dangerous, so what couldn’t they train for?

WO1 Lucas explains: “While we trained for pretty much every eventuality, the only thing we couldn’t train for was a capsize.

This is because the boat is selfrighting. Only a huge wave will do it. We knew what we had to do in the event, but this was the only thing we were nervous about before setting off, because it was outside our comfort zone.”

The daily routine once at sea was gruelling. WO1 Lucas says they worked two hours rowing, two hours off. While off the oars they had to eat, sleep and carry out personal admin in addition to daily tasks around the boat, such as deck cleaning and ensuring the solar panels were clean and charging the boat’s batteries. Nutrition was vital with each person requiring a minimum of 4,000 calories every day, but she adds that after the first week it became the norm, and the days passed very quickly.

Keeping their friends, family, colleagues and sponsors updated on their wellbeing and progress was done via social media. There was a BGAN satellite internet device on the boat which once charged would enable them to connect their personal devices to a team Instagram account.

Some might think the first few days of the race would be a honeymoon period. This wasn’t the case for the Force Atlantic team.

WO1 Lucas continues: “I wish I could say week one was a honeymoon. During the first few days most people suffer from sea sickness. We wore patches to reduce the effects, but we had rough weather, and Maj Glover and I

FORCE ATLANTIC 24 | THE SUSTAINER

were badly affected, so struggled to put the power through the oars and keep up our calorie intake. Once we were over this, the honeymoon kicked in around week three! People also think, as you row away from the start line, you will be daunted by the prospect of 3,000 miles of open ocean. It wasn’t the case for us. The military mindset told us there was only one way to go and that was the finish. We knew whatever happened on the sea we had to find ways to deal with it: use our training, find coping mechanisms, work together to get to the finish.

Making it happen was what drove us on. We made the crossing over the Christmas period so saying goodbye to loved ones was hard. I have a three-year-old and saying goodbye at Christmas was the hardest thing I have ever done. But once we were out there the single focus of the team, the finish, put everything else out of our minds.

The emotions began to kick back in once we approached land. Seeing our families on the rocks outside English Harbour, we knew we had to hold it together until after the photo call. Once all the ceremonial was over, it started to sink in that we had achieved what we set out to do and had a great time doing it.

Surrounded by everyone who supported us it really hit us and

became quite overwhelming.”

But before having their moment the team had to overcome one last hurdle. WO1 Lucas says that the weather was not kind to them during the voyage and the team had spent much of it in their wet weather gear, battling wind and rain. Changing into shorts and sports bras in readiness for their grand entrance, hoping for a mirror surface to row in on, the sea had other ideas. As they turned towards the harbour a Caribbean squall blew up. With only two of them on the oars, the boat was being pushed onto the rocks. “With Imy steering I jumped onto the oars, and we just powered through. What that did was to give us an overwhelming feeling of… This is us, this is how we have had it throughout, and we know we can get through this. We actually put a lot of our race finish emotion though the oars over that last little bit, feeling we had properly earned that finish.”

The team was also rowing to raise funds for charity, The Girl’s Network to support its mission to help more girls and young women build the belief and skills they need to thrive. WO1 Lucas is soon to take up the appointment of Welfare Officer at DST on commissioning.

So, what about her next challenge…

The Pacific? “Yes” she replies!

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THE SUSTAINER | CAREER MANAGEMENT

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YOUR CAREER, YOUR CALL RLC Officer Career Management Team Lt Cols: Lt Col Tim Beck Ms Lindsey Cooke LE Offrs: Lt Col Jason Lowe Mrs Windingoudi Ouedraogo Res Offrs: Maj Sue Mulhern Mr Grahame Macdonald & Maj Sarah Appleby Snr Majs: Maj Steph Coles Mrs Jessie (Shona) Carstairs Jnr Majs: Maj Joe Hegarty Ms Erum Abbas Capts: Maj Becky Ritchie Mr Paul Kent Lts: Ms Leigh Motherwell Mrs Anne-Marie Friel Introduction/Overview This period has seen considerable change occurring within the Army Personnel Centre as the result of a number of change programmes. Firstly is the establishment of a new 2* HQ under the Military Secretary (working title is HQ MS) under which the APC and A&SDs sit as discrete 1* Commands. The Deputy Military Secretary (DMS) role has been re-titled to Hd APC accordingly. Secondly, under APC Optimisation (formerly the APC Org Design programme), the current branch laydown will be re-organised from four Career Management branches to three. This will see the Royal Engineers subsumed into CSS to form a new branch titled Engineering and Logistics alongside the RLC and REME. Aside of a new Branch AH (Col Brian Johnston), impact to RLC Soldier Wing and RLC Officer Wing’s outputs will be minimal, and we will very much continue with ‘business as usual’.

Supply - Demand continues to be a challenge across the ranks. Whilst we work the issue through, please remain flexible, listen to the advice provided by the Career Management desks and be cognisant of post prioritisation and how that impacts which roles are filled by our boards.

Lastly, we are always looking out for board members.

Whilst most of our boards are delivered remotely, there is a great deal to be gained from attendance as a Board member. Please get in touch if you are interested.

RLC Officer CM Update Welcomes and farewells - As trailed earlier, from 1 Apr 25 Col Brian Johnston assumed responsibility for the RLC Officer and Soldier Wings. Col Simon Stevenson, the current AH CM CSS, departs the Army on retirement and we wish him the very best for the future. We have welcomed a new Junior Majors’ Career Manager, Major Joe Hegarty who returns to the APC following a deployment in the Middle East. Joe has a wealth of experience in a range of Appts and Units across the Corps and wider Army and will be a familiar face to many. Additionally, we are delighted to welcome Erum Abbas, who will be supporting our junior Majors’ Career Management; Erum joins the team from a career in teaching. Furthermore, we are delighted to welcome Maj Sue Mulhern back to the RLC Officers’ CM Team as one of our two newly appointed Reserve Officers’ CMs. Sue has a wealth of experience across both The RLC and wider APC. 10

Finally, Maj Sarah Appleby, an experienced Reservist joins us from sub-unit command; our Reserve cohort will be well looked after.

Initial Command Board (ICB) Amelioration Significant work has been undertaken in the APC to address the shortfall of Majors available to run to the ICB as a result of historical ‘Beige List’ (Capt to Maj promotion board) suppression. In the coming months a range of opportunities will be offered to ensure our very best officers command our soldiers at sub-unit command. These measures will include: • Potential extensions in tenure in coordination with current OCs & COs • Offer potential Sustain Commands, return runners who wish to volunteer to undertake a second SUC • An increase in the volume of Late Entry & GURTAM Majors running to the ICB. All measures introduced will be communicated to COs by the Corps HQ and will be implemented to maintain the high standard of sub-unit commanders and competition at the ICB. Further information and guidance will follow from Maj Joe Hegarty, the Junior Majors’ CM.

Did you know?

You can receive an AR in the same reporting year as a Short Tour or Duty Period (minimum 5½ months for OCE, six months for routine), but you must have the correct amount of time in post.

Lieutenants To remind you of opportunities available for career and personal development; the PTC Board sits annually to select for the three PTCs: Ammunition Technical Officers' (ATO) Course, Defence Operational Energy Course (DOEC) and the Port and Maritime Operations Officers' Course (PMOOC), from which Officers can gain accreditation and membership to relevant institutions.

The RLC also offers three places each year to study for an In-Service Degree, to gain a STEM First Degree whilst supporting the local UOTC. These opportunities enable officers to develop technical and academic KSEB and potentially enhance future employment options. Look out for the Calling Notices and take the opportunity to research and understand each of these options.

Captains We continue to make changes to try and improve the career management of our OF2s. In line with the movement of the SCRD Board, the Subsequent ATO Board has been moved to the same time. This will enable our ATOs to have more opportunities to pass AEOC before sitting the board. This would also allow

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#BritishArmyLogistics them to board for SCRD appointments if eligible. If you would like to see the dates, they are easily available to view on the CM Calendar on MS Web. Your current CM, Major Becky Ritchie, is leaving in May 25. We would like to welcome in Maj Fran Hunter who will be taking over the position.

Majors A busy start to 2025 as we prepared to receive the DE Capts that were successful on BeL25. Twenty-eight FCRs completed in Jan then straight into the E1 Gd2 spring Board, which convened 19-20 Feb and quickly followed-by the spring E2 Board over the period 16-20 Mar 25. Post E2 board, we should be able to draw breath and reflect.

Post prioritisation continues to see ‘Could’ and ‘Should’ fill priority posts receive a fill by exception only. Add to the mix the mandated OCE, Non-Discretionary and Critical choices, denoting that careful consideration and effort is needed to craft a balanced PPP. We are here to help, please engage with the RLC Officers Team who are happy to support and navigate you through the process.

We look forward to hearing from you soon, particularly as we march towards the summer Gd2 Board.

Out with the RLC CM area, Major Steph Coles will be supporting the forthcoming tri-service Flexible Working Review as part of the wider working group. This review will take in all aspects of Flexible Working including Restricted Separation, Alternative Working Arrangements and Remote Working. If you have any observations or anecdotal points you would like to feed in, please do contact us directly. This can be as a participant or employer and can be both positive and negative observations.

Reserve Officers We’re pleased to share an update on our team structure. We now have two Reserve CMs, both Reservists, who work a flexible pattern of two days per week each.

• Major Susan Mulhern is generally available during the working day, although the days are variable, to align with the boarding cycle.

• Major Sarah Appleby is available on Monday and Friday afternoons, as well as evenings throughout the week.

For any urgent queries, Mr Grahame MacDonald,

CAREER MANAGEMENT | THE SUSTAINER

Did you know?

Your career is in your hands - literally. With the CMP you can now search for roles, complete a PPP all from your mobile phone through the Defence Gateway. However, we would strongly suggest writing it out first and saving it!

Write it, re-read it, revisit it and re-write it. our Reserve AO remains in post and is available daily during the working week. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

LE Officers Since returning after a well earnt Christmas break, we have had a steady drum beat of appointing boards, issuing assignments and career management.

We now move into a period whereby we welcome the newly-commissioned LEs and start work on those that want to join us. Good luck to our ‘Newbies’ and those applying for a Late Entry Commission within our wonderful Corps. As a reminder, please keep in touch with us because we only know what we know!

Lieutenant Colonels Following promulgation of the Maj to Lt Col Promotion board (previously known as the Pink List), we are now fixed with formal career review preparation, preparing for and delivering the spring and summer No4Bds and preparing for the Command Grading Board.

Concurrently, Lt Col to Col Promotion Board (previously known as the Blue List) grading is underway. SO1 RLC Officers will keep the OF4 and selected OF4 cohort appraised of timelines and requirements to feed the various boards but if in doubt please do get in touch.

Did you know?

When selecting Non-Preferred (NP) option on CMP you should note that this is classed as a Directed Posting if you are selected for the role.

Use this option wisely, if you put it on your PPP, you’re still an option for the board even if directed.

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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RLC Respite Holidays The offer The offer of RLC funded Respite Holidays is intended for families with a specific need, rather than as a reward for personnel.

Unit Welfare Officers (UWOs) are encouraged to nominate personnel who would benefit the most, such as those needing bereavement support, injury recovery, financial assistance, relationship support, or decompression. To that end, SP must be signed up to the RLC’s One-Days Pay Scheme.

Nominating officers should submit applications for all personnel who meet these criteria.

Eligibility This scheme is available to all Service Personnel participating in The RLC’s Day’s Pay Scheme (both Regular and Reserve). Upon approval by the Chain of Command, SP will be granted a three-day or four-day caravan holiday at one of three Parkdean Resort locations or at Forces Manor. The package includes entertainment and swimming vouchers for the entire duration of the holiday.

Devon – Bideford Bay

Lincolnshire – Skegness

Northumberland – Sandy Bay

Scotland – Forces Manor

Available dates: 5 May Half Term (1 week): 23 May – 30 May 5 Summer Peak (6 weeks): 18 July – 29 August 5 October Half Term (1 week): 24 October – 31 October Approved nominees will be offered a Respite Holiday at one of four locations - see opposite.

How to apply?

An MS form will be distributed by RHQ The RLC to all Major and Minor units, as well as all Heads of Trades for wider dissemination.

Any Service Personnel wishing to apply for an RLC Respite Holiday must do so through their Unit Welfare Team.

All applications will be reviewed, and every effort will be made to ensure as many SP as possible have the opportunity to take advantage of the RLC Respite Holiday offer.

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Yo ou m may know of some of those in ne n ed.

Help us locate the em. e m.

Together we can make this a happier year for the thousands of Veterans To who have failed to claim the pensions to which they are entitled. Every year, some 2,000 Armed Forces pensions go unclaimed. According to the latest AFPS Annual Report, almost 15,000 pensions in total have yet to be claimed.

The Forces Pension Society Charitable Fund (the charity arm of the Forces Pension Society) has a primary aim of providing relief for those who served in the Armed Forces and are in need by virtue of financial hardship, sickness, disability, or the effects of old age. Now we’re calling on the military community, and those in the wider society, to help us ensure unclaimed pensions find their way into the hands of those who earned them; in many cases, involving substantial sums.

Why W hy is is this this happening? happening?

Armed Forces Pensions are not paid automatically. Veterans have to apply to Veterans UK using AFPS Form 8. Many have left the services without appreciating they have to make a formal application. It’s a system that needs reform and we will campaign for all Veterans to be notified of their pension entitlement. But for the present, anyone serving after April 1975, now aged 60 or over, could have an Armed Forces pension if they served for two years or more. elp What you can do help W ha t y ou c an d o tto oh You may know some of those in need. Please consider whether there is anyone you served with or you know who might not be receiving any Armed Forces pension income. And if they aren’t, please direct them to the Forces Pension Society’s website using the QR code below or by visiting our special Unclaimed Pensions Help page at forcespensionsociety.org/unclaimedpensions You can also support our campaign with a donation or via a legacy the details of which you will also find on our web page.

Unclaimed and Armed Forces Covenant U nclaimed Pensions Pensions a nd tthe he Ar m ed F orces C ovenant The Government has indicated its strong support for the Armed Forces Covenant. In that spirit, we invite it to do two things: update the rules so that all Veterans, current and future are notified of their pension entitlement, and to increase their efforts to identif y those who have not claimed their pension to date and endeavour to contact them.

!

Help uss unite H elp u unite Veterans Veterans w ith their their pensions with pensions Forces Charitable For ces Pension Pension Society Society Charit able Fund 68 South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall, London SW8 1RL T:020 7820 9988 forcespensionsociety.org/unclaimedpensions The FPSCF is a charity registered with the Charity Commission, charity number 264524.

THE SUSTAINER | EXERCISE In early 2025 significant force elements from across The RLC deployed on Ex STEADFAST DART (Ex STDT25). The intent was to deploy large elements of NATO’s Allied Response Force (ARF) to demonstrate its ability to rapidly project a credible and capable force into Eastern Europe, reassuring our allies and deterring further Russian military adventurism.

Deployment on Ex STDT25 was rapid, effective and far reaching. It proved itself as a suitable rehearsal for future deployment of the ARF on operations and demonstrated to any adversaries that NATO can and will project force elements to Eastern Europe. The RLC played a critical component in this from start to finish proving its credibility as an enabling force. Ex STDT25 was the premier NATO exercise of 2025 incorporating all eight nations who contribute to the ARF. Establishing and Enabling the Theatre 104 TS Bde deployed elements early to enable the Northern GLOC for 7 Regt RLC CSS Gp from Emden to the Divisional Support Area (DSA) in Bucharest. These force elements included a Port Task Group from 17 P&M Regt which helped transport over 100 pieces of VaME to Emden from Marchwood.

Packets of 7 Regt drove on the 1,200km journey, down the GLOC through five countries to reach the Divisional Support Area (DSA) in Romania. This was achieved through a chain of Convoy Support Centres (CSC) delivered by 9 Regt RLC. These enabled a controlled stream of vehicles and people to reach the DSA in seven days.

The deployment of the Logistic Support Group (LSG) led by 102 OS Bde incorporated 7 Regt and 6 Regt, with REME and Medical elements. This in turn was part of the Land Component Command (LCC), led by 1 (UK) Division which also incorporated 7 Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team (LMBCT). Both command elements of the LSG and LCC were located for the duration within the DSA in Bucharest.

On conclusion of the northern GLOC, a proportion of the 7 RLC CSS Gp continued down to 14

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Ex STEADFAST DART

By Lt Col JC Corbett MBE, CO 7 Regiment RLC

8 7 RLC Pet Ops crew the Light Forces BFE

Bulgaria and Greece to facilitate the southern GLOC and 7 LMBCT force elements arriving in Alexandroupoli, Greece. These force elements established CSCs to enable the southern GLOC from Alexandroupoli to the Smarden training area, on the edge of the Ukrainian boarder. These CSCs saw 580 service personnel move through each location, being fed, fuelled and accommodated prior to transporting north to the exercise area. 6 Regt deployed along with 7 LMBCT on the southern GLOC from Greece to Romania where it established a Brigade Support Area (BSA) in the vicinity of Boboc Airfield.

Forward deployed as part of the 104 TS Bde TEG, 17 P&M Regt ensured the effective deployment of over 730 vehicles by sea to Emden and Alexandroupoli.

RLC Trades across the Theatre Ex STDT25 showcased nearly all trades of the RLC. Logistic Specialist (Supply) were employed at every echelon throughout the exercise ensuring the smooth and timely flow of materiel of every class up and down the supply chain. Testing of new Field Service Packs (FSPs) took place during the exercise preparing for widescale rollout of this new equipment.

Throughout the exercise the resupply of Class I to V was continuous, but there was also opportunity to deliver surplus stock to local dependencies. In one instance 20 pallets were delivered to Op INTERCHARGE in the support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Not only was this seen to make best use of forward placed

stock rather than paying for it to be transported back to the UK, it also added greater value to the work of those deployed.

Ammunition technicians both organic to 7 Regt and a CSAD element from 11 EOD&S Regt ensured the safe movement and storage of ammunition throughout the exercise. Liaising with Romanian forces was important, but sometimes complex, to ensure ammunition was compliant with both UK and host nation regulations. A full range of ammunition natures were deployed, both live and blank.

Deployment of the Force Movement Control Centre (FMCC) was essential to facilitate movements across the AO. Frictions with the host nation police, required to escorts all movements, were resolved by this critical team allowing the controlled movement of people and materiel. The amount of movement requests requiring processing and approval was vast within such a busy battlespace including constant resupply forward and the need to recover stricken vehicles in both directions.

Drivers were critical throughout the exercise driving the 1,200km of the northern GLOC as well as to Greece. Routine activity saw daily resupplies by 7 Regt from third to second line and 6 Regt from second to first line. 178,900L of bulk water was resupplied throughout the duration of the exercise reenergising the army’s capability for transporting bulk water and not relying on bottled or other water sources. The reverse supply chain was also tested seeing drivers

8 The Logistic Support Group cross from Hungary to Romania

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EXERCISE | THE SUSTAINER stars amongst the 11 guests. An additional highlight was the defence engagement chefs participated in providing a catering lesson to adult students with learning difficulties, where the British dish demonstrated was a Shepards Pie.

8 Drivers conduct fault finding at a CSC

returning materiel and salvage in the opposite direction.

Communication was critical with new methods trialled and tested by Driver Communication Specialists.

This saw the integration of Wave radios utilising mobile data signals as well as the use of Bracer making use of satellites. Additionally, AFANK portable devices were also utilised extensively for the tracking of people and packets around the battlespace. These trials of different technology improved the reliability of communication thus increasing lethality of the force deployed.

Having the flexibility to vary different communication methods is valuable for commanders as they adapt to the environment they are operating within.

Petroleum Operators from 7 Regt were critical to keep the vehicles of the land component moving throughout. Fuel was routinely delivered and required testing each time to ensure it would be suitable for use by exercising troops. In total 821,910L of bulk fuel was resupplied with an additional 160 pallets of packed fuel. A Light Forces System (LFS) was established twice in CSC Burgas, Bulgaria and in the BSA to ensure there was always enough fuel available for those who required it. The training value was enormous with the opportunity embraced to train using real fuel.

Additionally, a permanent fuel installation within the DSA was also run by the Pet Ops gaining greater breadth to their role.

Deployed in theatre were 53 chefs split between seven different locations delivering a total of 336,000 meals over the duration of the deployment. Chefs from Bucharest were tasked with providing for a dinner night at the Bulgarian Defence Attaché’s residence in Sofia for high profile military dignitaries with a total of 16

Interoperability and Operating at Reach Both 6 and 7 Regts, embraced interoperability delivering CSCs for both Greek and Spanish force elements. These force elements moved through the DSA where they were fed, watered, fuelled and accommodated as part of both their deployment and redeployment.

Elements of 7 Regt also delivered a logistics-based interoperability demonstration working hand in glove with Romanian forces proving how easily NATO forces can operate together.

Each location had complex contracts to negotiate. Contracts had to be agreed to provide services required for the deployment of a large force including waste disposal, cleaning, laundry and other services. This aspect is an area often overlooked but is critical for the effective deployment of the force. A local resourcing element was also critical for the local purchase of items required whilst deployed that could not be demanded through the existing supply chain. The purchase of local spares ensured the speedy repair of VaME when it would otherwise have been unable to be repaired quickly.

Climatic conditions were challenging throughout with changes in temperatures from -15°C and thick snowfall to well over 20°C. Furthermore, driving conditions varied through both the northern and southern GLOCs with routes passing through the Carpathian and Balkan Mountain ranges respectively. This provided a fantastic training opportunity for

8 LSG vehicles on the northern GLOC

8 7RLC CSS loading onto rail flats

those deployed. The effects of low temperatures on fuel were quickly realised with methods employed to mitigate any negative impacts.

Lessons were learnt and processes altered to ensure no drop in output in differing climatic conditions thus increasing adaptability and ultimately lethality.

Recovery and Reflection The exercise dates coincided with the third anniversary of the illegal invasion by Russian forces into Ukraine. This was marked by during a special service of reflection led by the GOC within the Divisional Support Area, Bucharest.

This emphasised the importance of the work the deployed force was doing to deter any further Russian aggression and rehearse with NATO partners for any potential future conflict.

To recover VaME back to the UK much of the southern GLOC was reversed and repeated with elements of the LSG providing CSCs for 7LMBCT as it returned to Alexandropouli. However, a proportion of the 7 Regt CSS Gp VaME was moved by rail across Europe to Emden port, Germany.

This use of rail enabled a fast and efficient redeployment of vehicles ready to be brought back to the UK building corporate knowledge for future deployments of a largely underused capability. Embracing the links with industrial partners was key with Team Leidos ensuring movement of stores to and from the firm base, an incredibly important aspect to consider.

The key focus of the deployment and exercise was to demonstrate NATO’s commitment to its eastern flank. The RLC proved itself critical throughout with every trade involved and remains prepared, lethal and ready for the future.

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THE SUSTAINER | PROJECT PCC5 Deploying to the Californian high desert and operating at Fort Irwin National Training Centre, USA, 28 officers and soldiers – from Army HQ, HQ Fd Army, six RLC Regt’s, three REME Bn’s, HQ ARRC and CSS Trials and Development Unit (TDU) - came together to form a unified team on 26 Feb 25 to take part in Project CONVERGENCE CAPSTONE 5 (PC-C5), working in partnership with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and US Army.

Project CONVERGENCE is a US Army led programme designed to test technology and processes that enhance multinational interoperability. It enables forces to integrate effects across domains by improving intelligence gathering, data sharing, and networked decision-making. The fifth iteration, PCC5, took place 10 – 19 Mar 2025, aiming to build on the 'Any Sensor, Right Decider, Best Effector, Universal Sustainer' kill web. For the first time, UK Forces connected sustainment data, logistics information, and decision-making to the Fires kill chain, working alongside the ADF and US Army to improve in-transit visibility through asset tagging, and battlefield resilience using advanced manufacturing.

Lt Col David Reith REME and Maj Ed Rosevink RLC from Army Headquarters Futures Directorate organised the Sustainment Experimentation, supported by 28 personnel from a range of major and minor units who deployed to assess emerging technologies in a live austere environment. The primary focus was to understand how Sustainment can modernise by digitalisation. Two technologies provided differing lens through which we could learn: The Digitalised Joint Modular Intermodal Logistics System (DJMILS), developed by Hammerstone AUS, and the NSPA developed Rapid-e digital repository for Advanced Manufacturing.

Additionally, the team worked with Squarcle who supported an additional workstream to digitalise Munitions Sustainment from launcher to Corps Support Area.

Throughout PCC5, RLC suppliers, drivers, systems analysts and 16

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Project CONVERGANCE CAPSTONE (PCC5)

By Sgt K Read, RLC Systems Analyst, 259 (GIS) Signal Squadron, 13th Signal Regiment

REME engineers tackled supply chain and repair challenges, trialling innovative solutions in an operational setting. ReadyFleet, a logistics tracking system, was put through its paces, and tested for its ability to enhance asset visibility and accountability across formation and national boundaries.

It proved effective in reducing manual tracking errors and improving in-transit visibility (ITV).

However, it posed some challenges with real-time data synchronisation between Battle Management Systems and Logistics Information Systems which were quickly fixed

8 Pte’s Abhisekh Sunuwar and Mausam Limbu from HQ ARRC Sp Bn loading the CROPS into an ISO Container

8 PCC5 Sustainment Experimentation Team (Army HQ FD, HQ ARRC Sp Bn, CSS TDU, ADF, 10 QOGLR, 9 RLC, 27 RLC, 16 Med Regt, 5 Bn REME, 7 Bn REME, 9 Bn REME, Logistics Information Services Troop)

by Hammerstone, although, highlighting areas for further refinement.

D-JMILS, a cutting-edge modular logistics system, underwent evaluation for its potential to enhance battlefield sustainment through the efficient movement of vital supplies. Engineered to improve intermodal logistics, it incorporates a specialised flat rack style system known as a CROP (Container Roll Out Platform) that enables swift loading and unloading of containers. This innovation boosts deployment speed and adaptability, particularly in challenging environments where conventional handling equipment may be scarce. Significantly, Pte’s Abhisekh Sunuwar and Mausam Limbu from HQ ARRC Sp Bn, after volunteering for the challenge, were the first British troops to load CROPs into an ISO container in preparation for shipping, a task not

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PROJECT PCC5 | THE SUSTAINER

8 Enhanced Palletised Loading System (EPLS) traversing the Mojave Desert during PCC5, field testing the automated asset tagging equipment

8 Drivers and Logistics Supply Specialist EX PCC5 (HQ ARRC Sp Bn, 9 RLC, 10 QOGLR)

The joint experimentation with D-JMILS and R-e attracted praise from senior leaders, including Lt Gen Hoyle (US Army Deputy Chief of Staff Logistics), Maj Gen Vagg (ADF Head of Land Capability), Maj Gen Donohue (US Army Combined Arms Support Command, CASCOM), and DCGS, Lt Gen Eastman, all of whom

8 An Australian soldier works with a civilian contractor on Project PCC5 in Fort Irwin

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Image credit: Crown copyright - Cpl V Price RLC

yet achievable with current flat racks, thus contributing to modernising the logistics capability.

Under the scrutiny of the trials team lead, the sustainment team tested D-JMILS in various operational scenarios to evaluate its robustness, feasibility, and safety. Trials confirmed its potential to improve logistics processes and supporting technologies, allowing forces to maintain operational tempo by accelerating the distribution of mission-critical supplies, such as ammunition, spare parts, and medical logistics.

Additionally, its modular design displayed high levels of adaptability across different platforms, making it a viable solution for multi-domain operations.

Service personnel from various REME units also deployed to validate RAPID-e (R-e), a NATO repository for sharing technical data packages (TDP) for advanced [additive] manufacturing. This capability enables NATO forces to design and manufacture in a distributed manner and/or closer to the point of need depending on the threat, both enhancing battlefield repair and reducing reliance on traditional supply chains. During the experiment, there was successful collaboration with US counterparts, enabling multinational manufacture. This resulted in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and Norway sharing TDPs and manufacturing components. These successes highlight the potential for R-e to enhance logistics efficiency, forward repair, and resilience in future operations.

commended the team for their dedication in trialling these technologies and showcasing their potential to enhance future operations.

PCC5 highlighted the strength of collaboration between international partners, demonstrating how a unified approach enhances operational effectiveness. By bringing together expertise from across the British Army, Australian Defence Force, and US Army, the experiment reinforced the criticality of interoperability in modern warfare, ensuring that allied forces remain adaptable, mission ready and able to win.

THE SUSTAINER | VETERAN AID From time immemorial food has been associated with wellbeing, warmth and hospitality. At no time is that truer than at Christmas, and for the 66 exservicemen who spent it at Veterans Aid's New Belvedere House (NBH) this year, that feelgood factor was made possible by RLC Chefs.

Sgt Lewis Jamieson and his team are the latest in a series of volunteers to provide a festive turkey dinner to the residents who, for a short time, call 'NBH' home. His visit, the night before, set the scene and on the day of the festive meal he was joined by colleagues and residents to cook up a meal to remember.

