The Sustainer Winter 23

Sustainer THE

Journal of The Royal Logistic Corps R WINTER 2023

THE ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS Celebrating 30 years since formation

#WeSustain

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 31 No 3 R Winter 2023

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Contents 2 Royal Driver exclusive QOGLR JNCO is the first Gurkha to drive the Royal Family

5 Sporting prowess RLC sportsmen competing at the highest levels

8 Ex NORTHERN STRIKE The 2023 RLC Military Skills competition

77 12 Special Operations RLC Log Support to the new ASOB

15 Postal & Courier An update from the Head of Trade

20 Ex IRON TITAN Validating the Iron Division’s logisticians

25 RLC Sports contacts The RLC’s major and minor sports contacts listed

32 Ex DRAGON BARBARIAN 159 Regt’s AT Exped to Nepal

37 RLC Charity Impact Report 22 How the Corps’ charity supported you in 2022

45 Unit reports News and views from The RLC’s major and minor units

77 Go SCUBA 29 Regt dives Malta on Ex CENTURION REEF

EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to the winter 2023 edition of The Sustainer.

You will see in the centre of this magazine, there is an eight-page report that details how the RLC Charity supported the Corps family in the year to 31st December 2022. On page 39 you will note that the RLC Heritage Committee is responsible for how Corps publications are funded and run. At its last meeting in October 2023, the committee decided to keep the frequency of publication of this magazine to three editions in 2024.

Contrary to what was advised in the summer edition, the copy deadline for the spring 2024 edition is now 4 Mar 24. In order to even out the frequency of publication and avoid copy deadlines falling close to block leave periods, the spring edition will publish in the first week of May, with the summer edition moving to an early September publication date; followed by the winter edition in early December. You can see the copy deadline dates in the left-hand column below.

This edition has a focus on sport and adventurous training. The sporting opportunities offered by The RLC are wide ranging with 37 sports officially supported

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.

Editorial Staff Editor: Peter Shakespeare Assistant editor: Anne Pullenkav Email: rhqrlccomms1@outlook.com Graphic Design: David Blake 2024 copy deadlines for THE SUSTAINER: Spring - 4 Mar 24, Summer - 5 Jul 24, Winter - 4 Oct 24.

and funded thanks to the RLC Charity - £429K was spent in 2022. On page 25 you can find a current list of sports club and association contacts should you want to get involved. Adventurous training also receives significant funding from the RLC Charity, and it is good to read the accounts in this edition covering AT exercises in the UK and Europe as well as expeditions to the Himalayas and Iceland.

Following a momentous and busy year for the Corps, I like you am looking forward to some Christmas downtime. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to The Sustainer over the last 12 months and would urge you to keep thinking about sharing all the great things you do with the magazine in 2024 and beyond; and must remind you that The Sustainer is the Corps’ official historical record.

I wish all our readers the greetings of the season and every success for 2024.

8 Peter Shakespeare Email: Peter.Shakespeare100@mod.gov.uk Contact: +44 (0) 7901 676309.

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 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: There is normally no space for commercial advertising, 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: Image courtesy of 159 Regt RLC

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THE SUSTAINER | NEWS LCpl Bishworam Tamang is a 10 Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment driver attached to 20 Transport Squadron RLC. He is also the first Gurkha soldier to be appointed as an official driver for the Royal Family.

What follows is his exclusive first-hand perspective, which has been approved and released by Kensington Palace.

“I am LCpl Bishworam Tamang, serving in 10 Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment and I am currently seconded to 20 Transport Squadron RLC as Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester’s Driver, Kensington Palace.

“I was born on 23rd July 1995 in a village called Pyughar, located in Sindhuplachok district of Nepal.

After undergoing a rigorous selection process, I was enlisted into the Brigade of Gurkhas on 18th December 2015. After successfully completing the demanding nine months Combat Infantryman Course (CIC) at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, I joined the 10 Queens Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment on 14th October 2016.

“It is an honour for me to serve in the British Army, and I have always been deeply inspired by the Royal Family and harboured a longstanding aspiration to serve them in a close capacity. There were three rigorous interviews for the staff car driver role for TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. The first interview conducted in my regiment, the second was with the OC of 20 Tpt Sqn and finally the third was at

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#BritishArmyLogistics

The Corps provides first Gurkha to drive The Royal Family

8 LCpl Bishworam Tamang - Coronation Medal Presentation

Kensington Palace with the Private Secretary and outer office staff. I triumphantly secured this monumental opportunity, not just for myself but also for the Brigade of Gurkhas. The moment I received the news of my selection for this prestigious role from the OC, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy. I eagerly shared my ecstatic tale with my dear mother and other family members, their pride in me was overwhelming. They bestowed upon me abundant blessings and expressed their heartfelt wishes for a safe journey ahead.

“As the first Gurkha soldier entrusted with this great responsibility, I am aware of the

weighty obligations that accompany it, however, I am incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by an unwavering support network, including the dedicated team at 20 Tpt Sqn RLC and the invaluable guidance from the Royal household. Their advice and assistance have been always instrumental in carrying out my duties with utmost dedication and professionalism. Prior to my inaugural meeting with Their Royal Highnesses, I was filled with trepidation and my complexion portrayed my nervousness.

However, their gracious approach and friendly greeting of “Namaste” instantly dispelled all my apprehension, leaving me at ease and free from pressure.

“I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in a momentous Coronation event and receive the esteemed King Charles III Coronation medal. The experience was full of excitement, and I felt deeply honoured. Being behind the wheel of the Royal Rolls Royce for the first time with The Duke and Duchess, and witnessing the vast crowd gathered around the Palace during this auspicious occasion, I experienced an overwhelming sense of responsibility and pressure. However, being a part of the historic event, the happiness and pride that I felt in my heart dissolved all the pressure. If a camera had captured the moment, it would have shown me driving with a constant smile on my face.

“Since my appointment on 7th November 2022, I have profoundly enjoyed my role and constantly sought to improve my service to The Royal Family. I express my gratitude to the chain of command and my colleagues for entrusting me with this once in a lifetime opportunity. I pledge to uphold the reputation and honour of my ancestors by giving my fullest effort in my role and will strive to maintain the highest standard of this highly regarded position.”

LCpl Bishworam Tamang

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NEWS | THE SUSTAINER

Force Atlantic 24

WO1 Sheridan Lucas MBE, the RSM of 6 Regiment RLC, has been selected to be part of an all-female British Army team that will attempt to row the Atlantic Ocean in 2024.

WO1 Lucas says: “We are aiming to be the first all-female military team to row the Atlantic or indeed any ocean as part of the Force Atlantic (FA) legacy.

However, our ambition extends far beyond just the row itself. We want to create a lasting legacy that enables women to push beyond their comfort zones and participate in life changing challenges.”

WO1 Lucas explains that she has always wanted to inspire other soldiers and be able to offer a positive influence. “I saw a QR code to apply to be part of Force Atlantic 24. As a senior solider I saw this as an opportunity to show others the art of possible, so applied. The world’s toughest row is 3,000 miles, with around 40 teams participating from around the world. Rowers have to cope with blisters, salt rashes, sleep deprivation and rowing in twohour shifts around the clock for weeks on end; facing all the raw elements of the Atlantic Ocean.”

110 women applied to be on the team for this adventure. WO1 Lucas continues: “We were asked what our 'why' was, and from there 56

8 WO1 Lucas is one of four female soldiers selected from 110 applicants

applicants were offered a place on Phase 1 of the selection process.

Phase 1, with the help of all of FA 24’s ambassadors and advisors was a huge success. We were assessed on command tasks, public speaking and physical resilience; leaving the support team the difficult job of choosing the 22 candidates who would go through to Phase 2. Even those who weren't successful heard from inspirational speakers, networked with likeminded women and were encouraged to achieve their own goals.

“Phase 2 followed in the footsteps of the first selection, in that it was not only a vehicle to select the team, but to inspire other women and to give them the support to embark on their own projects. We completed an expedition, abseiled off a cliff, and jumped in to white water. Once again, the ambassadors made this a hugely successful event.

“At the end of the selection I received a call from the skipper to inform me I had been selected be one of the four rowers. Combined with the support team we now go forward as one team of 10 women, all united in our desire not just row the Atlantic, but to make the Army an incredible place to be a woman.”

The RLC Association annual dinner On Friday 13 Oct 23, 50 members of The Royal Logistic Corps Association gathered at Bicester Garrison Officers’ Mess for the Annual Dinner Night.

Association President, Major General Ian Copeland CB was in attendance, along with several esteemed guests. A great night was had by all.

Our thanks go to all the staff at Bicester Garrison who assisted in making it a success and to the 7 Rifles Band for their fantastic musical accompaniment.

We very much look forward to inviting you all to our next event. Please look out for the email from RHQ The RLC.

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A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE The Colonel RLC

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The quality this year has been the highest that I have ever seen and there are some superb leaders in our ranks who are competing with the very best across the whole of the Army

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It’s remarkable how quickly Christmas comes around… It feels like only yesterday since I was writing for The Sustainer in high summer. Irrespective of which bit of the Army you are in, the ‘autumn term’ always feels the toughest: diminishing daylight and worsening weather always seems to coincide with an increase in tempo and summer leave is a distant memory.

From a Corps HQ perspective, along with the APC, the autumn is very MS board intensive: Sub-unit Command, Regt 2IC, LE commissioning, conversion of commission, Adjt and Ops Officer, WO1 promotion and RSM selection.

The quality this year has been the highest that I have ever seen and there are some superb leaders in our ranks who are competing with the very best across the whole of the Army. It would be remiss to not publicly record my gratitude for the RLC APC team, including their Civil Servants who continue to deliver an outstanding service across the Officer Corps and all 16 trade groups, unquestionably the most demanding cap badge cohort. They do a superb job with very tight resources and genuinely do their very best to meet your needs whilst balancing the needs of the Army.

Since the last issue of The Sustainer, I’ve been able to visit a range of smaller RLC detachments across the wider Army and see firsthand the efforts of the Corps’ personnel directly supporting other cap badges whether in a Medical Regt, REME Bn, or other standalone detachment such as 44 Sqn at RMAS, JHSS, 20 Sqn in London, 400 Tp at Catterick, or the niche VSS detachment in Ashchurch, responsible (in conjunction with commercial partners) for the movement, storage and preparation of the British Army’s fighting vehicle fleet. I was struck with the variety and range of employment within roles and even within the same trade groups. The opportunities for a varied career within The RLC are boundless just within E1 employment outside of RLC Regiments, so it's unsurprising that we have circa 120

personnel transfer into the Corps throughout the year from other parts of the Army.

Much has been going on behind the scenes in Corps HQ, not least some major restructuring and governance work with the RLC Charity, currently called the RLC Association Trust Fund. This nonpublic fund is drawn from contributions of the Days’ Pay Scheme and significant legacy investment from our forming (and founding) corps. The Corps spends c£2 million annually; I hope that the enclosed “RLC Charity Impact Report” will dispel some myths on how and on whom the Corps spends its money. You will find it in the centre of this magazine.

The Corps’ commitment to operations remains unrelenting. In addition this autumn has seen a series of major exercises to test the readiness of the Army and associated with this, the Logistic support. Over 2,000 personnel were engaged on Ex IRON TITAN, and (at the time of writing) VHR element of the TEG and others have been activated to support contingency operations in the Levant. Particularly poignant at this time of the year as we march towards the festive season. We have just over 450 personnel deployed on enduring global operations, whether supporting NATO operations in Europe, national operations in the Middle East or UN operations in Africa. This, of course, doesn’t include the other 500-plus personnel posted overseas and away from friends and family at Christmas. Those Commanders whom routinely I engage, speak of the essential support RLC personnel deliver on operations and how you quietly go about your business, professionally and dutifully. It is always difficult being away from loved ones, more so at this time of year. Be reassured that the rest of the Corps family is thinking of you and wishes each of you a swift and safe return.

Finally, huge congratulations to Col Martin Windsor (Late RLC) who was awarded an OBE in Operational Honours list 57 for his contributions to operations whilst Chief of Staff of 104 Brigade.

We Sustain.

Colonel P A Allen ADC

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#BritishArmyLogistics WO1 Shahin Loghmani the GCWO at British Forces Brunei (BFB), has been making waves on the sporting front. Leading the RLC Taekwondo team, WO1 Loghmani orchestrated a formidable RLC and BFB line-up for both the Army Championships and InterServices competitions. WO1 Loghmani along with another member of the RLC contingent at BFB, LCpl Harry Southall, clinched golds in their respective weight categories at the TriService championships, contributing significantly to the Army's overall triumph.

WO1 Loghmani then represented the Army at the European Masters in Finland, where he secured gold in fighting and bronze in Poomsae (patterns) and was selected for the UK Armed Forces Team at the National Championships. WO1 Loghmani's exceptional achievements earned him the coveted UK Armed Forces Colours for both ITF and WTF disciplines.

LCpl Harry Southall's sporting journey in 2023 is another example of outstanding achievements in Taekwondo. His prowess shone at

NEWS | THE SUSTAINER

Brunei big hitters

the Army and Inter-Services Taekwondo Championships where he clinched two gold medals in Army and one in Inter-Services, cementing his status as a rising star in the discipline.

LCpl Southall’s journey took him from white to yellow belt during a week-long arduous grading course. His determination and

newfound skills culminated in a stunning victory at the Army Taekwondo Championships, earning him the title of Army Junior Kup WT and Patterns Champion.

Subsequently, he was invited to attend the Martial Arts InterServices Championships, ultimately emerging as the Inter-Services Junior Kup Champion.

RLC PAIR SELECTED FOR TEAM GB WO2 Jappas Du Preez and SSgt Harry Pickering serving in 17 Port & Maritime Regiment were both selected to represent Team GB in the 2023 Long Distance Triathlon World and European Championships.

The year started at the World Championships in Ibiza in May, with WO2 Du Preez placing ninth and SSgt Pickering 15th in their respective races. With training going well, they both headed to Almere in the Netherlands in September to once again represent Team GB in the European Long-Distance Triathlon Championships, otherwise known as the Ironman. Both raced in very hot and tough conditions over a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42km marathon run.

This was a very competitive race against many professional triathletes. WO2 Du Preez finished in 12th and SSgt Pickering won the

gold and was crowned the European Male 35-39 race champion. SSgt Pickering also competed in the Ironbourne 2023,

over the same Ironman distance where he took the overall win of the long-distance race to become the Ironbourne Champion 2023.

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FROM THE RANKS

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It has been a high tempo calendar year and because of everyone’s (Regular & Reserve) efforts, the Corps’ reputation and its flag fly high both in the UK and abroad

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As I sit here, writing this article in the home of the Corps at Worthy Down on a rather wet, windy and miserable autumn day; it has given me the opportunity to reflect upon the commitments and operational tempo the soldiers of our awesome Corps have delivered against in recent months. But also the resounding success stories and poignant events of this calendar year.The summer certainly seems like a distant memory! Our soldiers deserve a monumental round of applause and an appreciative pat on the back.They have been involved in 11 United Kingdom operations, a plethora of overseas operations and exercises, delivered across twelve different capabilities and supported twenty-five different agencies. Oh, and let us not forget, the support to the King’s Coronation and our Corps’ thirtieth birthday.

Since the beginning of September, I have had the privilege and opportunity to visit over 15 RLC Units both in the UK and abroad and speak with circa two thousand personnel. This has given me a valuable insight to understand morale and the challenges they face, but more importantly, gather their views on trade training, whole life development, and what they deliver from a technical perspective. Their views have enabled the RHQ The RLC team to engage with various stakeholders and given me the opportunity to try and use my ‘voice for the soldiers’ to influence and encourage positive change.

To ensure our soldiers and sixteen trade groups are remaining professionally capable, the

Conductors and Heads of Trade are actively reviewing four key areas: Workforce - using plans and statistics to interrogate what they mean for their respective trade groups, both in the present and future. Training what is the current training pipeline and where are the stressors?

Professionalisation/Upskilling where is the trade currently and what are the next steps to enhance industry relationships? Capability what is the trade currently delivering, are there any deficiencies. Can we better use equipment, training upgrades and identify better practices? I look forward to updating you on the progress of this piece of work in the New Year.

To close with, I would like to take this opportunity to say a sincere thank you to all soldiers and your families. It has been a high tempo calendar year and because of everyone’s (Regular & Reserve) efforts, the Corps’ reputation and its flag fly high both in the UK and abroad. When Christmas arrives, I genuinely hope you and your families have a wonderful time together and enjoy your much deserved time off. For those of our soldiers who are deployed, we especially thank you for continuing to deliver. It is never easy being away from loved ones over the festive period, but I hope you are able to enjoy one our best digital friends… FaceTime.

Please keep up the amazing work, it does not go unnoticed. And we in the Regimental Headquarters really do appreciate everything you do for our Corps.

WO1 S A Muir Corps Sergeant Major RLC

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NEWS | THE SUSTAINER

It’s all-white now

By A/Sgt Alec Cecil In late September the Joint Helicopter Support Squadron working with a Chinook of 18 Squadron RAF enabled members of the New Zealand Defence Force, 249 Gurkha Signals Squadron and local volunteers to re-chalk the Bulford Kiwi.

