THE SUSTAINER | TRAINING MATTERS
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The Defence School of Logistics Commandant: Col John Atkins There have been some big, and positive changes recently, within the DST. Most of our fuel training is now delivered in Worthy Down (WD) providing a significant improvement to the quality of classrooms and accommodation: We will use West Moors for a while longer for practical training, but a new local site in Barton Stacey will also be available. Command Wing is now fully established in WD and we are awaiting the inflow of the first Combat Logisticians from Leconfield. The final moves to WD are approaching rapidly: Supply Training Wing (STW) is gearing up to move in the New Year and complete its transition by Easter 2020. We are also really looking forward to welcoming the Royal Navy’s logisticians in the New Year, which will make us, finally, a truly Tri-Service school. Supply Training Wing (STW) Chief Instructor – Lt Col Dutch Holland RLC STW has continued to deliver logistic, supply and other specialised training to the Field Army through its four Divisions throughout a busy spring and summer schedule of courses. Meanwhile the Wing continues to plan for its imminent move to the new college building in WD by Mar 20. Being the last training delivery wing to leave Deepcut, we are keen to move to WD, which will be a huge improvement for the instructors and trainees in terms of infrastructure and the teaching and learning environment. STW instructors include RLC soldiers, Royal Engineer instructors and SSCP WOs drawn from an array of army cap badges. This diverse makeup enhances and broadens the knowledge and experience of the team and undoubtedly adds to the high quality of training that is delivered. This is the focus of the article, which includes another instructor profile, this time from WO1 Sam Martin, one of the most recent additions to the team. Ex TIGER DISTRICT Following a particularly busy period, delivering courses immediately prior to the summer leave stand down; there was time for the instructors to deploy on Ex TIGER
8 Mountain biking: (L to R) Sgt ‘T’ Tamang, Sgt ‘Amps’ Amponsah, Capt Scott Anderson and Sgt ‘Tiger’ Field
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8 Sgt ‘Macca’ McLellan (ELD) launching himself into the void
DISTRICT, a four-day multi-activity training package superbly organised by Sgt Jon Frost from ELD. STW was accommodated at The RLC`s Lower Gillerthwaite Field Centre in the Lake District. Once over the initial shock of having no phone signal or internet, all personnel settled in quickly and looked forward to four days of AT which included hill walking, mountain biking, canoeing and gorge walking. The week consisted of three groups completing a ‘round robin’ of activities. They included taking in the glorious scenery of the surrounding mountains and Ennerdale Water on a 12-mile hike; enjoying the challenging and exciting mountain bike routes up, down and around Whinlatter Forest and spending the day canoeing from Derwent Water to Bassenthwaite Lake via Middle Derwent River, finishing the day in the picturesque Keswick. On the fourth and final day of activities, everyone took part in gorge walking. This was the highlight of the week and even the three-mile walk in the sun wearing wetsuits failed to dampen the enthusiasm and enjoyment of all involved. Despite starting in very tranquil waters, as the team moved up the valley, climbing through the rapids and waterfalls, the nerves were tested. Starting with a couple of smaller cliff jumps, the group was soon introduced to some testing leaps, culminating in a huge 15 metre jump which tested the very bravest. Extraordinary skills (or lack of) were demonstrated throughout the week, but a couple of highlights were the 2IC (Maj Mike Davies) and WO2 Kev Heron managing to sail backwards down Middle Derwent River and Sgt Gary Field doing his ‘superman’ impression on (or rather off) his mountain bike. With a mixed range of abilities across STW, everyone was tested, physically and mentally, which led to a very successful AT package, bringing everyone together over an enjoyable week.
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