Since the charity's residential facility formally re-opened, after its £8.4m makeover, it has featured a state-of-the-art training kitchen in which veterans of all services have learned about nutrition and how to cook wholesome hearty food without breaking the bank. Perhaps most importantly of all, for men who were once rough sleepers, or facing the prospect of homelessness, they have learned how to reconnect socially through sharing convivial meals.

Shortly before Christmas Sgt Jamieson and his fellow chefs organised a 'Soup & Stew' event which also went down a storm. It involved a small number of residents helping with preparation in the kitchen and a follow-up session on food health and safety.

The secret ingredient, as ever, was banter, and NBH Manager Pat O'Connor was quick to point out how much fun the guys had while ostensibly under instruction.

"It was fabulous; they really enjoyed it,” she said.

Sgt Jamieson added: "I was prompted to get involved with the training sessions at New Belvedere House because I feel that supporting Veterans Aid is part of remembering those who came before us and keeping them engaged with their former military counterparts. I began this journey as a Lance Corporal when I was posted with the Coldstream Guards, and after completing its renovation, we started the workshops and hosted other events, including a visit from the Mayor of London.

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RLC Chefs cook up winning training

“The sessions have been incredibly rewarding, both for the participants and for us as facilitators. Supporting this charity is about fostering a community where everyone has the tools to rebuild and thrive. It’s a cause close to our

hearts because any one of us could face similar challenges someday.

The dedication and enthusiasm from Pat and the team have been truly inspiring, and I feel we've made significant strides together."

Plans are afoot to reinstate regular visits to New Belvedere House soon, so that more training sessions can be organised possibly involving Gurkha chefs.

The first RLC session, back in 2018, effectively christened the gleaming training kitchen, when residents learned how to cook pancakes with blackberries and blueberries, and a bacon and sausage breakfast. A lunch of chicken fajitas with spring potato wedges followed, with strict attention to preparation, the right way to chop and prepare… And of course, the washing up!

CEO of Veterans Aid, former RAF Wing Commander, Professor Hugh Milroy said: "Anyone can hand out food, but our aim is to nurture independence, which is why we created a training kitchen rather than a canteen. We can't thank the volunteers enough - Lewis, The RLC and all those who have generously shared their time and skills to help our residents over the years. Their patience, dedication and support is truly humbling."

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THE SUSTAINER | TRAINING MATTERS

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Defence School of Logistics and Administration Comdt: Gp Capt Rachel Mawdsley OBE RAF Catering Training Wing CO – Cdr Frances Coles-Hendry RN Over the past few months Catering Training Wing (CTW) has been focussed on digging into the Land Training System (LTS). This has seen improvements to the field training phase of Army Basic Chef and Class One Chef courses. This has made training more tactical, and better reflects the needs of the Field Army, focussing on delivering agile and deployable soldiers who can confidently feed troops in any environment and contribute to increased fighting power.

These efforts came to fruition in Dec 24 when trainee chefs deployed on Ex COMBINED WARRIOR; an Infantry Battle School led LTS TRADEWIND exercise. Deployments in the combined environment enable a synergistic effort which for CTW, means having dedicated customers to feed, adding time pressures and realism to training.

Additionally, LTS activity enables access to elements such as a drone flyover to take thermal/IR imaging of the training, enabling real time understanding and review of how we operate.

Ex COMBINED WARRIOR was the first in a series of CTW deployments in line with LTS, and the chefs were proud to host a series of visitors through their time deployed, including Director Land Warfare, Comd Defence School of Logistics & Administration, and the Head of the Catering Trade.

CTW is always looking for future instructors to face the challenge of catering training. Chefs passionate about their trade, eager to see change and driven to succeed are strongly encouraged to get in touch. The role is

8 Director Land Warfare visits Catering Training Wing trainee chefs supporting Ex COMBINED WARRIOR

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8 Drone flyover image showing Infra-Red signature of deployed field kitchen on Ex COMBINED WARRIOR

demanding yet rewarding, with genuine opportunity to influence the way we train our new soldiers.

Visits to CTW are always welcome.Visit requests should be directed to Maj Ben Millan on email DSLA-CTW(L)-OC. Logistics Specialist Training Wing CO - Wg Cdr Samantha M Smy MA RAF 73 Sqn - The start of the year has been busy for 73 Squadron, as it continues to strengthen its commitment to excellence in logistics and maritime training. Over the last few months, the Sqn has been running courses across its three core CEGs: Port Operators, Mariners, and Vehicle Specialists. In addition, it has delivered training to the Royal Engineers Maritime Safety Course and the RLC Marine Engineer Seamanship modules and has provided RYA Powerboat Level 2 navigation and seamanship with the use of our new capability the 6.5m Gemini Wave rider RHIB. This quarter has seen the integration of the three new RHIBs equipped with powerful twin 80hp outboard motors. This has required upskilling of the Sqn’s workforce in the maintenance and operation of the craft prior to delivery of training. These vessels are not only a significant upgrade but also play a crucial role in training delivery and exercises.With winter weather in full flow, sessions were particularly demanding, pushing the trainees to adapt and overcome various maritime challenges. The combination of a new capability and expert instruction ensures that the Sqn is able to provide suitably skilled operators to the Field Army.

As 73 Sqn moves forward, it remains dedicated to providing top-tier training that equips soldiers with the skills necessary for success in today’s dynamic environment.This sees us currently focussing heavily on simulation in training prospects and continuing to develop use cases as proof of concept prior to resourcing hardware and funding.This investment in new capability and training strategies demonstrates our commitment to the students and their future roles in the land environment.

Defence Movements Training Squadron (DMTS) Continuous Improvement (CI) is at the forefront of training development across the DMTS with CI allies at the Sqn leading the way in creating strong foundations of effective (CI) across it. Using that work to showcase best practices across Land Warfare Centre (LWC), DMTS has been at the

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vanguard of the CI across LSTW by working collaboratively with DPSTS and 73 Sqn to achieve the Fd Army Gold Accreditation Award.

The gold award is the pinnacle of a certification process that evaluates various aspects of an organisation’s operations, from training delivery, organisational processes to leadership, development, and innovation.

The process involved an intense and thorough assessment, where LWC scrutinise every aspect of the DMTS’ operations. The LWC scrutiny process considered the DMTS evidence on how we implement CI as well as how we successfully embedded it into our culture. The DMTS submission included evidence of CPD, registers of findings, identification of trends, course analysis, the effects of the change recommendations that had been implemented across DMTS and how that was promulgated across the DSLA, DCSp and even LWC. Having successfully achieved the required level to be awarded the Fd Army Gold Accreditation, the journey undertaken by DMTS is testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence that the Sqn’s leaders, instructors, and staff demonstrate every day. It represents a commitment to use CI principles to evolve and adapt to meet the challenges of modern warfare. This level of achievement is not attained overnight but through tireless effort, ongoing innovation, and a collective focus on excellence, ensuring that DMTS remains at the forefront of military training and education.

Defence Petroleum and Specialist Training Squadron - Having focussed on the Civil Service and RAF teams in the last edition, this time we will focus on the Initial Trade Training courses. The Postal and Courier Service Class Three course runs at Worthy Down over a four-week period. Trainees are introduced to receipt, despatch and handling of letters, packets, and parcels, as well as handling classified material up to Top Secret and including Crypto, in the UK and theatres worldwide.

Additionally, the PC Op trainees enrol on the Express Delivery Operator apprenticeship (NVQ Level 2).

The Petroleum Operator Class Three course introduces the newest members of the Pet Op family to their trade.

TRAINING MATTERS | THE SUSTAINER This course combines Health & Safety legislation, spillage response, environmental awareness, and fire precautions with hands-on fuel infrastructure building in the field.With the course being both classroom and exercised based it allows for trainees to develop their core skills as well as see the results with real time practical application. These exercises take the lion’s share of DPSTS’s 15 field exercises per year; all require a huge amount of planning, deconfliction and effort to bring equipment, personnel and vehicles from across the Fd Army together, ably managed our small but highly professional resources team.

Supply Training Wing CO - Lt Col Nick Homer MBE RLC As another year flashes by the troops in the Supply Training Wing (STW) reflect on another successful yet busy year delivering well over a thousand G4 courses across Defence.

Looking back on some of the highlights over the last quarter we start with the fantastically organised Dashain 24 festival which was put together in Oct 24 by a combined Nepalese community from both DSLA Worthy Down and Army Training Regiment,Winchester.

Dashain is an annual event for Nepalese community which is the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese calendar. It commemorates the mythical victory of the Deities over the Demons symbolising the victory of good over evil. Its celebration in the Brigade of Gurkhas (BG) has been traditional since the Brigade came into existence in the 1800s. The festival not only provides an opportunity for social integration within the serving Nepalese community but also fosters the moral component of fighting power. The event was attended by all serving Gurkhas and Nepalese serving personnel, invited guests and their families within ATR W and DSLA. The evening progressed with a diverse array of activities that characterised the essence of Dashain.

Beginning with traditional rituals such as the lighting of the Diyo, the event included cultural performances featuring music and dance. Every department, including the civilian staff, had the opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage through dance whilst dressed in the

8 73 Sqn staff conducting crew training with the Gemini 650 RHIBs on Ex TRIDENT TRIUMPH

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THE SUSTAINER | TRAINING MATTERS traditional attire associated with the festival. The festivities extended beyond singing and dancing; a notable display of the Khukuri pattern from 10 QOGLR was conducted, and the talents of a Gurkha bagpiper was presented. The event was generously sponsored by various local Nepalese businesses from the city.

The evening was not just about rituals and performances; it was also about sharing. A grand feast featuring authentic dishes such as goat curry, sel roti, and other treats added a special touch to the night, with everyone savouring the flavours that brought a taste of tradition to DSLA. The act of sharing food together enhanced the sense of community, allowing people to experience the warmth and hospitality central to Dashain.

Even those who were away from their families felt a connection to home, as the night fostered a sense of belonging and unity among everyone present.

Moving on from one Nepalese cultural event to another; under the watchful eye of cub leader WO1 Tilney (QMs Div), Sgt Bijay Hirachan and Cpl Nitan Gurung put together an awesome community engagement event for the Winchester Osprey Cubs in South Wonston in October.

The primary objective of the event was to enlighten the young students about Tihar - an internationally recognised annual five-day Hindu festival - highlighting its cultural and religious importance. Sgt Hirachan led the session, detailing the significance of each day’s rituals throughout the five-day celebration. The students learned about the festival’s symbolism, which celebrates the bond between humans, animals, and gods, as well as the triumph of light over darkness.

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During the engagement, specific cultural aspects and practices associated with Tihar, including the worship of animals such as crows, dogs, cows, and oxen, and the spiritual elements involved in Laxmi Puja. The program aimed to showcase a cultural awareness and provide an educational experience to the children by introducing them to the traditional festival of Tihar, a significant celebration observed in Nepal. The main attractions of the event were: • Bhai Tika (Tihar celebration) • Khukuri demonstration • Traditional Nepalese Food • Tihar Games • Nepalese musical instruments The Gurkha Welfare Trust Trailwalker challenge Over 1,000 participants took on the formidable but epic course of 100 km across the South Downs with the goal of covering the distance within 30 hours. The course features a total of ten checkpoints and involves a cumulative elevation gain of 7,000 feet. Two teams participated from DSLA: Team STW/PATW (Sgt Bijay Hirachan, Cpl Nitan Gurung, Sgt Nabaraj Rana and SSgt Van Tonder) and Team Command Wing. Both team completed in just above 19 and 20 hours respectively and raising £630 towards the charity. Teams gathered at Queen Elizabeth Country Park on Friday evening where there was a feeling of nervousness and excitement in the build-up to Trailwalker 2024. After registration, many took the opportunity for photoshoots in front of the famous Trailwalker sign.

Participants and the Support Crews enjoyed the food laid

8 Sgt Asuamah and participants during the five half marathons with 15kg in five days challenge

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on by the Gurkha chefs. Tents were being build up in the overnight stay allocated spaces and last-minute preparation were taking place across the area.

The band of the Brigade of Gurkhas marched in to entertain the crowd, and they completed their display with the sunset and the National Anthem before marching off to the great applause from the audience.

It was an early start on Saturday, as teams of runners led the charge through the starting line at 6am. By 8am the last teams were on the course ready for the first climb up Beacon Hill. All teams were incredible, many walking through the night and beyond. There were emotional scenes at the finish line where teams were welcomed into the sound of the Gurkha bagpipes, where the triumph, relief, and sheer exhaustion the participants felt was clear on their faces at Brighton Racecourse.

Congratulation to the winners, Gurkha Allied Rapid Reaction Corps who secured first place in 9 hours and 23 minutes and broke the 20-year-old record of 9 hours and 50 minutes. Team Balaram came in second place, not far behind, completing the course in just 9 hours and 42 minutes. Third place went to the winning civilian team, Nepal Run UK and Rushmoor Nepali Running Club with a time of 10 hours and 20 minutes.

But above all, massive thank you to all the Trailwalkers!

A total amount of £194,000 was raised and this will make a massive impact supporting Gurkha veterans, their families and communities, in Nepal. A special thank you to the support crew, Mrs Hirachan and Sgt Netra, whose support was instrumental in making this achievement possible for Team STW/PATW. Sgt Yeboah Asuamah, in collaboration with several dedicated individuals, including Corporal Ashish Rena from the Worthy Down Support Unit (Gym), embarked on a challenge of five half marathons to raise funds for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF). This 15kg weighted march challenge was conducted over five consecutive days, from 4 – 8 Nov 24. The challenge provided the team with an opportunity to develop resilience, enhance endurance, and

TRAINING MATTERS | THE SUSTAINER

8 Team STW/PATW completing the Gurkha Welfare Trust annual event, Trailwalker challenge. Sgt Bijay Hirachan, Cpl Nitan Gurung, Sgt Nabaraj Rana & SSgt Van Tonder

strengthen team cohesion while supporting a charity that offers significant assistance to service families. The team's online “JustGiving” fundraising campaign along with ABF collection pots located around Worthy Down successfully raised a total of £600.

8 STW staff celebrate the Dashain 24 festival organised by Nepalese community members from both DSLA Worthy Down and ATR Winchester

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THE SUSTAINER | ST NAZIER MEMORIAL

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The Operation CHARIOT Memorial Project

By Maj James Wilson-White RLC The Operation CHARIOT Memorial Project (OCMP) was established in 2023 to further education of Operation CHARIOT, the Raid on St Nazaire. The raid, often referred to as the ‘The Greatest Raid of All’ was the Combined Operations attack on the Port of St Nazaire on the 28th of March 1942. The aim of the raid was to disable the Normandie Dock; the only dock on the Atlantic coast of mainland Europe that was big enough to carry out repairs on the mighty German warship, Tirpitz. Keeping Tirpitz out of the sea war in the Atlantic was imperative in ensuring supply to Britain was maintained to support the allied efforts in pushing the Nazi forces eastwards.

The idea of delivering a commando-led raid using Royal Navy vessels was conceived to allow pinpoint destruction of the dock as well as deliver wideranging destruction of the wider dock facilities. The plan agreed, involved the use of a former US vessel, HMS Campbeltown (formerly USS Buchanan), which would be modified to present a similar silhouette to that of a Nazi torpedo boat. The aim was for HMS Campbeltown to ram the dock gates and disembark her crew before time delayed explosives would detonate and complete the destruction of the dock gates. Simultaneously commandos from the supporting vessels would disembark and carry out demolition activity on the other dock infrastructure.

The supporting vessels consisted of a fleet of motor launches (MLs) which were small wooden craft, a motor gun boat and a motor torpedo boat. The plan was to sail across the channel, under escort for part of the journey, and then sail directly up the Loire estuary to the Normandie Dock 24

8 OCMP Artist Impression

at St Nazaire. Extraction of the commandos and crews would be using the MLs and as casualties were expected to be high the capacity of the MLs was deemed sufficient to extract the survivors.

The plan was audacious to say the least. The final stages of the approach up the Loire estuary were exceptionally high risk; fortified defensive batteries occupied the riverbanks and the estuary was particularly hard to navigate with shallows posing a grounding risk.

The threat of early engagement from the defensive positions was mitigated through the flying of the Nazi ensign and use of captured codes to communicate with the Nazi positions. Furthermore, a German speaking member of Campbeltown’s crew was used as signaller to ensure that as much of the ruse was plausible and ensure that Campbeltown could deliver its payload. Prior to entry to the estuary the RAF also conducted a diversionary bombing raid with the loss of three aircraft.

Approximately one mile from the dock gates the cover was blown and the Nazi ensign was replaced with the Royal Navy white ensign.

HMS Campbeltown drew most of the fire but despite losing the helmsman the remining crew on the

bridge managed to steer the vessel onto the target. Despite the relentless defences, Campbeltown arrived just four minutes late and with pinpoint accuracy.

Concurrently the MLs were attempting to disembark their commandos with varying degrees of success. Casualties were high and the wooden, petrol fuelled MLs were no match for the Nazi weight of fire. With limited hope of extracting on the MLs the disembarked crew dispersed into the town to attempt a break for freedom whilst causing as much destruction as possible to the dockyard. Casualties continued to mount, and large numbers of the force were captured. Some nine hours later the Campbeltown’s time delayed explosives were triggered completing the destruction of the dock gate.

Of the 625 personnel deployed 169 were lost, over 200 were captured with the remainder managing to return to Falmouth on the remaining vessels. 140 gallantry awards were issued for this remarkable operation of which five were Victoria Crosses. Of the survivors who made it to safety, the escapades of LCpl Sims and Cpl Wheeler are particularly interesting as they made it on foot to the safety

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The logistic effort in delivering this Operation was nothing short of remarkable. The adaptation required to turn the Campbeltown into a floating bomb that would make it across the channel required quick planning followed by a huge effort to execute the modifications needed - Campbeltown was only nominated as the ship for the Operation in January 1942. Other modifications were also required to lighten the ship to help alleviate the chances of grounding on the approach to the dock whilst also factoring in the explosive load that was hidden deep in the ship’s bow.

The explosive load came in at 4.5 tons and would be triggered by pencil charges that would be timed to detonate several hours after the ramming action. There were also the usual ‘bread and butter’ logistic challenges such as fuel and food provisioning. Fuel was calculated with a degree of risk involved. It was known that the Campbeltown would be on a one-way journey, the MLs on the other hand needed to have enough fuel for the return journey which meant carrying a large amount of petrol in a wooden ship going into a firefight. It is thought that the ML’s carried over 2,000 litres of petrol in an auxiliary tank to ensure they had enough range for the return journey.

The main link between the raid and ‘Sustainer’ is the participation of four members of the RLC’s Forming Corps on the raid. Cpl Ronald Crippen and RQMS Alan Seaton were both Royal Army Service Corps and part of 2 Commando. Both deployed to St Nazaire on ML 447 with Cpl Crippen being awarded the British Empire Medal for distinguished service during the raid. Both Ronald and Alan were fortunate enough to escape St Nazaire on one of the surviving MLs. Sgt Gerald Taylor and LCpl Luis Eric Rupert De La Torre were both Royal Army Ordnance Corps.

Gerald served with 2 Commando and deployed on ML 267 and Eric was part of 3 Commando deploying on ML262. Sadly, Gerald was Killed in Action in the estuary after ML 267 was subject to highly effective enemy fire. It was not just the direct fire causing the

ST NAZIER MEMORIAL | THE SUSTAINER

8 HMS Campbletown

casualties, many perished in the burning waters of the estuary as the fuel from the stricken MLs turned the waters of the estuary into a sea of fire. Only nine survived from the 27 personnel on board ML 267. Eric’s part in the raid ended when he was captured and sent to Stalag 344 from which he managed to escape at the fourth attempt. Eric subsequently played a key role with the St Nazaire Society (which works alongside the OCMP) for which his significant contribution saw him awarded the MBE. It is the aim of the project to deliver a memorial and education programme that keeps the memory of the raid alive and promotes ‘good citizenship for the public benefit through the building and maintenance of a memorial and associated educational activities to perpetuate the memory of the men of all three services who mounted and supported the raid on St Nazaire on 28th March 1942’.

The project to build the memorial is ambitious as the images show. To replicate Campbeltown as she sat on the dock gate will capture the

8 CPO Albert Wellsted RN

enormity of the raid and bring to the fore the daring and bravery of the crew and commandos. Plans for spreading the word on the raid are already in play. A host of resources are being developed to allow the project team to deliver briefs and information sessions over the coming months.

So how did I become involved with the Operation Chariot Memorial Project? My great grandfather was CPO Albert Wellsted onboard HMS Campbeltown. His role… He was the helmsman who managed to steer the explosive laden vessel to within a mile of its target before he succumbed to his injuries from the incoming fire. When you realise what a significant act of sacrifice this was, it is hard not to get involved. As with many, my great grandfather deployed to St Nazaire knowing it was a one-way trip, leaving behind a wife and four children. He was also the oldest man on the raid and had served in the Royal Navy from the age of 14.

Ensuring the actions of these brave people is not forgotten is a huge driving force for the whole of the OCMP. As part of our fund-raising endeavours, I am currently a fifth of the way through a challenge that I set myself late last year. I am currently attempting to run 2,475km by the 26th March 2026 in honour of two personnel who deployed on the raid. Cpl George Wheeler MM and LCpl Richard Sims MM were commandos who managed to escape, on foot and many other means, to Gibraltar. It is my aim to cover the equivalent distance over a much longer period as a small nod to this incredible endeavour. More information on the Operation Chariot Memorial Project and the St Nazaire Raid can be accessed at: www.stnazaireraid.org

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THE SUSTAINER | TRAINING MATTERS

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The Defence School of Transport Comdt: Col Laura Craig-Braddock • COS: Lt Col Damion Moxon • GSM: WO1 M Hickey Defence School of Transport Supporting Readiness for Operations in Europe The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a significant conflict in Eastern Europe that has caused global concern.This conflict has demonstrated the complexities and challenges of modern warfare, particularly in a region that is geographically close to Europe and where tensions can rapidly escalate.The conflict has highlighted the importance of military readiness, sustainability, and the ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

For Defence, the lessons from the Ukraine War emphasise the need for continuous training, modernisation, and preparedness to deploy and operate effectively in Europe.This includes maintaining a state of readiness across Royal Logistic Corps trade groups and roles. Key aspects that The Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) must focus on to be ready include:

training at Normandy Barracks in Leconfield. Units are welcome to use the driver training area, classrooms, accommodation, welfare facilities, to enable unit delivered training activity.

Training Realistic training and exercises are essential to ensure that service personnel throughout The RLC are well prepared for the challenges they may face during operations in Europe and the rest of the world.Wheeled driver training is no exception to this and should be considered a skill for all service personnel, who must be regularly practiced to maintain currency and competency.

The Land Training System (LTS) has transformed the way in which training is delivered for service personnel.The LTS enables personnel to be quickly assigned to their first unit within the Field Army by reducing time spent in initial trade training (TRADEWIND).The LTS also enables protected time and allocated resources to conduct sub-unit training events known as CYCLONE. The Defence School of Transport is committed to ensuring that The RLC has competent instructors and operators to enable the delivery of successful CYCLONE events.

To offer further support to CYCLONE, the Defence School of Transport (DST) also invites units to conduct supported distributed

Equipment and Technology Defence needs to be equipped with modern and effective weaponry, vehicles, communication systems, and other technology for success on operations. However, we must all be prepared to work with the resources and equipment currently available to us.

Transformation at the pace of relevance is an absolute must for Defence; this includes driver training.

The Defence School of Transport has demonstrated that it can quickly respond to this transformation necessity, and deliver safe, effective, and appropriate driver training. A recent example of this is the delivery of Palletised Load System (PLS) truck conversion training via centralised and supported distributed training located at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield.The PLS rapid acquisition program required the School to quickly upskill instructors and design training material.This quick reaction enabled DST to successfully deliver PLS instructor and operator training.

In 2028 Defence will see the delivery of the Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) to replace the Land Rover Wolf

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8 Supporting CYCLONE: DST invites units to conduct supported distributed training at Normandy Barracks in Leconfield and Pinzgauer variants.The Defence School of Transport will be the leading stakeholder to provide a successful driver training solution for this new off the shelf sourced wheeled utility platform.

Logistics and Support Logistic support is vital for sustaining operations in Defence. It includes supply chains, medical support, transportation, and other essential services that enable Defence to operate effectively.The RLC is a key stakeholder in the delivery of sustainment and plays a crucial role in managing and coordinating supply chains to ensure that the right resources are available at the right time and place.

During training year 2025/2026 DST will enhance how it delivers Rough Terrain Forklift (RTFL) operator and instructor courses.This enhancement will provide the RLC with safe and skilled RTFL operators enabling it to deliver this key logistics and support aspect.

Intelligence and Information Sharing Timely and accurate intelligence is vital for making well-informed decisions in a rapidly changing

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TRAINING MATTERS | THE SUSTAINER

environment. In today's world, where situations can evolve quickly, having access to up to date and precise information is crucial for mission success.

During 2024 the Defence School of Transport scheduled and delivered over 370 Communication and Information Services (CIS) training courses.This valuable CIS training ensures this key aspect is effectively and efficiently met.The Defence School of Transport will remain committed to providing the required CIS training to the RLC Communication Specialist trade group during TRADEWIND and subsequent trade training.

8 Land Rover and Pinzgauer are being replaced by the Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV)

Adaptability and Flexibility The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to be flexible in response to evolving threats is key to success in modern warfare.

This includes being able to rapidly adjust tactics, strategies, and resources as needed.

During training year 2025/2026 an exciting new driver training solution will be delivered at the Defence School of Transport – the Wheeled Multi-Platform Instructor (WMPI).The WMPI will replace the Defence General Service Driver Conversion Instructor (DGSDCI) course and a collection of other wheeled platform instructor courses with one single course. A qualified WMPI will be empowered to deliver vehicle platform conversion training on any approved wheeled platform that they are current and competent to operate.

Conclusion The war in Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the importance of readiness and preparedness for the

8 DST is delivering PLS truck conversion training at Leconfield

Royal Logistics Corps. By focusing on the delivery of the Land Training System, competent operators, deliverable logistics, and adaptability, the RLC can enhance its capabilities to deploy and operate effectively in Europe and respond to global threats with agility and effectiveness.

Land Mobility Programme During February 2025, the Defence School of Transport was thrilled to welcome and host the Land Mobility Programme (LMP) Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) – Mr Rob Vining and his supporting team from Army HQ.The visit was a huge

success, and the DST team genuinely appreciated the opportunity to engage and receive an update on this extremely exciting project.

The visit included a tour of the DST infrastructure and on-site driver training area, driving simulators, and an introduction to the Wheeled MultiPlatform Instructor (WMPI) course.To close the day Mr Vining delivered an excellent LMP brief to an audience of DST leaders, training deliverers and training support workers.

Throughout the day DST was able to provide and explain positive examples of how the school’s output is transforming at the pace of relevance.

Examples included use of technology enhanced learning and recent driver training solutions such as the rapid acquisition Palletised Load System (PLS) truck and GASKET EOD emergency response vehicle.

The LMP will deliver the Land Rover and Pinzgauer replacement known as the Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV), which will include variants such as battlefield ambulance and troop-carrying vehicle. It will also deliver light protected mobility vehicles to replace current in-service platforms such as the Panther and Foxhound.

Furthermore, the LMP will deliver the medium protected mobility vehicle to replace the current Mastiff, Ridgeback, and Wolfhound (MRW) fleet.

The LMP is a much needed and exciting project that DST will be a key stakeholder to deliver the driver training solution.

8 DST will lead in providing the driver training solution for LMV, the Land Rover/Pinzgauer replacement

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THE SUSTAINER | THE HEAD UP CHALLENGE Military service is about mental resilience. On and off the battlefield, endurance, adaptation, and overcoming obstacles are vital. Still, the value of mental health sometimes gets less emphasis than it merits. Understanding this, The RLC set out on an endurance challenge to aid Head Up; a charity initiative focusing on enhancing mental resilience among the serving military and veterans through various programs and support systems.

This exercise tested physical stamina and leadership, dedication, and teamwork; values that define The RLC. Using a mix of stationary cycling and outdoor jogging, RHQ The RLC volunteers pushed themselves over many days to complete the equivalent distance from Land's End to John O'Groats.

From JNCOs to senior Commanders and civil servants, all strived towards a shared objective.

The objectives of the challenge The Head Up project seeks to provide military members and veterans with mental resilience assistance to negotiate service and civilian life demands. Fundraising activities like these are vital to increase awareness and create the financial means required to provide continuous care, because mental health issues afflicting many members of the military services community require attention.

Renowned for its logistical knowledge and relentless friendliness, The RLC answered the challenge wholeheartedly, supporting the cause. The event was about shattering stereotypes and promoting honest talks on mental resilience, not just about fitness.

Joining through resilience The endurance test itself was intended to mirror the difficulties of military duty, calling for discipline, tenacity, and a solid support system.

Whether riding stationary bikes or jogging outside, participants collaborated over multiple days regardless of the weather.

Beyond the distance travelled, the event promoted friendship beyond mere physical ability.