Located on Beacon Hill overlooking the military town of Bulford on Salisbury Plain, the Bulford Kiwi was created by soldiers of the New Zealand expeditionary force in 1919, who were awaiting repatriation home following the end of the First World War. It is a large depiction of the flightless bird native to New Zealand and is used as the national symbol for both that country and its people.

The design covers 1.5 acres, is around 130 metres tall, and was declared a ‘scheduled monument’ in 2017, meaning it has recognition as a nationally important archaeological site and cannot be destroyed.

It was first resurfaced in 2018, with the JHSS playing a pivotal role, moving 100 tonnes of chalk in single use lift bags directly onto the Kiwi,

for volunteers from the 249 Gurkha Signals Squadron to rake into position. I was lucky enough to be a part of that first resurface and jumped at the opportunity to be the team leader of the second resurface.

After liaising with the DIO archaeologist, we delivered the single use lift bags for filling and recced both HLSs for suitability. Our MAOTL Flt Lt Macleod identified that the pick-up location was being used for exercising troops and as such was unsuitable for helicopter operations.

After liaising with Bulford camp, it was identified that the parade square on Kiwi barracks would work as the best pick-up location.

We arrived on the day and after positioning the loads finished preparing them, and the HLS, for the arrival of the Chinook from 18 Sqn RAF. We had prepared 12 Single Use Lift Bags (SULBs) that would be flown in groups of four, for a total of three lifts. Afterwards members of the New Zealand embassy and invited guests were loaded into the Chinook and given a flight around the Kiwi, and surrounding area. This was poignant as the pilot of the aircraft was part of the exchange program from New Zealand and had flown over the Kiwi many times not knowing its significance.

The lifts went well and with the help of the 249 Gurkha Signals Squadron, and some Gurkha curry, the Kiwi is now back to its former glory overlooking Salisbury Plain.

2Lt Gough is gloved a Carman

On 16 October 2023 The Worshipful Company of Carmen had the honour of appointing its first military Associate Freeman.

2Lt Zach Gough RLC of 19 Tank Transporter Squadron RLC (The Carmen’s) applied to the Worshipful Company personally and he had his Gloving ceremony at Carmen’s Hall. According to the Carmen’s Defence Liaison Officer, Lt Col (Retd) Richard Castle, 2Lt Gough insisted on a photo being taken of him in front of the Colonel-in-Chief.

Proudly displaying his new certificate, he told Lt Col Castle that the certificate will take pride of place on his office wall to encourage others to join the Worshipful Company. 2Lt Gough is keen to become a full Freeman in due course and then apply for City of London Freedom with the ultimate aim of full Livery status.

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THE SUSTAINER | RLC MIL SKILLS

#BritishArmyLogistics

Exercise NORTHERN STRIKE 2023 The annual RLC Military Skills Competition (Ex NORTHERN STRIKE) was held at the Defence School of Transport, Leconfield, on 7 Oct 23. Teams were tested on their military skills competency and knowledge, role fitness and shooting. They also had to complete two loaded ‘fastest’ team marches.

Military Skills The military skills stands comprised of CBRN, CIED, BCD, CIS, Vehicle Recce and Corps history. Each stand was designed and delivered by Section Commanders from across 25 Regt and DST. Winners: 162 Regt RLC Male.

Role Fitness Test The role fitness test for 2023 was delivered as Representative Military Tasks and was designed to replicate the manual loading of stores onto a vehicle packet. The stand tested the cognitive skills of the commander and physical endurance of all competitors. Competitors raced against the clock in a gruelling 8-minute effort to complete the challenge.

Winners: 10 QOGLR. Fastest Team March (8.5km) The 8.5km loaded march saw the teams compete over undulating terrain and challenging obstacles at pace.

The route included 30 challenging obstacles in honour of the Corps’ 30th birthday year. These ranged from water obstacles, both crawling through and traversing over, through to HESCO climbs and vehicle crossings.

Each obstacle was designed to test those competing physically, whilst testing their physical and mental

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endurance. In addition, cognitive tests were incorporated and included the identification of numbers, SCRIM and A-H. Winners: 13 Regt RLC Veterans (1hr 10mins).

Best Shooting Team The shooting element of the competition was designed to test the application of fire following an arduous activity. Those competing were tested for accuracy in the kneeling supported, kneeling unsupported, standing supported and sitting. Winners: 10 QOGLR. Fastest Team March (2km) The fastest 2km team march was designed to test the physical and mental endurance of the teams. The route provided a challenge of running on wet sand, grass and tarmac after already completing the 8.5km and RMT physical activity. Despite the previous stands’ efforts to test the endurance of competitors, the times of the 2km were incredibly competitive, with the winning team completing them in sub 10 minutes.

Winners: 13 Regt RLC Veterans (9mins 33 seconds).

Category winners Mixed Team (Reserve) - Winners: 154 Regt RLC Mixed Team (Regular) - Winners: 29 Regt RLC Veterans Team (Reserve) - Winners: 150 Regt RLC Veterans Team (Regular) - Winners: 13 Regt RLC Female Team - Winners: 13 Regt RLC Male Team (Reserve) - Winners: 162 Regt RLC Male Team (Regular) - Winners: 10 QOGLR President's Trophy - Winner: Pte Burton 159 Regt RLC Overall RLC Military Skills Champions 2023: 10 QOGLR

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RLC MIL SKILLS | THE SUSTAINER

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THE SUSTAINER | CAREER MANAGEMENT

#BritishArmyLogistics

YOUR CAREER, YOUR CALL Career management team

RLC SOLDIERS A/SO1: Maj E Polson SO3: Capt S Edwardes-Kennedy SO3 QOGLR: Capt P Sherchan WO1: WO1 W Marquis SO1 RLC Soldiers: The future is bright; the future is digital!

This year has seen a relatively musty, file filled building awaken to the sound of all things digital. RLC Soldiers has come out of the dark ages and got with the times; and the future looks good! Given that we are the branch with the largest volume of soldiers across the Army, it has taken a little bit longer to adjust and ensure the online portals work for such scale. The patience that our RCMOs and troops have shown during this time has been greatly appreciated and, after a full turn of the handle, we are on the road to refining and bettering how we do our business.

The CM Portal has been used for grading and promotions for over two years now, to great success.

The ‘new’ appointing portal has been at times, a breath of fresh air, and at others, something that needs improvement for the nuances of such a large Corps.

We have been feeding back and making changes after each board to try to make the end user – you – more content and confident in what you receive. There is still more that can be done, more our team can do, but we are on the train that has well and truly left the station.

Your career at your fingertips – recent changes The ‘My Career’ app allows you to search out any future job roles you might be interested in (and share with your CM), let you view your FAD, EED, previous SJARs, future jobs boards, all without having to use a laptop. You can even upload your ePPP on your mobile device over the weekend, in consultation with your family, on your sofa. A further update that is now available is the ability to run to more than one board. What does 10

this mean to you? Rather than running only to trade jobs, you can also (if recommended) apply for instructor/recruiter roles and E2 jobs at the same time. This offers you more opportunities for your future and the right person getting the right posting.

Soldiers Terms of Service (SToS) The key policy document for soldier careers is ‘Soldiers Terms of Service’.

Many questions that are often aired on social media sites can be answered by reading this document.

SToS has had a recent update and so we urge both the Chain of Command and soldiers to read it! If you are unsure what ‘VEng’ is, what prospects are open to you at the end of your career, what qualifies to promote, how you assign, then this is the document for you.

The future We endeavor to continue to make efficiencies, challenge ‘the norm’ and provide you all with the best career management we can. Remember, without key information in preparation for a board (AWS considerations, serving couples and complete ePPP submissions) we cannot consider your requests when assigning. Continue to ask questions at our APC unit visits, engage with us and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

New arrivals RLC Soldiers’ Section extends a warm welcome to Capt Pawan Sherchan and Capt Steven Edwardes-Kennedy.

Capt Steven Edwardes-Kennedy says: “Thank you and I will start by saying I am privileged to take up the role of SO3 RLC Sldrs in APC Glasgow and a big thank you to my predecessor Capt Andrew Banister who is moving on to attend ICSC(L).

I wish him the best of luck.

“I joined the Army in 2003 as an Ammunition Technician and have enjoyed many roles over the last twenty years. From ammunition management to EOD and more recently in a specialist role within

MAB, before commissioning on 01 Aug 23.

“I have seen a huge amount of change within the Army during my service and I am excited to help implement all the changes Programme Castle is bringing to Soldier’s and Officer’s careers. It is redefining how we manage our people and their talent, accounting for the needs of their families, putting a larger emphasis and control of a person’s career in their hands; and fundamentally it is providing more choice.

“With this I believe communication will be key, to ensure trust is maintained between the Service Person and us here at APC. “Although primarily I will be career managing the Ammunition Technician trade, I am looking forward to visiting as many RLC units as I can during my tenure.

And I encourage everyone to invest time in their own careers and utilise some of the wealth of information found on the MS Web.” Capt Pawan Sherchan QOGLR adds: “I feel incredibly lucky to be in APC as the first QOGLR (Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment) officer in a new SO3 QOGLR post and take up this responsibility of career managing more than 800strong QOGLR soldiers who are spread across 25 different locations, with huge pride. Having served 25 years in the Army and benefiting from various appointments and tours, I am privileged to have come this far. I will utilise my experience and newfound skills supported by policies to make informed decisions.

“As a new member of the team, I have been truly fortunate to have the support from the SMEs within our RLC branch. I will continue to do my best to support and provide guidance to our service personnel. I urge you to make the best use of digital technology such as the ‘My career’ app and provide us with as much information as possible about your aspirations and job preferences. I look forward to seeing many of you during our APC unit visits.’

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THE SUSTAINER | SPECIAL OPS

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The RLC’s support to Special Operations The Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB) consists of the four Ranger Battalions, the Joint Counter Terrorist Training and Advisory Team (JCTTAT), 255 Signals Squadron, and 62 Military Intelligence Company. In the past year, the Ranger Battalions and their supporting elements have sent teams and task groups on over 150 deployments across 35 countries.

Their role is to partner specialist military units, supporting their operational outputs by increasing their capabilities, integration, lethality, and effectiveness. The Ranger’s persistent presence overseas also provides operational insights and access to in-country networks in times of crisis.

Within the Army Special Operations Brigade HQ, the following RLC personnel are on the staff: DCOS - Maj D Morgans, SO2 Log Sp - Maj A Nicholas, BOWO WO1 K Appiah-Bosompem, BMWO - WO2 Z Burrell-Knipe.

What other RLC personnel are in the Brigade?

The ASOB employs over fifty RLC personnel, mostly Logistic Specialists (Supply) within the Ranger Battalions. The Brigade’s role and use of small in-country teams means that there are five Local Resource Section (LRS) roles in each Bn, in addition to those at 1LO. There are also Chefs.

Recent RLC deployments 1 RANGER – Project OGUN (GHANA). Sgt Hnamte deployed as an independent LRS Sgt for Team 2, A Coy, from Apr-Jul 23. He was based between Accra (capital city) and Tamale (team location) to undertake liaison, market research, and provide logistic support to the deployed team training Ghanian SOF teams.

Sgt Hnamte was engaged with the British High Commission to understand custom procedures and conducted meetings with local 12

contractors and freight companies to support the movement of UK equipment. He also developed business cases to support infrastructure builds. Eager to learn from others, Sgt Hnamte engaged with Ghanaian partners to understand their logistic support chain and capabilities, looking to further the partnership and realise future efficiencies.

His deployment was not just restricted to LRS tasks, but also to support the overall G4 sustainment of the 1 RANGER team and its engagement with partner forces.

Overall, the deployment was a success due to LRS engagement and employment, highlighting how important it is to understand the role that the LRS can have during deployments and what can be offered in relation to logistical expertise in support of the deployed teams.

4 RANGER – Ex BRIGHT STAR 23 (EGYPT). Sgt Nabin Gurung was intimately involved from the start of both battalion and company level planning, deploying on the recce party and the main body. As G Coy’s G4 lead, Sgt Nabin was responsible for the Coy’s preparations, deftly navigating movements processes, utilising his well-honed Dangerous Goods (DG) skills, and experienced preparation of the MEIL to ensure the Coy deployed successfully.

Upon deployment he coordinated

8 Members of the ASOB RLC team at the Ranger March Competition

all real-life support and was the key liaison between the British Embassy and the Host Nation Logistic Team. His additional responsibilities included security and management of all Coy equipment, the establishment of local contracts and arrangements that enabled housing, feeding, working areas and transportation.

Whilst the deployment was successful there were of course some frictions experienced, notably the language and cultural differences between the UK and Egypt. This emphasised the importance of market research gathering and the understanding of cultures within each Bn’s region.

His work demonstrated the importance of having skilled and imaginative logisticians employed in the LRS role within ASOB. Supporting ASOB RLC personnel should speak to their career manager if they are keen to serve with ASOB or the Ranger Battalions. DCOS or SO2 Log Sp at HQ ASOB can provide additional information to SP or CMs. If you are interested in becoming a Ranger then check out ‘The Ranger Regiment’ on Defence Connect for details of insight days and assessment events.

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NATO RRC | THE SUSTAINER

RAPID REACTION CORPS – FRANCE

Rapid Reaction Corps – France (RRC-FR) is a multinational headquarters, capable of planning and conducting complex land operations for NATO, the EU and France. The Corps HQ is able to command a force up to 120,000 strong.

RRC-FR is based in Lille, one of the largest cities in Northern France. The Headquarters itself is based within a modernised 17th Century Citadel constructed in the reign of Louis XIV.

The Corps places an emphasis on Multi-Domain Operations and integrating units from France’s Allies and partner nations.

Although based in France, the HQ uses English as its first language to ensure interoperability.

RRC-FR has a total peacetime establishment of 488 personnel, of which 392 come from the French Armed Forces, and 96 come from other nations. The British Army has ten posts at RRC-FR. Of these, seven Officer roles are E2 and

therefore available in open competition to RLC Officers of the appropriate rank and KSE. RLC Officers currently fill three of these seven E2 posts.

They are: Deputy Chief of Staff Combat Service Support - Brig Jon Asbee; Military Assistant to the Chief of Staff - Lt Col Justin Yates; Military Assistant 2 to the Commander - Major David Fleming.

The current RLC contingent at RRC-FR all took up their posts in mid-2022. At this point, the Headquarters was serving as the NATO Reaction Force Land Component Command, a role that had seen it on readiness to be prepared to respond to the Ukraine Crisis.

Alongside this period of readiness, preparation had been underway for the establishment of new structures and processes for transition to a NATO Warfighting Corps in 2024. As DCOS of the CSS Division, Brig Asbee has managed the establishment of a new Rear Area Command Post for the Warfighting Corps. Additionally, his Division led the provision of Real Life Support for Ex ORION - the largest French exercise conducted this century - and it continued to develop the relationship with the CSS Division of the UK’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.

In the context of the war in Ukraine, NATO has embarked on significant transformation, with the alliance implementing new plans for the defence of Europe and

ensuring the appropriate forces are prepared. As Military Assistant leading on NATO matters in the Commander’s Outer Office, Maj David Fleming has supported the Corps Commander in his engagement with this NATO transformation programme, ensuring that RRC-FR is correctly placed within the new NATO structures and plans.

In the final stages of 2023 and early months of 2024, the HQ is embarking on an intensive program of demanding exercises – all milestones in preparation for RRC-FR’s validation as a Warfighting Corps, including Ex CITADEL BONUS 2023 and Ex LOYAL LEDA 2024, taking place in Poland and Eastern France respectively. As Military Assistant to the Chief of Staff, Lt Col Justin Yates has been pivotal in coordinating the different branches of the Corps HQ toward the achievement of this objective.

In addition to fully participating in the work and life of RRC-FR, the UK contingent has been able to take the opportunity to conduct AT and Battlefield Studies. It is expected that in the coming years, RRC-FR will continue to offer interesting opportunities for RLC Officers who wish to seek employment overseas, to develop an awareness of Defence Engagement, and to take the opportunity to practise a new language (pre-employment language training is funded).

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THE SUSTAINER | ATR FAMILIES DAY

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Grantham Station Families Day 2023

Army Training Regiment Grantham is the British Army’s primary location for providing the Army Reserve Phase 1 Mod3 courses. It also provides the pre-cursor Foundation weekend and Mod2 courses.

Basic training is designed to teach everything an Army Reserve recruit needs to know to become an effective soldier and fulfil their role within the Army Reserve. RLC JNCO Cpl Subask Limbu is a Section Commander in Erskine Platoon and in August 2023 he organised a families day for the station.

Cpl Limbu says: “I am absolutely thrilled to share the highlights of the remarkable family event that unfolded on 5 Aug 23. An event that I had the privilege of organising. It was a celebration of unity that was made possible thanks to the generous support of local businesses such as ASDA, Morrison, and the Gurkha Square Restaurant.

“This event was a true testament to our community spirit, drawing more than 300 attendees, including a recently-passed-out reserve recruit. But what made it truly special were the activities that brought us all together in joy and excitement.

“Our community gathered for a day filled with excitement and fun. The shooting range tested marksmanship skills, while the bouncy castle brought out the inner child in everyone.

For those eager to learn more about the military, a firearms display offered a unique insight into the tools of our brave soldiers.