Soldiers pushed colleagues to stay on, encouraging one another even 28

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Having endurance for a cause Supporting mental resilience via effective collaboration and effectiveness – By Sgt Kirk Davis

as weariness set in. This kind of peer support reflects the cooperation required in operational settings when mental strength and morale are as important as physical capacity.

Actionable leadership: LCpl Dixon's role Although the success of this event was a team effort, specific praise must go to LCpl Dixon, whose organisational abilities and leadership were essential in enabling the challenge. From the first stages of preparation to the latter minutes of the event, his commitment guaranteed flawless running of every element.

Organising logistics for an event of size needed accuracy and flexibility. LCpl Dixon guaranteed that every participant was well informed and motivated throughout coordinated schedules, and obtained resources. Beyond the administrative aspect, he demonstrated that good leadership is about establishing the benchmark and encouraging others to follow.

Increasing Funds and Awareness for a Crucially Important Cause The influence of the event extended beyond the attendees personally.

Through this challenge, The RLC created significant exposure for Head Up throughout the larger military community, sparking more significant mental health and resilience discussions and inspiring more individuals to participate in such initiatives.

Financially, the success was notable. Head Up will receive an impressive £1,450. These funds will directly assist projects giving individuals in need mental resilience training, tools, and support systems, thereby making a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health issues within the military community.

Whether via future events or contributions, you can email info@head-up.org.uk to become involved and support Head Up.

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RLC CADETS | THE SUSTAINER

Supporting Our Cadets: investing in the leaders of tomorrow The Royal Logistic Corps Cadet Development Committee recently reviewed a wide range of inspiring funding bids from cadet units across the UK. We were delighted to allocate £5,000 of Corps funds to support exciting initiatives that will directly benefit over 300 RLC cadets nationwide.

This funding is set to create lifechanging experiences and opportunities for our cadets, strengthening their personal development, enhancing their skills, and enriching their understanding of the Corps’ heritage and wider society. Cadets will experience

international exchanges in Australia and New Zealand, offering unique insights into global military logistics and fostering a deeper appreciation of different cultures and practices.

Closer to home, visits to the RLC Museum will connect cadets with our proud history, reinforcing their identity and belonging within the Corps. Additionally, new opportunities to gain BTEC-aligned qualifications will significantly enhance their future career prospects, both within the Army and in civilian life. The Cadet Corps of Drums also continues to receive valuable

support, nurturing teamwork, discipline, and musical talent.

Cadet service has consistently proven to benefit society, the Army, and - most importantly - the cadets themselves, shaping young people into capable, confident, and socially responsible leaders of the future.

We would love to hear your stories about how you and your unit have supported cadet activities in your area. Perhaps you've hosted cadet visits, provided mentorship, or organised joint training exercises.

Please share your experiences, and let's celebrate together the fantastic support our Corps continues to provide to cadets.

ʽ ʽ˨˦˧ ˨˦˧

˵ʨʩʬ ˵ ʨʩʬ ˣ˘˥ ˧˘˥ˠ ˣ ˘˥ ˧˘˥ˠ ʛʛʶʸʴ ˘˟˜˚˜˕˟˘ ʶʸʴ ˘˟˜˚˜˕˟˘ ˙˔ˠ˜˟˜˘˦ʜ ˙˔ˠ˜˟˜˘˦ʜ

˅ ˅˔ˡ˞˘˗ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘ ˧ˢˣ ʨʘ ˢ˙ ˦˖˛ˢˢ˟˦ ˡ˔˧˜ˢˡ˔˟˟ˬʟ ˦˧˨˗˘ˡ˧˦ ˠ˔˞˘ ˢ˨˧˦˧˔ˡ˗˜ˡ˚ ˣ˥ˢ˚˥˘˦˦ ˔˧ ˔ˡ˞˘˗ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘ ˧ˢˣ ʨʘ ˢ˙ ˦˖˛ˢˢ˟˦ ˡ˔˧˜ˢˡ˔˟˟ˬʟ ˦˧˨˗˘ˡ˧˦ ˠ˔˞˘ ˢ˨˧˦˧˔ˡ˗˜ˡ˚ ˣ˥ˢ˚˥˘˦˦ ˔˧ ʺʶˆʸʟ ˔˖˛˜˘˩˜ˡ˚ ˢ˩˘˥ ˧˪ˢʠ˧˛˜˥˗˦ ˢ˙ ˔ ˚˥˔˗˘ ˛˜˚˛˘˥ ˧˛˔ˡ ˧˛˘ ˡ˔˧˜ˢˡ˔˟ ˔˩˘˥˔˚˘ʡ ʬʨʘ ˢ˙ ʺʶˆʸʟ ˔˖˛˜˘˩˜ˡ˚ ˢ˩˘˥ ˧˪ˢʠ˧˛˜˥˗˦ ˢ˙ ˔ ˚˥˔˗˘ ˛˜˚˛˘˥ ˧˛˔ˡ ˧˛˘ ˡ˔˧˜ˢˡ˔˟ ˔˩˘˥˔˚˘ʡ ʬʨʘ ˢ˙ ˦ ˧˨˗˘ˡ˧˦ ˣ˥ˢ˚˥˘˦˦˘˗ ˧ˢ ˨ˡ˜˩˘˥˦˜˧ˬ ʠ ʧʣʘ ˢ˙ ˪˛˜˖˛ ˪˘˥˘ ˂˫˕˥˜˗˚˘ ˔ˡ˗ ˅˨˦˦˘˟˟ ʺ˥ˢ˨ˣʡ ˆ˧˨˗˘ˡ˧˦ ˕˘ˡ˘˙˜˧ ˦˧˨˗˘ˡ˧˦ ˣ˥ˢ˚˥˘˦˦˘˗ ˧ˢ ˨ˡ˜˩˘˥˦˜˧ˬ ʠ ʧʣʘ ˢ˙ ˪˛˜˖˛ ˪˘˥˘ ˂˫˕˥˜˗˚˘ ˔ˡ˗ ˅˨˦˦˘˟˟ ʺ˥ˢ˨ˣʡ ˆ˧˨˗˘ˡ˧˦ ˕˘ˡ˘˙˜˧ ˙˙˥ˢˠ ˢ˨˧˦˧˔ˡ˗˜ˡ˚ ˙˔˖˜˟˜˧˜˘˦ʟ ˔ˡ ˔˟˟ʠ˥ˢ˨ˡ˗ ˘˗˨˖˔˧˜ˢˡʟ ˔ˡ˗ ˘ˡ˗˟˘˦˦ ˢˣˣˢ˥˧˨ˡ˜˧˜˘˦ ˕˘ˬˢˡ˗ ˧˛˘ ˖˟˔˦˦˥ˢˢˠ ˥ˢˠ ˢ˨˧˦˧˔ˡ˗˜ˡ˚ ˙˔˖˜˟˜˧˜˘˦ʟ ˔ˡ ˔˟˟ʠ˥ˢ˨ˡ˗ ˘˗˨˖˔˧˜ˢˡʟ ˔ˡ˗ ˘ˡ˗˟˘˦˦ ˢˣˣˢ˥˧˨ˡ˜˧˜˘˦ ˕˘ˬˢˡ˗ ˧˛˘ ˖˟˔˦˦˥ˢˢˠ ˜ˡ˖˟˨˗˜ˡ˚ ʩʣ ˖˟˨˕˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˦ˢ˖˜˘˧˜˘˦ ˣ˘˥ ˪˘˘˞ʡ ˊ˜˧˛ ˔˟˟ ˦˧˨˗˘ˡ˧˦ ˕ˢ˔˥˗˜ˡ˚ʟ ˪˘ ˣ˥˜˗˘ ˢ˨˥˦˘˟˩˘˦ ˢˡ ˢ˙˙˘˥˜ˡ˚ ˜ˡ˖˟˨˗˜ˡ˚ ʩʣ ˖˟˨˕˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˦ˢ˖˜˘˧˜˘˦ ˣ˘˥ ˪˘˘˞ʡ ˊ˜˧˛ ˔˟˟ ˦˧˨˗˘ˡ˧˦ ˕ˢ˔˥˗˜ˡ˚ʟ ˪˘ ˣ˥˜˗˘ ˢ˨˥˦˘˟˩˘˦ ˢˡ ˢ˙˙˘˥˜ˡ˚ ˢ˨˧˦˧˔ˡ˗˜ˡ˚ ˣ˔˦˧ˢ˥˔˟ ˖˔˥˘ʟ ˘ˡ˦˨˥˜ˡ˚ ˦˧˨˗˘ˡ˧˦ ˙˘˘˟ ˥˘˟˔˫˘˗ ˔ˡ˗ ˛˔ˣˣˬ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘˜˥ ˛ˢˠ˘ʠ˔˪˔ˬʠ˙˥ˢˠʠ˛ˢˠ˘ʡ ˢ˨˧˦˧˔ˡ˗˜ˡ˚ ˣ˔˦˧ˢ˥˔˟ ˖˔˥˘ʟ ˘ˡ˦˨˥˜ˡ˚ ˦˧˨˗˘ˡ˧˦ ˙˘˘˟ ˥˘˟˔˫˘˗ ˔ˡ˗ ˛˔ˣˣˬ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘˜˥ ˛ˢˠ˘ʠ˔˪˔ˬʠ˙˥ˢˠʠ˛ˢˠ˘ʡ ˇ˛˘ ˦˖˛ˢˢ˟ ˜˦ ˖ˢˠˠ˜˧˧˘˗ ˧ˢ ˦˨ˣˣˢ˥˧˜ˡ˚ ʴ˥ˠ˘˗ ʹˢ˥˖˘˦ ˙˔ˠ˜˟˜˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˜˦ ˦ˣˢˡ˦ˢ˥˘˗ ˕ˬ ˧˛˘ ˀ˂ʷʡ ˇ˛˘ ˦˖˛ˢˢ˟ ˜˦ ˖ˢˠˠ˜˧˧˘˗ ˧ˢ ˦˨ˣˣˢ˥˧˜ˡ˚ ʴ˥ˠ˘˗ ʹˢ˥˖˘˦ ˙˔ˠ˜˟˜˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˜˦ ˦ˣˢˡ˦ˢ˥˘˗ ˕ˬ ˧˛˘ ˀ˂ʷʡ

ˊ ˊˊˊʡʷ˂ˌ˅ˀˆʡʶ˂ˀ ˯ ʞʧʧ ʛʣʜ ʤʦʣʧ ʥʧʨ ʣʪʦ ˯ ʴʷˀʼˆˆʼ˂ˁˆʳʷ˂ˌ˅ˀˆʡʶ˂ˀ ˊˊʡʷ˂ˌ˅ˀˆʡʶ˂ˀ ˯ ʞʧʧ ʛʣʜ ʤʦʣʧ ʥʧʨ ʣʪʦ ˯ ʴʷˀʼˆˆʼ˂ˁˆʳʷ˂ˌ˅ˀˆʡʶ˂ˀ

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THE SUSTAINER | EXERCISE Ex TIGER DHAULAGIRI YATRA was a Level 3 AT expedition which saw thirteen RLC SP and one REME soldier, travel to Nepal to conduct a 15-day trek with the aim of reaching Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The expedition was organised by two RLC NCOs, Cpl Thapa was expedition leader assisted by expedition 2IC, Cpl Rana. The location, coupled with its remoteness, meant it was classed as High Risk and Remote (HR&R). By Cpl Thapa 27 Regt RLC. On the evening of the 03 Nov 24, the team left Aldershot to fly from London Heathrow to Kathmandu.

On arrival in Kathmandu the team was met by our mountain guides, who took us to Kathmandu Guest House, where we stayed for the night. An early morning start, to get ready to depart for Darbang also enabled the team to conduct some acclimatisation, as the city is at an altitude of 1,400m.

Day 1 - Darbang (1,050m) The trek began on the 4 Nov 24 from Kathmandu to Darbang.

Leaving the city we saw some of the magnificent sights surrounding it and as we approached the Dhaulagiri trekking region. The team then boarded three small jeeps to take us into the Himalayas.

Driving along the remnants of roads battered by mother nature, watching rocks falls in real time and seeing the vehicle graveyard at the bottom, was very uncomfortable and probably the scariest part of the whole trip. On the first day, our instructor told us of when he first came to Nepal, he would often just get off the bus and walk over stretches he found frightening, which we found far-fetched, until we wished we could do the same.

Fortunately, we made it to Darbang in one piece.

Day 2 - Bogara (2,080m) Leaving Darbang before first light, we waked over our first of many rope bridges spanning the valley sides. Whilst it was not as high as some of the others we would come across, it bounced and swung, giving us our first flavour of the adventure to come. The average temperature was about 28°C as we walked in the foothills, passing 30

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Ex TIGER DHAULAGIRI YATRA

through popular villages and farming communities. Arriving at Bogara in the late afternoon, we were ushered to a campsite in a school playground. Total distance 12.6km and time taken approximately eight hours.

Day 3 - Dobang (2,520m) Another early morning and we continued up the valley. A steep incline offered our first view of the snow-capped mountains in the distance and our guide pointed out Dhaulagiri. The foothills were hot and dusty as we followed hilly tracks with a river below us, but we marched on to the overnight stop at Dobang.

Day 4 - Salla Ghari (3,240m) Next day we moved from fairly flat and well used paths to contouring the edge of forested valleys and having to think about foot placement. We covered 11km to the next overnight stop at Salla Ghari.

Day 5 - Italian Base Camp (3,660m) Waking up to a blanket of thick fog, in the blink of an eye we moved from forest to mountain area.

Bamboo grows all around and the jungle plays host to a variety of wildlife, including water buffalo.

High up on the cliffside, honeycombs over 2m high clung to the cliffs. This honeycomb is often the target of ‘honey hunters’ which

8 A view of what is in store was our guides job outside of the traditional trekking season. A small pot of this honey, due to its medicinal properties and remote location, can sell for over £70. The temperature started to drop rapidly in the evening and for the first time we started to notice it as we got into our sleeping bags.

Day 6 - Italian Base Camp (Acclimatisation) This was an acclimatisation day, and we did an altitude trek up to point of 4,150m. During this time, we heard the large crash of an avalanche somewhere in the distance, before seeing the tell-tale white cloud of it coming down the valley we were trekking the next day.

Day 7 - Japanese Base Camp (4,201m) The route was changed due to the avalanche risk. The new route was down rough tracks towards a glacier, with a challenging river crossing and rough terrain to negotiate. After approximately an hour, we stepped onto the glacier that we would remain on for the next couple of days. This meant warm toes were a thing of the past.

Rockfall remained a constant threat, and we could hear the rumble of landslides and small avalanches up ahead. Japanese

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EXERCISE | THE SUSTAINER

base camp, also referred to as Glacial camp, due to its location on the Glacier, was finally reached.

Day 8 - Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,750m) Passing through freezing point with clear views of Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges, there were mixed emotions.

The beautiful western slope of Dhaulagiri lit up by the sunset, contrasted with years of accumulated litter and the fear of avalanches.

Day 9 - French Pass (5,360m) Day 9 was the hardest day for the team. No other day compares in both distance and altitude gained; this was only worsened by the lack of oxygen already being experienced. Our rest stops were short, just enough time for a few photos, before we faced the windchill that caused the sweat to freeze on our faces. Tired legs carried everyone downhill towards the campsite for a night in the ’hidden valley’. By the time we reach our campsite some members of the group were completely exhausted. This is where the group had to rely on its training, dig deep for the last reserves of energy to establish camp, eat, drink and recover for the next day. It was our coldest night, temperatures plumet well below -20°C with our hot drinks freeze in their metal cups.

Day 10 - Alu Bar (3,700m) Another strenuous day. After sleeping at 5,100m in such a hostile environment, some people woke up

8 The team made several challenging river crossings

with signs of altitude sickness. We went straight into another ascent as we crossed Damphus pass at 5,300m. With no path to follow, the guide carved a route through the snow. The wind was biting and there was no escaping the cold as we were moving too slowly to warm up. As we approach the high point of the pass, it quickly became worth it as we had a panoramic view of the Annapurna range. Despite the Annapurna circuit being one of the most popular tourists walks in the world, very few people will get to see this mountain range in the way we did. The break at the top was quickly over as we wanted to get down the mountain and out of the wind. This hope was short lived as we spent most of the day traversing the mountain side at over 5,000m through ‘Windy Pass’. Once we descended, we did so rapidly to Yak Kharka and the final stop of Alu Bari.

Day 11 – Marpha On the final day we rapidly descended to Martha. The air felt

thick, and all our aches and pains started to disappear in the excitement of the end being so close. We walked through our final landscape which felt like the dry plains of the Pyrenees with very little vegetation. This allowed us to switch back to the much lighter shoes. The Tibetan plain sat to our left, with the multicoloured hills looking tiny in comparison to our elevation. We arrived at the small tourist village of Martha - famous for its apples. Making the most of this, the group indulged in apple pie, apple brandy, apple juice and copious amounts of cider in a welldeserved celebration. Despite Martha’s bustling nightlife, everyone was in bed early, enjoying the comforts of a mattress.

Day 12-13 - Pokhara The hardships of freezing temperatures, biting winds, cold toes, altitude and rock mattresses were nothing compared with getting back onto a bus and staring down a cliffside with nothing to hold onto except sheer hope you are not about to die! Unable to get a return plane journey, the drive from Martha to Pokhara took five hours with some nail-biting moments.

During this time, we started to gain a mobile signal again and returned to some form of normality.

Day 14-16 - Kathmandu We flew from Pokhara to Kathmandu. With the help of our tour guide, we visited the ancient Royal Palace. Our day finished by visiting the Swayambhu Nath Stupa (Monkey Temple) consisting of some incredible Buddhist architecture, shrines, temples and stunning panoramic views of the city. Next day was Patan Durbar Square and a day to do final shopping for souvenirs and also a rest day. All good things must come to an end, and we said farewell to Nepal.

The team would like to thank all those who helped make the expedition such a success. Notably, BIBMTF and Army Lottery for their financial support, Gurkha Adventures for guiding and logistics.

Exped Leaders Capt Limbu and Sgt Roka Magar for their mountaineering instruction.

8 A view of Marpha

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THE SUSTAINER | SPORT

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RLC Karting 2024 season overview

Following a remarkable inaugural season in 2023, during which the RLC Karting team achieved an impressive sixth place in the Championship standing, preparations for the 2024 season were in full swing.

In January 2024, the RLC Karting Team held trials at the renown Thruxton Kart Circuit, attracting a competitive group of drivers eager to join our ranks.

After a thorough selection process, the team finalised a new roster of drivers who exhibited a wealth of talent and determination, establishing high expectations for the team’s performance in the upcoming season.

Kart 13 (ROTAX Premier class) – Capt Sy Ablitt, team principal.

Kart 27 (Heavy - Endurance ProKart) - WO1 Karl Bedingfield (team manager) and Mr "Sandy" Firkins (Veteran).

Kart 26 (Heavy - Endurance ProKart) - WO2 Daz King, SSgt Curly Hunter, Cpl Jack, and Pte Sibs Sibotsha Kart 38 (Lightweight – Endurance ProKart) - Cpl Prince, Cpl Coates, Pte Cowell, and SSgt Dek Traylor.

Mechanics - Cpl Gaz Warner and Pte Glover.

Support Staff - LCpl Fletcher (IC), Cpl Ford (media) and Pte Little (media) Race Season - Weather, woes, wrecks and wins.

Throughout the season the team battled it out on track, contending with everything from torrential rain in Cumbria to glorious sunshine in Dorset. All sent to test their ability to adapt to the unpredictable weather conditions.

The team faced multiple woes, from bent chassis, blown engines and broken ribs. All caused by pushing the Karts to the limit and always striving for that next overtake.

The team had seven Podiums including four first place finishes. The team was also honoured to receive the Sportsmanship award presented at the end of season. A truly hart warming award, confirming the team’s dedication not only to themselves but the wide paddock.

Capt Sy Ablitt finished his first full season in the Rotax Championship, sealing second in the Rotax Championship and fourth overall. A truly commendable achievement.

Mechanics and Support Staff The expertise and commitment of our mechanics and support staff has been crucial to the team’s success. They are the heroes in the background, ensuring the team is ready to race and show its professionalism and achievements

through social media. In recognition of this Cpl "Gaz" Warner our chief mechanic, received the Corps Colours for his exceptional support and dedication to the team.

Wider support Without the financial and wider support of the Corps and our sponsors, we would not even make it to track let alone achieve what we have this year. We are thankful and look to build on the results and reputation going into the 2025 season. Our sponsors: • Wraith (chassis builder) • Monkey Motorsport (engine builder) • Warrior Assault Systems (new for 2025) • HIQ Hereford (new for 2025) Looking ahead to the 2025 season In October 2024, the team conducted trials at Blandford Raceway for the 2025 season, selecting new drivers and support staff from the most talented the Corps has to offer. We completed a developmental session in Dorset March 2025, aimed at equipping our new team members with the skill required for the upcoming season.

To find out how the team faired in 2023… Watch this space or follow us on social media.

Image credit: Cpl Nathan Tanuku RLC

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CARMEN UPDATE | THE SUSTAINER

The Worshipful Company of Carmen’s Defence Awards

By Lt Col (Retd) Richard Castle, Carmen’s Defence Liaison Officer At the Carmen’s Defence Awards Dinner, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal presented awards to four members of the Corps, in the presence of Master Carmen, Mr Leon Daniels OBE, together with 230 Carmen and guests.

The Carmen’s Sword of Honour, presented to the most outstanding young officer of the year was awarded to Lieutenant Georgia Allen of 1 Regiment RLC. “On joining the regiment in August 2023, she “hit the ground running”. Displaying relentless capacity for hard work and leadership she is an exceptionally talented officer, not only for her contribution and personal achievements, but also for the compelling way she has led her Troop on operations in Eastern Europe and in barracks.”

The Carmen’s Soldier of the Year recognises a soldier from any trade background within the Corps, holding a clean driving licence (minimum Class A), on their first tour with an RLC unit and who has excelled in driving skill, road safety, vehicle husbandry and transport management. This year’s winner was Acting Lance Corporal Flavia Johnson of 4 Regiment RLC. “As a role model whose exemplary performance operating in challenging, austere settings, including overseas deployments, she has been recognised through the award of Acting Lance Corporal rank. Having a passion for her trade, even passing her Large Goods Vehicle Apprenticeship with a Distinction, she has inspired subordinates to strive for excellence, particularly on numerous long, complex resupply missions supporting Brigade operations. A member of the RLC Ski Team and as a rock climber, she has embraced every opportunity.

A bright, engaging, charismatic soldier, she is fully committed to her role, her unit and her Corps.”

Whilst the recipients of the two major awards above are selected by RHQ The RLC, each of the Carmen’s affiliated units, 19 Tank Transporter Squadron (The Carmen’s) and 151 Regiment, select a unit winner.

The 19 Tank Transporter Squadron Award, recognising a member of the Squadron of any rank who has made the greatest contribution to the delivery of operational output during the year, went to Sergeant Carly Watson.

“The Welfare SNCO in the Squadron, a geographically dislocated unit persistently engaged with personnel in Estonia and no shortage of complex and sensitive welfare issues. Alongside a frenetic, reactive tempo, regularly sacrificing her weekends and evenings, she single-handedly conceived, planned and ran the 27 Regiment Inspire and Thrive seminar, with external speakers: leaders in the fields of wellbeing, mental health, education and finance. A truly outstanding event. This would be impressive for an experienced Major, let alone a newly promoted Sergeant. She has been nothing short of exceptional, exhibiting impressive levels of emotional intelligence, discretion and peerless military judgement at all times.”

Finally, the 151 Regiment Award, honouring the most deserving member of the Regiment, regardless of rank, who has made the most significant contribution to the operational output of the Regiment during the year was awarded to 2nd Lieutenant Emily Fisher, of 210 Squadron. “Since commissioning in November 2023, she has had an exceptionally full year. As a Reservist officer involved in recruiting, delivering logistic effect in Germany and Poland, briefing VIPs and conducting adventure training in the UK and overseas, she was placed top third amongst her Regular officer peers on the RLC Troop Commanders’ Course. Her selfless commitment has enabled her to quickly become an established and respected young leader, serving as an exceptional example to her peers and soldiers alike.

She has set herself the highest of standards in her learning of a new role and introduction to the Army.”

Carmen membership is open to any logistician within The Royal Logistics Corps, and anyone interested is invited to contact me by email DefenceLiaisonOfficer@TheCarmen.co.uk

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THE SUSTAINER | WINTER SPORTS

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This season saw Ex LOGISTIC BOARDER 25 (Ex LB25) - the RLC Snowboarding Championships take place in Flachau, Austria over the period 6-24 Jan 25. Over 90 personnel from across the Corps, and some attached arms, both Regular and Reserve were pushed to their limits in this tough competition. The championships cover all three disciplines of snowboarding: slalom, boarder cross and slope style, with male and female participants competing in open and novice categories. Importantly, everyone gets an opportunity to push themselves to win silverware and bragging rights.

This year we hosted the Corps Adjutant and Corps Sergeant Major during the exercise allowing the competitors to showcase themselves and highlighting how much dedication and effort it takes to compete in this sport.

Ex LOGISTIC BOARDER 25

Snowboarding Haven: Flachau Deep in the Austrian Alps, Flachau is a world class winter sports destination. The competitors snowboarded across the Ski Amade Network, compromising of 270 lifts and 760km of Piste, catering for all abilities during the exercise. A highlight for the RLC competition is the Absolut Park, which is the largest slope style park in Austria with over 100 obstacles for our competitors to push themselves on.

In addition to this is a purpose-built and tailored boarder cross track testing both our novice and open riders to their limits.

The ultimate snowboarding challenge Flachau, Austria

Beyond the races and the tricks, Ex LB plays a crucial role in developing talent for the RLC snowboarding team, which goes on to represent the Corps at the Army Snowboarding Championships. This event fosters teamwork, discipline and the spirit of adventure within the Corps.

Whether you deploy on the exercise to compete for glory or just looking to improve your skills on the slopes and immerse yourself in a new sport Ex LB is that opportunity, at one of Europe’s top snowboarding destinations.

Why we do it?

One of the key aspects of Ex LB is to develop our soldiers and officers,

up-skill them and give the units back a more experienced soldier.

Here is an interview with Pte Bibek Gole, 31 Sqn, 10QOGLR, the Male Novice Slope Style Champion.

How has the exercise developed you as a soldier? “It has highlighted the need to always be positive and have the spirit of not giving up. We are put under stress, and I needed to remain focussed and positive. It has helped me to learn to drive in hazardous environments in the snow across Europe. This exercise has also helped me conqueror my fear of heights, by giving me the attitude to just go for it and build my confidence.”

And the best part of the exercise?

“Learning new things every day, learning how to carve on a snowboard, how to compete in slalom. But the best part is the freestyle, it allows me to keep pushing myself.” Any words of advice for next year novice snowboarders? “Don’t fear the mountain, make it fear you.”

Special Thanks!

This exercise would not happen without the hard work and dedication of the Hill Team and each individual team captain. Whether it be finding funding streams to get their teams out of the door or setting 8 Cpl Anna Forde, 156RLC (left), Pte Sarah Pope, 156RLC (right) enjoying the calm before the Boarder cross storm

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WINTER SPORTS | THE SUSTAINER

the slalom course on a cold Austrian morning, the exercise could not happen without you, keep up the good work!

Ex LB 25 Overall Winners Female Novice 1st LCpl Katie Nolan, 11EOD&S 2nd LCpl Jasmin Young, 11EOD&S 3rd Cfn Isabel Birchall, 4RLC Male Novice 1st Pte Kane Mullin, 7RLC 2nd Lt Jacks Underwood 17P&M 3rd Pte Jordan Hardaker, 9RLC Female Open 1st Cpl Simone Reeves, 156RLC 2nd Cpl Sarah Robinson, 158RLC 3rd Pte Sarah Pope, 156RLC Male Open 1st Pte Elliot MaCreery, 17P&M 2nd Sgt Joe Donaldson, 11EOD&S 3rd Cpl Kieran Mills, 13AASR Novice Team 1st 4RLC – 83 points 2nd 17P&M – 89 points 3rd 10QOGLR – 108 points Open Team 1st 17P&M – 40 points 2nd 11EOD&S – 74 points 3rd 156RLC – 107 points.

Pearson TQ Trophy 1st 17P&M – 19 points 2nd 13AASR – 45 points 3rd 7RLC – 69 points Congratulations to all the winners this year! This year highlights how competitive it is and how close some of the positions have been. On to Ex LB 26, hope to see you all there!

What is Next?

Follow us on Instagram using the QR code for the latest updates with RLC Snowboarding!

All images; Cpl Nathan Tanuku RLC Media

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THE SUSTAINER | WINTER SPORTS

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RLC Alpine Skiing Season 2024/25 RLC Alpine continued its reach and strength within The Royal Logistic Corps enabling over 120 soldiers and officers from 16 Regular and six Reserve Units with athletes ranging from novice skiers through to Army-level skiers - deploy on Ex ALPINE KNEES BEND 24 (AKB) in Norway.