“Several stalls offered a wealth of information on the background of Gurkhas and other military communities. It was a 14

fantastic opportunity for everyone to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse culture that is the British Army. We discovered how these communities work in harmony to protect and serve our nation.

“Foodies rejoiced as we savoured culinary delights from diverse communities within the Army. It was a gastronomic journey, showcasing the rich display of flavours that exist within our armed forces. From traditional favourites to international cuisine, there was something to tantalise every palate.

“The event was not just about learning and indulgence; it was also a celebration of culture.

The day was graced with enchanting cultural dances that transported us to far-off lands. Our local band also entertained with their mesmerizing music, creating an atmosphere that was nothing short of magical.

“As the organiser, I must extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire station for its unwavering support and dedication, which made this event an incredible success. It's moments like these that strengthen our community bonds and make us cherish the amazing community we belong to.

“I want to express my gratitude to every attendee and supporter who made this day so special.

Your enthusiasm and presence added the sparkle to the celebration. Let us continue nurturing this spirit of togetherness, eagerly anticipating more events that bring us closer as a community.”

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TRADE UPDATE | THE SUSTAINER

Postal and Courier Operators

HoT: WO1 (Cdr) Squire-Dean It has certainly been a challenging year for all Postal and Courier Operators. There is still a significant amount of uncertainty due to Future Soldier 25 and how the structure of the CEG will look and sit within the Field Army moving forward. It is essential I pass on my gratitude to all Postal and Courier Operators across the trade for their continued support and professionalism.

Future Soldier 25 efficiencies will see a reduction from 252 SP down to 174. A considerable amount of staff work has been completed to mitigate the number of efficiencies needed, whilst still being able to meet our current commitments worldwide. Maj Spencer-Small MBE compiled a paper which analysed our people vs the number of commitments and other tasks. This paper was presented on the SCWG and as a result a short-term solution has been agreed where an increase of 49 PIDs has been granted to ease some of the pressure the trade faces.

Trade course refresh update The Logistic Specialist Training Wing at DSLA is now piloting the

8 LCpl Sanjip Rai, BFSAI Badminton championships singles winner

updated Class 3, Class 2 and Class 1 trade courses. Although the pilot courses can only hold a maximum of six personnel there will be opportunity throughout the training year for additional personnel to attend trade upgrade courses. Each course has been scheduled for two per year.

Awards A/LCpl Wara deployed from 29 Regt as the 2IC Postal & Courier Detachment on Op INTERLINK, in Poland. On the initial deployment he helped plan and coordinate the setting up of a live Operational Field Forces Post Office. Away from his trade duties, A/LCpl Wara volunteered himself to take part in Op INTERGRAFT where he assisted the G4 supply chain on behalf of the UK Government. This made sure Ukrainian Service Personnel were in receipt of welfare gift bags on arrival in Poland before onward movement to Ukraine. He was awarded a coin of excellence in recognition for his continuous commitment and hard work since the beginning of Op INTERLINK. Sporting and charitable events Throughout the year I have been immensely impressed by the number of Postal and Courier Operators taking part in charitable and sporting events across the world.

In August LCpl Sanjip Rai attended the BFSAI Tri-Service Badminton Championships, winning the singles event and placing second in the doubles event. The awards were presented by the Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands, Brigadier Duff, late QDG.

8 Cpl Kieran Lenachan, BATUK charity football match

Cpl Suman Ale was part of a field gun team from JFC Naples. All participating teams completed a 30km march carrying 10kg. The team completed the march in 4 hours and 35 minutes.

Congratulations to Cpl Suman and the team.

Cpl Kieran Lenachan and other soldiers from BATUK came together to organise a friendly charity football match against the Manchester United Fans of Nanyuki to raise money for the local children’s orphanage YOUREP. YOUREP children’s home caters for orphans and children from the street. The match took place on 12 Aug 23 and ended up with a penalty shootout, with Manchester United Fans of Nanyki the victors.

BATUK raised 50,000 KSH (£274.00) for the YOUREP orphanage which was spent on various items including stationary, toiletries and food.

8 Cpl Suman Ale, JFC Naples Gun Run

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THE SUSTAINER | TRAINING MATTERS

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Defence School of Logistics and Administration Commandant Gp Capt G Williams RAF Logistics Specialist Training Wing HQ – CO: Wg Cdr Sam Alexander RAF LSTW Sqns, based at Worthy Down, Marchwood and Brize Norton have continued to deliver a wide range of logistics training output. After a reduced output in August to allow instructors to take some summer leave and have a well-earned rest, training started again in earnest in September. However, mixed in with the high tempo of training delivery, personnel have also managed to find opportunities to undertake sporting and adventurous training activities as well as completing gruelling physical challenges to raise money for charity.

8 Members of 73 Sqn VSS team on Ex VIKING SHIELD 1-23

Understanding the current threats and LWC ‘top twelve’ the team focus encompassed Counter ISR, CEMA and C2D2 tactics into a VSS course already embracing virtual JAMES. Ex IRON TITAN with its armoured BG roaring in and around added a great touch of realism to the training.

8 LSTW on the Three Peaks challenge

73 Sqn - In July members of 73 Sqn staff completed the UK three peaks over a five-day period.The group started in Scotland, scaling Ben Nevis before driving south to Scafell Pike and then finally on to North Wales to make their way up Snowdon. Here they were joined by new OC 73 Sqn Maj Mawbey and CO LSTW. Camping in both Scotland and the Lake District was a great added touch and gave all members of the Sqn a chance to get out of the office and into nature for a week. It also highlighted potential AT instructors and enhanced the skills of those who are pursuing further AT qualifications.

During training year 2023-24 WO2 (SSM) Macphee has been representing The RLC at the Corps Basketball Championships held in Aldershot.The Women’s first game was against the Royal Engineers.The RLC came out on top by winning 65-20.The next Corps game, against the Royal Artillery, was cancelled due to the Gunners being unable to field a team.The RLC was given a 20-0 win.Well done SSM and the team!

Fully embracing the ‘Train As You Operate’ direction, the Vehicle Support Specialist (VSS) team again successfully deployed on Ex VIKING SHIELD 1-23. Deploying under a DATE and Fd Army Threat Handbook scenario, SPTA became Pirtuni for four days where the VSS students deployed tactical convoys and established a VRS. 16

Defence Movements Training Squadron - In addition to a busy training delivery schedule and, in a world that often seems consumed by screens and virtual connections, the allure of a physical charity event remained stronger than ever for DMTS personnel. Physical charity events are more than just opportunities to test physical limits; they are a chance to test the limits of compassion, commitment, mental resilience and offer the ability to make a difference.

‘24’ comprised a 2.4km march, carrying 24lbs, on the hour, every hour for 24 hours and was undertaken by a mixture of Army and RAF personnel from DMTS and DSLA. The chosen charity was ‘Combat Stress’ with the ‘24’ event raising £853 that went directly to this worthy cause.

8 The DMTS 24 event

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TRAINING MATTERS | THE SUSTAINER

However, it wasn’t just the event participants who dedicated their time, energy, and resources to support the cause.‘24’ brought the Sqn together for a common cause, fostering a sense of team cohesion and once finished – accomplishment.The remainder of Sqn personnel joined the team in the rest periods and for laps throughout the 24-hour period. All of which were appreciated.

Through the long hours, heavy legs, the aches and the pains, the event was completed by all participants with the whole of Sqn cheering them in. All participants have reflected on ‘24’ with positive memories and have begun looking for the next challenge to complete.

Defence Petroleum and Specialist Training Squadron (DPSTS) - DPSTS is responsible for a vast array of tri-service courses conducted around the world. Although the Sqn is small, its output is enormous, delivering training in Petroleum Operations, Fuels and Lubricants Management, Postal and Courier, Dangerous Goods and Tailoring. The Sqn promotes a professional and inclusive culture which allows the staff to excel and continually develop their skills, knowledge, and experience. Recently the Sqn welcomed a new OC, Maj Laith Selman.

The RAF contingent of nine instructors are responsible for delivering seven courses, including Fuel Operations and Management and Dangerous Goods, Compressed Gasses and the Ocean Terminal Course.Their activity is overseen by a Flt Sgt, who is responsible for the overall delivery of all RAF training. Courses are conducted both in Worthy Down and deployed locations. Most notably the Ocean Terminal course is delivered in Cyprus, teaching students to supervise and control fuel receipts from civilian tankers.

DPSTS continues to provide a home for the Petroleum Operator trade, delivering training and recruitment of new Petroleum Operators.The recently announced ‘golden hello’ of £6,000 for Phase 1 trainees who choose the Pet Op trade has greatly increased inflow, ensuring the trade doesn’t go the way of its fossilised emblem, the Archaeopteryx.While demand for Class 3 courses has doubled, DPSTS instructors have risen to the challenge with enthusiasm, delivering significant additional output.

Supply Training Wing - Chief Instructor – Lt Col Nick Homer As the Supply Training Wing (STW) rolled into a busy autumn period, it took a moment to reflect on some of the fantastic opportunities that have been grasped by the team recently. In July WO2 Cordy (QM Div) organised “The Macmillan Longest Day Golf Challenge”.This event saw four team members play 72 holes of golf, covering 17.5 miles in 14 hours for the Macmillan Cancer Charity. Sgt Pavlou presented the STWs Continuous Improvement (CI) work to the Army Empowerment Team, in between delivering core output courses and deploying to Cyprus to represent the Army in the Tri Service clay pigeon shooting championships.This sterling work not only improves the lived experience of the team and students but also shares best practices and experiences across wider Defence.

Fingers crossed that Sgt Pavlou’s efforts in the CI environment - which have recently been passed on to Sgt Anna Kampela - should set up the Wing for the award of silver status in the near future.

The RN/RFA Pt II Trainees on the AB Supply Chain Qualifying Course undertook visits to HMS Victory,

8 WO1 Ablitt in action on the karting track

Portsmouth Naval Base and RNAS Yeovilton as part of the course to gain an understanding of Naval History and Supply Chain in the Surface Fleet and the Fleet Air Arm. While the RN Reserve Logs Courses had the opportunity to conduct a Ship’s visit to HMS KENT and a tour of the RLC Museum with their instructor CPO Lisa Guy. Opportunities have come up recently for some interesting trawls with SSgt Hunter from Supply Training Div (STD) deploying to Edinburgh to be the CQMS for the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Capt Soper (QMs Div) deployed as an observer/mentor on Ex IRON TITAN with 10 QOGLR.This exercise was the first CSS validation and largest exercise (circa 4,000 soldiers) that the Combat Readiness Training Centre (CRTC) have delivered in 20 years that tested the troops across a wide spectrum; from basic soldiering in the field to delivering complex transport and supply missions across the country supporting battlegroups and a field hospital from both 10 QOGLRs and 27 Regt’s Divisional Support Areas.

Sgt Anna Kampela with the assistance of Sgt Thapa Magar and Sgt Yeboah-Asuamah organised a teambuilding/bonding event at the end of July. This event provided the Wing with a much-needed opportunity to mingle and socialise outside of the office environment whilst enjoying an amazing African/Gurkha BBQ feast.

On the sporting front WO1 Ablitt (STD) received his Corps Colours for his dedication and efforts of setting up the RLC Karting and taking the team from strength to strength over this past season. For anyone reading this that has an interest in Karting, the team is always on the lookout for new talent so please drop WO1 Ablitt a line. Sgt Beckham from the RAF Div competed and won the stiffly contested RAF sea fishing championships in Minehead, an event that saw over 40 competitors vying for the top spot.

PO(RFA) Toni Cupit took part in the Hyrox World Championships and after a hard competition was placed second in the doubles event. She also had the honour of taking part in the King’s Coronation as a Street Liner in the RFA led Uniformed Civilian Contingent and the Battle Atlantic 80th ceremonial celebration in Liverpool.

Maj Gareth Martin (RE) and the team from the Engineer Log Div put together an awesome four-day adventurous training package in Wales that consisted of hill walking and mountain biking. Based out of Maindy Barracks in Cardiff, the nine members of the STW that were able to deploy were only a short trek to the stunning Brecon Beacons and Aftan Forest where they were able to shake out and put their navigation, fitness and resilience skills to the test.The

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THE SUSTAINER | TRAINING MATTERS

RN STW organised an Op TEAMWORK event which involved 13 teams from across Worthy Down and DSLA in a one-day rounders competition which was won this year by the Gym Staff. The event was an all-inclusive activity to encourage teamwork and friendly competition. STW also competed in the Worthy Down annual King Alfred’s Cup competition and whilst finishing overall second, they were a street ahead of all other competitors in the prime event ‘The Warrior Competition’ so a feather in the cap for all involved across all three services.

Food Services Training Wing (FSTW) – CO: Cdr Frances Coles-Hendry RN Ex TIGER MANASLU HAMLA, NEPAL – By Sgt Dinesh Rai Sgt Dinesh Rai from FSTW organised and led a Type-3 Adventure Training Package, Ex TIGER MANASLU HAMLA for 14 members of Worthy Down Station in Nepal (04 Sep22 Sep 2023).This was conducted upon completion of progression training required for expeditions to ‘remote and rural’ areas. Activities included trekking to the Manaslu Region, incorporating a trek crossing the world’s most dramatic pass, Larkay La Pass at 5,106m.

Conducting adventurous training in a challenging and arduous mountainous area in Nepal was very tough and challenging but worthwhile. In return participants had exceptional team bonding activities and personal development opportunities. Also, the team conducted the Summer Mountain Foundation (SMF) course as a part of distributed training (DT) and provided novice mountaineers with SMF qualification if they met the standards required.

This expedition has developed leadership, command and management skills across the team whilst enhancing my confidence of planning, preparation, deployment and recovery of personnel. It also developed the team’s physical, mental, and moral component of Army's fighting power through exposure and participation of unit personnel 18

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8 Members of DSLA on Ex TIGER MANASLU HAMLA

in activities at remote, arduous, and high-altitude terrain in Nepal. Lastly, it exposed every individual to new cultural experiences.

Command Wing - CI: Lt Col Rob Williams Ex AGINCOURT LONGBOW On 9 Oct 23 Ex AGINCOURT LONGBOW; a Battlefield Study (BFS) based across the UK and France commenced.

Organised expertly by SI Field Log 1, Capt Tom Newman alongside passionate historian Sqn Ldr Jon Rooke, the BFS took a novel approach to this type of conceptual development through the study of key elements of the 100 Years War between 1337 and 1453 and how the lessons learnt during this period are just as relevant to industrialised modern warfare.This joint endeavour was aided by the fact that it included members of the Army, RAF and Civil Service who could each bring in very different experiences and perspectives to challenge each other and learn from one another.

The BFS started in Worthy Down with a series of briefs and demonstrations of the type of kit that the soldier of the time would use and carry. Whilst it was clear that the type of weapon used may have advanced in many instances, the continuous cyclical development between opposing sides in pursuit of supremacy has endured and will continue as a common factor in future warfighting.

Upon completion of this initial phase, the group made their way down to Portsmouth to visit the Mary Rose.

Despite being used outside the time period of the 100 Years War, it was the best and most relevant example of the type of ship that would have been used at the time to transport soldiers as well as all of their logistical support to an overseas battlefield.The requirement for deep water ports to accommodate the successful transition of people and supplies, the requirement to ensure a secure landing zone

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potentially in a contested zone and the requirement of leadership to complete such an undertaking all remain common themes even today.

The following day, the group departed to the Tower of London to view the type of complete medieval fortress that developed throughout this time period. Not only did this provide evidence of the size, scale and type of defences that may have been faced, it also helped the group to understand the complexity of the politics throughout this period and allowed the group to see many of the artefacts from around this time period.

Wednesday saw a particularly early start in order to allow the group to make the journey across to France in good time. Stopping off at the sites of the Battles of Crécy and Agincourt, this was the first opportunity for the group to see the type of terrain and begin to appreciate the challenges of the lines of communication and how these were maintained during this period. Of particular note at the site of the Battle of Agincourt, the group was able to witness the effect of both the crossbow, and the longbow which were used to devastating effect by the French and English armies respectively.

After spending the night in Paris, the group then made their way to the ‘modern medieval’ castle at Guédelon.This castle is currently under construction, using only artisanal techniques utilised during the period of the 100 Years War

TRAINING MATTERS | THE SUSTAINER and has been under construction since 1997; a testament to the time, effort and finances required both during the 14th and 15th centuries as well as today.

Finally after another night in Paris, the group returned back to the UK but not before visiting Rouen en-route.This was the site of the execution of Joan of Arc, a military leader who transcended gender norms and gained recognition as a saviour of France. Not only did this provide an excellent insight into this period of history, it also highlighted the importance of challenging the norm in pursuit of continuous development as well as the importance of purpose and morale in any campaign.

Throughout, each member of the group delivered a stand-up brief on a given area of this time period and was subsequently challenged to discuss its relevance to warfare today. Throughout it continued to be apparent that the lessons learned during this time are just as relevant to today, and that the challenge of finding similarities was not that challenging at all.Whether being the choice of ground for which to conduct a battle, the application and timing of offence and defence or simply the ability to support and sustain a campaign, each area was just as vital 600 years ago as it is today. By understanding and discussing the challenges of history, there is no doubt that more can be done to understand and develop the ability to successfully conduct warfighting today.