Over half of the athletes were either novices (never skied before), and/or juniors (U21), 10 of which were ITTT soldiers from 25 Regt RLC, with a further 19 females (a joint record with last year). A hugely inclusive training camp, the athletes braved the arctic conditions to hone their skills down the race piste, prior to competing at the RLC Alpine Championships at the end of the camp.

and compete at the RLC Alpine Championships.

Preseason Following the successful camp the previous season, this year again commenced with Ex NOVICE RACER in Nov 24 with 20 ITTT soldiers from 25 Regt RLC learning a new sport and giving them a brief insight into what the Field Army has to offer. Our professional civilian ski coaches and instructors from UNIQ Snowsports provided world class instruction to give our most junior soldiers the best opportunities to learn and enjoy one of the best sports The RLC has to offer. Of these 20 soldiers, the most promising ten were selected to deploy to Norway to continue their training alongside Regular and Reserve Unit teams on Ex AKB

Ex ALPINE KNEES BEND 24 (23 Nov-13 Dec 24) The 15th edition of Ex AKB saw the athletes commence their training at SNO Oslo, one of the best indoor snowdomes in the world, boasting a fully licenced race piste, free skiing slopes and a beginner slope for the almost sole use of RLC personnel. The indoor slope provides consistent snow conditions, fast turnaround, and the perfect environment for the athletes to get their ‘ski legs’ back.

Again, with our expert coaches from UNIQ Snowsports, the athletes focussed their efforts on perfecting the fundamentals of ski technique before training in Slalom gates – short, sharp, energetic turns

requiring mental focus and agility, a high level of aerobic and anaerobic fitness and most importantly, strong legs! Following a week of focussed training, the athletes moved up to SkiStar Hemsedal, also in Norway, where they were joined by the other teams from across the Corps.

Up in Hemsedal, athletes were treated again to almost sole use of the entire resort where they trained in three different disciplines: Slalom – short, sharp, energetic turns, Giant Slalom – the quintessential ski race, longer turns but requiring a high level of power, strength, and physicality, and finally Super G – a speed event requiring courage, strength, and endurance.

Additionally, they trained in parallel slalom, two courses set side by side, with athletes racing head-to-head against one another, and night slalom, finessing their slalom skills late into the evening under floodlights.

RLC Alpine Championships (14-20 Dec 24) All 121 racers competed in the RLC Alpine Championships in four separate races: Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G and Parallel Slalom. Each race had both an individual and team element with individual prizes for Men, Women, Reserve, Veteran, Junior, and Novice. Despite some unusually warm and windy conditions for Norway, the Alpine Committee

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WINTER SPORTS | THE SUSTAINER

worked hard to deliver the full race programme, with even an additional race – the Novice race – to promote ski racing at grassroots level. Huge congratulations to Defence Munitions Kineton who took home the silverware in the Overall Team Prize, with 1RLC and 154RLC in second and third, with Pte Niall Flannery and Pte Ella Shaw (both 1RLC) crowned the Men’s and Women’s Champions.

We thank the Colonel RLC, Maj Gen (Retd) Simon Hutchings, and Commanding Officers from 25RLC, 27RLC, 157RLC and OC 70 HQ Sqn GARRC Sp Bn and all other guests for visiting and awarding prizes to our competitors.

2025/26 season. If you have already skied before and want to do some more or have never skied and want to learn a new sport, then please get in touch with your unit Alpine Skiing Officer to register your interest. We will again reserve spaces for individuals who come from minor units or are serving outside the major RLC units, and would welcome more females, juniors, and skiers from across the ability range to join us next year. If you want to know more, either: • Get in touch with Capt Mark Lewis-Taylor (RLC Alpine Secretary) via MODNet • Check out our Instagram pages @rlc_winter_sports or @rlc_alpine • Join the RLC Alpine group on The RLC App (due to be launched in Jun 25) • Find us at the RLC Festival of Sport (19 Jul) at Worthy Down.

We thank all of our sponsors and the chains of command across the Corps for their unerring support and we look forward to working together in future seasons.

Regional Qualifying Championships and Army Alpine Championships (6-16 Jan/18-27 Jan 25) The two Regional Qualifying Championships, Ex SPARTAN HIKE (SH) and Ex PIPEDOWN (PD) run concurrently in Serre Chevalier and Les Contamines, France. This year The RLC again entered ten teams (nine unit team and the RLC Individuals team) across both competitions. Notably LCpl Jack Prince of 17 P&M RLC placed commendably in the top 12 in three individual races, with 17 P&M RLC winning the Alpine and Nordic Combination trophy at Ex PD. Over at Ex SH, Lt Eliot Smith (4REME) and LCpl Felix Pryke (1RLC) placed highly in a number of disciplines, and to Pte Flannery (1RLC) and Capt EllitsgaardMcnaughtan (DCSp) with 1RLC placing third in the Team GS, and second in the Team Slalom and Team Downhill events.

After some challenging races at the Regional Qualifying Championships, 11 individuals and the 1RLC team qualified for the Army Alpine Championships with a range of top 10 results across all disciplines, ultimately seeing Lt Eliot Smith (4REME) and LCpl Felix Pryke (1RLC) being selected for the Army Alpine Ski Team for the first time. At the Inter-Services, both Lt Smith and LCpl Pryke competed exceptionally well, with scoring times for their events.

Look Forward The RLC Alpine Committee has already started planning for the

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THE SUSTAINER | WINTER SPORTS NATO leaders are increasingly concerned about the possibility of a modern war due to rising aggression from Russia. Russia's military focus in the Arctic has intensified for economic reasons, driven by the need to tap into the vast mineral resources in the region. This shift has led to heightened tensions along the Finnish and Baltic borders with Russia, especially since Finland joined NATO in 2023. This expanded the NATO/Russian border increasing the perceived threat to Russia and raising the potential for military conflict in the Arctic region.

In response to these developments, NATO nations have begun strategic preparations. The US has reinforced its presence at the Keflavik airbase in Iceland.

Norway is investing in combatcapable forces for Arctic operations, and Canada is enhancing surveillance and interception capabilities in the region. This strategic shift underscores the need for soldiers to be prepared for Arctic warfare, presenting unique challenges both physically and mentally.

The Austrian town of Obertilliach hosts Ex NORDIC KNEES STRETCH 24, the RLC's Nordic Skiing championship aimed at training soldiers and officers in various disciplines such as Biathlon, Cross Country Skiing, and Military Ski Patrols. Biathlon training focuses on skiing skills and shooting accuracy under pressure, while Cross-Country skiing builds mental resilience and tests soldiers' and commanders to exhaustion. The military patrol race, the final event, simulates a military patrol in Arctic conditions, evaluating soldiers' basic soldiering skills, critical thinking, adaptability, teamwork, and leadership skills.

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Nordic Skiing Navigating the Frozen Frontlines: How Nordic skiing shapes soldiers for Arctic conflict.

By Lt Andrew McGlocklin

Participating in Nordic skiing provides soldiers with physical and mental challenges, enhancing their military skills and resilience. Junior soldiers benefit from the demanding training, improving their marksmanship and problemsolving abilities. For more experienced personnel, training novice skiers and managing logistical aspects of transiting Europe offers specific training and challenges. Officers gain valuable leadership experience in close-living arrangements with their team, out of the direct influence of their CoC, all uniquely contributing to their professional development.

Ex NORDIC KNEES STRETCH offers a distinctive experience for soldiers and officers, exposing them to rigorous military training in mountainous terrain. The exercise is a valuable opportunity for skill development, given the potential for future operations in Arctic environments, maintaining Nordic Skiing training is crucial for building a skilled cohort capable of operating effectively in such conditions.

Participants at the exercise gain invaluable experiences that enhance their military capabilities and personal growth.

Ex NORDIC KNEES STRETCH and Nordic skiing more generally provides participants with transformative, retention positive experiences, from novices mastering skiing to experienced individuals advancing their teaching and leadership skills. The exercise's benefits extend to improved role performance and personal development, making it a valuable training opportunity for all, regardless of trade or rank.

Moreover, it prepares our people for war in Arctic conditions.

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WINTER SPORTS | THE SUSTAINER

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THE SUSTAINER | RLC MUSEUM

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The RLC Museum Online Archive Director Major (Retd) Simon Walmsley The Royal Logistic Corps Museum

The RLC Museum has an extensive online archive where, from the comfort of your own home, you can browse through the complete collection of Forming Corps journals alongside enlistment books, photographs and vehicle records.

These are searchable by name and date and allow the visitor to find the photograph or information they are looking for, invaluable for those conducting research, or those simply interested in the past.

The Journals cover The RLC and its forming Corps back to 1891, provide information and insight on what the various units each of the Corps were up to as well obituaries, corps achievements, notable events and historic articles.

This includes The Sustainer which covers the early RLC units in Bosnia and Croatia in the 1990s and all points in between and up to the modern day.

The first Pioneer Journal of 1943 includes an article on an officer’s darts competition held in an

undisclosed location overseas…

Whilst an ACC article in 1947 invites you to marvel at the largest cookery training establishment in the world, being built in Aldershot.

Currently, The RLC Museum Online Archive photograph collection only covers the RASC/RCT and the plan is to upload many more images from our vast photograph collection.

This will include the ACC and RPC as well as more images from the RASC/RCT and RAOC. The ‘B’ vehicle records found on our online archive cover the period from Second World War and up to the early 1980s. If your relative drove an Austin Champ, BSA Motorbike, RL Bedford or early Land Rover, you can search our records using the vehicle’s military registration number to look up the vehicle’s unit history.

Lastly, RASC and RAOC enlistment books, Second World War Pioneer war diary transcripts, Junior Leader archives and a myriad of handbooks and manuals make up the rest of the collection. If a maintenance manual of a WW2 Leyland Hippo excites you, please subscribe to find out more.

The RLC Museum Online Archive

8 RLC Online Archive

8 Pioneer Corps 1945 can be accessed via www.rlc-museum-collection.co.uk or clicking on the link on the RLC Museum’s website.

Images: Crown Copyright Cpl Nathan Tanuku RLC Media

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How The Royal Logistic Corps Charity has supported the Corps family over the last 12 months

Major General Jo Chestnutt CBE It’s a privilege – on behalf of all Trustees – to share with you the 2024 RLC Charity Annual Report. It is an excellent summary of the incredible work done by so many to promote the efficiency of our Corps family; foster fraternity amongst our members; and provide vital welfare and benevolence support to those in need.

We have come a long way since the last report. Now a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), we have evolved our governance, appointing a diverse and energised board of Trustees empowered and accountable to drive long-term financial sustainability, build community engagement, and serve our Corps family now, and for generations to come. To do so without losing sight of the proud heritage of The RLC and its Forming Corps says much for the commitment of the Chair and all those in support to get this right for everyone.

At our heart is the promise of betterment and support, underpinned by carefully managed investments that generate income and long-term growth. We continue to rely heavily on the Day’s Pay Scheme (DPS), for which we absolutely need your on-going support from across our Corps to become members. If you needed any proof of its value, have a look at the infographic: it’s an impressive storyboard of just how we’ve invested valuable welfare and benevolence funds for those in need of financial support, or to help subsidise activities that foster team spirit or individual development on the sports field, unit lines, or in challenged adventurous training activities. If you're not a member, please re-think why not. We are all one Corps family and should commit to investing in its' future.

Into the next financial year, we will continue to grow our investment portfolio, targeting more of our disbursements towards worthy causes. We will use the newly agreed RLC Strategy to help prioritise areas that matter most to you all. Relevant and accessible communications remain the bedrock for success - key is that we strive to reach every member of our corps so the can see - with transparency - what we are doing for thei betterment. That’s why we’re investing in a new RLC App to build an all-informed network. I expect this repor to be pushed through this platform next year. Your feedback on its utility, and areas for development would be greatly appreciated when it goes live.

In my role as your Master General, I have every confidence that the new RLC Charity remains committed to serving you all and helping to address any challenge you (or your family) face, now and into the future. I commend it to you and thank all Trustees for their personal energy and engagement in delivering vitally important opportunities for all our people.

Strengthening Our Commitment The RLC Charity’s Evolution Maj Gen (Retd) Simon Hutchings OBE - Chair The RLC Charity Further to MGL’s foreword, The RLC Charity has now transitioned into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), ensuring a more robust and sustainable framework to continue our essential work in supporting The RLC family. While this transfer from The RLC Association Trust to The RLC Charity was an important administrative change, it doesn’t impact on our unwavering commitment to the welfare of RLC soldiers and officers, veterans, and their families.

Serving as the principal vehicle for regimental charitable activity, The RLC Charity (Registered Charity No. 1209610) is funded through private (non-public) sources, including contributions from serving RLC personnel via the Day’s Pay Scheme (DPS) and 42

carefully managed investments that generate income and growth.

In our capacity as a Board of Trustees, we have worked hard to achieve the right balance of representative views, expertise and diversity, although we know there is more we can do in time. Together, we oversee the distribution of funds to support the serving Corps, The RLC’s veteran community and the four predecessor corps - the RCT, RAOC, RPC, and ACC. The initial financial foundation for The RLC Charity was established through the residual capital donated by these Forming Corps, which has been prudently invested to underpin the Corps’ financial stability for no less than the next 20 years.

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The RLC Charity Finances A Year of Progress and Stability Brig (Retd) Anna Luedicke CBE - Chair RLC Finance The Trustees remain confident that The RLC Charity continues to meet its core objectives: promoting the efficiency of The RLC, fostering fraternity among its members, and providing vital welfare and benevolence support to those in need. The Charity also actively engages in initiatives that provide public benefit and strengthen community ties.

Despite financial challenges, including a reducing military strength and fluctuations in DPS contributions, The RLC Charity remains wellpositioned. In 2024, DPS contributions totalled £1.08M, providing a vital funding stream for our activities. Investments remain a key source of income, with all funds managed within the Armed Forces Charities Growth and Income Fund. While global market conditions and the ongoing war in Ukraine have presented challenges, our investment strategy continues to deliver growth, ensuring the Charity’s

ability to fund its objectives into 2025 and beyond.

As of 31 December 2024, the total value of the Charity’s investments stood at £42M, a strong financial position that ensures we can meet our commitments based upon need alone. Expenditure is carefully managed to maintain financial sustainability while continuing to provide meaningful support to serving and former members of The RLC. Looking Ahead - Maj Gen (Retd) Simon Hutchings OBE The transition to CIO status is a strategic step that enhances The RLC Charity’s governance, accountability, and long-term sustainability. Through continued prudent financial management, strong community engagement, and the continued support from those in the DPS, The RLC Charity will remain a cornerstone of support, both now and for generations to come.

Heritage and Public Benefit Maj Gen (Retd) Seumas Kerr CBE - Chair RLC Heritage The RLC Charity’s Heritage Committee controls and manages the Corps' expenditure on upkeep of its heritage. The areas it is responsible for include an annual grant to the RLC Museum; the funding of RLC and Forming Corps publications; Professional Development, The RLC Coaching Board and Heritage Property. ln 2024 total expenditure was £257.4k Where your money was spent: • RLC Museum is a registered charity in its own right and received a grant of £120k towards its running costs. This helped fund the restoration of Field Marshal Montgomery’s 1939 Rolls Royce Wraith, in time for DDay 80 events in France and for the completion of a museum extension to house a WW2 DUKW. • ln 2024 publications expenditure for the print, production and mailing of three editions of The Sustainer, nine Forming Corps newsletters, plus other Corps publications cost £80.4k • Expenditure on Professional Development includes The RLC Foundation Review – cost £6.6k. Personal Professional Development Grants of up to £500 per person for degree courses, plus £650 per attendee of the Comms Spec PG Cert course and Defence Logistics training course. ln 2024 expenditure totalled £13k • The RLC Coaching Board received a grant of £20.2k towards the maintenance and upkeep of its fleet of historic horse-drown vehicles, which were utilised in events across the country, including at Royal Ascot and Ex Wagoner’s Challenge at Sledmere House.

• Expenditure on Heritage and Corps property totalled £23.8k This money

went towards: the upkeep of The RLC and Forming Corps 'Logistics Grove' at The National Memorial Arboretum and the installation of the RCT Memorial Stone into the museum. An extensive refurbishment of the RAOC/RLC War memorial is due to commence shortly.

• Other historic items of Corps property such as cannons, furniture, paintings and silver are controlled and maintained on behalf of The RLC and Forming Corps utilising funds allocated by the Heritage Committee. A new painting was commissioned to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the formation of The RLC. The Heritage Committee maintains oversight of St Barbara’s Church Deepcut, as it transitions from military to civilian ownership.

• The RLC Heritage Committee also seeks to provide support and engagement to commemorative events and activities as identified and recommended by our serving and veteran communities.

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Income & Expenditure

THE RLC C IMPACT REPO

£1.087m

£1.587m

£2.918m

Day’s Pay Scheme

Investments & Donations

TTotal otal Expenditure

How The Royal Royal Logis Logis How ĺ îƙ ċĚŠĚǛƥƥĚē ƥƥ Ě ĺîƙ ċĚŠĚǛƥƥĚē ƥĺĚ ū DŽĚƑ ƥĺĚ ŕîƙƥ ūDŽĚƑ ƥĺĚ ŕîƙƥ ǧ

Benevolence

Who We S

£100k

£1.002m

Grant to Army Benevolent Fund

1,553 grants to those in need

10,000 £10k

One death in Service grant

£55k

194 medical

£115k discharge grants

(average grant £593)

119 compassionate support grants paid to assist soldiers with unforeseen funeral expenses

Regular

nǀýĈůŵ Ⱥ ōĽăħĈůŵ nǀýĈůŵ Ⱥ ōĽăħĈůŵ

4,603 RLC Association

Members

General Expenditure

44

£288k

£32.5k

£9k

Corps Activities

Festival of Sport

RLC Military Skills Competition

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Formin

GGĈůħżáĞĈ Ⱥ ƁüĽħý ĈŅĈǂż ĈůħżáĞĈ Ĉ Ⱥ ƁüĽħý ĈŅĈǂż

C CHARITY EPORT 2024 ogistic C orps Charit y ogistic Corps Charity ĺĚ ūƑƎƙ IJîŞĿŕNj ūƑƎƙ IJîŞĿŕNj ƥĺĚ ƥ ǧǨ ŞūŠƥĺƙ ƥ ǧǨ ŞūŠƥĺƙ

£120k

£17.5k

RLC Museum

Maintenance of several war memorials and historic items of property

£10.5k RLC bands

£6.5k

£17.7k

The Waggoners' Challenge

RLC Horse-drawn heritage

e Support Regimental Assistance

£28k

£81k

£6.5k

£54.4k

Recruiting

Journals/ publications

Professional Development

Unit grants

3,300

Sport & AT

Reserve

nǀýĈůŵ Ⱥ ōĽăħĈůŵ nǀýĈůŵ Ⱥ ōĽăħĈůŵ

13,995 Members of the

£578k Total Total

£481k Sport

£97k AT

rming Corps Associations across 80 branches

39 Army Recognised Major Sports currently supported L ast y ear 1934 Last year Regular and Reservist Reser vist personnel per sonnel rrepresented epresented RLC The RL C at Inter Corps level C orps le vel

Ne w spor ts New sports rrecently ecently set set up include British Warrior Army W arrior GĿƥŠĚƙƙ ȳ G ĿƥŠĚƙƙ ȳ ƑƑūƙƙȹǛƥȴ ūƙƙȹǛƥ ȴ Brazilian and Br azilian Jiu Jitsu.

RL C Day ’s Pay Pay RLC Day’s Scheme funding provided pr ovided c£473k k to suppor t all support Corps Sport Spor t Corps

unding suppor F Funding supportt is provided provided to our most most talented athletes athletes who are Day’s are Day ’s Pay Pay Scheme members members

Sportt Army Spor provides pr ovides an annual grant grant of of £40k k per annum to fund the Annual Spor ts Sports A wards Awards

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RLC Benevolence and The RLC Family 2024 Brig (Retd) Chris Murray CBE - Chair RLC Benevolence

“Helping one person may not change the world, but it could change the world for that one person.” Lily Stevens The RLC Charity is there to serve the wider RLC ‘family’ and particularly for those who may find themselves in need. We want to show you how we provide a ‘hand up’. The RLC family are those who serve, both Regular and Reserve, our veterans from the RLC and Forming Corps and their eligible families 2024 saw no let-up in the cost-of-living crisis and this continued to make life difficult for veterans and serving personnel alike. The RLC Benevolence team dealt with 1,553 cases and distributed just over a million pounds. For those serving who contribute to the Day’s Pay Scheme (DPS), half of that money goes to Benevolence to support those in need. This is how: • One death in service grant - £10,000 • Giving grants to 194 serving personnel who were medically discharged - £115,000 • Giving grants to some 119 soldiers travelling for compassionate reasons - £55,000 • Helping some 67 members of our serving Reserve family in need - £61,000 • Providing respite holidays to 88 serving personnel and their families who otherwise would not have had a break - £50,000 • Giving Commanding Officers funds to help immediate Benevolence ‘fixes’ in the unit • Taking care of our veterans from The RLC and Forming Corps, with care home fees, mobility aids, utility bills, fridges, freezers, carpets and, sadly, funeral costs • Funding the Veterans Charity to specifically look after our veterans with immediate needs - they helped 198 Corps Veterans in 2024 - £34,000.

Some specific examples: • Covering the cost of a 12-week detox programme for a serving soldier - £14,000 46

• A Regular SSgt, just completed his full-service career, had an accident and sustained injuries and has since be diagnosed with an incurable cancer. Needed to surrender his driving licence. Needed an intense driving course for his wife, the Corps made a grant for £1,200 • A Reserve LCpl who recently returned from a deployment has come upon hard times. He needed some assistance with rent arrears and living costs Corps grant of £900 • A serving female soldier who is currently separated needed assistance for children’s clothing and bikes for her children. Corps grant of £800 • A veteran who completed operational tours to Bosnia/Kosovo and Iraq with The RLC needed assistance with white and brown goods. The Corps assisted with a grant for £1,500. The AFB and RBL covered the shortfall • An elderly widow of an ACC veteran in poor health needed assistance with her leaking roof.

Corps grant of £1,500, the RBL and ABF covered the shortfall.

Most people reading this would agree that these people, serving and veteran, needed some help.

However, we cannot stress enough how important the DPS is to provide funds for this crucial work.

Some of the benefits that you or your family might receive are only there for members of the DPS. If you are serving, please check that you are in the scheme. For all of us, in our service, we had each other’s backs, we need to spot when our mates need help and make sure they get it. We can only help when we know there is a problem.

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Sport, AT, Corps and General Expenditure Col Jackie Powell ADC - Colonel RLC Sport and Adventurous Training 46 Sports are recognised and supported by the RLC Charity, including the newly added sports of Judo. In 2025 we expect to launch Corps Darts and Padel Teams. This year the Charity will support 13 overseas sports tours, enabling our soldiers to train overseas and enjoy different cultures.

The Charity has granted a total of £600,000 to Sport and AT (£85,000 to AT and £515,000 to sport). This has facilitated 1,219 people, regular and reserve to represent our Corps in 31 different sports; this includes two international representatives, 33 selections for UKAF, two UKAF champions and five Army individual Champions, and 139 people selected to represent the Army. Eleven of our Corps Teams or Units are Army Champions. Our people have been breaking records in the pool (eight at Inter-Corps swimming alone). And in 2024 165 Regt RLC was crowned the Army Reserve Champion Sporting Unit with 1 Regt RLC winning the Regular Competition; The RLC dominated the top five places. Notably our RLC Aquatics set a record as the fastest mixed military team to swim from England to France and back again (22hrs).

At the grass roots level, the RLC Festival of Sport in July 2024 brought together sportspeople from across the Corps to enjoy a day of sport and this will be replicated in 2025.

Adventurous Training The decision not to extend the contract with Lower Gillerthwaite has meant more funding available for centralised AT packages. The RHQ organised an inaugural RLC AT Ski exercise in France in early 2025 supported by £10,000 of Charity money. Upwards of 70 skiers, many novices, gained AT qualifications and can now progress along the instructor pathway.

Options for other Corps wide AT packages are now being explored but it is hoped this change will provide variety and opportunity to as many RLC soldiers and officers as possible.

Corps Expenditure The total RLC Charity budget for 2025 is £2,950,460.

Funding will be allocated to continue enhance the culture and ethos of the Corps. It includes the BAU funding lines of unit grants, The RLC Corps of Drums, the HQ Officers’ Mess, the Central Sergeants’ Mess, Corps recruiting, the Festival of Sport, support to the

RLC calendar, MGL/Corps Col Coins, Medal Pillows, the Military Skills Competition, stable belt and rank slide provision, catering competition supplies and Unit citations. Changes to funding include the RLC App, due to launch in Jun 25, which will utilise money previously allocated to the more traditional printed media (Sustainer and the Review). This move to digital media will enhance the communications across the Corps family and will save the RLC Charity £14,500 over two years.

COs grants continue to benefit units directly, facilitating amongst other initiatives, a culture and family’s day for 13 Regt as part of its 25th Birthday celebrations and the refurb of a unit welfare and briefing hall at 17 P&M Regt.

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#BritishArmyLogistics RLC Connect continues to go from strength to strength, developing an ever-expanding network of links to the commercial and academic logistic communities. RLC Connects' core aim - to promote professional development in the Corps through engagement with industry and academia - remains at the heart of what we do.

RLC CONNECT | THE SUSTAINER

RLC Connect 8 PA Consulting were presented the RLC Connect Thought Leadership Award 2024

8 RLC Connect Chairman Maj Gen Agus Fay CB presenting the Sustainability Recognition Award to 158 Regt RLC On 26 Nov 24 the RLC Connect Awards Dinner Night was held at the Combined Mess, Worthy Down.

We were delighted to welcome the senior logisticians from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, Cdre Richard New representing RAdm Paul Murphy and Air Cdre Jo Lincoln, both honorary members of RLC Connect. Eight RLC Connect Awards and six Conductor's Coins were presented on the night.

Congratulations to all winners, and a big thank you to our generous sponsors. RLC Connect Award and Conductor Coin winners were: RLC Connect Awards • Mentoring Support Award, sponsored by Lockheed Martin LCpl Adrian Smart (7 Regt RLC) • Industry Professional Development Award, sponsored

by Leidos - DHL • Regional Partnership Award, sponsored by Kuehne & Nagel 7 Regt RLC & I.G. Engineering • Award for Best Professional Article in the REVIEW Magazine, sponsored by Techmodal -

Maj Colin Taylor, DES Wpns, Abbey Wood • Thought Leadership Award, sponsored by TVS Supply Chain Solutions - PA Consulting • Junior Initiative Award, sponsored

by Squarcle - LCpl Bishal Jung (10 QOGLR) • Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Pearson TQ Sgt Danielle Thacker (33 Engr Regt EOD) • Sustainability Recognition Award, sponsored by Unipart Logistics 158 Regt RLC.

8 Master of Ceremonies Brig Lee Daley and the RLC Condcutor Coin Winners 2024

Conductor’s Coin winners • LCpl Francis Mimnagh (Mov Con) 29 Regt RLC • LCpl Reece Quinn (Dvr Comms Spec) • LCpl Matthew Craig (P&C Op) NI P&C Tp • LCpl Katie Nolan (AT) 521 EOD Sqn

• Pte Andrew Van der Vaar (Chef) 26 Regt RA • Cpl Megan Mackay (LSS) 101 OSB MOD DONNINGTON On 12 Feb 25 Leidos and Kuehne & Nagel hosted RLC Connect at MOD Donnington. Our industry and military delegates were briefed on the Defence Supply Chain and recent major improvements, mainly due to technological advances and infrastructure improvements. We had a tour of the Defence Fulfilment Centre (DFC), which showcased the upgrades to legacy infrastructure, whilst exploiting the Control Tower to find the most cost-efficient distribution solutions on a global scale. We were briefed on the what the future may offer Far Bank (for example reestablishing forward storage for Defence stores). This visit gave our logisticians an understanding of the scale, challenges and a wider understanding of the MOD E2E supply chain and how Team Leidos plays a part in it. This was a very successful and outstanding day for all 48 delegates who attended.

RLC Connect is most grateful to Leidos and Kuehne & Nagel who made our visit a memorable experience.

8 DFC Visit - Wed 12 Feb 25

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

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1 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps BICESTER CO: Lt Col D Harrison • Adjt: Capt E Bevan • RSM: WO1 S Filmer 2 (CS) Squadron C Troop, 2 (CS) Sqn, has been deployed for six months on Op CABRIT 15 (E) as the Fuel and General Transport Troop. It played a vital role in the inload of the new Battlegroup and the French Company into theatre. October saw the Troop providing Close Support logistics to the Battlegroup on Ex BOLD DRAGOON and on Ex WINTER CAMP where they provided bulk fuel and EPLS lift capability to sustain the Battlegroup. C Troop has gained invaluable experience in trade and has had frequent opportunities to drive across the Baltic states and work with a variety of cap badges and nations.

Away from the normal working routine, soldiers from the Tp have been able to participate in a variety of Adventure Training packages.

Members of the Tp have also deployed on the Cold Weather Operators Course.

12 (CS) Squadron Returning from Op INTERLINK, 12 (CS) Sqn rapidly reconstituted its Close Support capability through collective training. On Ex REFRESHED MEERKAT, Sqn personnel reinvigorated their dismounted BCS in rural, urban and CBRN environments, culminating in a Sqn-level attack in Longmoor village. The Sqn then relocated to Driffield where it conducted driver competency training. Fully refreshed, the Sqn deployed with the Regt on Ex CYCLONE FIST. Building on previous training, the exercise provided an excellent platform to test our abilities to sustain a Battlegroup. The dismounted phase provided a final test and allowed Sqn personnel to demonstrate both their mental resilience and soldiering skills.

Adding to its busy schedule,12 Sqn also became the lead for 1RLC’s CAMBRIAN PATROL team and the Alpine and Nordic Ski teams, captained by Lt Alex Young and Lt Alfie Smith respectively. Of 50

note, the Alpine team claimed an impressive array of silverware, coming 2nd overall in the RLC Championships before winning the Divisional Championships.

23 (GS) Squadron After full reconstitution of the Sqn after a year of operational tours, 23 (GS) Sqn turned its hand to regimental level training. In November, the Sqn deployed on Ex CYCLONE FIST which tested the responsiveness of second line supply and the effectiveness of a dispersed BLRV. Alongside this training, representatives from the Sqn competed at Ex NORTHERN STRIKE. Of note, 23 Sqn’s LCpl Gibbs led the female team to victory, whilst other members represented the Sqn in the Veteran’s and Male teams. January offered an exciting opportunity for 2Lt Lock to prepare and deliver an alpine skiing AT Expedition for the Regt in France. An excellent achievement, providing SP a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

These efforts have been balanced alongside the Sqn preparing for

8 The mounted phases of Ex CYCLONE FIST

8 The Apline Ski Team displays its silverware

Ex ALLIED SPIRIT. This will be a five-week long deployment in Germany that will see 23 Sqn, plus 1RLC atts, operating as a special-to-arm sub-unit team at TL-C alongside American, Lithuanian and Dutch forces.

74 (HQ) Squadron 74 (HQ Sqn) supported Ex CERBERUS and then the regimental exercise, Ex CYCLONE FIST in addition to providing routine support to overseas operations and exercises.

The pace of regimental duty remains relentless with the Sqn preparing for several upcoming assurance visits. The Regimental Training Wing recently conducted two ALDP MT courses, welcoming selected LCpls from various Regiments and Corps to the Bicester and Longmoor Training Areas. Despite the adverse weather, both courses were successfully completed.

In January, members of the Sqn deployed to California as a part of Ex FALLING RHINO, a regimental sky diving AT expedition.

The Sqn now looks forward to a busy summer supporting numerous lines of efforts which will see one Sub-Unit deploy to Kenya on Ex BULL STORM whilst the remaining Sub-Units deploy on the Ex IRON STORM series.

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4 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps ABINGDON CO: Lt Col M Brown • Adjt: Capt C Nottage • RSM: WO1 A Smith

Op INTERLINK From August to December 2024 60 Close Support Squadron has lead a composite team from 4 Regiment RLC, deployed on Op INTERLINK 6.1. They assumed control of Logistic Enabling Nodes (LEN) Poland, Romania, and Slovakia to support the UK’s wider military logistical effort to Ukraine.

Over the duration of the deployment, the Handling and Processing (Poland) team successfully administered around 10,000 Ukrainian SP, working within a multi-nation framework.

The Logistic Nodes effectively moved hundreds of vehicles and items of equipment, and tens of thousands of pallets of vital supplies. Notably, the Slovakian based detachment successfully closed their node whilst maintaining strong relationships with the Slovaks; a testament to their dedication and forward thinking.

A rewarding and complex deployment that challenged and inspired our people in equal measure.

Winter Silver January 2025 saw 4 Regt enter two teams to compete in Ex LOGISTIC BOARDER 25 held in Flachau, Austria. The zero-to-hero

competition consisted of three main events: Slalom (S), Slope Style (SS) and Boarder Cross (BX). With many tailbones bruised by the icy conditions, the Regt delightfully exceeded expectation and achieved the highest overall score in the novice category and were crowned as the RLC Novice Snowboarding Champions (the fifth time since 2015 that the unit has secured the award). This success was a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication and followed the success of the Alpine Regt Ski Team who were the Dual Slalom Winners in December 2024. We also had individual success across the skiing with the a first in Individual Women’s Slalom, second in Individual Women’s GS

8 4 Regt was crowned RLC Novice Snowboarding Champions for the fifth time

8 Celebrating the Regt’s heritage with a re-imagination of ‘Storming of the Gates’

and third in Individual Women’s Super G. Overall, a hugely successful winter season for all our wintersports athletes.

Storming of the Gates On the 4 Mar 25, the combined messes of the Regt gathered for a landmark occasion with the reestablishment and re-imagination of a historic unit event. The Storming of the Gates celebration dates back to 1965 and was inherited by 4 Regt when it was stationed in Duisburg, Germany.

The original event witnessed a mock battle between the Carnival King of Duisburg and his army, against the Regimental Defence Party. Inevitably the Carnival forces were triumphant and would gain access to the hosting messes.

The Regt used this as a platform to celebrate the history and heritage of the unit and the sub-units within it. Serving officers and soldiers were joined by previous 4 Regt RLC COs (eight in number) and RSMs (three) with squadron stories retold brilliantly. The night was made even more special with the unveiling of a new piece of regimental silver - The Duisburg Gates.

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6 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps DISHFORTH CO: Lt Col J Lockett • Adjt: Capt O Pearman • RSM: WO2 D McQuillan 6 Regiment RLC recently deployed on NATO’s largest exercise of 2025, Ex STEADFAST DART. The first deployment of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF).

Over 150 personnel from 6 Regt deployed to form the BSG HQ and Composite Logistic Squadron supporting the elements of 7 LMBCT, exercising in Romania. The deployment demonstrated the Regt can deploy at pace, conduct a significant road move, establish in a final location and operate for an extended period. Initially deploying to Greece, the Regt conducted a challenging road move to Romania, transiting Bulgaria, moving over 1,000km in three days – with only one vehicle casualty.

Once established, the Comp Log Sqn processed 300 demands and completed 49 tasks: driving 16,500km, delivering 35 different natures of ammunition worth £2.4 million, 350,000 litres of bulk fuel and £125,000 worth of ORP to the BGs. The climate challenged both personnel and vehicles, with temperatures as low as -15˚C for weeks at a time. The Light Aid Detachment (LAD) Fitter Section worked tirelessly to maintain an impressive 95% or above vehicle availability throughout.

As well as supporting BGs, the Regt utilised the opportunity to train and develop the soldiers, focussing on trade skills and Sqn SOPs. With increasing lethality at the forefront of everyone’s minds, which includes survivability, the Regt organised for a Close Support Tanker (CST) to be dug in as proof of concept. This marks a leap forward in survivability of critical fuel assets, paving the way for future innovation.

The remainder of the Regt remained in Dishforth, supporting the exercise and assuring our ability to redeploy if required under the ARF. Around readiness and deployments, the 2024 season was a pivotal development year for 6 Regt’s Nordic Ski Team. Made up of Ex KNEES STRECH 24 (the Corps 52

Championships) where the Regt placed thrid. In Ex SPARTAN HIKE 25 (the Divisional Championships) the men’s team claimed second place overall and won the overall male and female combined trophy.

In Ex RUCKSACK 25, (the Army Championships) the men’s team finished fifth of 35 teams.

Additionally, Sgt Bolton, Sgt Crosby, and Pte Santry all earned selection for the Army Development Squad, a testament to their dedication and skill. This year’s achievements will provide a launchpad for further success next season.

Further sporting talent has shown throughout the Regt. An outstanding football season saw 6 Regt crowned champions of the RLC 11s tournament, and the most impressive Army Cup run yet, having reached the semifinals at the time of writing. Under the leadership of their dedicated coach,

8 Ex STDT… A bit of snow doesn’t stop the frontline needing supplies, so it doesn't stop us delivering them

8 Pte Santry of the Nordic ski team battling it out on EX RUCKSACK 25, the Army Championships Capt Greenwood, the team has continued to deliver, fostering a winning mentality, combining commitment and resilience with footballing talent.

In climbing, the achievements of Pte Flaherty have been outstanding. Winning both the Army Northern Championships and Corps championships, subsequently placing second at the Army championships and competing at the Inter-Service Championships, showing his skill, and physical resilience throughout. On the netball court, Pte Samuel has travelled to South Africa with the RLC netball team and represented both the RLC mixed and female teams at the Inter-Corps competition, securing second and first place respectively.

This led to her representing the Army against the Malawi international team and winning the Inter-Services competition.

Subsequently selected to join the UK Armed Forces team, showcasing her incredible progress and talent.

Over the next few months the Regt will remain busy with commitments to OP INTERFLEX and EX HARAKA STORM in Kenya as well remaining at readiness until July.

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7 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps ABINGDON CO: Lt Col JC Corbett MBE • Adjt: Capt B Wray • RSM: WO1 R Booth January to April has been an extremely busy period for 7 Regiment RLC, with every single member of the Regt aligned to an exercise, preparing for operations or enabling the fielding of new Palletised Loading System (PLS) vehicles into the Field Army.

A key focus was Ex STEADFAST DART (STDT) in Romania. Taking place from early January through to April, this deployment tested the Regt’s ability to manoeuvre over large distances, then sustain forces as part of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF) in Eastern Europe. From significant road moves to enabling resupply, 7 Regt and its attached arms played a vital role in ensuring the success of the exercise. The deployment, led by RHQ, consisted of a composite Transport and Supply Squadron (17 and 68 Sqns), with support from 7 Coy 2 Bn REME and 19 Sqn 21 MMR. Starting in early January this Composite Sqn departed Abingdon for Emden in Germany to begin the extended road move on the ground line of communication (GLOC).

Covering over 2,000 kilometres, the journey spanned five countries and tested the endurance of both personnel and equipment. Over 100 platforms successfully navigated the route, the fleet arriving in Bucharest in in excellent order. Following an inspection, fleet availability dropped to 80% before quickly rising to 90% within a week; this availability increased to 97% and was maintained throughout the whole exercise. The resilience of the fleet is a testament the hard work conducted by the LAD. A full report on Ex STDT can be found on pages 14 and 15.

Concurrently, the rear operations group ensured that things back home continued to run smoothly. 9 Sqn was at the forefront of key Army activity to field HX2 PLS and lead innovation in Divisional fuel storage. Additionally, the Sqn has coordinated all distributed training conducted by the Army for PLS, including training SP from Units

8 9 Sqn takes delivery of PLS

8 9 Sqn has coordinated all distributed training conducted by the Army for PLS

across 1(UK)Div and 3(UK)Div. Lessons and recommendations developed by the Sqn, in their use of the new platform, have been submitted and actioned upon by Defence Equipment and Support, Defence School of Transport and the Futures Directorate to improve wider army rollout.

More broadly, lessons from the war in Ukraine have shown that operating Divisional Primary Bulk Fuel Installation (PBFI) in a building and dispersed is essential to increasing survivability of the PBFI in war. The Army has not operated the current Joint Operational Fuel Set in this way before. Working on this initiative, 9 Sqn Ops has led work on the novel employment of

Divisional third line fuel storage capability. The team have successfully planned and will shortly execute Ex TIGER IGNITE to rehearse this method of operation.

The demands of the task have required widescale collaboration with HQ Fd Army, LOC, and units from across 1(UK)Div and 3(UK)Div. Other units will integrate into the exercise to inform their own capabilities, and lessons will be exploited across Defence.

Over the next term 7 Regt will continue to focus on its role in the ARF, maintaining its readiness through a series of exercises across the UK. In July the Regt switches attention from the ARF to FLF but maintains its focus on support to warfighting. Individually, each Sqn within the Regt continues to conduct all pre-deployment preparation for Op INTERFLEX (68 Sqn) and Op LAZURITE (9 Sqn), whilst 17 Sqn prepares for support to readiness exercises.

It isn’t all work… 7 Regt has several Adventurous Training events over the next few months, including Ex ORZEL SNOW, a twoweek AT package that will see over 40 SP across the Regiment deploy to Val Thorens to conduct SF1 and SF2 training.

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9 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps HULLAVINGTON CO: Lt Col S Lavery • Adjt: Capt A Hooper • RSM: WO1 D Ravenscroft 9 Regiment RLC maintains its high operational tempo, with many personnel deployed both within the UK and overseas.

During the run up to Christmas, the Regt’s focus was on the planning and preparation for Ex STEADFAST DART, which personnel deployed on at the start of 2025.

Ex STEADFAST DART 9 Regt deployed on Ex STEADFAST DART in January as part of Theatre Enabling Group. The Regt tested its ability to deploy on mass to support the new Allied Reaction Force, as a high-readiness force that can be quickly deployed to respond to any threat. The exercise saw deployment of large numbers of personnel and equipment from Germany to Romania, setting up multiple CSCs across Europe to facilitate the move. Convoys of 200+ personnel and 70+ vehicles covered over 2,300 km to deliver logistic effect, and personnel from all squadrons were put to the test using their trade knowledge to best achieve the mission.

84 Medical Supply Squadron As the only medical supply specialists within Defence, 84 MSS holds a depth of expertise and is in constant demand. To maintain its trade skills, 84 MSS has completed multiple Logistic Specialist (Supply) Medical and Blood Storage and Supply courses as well as Team Medic courses. Due to the high demand of 84 MSS personnel, they

8 A 9 Regt soldier on a GPMG course

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8 Personnel from 9 RLC LAD deployed on Ex STEADFAST DART

detach to various units to share and deliver their niche trade skills.

Personnel detach to DMS Lichfield and MOD Abbeywood where they practice their medical supply trade every day in the real-world environment. 84 MSS personnel also practice mainstream supply with personnel who are detached to Commando Logistic Regiment and DCLPA, Worthy Down where they provide vital logistical supply to the respective units. Similarly, personnel are deployed to BATUK and on Ex AQUILA in Norway to support training.

Ex BUCKLEY SCHOLAR Sgt Smart from 9 Regt LAD led a regimental Battlefield Study tour to Germany for a week in November 2024. Personnel learnt about the Soviet advance from the German border into Berlin during World War Two. Personnel reflected on the Battle of the Seelow Heights and compared it to modern warfare using technology and more advanced weaponry.

AT and Sports A total of 22 soldiers participated in winter sports during the 2024/25 winter season, competing in Alpine, Snowboarding and Nordic disciplines. A team of eight soldiers

from 9 Regt deployed on Ex LOGISTIC BOARDER 25. The exercise offered rigorous training, race preparation and competition soldiers with no previous snowboarding experience.

9 Regt is proud to have a successful Nordic Ski team. During Ex NORDIC KNEES STRETCH in Austria personnel received coaching as well as biathlon training, range practice, and physical training. This hard work enabled the 9 Regt team to place second in the Corps Championships, first in the Divisional Championships and third in the Army Championships.

Sgt Aldridge received best RLC skier, and his Army Biathlon colours, whilst Cpl Mercer received best REME skier.

8 Personnel from the 9 RLC Nordic Ski Team during Ex NORDIC KNEES STRETCH

Looking forward The Regt is now planning and preparing for Ex AUSTERE SHIELD which takes place in Latvia and Lithuania. This exercise will see the Regt tested in its ability to deliver RSOM and RMSD and be validated as the OF4 TEG in support of Defence output.

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10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment ALDERSHOT COMMANDER: Lt Col O Nyman • Adjt: Capt H Ziegler • RSM: WO1 T Limbu By - Lt Rab Tiainen Ex ADAPTIVE CATERER 10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment continues to be busy post winter leave. Ex ADAPTIVE CATERER, led by 36 Squadron, showcased the Sqn’s adaptability and initiative. The exercise formed part of 101 OSB’s adaptation/modernisation programme, aimed at enhancing catering functions to better support battlegroup level and smaller formations with adaptive methods and SOPs. Concurrently running a Regimental Driver Training package provided a hungry audience for the chefs to be tested on. This exercise challenged conventional thinking on Army catering solutions, introducing new methods and equipment to elevate catering capabilities, for example using adapted ISO containers which can be set up and provide the first meal within 60 mins, slashing the current doctrinal time by 11 hours.

Moving forward, the Regt plans to engage with industry partners to further innovate and advance ahead of the next Ex ADAPTIVE CATERER. Winter sports The RLC Nordic Championships (Ex KNEES STRETCH) in Obertilliach, Austria, saw the return of 10 QOGLR after several years of absence from Army Nordic competitions. A team of six individuals, mostly Nordic skiing novices, represented the Regt this year. With just two weeks of training before race week, the team displayed exceptional dedication and hard work to enhance their skills.

Despite their limited experience, the 10 QOGLR team excelled in the military patrol race, showcasing their shooting prowess by securing the Best Shooting Team Award.

They successfully completed a challenging 20km course that demanded skis-off running at times; the team's determination to overtake rivals was evident

throughout. Their efforts paid off as they secured a commendable 5th place out of 20 teams overall. A remarkable achievement for a team predominantly made up of soldiers new to the sport.

The successful completion of Ex KNEES BEND 2024 in the Alpine setting of Hemsedal, Norway, marked a significant achievement for the participants. The exercise unfolded in two distinct phases: pre-training at Oslo Snow followed by intensive instruction in Hemsedal, supported by Uniq Snowsports and military Alpine instructors.

The highlight of the exercise was the RLC Alpine Ski Championships, where LCpl Bijaya's consistent top 15 seeding stood out as a remarkable feat. Despite many team members being novice skiers just weeks before, their impressive mid-pack finishes showcased their

8 10QOGLR won Best Shooting Team on Ex KNEES STRETCH

8 Hungry drivers tuck in on Ex ADAPTIVE CATERER

determination and rapid progress, reflecting their courage and drive.

Acknowledgements are due for the RLC Alpine Committee for ensuring the event's seamless execution. Pte Pasang Sherpa's receipt of the Chairman's Award recognised his unwavering determination and outstanding contributions throughout the exercise.

Look forward As 10 QOGLR moves into the spring, it continues to be held at R2 as part of NATO ARF while also preparing to transition onto FLF readiness. To prepare for this commitment, 10 QOGLR is rerolling to a 2nd line support role on Ex WESSEX STORM in support of 4th Light Brigade. A challenging training exercise which will require adaptability and initiative at all levels to train in our new role. With RHQ leading and 28 Squadron deploying, 10 QOGLR looks forward to practicing its new role before deploying to Estonia for Ex HEDGEHOG as the culmination of activity. The demanding exercise will undoubtedly test the Regt in its new 2nd line role. Opportunities to learn and develop new SOPs against a free-thinking enemy will add real value to the exercise, allowing the Regt to fulfil its commitment to FLF readiness commencing in July 2025.

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11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal & Search Regiment RLC DIDCOT CO: Lt Col R Swan • Adjt: Capt R C Oxborough-Clarke • RSM: WO1 W Ball 11 EOD & S Regiment RLC continues to provide bespoke ammunition technical support (ATS) to wider Army units and EOD STTTs. Recently, regimental personnel have deployed to 11 countries, delivering ATS/EOD support to deployed formations, including Ex STEADFAST DART, Ex DESERT WARRIOR and Op CARRIAGEWAY. In the UK the Regt provided ATS to 16 training activities including safe-to-move inspections, producing fieldstorage licences and logistic disposals. In addition to this, the Regt has deployed numerous SP to conduct winter sports.

8 A moment to pause during an intensive Ex LOGISTIC BOARDER 25 – Sgt Donaldson, 721 EOD Sqn In January 2025, eight soldiers from the Regt travelled to Austria to compete in the Corps Snowboarding championships. The exercise takes snowboarders of all abilities, including novices, and pushes them both physically and mentally. Following a few days of instruction, the riders find themselves in the start gate for three events: Slalom, snowboard cross and freestyle. For many, this is their first time in a race environment and the excitement builds as they prepare to launch themselves onto the courses to carve their way down the slope. By the final event, with the assistance of expert coaching (and some failed attempts), the riders showed off their style in a mix of jumps, rails and boxes. Overall, the Regt placed 2nd in the team competition and notably, LCpls Nolan and Young placed 1st and 2nd in the Female Novice category. Sgt Donaldson placed 2nd in the male open category.

Ex TIGER LOGSKI 2 – LCpl Reid, 521 EOD Sqn Ex Tiger Logski 2 was a “foundation level skier development exercise” which took place across two locations in France, from 17 Jan to 2 Feb 25. All participants 56

week of ski training

were of mixed abilities - from absolute beginner level to those completing Ski Foundation Level 2.

Two highly experienced instructors took those completing Ski Foundation 1 in Les Arcs, making the transition from pizza and chips on beginner (green) slopes, to attempting challenging red sections all in the space of six days. The first week was wrapped up with a celebratory Apres-ski in La Folie Douce, before the journey back for some, and continuation or advancement for others in Flaine.

Beginning the second week, a couple of days of little-to-no visibility meant that refining techniques on more technical slopes provided fresh challenges and new skills to learn. The growth of confidence of the group kept morale high, enabling the group to not shy away from battling white outs when the chair lifts opened to higher, off-piste routes. Following this, many aspire to commence their Ski Foundation Level 2, hopefully then leading to future instructors.

Ex TIGER PISTE 4 – WO2 Bishop, 621 EOD Sqn 37 members of the Regt deployed to conduct a Ski Foundation 1 package split over two weeks, to

8 Eight members of 11 EOD&S Regt attended Ex LOGISTIC BOARDER 25

the French Alps. Despite being accustomed to the adrenaline and rigours of Homeland Defence, the novices immediately started their training terrified of the flats, quickly shamed into action by the toddlers perfecting their parallel turns. As expected, the students advanced within days through the spectrum of gradings before solely executing their newly learned carving skills on infamous red slopes. Despite the lack of snowfall throughout the exercise, the RSM lead the way down the treacherous ice-courses with great humility (and bruising), achieving the coveted ‘Most Improved’ status.

The package certainly proved the intent of AT; all returned immeasurably assertive of their newly acquired skills and are planning advanced courses for the next season. The opportunity for all satellited sub-units to convene to share such experiences, socially and in adversity, is rarity that was needed by all.

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13 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC COLCHESTER CO: Lt Col P Chapman • Adjt: Capt D Vachha • RSM: WO1 D Bunn Operations, global engagements, and readiness This period has seen 15 Sqn QOGLR return from Op INTERLINK, 82 Sqn deploy on Op ORBITAL, and 47 AD Sqn deploy to Cyprus on Ex CHAMELEON. 47 AD Sqn have also completed the first ever operational 24x load despatch using the Container Delivery System (CDS) from the Falklandsbased A400 in support of 2 RGR. 63 Sqn has assumed readiness as part of the Air Manoeuvre Battle Group (AMBG) with a frenetic period thickening SP’s Air Assault skills, of Helicopter Under Slung Load training and DZ marking, alongside honing its trade skills.

Similarly, 24 (HQ) Sqn deployed on Ex WINGED SERPENT supporting other elements of the BCT with the Arrivals and Departure Airfield Control Group (ADACG).

The Commando Speed March Members of 13 AARS excelled in the historic Commando Speed March, a challenging 6.7-mile route from Spean Bridge to Achnacarry, carrying 36lbs of equipment. This march, a crucial selection test dating back to the Second World War, honours the endurance and legacy of Commandos trained at Achnacarry Castle. The team achieved remarkable success, with individuals placing first and third, the youngest member coming in first in their category, and the team securing first place overall.

Sport If in doubt go faster. In sport the Regt has seen a range of successes across several disciplines so far this year. 13 AASR has dominated running becoming the Road Running Major Unit Champions and Major Unit winners of the Fleet Half Marathon. In Boxing Pte Cooper is the Inter Services Heavy Weight Boxing Champ, LCpl Johnstone will box in the England Amateur Semi Finals later this month, and LCpl Kotobalavu will represent the Army at Rugby

against the Navy on 6 May 25, and in BAWF the women’s team finished second with the men’s winning the event.

A look ahead In the coming months 15 Sqn QOGLR will assume Public Duties, guarding Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, and St James’ Palace. 63 Sqn will further their field training experimenting with swarming, a bound beyond dispersal, and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems Techniques, Tactics, and Procedures.

8 Lt Gen Eastman MBE addresses 8 (Para) Sqn REME

8 The winning 13 AASR Commando Speed march team

A Look back On 10 Jan 2025, Lieutenant General David Eastman MBE unveiled the Bedford Light Recovery Vehicle as the gate guardian for 8 (Parachute) Field Coy REME marking a significant milestone. Despite the -4 Celsius temperature, the ceremony was attended by REME ESOs from 16 AA BCT. The iconic vehicle, in service since 1969, has played critical roles in 13 AASR operations.

Promotions We proudly congratulate the 15 soldiers selected for promotion to Staff Sergeant, and six soldiers selected for promotion to WO2 from 13 AASR this quarter.

We wish them every success in their future endeavours, both within the Unit and beyond.

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17 Port & Marine Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps SOUTHAMPTON CO: Lt Col TD Wilcox • Adjt: Capt E Jordan • RSM: WO1 R Brown

Support to the Royal Navy – Ex JOINT VIKING 17 Regt’s support to the Royal Navy has been ongoing across RFA LYME, CARDIGAN, and MOUNTS Bay. A recent deployment to note involved a small detachment of port operators who embarked on RFA LYME Bay in Norway for Ex JOINT VIKING in support of 45 Commando. This NATO exercise focused on strengthening the 58

8 17 Regt outloaded three ROROs on Ex STDT25

Credit Crown copyright LPhot Oliver Leach

Ex STEADFAST DART 25 Ex STEADFAST DART 25 (ExSTDT25) the largest NATO exercise this year, was supported by 17 Regt in March. Service personnel held at readiness for the NATO Allied Reaction Force (ARF) were triggered to conduct the UK outload of three Strategic RORO vessels, treated as three separate port task groups across Germany and Greece. Meanwhile, personnel also supported CSCs for the GLOC from Germany to Romania. Two of the Strategic ROROs returned to the Sea Mounting Centre (SMC) in Marchwood, while one trialled an alternative UK port in Immingham for strategic inload for the first time in history, marking a historic moment between the MOD and Associated British Ports. For decades, the SMC in Marchwood has been the central hub for deploying British forces globally, from the Falklands Conflict in 1982 to more recent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. However, by trialling and introducing the use of further ports across the country, UK Defence could potentially gain further adaptability and reduce singular reliance on Marchwood SMC.

Credit: Crown copyright Duncan Campbell

17 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC has had a busy start to 2025. As a working regiment, personnel have continued to work and deploy both within the UK and across the globe to support a multitude of exercises and sustain port and maritime operations.

8 Port Operators were embarked on RFA LYME BAY during Ex JOINT VIKING

alliance’s ability to defend and deter opposing forces in the high North.

Ex PALAEMON Ex PALAEMON is another ongoing commitment that 17 Regt supports.

Recently, a detachment deployed under a Service Level Agreement between 17 Regt and BFC to work out of “Aki Mole” to support Exercise CHAMELEON. The detachment also had the unique opportunity to host the Colonel RLC during her visit in March.

Ex WESSEX STORM Between February and April, members of the Operational Hygiene Troop deployed and supported exercising troops on Ex WESSEX STORM by providing laundry and shower facilities. Their efforts helped to maintain good health and morale amongst deployed personnel – important factors to sustain!

Port Task Groups There has been an array of port task groups (PTGs) that 17 Regt personnel have deployed on since the start of 2025. This includes routine PTGs to both Oman and Gibraltar, as well as more unique PTGs to Emden and Texas to support Ex STEADFAST DART and Ex WARFIGHTER, respectively.

A time for change 17 Regt has been busy supporting the SMC and global deployments whilst also rotating through squadron taskings. 51 and 52 Squadrons swapped their respective roles of ‘home’ squadron and theatre enabling group squadron. Key personalities are also approaching their final few days at the Regt. We wish the CO, Lt Col Wilcox, a fond farewell alongside WO1 (RSM) Chambers.

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25 Training Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps LECONFIELD CO: Lt Col D Cornwell • Adjt: Capt S Adamson • RSM: WO1 T Jones A decision to shake up the Training Squadrons within 25 Training Regiment at Defence School of Transport (DST) in November 2024 marked a big change in two well-known subunits in the Corps. This heralded a new approach to how the Corps’ new soldiers begin their careers.

The restructuring of two wellknown squadrons - 109 and 110 marked the start of an exciting new training system for Phase 2 RLC soldiers. These Sqns have long played a crucial role in the training of logistic soldiers across The RLC. In 2019, 109 Sqn moved from Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut, to Normandy Barracks, Leconfield, where it operated alongside 110 Sqn. The Sqns made up 25 Regiment, together navigating challenges such as the pandemic and were at the forefront of modernisation efforts within DST in recent years. As the training pipeline continues to evolve, as outlined in the previous edition of The Sustainer, in November 2024 it was decided to streamline trainee management and introduce a new, more efficient structure.