8 Members of Ex AGINCOURT LONGBOW at the site of the Battle of Agincourt

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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THE SUSTAINER | EXERCISE Exercise IRON TITAN 23 represented 3 (UK) Division’s largest exercise in over a decade, stress testing the enabling elements of the Division. This saw 101 OSB, 25 Eng Gp, 1 Avn Bde, DRS and 7 Signals Gp exercising under HQ 3 (UK) Div on areas across the UK. HQ 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade (OSB) 101 OSB deployed the Bde HQ which enabled validation of subordinate Units: 5 REME, 10 QOGLR and 27 Regt RLC. The Bde revived corporate knowledge by establishing a burial site, deploying a field hospital in a completely new configuration to support warfighting and tested communications at reach.

Integrating the Rangers and MAB, the Bde provided a realistic environment with an agile enemy and responsive civilian population, challenging the Units. Army Reserve Units 103 REME Bn, 151, 156 and 157 Regiments RLC integrated into the Bde, bringing fresh perspective and skills developed outside uniformed life, but also proving integration.

During the main validating phase, 101 OSB operated as a tactically deployed HQ to enhance realism. Departments conducted final refining cycles of OSW before releasing nuanced orders that enabled a feedback system of Requests for Information. This process meant Units conducted realistic planning cycles that highlighted gaps and allowed them the freedom to request additional support and assets. Units were put

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Exercise IRON TITAN

under time pressure to ensure they became comfortable with executing an imperfect plan, with risks to mission and life, in a hostile environment containing unknowns.

10 Queens Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment – Capt C Langridge, Ops O 28 Sqn Ex IRON TITAN 23, was a CT Foxtrot exercise, designed to validate the 10 QOGLR RHQ and prove that the Regt is ready for future deployment. Aware of ‘The 12 Threats’ and lessons identified within the Russia-Ukraine war; the Regt operated in a ‘PED RED’ Unmanned Ariel System (UAS) saturated environment.

The exercise was split into three phases, BCS, LFTT and the FTX.

8 Ex IRON TITAN proved 10 QOGLR is ready for future deployment

The BCS and LFTT phase saw the Regt train to prepare it for the FTX phase. The Regt conducted training related to CBRN, urban operations, and of course logistic operations.

Concurrently, the RHQ was put through its paces preparing for and conducting initial planning cycles.

During the FTX, many lessons were identified. Starting in Divisional Support Area (DSA) 1 at RMB Chivenor in North Devon, the Regt later moved to South Wales, Minley and Salisbury Plain. 28 Fuel and General Transport Sqn built a fully operational bulk fuel installation in Caerwent and its drivers transported stores and fuel across extended ground lines of communication throughout the UK. 1 Sqn maintained a field storage area, under pressure from both red and black force threats. Logistic activities became more complex with dispersion and high mobility as priorities. Regimental and subunit headquarters relocated every 72 hours to counter the threats of enhanced surveillance and longrange fires. The Unit became comfortable with uncertainty, limited situational awareness and restricted communications.

8 101 OSB operated as a tactically deployed HQ to add realism

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EXERCISE | THE SUSTAINER

In a complex and saturated environment, the Regt dealt with drone sightings, interference by IDPs and an agile enemy employing IDF and SAF. Ex IRON TITAN enabled validation of the Unit and prepared it for Op LINOTYPER in early 2024.

27 Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps – Maj E Bill, OC 19 Sqn 27 Regt RLC as a primary training audience deployed on the largest Combat Service Support exercise ever configured. The Regt initially deployed to RMB Chivenor, establishing a Logistic Node Forward at Aldershot and Bulford.

A further move to Okehampton saw the Regt braving horizontal wind and rain to conduct Live Fire Tactical Training (LFTT), building through pairs fire manoeuvre to a defensive troop attack and challenging casualty evacuation drills through the Dartmoor bog.

The LFTT package instigated a shift towards a warfighting mentality. A Basic Combat Skills (BCS) phase back in RMB Chivenor built on this, with reaction to enemy fire and focus on lethality. 19 Tank Transporter Sqn owned the night, practicing winching in the dark, driving manoeuvres with LUCIE googles and a frenetic recce by force on 151 Regt RLC to everyone’s mutual training benefit.

Then, the logistic exercise truly began. 91 and 8 Sqns established a Divisional Support Area on the airfield at Chivenor as 10 QOGLR bounced forward to Caerwent.

Through the innovative use of private land; Suppliers, Petroleum Operators, Drivers, and Tank Transporter Operators established Logistic Nodes and Distribution

8 19 Tk Tptr Sqn practiced winching MBTs at night

8 Exercising troops faced an agile live enemy operating behind the lines

8 The use of night vision equipment was exercised extensively on Ex IRON TITAN

Points in the vicinity of Caerwent to sustain 10 QOGLR at full operating capacity. From there the Regt, using wily deception plans coupled with dynamic route selection, established a second Divisional Support Area in Bramley. The Regt covered thousands of miles, moved mountains of materiel, and delivered heavy lift (a divisional asset) to get validated to Training Level Foxtrot. A fantastic exercise and a brilliant achievement.

5 Battalion Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers – 2Lt Brewer-Allan, Pl Comd 1 Fd Coy Ex IRON TITAN 23 began for 5 Battalion REME within late September with output being focused on real life support.

The Bn arrived at RMB Chivenor where the troops affirmed the relationships present in their Forward Repair Teams, and even those from other companies integrated with 1 Fd Coy. My SNCOs showed themselves to be invaluable with how they handled the deployed workforce, and the OC set us up for success with

coherent planning and direction that was clear and concise. Maj Cummings aptly pointed out that exercises such as this, especially early on in a team’s life, are essential to forming effective relationships from Craftsmen to CO. The exercise progressed, and we moved to Caerwent Training Area in Wales where I witnessed JNCOs enthusiastically directing Craftsmen whilst conducting repairs, and then promptly switching their focus to making sure their peers had their respirators fitted correctly. This level of professionalism will make the transition from 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade to 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade all the smoother.

8 5 Bn REME’s focus was real life support

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THE SUSTAINER | TRAINING MATTERS

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The Defence School of Transport In this edition of The Sustainer, we would like to say a very fond farewell and thank you to Col Chris Henson QGM. Col Chris, whose achievements are far too many to mention (both at DST and throughout his career) ended his tenure as DST’s Commandant by competing in Ex NORTHERN STRIKE 23. It was a very fitting end to his 35-year military career and blends nicely into warmly welcoming and introducing you to DST’s new Commandant, Col Laura Craig-Braddock.

Col Laura is late AGC ETS and it seems very appropriate timing that she, as a very keen sports person and Level 4 personal trainer who holds a raft of AT instructor qualifications (skiing, scuba diving, and mountaineering), is joining us for this sports themed edition.

Readers will have the opportunity to learn more about the new Commandant in future editions.

Commandant’s Personal Development Shield (CPDS) The CPDS 22/23 was re-established in Nov 22 with the primary aims of developing team cohesion and promoting departmental synergy between the DST pillars to achieve a greater collective output.The CPDS consisted of 13 sporting competitions and six physical competitions.The DST pillars were critical to the success of the CPDS.Their commitment, support and participation were essential to maximise the extreme benefits that the platform of healthy competitive competition provides.

Every pillar, every department and every Service was represented in this year’s CPDS.The breakdown of events for the CPDS 22/23 were: Event 1 – Football Event 2 – Fitness Challenge Event 3 – Cross Country Event 4 – Fitness Challenge Event 5 – Basketball Event 6 – Fitness Challenge Event 7 – Minor Team Games Event 8 – Fitness Challenge Event 9 – Racket Sports Event 10 – Fitness Challenge Event 11 – Orienteering 22

Commandant: Colonel Laura Craig-Braddock COS: Lt Col Damion Moxon GSM: WO1 M Hickey

Event 12 – Fitness Challenge Event 13 – Rugby The competition was set up purposely to maximise attendance for all competitors at each event. Every sporting competition meant that all teams had to be in the same place at the same time and every fitness challenge required the teams to complete a set workout within a 30 day window. This minimised the requirement to bring the entire site to a standstill every month for a competition. DST achieved its competition aims and the Unit

8 L-R Col C Henson QGM and WO1 (GSM) M Hickey

continued to achieve its work outputs.

The CPDS has not only provided healthy Unit competition, but it has also provided the opportunity for JNCOs to showcase their leadership and planning skills. Allowing them to plan and execute competitions, improved their written work through the creation of administration instructions. Leadership was developed by placing them as team captains, responsible for selecting,

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preparing and leading their teams, throughout the various competitions.

The CPDS started in Nov 22 with eight teams representing all DST pillars. The scoring for each event was simple: eight points for a win, down to one point for coming 8th.

The team with the highest amassed points at the end of the year would be deemed champions. Each team was also given one joker card which could be used once throughout the entire CPDS. The joker card doubles any points achieved for one competition which added the element of risk and reward to teams when they submitted the joker card prior to the event starting.

The fitness challenges ranged from green PT,WODs and specially designed events like the Fibonacci workout, testing every physical component of each competitor. The sporting events, where possible, were run in conjunction with UK North sporting events. This allowed the competition aim to be achieved whilst exposing staff and students to high level events with the aim of encouraging them to attend further events and grow the sport.

Sporting competition has been used for centuries to develop the physical component of fighting power. In the modern area, sport has been utilised across Defence to maximise the physical components that make the soldier athletes of the modern Defence forces. The pivotal role that sports plays in Service life should never be underestimated and the tangible benefits in the workplace are clear for all to see.

At the time of drafting this article, the competition is currently in Event 12, which is a Fibonacci workout.With two events to go, the current teams occupying the top spots are Establishment Support, closely followed by the RAF. Two points currently separate the teams, from a year-long competition and this is exactly the finish we were hoping for.

All teams, whether at the top or near the bottom, deserve huge praise for their willingness to compete and the way they have competed.

Next year’s CPDS is already in the planning stages and in terms of evolution, the Unit is looking to incorporate CS staff into the events to harness the one team approach in both the workplace and the sporting arena. The spring 24 edition will have

TRAINING MATTERS | THE SUSTAINER weightlifting, with time dedicated for implementing new thought processes and methods to execute lifts optimally. Multiple PBs across the group on both lifts, as well as lifetime PBs by both of DST’s personnel on the Snatch (60kg) and Clean & Jerk (92.kg/90kg).

As with previous CPD activities, the pair re-delivered the training to the Physical Development Team (PDT) and enhancing the delivery of the Army Physical Training System (APTS) to the ITTT’s within DST.

8 Col Laura Craig-Braddock – DST Commandant

the results of the CPDS 22/23 and break down how DST plans to build on next year’s event and continue to grow sport and competitiveness within all who serve at DST. “You cannot strengthen the weak, by weakening the strong.”

The Big Golf Race challenge Sgt Lilley and Cpl Gratton, have completed The Big Golf Race challenge in a bid to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK. The duo walked over 35km during the 14hrs challenge and raised a fantastic £885 for the charity.

The DST Sports Fair The annual sports fair is invaluable for all staff at DST, but specifically for the students who recently had the opportunity to see 22 sports on display. They ranged from the popular sports of rugby, volleyball, cricket, and basketball to the more unique sports of fishing, kite surfing, shooting, and sailing.

For those into more extreme sports, 25 Regt’s Nordic and Alpine skiing teams also made an appearance to highlight their sporting disciplines ahead of The RLC championships this winter.

Thank you to the PDT and sports officers for highlighting the vast range of sporting opportunities on offer at DST and within the three Services.

I think you will agree, we are quite a sporty bunch here at DST.

The Army Summer Fly Fishing Championships Sgt Gopal Thapa and Cpl Yadap Rai from 25 Regt were both honoured to represent The RLC at this year’s Army Summer Fly Fishing Championships, held in Llyn Brenig, north Wales. They were just two of the eight anglers from across the QOGLR and RLC to take part in this year’s competition against other Corps.

After an extremely competitive event, we congratulate The RLC (and DST’s two competitors) who were crowned the champions of this year’s competition.

Olympic weightlifting workshop Sgt (SI) Smith RAPTC and Cpl Middleton have this year taken part in the Army’s Olympic workshop at ITC Catterick. A technique focused day concentrating on the fundamentals of Olympic

8 Sgt Smith – Weightlifting Workshop

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THE SUSTAINER | EXERCISE

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Exercise MUDMASTER 2023 MUDMASTER Driving and Navigation Excellence In a display of skill and coordination, in October, 154 (Scottish) Regiment RLC in collaboration with the British Army Motorsports Association (BAMA) and the Scottish Land Rover Owners Club (SLROC), hosted Exercise MUDMASTER 2023. The multi-venue, multiphase driving and navigation event brought together 98 military and civilian crews or riders from across the four nations of the UK. These included 75 all military crews or riders, three mixed civilian/military crews and 23 all civilian crews.

Featuring three distinct classes Support Vehicles, light 4x4s and motorcycles – the annual event aims to promote safe driving, both on and off road, provide highquality driver continuation training, foster team building and publicise the Army Reserve. This year, with Storm Babel having just passed through the week prior, was extraordinarily muddy (MUDMASTER living up to its name!). Despite the challenging conditions, with the exception of one or two orienteering tests, the plan survived contact. The organisers were not sure they would have wanted to be on a motorbike in those conditions though. The event used 16 off-road sites from Edinburgh on the east coast to Garelochhead on the

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8 LCpl Smith drives Maj Downes round the bend

8 Capt Henning and Lt Bowler of 6 Regt RLC

8 Cpl Gorsuch-Wright and 2Lt O'Grady of 27 Regt RLC

8 LCpl Brooks and OCdt Downie of 527 Sqn and ATOTR launch the amhibious version of the MAN SV 6T

west coast and finishing at Hamilton near Glasgow, after almost 200 miles.

The overall winners were Dave Tomlin and Gordon McCheyne from SLROC with LCpl Shanna Smith and Maj Mike Downes of 239 (Fife) Sqn RLC picking up the 1st BAMA award in 5th place overall and the highest placed inter-services crew. Honours in the 32 strong Truck class went to Cpl Kev Hume and Paddy Mallaney of 230 (Edinburgh) Sqn. Maj Spike Corsie of DSAE survived the two-day MUDMASTER carwash and won the Motorcycle Class.

A resounding success, the exercise has been delivered by the

unit or its predecessor for over 30 years, pushing the boundaries of driving skills whilst strengthening military-civilian collaboration. The event exemplified the determination, skills and camaraderie within 154 Regt and highlight the remarkable training opportunities the Army has to offer. MUDMASTER will run again in 2024 over the 27-28 October and is open to all units. Join us if you can for what we hope will be an even bigger, better, and more challenging event than ever before.

If you want to know more, search for Army Motorsports 4x4 Navigation on Google.

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SPORT | THE SUSTAINER

Sport is a hugely important element of ‘The Offer’ provided to our serving soldiers and officers.

The RLC Central Sports Committee takes great pride in the sheer volume and variety of The Corps’ consistent level of sporting achievements and successes across all recognised major and minor Army Sports.

The Committee takes just as much pride in providing our personnel with opportunities to try out new sports and identify new talent.

It is the serving community which enables sporting activities at all levels and the Central Sports Committee thanks you all for your time and commitment, over and above your normal daily duties. It is also your Day’s Pay Scheme contributions that provide the vast

RLC Sport Contacts majority of the funding required to facilitate Corps level sport. The RLC Association Trust normally looks to utilise c50% of DPS income to support Corps sport, this equates to approximately £500K in 2023 During the course of the last 12 months The Central Sports Committee has approved and financially supported the set up of a number of sports including Karting, Wakeboarding, Brasilian Jiu Jitsu, re-invigorated Corps Tug of War and initiated a Corps lead for Adventurous Training which will look to build on the successes of our Winter Sports disciplines and

facilitate annual major summer AT expeditions for the Corps. A full list of current RLC Sports and their secretaries/primary contacts can be found below. You can also contact the Assistant Regimental Secretary, Mr Richard Stockman, should you have any further enquiries or support needs regarding a current or new sporting opportunity.

Corps Instructions for Sport can be found on RHQ The RLC Sharepoint (MODNet only).

Any queries or issues regarding Corps Sport can be addressed to respective sports secretaries or Mr Stockman.

RLC Sports Secretaries and Primary Contacts as at October 2023: Sport Adventurous Training Angling - Coarse Angling - Carp Aquatics - Swimming/Water Polo/Diving Athletics Badminton Boxing Canoeing/Paddleboarding Cricket Cross Country Cycling/Mountain Biking Cycling - Mountain Biking Cycling - Road Cycling Cycling - Cross Country Cycling - eRacing Enduro Motorcycling Equestrian Equestrian Equestrian Equestrian E-Sports Fencing Football (Male) Football (Res) Golf Golf Hockey Ice Hockey Jiu-Jitsu Karting Martial Arts Netball Orienteering Parachuting Parachuting Rifle and Clay Pidgeon Clay Target Shooting Rugby League Rugby Union Rugby Union Sailing Sailing Sailing Sailing Sailing Sport Climbing Squash Surfing Tennis Triathlon Tug Of War Volleyball Waterski/Wakeboarding Winter Sports Winter Sports Regimental Headquarters

Position Secretary Secretary/Captain Coarse Secretary Carp Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary General Secretary MTB Secretary Road Secretary XC Lead eRacing Secretary/Treasurer General Secretary Centralised Training Captain Polo Captain Mounted Skill at Arms Chairman Secretary Secretary / Treasurer Secretary Secretary Fixtures Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary OIC SPA Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Women's Rugby Secretary Rear Commodore Offshore Rear Commodore Dighy Rear Commodore Windsurfing Rear Commodore Kitesurfing Secretary Secretary/Treasurer Chair/Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary RLC Snowboarding Secretary Assistant Regimental Secretary

Rank Maj SSgt WO2 Maj Maj Cpl Capt Maj WO2 Maj Lt Col Cpl Capt Capt Maj Maj Maj Maj Capt Maj Lt Col Sgt Capt Sgt WO2 Sgt Maj Capt SSgt WO2 Capt Lt Maj Maj Capt Maj Capt Capt Capt Capt Capt Lt Col Lt Col Sgt Capt Capt SSgt Capt Maj Maj Maj Capt Cpl Maj Capt Mr

Surname Johl Kilner Booth Brown MBE Barlow Gurung Sumner Hiam James Barlow Shaw Smith Redler Chester Debono-Evans Ottaway Lambert Mawbey Lowe Puckey Gartside Ryland-Gasher Davies Brewster Humphreys Herbert Nicolle Broad Mason Bedingfield McCartney Sutherland Clarke Oliver Calway Power Cann Watkins Brewerton Kavanagh-Barnes Pearman Wilcox Ekman MBE Casteleiro Clarke Hargreaves Butterworth Hughes Isherwood Martin Graham Ingnam Lord Fearnfield Halbert Stockman

Email javed.johl432@mod.gov.uk gary.kilner647@mod.gov.uk ricki.booth584@mod.gov.uk lisa.brown481@mod.gov.uk jacquie.barlow598@mod.gov.uk netrabahadur.gurung337@mod.gov.uk jamie.sumner398@mod.gov.uk jonathan.hiam100@mod.gov.uk randolph.james951@mod.gov.uk jacquie.barlow598@mod.gov.uk tom.shaw587@mod.gov.uk james.redler820@mod.gov.uk chez.chester453@mod.gov.uk michelle.debono-evans467@mod.gov.uk jonathan.ottaway206@mod.gov.uk rose.lambert334@mod.gov.uk georgina.mawbey101@mod.gov.uk james.lowe643@mod.gov.uk david.puckey947@mod.gov.uk andrew.gartside814@mod.gov.uk shaine.ryland-gasher511@mod.gov.uk lee.davies924@mod.gov.uk neil.brewster507@mod.gov.uk robert.humphreys806@mod.gov.uk adam.herbert111@mod.gov.uk bonnie.nicolle123@mod.gov.uk jake.broad102@mod.gov.uk adam.mason108@mod.gov.uk karl.bedingfield935@mod.gov.uk david.mccartney432@mod.gov.uk eleanor.sutherland102@mod.gov.uk laura.clarke315@mod.gov.uk toby.oliver803@mod.gov.uk amii.calway878@mod.gov.uk gary.power825@mod.gov.uk richard.cann375@mod.gov.uk nicholas.watkins771@mod.gov.uk joseph.brewerton100@mod.gov.uk jade.kavanagh-barnes100@mod.gov.uk owen.pearman100@mod.gov.uk terry.wilcox769@mod.gov.uk bruce.ekman978@mod.gov.uk christopher.casteleiro545@mod.gov.uk grant.clarke954@mod.gov.uk alistair.hargreaves104@mod.gov.uk ian.butterworth386@mod.gov.uk joshua.hughes156@mod.gov.uk timothy.isherwood100@mod.gov.uk andy.martin477@mod.gov.uk charles.graham112@mod.gov.uk nirmalkumar.ingnam190@mod.gov.uk leann.lord101@mod.gov.uk michael.fearnfield283@mod.gov.uk kevin.halbert438@mod.gov.uk richard.stockman256@mod.gov.uk

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THE SUSTAINER | SPORT The RLC Inter Services team

By OCdt B Leung RLC Equestrian is pleased to report that the RLC Equestrian team has very successfully brought home multiple awards this season with the help of its team riders spanning from Grassroots up to Army Team level.

A quick overview of the top spots this season so far: The Royal Tournament (Army Championships): Team 0.95m Showjumping 3rd Place (first military team), Cpl H Hall (225 Med Regt) 1st place in the London Horse Show Qualifier (1.10m).

Royal Navy Championships: Team 0.80m Showjumping 1st place (composite with AMS), Maj R Lambert (ARRC) and Capt L Dixon (1 Regt RLC) represented the Army on the Loriners Inter-services Show Jumping leg.

UKAF Equestrian Championships: Team Show Jumping 1st place (composite with AMS), OCdt B Leung (151 Regt RLC) represented the Army on the Loriners Inter-services Final Leg. London Horse Show Qualifier (1.10m): 2nd Cpl H Hall and 4th Capt L Dixon.

At every single Loriners Interservices fixture, across all four legs, Team RLC was represented and the team is pleased to share the news that, with the help of the Corps’ riders, the Army has retained the cup for the fifth year running.

Furthermore, Capt L Dixon and Cpl H Hall qualified for the worldfamous London International Horse Show held at the Excel Centre in December 2023.

Team awards at the Army Equestrian Association 2023 Collectively, the team’s results led to the RLC Equestrian Team being awarded the Inter-corps and Best Unit, Army Equestrian Association Trophy 2023 in its first year of inception. Additionally WO2 B Wright, who only started riding though the Corps Club a few years ago, won Army Best Novice Rider.

Three more RLC riders made it through to Army level selection but marginally missed out on the top spot. These personalities deserve some recognition.

Maj G Mawbey is the absolute backbone of bringing new riders into the equestrian fold. She tirelessly 26

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RLC Equestrian Team RLC brings it home with success across all disciplines

8 Capt Dixon riding her horse Topsy and Cpl Hall with her horse Geoffrey have qualified for the London International Horse Show

and singlehandedly organises the Army Grass Roots League every year and continues to set up Army Equestrian for the future.

Cpl Chris Davidson is unique. In addition to great riding ability, he is always willing to help others. A rider’s rider is not just a good rider, but a mentor, a willing source of knowledge and Cpl Davidson more than fits this bill.

OCdt Brian Leung is possibly one of the most well-known characters within Army Equestrian. In his media role he has given the AEA a real platform on which to announce success. Selected for the Army Development Eventing Team he will wear the Army saddle cloth for the Loriner’s competition at UKAFEC. RLC Equestrian is grateful to the RLC Association Trust for its kind funding and support which enables the team riders to attend

8 OCdt B Leung, 151 Regt RLC

competitions, participate in training, and if they desire, work towards Army and UKAF teams.

RLC Polo: The Captains and Subalterns Polo Tournament

By Maj N Prescott It was hard to believe that 12 months had elapsed since the last Captains and Subalterns Polo Tournament - one of the oldest Polo competitions in the world, dating back to 1897. 2022 was extremely hot with scorched earth and hard ground while this year, it was ‘Gore-Tex till endex’ weather, green grass and slippery. The only advantage to this was that despite the drenching, it was at least cooler for both riders and horses and of course, the horse flies stayed away!

Our first match was versus the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC).

Given the vagaries of polo handicaps which the reader will

8 The RLC Equestrian Team is awarded the Inter-corps and Best Unit, Army Equestrian Association Trophy 2023

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SPORT | THE SUSTAINER concentrated far more on staying out of the ‘close-quarter battle’.

This allowed us to focus on the rest of the field of play and betteranticipate moves and shots. Some frustrating penalties allowed the AGC to exploit our occasional untidiness but ultimately, a series of excellent goals, five from the skipper, Lt Col Anderson, one by Pte Akuffo and one by Capt Cornell did not allow them to drive their attacks home. The final score was RLC 7 - 4½ AGC.

8 WO2 B Wright being presented with his ‘Army Best Novice Rider’ award

need to ‘Google,’ the RAC started with a two-goal advantage due to the difference in handicaps (RLC a 5-team and the RAC an 8-team).

However, although stronger on paper, the RLC team had had little opportunity to train; with Pte Akuffo returning from an overseas deployment to play and other team members spread across the UK. The RAC was a well drilled team who had clearly trained and were regular riders. The RLC made a great start winning the line out and having a shot on goal within the first minute. Unfortunately, I had not zeroed my eyesight that morning and the ball went wide.

The RAC played a fast-open game and both teams fully used the pitch.

Play was open, with some long balls being played up the field and marking of opponents and ride offs occurring regularly. By half time it was 4-1 to the RAC. The RLC had their chances and in the third chukka Lt Col Lucy Anderson made an absolute steal taking the ball all the way down the pitch and scoring a superb goal with a beautiful lofty shot through the posts from 60yds. I had several more attempts with the ball rolling the wrong side of the post both times, it clearly was not meant to be my day. The final score unfortunately did not reflect how the team had played with the RAC running away with an 8-3 victory.

Day two saw us play against the Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC).

This match saw the AGC with the handicap advantage of 1½ goals before we began. Having had time to reflect from the previous match, we were better-prepared and

8 The RLC polo players; Lt Col L Anderson, Pte S Akuffo, Maj N Prescott, Capt Cornell

inch plastic peg) some 50m away.

The horse then accelerates to full gallop (25-30mph) and the sword or lance is brought down to engage the peg, running it through and pulling it out of the ground as the horse thunders past. As if this does not sound hard enough, one class involves running in a team of 3 riders, who should ideally all pick up their pegs at the same time in a perfectly dressed line. Another class involves pulling two rings from a gallows at head height, then dropping down to rip a peg out of the ground in one run, performed with lance, and then the sword in the second run.

The Tentpegging Team is always looking for new riders to train up and take part in this traditional military sport. Needlessly to say you need to be able to ride one handed at a gallop and have good hand/eye coordination to learn.

Training is conducted progressively from learning weapon drills on a wooden horse, through to dummy weapons on a real horse going up the paces until deemed safe and competent to begin with real weapons. Most of our team compete on hired horses, normally polo ponies, but a couple of us have our own mounts. Contact Maj Puckey or any of the team to find out more and get involved.

8 The Polo team in action at the Captains and Subalterns Polo Tournament

RLC Skill-at-Arms

By Maj D Puckey The RLC Tentpegging Team has competed in two competitions this year - the Royal Tournament held at the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray, and the Challenge match held at Frampton Country Fair - and was in the rosettes at each.

Tentpegging is a fast-paced military sport originally designed to practice combat skills for mounted soldiers, in effect the ACMT for the Cavalry back in the day. Today, The RLC, the Household Cavalry and King’s Troop are the main units currently competing, along with a range of civilian competitors from the British Tentpegging Association.

The sport involves the rider lining up on a tent peg (a 3 inch by 12-

8 Maj Puckey and Disco taking the 2” peg in a run off against Maj James Ware

8 The RLC team riders; Maj Puckey, Maj Ware, Maj Pittaway and Maj Prescott

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THE SUSTAINER | SPORT The RLC Hockey Club has experienced a busy 2022/23 season and is poised to build on this success in 2024. It has three teams: Masters (mixed over 35s), Women’s (all ages) and Men’s (all ages but predominantly 18-35).

This year the Club has competed in multiple Army Hockey Association (AHA) competitions, deployed on an overseas visit to South Africa, delivered the Bari Cup (RLC Inter-Unit Hockey Festival), won many RLC Sports Awards, and its Women’s team has recently been crowned the Army’s Indoor Hockey Champions.

Overseas sports visit to South Africa In April the RLC Hockey Club travelled to South Africa in preparation for the Inter Corps Hockey Tournament. The mixed touring squad consisted of 32 regular and reserve RLC personnel with ages ranging from 19 to 55.

Whilst in South Africa, the touring squad fielded one female and one male team who played four matches each against civilian hockey clubs.

With some exceptional play by both teams, the touring squad secured two wins but sadly lost the other six matches. Many of the opposing teams were divisional champions or had national players.

The teams also had the opportunity to experience some South African culture. Excursions included a trip to the oldest township of Langa, a visit to Table Top Mountain, surfing in Cape Town and two days’ worth of game driving in Kariega. They also enjoyed a day canyoning which was an exciting experience that pushed some of the squad members out of their comfort zone.

The squad also laid a wreath on the grave of James Langley Dalton VC in Port Elizabeth.

A special thank you goes to Capt Vachha (HQ 16 AA BCT) and SSgt Jackson (9 Regt) who planned a successful and well-coordinated tour.

Army Inter Corps outdoor tournament The Hockey Club gathered for the annual AHA Outdoor Tournament where it fielded three teams: 28

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The Royal Logistic Corps Hockey Club Chair: Lt Col HPM McCullough Club Capt: Maj A Nicholas Sec: Maj B Nicolle

Women’s, Men’s, and Masters. Out of the eight different cap badges represented, the Men’s and Women’s teams finished 4th in their respective tournaments and the Master’s came 2nd overall.

The Bari Cup The Bari Cup Hockey Festival took place in July at MOD Garats Hay (formerly Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College). This year saw 12 units/independent sub units from across the Corps compete in a sixa-side tournament over three days to win either the Bari Cup, Kirby Bowl, Festival Shield and/or Veterans Stick. The winners were: Bari Cup – 29 Regt; Kirby Bowl – 27 Regt; Festival Shield – 11 EOD Regt; Veterans Stick – 162 Regt.

Post tournament celebrations included a 4th of July party, a fantastic performance from the RLC Corps of Drums and an end of season awards dinner night – the latter including the presentation of Corps colours to six individuals.

8 162 RLC - winner of the Veterans Stick

(HQ 16 AA BCT) was a runner up for Official of the Year, and SSgt Jackson (9 Regt) was a runner-up for Coach of the Year.

Army Inter Corps indoor tournament At the time of writing (Oct 23), the RLC Hockey Club has just competed in the AHA indoor tournament at Aldershot. Entering three teams (Masters, Women’s and Mens) and battling squad availability, the Club was able to achieve some real success with the Women’s team becoming undefeated champions of the indoor competition 2023!

How do I join the RLC Hockey Club?

The Club is always on the look-out to grow and we welcome both regular and reserve personnel of all skill levels. If you are interested in joining us, please join the RLC Hockey WhatsApp group on the QR code below to find out more information:

The RLC Sports Awards It would be remiss not to highlight some fantastic achievements that evening. LCpl May Percival (1LO, 23 Engr Regt) won both Young Sports Personality and Young Sports Woman of the Year, Capt Vachha

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics David Fairs spent 25 years serving in the Royal Corps of Transport and was both parachute and commando trained, serving with Airborne Forces and 3 Commando Brigade. Prior to leaving the Army he commanded 4 Division Transport Regiment RCT in Duisburg. He has recently published a book about his life and experiences both in and out of the Army.

“You’ve Not Come Here To Enjoy Yourself” covers an entire lifetime of adventure including his twenty-five years in the Army and the difficulties he found in adjusting to civilian life. During his military service as a logistician with the Royal Corps of Transport he takes much pride in recounting his experiences with Airborne Forces and as an Army Commando as each event fills the reader often with the humour of the occasion.

Of particular interest to anyone serving in the Army today is explaining the difficulties he encountered after taking the decision to leave the Army, which he loved, in mid-career and the lack of help or support which,

BOOK REVIEW | THE SUSTAINER

hopefully, is not the case today.

On leaving the Army, he took up a post as a manager with Holiday Club Pontins. Not such a change from the Army, David recalls, with its encirclement of barbed wire and guards on the gates.

The book also covers his years running his own travel company.

He specialised in taking clients to places that most travellers have only

read about; and his book takes in the ice of the Antarctic, the emptiness of the Patagonian Steppe, the steamy jungle of India and the thin air of the Himalayas. By starting his business he successfully made the break from his life in the Army to one where his planning skills were able to be deployed.

He was delighted to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) having led a 1000-mile canoe expedition down the Nile. In the book he describes navigating the cataracts and dealing with crocodiles along the route.

His Army training enabled his many fellow travellers – now friends – to attain goals they never thought they could achieve.

The book is a humourous tale, stuffed full of a robust life fulfilled to the brim.

This is well worth a read if only for the humour and the breadth of his world where no challenge goes uncontested. It is available in all the usual book shops and Amazon or for a personalised signed copy, please contact davidtfairs@gmail.com

Tuesday – Saturday 09:30 – 16:00 Worthy Down, Winchester, SO21 2RG

royallogisticcorps.co.uk/museum

01962 887793

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THE SUSTAINER | EXERCISE After a very successful battlefield study to Malta last year, DEMS Training Regiment took the opportunity to take 17 personnel to visit the country of Croatia to look at the Croatian War of Independence and the Balkans War to gain an insight into a recent European conflict. The study was planned and executed

by Sgt Andi Gardner of CMD Training Squadron.

The study was split across the coastal cities of Split and Dubrovnik, which both have a long history of being pivotal in conflicts within what is now Croatia, with fortifications that date back to the Roman Empire.

The focus on the Balkans War gave the team the opportunity to delve into Croatian history prior to their bid for independence from Former Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) and the tensions within south east Europe, a conflict that has parallels with the current Ukraine/Russia conflict.