Under the new system, the Sqns combined into one, with a centralised Squadron Headquarters (SHQ) and a unified workforce of Permanent Staff to manage all aspects of duty of care, administration, and discipline, including for non-RLC soldiers completing driver training. This newly formed Sqn operates under the leadership of OC, Maj Andy Meek, following the same procedures used by 110 Sqn. As part of this shift, the name "109 Squadron" transferred to HQ Squadron 25 Regiment, along with its white stallion logo.

The merger was a logical step, as the two Sqns had been working together in some areas for years.

The combined structure simplifies training, and trainees who would only mix for Continuation Training now known as Military Skills and

Personal Development (MSPD) are now united into 110 Sqn. Although the trainees live in two accommodation blocks, their overall experience at DST has become more cohesive under the new structure.

However, the change hasn’t come without challenges. The new Sqn is responsible for 323 soldiers, with seven different cap badges and 10 different RLC trades. Most of these soldiers are young recruits who have just completed Phase 1 training. Managing such a large and diverse workforce, most of whom are still finding their feet in Army life, is a significant task. Eight officers, one WO2 (SSM), two SSgts, seven Sergeants, and thirty-six Corporals oversee the soldiers, split into six troops. Safeguarding and duty of care are, of course, top priorities for the Sqn, alongside MSPD training, which is managed by HQ (now 109 Sqn) but delivered by Section Commanders from 110 Sqn. Additionally, a "Tiger Team" of six personnel focuses on modernising

8 110 Squadron Soldiers train with a Chinook for MSPD training

8 Major Meek presenting Coronation Medals to 110 Sqn

the delivery of training for the wider establishment. The Sqn also faces external pressures, such as staff being deployed on Op LAZURITE, supporting Ex WARFIGHTER abroad, and responding to regular requests for support with UK exercises and operations.

Responsibility for managing the careers of this large workforce, while ensuring the highest standards of duty of care, rests with the OC. As he notes: “It is incumbent on us to make sure the next generation of RLC soldiers, along with the other cap badges, are as best prepared as we can for the Field Army.”

Four months after the restructuring, early results show an improvement. The new structure has streamlined administration, and with various departments now co-located with SHQ, efficiency has improved. Permanent Staff now work to a unified standard, and operations are running more smoothly. Major Meek is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work in what may be the largest Squadron in the RLC. He says: “If you think you have what it takes, and you are up for a challenge, we are after fit well-motivated upwardly mobile RLC Officers and Soldiers willing to go the extra distance - Nil Sine Labour.”

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27 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps ALDERSHOT CO: Lt Col E Bowman • Adjt: Capt M Carter AGC(SPS) • RSM: WO1 M Wallwork 27 Regiment RLC has continued into the new year at a fast pace with 77 HQ Sqn deploying to Op INTERFLEX as the Handling and Processing (HAP) Unit supporting our Ukrainian Allies with distributing kit and equipment; an extremely important task that exposes some of our most junior soldiers to a highly demanding environment. The skills and knowledge gained from this Op will undoubtedly not go to waste.

Concurrently 7 Sqn has prepared and subsequently deployed to Texas, USA on Ex Warfighter: a large-scale joint exercise with NATO partners, acting as the Real-Life Support for all exercising troops; utlising the logistical skill set that 27 Regt has developed over many years.

Congratulations are also in order with many promotions over the past few months: Capt Limbu formerly the Adjutant and now OC HAP successfully promoted to Major, while the Regimental 2IC Maj Agius promoted to Lt Col. Welldeserved in all respects.

27 Regt continues to prepare for future deployments under the command of Lt Col Bowman who fosters a warfighting mentality that shall be essential in the years to come.

Ex WOLF POWDER Sgt Dikendra Gurung, Regt’l Ops Sgt The 27 Regiment RLC Ski Trip was held in Val Thorens, France 8-15 Mar 25. This year, the Regt experienced a significant

8 The team from 27 RLC

8 Maj Vidler, Capt Strang, WO1 Reason, and LCpl Poulten atop a mountain

deployment of personnel engaged in Operations and SETs. This ski trip serves as a reward for Service Personnel, offering an opportunity to alleviate the intense operational tempo, allowing the team to bond, relax, and engage with one another across all ranks. Additionally, it provides an important opportunity to deliver the Ski Foundation 1 training to all new participants.

Val Thorens, the highest resort in Europe and the highest point of the Three Valleys area, is the largest ski area in the world with more than

600km of slopes. Located in the heart of a vast natural cirque dominated by its six glaciers, the ski resort of Val Thorens offers a multitude of routes for skiing in the sun all day long.

On the morning of 8 Mar 25, 16 participants departed from Aldershot and, after a ferry crossing, arrived in Val Thorens late that night. The first day focused on issuing equipment and providing basic skills training, as many participants were skiing for the first time. From day two onward, the training became more advanced, with two groups receiving instruction from two instructors until Friday. After five full days of skiing, the team managed to gain SF 1 qualification. Despite feeling tired, everyone had a delightful evening of socialising at the restaurant to conclude the week.

The trip demonstrated a positive dynamic, supported by a diverse range of ranks. The most senior member present was a Major, while the junior member was a Private.

The skiing experience was exceptional. The team is sincerely grateful for the support provided by the Regt, especially during this busy period, which is invaluable and should never be underestimated.

8 77 HQ Sqn has taken over the Op INTERFLEX HAP

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

29 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps SOUTH CERNEY CO: Lt Col T Brazier • Adjt: Capt F Taylor • RSM: WO1 C Corderoy 29 Regiment RLC activity over the last two months has been predominantly focussed on the unit's commitment to the Allied Reaction Force’s (ARF) Exercise STEADFAST DART 2025 (Ex STDT 2025) conducted in Greece, Bulgaria and Romania. Ex STDT is NATO’s largest military exercise in 2025, designed to test and enhance the deployable capabilities and interoperability of NATO forces.

Ex STDT 2025 - By 2Lt S Bishop Ex STDT 2025 consisted of 10,000 personnel from nine NATO countries. These units demonstrated NATO's rapid deployment and defence capabilities in a simulated conflict with a near-peer adversary. The exercise featured live-fire demonstrations, amphibious operations, air power and combined manoeuvres. The UK was the largest contributor with over 2,600 personnel and 730 vehicles involved.

During the exercise the 29 Regt RLC footprint consisted of the RSOM Bn HQ in Bucharest (Romania) two Convoy Support Centres (CSCs) in Burgas (Bulgaria) and Constanta (Romania) three Border Crossing Points and three training areas: Babadag, Boboc and Smardan.

In Romania the initial focus was setting up the Force Movement Control Cell (FMCC) led by OC Enablers Maj Starling and FMWO WO2 Sanderson. The FMCC was

8 MV Hurst Point docks in Alexandroupolis crucial for coordinating force movements and liaising with host nations to ensure smooth convoy travel. The biggest challenge was managing 'ASTs' complex documents based on vehicle axle weights. Every vehicle larger than a 6-tonne SV required these, creating significant work for Sgt Butterworth and the surface desk.

Simultaneously the Port Task Group (PTG) deployed to Alexandroupolis (Greece) controlling the inload of two x ROROs. The PTG was led by 2Lt Bishop who liaised with the hosting battalion and Sgt Rich who provided technical expertise throughout. The team, comprising Port Operations and Vehicle Support Specialists from 17 P&M Regt RLC and movement controllers from various squadrons within 29 Regt, quickly bonded. They efficiently integrated drivers with their vehicles at the

port and dispatched them along the 900km GLOC. During this activity the air desk in the FMCC, headed by Sgt Walke, co-ordinated the receipt of military air transport and personnel into theatre. Small teams and individuals managed bordercrossing points (BXPs) and CSCs. During the deployment to training areas the FMCC managed sustainment convoys, including those with dangerous goods and those requiring police escorts.

Operational output was balanced against training requirements with CBRN, Comms and BCD training delivered by Sgt Douglas and Sgt Crombie. 21 Multi-Role Medical Regiment also trained 11 personnel from 29 Regt as Team Medics.

During the rearward movement, staging and despatch (RMSD) phase the team redeployed to CSCs, BXPs and port locations to enable the smooth movement of the ARF brigade to the SPOE in Alexandroupolis. All deployed movement controllers managed at least two modes of transport while deployed to improve trade knowledge. Additionally, a small team relocated to Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base to dispatch a train carrying vehicles and equipment from 7 Regt RLC through the northern GLOC to Germany.

29 Regt and the RSOM battalion (2 RIFLES) rebuilt the GLOC for the recovery and supported the convoy moves south back to the port of Alexandroupolis. The exercise concluded after visits from CO 29 Regt and Comd 104 TSB, and the successful OUTLOAD of vehicles to their respective ROROs. Overall, the exercise was a success. Personnel from across the Regiment and wider Corps gained invaluable experience both in and out of trade, returning to their respective units more experienced, more deployable and more confident in their work.

8 The UK deployed over 2,600 personnel and 730 vehicles on Ex STDTs

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20 Transport Squadron The Royal Logistic Corps LONDON OC: Maj Z Lester-Morris • SSM: WO2 S Hardman

Equine Troop at 20 Squadron: A new chapter in equine transport Equine Troop has arrived at 20 Squadron RLC, marking the introduction of a new capability within the unit and The RLC. The troop consists of six drivers, whose training - delivered by King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Woolwich Barracks - is designed to prepare them for the complex task of transporting Military Working Horses (MWH) safely and efficiently. The drivers learnt how to operate and manage horseboxes, the importance of safe driving while transporting MWH, and how to respond in the unlikely event of an incident on the road. A key focus is on safely manoeuvring horses on foot in emergency situations to ensure the welfare of both personnel and animals. The training

culminates in a DEFRA-recognised qualification in equine transport.

Op SCORPIUS: 20 Squadron in Poland – By LCpl Dinsdale “During my deployment on Op SCORPIUS, I was engaged in a variety of tasks in support of the mission. My responsibilities included providing operational support and implementing administrative improvements across a large JOA spanning four countries. This opportunity allowed me to collaborate with personnel from our NATO partners, which was invaluable in broadening my KSE. Op SCORPIUS marked my first deployment as a JNCO where I successfully overcame numerous challenges that arose during my time in-country. Additionally, I was temporarily assigned to a detached

8 Equine training at Woolwich Barracks location from the JFSp(EE) HQ, which presented unique challenges.

However, I was able to meet the objectives set for me in this role”.

London Transport Operation Cell (LTOC) The LTOC oversees the planning and organisation of all London based and visiting units undertaking public duties. Recently, the LTOC has successfully coordinated the movement of troops for a range of high-profile events, including Guard of Honours for visiting staff officers and politicians, the National Act of Remembrance, and a State visit for the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

Fit to fight 20 Squadron has been actively representing the minor unit sporting community. At Ex ALPINE KNEES BEND 24, the Sqn won the title of Minor Unit Champions. Additionally, every few weeks, the Sqn competes in the LONDIST GOC’s Cup competitions, participating in netball, indoor-rowing, badminton, squash, football and more.

Congratulations to LCpl Wood, who successfully completed the AAPTI course and is now responsible for delivering the Squadron’s PT on a weekly basis.

8 The 20 Sqn Alpine Ski Team

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

44 Support Squadron Royal Military Academy SANDHURST OC: Maj Z Zmitrowicz • TCWO: WO1 L Brier 44 Squadron RLC continues to be a key component of the Training Support Unit at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, providing essential transport and tactical communication services both onsite and in the field across the UK and Europe for the British Army Officer Cadet Phase 1 training.

Ex ACE’s CHALLENGE During a brief reprieve from supporting Officer Cadet training, Sgt Whitchurch organised a lowlevel field exercise focusing on fundamental skills, including harbour occupation, executing fire manoeuvres, receiving relevant threat briefs and understanding the relevance of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) something most of the Sqn have not been exposed to before. For several personnel, this was their first opportunity to return to the field after completing Phase 1 training. This exercise allowed junior soldiers to showcase their developing skills while enabling JNCOs to lead effectively and share their knowledge and experiences.

The week concluded with range practice, culminating in the Annual Combat Marksmanship Test, where six soldiers achieved marksman status, a commendable accomplishment given the limited exposure our soldiers have with weapon handling. Overall, the week was successful and well-received by

Cross Country. All participants had a positive experience, promoting a healthy competitive spirit while further enhancing team cohesion.

Additionally, members of the Sqn have participated in the Farnborough half marathon and as this is written are training hard for the Fleet half marathon in a couple of weeks; good luck to Capt Craig, WO1 Brier, SSgt Gurung, Cpl Collins and LCpl Magar.

8 Mrs McDonald receives her ACES Challenge prize from the OC

all participants, and the Sqn looks forward to participating in its next Sqn deployment in May focusing more on driver and recovery skills.

Fitness Fitness is a significant aspect of squadron life, with all ranks participating in the termly ACES Challenge, using STRAVA to track individual efforts and formed PT sessions. At the end of each training term, points translate into rewards for the top achievers. A fully inclusive competition, one of the prizes was won by Mrs McDonald, our CS Chief Clerk, well done Jo! A huge thank you to Cpl Purja for setting it up and running with it, the Sqn appreciates all your hard work. In January, the Sqn engaged in the RLC Virtual 5km run followed by the inter-unit RLC

Congratulations Pte Biakula has been selected to play Army women’s Rugby for a further season. Pte Nagatelevu has continued playing Army Volleyball and LCpl Hughes has returned to REME Corps Rugby, a great showing from the women of 44 Sqn. After recently adding the Sqn to the Army Sports Trophy we are certainly enjoying adding these points into it and who knows maybe the Minor Unit title will be within our grasp!

Following the successful selection of nine Privates during the recent Private to Lance Corporal promotion board, the Sqn extends its congratulations to Privates Dowley, Jadaa and Fairman for completing the Lance Corporal ALDP. We would also like to wish the remaining six the best of luck in their upcoming courses and in their future endeavours as they prepare to transition out of the Sqn.

8 44 Sqn on the steps of Old College at RMAS

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Nurturing Success: Pastoral Excellence at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School “From the all-round education set within outstanding facilities and grounds to the excellent pastoral care; there are many reasons why you should consider the Duke of York’s Royal Military School,” says Principal Alex Foreman.

From the moment you enter the 150-acre Kentish parkland estate, you will be amazed by the profound emphasis placed on pastoral care, designed to create a secure and nurturing environment, allowing students to focus on their academic pursuits while feeling supported, valued, and part of a caring community.

Accoladed with two SSAT Educational Outcomes Awards, ƢķėɆƖĉķŨŨŒɆĉŨŝƖļƖƢėŝƢŒLjɆėLJĉėėĐƖɆŝëƢļŨŝëŒɆE ©,ɆƋƎŨİƎėƖƖɆǘİƪƎėƖȚɆ a testament to its commitment to academic achievement. The school's exceptional facilities, including an Olympic-standard athletics track, a state-of-the-art sports centre, and a recent £24.9 million refurbishment project, showcase its dedication to providing an outstanding educational environment.

Beyond the classroom, the Duke of York’s Royal Military School distinguishes itself through its unique approach to an all-round education, maintaining small class sizes and fostering an active lifestyle. The school's emphasis on instilling leadership qualities and life skills, sets students (affectionally known as $ƪŏļėƖȪɆƪƋɆįŨƎɆŒļįėșɆ¶ķėƖėɆǁëŒƪėƖɆƎėǙėĉƢɆļƢƖɆśļŒļƢëƎLjɆķėƎļƢëİėɆëŝĐɆ ethos – the school was founded by Royalty for military orphans.

The pastoral care at the school is delivered by a dedicated pastoral team, comprising Houseparents, academic tutors, and matrons, ensuring that students receive academic, social and

personal support. With over 200 students from Forces Families, ƖƢƪĐėŝƢƖɆǘŝĐɆëɆƖėŝƖėɆŨįɆĈėŒŨŝİļŝİɆëŝĐɆĉëśëƎëĐėƎļėɆǂļƢķļŝɆėëĉķɆ House and experienced staff ensure students feel at home.

The school's commitment to student wellbeing extends to its outstanding medical facilities, providing comprehensive healthcare resources and access to nurses and GP services.

The availability of Wi-Fi throughout the school, coupled with regular exeat weekends (although the school remains open for students who wish to stay on-site), facilitates communication, allowing students to stay connected with their families - a crucial element in creating a home-from-home environment.

Fundamentally, the Duke of York’s Royal Military School stands as an educational institution that seamlessly integrates a military ethos with a strong pastoral focus, creating an environment where students thrive academically, develop enduring friendships, and experience the supportive embrace of a close-knit family. Students leave the school with elevated grades onto fantastic destinations including Russell Group universities, professional apprenticeships and employment.

Explore this exceptional educational setting with private tours offered daily and frequent open mornings at: www.doyrms.com

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

150 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps HULL, NEWCASTLE, HARTLEPOOL, LEEDS, BRADFORD, DONCASTER, LINCOLN CO: Lt Col S J Barker • Adjt: Capt S Greaves • RSM: WO1 P Poole Passing the Baton 150 Regiment RLC would like to recognise the handover of Command between Lt Col HPM McCullough and Lt Col SJ Barker. For the past two and half years, Lt Col McCullough’s vision, leadership and direction has taken the Unit from strength to strength. He has contributed to the Regt’s history and has created a long-lasting legacy for the ‘Wagoners Reserve.’ We wish him well in his new appointment.

Readiness for operations There has been plenty of opportunity for Army Reservists to deploy on exercise and to ultimately prepare for operations over the last quarter. Playing their part in supporting the Allied Reaction Force (ARF) commitment through to June 2025, personnel from across the Regt have been committed to readiness with several more being utilised in roles on Ex STEADFAST DART. In addition, there are also personnel preparing for deployment on Op CABRIT, on NATO’s Eastern Flank. It’s not just forward-facing operations that our personnel have been supporting. Closer to home, we have supported Op LAZURITE, the British military operation seeking to settle Afghans in the UK. Whilst some members of the Regt have been placed onto readiness for future operations, others continue to support enduring tasks that allow them to step away from their civilian employment and to experience life as a mobilised Army

8 This ski season saw 150 Regt deployed Nordic and Alpine teams

Reservist. Pte Wainwright (218 Sqn) has recently returned to the UK after spending six months in the Falkland Islands; LCpl Bailey (523 Sqn) and LCpl Isles (160 Sqn) support the subsequent rotation.

Meanwhile, Cpl Whytock and Cpl Kitchen, both of 217 Sqn, have deployed to BATUK as RLS, responsible for the management and general upkeep of the Unit’s vehicle fleet.

Work in the community The Regt continues to embrace its role within the community and all sub-Units endeavour to build close relationships with their local authority. Perhaps a highlight in the Regimental calendar for community outreach is the biannual event - Ex ATALANTA EMBRACE - hosted by the ROSO and ably supported by his team of ReMSOs. The aim, while ultimately looking to recruit personnel into the Army Reserve, is to build bonds and working relationships with local services and organisations.

The event centres around the theme of female leadership and development and focuses on welcoming representatives from local authorities and industries.

Sport Through the winter months, the Regt deployed teams to compete in both Nordic and Alpine skiing disciplines. With some accolades being collected from the Nordic Team, a particularly noteworthy achievement was Pte Duhre (219 Sqn) who was awarded the

8 Lt Col McCullough has handed over command of 150RLC to Lt Col SJ Barker

‘Chairman’s Award’ for outstanding performance by a novice. In February, a small team attended the Army Reserve Squash Championships. Despite the ability of those who represented the Regt, one being a Corps-level athlete, the team returned empty handed. Well done to Maj Mason, Sgt Mann and Cpl Harrison, all of 160 Sqn, for their efforts.

The Band The Band had an exceptionally busy final quarter in 2024, and the New Year provided the opportunity to carry out some necessary, but significant, housekeeping: the re-cataloguing of 10,000 marches and 23,700 concert pieces of music. With 2025 activity gaining momentum, the Band is providing some great dinner music in messes across the region, and looking ahead to some very high-profile events, of note, hosting The Royal Corps of Army Music’s Spring Academy.

Join Us We have sub-Unit locations in Doncaster, Hull, Leeds, Lincoln and Tynemouth and we are always looking to hear from those considering joining or transferring across from the Regular Army. To find out more about the Regiment and current availability scan the QR code.

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151 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps CROYDON CO: Lt Col A Balchin • Adjt: Capt S Copson • RSM: WO1 B Woolley 2025 started with 151 Regiment RLC bidding farewell to the outgoing CO, Lt Col Ed Lewis, and welcoming the new CO and Adjt into post. This year, training is focussed towards getting ready for Ex TITAN STORM in November, where the Regt will be validated and take on a new role of Main Supply Route Management, with the Regt engaged in a variety of training to develop soldiering, trade and leadership skills.

The 151 Regt Ski Expedition took place in Chamonix, France, in January. Over nine days of sunshine and pristine snow conditions, the team engaged in rigorous training at Ski Foundation Levels 1 and 2. The novice group embraced the opportunity to learn with enthusiasm and their journey from tentative first steps to confident descents showed their perseverance and dedication. The intermediate group featured a mix of abilities, fostered a collaborative environment where members supported one another to meet course objectives.

The training intensity was high, with an unfortunate casualty on the first day resulting in a broken arm. The curriculum included offpiste skiing, avalanche training, mountain touring with skins and advice on navigating blue, red, and black runs. The expedition not only achieved its primary goal of developing future instructors but also ignited a passion for skiing among the participants with many expressing a keen interest in continuing their skiing journey.

During Ex TRIDENT LEADER II in January, the Regt had the opportunity to visit the Op INTERFLEX Handling and Processing (HAP) Facility as part of a weekend package aimed at developing leadership across all ranks. Whilst there, we were fortunate enough to be able to have a Q&A session with two National Support Element (NSE) Officers who both had front line experience.

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It was very inspiring to hear their views and how they manage leadership during wartime.

In early February, soldiers deployed to Longmoor Training Camp for Ex GREEN WARRIOR II. Set against the urban backdrop of a rundown village and downed helicopters, troops practiced clearing buildings and navigating the complex tunnel system beneath enemy structures. Specialist instructors led urban close-quarter battle training, while troops also honed their skills in first aid, navigation, leadership and fieldcraft.

The exercise was further enriched by the support of local PWRR cadets, who provided realistic casualty simulations and an enemy presence. For many reservists, this was their first exposure to such training and it ensured that soldiers were well-prepared for modern combat scenarios.

8 Members of the Regt practice CQB skills during Ex GREEN WARRIOR

8 Mountain touring was taught on the Regt’l ski exped

The first weekend in March saw 50 soldiers brave a very cold but sunny weekend on Aldershot training area to take part in the CO’s Military Skills Competition.

The aim of the weekend was to develop and assess personnel on their soldiering skills, with a focus on relevant battlefield scenarios such as prolonged field care and vehicle recovery, and to provide an opportunity to complete ITRs and qualify for the CO’s Certificate of Efficiency. The Regt also hosted the 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade Commander, Brig Craig Hansen during the weekend.

There have been some excellent achievements to celebrate in this quarter including 2Lt Brian Leung receiving Army Eventing Rider of the Year and his Half Sports Colours and 2Lt Emily Fisher being awarded the Carmen Sword of Honour for most outstanding junior officer, which she presented by HRH Princess Anne at a dinner night hosted by the Worshipful Company of Carmen. Sgt Fletcher of 240 Sqn was also awarded the Lord Lieutenant’s Award for Meritorious Service of which he was very deserving after many years of dedicated service.

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

152 (North Irish) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps BELFAST CO: Lt Col J Monument • Adjt: Capt S McIlveen • RSM: WO1 S Bowers The period from Nov 24 to Mar 25 has seen a high tempo of activity for 152 (North Irish) Regiment RLC, marked by operational contributions, ceremonial commitments, robust training events, and the strengthening of regimental cohesion through social functions.

November was dominated by Remembrance weekend. The Regt was well represented across multiple locations, demonstrating strong community engagement and regimental pride. 211 Squadron, supported by the Regimental Pipes and Drums, commenced the weekend by providing key support to the Brackfield Act of Remembrance. Subsequently, large numbers of personnel participated in parades and services in Coleraine, Londonderry, and Holywood; again with support from Pipes & Drums. These commemorations were solemnly observed and deeply appreciated by the local communities. The CO, RSM and QM also stood up and led the TEG OF4 HQ for Ex STEADFAST DART (STDT), planning for the deployment of British personnel and equipment into Europe in January.

In December, the focus turned to esprit de corps and physical challenge with the Commanding Officer’s Winter Challenge in Londonderry. This spirited event featured a mix of military skills and competitive sports, promoting teamwork and physical robustness.

The event culminated in the Soldiers’ Christmas Dinner, where traditionally the officers and SNCOs served the soldiers. The Christmas period also saw the successful hosting of the Officers’ and SNCOs’ Christmas Balls, both of which were well attended and celebrated with enthusiasm, ending of the year on a high note.

January saw continued planning for Ex STDT and the deployment of the OF4 HQ for the successful INLOAD phase. The month then concluded with the delivery of Ex GREEN GRAMMER, a two-part

development weekend series. The Junior GREEN GRAMMER weekend targeted JNCOs and focused on conceptual leadership development.

The following weekend was for SNCOs and Officers, combining professional development with a visit from Comd 104X, Brig Simon Smith MBE, who then attended the Regimental Burns Supper celebration; an enjoyable and morale-boosting function blending tradition and camaraderie.

In February, the Regt came together for the first iteration of Ex GREEN SHADOW, hosted by 211 Squadron at Magilligan Training Centre. This exercise

8 CO's Winter Challenge

8 211 Sqn in Coleraine on Remembrance Day

marked the beginning of the BCS training progression, focusing on section-level operations and enhancing tactical field skills. The exercise was executed with professionalism and energy, laying a strong foundation for GREEN SHADOW 2 in Apr 25.

Throughout the period, the recruiting team has continued to attend job fairs and other events to try and boost recruitment into the Regt. It has also continued to support both Army Cadet Bn’s within Northern Ireland with STEM stands provided on training weekends. The team now looks forward to increasing numbers coming into the Regt over the busy summer period.

A period marked by operational excellence, meaningful community engagement, professional development, and strong unit cohesion sees the Regt continue to demonstrate its readiness, professionalism, and the spirit of service expected of The RLC and the wider Army Reserve.

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154 (Scottish) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps DUNFERMLINE CO: Lt Col C O’Brien • RSM: WO1 D Knox A fun and challenging period for 154 (Scottish) Regiment RLC, delivering driver training and resubordinating to a new Brigade while taking part in a variety of sporting competitions.

The Regiment delivered Ex MUDMASTER in October 2024 in what has now become the largest off-road driving event in the UK. And what an event… Hosted over the beautiful central belt of Scotland, it saw 124 vehicles driving 15,000 miles over the weekend. This included regulars, reserves, UOTC, RAF and teams from the Dutch Army. Ex MUDMASTER provided the perfect environment to increase lethality, allowing teams to practice communications, command, crosscountry driving, recovery and navigation (day and night). We are now busy putting together this year’s competition, which looks to be as challenging as the last.

The resubordination to 102 Operational Support Brigade (102 OSB) in Oct 25 re-focused the Regt’s mission to provide broad sustainment support to 1 (UK) Div. We got straight onto the task of understanding the new role – while the basics don’t change, there were small adjustments to be made to ensure the troops were prepared to deploy in good order.

Providing a third line and second line support capability to 102 OSB

8 A member of the 154RLC Nordic Ski Team

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8 Ex MUDMASTER is now the largest offroad driving event in the UK

8 A MAN SV wades through the mud on MUDMASTER 24

meant 154 Regt has split Sqn efforts, with 239 and 221 Sqns focusing on developing Close Support and 251 and 230 Sqns developing General Support transport capabilities. This gave us both the flexibility to provide personnel trained in different areas as well as ensuring we stay current with the most recent doctrine. Part of this was ensuring the Regt is on track with the Divisional plan to develop unmanned aerial systems capabilities, which saw us link in with local clubs and visit the Divisional drone racing competition held in London in December.

The Sqns then developed their own training under the banner of ‘Move, Shoot, Communicate and

Treat’. This allowed them freedom to develop realistic and challenging training, practice basic skills and get to grips with their part in the plan. For our officers and WOs this included specific sessions on NATO doctrine, operations and leadership.

January and February saw the Regt supporting 102 OSB on Ex STEADFAST DART. This ranged from providing coach drivers supporting port operations in Greece to our officers deploying into Main HQ in York. The exercise has provided some really valuable lessons for our people in understanding projection of sustainment support.

Although the Regt’s efforts have been taken up with redefining the new role, we also found time to have some fun. The Regt managed to get teams away skiing on Ex KNEES BEND and KNEES STRETCH in Austria and Norway, competed in a range of orienteering events and progressed to the semifinals of the Army Reserves Football Cup. And, as is fitting for the RLC’s only Scottish Regiment, we celebrated Burn’s night in grand style with a full ceilidh.