The first port of call was Split, where the team visited the Croatian Maritime Museum which showed examples of naval weapons used during the conflict, and where DEMS’s Royal Navy Officer, Lt Powell, gave an interesting brief on various Diving Sets and how they have developed over the years. The Yugoslav Navy was based in Split during the Balkans conflict. The physical damage to the city was limited during the conflict; however after the war Split suffered, mainly due to its industrial decline.

After an overnight stay in Split, the team took the scenic route to Dubrovnik, travelling by ferry between Croatia’s many Islands and sailing down the coast to the port city. If it is possible, Dubrovnik is even more beautiful than Split and these days is best known as a film location for the TV series Game of Thrones. More importantly 8 Old Dubrovnik is a truly beautiful town, but still bares the scars of war

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Ex TIGER MARTEN Battlefield Study Croatia Jul 23

8 The DEMS team on Mount Srd

8 The study team visited Fort Lovrijenac

though, Dubrovnik was a key stronghold during the Croatian War of Independence.

The city is built on the coast with the Old Town of Dubrovnik surrounded by fortifications, the strongest of which face out to sea.

The Old Town is built in the shadow of Mount Srd, at the top of which is Fort Imperial. Fort Imperial, now a museum for the Croatian War of Independence was the first line of defence for the city and housed part of the 163rd Dubrovnik Brigade.

This was the first visit on arrival, which included a pleasant walk up Mt Srd before visiting the museum,

which contains information on the siege of Dubrovnik, including personal accounts from the soldiers involved. In the city itself there is still evidence of the damage sustained from Yugoslavian forces, pictures exhibited at the museum are of areas that are still recognisable today.

After the visit to the Homeland Museum personnel visited Fort Lovrijenac, an amazing example of the ancient fortifications that were integral to protecting the area from damage even during a modern conflict. This was followed up by case studies set around the old town itself looking at the damage and how the Croatian people were affected.

The visit was an interesting parallel to the last battlefield study, the effects of the Balkans conflict are still very much evident in both cities. Restaurants and pubs in Dubrovnik, away from the main areas, display pictures and memorabilia whilst the museums and areas of conflict give a strong sense of pride in Croatia’s battle to become an independent country in its own right.

The battlefield study gave individuals involved the means to analyse a modern European conflict and its impact on the people within the countries involved. If anyone is planning a future Battlefield Study, then an excellent resource is the Royal Engineer Historical Society at secretary@rehs.org.uk

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#BritishArmyLogistics Lt Col Dave Pickersgill, former CO/HOE at DM Kineton and Ammunition Technician LCpl Rhian Hogg are members of the RLC Silver Stars Army Parachute Display Team. Earlier this year Lt Col Pickersgill was approached

by Mike West from the Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers about doing a tandem skydive jump to raise money for the Felix Fund.

The Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers has a proud affiliation with the Royal Logistic Corps. Each year the Company presents a prize at the Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) course graduation to the top student. They are proud to count Major Pete Norton GC amongst their number, along with numerous other serving and retired ATOs. On 17 August 2023, the Master of the Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers, Mrs Catherine Carr, and Court Assistant/Army Liaison Officer, Mr Mike West, completed a charity tandem skydive on behalf of the Felix Fund with the Silver Stars Army Parachute Display Team.

The jump took place at the Army Parachute Association, Netheravon, in Wiltshire from a height of 13,000ft, and consisted of 45 seconds of freefall and a fiveminute parachute descent. After the jump, Mike West said: “When you’re sat in the aircraft at 13,000ft preparing to exit, all sorts of thoughts go through your mind, but as you go out the door, there’s no turning back as you find yourself freefalling in a vast empty space, rapidly approaching terminal velocity of 120mph. Capt Dean Hoskins, the Display Team Leader of the Silver Stars and our brilliant tandem instructor, quickly stabilised

SILVER STARS | THE SUSTAINER

The Silver Stars help to raise funds for Felix

8 The Master of the Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers, Mrs Catherine Carr, exits the aircraft

8 A big thumbs up from the Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers’ MLO, Mike West

our descent and within seconds you are high-fiving other members of the magnificent Silver Stars team who also took part in the skydive.

Special thanks must also go to LCpl Rhian Hogg, an Ammunition Technician at Defence Munitions Kineton, for taking such care of Catherine and I and for her excellent camera work.”

The Felix Fund does important work for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community. Almost every day, EOD personnel are exposed to challenging, high-pressure situations and this continued exposure to intense stress can have lasting physical and mental effects. Mike has already been generously sponsored by members of the Livery Company, friends, family and RLC personnel for undertaking the charity tandem skydive; however it is still possible to contribute to this important act of charitable giving.

You can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/ page/michael-west-felix And find out more about the Felix Fund here: https://www.felixfund.org.uk 8 Catherine in freefall on her tandem jump

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THE SUSTAINER | EXERCISE Exercise DRAGON BARBARIAN NEPAL saw 14 members of 159 Regiment RLC embark on a trekking expedition pushing boundaries of Army AT over long enduring days through the Himalayas along the Manaslu circuit. By Cpl Cullis 159 Regiment RLC. The group that deployed on Ex DRAGON BARBARIAN NEPAL was experienced with ML's, SMF qualifications and relevant QMDs under their belts; but nothing could quite prepare us for the physical and mental challenges we would face when hit with high altitude and reduced oxygen levels. Most members of the expedition had never climbed above 1,200m before, so this Adventurous Training expedition became a test of resilience, stamina, teamwork and personal development, as we embarked on our trekking journey to ascend over the Larkya La Pass at 5,106m – the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit.

After roughly 48 hours travelling from various regions of the UK, via Qatar, to Kathmandu, we were all eager to finally get on the trail and begin the Himalayan adventure. In the hotel in Kathmandu we were introduced to our two guides. Their experience, knowledge and forward planning was invaluable to us. There was nothing that was too much trouble for them. On the journey from Kathmandu to the trail, we were joined by our Nepalese porters. These men were clearly made from different minerals, they were strong and resilient on another level – truly hard working, humble people.

From our first teahouse in Machhakhola (869m), we moved off towards Jagat (1,340m) steadily ascending. From the off, certain members of the group were being tested outside their comfort zones as they cautiously made their way over suspension bridges at height.

The next two days saw us move from Jagat to Namrung (2,630m) via Deng (1,340m). We crossed landslides, beautiful waterfalls and more suspension bridges over long and tough days with the MLs working overtime to ensure our safety. As we climbed further into the mountains, we noticed prayer walls, wheels and flags suggesting 32

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Exercise DRAGON BARBARIAN NEPAL

the mountains were becoming more spiritual.

It was during days four to six that the altitude began to take effect and some members began to feel mildly ill. We moved from Namrung (2,630m) to Sama (3,520m) via a brief acclimatisation stop in Lho (3,180m). Passing a young monks’ monastery we got a great view of the Manaslu North mountain. The visit to the monastery had a profound impact on the group and they felt almost “spiritually connected” to the mountains. Once in Sama, we rested and

acclimatised for a day, but we were still able to enjoy a low-level ascent of 100m to a glacier Lake - Tal Birendra. This allowed us to soak in the beautiful scenes of the Manaslu Mastiff which overlooked us as we spent time reflecting and enjoying the tranquillity of the lake.

From day seven onwards, our daily routine would consist of waking at 0530hrs, breakfast at 0600hrs and on the trail for 0700hrs. Between villages, we’d often be warmly greeted by small children, enthusiastically running to school and happily welcoming us through their mountains with “namaste.” I think I can speak for most of the group in saying that each day in the mountains was a very humbling experience for us all.

After reaching Samdo (3,875) on day eight, we received an unpredicted snow dump in the area. For safety, we were all instructed to stay in Samdo until a break in the weather allowed us to continue on our path. Despite the weather dictating our course of action on the trail, the stopover in Samdo not only allowed us to further acclimatise at over 3,500m but it also gave members of the group the opportunity to culturally connect with local people from the village. A few of us found a prayer

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#BritishArmyLogistics wheel inside an out-house building, which prompted a local lady to perform a spiritual prayer offering safe travels to all those on the Larkya La Pass.

After a second day snowed in at Samdo, it was finally deemed safe to continue along the trail, and we were able to progress onto Dharamsala (4,460m). It was a cold start but after a few days rest, everybody was keen to get going again. It was now day 10 and the altitude was getting to some of the group members. There were points where individuals had to stop, take in deep breaths of oxygen, take on fluids and steadily go again, other individuals had to descend to aid recovery. It was on this day where the group demonstrated true teamwork by encouraging and supporting each other.

It was on day 11 that the biggest challenge of the expedition took place, climbing over the the Larkya La Pass (5,160m) en route to Bimthang (3,720m). We were all feeling fragile waking up at 0300hrs. It was cold and dark, so we had our warm layers on and head torches to commence the day’s trekking at 0430hrs. The ascent towards the pass was spectacular, although the group felt at the mercy of the mountains, especially as we witnessed an avalanche on the mountainside.

After a tough climb, we stood at the highest point of the Manaslu trail at 5,160m, soaking in all the atmosphere, reflecting on our journey thus far, and just taking in the incredible scenes of the mountains and prayer flags

EXERCISE | THE SUSTAINER

saturating the pass. Nepalese born, Pte Sadip Gurung hung a prayer flag on behalf of the entire group, which contained names of the group members and close family members as a homage to the spirituality of the mountains.

From the pass, we started to descend the mountains, arriving in Bimthang (3,720m) feeling blessed to have arrived at accommodation with an en suite toilet and shower.

From Bimthang we continued to descend through various villages, descending rapidly to our final trekking destination in Jagat. It was here that we said a fond farewell to our porters who had endured the trek carrying our bags weighing 15kg each. The evening before in Tal, we wanted to show our appreciation by having the porters dine with us on the final night before they departed for home.

They graced us by singing folk songs from their villages before we donned traditional Nepalese hats (Dhaka Topi) and skirts (sari) to celebrate Dashain festival that lies in the month of Ashwin which is believed to be the happiest month of the year. It was a pleasure to

have got to know these men and a privilege to be in the company of such hard working, resilient people.

The final days of EX DRAGON BARBARIAN NEPAL took place back in Pokhara and saw us visit the Gurkha Museum and the British Gurkha barracks. We visited the Mountaineering Museum, enjoyed a panoramic view over Pokhara at a high-level viewpoint, then enjoyed an evening meal as a group at the Annapurna Garden Café and Lounge. After two days in Pokhara, it was time to say goodbye to Pokhara and make our way to Kathmandu before commencing the journey back home to the UK. EX DRAGON BARBARIAN NEPAL provided a once in a lifetime opportunity fully embraced and enjoyed by all members. Everyday on the trail in the mountains felt like a true blessing. This was most definitely a first-rate expedition that developed leadership, confidence and teamwork by all.

Truly blessed.

Dhanyabād.

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THE SUSTAINER | TRAILWALKER In September 2023, a collection of deeply motivated QOGLR soldiers tackled the daunting Trailwalker. Trailwalker is described as a team endurance event, where challengers must complete a 100km course across the South Downs Way in under 30 hours. For the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment team who aimed to complete the course in less than 11 hours and be the first team across the finish line - it is better described as a gruelling ultra-marathon over tricky terrain.

The team’s training plan was designed by Pte Apil Limbu, who has completed the event multiple times previously. The training regime was truly comprehensive, including muscular endurance, strength training, hill repetitions, recovery sessions, indoor cycling, and, of course, very long runs. The team members each wore through several pairs of trainers and worked tirelessly through the summer to ensure they were ready.

Prior to tapering off in the weeks leading up to the event, the team completed a 50km run over the most difficult section of the course (checkpoints 5 to 9) to assess their progress. Unsurprisingly, the team described this as the most difficult part of training so far, though they were very pleased with their readiness. Team members also expressed their distaste of the hill sessions that Pte Apil put them through on a weekly basis. The team planned to average a staggering five minutes and 45 seconds per kilometre over the entire distance, or eight minutes and 46 seconds per mile.

Trailwalker was established in 1981 by Brigadier Mervyn Lee, originally as a training exercise for the Queen’s Gurkha Signals in Hong Kong (Ex TRAILWALKER).

Since moving to the UK, Trailwalker has grown into a much bigger event, and is now a staple in the UK Gurkha community calendar. The competition between various Gurkha regiments is fierce, though the QOGLR will always be one of the favourites to achieve a 4th victory. In 2022 however, it was the founding Queen’s Gurkha Signals that were triumphant. Trailwalker is also open to civilians, where teams 34

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QOGLR Soldiers take on Trailwalker 2023 8 The complete Trailwalker 2023 QOGLR team

8 QOGLR soldiers prepare themselves for a large incline ahead

are encouraged to ‘Take on the Gurkhas’, and many do. In 2022, over 190 teams attempted the course. The average time for a team to complete the course is approximately 27 hours, but Gurkha teams rarely come in over 12 hours. The record time of 9 hours and 50 minutes was proudly set by QOGLR in 2004.

Although the QOGLR team is eager to test itself against the best, Trailwalker is first and foremost a charity event. The team has already raised thousands of pounds by hosting Messing (traditional Gurkha outdoor cooking), and other fundraising events. Each year, hundreds of thousands of pounds in total are raised for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

The trail ends at Brighton Racecourse, where competitors receive their medal and best of all, a traditional Nepali curry. The

teams’ success would not be possible without those behind the scenes. At QOGLR, SSgt Jeevan Rai and Cpl Balkrishna Gurung were responsible for the planning, organisation, and administrative demands required to ensure the team were prepared. Thanks must also be given to volunteers from the Gurkha Welfare Trust, and those who supported the teams on race day. The QOGLR team for 2023 consisted of junior soldiers from intakes 21 and 22, who have displayed great confidence in putting themselves forward for such a demanding endeavour so early in their careers. The individuals who completed the run were Pte Sagar Rai, Pte Dinesh Rajali, Pte Bibash Thapa and Pte Rabin Mahat.

Each member of the team should be extremely proud of the rigorous training they completed in the build up to the event, and the completion of the event itself.

Jai Trailwalker Team! Jai 10 QOGLR!

8 Warming up for a long day of training

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#BritishArmyLogistics

RLC MUSEUM | THE SUSTAINER

By Major (Retd) Simon Walmsley Director, The Royal Logistic Corps Museum

Worthy Down The Home of The RLC

Image courtesy of the Royal Naval Research Archive

In 1993 The RLC formed with a parade at Deepcut, which became the home of the Corps. However, with the closure of Deepcut in 2019, the Corps moved to Worthy Down, which has become the new home of The RLC. Worthy Down is no stranger to military occupation and this short article will capture some of the key changes, events and units which have occupied this site, prior to it becoming the new home of the Corps.

In 1917, towards the end of WW1, Lt Col Chamier of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) identified that the 480 acre site of the former racecourse between Worthy Down and South Wonston would make a perfect grass landing strip. An RFC camp and training school was built with assistance from Canadian soldiers and German POWs. A railway line with two sidings linked the site to Winchester, but this line was later closed as part of the Dr Beeching cuts. The whole of Worthy Down site was transferred to the RAF, on its formation on 1 April 1918 and become a school for reconnaissance pilots.

RAF Worthy Down rapidly grew, with up to 1,500 personnel and 300

8 A map of HMS Kestrel

students. The site not only hosted various training schools, but also Bristol Fighters, R.E.8s, Armstrong Whitworths and later the Vickers Vimy bombers of both number 7 and 57 Squadrons RAF. In 1938 RAF Worthy Down transferred to the Fleet Air Arm and was renamed HMS Kestrel. During WW2, the site hosted a telegraphy school as well as being used to help in the development the Spitfire – the fighter was being developed and built at Southampton. In 1940 Worthy Down was attacked by Junkers 88 bombers and as a result 48 Dutch Barns were built on new dispersal areas reaching right across the current A34. Each Dutch Barn could hold one aircraft, with its wings folded, in the same way as it would be stored on an aircraft carrier.

After WW2 Worthy Down was renamed HMS Areil and housed a Naval Air Electronic school, which lasted only eight years before moving to Devizes.

In 1960 Worthy Down was handed back to the Army and became the home of the Royal Army Pay Corps, and housed the

8 One of the Fleet Air Arm’s Dutch barns still survives at Worthy Down Camp

new Electronic Accounting Development Unit, which was later called the RAPC Computer Centre.

The RAPC merged into the Adjutant Generals Corps in 1992.

In 2014 Worthy Down was chosen as the site to be developed into the new £250 million Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration. Thus today, Worthy Down trains personnel from all three Armed Services, as well as being the home of both the AGC and The RLC.

8 A platform is all that remains of the former Worthy Down mainline rail connection. The siding and mainline it was connected to were closed as part of the Dr Beeching cuts in the 1960s

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THE SUSTAINER | THE RLC FOUNDATION The RLC Foundation exists to foster the relationship between The RLC and industry; sharing best practice, knowledge and mutual understanding amongst logistics professionals.

On 17 Jul 23, 35 RLC Foundation members attended Ex LOG SAFARI on Barton Stacey training area with RLC trade specialists who show cased their individual logistic niche capabilities.

The QOGLR chefs explained the challenges of improvised cooking in the field, alongside the contents and nutritional value of the MOD 24 ration pack, before serving an excellent Nepalese curry.

8 Chefs briefing on improvised cooking and MOD ration packs

On 2 Oct 23, twenty-five RLC Foundation members attended Ex IRON TITAN at West Down Camp (SPTA), hosted by Brig Patch Reehal MBE, Comd 101 Op Sust Bde and his team.