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

156 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps LIVERPOOL CO: Lt Col A Tang • Adjt: Capt M Rodgers • RSM: WO1 P Black 156 Regiment RLC has had another packed quarter with a diverse range of activities that tested skill, endurance, and teamwork. From the Annual Continuous Training (ACT) to Operational Shooting competitions (OSC), personnel honed their capabilities in demanding environments. The Commanding Officer’s Challenge Weekend pushed participants in a range of sports, before finalising the weekend with a Regimental Dinner Night.

This reinforced regimental traditions and an esprit de corps. A visit from the Commander 101OSB provided a strategic perspective, further strengthening operational readiness.

Beyond the military focus, the Regt competed in Ex LOGISTIC BOARDER, a snowboarding competition which fostered camaraderie whilst pushing comfort zones. As another busy period concludes, the momentum remains high, ensuing the next chapter is just as dynamic.

Ex ROSE RUN 1 (Ex RR1) This quarter began the series of Ex RR, which are the build-up exercises to Ex TITAN STORM. Ex RR1 featured as one of the Regt’s ATCs and had over 90 personnel from the Regt deploy into a DSA for the duration of the exercise. The exercise aimed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Regt’s sub-units and various trades including, chefs, drivers, medics and LSS personnel. The exercise serials were designed by all the permanent staff ensuring realism and providing benefit to the soldiers and officers deployed on the exercise. This provided a comprehensive environment to test and improve the proficiency in delivering essential tasks and services under operational conditions.

Operational Shooting Competition (OSC) The 156 Regt OSC this year was organised by the SSM 235 Sqn WO2 Wheelan. It saw teams from across the Regt come together and compete to win both coveted titles of ‘Best Shot’ and ‘Overall Winner’ and the associated bragging rights.

This is the perfect starting marker for the Regimental Shooting team that will go on and compete at other shooting events across the year. This OSC saw a visit from the Commander 101 OSB. He received a detail brief from RHQ personnel on the developments in the Regt and then enjoyed a meet and greet with soldiers and officers whilst also enjoying the classic “Range Stew.”

Ex LOGISTIC BOARDER 25 The Regt entered the Corps Snowboarding competition held in Flachau, Austria. It was a phenomenally successful competition for 156 Regt’s personnel. Pte Pope won Gold at Women’s Open Slalom, Cpl Reeves won Gold at both Women’s Open Boardercross and Women’s Overall

8 156 Regt came together to compete for the silverware at this year’s OSC

Open. This also saw the Regt win third place overall in the Open category. Cpl Reeves was then selected to represent the Corps at the Army snowboarding championships. All competitors should be very proud of their performance and look forward to next years compeition.

8 The 156 Regt Ex LOGISTIC BOARDER team

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157 (Welsh) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps CARDIFF CO: Lt Col T Shaw • Adjt: Capt R Sayer • RSM: WO1 H Blackmore The 157 (Welsh) Regiment RLC has successfully navigated another stimulating winter season, marked by an array of exercises and operational activities.

This year, training weekends in Wales frequently coincided with severe weather conditions, highlighting the resilience of the Regt. Despite the challenges presented by Storm Bert, which brought gusts of up to 113mph and relentless rain, the squadron's training in Sennybridge continued unabated in late November. The troops assembled at Squadron Reserve Centres and swiftly deployed to the designated area, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their training.

Convoy drills in both urban and rural settings are essential components of the Regt, and throughout the weekend, the troops showcased their skills and proficiency. The Deputy Commander of 101OSB, undeterred by the adverse weather, observed the effectiveness of the drivers in action.

As the Regt transitioned to Ex WINTER DRAGON, Storm Darragh posed another significant challenge.

With early warnings issued by the Met Office, troops proactively moved to ensure their presence ahead of the storm, prepared to secure their operational area before conditions worsened. This exercise serves as a culmination of the calendar year and provides a final opportunity for squadrons to

compete for the coveted CO’s Sword competition. The event, fiercely contested, involved the squadrons participating in command tasks, trade-oriented drills, military fundamentals and shooting ranges. Ultimately, none could surpass the commanding lead of 398 Squadron, resulting in the Sword being awarded to Queensferry. The troops then had Christmas Dinner served to them by the Officers and Seniors as a gesture of goodwill for their sterling efforts throughout 2024.

Ex ALPINE KNEES BEND Six members of the Regt were fortunate to deploy to Norway for the annual RLC Alpine Ski Exped,

8 The 157 Alpine Ski Team in Norway

Ex ALPINE KNEES BEND. Headed up by WO1 John McClean the team got stuck in from the off! Novices’ (never skied ever) Pte Megan Lloyd and LCpl Elms went from strength to strength, and it was only a matter of time before they were flying down the slopes. Joined by the CO and RSM on the final week, the team got to showcase its skills before heading home to Wales.

Counter Al-Shabab Support 580 Sqn Troop Commander Capt Johnston mobilised to Nairobi, Kenya as the UK’s Strategic Communication Coordinator.

Working closely with the Defence Section the role saw Capt Johnston aid in the development of the Kenyan Defence Force Strategic Communications Branch. A unique and rewarding opportunity the deployment offered a great opportunity to gain experience in defence engagement and highlighted the importance of strategic communication in modern military operations.

8 157RLC gets a chance to stay dry during Storm Bert

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

158 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps PETERBOROUGH CO: Lt Col J Gallagher • Adjt: Capt J Eddie • RSM: WO1 E Emmanuel 158 Regiment RLC rounded off 2025 with a weekend deployment to MRTC Bassingbourn, taking part in the CO’s Challenge. This yearly event is akin to Ex NORTHERN STRIKE, a patrol competition around MRTC with stands such as CASEVAC, section attacks and CBRN scenarios. A fantastic weekend for all involved, it culminates with an Inter-Squadron tug of war event before prizegiving and is always well attended.

Moving into the New Year, two SP deployed with 102 OS Brigade on Ex STEADFAST DART, deploying forward to Romania to work within the LSG HQ. Although not a regimental deployment, readiness is still a big factor within 158 Regt for both the ARes and Reg contingents, allowing the Regt to exploit opportunities for trawls and deployments with a degree of flexibility. All our training is geared towards becoming FOC in 2026 as an Avn Sp Regt, ready to deploy with the 1 Avn BCT BSG and provide deployed log effect, but the Regt is now also prepared to deploy as part of the ARF. The training battle rhythm continued back in the UK with the Regt completing its Operational Shooting Competition. Utilising the ranges at the ATC Pirbright, SP from across the Regt took part in

shoots including moving targets and advance to contacts to hone their shooting skills in a competitive environment. With the weather on our side, it was a fantastic weekend with 201 Sqn, based in Bedford and Luton, taking the overall trophy.

On a sporting front, the Regt was fortunate enough to have two SP deploy on Ex LOGISTIC BOARDER 25, the Corps snowboarding championships in Austria. A brilliant few weeks of snowboarding, the event saw the 158 Regt SP return with bronze medals in the female slalom and crossboarder open riders’ events; silver in the female park and freestyle and overall open riders; and a gold in the female park and freestyle open riders.

8 158 Regt was in the medals at Ex LOGISTIC BOARDER 25

Driver training is still a focal point for the Regt. The February STEELBACK exercise saw the Unit get back into its vehicles and conduct road moves up to Driffield via an FSA which had been established in Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, by the LSS Sqn. A CSC was then set up and the soldiers were able to practice their harbour drills and routine before again heading back to ARCs via the FSA. Look forward The FOE for the next few years is already filling up rapidly with multiple exercises being planned, some of which are overseas. The focus still remains becoming FOC as an Avn Sp Regt in Jan 26, meaning the Regt will continue to push SP through their required licences and courses to ensure we are ready. By the end of the year, the Regt will have been involved with Ex IRON TITAN over the summer, Ex RHINO HEART then Ex TITAN STORM towards the back end of the year.

All fantastic training ensuring the SP are current and competent to deploy should they need to.

Additionally, some SP will deploy in the HAP(UK).

8 The Regt completed its OSC at Pirbright

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159 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps COVENTRY, TELFORD, WEST BROMWICH, STOKE-ON-TRENT, BURTON, LOUGHBOROUGH CO: Lt Col R K Pelan • Adjt: Capt R Hartnell • RSM: WO1 S Fiakegbe Seven new officers at 159 Regiment RLC The commissioning parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is a significant milestone which marks the transition for some Reservists through a journey over a few years from Reservist soldier Cadet - Commissioned Officer. 2Lt Husain (a property developer by day) arrives at 237 Sqn at West Bromwich and our new Regimental Chaplain, Revd (Capt) Parker joins 243 HQ Sqn at Coventry. As a professionally qualified officer, a practicing lawyer and the Rector of eight churches in Shropshire, Padre Parker’s journey and training were very impressive and both officers demonstrate the dedication and daily commitment of our Reservists.

159 Regt also gained four Senior Soldier Entry commissions in January and welcomes Capts Freeman, Godfrey, McDermott and Wing back into new roles; each bringing exceptional breadth and depth of military experience which provides the backbone to Reserve units and make this such a strong team.

159 Regt is also very fortunate to have its first RMO join the unit, Maj Marjoria, who is a serving GP in Cyprus but already deploying to BFSAI and Kenya in her first few months with the Regt.

Deployments and major exercises Deployments and major exercises continue to add flavour and experience to both the Army Reserve and the Permanent Staff.

This period has again seen many.

2Lt Heathcote mobilised to support the Afghan Refugee relocation process Op LAZARITE; a thoroughly rewarding experience that is delivering mutual benefit on his first deployment since commissioning only last year. SSgt Pavlou mastered her LSS trade in sunnier climes, initially deploying to Oman followed by Op SHADER where she met up with fellow a 159 soldier, LCpl Bradbury, adding excellent operational experience for both, 72

which the unit looks forward to utilising as we move forward growing our own integral capability.

Also following the sun Pte Diles and Pte Jackson have undertaken their first deployments in the jungle of Belize while SSgt Carney, Cpl Moloney, LCpl Longmore and Pte Boyes enjoy the sights of Kenya with Cpl Moloney gaining the best view of the morning summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Closer to home but on a much larger scale 2Lt Boddy, SSgt Taylor and Pte Seran mobilised on Ex

8 2Lt Husain on her commissioning day at RMAS

8 A team photo on the podiums after a very successful awards ceremony

STEADFAST DART, a large-scale exercise testing the NATO ARF capability in Eastern Europe. With two employed as LOs in the Forward Headquarters in Bucharest, Romania, exposed to the logistics planning of a Sustainment Brigade, and Pte Seran utilising his newly acquired Coach Licence; all will return with greatly increased skills.

A clean sweep on Ex KNEES STRETCH Almost four weeks of arduous training and racing paid off as the Regimental Nordic skiers, including two novices, worked hard and came away with silverware on their first visit to Austria.

Race week involved five arduous races with a mix of skate and classic techniques over distances ranging from 5-20kms. Cpl Moloney and Pte Arundell won individual medals, and the 159 Regt Mixed Team came first in all four team races fighting off some stiff competition from Regular units.

A very successful season for the team who are keen to return and defend their title in 2025.

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

162 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps NOTTINGHAM CO: Lt Col J Hodgson • Adjt: Capt W Eagle • RSM: WO1 L Tokonibau 279 HQ Sqn 279 Sqn has had SP deployed in support of operations and training around the world. The recce and staff work for Ex KRONOS HUNTER 2 has taken much of HQ’s effort and other AT has been led by the QM in the form of Ex DRAGON FRESHTRACKS 1 and 2. Maj Cross was nominated for the CEO Army Sports coin in recognition of his endeavours for ski racing and the Adjt Capt Eagle received one for Army basketball. Capt Calway continues to train and support SP across the Field Army (FA) in parachuting. WO2 Burns has been ranked second in the Army in all clay shooting disciplines – a real accolade.

The training and recruiting focuses were supporting all Sqn activities across the Regt and in the Movement Controller arena. Here, the SMC devised a series of SPOD and APOD visits, supported by the Honorary Colonel, driving the numbers of qualified SP forward to support the FA. A highlight was the deployment to and support of Ex NORTHERN STRIKE with two teams entered and culminating in winning the Best Male Army Reserve title!

280 MC Sqn 280 Squadron, based in Swindon, deployed SP on Ex AUSTERE WOLF as part of the 104X Theatre Enabling Group to Albania in September. The Sqn SSM completed his ACT supporting Op INTERFLEX out of the HAP facility which he thoroughly enjoyed. The Sqn visited the Tank Museum at Bovington to look at the logistic considerations of years gone by pertaining to the movement of men and materiel.

The Sqn celebrated the success of its junior soldiers, who passed a Reserve Mov Op Class 2 Course, cementing their trade credentials, with more passing their LCpl ALDP course. The Sqn was represented at the RLC Snowboarding event in Manchester and two Sqn officers

deployed with the RLC Sport Parachute Association team on Ex SILVER ENDURANCE. The Sqn is now preparing for its deployment on Ex KRONUS HUNTER 2 to Cyprus.

281 MC Sqn 281 Sqn has bid farewell to WO2 Marshall and welcomed WO2 Weston as SSM. On Remembrance Sunday the Sqn paid its respects to one of the five RLC VC recipients, Pte Morley VC, whose grave lies in Nottingham. Dec 24 saw the Sqn undertake a CPD Ex at the IWM North in Manchester focusing on shared learning, with syndicates conducting a deep dive into exhibits, then back briefing their peers developing public speaking and testing their ability to assimilate and disseminate information quickly and accurately.

The Sqn kicked off 2025 with a busy period of back-to-back training, which saw a JNCO Dev Ex sandwiched between a distributed GS Dvr Cse delivered in partnership with 29 Regt. Finally, February saw

8 The 281 Sqn JNCO Dev Ex

8 LCpl Lodie was selected to join the RLC Alpine squad

the Sqn conduct ranges in Strensall, during which several SP achieved their Shotgun Safety Officers Qualification.

282 MC Sqn by LCpl Loble “Whilst competing at Ex KNEES BEND in Hemsedel, Norway, I was fortunate enough to be invited to join an RLC Corps team and represent The RLC at Divisional Level. This is something I had only dreamt of as a reservist with the limited ski time available to me.

“Norway was an incredible opportunity to improve my racing technique. I took this instruction with me to EX SPARTAN HIKE, Serre Chevalier, where I would compete in Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom and Slalom. The pressure was on as I needed to be in the top 60 out of the 150 competing to be invited to attend the Army’s Ski Champs. With a lot of commitment and some eyeopening runs I managed to make the cut! The Army’s was next level, competing against some incredible skiers, I finished as a mid-runner out of the 101 competing. My best finishing positions was in the Men’s Alpine Combination finishing 24th overall. I would thoroughly recommend anyone to put themselves forward for opportunities like this as the overall experience was incredible.”

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165 Port & Maritime Regiment RLC PLYMOUTH CO: Lt Col G Symonds • Adjt: Capt D White • RSM: WO1 P Viant The last quarter has seen 165 P&M Regiment RLC, personnel mobilising on a range of operations including Op INTERFLEX, Op SCOPIUS, Ex STEADFAST DART, and the Army’s EtR Surge: all while honing their skills though Skill to Arm (StA) and dismounted close combat training in pursuit of their Certificate of Efficiency.

Special to Arm Training (StA) Across the Regt, squadrons have been enhancing their core skills and competencies. In January, 142 Sqn undertook vehicle services, Starlink and JAMES training, culminating with the loading of the Eddystone Point (Ro-Ro) ship. 232, 265 and 266 also conducted their third StA at Marchwood, utilising Browndown Beach to demonstrate the integration of trades, with beach levelling and the deployment of trackway by Port-ops facilitating resupply from the Mexeflote. The Mariners refined their ‘daily routine’ and sentry roles during 48hrs of life on board. Alongside the Regt’s core soldiering role, StA training provides vital trade experience, enhancing the integration of reserve and regular forces. To this end, 165 Regt has recently welcomed back Pte Thorogood from his six-month tour supporting 460 Port Troop in the Falklands, and the Operational Hygiene Training Team from 710 Sqn has delivered a Detachment Commander Course to six personnel from 17 P&M Regt.

Ex KNEES BEND In February the 165 Regimental Ski Team, began its combi-van tour to Norway to compete in Ex KNEES BEND and the RLC Alpine Ski Championships. The ski racing that lay ahead presented a test of fitness, endurance and camaraderie for this diverse group of skiers. 165 Regt had many notable successes, attaining first Reserve team in the Slalom competition and second Reserve 74

team in the Giant Slalom and Super Giant Slalom competitions. The Regt placed fouth overall and received medals as the Reserve Alpine runner-up team. Special commendation goes to Pte Lewis Wren, who came first Reserve in the Novice competition, and Captain Ben Wall who attained Reserve runner-up in the Giant Slalom, Reserve and Veteran runner-up in the Slalom competition, and Reserve Alpine runner-up. Lastly, the Regt is truly grateful to Captain Tim Squire - ski instructor, race official, chief chef, and raiser of morale - who retires from the Army this year after 45 years of commitment and dedication to Corps skiing.

Sports and AT Pte’s MacAngus and Robinson (142 Sqn) competed in Corps Equestrian, Pte Harris completed the RLC Motorcycle Enduro preseason training, and 142 Sqn utilised it VS skills on Ex AUTUMN LEAVES, the British Army Motorsport Association (BAMA) competitions, where Pte’s Maher

8 Pte Harris during Enduro training

8 165 Regt personnel mobilised on Ex STEADFAST DART

and Russell received the best 165 P&M Regt crew award. Pte Mike Sampson has also represented the Corps at Army basketball trials, and 2Lt Kurn (a goalkeeper) has been successfully selected to represent the Army Reserve football squad.

Awards and recognitions Among many awards and recognitions, special congratulations go to LCpl Cresswell who attained the Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire Meritorious Award, Pte MacAngus on receiving the Army Sports Control Board Coin for her contribution to Army sport, Maj Game CEO who was awarded the sports coin for dedication to Netball, and to WO1 Shaun Trezise who was presented with his fifth VRSM clasp by the Brigade Commander, signifying 35 years as a reservist!

Looking forward The Regt is looking forward to continued successes in the new training period, with a busy schedule of ACT, ranges and StA ahead; as well as the introduction of new FIBUA/OBUA training directive within CCS. The Regt is also looking forward to reconnecting with friends and colleagues at the upcoming RLC Reserve Corps Dinner Night, Central Sergeants’ Mess Dinner Night, RLC Officers’ Mess Corps Dinner Night, and RSM Reunion.

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167 Catering Support Regiment RLC GRANTHAM CO: Lt Col J Rathbone • Adjt: Capt C McColl • RSM: WO1 S Allison 167 Regiment RLC is a nationally recruited Army Reserve Regiment, providing sustainment support to operations and exercises across the UK and globally. The Regt has opportunities for Chefs, Comms Specs, LSS and Staff Officers.

The Regt welcomes both new recruits and Regular to Reserve transfers. As a National Reserve Regiment, 167 personnel have a reduced training commitment of just 19 days per year, though there are many options for greater commitments including mobilisation.

Overseas Both Reserve and Regular personnel have deployed on international Ops and exercises.

Chefs from 111 and 112 Sqns deployed to the USA on Ex EAGLE OWL. This standing commitment provides catering support to ~180 personnel of the Intermediate Staff & Command (Land) Course from the UK Defence Academy. As well as ensuring that all meals were provided to the highest standard, they had to battle the challenges of severe cold weather warnings, blizzards and -28C conditions. This was achieved along with a treat of steak and lobster for the Officers on the final day.

8 Pte Leung at 10 Downing Street

delivering catering support to Op INTERFLEX at South Cerney, while officers from 498 Sqn have mobilised on Op LAZURITE – supporting the resettlement of Afghan civilians in the UK. As part of the Christmas season, 112 Sqn’s virtual “Stir-Up” event saw participants turn chocolate oranges into festive animals and was greatly enjoyed by all.

Soldiers continue to maximise opportunities for sports, with representation on the RLC Women’s Rugby team and success for the 167 Regt football team – reaching the quarter finals of the Army Reserve Challenge Cup. LCpl Graham of 500 Sqn has qualified as a Referee with the Army FA.

8 The Adjutant deployed to Somalia on Op TANGHAM

In sunnier climates, the Adjutant has returned from six months in Mogadishu, working as a Military Advisor to the Somali MoD on Op TANGHAM; while Maj Masson of 498 Sqn has been deployed to Chad as a UK representative to the Multinational Joint Task Force HQ. Closer to home Pte Leung represented 111 Sqn at the Armed Forces Hong Kong Association Lunar New Year community engagement event and a reception at 10 Downing Street, hosted by the Prime Minister. The Regt’s chefs have also kept busy delivering Remembrance, Christmas and Burns’ Night functions to units across the UK. Standing commitments continue with chefs

Catering excellence Two chefs from 112 Sqn have been highlighted for all-star achievements in the catering field.

LCpl Rowbottom was selected as the 2IC of the British Army Culinary Arts Team and deployed to the USA to compete internationally, while Pte Jones has been awarded the 2024 Soldier Chef of the Year award by the Worshipful Company of Cooks, after a stellar performance on the Higher Culinary Skills course.

The Regt welcomes Maj Somerville as OC 112 Sqn and Pte Fawad from basic training, and wishes fond farewells to Maj Goodchild, Sgt Rogers, Sgt Roberts and LCpl Heane.

8 112 Sqn’s ‘Stir-Up’ event

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British Forces Cyprus JOINT LOGISTIC SQUADRON (JLS) OC: Maj T Saddleton RLC • SMM: WO1 D Wilson RAF Alongside managing all BFC BFPOs and Defence Courier Services, the dedicated Postal and Courier Tp team has participated in multiple sporting events. On 17 Nov 24, members from Dhekelia Station took part in the Radisson Blu Larnaca International Half Marathon. This event was more than just a race; it was an opportunity to push our limits, strengthen team spirit, and reinforce combat readiness.

Completing the half marathon was a proud achievement, showcasing our commitment to fitness, teamwork, and readiness for any challenge, while also contributing to charitable causes.

Additionally, a team of three from the Tp represented JLS at the RLC Badminton Championship held from 14-18 Oct 24 in Grantham, UK. Led by Pte Bikash, with Cpl Bibey and LCpl Bijay, the event provided a unique opportunity to build stronger team spirit and test physical and mental resilience. The team engaged in both singles and doubles matches, challenging their technical abilities and overall fitness. The first two days focused on learning the basics and refining core skills, while the remaining three days were dedicated to competitive play. The team demonstrated exceptional progress, ultimately reaching the quarter finals.

These experiences offered excellent platforms for growth, both as individuals and as a cohesive unit representing the wider BFC community. Our achievements were significant milestones, highlighting our determination, teamwork, and ability to adapt under pressure.

Joint Mechanical Equipment Transport Squadron (JMETS) The RLC contingent within JMETS has worked tirelessly over the final quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, delivering capability to RAF Akrotiri and the wider BFC. The Equipment Care (EC) cell continues to deliver on the enormous task of overseeing over 76

8 Postal & Courier Tp members completed the Larnaca International Half Marathon

8 The JLS team at the RLC Badminton Championships

500 white fleet vehicles, supporting various exercises and operations, including Ex PINESTICK, Ex URBAN Ops, and Op ARENGA. They have also focused on regenerating and sustainment of the fleet for future tasks.

As JMETS faces a challenging period, with the workshop in Akrotiri undergoing renovations, the EC cell has been instrumental in conducting the Equipment Support estimate to temporarily relocate repair activities to Episkopi. By liaising with stakeholders in this Joint environment, they have minimised the impact of the move with their proactive approach.

The Vehicle Support Section (VSS) has shifted its focus from enabling operational activity to preparing the fleet for 2025's tactical exercises, providing support to visiting units. Their efforts are key to maximising the training effect that units can achieve on OTX’s. VSS and EC’s combined role

in enhancing Road Safety week contributed directly to RAF Akrtoriri winning both the Defence and RAF Road Safety awards for 2024 – a fantastic achievement and the first time both have been won by the same unit in a single year.

Dhekelia MT has been a cornerstone of operational support within the Eastern Sovereign Base Area (ESBA), providing essential services including the ESBA Combined Medical Practice, Fire Station and SBA Customs. The lead up to Christmas and New Year were particularly busy, supporting the United Nations Training and Advisory Team (UN TRATT), and the Joint Services Adventure Training (JSAT) on top of routine activity. They manage 150 white fleet vehicles and 50 SBA police vehicles, ensuring they are always ready for critical tasks.

The RLC in JMETS have also led community engagements, delivering events like Akrotiri Primary School's WW1 Theme Day and Op SANTA 2024. Led by Cpl Northall and supported by the whole squadron, they delivered over 1,000 Christmas boxes to the Akrotiri community and surrounding village on 18 Dec 24, covering more than 15km. In 2025, VSS and EC continue to maintain high operational and community engagement levels, ready to face whatever challenges come their way.

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Defence Munitions (DM) Kineton Station TEMPLE HERDEWYKE OC: Maj AR Tait • RSM: WO1 S Hogan-Henry

ATSG plays a vital role in supporting the efforts of the Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) organisation. ATSG is dedicated to ensuring that UK Armed Forces are supported with the highest quality ammunition.

With an ever-changing world that we live in, ATSG’s ability to deliver where it counts, provides a unique capability within the Ammunition Technician (AT) trade and wider Field Army alike.

ATSG has had an exceptional year, supporting ammunition processing to various military operations. These included Ops ALBA, RAVEN 3, CRITAM, SHADER and SCORPIUS to mention only a few. Over the past year, ATSG has conducted inservice surveillance of ammunition valued at over £150,000,000 totalling 4,500 tasks assuring over 60% of Defence’s stockpile.

Preparing competent Ammunition Technicians ATSG has begun operationalising as part of Op MOBILSE. This has seen the merging of low-level fieldcraft with Ammunition Technical skills. This ensures personnel are proficient in maintaining ammunition in the field and adept in fieldcraft skills essential for operational environments. A key component has been the re-introduction of the Mobile Ammunition Inspection Facility (MAIF). The MAIF allows for

the efficient and safe inspection of ammunition in the field, meeting the ammunition requirements for military operations. ATSG’s military training programme will conduct numerous range packages including the General Service Pistol, culminating with a CT Bravo exercise near the end of the year.

Detachments With Continued Professional Development (CPD) a priority, ATSG JNCO’s have deployed to Cyprus and the Falklands to provide technical support. Ex LINOTYPER saw a four strong contingent, led by Sgt Alex O’Shea, deploy into Germany to ensure the safe storage and surveillance of the multi-million-pound stockpile of training ammunition.

Assistance to 11 EOD&S Regt and 3 Cdo Bde with guided weapons firings technical support in Wales, provided ATSG JNCOs with valuable experience towards their personal Training Development Records (TDR).

Celebrating sporting excellence Despite being a Minor Unit in terms of manning, there is nothing Minor when it comes to ATSG’s sporting success. These achievements not only highlight the individual talents within ATSG but also reflect the collective spirit and camaraderie that drive their success: • Skiing/Snowboarding - Stunning the Corps skiing community with

8 ATSG lead the Remembrance Parade through Warwick

a surprise overall victory at the RLC Alpine Ski Championships held in Hemsedal, Norway • Football RLC 6-a-Side Champions • Athletics Sport Midlands Inter Unit Athletics Championships Minor Unit Champions • Cricket - Sgt Bennett selected for the Armed Forces Cricket Development Team’s tour to Dubai.

Logistic Supply Specialist Not to be outdone by their AT counterparts, the LSS component of ATSG has provided valuable support to the logistical operations at Defence Munitions Kineton. The LSS HoT and Fd Army FOWO visited to gain an insight into returned ammunition processing and deliver an insightful brief into the LSS strategy. Amongst the wider team, we are progressing towards a workplace transition which will see the LSS becoming more involved with stocktaking, discrepancy, and loss reporting, this is above and beyond general depot activity and keeping current with MJDI by working in the Quartermaster Department.

Awards Congratulations to Cpl Tracey Edwards for receiving a Conductor’s Coin for their continuous professionalism and supply chain dedication.

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VICTOR Squadron, Commando Logistic Regiment RM BARNSTAPLE OC: Maj T Stanford RLC • SMM: WO2 M Ward RM V Sqn provides 2nd line logistics support to UK Commando Forces (UKCF) and 1st line supply capability to the Littoral Response Groups (40 and 45 Cdo RM). It is predominantly RLC with SCO (LSS) and Pet Op trades but also contains a Royal Marines Transport Troop and RM RPAS Section.

The winter months are usually some of the busiest and V Sqn personnel have been deployed globally to a variety of locations including Norway, Cyprus and Australia.

Winter deployment 25 (WD25) WD25 proved a good opportunity to test the Regt’s resilience and operational effectiveness in the High North Region (HNR). Working alongside both Norwegian and Finnish allies it is undeniably important in assuring the unit’s readiness in support of our NATO allies in the defence of their territory. On arrival in Norway, SPs complete essential cold-weather courses including the one-week cold weather operators’ course and three-week cold weather warfare course.

V Sqn provided a range of support to the deployment. Pet Tp deployed six SPs to develop cold weather SQEP, Transport Tp drivers delivered support to the exercises working to provide first line logistical support to 45 Cdo and a Section (+) of suppliers deployed in support of the NEG (Norway Enabling Group) managing the deployed account.

V Sqn CT1 training For V Sqn troops remaining in the UK the new year has provided ample opportunity to conduct low level Tp and Sqn training. V Sqn deployed for a week in Dartmoor testing individuals’ navigation. The week proved a good refresher for all, including the Marines, and an excellent opportunity for SPs looking to complete the AACC, developing their navigation skills 78

and familiarising them with the course training environment.

Tpt Tp has been working hard to deliver field-craft lessons throughout the winter term. These have proven beneficial in both progressing the Tp’s instructor skills and also familiarising Army ranks with SOPs used throughout the Commando Force. Finally, the Sqn delivered a two-week range package at Straight Point ranges.

The Marines from Tpt Tp managed to fire on a two-day range package using UKCF’s new KS1 rifle.

Regimental reorganisation Following a regimental re-structure, the vehicle fleet has also required reallocation across the Sqns. With V Sqn holding most of the Regt’s Ground Mobility (GM) SQEP it has taken the lead on the redistribution and management of the vehicle fleet during the transition.

Innovation UKCF operations are discreet by design. As a result, V Sqn is constantly developing its means of sustainment to the force necessitating innovation. As UKCF’s fuel SMEs, Pet Tp, working with KBR, has been looking to reestablish the unit’s ship to shore fuel capabilities, having not been used in unit since 2006. Pet Tp has worked hard to re-develop the necessary SQEP to further the Regt’s 2nd line bulk fuel capabilities

8 V Sqn personnel deployed with Cdo Forces in the HNR

and has recently received the updated Air Portable Fuel Containers (APFC). Not only does this further the Regt’s interoperability with the Commando Helicopter Force but also allows for further innovation in fuel provision to CF strike teams.

AACC (All Arms Commando Course) Following the centralisation of the Pre-Commando Package, V Sqn has continued to provide support in the delivery of the five-week package by providing multiple PTIs to enable the delivery of the required physical training.

Members of V Sqn, of all genders and backgrounds, are encouraged, but not forced, to complete the AACC. Potential Commandos are supported with training and advice to ensure they can perform to the best of their abilities. Pending CoC approval sign-up to the course is available through 24 Cdo RE’s SharePoint. A total of three courses run each year.

If this is something that interests you, do not hesitate to reach out to the Sqn or consider following our Instagram account @vcommandosquadron to see what life is like for V Sqn personnel and the RLC’s Commandos.

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neJfA nnf gîƭŠČĺĿŠij ūŠ ƥĺĚ ǨŠē cƭŠĚ ǨǦǨǫȡ ƥĺĚ ¤g ƎƎ DžĿŕŕ ċĚ îDŽîĿŕîċŕĚ ūŠ ŠēƑūĿēȡ Ŀ¡ĺūŠĚ îŠē ƥĺƑūƭijĺ ƥĺĚ ¤g DžĚċƙĿƥĚȦ ØĿƥĺ ĺîƥȡ HƑūƭƎƙȡ /DŽĚŠƥƙȡ ¬ĚîƑČĺ ʁ ūŠŠĚČƥ îŠē ¡ĿŠċūîƑē IJƭŠČƥĿūŠƙ ƥĺĚ ¤g ƎƎ DžĿŕŕ ƥƑîŠƙIJūƑŞ ƥĺĚ DžîNj DžĚ ČîŠ ČūŠŠĚČƥ ƥĺĚ ĚŠƥĿƑĚ ūƑƎƙ GîŞĿŕNjȦ TŠIJūƑŞîƥĿūŠ DžĿŕŕ IJūŕŕūDž ĿŠ ēƭĚ ČūƭƑƙĚ ūŠ ĚŞîĿŕƙȡ ƙūČĿîŕ ŞĚēĿî îŠē ċƭŕŕĚƥĿŠƙȦ

THE SUSTAINER | OTHER UNITS

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Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS) BENSON, OXFORDSHIRE OC: Maj S Thomas RLC • 2IC: Flt Lt A Selmann RAF • SSM: WO2 L Dowling The Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS) is required to operate in all environments. The start of this year has been a good example of the versatility and adaptability of soldiers at JHSS. Op CLOCKWORK During Op CLOCKWORK, JHSS worked alongside the Commando MAOT in ‘whiteout’ artic conditions to successfully run complex load lifting parks which enabled 845 Sqn Merlins to resupply log cabins high in the mountains. This work has sustained the Norwegian Tourist Board’s remote cabins that are critical to the Norwegian ski touring industry for a further three years and has been fundamental in maintaining our excellent relationship with our hosts in the high north.

Ex KUKRI DAWN JHSS deployed to Leuchars in Scotland to support the Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Benson with its final exercise. Ex KUKRI DAWN was the final test for pilots learning to fly and fight the CH-47 and Puma. As this was an exercise focused on Support Helicopters, it was vital that JHSS could provide complex underslung loads to fit into the exercise scenario. The Scots DG kindly loaned a Panther and the Royal Artillery produced a

105mm Light Gun and tractor. Once rigged by JHSS these flew into Edinburgh, much to the delight of the local population.

Brunei MAOTs from JHSS deployed to the Bruneian jungle so that the revalidation of all jungle Landing Points could take place. Although many of the LPs can be accessed by road or on foot, many sites are deep in the jungle and require helicopter insertion before surveys

8 A JHSS Heli Landing Team deployed on HMS Prince of Wales

can be conducted. Therefore, before the retirement of the Puma helicopter, it was utilised to insert MAOTs to ensure all LPs can accommodate the H145/Juno, which has been procured to replace Puma in Brunei.

Ex HATHI POL JHSS deployed a Heli Handling Team in support of 27 Sqn (CH-47) to HMS Prince of Wales. Having completed their embarked forces training at HMS Saltan in Portsmouth, they were well prepared for their indoctrination to life in the Navy. The team utilised the enormous ship’s hangar to prepare underslung loads, or as the RN like to call them; VERTREP (Vertical Replenishment).

Additionally, the team was familiarised with sea survival equipment and is now trained to fit pax, ready for travel in helicopters over water passages.

8 RAF pilots train to fly with heavy underslung loads on Ex KUKRI DAWN

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

Logistics Information Services Troop 13 Signal Regiment BICESTER TROOP WO: WO1 (SSM) N Nelson RLC Logistics Information Services Troop (LIST) is predominantly made up of RLC Systems Analysts. It has had a busy start to 2025, supporting two high level overseas deployments in the first quarter. Firstly, support to the large-scale multinational NATO exercise Ex STEADFAST DART 25, followed by an overseas technical upgrade onboard HMS Lancaster. Both deployments enabled LIST to showcase its ability to provide critical IT support in challenging environments whilst still delivering digital solutions across Defence from the home bank.

Throughout January and February, two analysts deployed on Ex STEADFAST DART 25, integrating with deployed logistics elements to ensure critical IT systems remained operational.

Their role included maintaining connectivity, troubleshooting infrastructure issues, and implementing secure communication networks to support mission success. Despite austere conditions, the team delivered a robust digital backbone, enabling real-time logistical coordination across multiple nations. The exercise saw over 2,700 UK personnel and 730 platforms deployed, with analysts supporting a logistics network comprising of three Concentrator Service Packs, 20 Field Service Packs, and over 70 User Access Devices distributed across 11 formations.

Concurrently, two analysts deployed to a strategic overseas location to conduct an Oracle Database upgrade on HMS Lancaster’s deployed MJDI server, ensuring the onboard IT infrastructure met operational requirements before setting sail.

This task involved configuring and deploying networked systems, verifying infrastructure compliance, and providing essential training to end-users. The successful completion of this installation enhanced the vessel’s digital capabilities, directly contributing to operational readiness.

Although a demanding period, the troop made time for a visit to the Williams F1 Conference Centre, engaging in an informative visit and

8 Logistics Information Services Troop (LIST) visit to Williams F1 conference centre

a well-deserved E-Sports session. A break from the normal routine that fostered team cohesion.

Looking ahead, LIST is driving forward the Non-Data Centre Hardware project, a major overhaul of deployable Logistic IT, enhancing capability for the deployed user community.

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THE SUSTAINER | CULINARY ARTS USA The 49th annual Joint Culinary Training Exercise (49th JCTE) took place in Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia on the 23 Feb to 10 Mar 25. The team manager, WO1 Pete Moffat had the privilege to take a full team of chefs, two mentors, a logistics manager and a RLC Photographer. The team was split into international competitors and British Army Culinary Arts Team (BACAT) competitors for individual and team events.

This was a year of development with seasoned chefs leaving the trade or making the jump to judging on the international stage.

This was a massive step up for LCpl Silk and Cpl Sherpa being named as the International Team and following in the footsteps of senior Chefs who managed to win, retain, and be crowned international champions three years running.

Following team training at Catering Training Wing (CTW) Worthy Down the team flew to the USA on 23 Feb 25. On arrival in the US, the team had two days of preparatory admin. During this period the Team Manager was asked if SSgt Rachyel Ainsworth’s expertise could be used as a guest international judge for the duration which is a huge accolade for her and the British Army.

Up first was Cpl Alex Rowbottom in the Armed Forces Chef of the Year which this year was three hors d'oeuvres and a pork loin main course of the chef’s choice; all complete in 75 minutes. He did not disappoint winning a silver medal.

The British Army JCTE team: Team Manager: Team Mentor: Team Mentor: Logistics Manager: Photographer: International Team Captain: International Chef: Senior Team Captain: Senior Team 2IC: Senior Team Chef: Senior Team Chef: Senior Team Chef: Junior Team Captain: Junior Team 2IC: Junior Team Chef:

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49th Joint Culinary Training Exercise Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia

Day two saw the team compete in Pastry Chef of the Year and LCpl Mitchell to take to the competition stage for the first time in his catering career. With nerves of steel and showing no pressure, he had to produce nine portions of a chocolate dessert to be served platter service to the judges with one portion being plated for the judges to critique within 90 minutes.

Day three saw the team have the busiest day of the exercise with the Nutrition Team Challenge, Student Team Challenge, and preparation

WO1 Pete Moffat (1UKXX) SSgt Paul Henderson (51X) SSgt Rachyel Ainsworth (14 Sigs) Sgt Fiona Austin-Strahan (22 MMR) Cpl Barry McKenzie (RHQ RLC) LCpl Brett Silk (1 Mercian) Cpl Sonam Sherpa (32 RA) Sgt Mitch Arnold (3 PARA) Cpl Alex Rowbottom (167 RLC) LCpl Liam Mitchell (14 Sigs) LCpl Will Colwell (14 Sigs) LCpl Issabella Awudi Pte Mason Bates (32 RA) Pte Aseri Loko (1 SG) Pte Ashis Sunuwar (RMAS)

8 Student team competing in front of the judges and working as a team

for the Team Cold Table along with the start of the international categories. The nutritional challenge was a challenge, with many sleepless night counting calories, fats, proteins and carbohydrates for the management. LCpl Will Colwell and LCpl Issabella Awudi had to prepare a four-course menu for four people. The meal had to include a hot appetiser; soup or salad; an entrée; and a dessert; three portions for judging and one for display and critique. The total caloric value of the meal should not exceed 1,000 kcal per person. The balance should be 15-20 percent protein, 45-60 percent carbohydrates, and 25-30 percent fat. The team managed to make a menu with all the caveats above and the judges commented on the complexity of the Heirloom Tomato and Goat’s Cheese Mousse being a standout dish in the category.

The student team consisted of all junior members, and they had to prepare, cook and present four portions of a four-course menu comprising a fish starter that must

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#BritishArmyLogistics include round or flat fish with crustaceans or a bi valve fish, a salad, a main course and finished off with a dessert. The team also had to show good communication skills as well as timings to ensure the dishes went out in order as per a restaurant service. All the above was to be complete in 90 minutes with a 20-minute plating window.

Their menu celebrated a whole pumpkin throughout, and the dessert even included the skin deep fried for a crisp texture and a pumpkin Crème Patisserie.

The focus for the team then turned to the team cold table which consisted of a fish or meat platter, four hors d'oeuvre, four Petit Fours, a four-course vegetarian gourmet, four plated desserts and a centre piece. The team managed to get the table up by 0630hrs the next day after working all through the night. Whilst the team was working on the table the International Team was finalising its first dishes with Cpl Sherpa completing the international fish platter and garnishes and LCpl Silk was baking his breads and ensuring everything looked good ready for the table.

LCpl Silk had to produce three different types of dough with two products from each dough type for a total of six different items. All members of the team had now been awake for 36 hours and had put up a tremendous display for the judges, it was now over to them to judge and provide feedback to the teams.

The team did not competed in live events on day four due to this being the team table day, but it was back to the kitchen for all members for the last two days of the competition with all to play for in Student Chef of the Year and Student Pastry Chef of the year along with the live events for the International Team and Cpl Sherpa in the Contemporary Hot Kitchen (Beef Tenderloin) and LCpl Silk in the Contemporary Cold Dessert category. WO2 Henderson had his work cut out with tired chefs but the team pulled together to ensure that all competitors were ready for day five.

Up first was the international event and Junior Chef of the Year.

Cpl Sherpa had 75 minutes to prepare cook and present four portions of a beef tenderloin dish to

CULINARY ARTS USA | THE SUSTAINER

8 Tomato and Goat’s Cheese Salad for the Nutritional challenge

the judges where he showcased many skills including a ragout filled tortellini. Pte Bates had 75 minutes, to prepare two Cornish French Hens and all the garnishes to accompany the dish, with one caveat. He must show two cooking techniques of the Cornish Hen. He chose to steam his breast and deep fry his southern style filled leg with his take on chicken and waffles. A dish the judges thought was a brave move from a British Chef in America… But it paid off.

Later in the day Pte Loko took to the stage having only left Worthy Down and Phase 2 training in September 24. She was competing in Junior Pastry Chef of the Year which the brief was a take on the traditional St Honor with a modern contemporary twist. She had 90 minutes to prepare cook and present nine portions. Alongside Pte Loko on stage LCpl Silk was also in action for the international category completing his dish of lemon posset, white chocolate crumb, lemon and vinegar gel and a basil sorbet.

Day six saw all members of the Senior and Junior Team compete in the MKT Challenge (which is the US version of our Field Catering System) with all members of the team allowed to cook and complete front of house. There was a big change to this year’s rations, which were not fresh as last year.

They had to use the American style UGR rations (a box that feeds 50 people) and a UGR-A which is a fresh box of rations for the American chefs to use whilst deployed, all this was accompanied with a list of fresh ingredients. The challenge for Sgt Arnold and his team was they had never used these boxes before and only saw them the day before the competition. The team had to create a five-course menu which consists of an appetiser, soup, salad, main course, and a dessert.

The team had three hours to prepare and cook the dishes. The team worked right to the last second to ensure that all 50 customers were served.

Day seven was clean down and return all the kit and equipment borrowed throughout the competition. Day eight was the presentation and with all personnel in place and the distinguished guests and VIPs in their seats it was time for the awards to be presented.

The team were unfortunate not to retain the international award, but the management were happy with the steps made in team for progression for the 50th Joint Culinary Training Exercise in 2026.

The team results are as follows: Armed Forces Chef of the Year – Cpl Alex Rowbottom – Silver Medal Student Team – Pte Mason Bates, Pte Aseri Loko, Pte Jorge Hamilton, Pte Ashis Sunuwar, Pte Aron Gurung – Silver Medal Senior Pastry Chef of the Year – LCpl Liam Mitchell – Silver Medal Nutrition Challenge – LCpl Will Cowell and LCpl Issabella Awudi – Gold Medal Junior Chef of the Year – Pte Mason Bate – Bronze Medal MKT Challenge – All team members – Gold Medal Junior Pastry Chef of the Year – Pte Aseri Loko – Diploma Team Table – All Members – 2 Bronze Medals for the 4 course Gourmet and the Plated Desserts International Categories Bread Display – LCpl Brett Silk – Diploma Fish Platter – Cpl Sonam Sherpa – Diploma Contemporary Hot Kitchen – Cpl Sonam Sherpa – Gold Medal Plated Cold Dessert – LCpl Brett Silk – Bronze Medal

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THE SUSTAINER | RLC EQUESTRIAN Rider Profile: 2Lt Brian Leung, 151 Regiment RLC Sports… I never thought about looking up my sport of choice (equestrian, horse riding) within the Army until one day on a whim I did just that. At this point (December 2021), I had just returned to Army Reserve service after a nearly three-year break due to a relocation and the start of a postgraduate degree. My chain of command was supportive from the start, which initially saw me join the Corps team for centralised training (fully funded through the operating grant provided by the RLC Central Sports Committee). The training and support I received through the team support network was invaluable. At this point, I had been riding for just under four years and unfortunately had lost my previous horse due to veterinary issues.

The Corps training allowed me to continue a degree of development in this interim period, including exposure to military competitions that operated at both inter-regimental and inter-service level. By February 2022, I somehow, as a Private soldier, found myself volunteering to step up as the Media Officer for the Army Equestrian Association (AEA) and suddenly found myself amongst senior officers who enthusiastically welcomed my suggestions to revamp our social media presence and increase our output to all of our stakeholders.

This has enabled renewed interest in equestrian sports During May 2022, through an unexpected lucky break I was

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RLC Equestrian and Army Team updates By 2Lt B Leung

paired up with my new partner in crime (my horse Jay) and started my journey back to the competition circuit. A journey that had a bit of a twist as Jay was a young horse, so we were both learning at the same time! The funding and training from The RLC enabled us to develop our partnership at military competitions and gave us visibility to the Army Team. In 2023, we were successfully selected for the Army Development Team enabling us to access Army Team training alongside the continued support

8 Capt Nick Lowe turns the ball from The RLC for military competitions. A year later in 2024, we gathered sufficient results at the prerequisite level for the senior Army Team and were promoted.

This happened alongside a civilian career change and the completion of my Reserve commissioning course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Amongst our achievements in 2024 included a “finals” qualification, a top 10 finish and a sought-after qualification for the National Grassroots Eventing Championship (90-100cm) to be held at the Badminton International Horse Trials in May 2025. I am sure many of you have heard about this world- famous event and venue, and possibly even been to visit the 5-star cross-country day on the Saturday – it is such a significant event at such a prestigious location.

It will be such an honour and truly a lifetime experience to compete at Badminton myself.

This Championship is notoriously difficult to qualify for (requires a double qualification: first a “finals” qualification, followed by a top 15% finish at the “finals”), and remains a major goal for many

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RLC EQUESTRIAN | THE SUSTAINER

amateur horse riders in the UK. This achievement makes us one of two military rider/horse combinations to have ever qualified for this championship since the Army Team was established in 2019 with both military combinations qualifying during the 2024 season for the 2025 championships. I can confidently say that the funding, knowledge, advice and support from all members of the RLC team has enabled Jay and I to get here.

For 2025, alongside my initial main effort to do as well as I can at the National Championships, I have been eyeing the next competition level for the UKAF squad and to make our debut at international level eventing in the second half of 2025. All in time before I deploy with my Regiment as part of 101 OSB’s validation exercise, Ex TITAN STORM, in November 2025.

How to get involved and FOE: You do not have to own your own horse to get involved with RLC Equestrian, nor do you have to have ridden before! We can provide all the training and opportunities for you to develop if you get the bug. There is no associated membership fee, so please get in touch with Maj Georgie Mawbey (georgina.mawbey101@mod.gov. uk) and Maj Rose Lambert (rose.lambert334@mod.gov.uk) to sign up.

RLC Polo The Rundle Cup (the Army vs Navy Polo Championship) takes place on Sat 12 July 2025. It is the season’s highlight event at

Credit; Copyright GirlInTheField | British Army Equitation

About Eventing Eventing is an Olympic Equestrian discipline that is the triathlon of equestrian sports. It consists of dressage, showjumping and completing a cross-country course where testing obstacles must be jumped and the course completed within an optimum time. It has origins in the military (cavalry) to test the fitness, bravery, discipline, harmony, speed and stamina of horse and rider combinations.

Today, military riders still wear uniform to compete in. Equestrian sport is one of a handful of sports that have men and women competing together on equal terms.

Tedworth Park Polo Club, near Tidworth in Wiltshire, and a great day for friends and family to dress up in smart attire, crack open the bubbles and open the picnic hamper.

The RLC Polo team has already bought its pitch for the RLC Polo gazebo on the bank above the pitches and all RLC Service Personnel are welcomed to visit the Corps Polo gazebo at the event.

Unfortunately, Top Bank and Far Side picnic pitches have SOLD OUT! You can email the Rundle Cup organiser, Lolly, to be put on a waiting list in case of availability

nearer the event date. Email: lolly@tedworthparkpolo.com General entry tickets will remain on sale until midday on Friday 11 July. Tickets will still be available to purchase on the gate on the day of the event but will be priced differently.

Cars passes on the day are £35.00 and include all passengers in the car entry including parking.

Adult pedestrian tickets on the day are £10.00, children 16 and under are £5.00.

More information can be found at: https://tedworthparkpolo.com

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THE SUSTAINER | OBITUARIES

8 Major General Adrian William Lyons CBE 26 December 1946 – 7 February 2025

8 Based on input from Adrian himself and subsequently written by Major Colin Stephens, RAOC Secretary and Major General Malcolm Wood CBE President of the RAOC Council

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As he cycled home to Hammersmith from the Ministry of Defence in early summer 1991, Adrian Lyons (at that time a Colonel) reviewed the day’s work at the MoD.The Logistic Support Review (LSR) team, of which he was a member, had put the final touches to a package of recommendations which would see the five logistic corps (RCT, RAOC, RPC, ACC and the Postal and Courier Services of the RE) merged into a single entity… The RLC. Adrian Lyons, the eldest of four children, was born on 26 December 1946 at Stanmore, London to parents: Group Captain William ‘Simba’ Lyons, a career RAF officer, and Mary Peggy (nee Willis).

Educated at Merchant Taylors School, he decided at 17 to enlist in the Army as an officer. Commissioned into the RCT, he transferred to the RAOC in 1972.

As a junior officer he was based in England and BAOR and travelled widely including lengthy deployments to Cyprus, Malaysia, the West Indies and Canada. He acquired a thorough background in almost every aspect of operational logistics as well as a chance to widen his knowledge of the world.

After Staff College in 1980 he went to the Quartermaster General’s Secretariat in London working on logistic development. An area in urgent need of reform was the ammunition distribution system on mobilisation. Adrian championed a novel concept based on a completely new 14 tonne vehicle, with demountable body (DROPS), that could be fully rail-integrated emerged as the most effective way to meet the new, demanding targets set.

A stint as the working secretary to the Principal Administrative Officers’ Committee (PAOC), comprising the three Services’ logistic chiefs (1986-88) followed attendance at the Joint Services’ Defence College at Greenwich.

After a short a tour in Hong Kong as Commander Supply (1988-89) he returned to England to be Colonel Ord 1. In August 1990 he was diverted to the LSR to review the structure of Army logistics. The subsequent comprehensive report was agreed as part of the Army’s Options for Change package in late 1991.

After the LSR he was appointed to be the first logistic one star to be fully part of the Equipment Support organisation. Major spares crises, particularly to maintain availability of the tank fleet, had dogged the QMG’s department for over twenty years and there was little linkage of money spent to results achieved. He immediately saw that the radical changes resulting from the end of the Cold War meant that the spares budget of some £250m annually could be significantly reduced and linked with procedural changes would bring the bonus of increased availability. He therefore offered a £50m

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reduction to the budget for 1992/3. Because of this he was appointed CBE in the New Year’s honours list 1994.

In 1993 he married Rosemary Farrer. They had one daughter, Grace (born 1995). The marriage was dissolved in 2017.

Following attendance at the Royal College of Defence Studies in 1995, he was appointed as Deputy Military Representative of the British Delegation to NATO in Brussels.

He returned to Andover in 1998 to become the last two-star head of The RLC. Rapid changes were taking place in the MOD and a tri-Service Defence Logistic Organisation (DLO) was created. Responsible for the supply chain related aspects of DLO, Adrian merged The RLC’s assets of storage, transport and movements, postal and courier, catering, petroleum and clothing and textiles with the sister organisations carrying out these roles in the other two Services.

Leaving the Army in late 2000, a lifelong interest in railways resulted in him becoming Director General of the Railway Forum a lobby group and think-tank working on behalf of, and funded by, the whole industry.When he stood down in late 2006, he was flattered to be awarded Senior Rail Personality of the Year at the National Rail Awards.

He maintained close contact with The RLC after retirement holding the appointment of Colonel Commandant (2001- 2006) and Trustee of the RLC Association. He chaired the Finance Committee for some twenty years, standing down in 2021 and was particularly pleased the way that the Forming Corps and The RLC agreed the merger of their charities, with consolidated assets that now exceed £40m.

He had a wide variety of interests away from work. An avid collector of stamps and coins, he was particularly proud of the work, co-written with William Mackay of Spink, recorded in a series of papers in the British Numismatic Journal to systematise the late-ninth century unified coinage of Mercia and Wessex.

He was a member of the Drapers’ Company (he was Master 2010-11) which resulted in being successively Chair of Governors of Bancroft’s School,Woodford (2002-2008), and the Drapers’ Academy, Harold Hill (20072013). He was particularly proud when the first pupils gained Oxbridge entry and touched when the co-sponsors, Queen Mary University of London awarded him an honorary fellowship in 2011.

Adrian leaves a high reputation for imagination, integrity and independence of opinion that had a major impact on Defence Logistics. The RLC has lost a genuine founding father, an intellectual powerhouse and a man to whom we literally owe a great debt for how he managed our charitable finances so successfully. May he rest in peace.

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8 Raymond Whitwell (RASC) 17 March 1919 20 November 2024

OBITUARIES | THE SUSTAINER Raymond Whitwell was born 17 March 1919 in Rillington, North Yorkshire. He left school at 15 and got a job as an errand boy at G. Longster and Sons in Malton who were the local seed merchants.

He was called up to the Army in September 1939 at the age of 20 and his first night in the Army was on the floor of a drill hall in Kent.

He and his unit, a Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) petrol company, were sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) before moving on to Belgium to repel the German advance, which did not go to plan for the BEF. Raymond was part of the rearguard to allow the BEF to make for Dunkirk and evacuation to England. He had to leave his truck which carried petrol (and it leaked) on the outskirts of Dunkirk.When he eventually got to the beaches the situation was chaotic and hopeless, so he took matters into his own hands. He managed to acquire an Austin car and returned to his petrol lorry to collect the remaining tins of petrol. He was joined by an Army officer who spoke French and they exchanged the petrol for train tickets for the 200 mile journey south west to Le Havre. At the port of Le Havre, they found a Dutch fisherman who was willing to take them to Southampton, so Raymond made good his escape from the advancing Germans.

Clearly not having had enough of adventures, he volunteered for the new Airborne Division and became part of 250 Airborne Company RASC which was tasked with supporting 1st Airborne Division.With them he deployed to North Africa, Sicily and Italy prior to returning to Liverpool, in December 1943 for subsequent operations.

250 Coy RASC made Longhills Hall, Branston its base and undertook further resupply by air courses and practiced supply drops at both Brigade and Divisional level.

Re-named 250 Airborne Light Composite Company, it deployed in the 1st and 2nd lift of Operation Market Garden. Raymond arrived in Holland in a glider containing a jeep and trailer full of ammunition and hand grenades.

Due to delays on the Landing Zone the

platoon missions were switched in order to support 2 Para’s advance and lodgement at the Arnhem bridge with an ammunition resupply. Raymond’s platoon was then tasked to support the establishment of a supply dump near the Hartenstein Hotel and to defend the perimeter. After nine days of continuous fighting, minimal food and water (less a pet rabbit that was acquired by the Platoon Captain) they were extracted in boats across the river and back to Nijmegen. Of the 10 Officers and 243 Soldiers only five officers and 83 soldiers made good their escape!

After a period of rebuilding, 250 Coy then deployed on Operation Doomsday in Norway to disarm the Germans, before Raymond came back to England for VE Day and eventually demobilisation, after serving for six years and four months in the Army.

He returned to Malton and opened his own shop in Castlegate as well as running several market stalls until he retired aged 90. He was married to Iris for more than 40 years and the couple had three children, Paul,Tim and Jill, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Over recent years The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans had the immense pleasure of taking Raymond to the Netherlands several times and to Armed Forces Day events. On one of those trips, when Ray was 103, the Gelderse Gliding Club near Arnhem took him up in a glider to see the area where he landed all those years before. Ray said at the time “It was wonderful, I could see for miles. I loved every minute and was very glad that when we came down it was still 2022 and not 1944.” He wanted to know when he could go up again! Ray was a proud Yorkshireman who people knew as ‘Smiler’. A remarkable individual who was exceptionally lucky during his military service.

My favourite memory was at a Parachute Regiment Cocktail Party at the Hartenstein Hotel in Oosterbeek. Raymond turned to me and told me to instruct the General giving the address to speak up… Well there was no need for me to tell the General as he had heard loud and clear and took Raymond’s advice!

By Chris Stuart

8 Ray aged 103, at the Gelderse Gliding Club near Arnhem

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