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The RLC Foundation

The Logistic Leaders Network Gala Awards Dinner The Logistic Leaders Network (LLN) Gala Awards Dinner was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Stratford-uponAvon, on 24 Oct 23. The Logistics Leadership Awards have been created to recognise the massive shift in importance in the status of logistics leaders and supply chain understanding, and expertise in forward thinking businesses.

One of the category awards is for Military Logistician of the Year and is presented in memory of Lt Col Paul Holder who was the first active member of the armed forces to be Master of the Worshipful Company of Carmen. The Military Logistician of the Year Award is presented to the team or person who has demonstrated outstanding leadership within the military logistics community. This year’s

8 13 AASR WMIK mounted on TUM

8 7 Regt RLC Military Logistics Team of the Year 2023. L-R: Mr Peter Acton Executive Chairman Logistics Leaders Network, Capt Alistair Coe, LCpl Natutusam, Mr Marti Jerrard (RLC Foundation)

winner was 7 Regt RLC for its enduring support to military operations.

The RLC Foundation congratulates 7 Regt RLC on its selection as Military Logistic Award Team winner 2023.

8 Ex IRON TITAN Ex IRON TITAN was the largest land exercise that has been conducted in the UK for over two decades. With a full deployment of an Aviation Bde, Op Sustainment Bde, Deep Recce/Strike Bde and an Engineer Bde, it focused in on how they would combat a near-peer threat in Europe. The exercise also addressed sustainment and the logistic battle looking at the major threats identified in Ukraine.

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8 The RLC LLN awards military finalists - 17 P&M Regt RLC (LLND & PMCC), DSCOM, 29 Regt RLC and 7 Regt RLC

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THE RLC ASSOCIATION TRUST IMPACT REPORT 2022 How The Royal Logistic Corps Charity has supported the Corps family over the last 12 months

FOREWORD

MASTER GENERAL OF LOGISTICS

Major General (Retired) Simon Hutchings OBE On behalf of your Trustees, it gives me great pleasure to share with you the RLC Association Trust Annual Report. When I came into role as your MGL one of my stated aims was to create greater levels of transparency and accountability between the RLC Association Trust’s worthy deeds and the membership of the charity. This report, the first for a while, and our AGM are but two ways to realise that intent. As such I commend the report to you. Please take the time to read it. It sets out clearly what we have achieved on your behalf, how we have gone about our tasks and, importantly, what impact and effect it has had. I hope you’ll agree that there is much we should feel proud of – for without the help and support provided by the charity, through the disbursement of our investments - we would collectively, serving or veteran, be a lot poorer. We would also not benefit from exciting – yet healthy subsided – opportunities.

Those who support the One Day’s Pay Scheme contribution have bought the best through-life insurance policy, with all the associated added benefits you’ll ever find. Those that have not really should. To coin a phrase – you ‘need to be in it, to win it.’ I truly believe that.

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So what of the future? We will be making some necessary changes to the RLC Association Trust next year, most important of which will be a change of form and title to become the RLC Charity. Along with that will come a refresh of the Trustees’ composition, creating greater diversity and breadth to our make-up. More briefings will be provided for you all on the rationale for change. Finally, subject to the Trustees’ agreement, our financial strategy next year will be focused upon growing our investment portfolio and targeting more of our disbursements towards worthy causes, especially focusing on the on-going cost of living crisis.

Please engage the Trustees with your feedback.

To help, we’ve created a new multi-user email address, where you can direct your thoughts and comments. You should have confidence that the RLC Charity is there to serve you all, addressing and solving whatever challenges you face, now or in the future. We will also never lose sight of the need to preserve the proud heritage of The RLC and its Forming Corps. Your support is vital to the work we do.

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We Sustain

The RLC Association Trust The regimental activities of The RLC are funded through private (non-public) funds held within “The RLC Charity”,The RLC Association Trust (Registered Charity No 1024036). These charitable funds comprise of contributions from serving members of The RLC via the Day’s Pay Scheme (DPS) as well as investments providing income and growth.

The Master General of Logistics as the titular Head of Corps chairs the Trust Fund supported by a board of Trustees representing the serving Corps, RLC Veteran community and four predecessor Corps (RCT, RAOC, RPC and ACC). The Forming Corps donated the Trust’s initial capital which having been invested has been the Corp’s financial underpinning for the last 30 years.

The objects of the Trust are the promotion of the efficiency of The Royal Logistic Corps, support to fraternity and the relief of need for eligible personnel.

Annual Report 2022 (Abridged) The Trustees remain confident that the objectives of the Trust, namely, welfare and benevolence support for its past and present members and the efficiency of the Corps, are being met. Additionally, that the plans for the Trust are sound and well placed to meet the current and future needs of The RLC. The Trust activities, wherever possible, include public benefit and community engagement.

The key challenges are to maintain income levels to support the full range of Trust responsibilities against a continuing backdrop of a

reducing military strength and income from the DPS which for 2022 totalled £1.086M. All of the Trust’s investments are held in the Armed Forces Charities Growth & Income Fund; the investment performance has been affected by world markets and the war in Ukraine and following a sizeable loss in value has shown signs of recovery; meeting fully the ability to fund the Corps objectives in 2022 and beyond. Despite the planned reductions in the size of the Corps, the Trust’s funds remain sufficient to support without detriment to Corps efficiency and those in need. Expenditure is being well managed with the combined value, as at 31 Dec 22, of the investments within the Trust being £40.1M.

Heritage and Public Benefit The RLC Association Trust’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. In 2022 total expenditure was £207K. Where your money was spent: • RLC Museum is a registered charity in its own right and received a grant of £100K towards its running costs.

• In 2022 publications expenditure – print, production and mailing of four editions of The Sustainer, 10 Forming Corps newsletters, plus other Corps publications such as The RLC One Day’s pay information leaflet – cost £92K • Expenditure on Professional Development includes The RLC Foundation Review, Personal Professional Development Grants of up to £500 per person for degree courses, £625 per attendee of the Comms Spec PG Cert course and Defence Logistics training course prizes. In 2022 expenditure totalled £17.5K

• The RLC Coaching Board received a grant of £11.5K towards the maintenance and upkeep of its fleet of historic horse-drawn vehicles.

• Expenditure on Heritage and Corps property totalled £37.5K. This money went towards the upkeep of The RLC and Forming Corps ‘Logistics Grove’ at The National Memorial Arboretum; locally maintained memorials such as the RAOC Boer War memorial, the RAOC and RLC war memorial, the RAOC three guns memorial.

Historic property maintenance was carried out on the Skinner’s Horse and Cairo tables. These important items of historic property represent some of the most significant points in the history of The British Army and The United Kingdom.

• Other historic items of Corps property such as cannons, the grandfather clock, paintings and silver are controlled and maintained on behalf of The RLC and Forming Corps utilising funds allocated by the Heritage Committee.

• 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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37 ůńƱ ĈýōĞŅħŵĈă eáķōů Ŭōůżŵ ýƁůůĈŅżĽƱ ŵƁŬŬōůżĈă Last year 1785 Regular and Reservist personnel represented The RLC at Inter Corps level

New sports recently set up include e-Sports / Karting / ¬ƭƑǛŠij îŠē Wakeboarding

RLC Day’s Pay Scheme funding provided c£466k funding to support all Corps Sporting

Funding support is provided to our most talented athletes who are Day’s Pay Scheme members

Army Sport provides an annual grant of c£50k per annum to fund the Annual Sports Awards

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Benevolence and The RLC Family “The RLC Benevolence Committee exists to offer a ‘hand up’ to those in the RLC family who may find themselves in need.

“The need is significant. Every year we help around a 1,000 people and we spend close to £1 million.

“Let me give you a flavour of where some of that money went in 2022: “Paying grants where serving soldiers die off duty (£15K) or who are medically discharged from the Service (£54K); Grants to Commonwealth soldiers called home for compassionate reasons (£28K) and to help them with expenses; Putting food in the fridge, paying utility bills and phone bills for veterans and soldiers struggling to make ends meet (£10K); Assisting veterans with care home fees (£20K), mobility aids (£65K), white goods and carpets (£100K); Alcohol rehabilitation for serving and veterans (£10K); Helping a family when their house burned down uninsured; Purchasing a specialist bike to aid recovery of a soldier with a C4 spinal injury; House refurbishment to facilitate access from somebody who had become injured on operations; Funding counselling for those affected by trauma.

“With the current cost of living crisis we have dug deeper, given COs funds (£92K in 2022) to target unit welfare needs, provided a holiday respite scheme for soldiers’ families who otherwise wouldn’t get a break (£25K) and helped refurbish some welfare flats in London.

“For veterans we have engaged with the Veterans Charity to act as our agents to fix immediate needs for any of our struggling veterans. https://www.veteranscharity.org.uk “If you are serving, please ensure you are a 42

member of the DPS and, if your mate is in need, signpost them to the Welfare Officer. If you are a veteran and you are in need or see a mate in need then connect with us through the RHQ or the Veterans Charity or through SSAFA or the RBL.” Brig Chris Murray CBE Chair of The RLC Benevolence Committee.

Queen’s Regulations obliges the Fund to spend 50% of the basic Day’s Pay Scheme income on benevolence. In 2022 direct grants totalling £638K were made by The RLC Benevolent Fund. It also made a £100K grant to the ABF. While the number of cases files received in 2022 was much lower than usual, at 1,000 cases, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the forecast for 2023 increased the numbers to 1,700 cases. Applications for grants covered a broad range of needs and all bids were assessed on a case-by-case basis. Sadly, some were not considered for a grant because they were not members of the DPS. An immediate grant of £5K was made to the NOK of three DPS members who died in service. The RLC made 97 medical discharge grants in 2022 to a value of £54.4K. Benevolence is about people and there are many examples of how the fund has helped. Here are just two. A JNCO had an unexpected bereavement back home in Fiji and was then hit with the unexpected financial costs. Thanks to the DPS the Corps gave him a sum of money which helped him get home to lay his mother to rest. Another young RLC Soldier from the Commonwealth, learned of the sudden death of his brother. The RLC Benevolent Fund sponsored a request to another charity, to cover his flight costs. It also made a grant to support his in-country expenses.

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Sport, AT, Corps and General Expenditure Sport and Adventurous Training 37 Army recognised major sports from angling to winter sports are currently supported at Corps Level by the RLC Association Trust. In 2022 the Trust funded sport to the sum of £429K, which equates to roughly 40% of the total DPS income generated in 2022.

A total of 1,785 Regular and Reservist personnel were recorded as representing The RLC at Inter Corps level sport, across 40 separate sporting disciplines. This figure can be further broken down as 1,287 males and 498 females and 1,648 Regular and 137 Reservist personnel.

All Corps sports are open to Regular and Reservist personnel. The Assistant Regimental Secretary can provide specific contacts for respective sports. New sports recently set up include e-Sports/Karting/ Surfing and Wakeboarding. New sports are always welcomed by the Central Sports Committee following appropriate due diligence in setting up.

Individuals who contribute to The RLC Day’s Pay Scheme also become entitled to funding support to offset personal contributions related to participating in Overseas Sports Tours and Adventurous Training (AT) activities and expeditions. The Central Sports Committee make consideration for widest benefit when making their funding allocation decisions.

The Corps continues to be a major player at Inter Corps competition level across the majority of sports supported.

In 2022 The Trust awarded £70K to fund the Corps’ AT which includes the Corps AT lodge at Lower Gillerthwaite Field Centre in the Lake District.

Army Sport also provides an annual grant of c£50k per annum which is primarily utilised in provisioning an Annual Sports Awards Ceremony which was attended by 350 all ranks across The RLC in 2022.

Corps expenditure and unit grants In 2022 overall Corps expenditure amounted to £568.5K. This money pays for a vast range of activities that help build and maintain Esprit de Corps and benefit units and the Corps more generally.

Some examples of areas supported include: Unit Grants, The RLC Corps of Drums, the HQ Officers’ Mess, the Central Sergeants’ Mess, Corps Recruiting, Corps Open Day, Nijmegan March participation, the Pace Stick Competition, the RLC Calendar, MGL Coins, Medal Pillows, The Military Skills Competition, Stable Belt and Rank Slide provision, Catering Competition Supplies, Photographic Competition Prizes, Unit Citations.

General expenditure and operating costs Every charitable organisation has operating costs and the RLC Association Trust is no different. While some staffing requirements are met thanks to an MOD gift in kind in the form of established Civil Service roles, the remainder of the civilian staff who work for the Trust are directly employed by it. The Trust is also required to contribute to the cost of the MOD office space it occupies and like all other businesses operating costs also include: depreciation, insurance, postage, stationary, travel, IT costs, bank charges, plus repairs and maintenance. In 2022 operating costs amounted to £320.7K.

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

1 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps BICESTER CO: Lt Col L Butler MBE • Adjt: Capt E Bevan • RSM: WO1 Filmer 2 (CS) Squadron Following the regimental exercise, STAMPEDING RHINO and its commitments to Op GOLDEN ORB, 2 Sqn entered a period of relative calm. This was exploited by the Sqn which participated in all manner of sports and AT. Of note, the Sqn took the lead in organising a hockey team for the Bari Cup. The squad consisted of mainly novice players that gave a great account of themselves in the Festival Shield competition; coming runners up. The Sqn also had personnel competing in the Braemar Games. The training and performance of the Regt at these games was something that the individuals and everyone involved can be immensely proud of.

The Sqn was also able to conduct some multi-activity AT in Bavaria and mountaineering in Scotland. The Sqn will feature prominently in the upcoming Nordic skiing championships, Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL and the RLC Military Skills Competition; all whilst preparing to deploy on EX IRON CYCLONE and conduct mission specific training for Op CABRIT 14.

12 (CS) Squadron 12 Sqn transitioned quickly from the regimental exercise, STAMPEDING RHINO into conducting PDT prior to the Sqn deployment to Georgia on Ex AGILE SPIRIT. Ex AGILE SPIRIT is a NATO interoperability assurance exercise which saw 30,000 multinational troops from Georgia, the USA, UK and other NATO partners deploy to Georgia to conduct a conventional and SOF exercise focusing upon multinational interoperability. The Sqn’s role was working alongside the US National Guard with whom they conducted both live and blank fire exercises. Since its return in Sept 23, the Sqn has deployed a Troop supporting 1 RRF BG on Op CABRIT 13 with the remainder of the Sqn supporting the Regt in its training pipeline for Ex IRON CYCLONE.

23 (GS) Squadron 23 Sqn has redeployed from its role on Op CABRIT 12, with all SP now returned to St David’s Barracks after a successful tour. Alongside the routine real-life support and operational output of the Sqn, the Sqn has been able to compete (with success) in a range of different sporting activities. Of note, the 1 Regt athletics team performed exceptionally well and qualified for the Army Inter Unit Championships. Further sporting success included members of the Sqn representing the Corps and wider Army in both Rugby Union and Rugby League.

Despite deployments, members from across the Sqn took part in some community engagement and

8 Pte King is representing Harlequins

8 WO2 (SSM) Williams anchoring the Tug of War team at the Braemar Games

competed in the 10 and 20km Parnu City race in Estonia. The Battlegroup also managed to fit in a boxing night into its busy operational timeline which saw members of the Sqn fight other cap badges from both the British and Estonian armies.

74 (HQ) Squadron Alongside enabling the Regt’s activity, 74 HQ Sqn has shown its prowess on the sports pitch. 74 HQ Sqn secured the coveted intersquadron football trophy, keeping the Sqn in the running for the CO’s shield. Special mention should go to Pte Flannery (Comms Tp) for being selected for the Army Athletics team following a successful season. Also, Pte King (Comms Tp), represented the UKAF in Rugby League and has now began training with Harlequins Women’s Team.

Away from the pitch, SSgt Burton and LCpl Fynn (Catering Dept) recently shone as they catered for a CGS dinner and breakfast. The Sqn is looking forward to another successful term that will include deployments onto Ex IRON TITAN, Ex PRIMED WREATH and Ex IRON CYCLONE.

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4 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps ABINGDON CO: Lt Col A Gartside • Adjt: Capt C Nottage • RSM: WO1 J Brackenbury

4 CS Sqn 4 Sqn has already deployed on two major overseas exercises – Ex ORION and Ex IRON STORM in 2023. Ex ORION saw the Sqn deployed alongside French and Belgian forces in France in support of the 3 RIFLES BG. The deployment gave 4 Sqn the opportunity to develop logistic inter-operability between NATO partners. Ex IRON STORM saw a Composite Log Tp from 4 Regt deploy to Germany as part of the 4 REME CSS Task Force to support 1 RW BG’s validation. 4 Sqn was the lead sub-unit from the Regt and the Composite Logistic Troop(+) encompassed a number of RLC trades and REME attachments.

33 GS Sqn A busy summer period for 33 Sqn, which started with support to RLC30. SSgt Hood and Sgt Richards took individuals with minimal drill experience and prepared them very well for the final parade. The next focus was support to both Ex IRON STORM and Ex IRON CYCLONE. Ex IRON STORM saw individuals deploy to Germany for three months attached to 4 CS Sqn. They performed excellently delivering LSS capability by setting up a BLRV supporting 1 RW BG and 10 Armd Bn REME. Ex IRON CYCLONE saw individuals deploy to Salisbury plain attached to 60 Sqn. Here, the suppliers were tested on their fieldcraft and their trade knowledge. This exercise practiced the 46

establishment of a Field Storage Area and ammunition accounting.

60 CS Sqn The focus for the summer term has been on Ex IRON CYCLONE where 60 Sqn supported the KRH BG and validated for LATF operations.

Reconfiguring as a Composite Logistic Sqn (CLS) at the beginning of June, an LSS troop from 33 GS Sqn was welcomed into the team.

The Sqn then embarked on seven weeks of PDT style intensive training to prepare for deployment.

This covered a plethora of activity including LFTT, driver training, TTP development and more. 60 CLS deployed onto Salisbury Plain in July and was put through its paces whilst also providing real time support to the KRH BG. Once validated, attention switched to innovation. Using lessons identified from contemporary theatres, 60 CLS experimented with imaginative and very different methods of BG logistic resupply and are now

8 60 Sqn has experimented with very different methods of BG re-supply

8 60 Sqn deployed on Ex IRON CYCLONE equipped with nascent TTPs which will be developed in the build up to Op LINOTYPER in 2024. Having formed up as a new sub-unit in Apr 22, validation for operations little over a year later marks a significant milestone for 60 CS Sqn. Well done to all of those who have worked so hard to achieve it.

75 HQ Sqn 75(HQ) Sqn has recently returned from Op INTERLINK. Here 75 Sqn personnel and the SHQ along with elements of the wider Regt merged with 70 Individual Augmentees to build a Composite Logistic Sqn, which operated across eastern Europe in support of UK defence policy and Ukraine. For the past six months, the Sqn has delivered much needed lethal and non-lethal aid to Ukraine – allowing it to move from the defensive, to the offensive.

The Sqn’s efforts have had a direct impact on the operational situation within Ukraine. From the delivery of Challenger 2s, AS90s and other strategic assets, all the way down to ration packs and uniforms; every item has made a difference in Ukraine. The Sqn leaves having successfully delivered everything that was asked of it and with many new friends amongst the international community. It is now refocussing its efforts back to the daily routine of regimental duty and preparation for Op LINOTYPER in 2024.

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

6 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps DISHFORTH CO: Lt Col J Lockett • Adjt: Capt JP Oliver • RSM: WO1 S Lucas MBE

6 Regiment RLC returned from summer leave and continued to focus on readiness for its role in the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (Land). The Regt also managed to get some great overseas adventurous training done as well as some back-tobasics trade training to keep personnel current and competent in their roles.

The Regt’s main effort remains force preparation for VJTF(L) 24, where the Regt will be held at Very-High Readiness to deploy as part of a multinational NATO brigade built around 7 LMBCT, the Desert Rats. 32 CS Squadron completed a challenging but developmental squadron training package to help prepare it for the inaugural Ex WESSEX STORM staged in Nov 23. This was the Sqn’s first full deployment as part of 6 Regt. 64 CS Squadron continues its build-up training in preparation for a deployment to Poland in early 2024. The Sqn will be supporting a multinational task force deploying on Ex BRILLIANT JUMP and Ex POLISH DRAGON to demonstrate how the VJTF(L)

would deploy and operate at reach across Europe. 62 GS Squadron continues to hone its supply skills and prepares to oversee a significant in load of equipment and material to support the Regt’s VJTF(L) partners and the LAD remains hard at work maintaining the Regt’s growing vehicle fleet.

35 soldiers from the Regt were deployed to provide force protection to the British Army Training Unit Kenya: a vital task to support the UK’s overseas training capability. Supporting local communities, they set out to raise money for schools and built a drainage system to help reduce the risk posed by flash flooding. They also manged to conduct some great urban tactics courses to better prepare for operating in built up areas. The team has now returned from Africa.

This links to the wider work the Regt has done to raise awareness of the challenges with urban operations. Ex URBAN SURVIVOR, an urban SERE package conducted in Newcastle, saw 12 soldiers undergo a SERE development course and a 24-hour culmination

8 Members of 6 Regt conducting school renovations in Kenya

exercise. This involved evading a hunter team while hitting the required checkpoints across Newcastle with no money, maps or electronic aides. A great challenge which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Keeping the opportunities going, members of the Regt travelled to the French Alps to conduct a week of mountain biking in the Courchevel Three Valleys region.

This was the perfect place to build skills, confidence and resilience, whilst enhancing cohesion and team spirit. Elsewhere, a separate two-week summer mountaineering course in the Spanish Pyrenees was happening. 30 soldiers attended and passed the Summer Mountain Foundation course, at the same time increasing their physical and mental robustness and experiencing the delights of Spanish culture.

6 Regt wouldn’t be able to talk about sports and adventure without mentioning the RSM, WO1 Sheridan Lucas MBE. WO1 Lucas is training to be part of the first all-female military team to row the Atlantic Ocean. She was selected as one of the four rowers from 110 initial applicants and now faces the daunting task of rowing over 3,000 miles against a competitive field of 40 teams in 2024. We wish her all the best with this incredible challenge.

8 Members of the Regt enjoying the French Alps on AT

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THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

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7 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps COTTESMORE CO: Lt Col D Groce MBE • Adjt: Capt A Coe • RSM: WO1 G Hardy Now firmly established in Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, 7 Regiment RLC continues to support operations and training at home and abroad.

9 Squadron has re-deployed from Op INTERFLEX and taken the time to reset. This took the form of Ex TIGER RE-ORG, a week-long series of cohesion activities aimed at fostering Sqn camaraderie. The week saw friendly competition between A and B Troop, in sports such as five-a-side football and rounders, a day out in Oxford, with the Sqn visiting the museums and acquainting themselves with their new local city, and a day trip to Thorpe Park. This well-deserved cohesion week ensured the Sqn was rejuvenated and left for summer leave with spirits high.

On return from summer leave, the tempo of operations resumed with characteristic intensity, seeing many SP deployed on SET tasks. 9 Sqn's sights were firmly set on Ex HARAKA STORM in BATUK, in support of 1 GRENADIER GUARDS BG, throughout the autumn. With a busy winter season approaching, members of 9 Sqn will be embarking on a rigorous driver training programme to ensure readiness for any further deployments.

17 Squadron deployed on Ex SPHINX BASICS (Hankley Common Training Area) where the soldiers honed their infantry skills. It culminated in a Chinook insertion onto Longmoor Training Area followed by a rural raid and an advance to contact through the FIBUA village. Ex SPHNIX TRANSPORTER followed in September where the Sqn deployed to conduct its CT(A/B) training, developing trade knowledge and expertise.

68 Squadron is deployed in Eastern Europe on Op INTERLINK. The deployment has involved many long hours and lots of hard work alongside host nation and partner nation countries in support of Ukraine.

However, time has been set aside 48

8 Soldiers enjoying the all stop day

for fun activities too. The Regt has recently conducted AT in Malta, consisting of Scuba Diving and Mountain Biking. Those diving reached depths of nine metres and those mountain biking were able to

8 17 Sqn preparing to infill on Ex SPHINX BASICS

enjoy some truly breath-taking views. Advantage was taken to discover Malta’s rich history, including visiting the ancient ruins of the Knights Templar and learning about the conflict between the Knights and the Ottoman Empire.

In early July the Regt had an all stop day in recognition of the outstanding work and considerable effort of all the soldiers in the Regt over the last 12 months. The event consisted of a regimental day out to a water park culminating in a BBQ and awards ceremony.

A highlight of this period was delivery of an unmissable opportunity to visit Gallipoli and see first-hand the original landings for British and ANZAC personnel. The Battlefield Study provided an amazing insight to the campaign with some excellent presentations delivered by syndicates throughout.

It is important to learn from the failings of the past, but focus was upon how we can continue to improve our processes in an everevolving future battlespace.

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

9 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps HULLAVINGTON CO: Lt Col A Bhundia • Adjt: Capt C Bevan • RSM: WO1 C Blackburn 9 Regiment RLC has continued to conduct AT and excel across the sporting spectrum, despite another busy period of exercises, deployments, and community engagement.

Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL The Regt’s Training Wing recently planned and executed Ex PANTHERS SURVEILLANCE in preparation for Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL 2023. The exercise consisted of a 48-hour field exercise on Sennybridge training area, where the teams covered a total of 55km tabbing with 40kg.

Training also consisted of; close target recces, battlefield casualty drills, BLS, CEO, section attacks, CPERS and obstacle crossings. A special thank you to LCpl Kumal and all the support staff for their valuable contributions to making the exercise a success. We congratulate the 9 Regt team on its Gold Medal at this year's event.

9 Regt netball Netball has had a massive increase in participation both in ladies’ and mixed teams. This last season the Regt participated in several competitions including entering a mixed team in the 104 Bde Festival of Sport and a mixed team in the Boden Cup, which saw the team competing against a range of teams from across the Corps. Looking forward to the coming season both male and female players from the Regt have been encouraged to attend trials to represent the Corps and those selected will be pushed for Army trials.

9 Regt cricket The cricket team has had a great season, bringing home silverware from several competitions. Most impressive was its triumph at the Inter-Services Skills Competition, which took place at Lords earlier this year. Tested on skills from across the cricketing disciplines, the team managed to ward off competition from across the three

services to win the event. It was richly rewarded for its endeavours when presented the trophy in the revered Long Room within the Lord’s Pavilion. An unforgettable experience that will no doubt spur the team on to further success.

8 The cricket team triumphed at the Inter-Services Skills Competition

TRAILWALKER Even a habitual hiker or seasoned runner would find the 100km route across the South Downs terrain with two teams of four an awe-inspiring challenge. 9 Regt completed the 100km TRAILWALKER under the leadership of SSgt Dhan (94 Sqn), having followed a rigorous training plan since Jul 23. One of the 9 Regt teams managed to finish in the top ten of 251 teams – a superb effort all-round.

8 94 Sqn’s Op POLAR BEAR team in Cyprus Adventurous Training 9 Regt has conducted numerous AT packages in the last few months.

The most recent of which saw a collection of our personnel deploy on Ex PANTHERS PADDLE, a 12-day kayaking expedition in Slovenia. A fantastic experience for all those involved and a special thanks to Cpl Sonu Thapa for all his work into making the expedition a reality.

Op POLAR BEAR Despite a focus on sport for this iteration, the Regt has also conducted overseas exercises and operations. This included providing support to Operation POLAR BEAR, the United Kingdom's response to the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

94 Sqn QOGLR, the only GS Supply Sqn in 104 Bde was selected for deployment to Cyprus, tasked with repatriating equipment and supplies from 3 Commando Bde, 16 Air Assault BCT, and other detached units deployed in Sudan, ensuring their safe return to the UK. A team of 30 LSS personnel, led

by Sgt Bardan Sunuwar as the LOG RV IC, with impressive contributions from Cpl Suman Gurung, Cpl Suraj Gurung, and Cpl Manoj Rai as VITAL operators, achieved remarkable success.

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10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment ALDERSHOT COMMANDER: Lt Col O Nyman • Adjt: Capt S Smith • RSM: WO1 L Sunuwar After a period of post operational leave during the spring, 10 QOGLR rapidly reconstituted and begun its pivot away from peacekeeping operations back to conventional warfighting and operational sustainment. The Regt quickly embarked on its collective training pathway with Ex IRON TITAN on the horizon in the autumn. The Sqns have been hard at work refreshing both ‘green’ and trade skills, whilst also balancing the routine drumbeat of operational taskings including for Op CABRIT and Op INTERLINK. All this has been done within the context of significant command churn within the Regt.

Changing of the guard Since May, the Regt has welcomed a new Commander (Lt Col Oliver Nyman), Senior Major (Maj Gary Power), Quartermaster (Maj John Barker), and three new sub-unit commanders. A new Regimental Operations Officer arrived in September, thrust straight into the deployment for Ex IRON TITAN. Unsurprisingly, this churn of staff comes with its challenges, but the Regt has risen to the occasion; not taking a step back in output and making all new members feel welcome as they become part of the QOGLR family. 10 QOGLR’s organisational structure has also seen change. 31 Fuel and General Transport Squadron was formed on 1 July 2023 and will likely see deployment on operations as early as 2024. There is much work to do to ‘seed’ this new Sqn with the appropriate workforce; an exciting prospect for a new team.

Peacekeeping to warfighting On the Regt’s return from Op TOSCA, it delved straight into exercises to transition away from peacekeeping operations to the traditional role of the Regt in support of the Iron Division. This saw the Regt deploy on a series of exercises in Bramley and 50

Caerwent, taking it through the collective training pathway.

The next generation In July, the Regt celebrated its 65th birthday with the traditional Kasam Khane parade. This parade marks the point at which new members of the Regt are welcomed into the QOGLR family. During this rite of passage, new soldiers of the Regt march under the QOGLR banner with their right hands raised, symbolically pledging their allegiance. At the Gurkha cap badging ceremony in August at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, the Commander and Gurkha Major welcomed 45 new recruits into the QOGLR family as well. These recruits will soon move on to

8 Petroleum exercises

8 The Kasam Khane Parade in July complete their subsequent trade training, and the Regt looks forward to formally welcoming them into the Regt next year.

Celebrating achievement The Regt would like to congratulate all members on their outstanding efforts throughout the last few months. The soldiers have worked tirelessly and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Of note, the Regt would like to extend its congratulations to the 14 members of the Regt who received their promotion to Lance Corporal.

Congratulations to LCpl Sanam Magar and Pte Baburam Tamang on passing the All Arms Commando Course and receiving formal recognition for their efforts.

The Regt must pay tribute to the Regiment’s Trailwalker Team which ran 100km in 14 hours, 29 minutes and 46 seconds, raising funds for the Gurkha Welfare Trust in the process. Congratulations go to the Regt’s military skills competition team, for winning in four categories: the best shooting team, the fastest in the RFT(S), the best male team, and the overall competition winners. A fantastic effort. Jai QOGLR!

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal & Search Regiment RLC DIDCOT CO: Lt Col R Swan • Adjt: Capt R C Oxborough-Clarke • RSM: WO1 W Ball Exercise FELIX RIDE - By Capt J M Jellis, Ops O ROW/ATS. Despite the ever-busy regimental life of 11 EOD&S Regiment, nine enthusiastic road bikers found time to embark on a journey of epic proportions. Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG), the two furthest places apart on the UK mainland, is a challenge that all avid riders wish to complete once in their lives. 907 miles long, over 18,000m elevation (over twice the height of Mt Everest) and all to be completed in nine long days of cycling.

As far as endurance events go, LEJOG is comparable to some of the hardest going. Equivalent to running over a marathon a day consecutively for nine days and burning up to 8,000 calories per ride, the nine riders had to prepare physically and mentally for what was to come. The Cornwall and Devon legs of LEJOG are notoriously the hardest, with over 2,500m elevation and 110 miles to ride each day, they certainly set the standard for the rest of the ride.

Day six saw the team refreshed and recharged as the realisation hit, that they had managed to bike the whole length of England in five days. The Scottish Borders swept gently into the great highlands and the weather, typically, became very… Scottish. A Category three climb (12% Gradient +) enabled the team to feel on top of the world, cycling through one of Scotland’s treasures near Ben Nevis; the ski lifts swinging in the torrential rain as we battled the S bends of the descent towards Fort William. The final push saw the team follow the

North Coast 500 through Inverness and finally on to John O’Groats.

All the riders completed the 907mile ride in a great show of physical and mental robustness, determination and pure grit to get to the end. Next challenge is Chase the Sun UK South in June 2024.

Cateran Yomp - By Sgt Isaac Sim, team leader Members of 721 EOD Sqn took part in the Cateran Yomp; an annual charity endurance event hosted by the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) in rural Perthshire, Scotland. This year a new category for military teams allowed teams of serving personnel to go for Gold Distinction: a tough 54-mile route following the Cateran Trail, which must be completed within 24 hours. 721 EOD Sqn happily accepted the challenge.

The atmosphere surrounding the event itself was electric, with plenty of support from the ABF to feed and hydrate the team along the

8 Ex CATERAN YOMP finishers way, and the team made it to the 36-mile point with relative ease.

Shortly after leaving Silver finish, the team stepped into the night and onto Perthshire’s rolling hillside.

With nothing but head torches and glow sticks to mark the trail, they navigated their way into the night.

The next 14 miles were some of the hardest miles, both mentally and physically, the team has ever had to endure. With many of the team having recently come of a demanding Op rotation, the grit and determination of the team is what really saw them through to the end. Despite painful blisters and being a truly gruelling experience, the team are already looking to next year to beat their time of 22hrs 58minutes.

With very short notice the team raised a total of £2,325 absolutely smashing its £1,000 target. The ABF stand at the forefront to support the Army family; last year supporting 70,000 people in 45 countries around the world. As one of the largest funders in the sector, they award grants to individuals and families and fund leading organisations that support soldiers, former soldiers and their families.

54 miles, 24 hours, done!

8 Ex FELIX RIDE cyclists at the end of their journey

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THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

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13 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC COLCHESTER CO: Lt Col R Edwards • Adjt: Capt K Smith • RSM: WO1 D Bunn The summer term of 2023 has been another busy period for 13 Air Assault Support Regiment.

Deploying on multiple overseas exercises, conducting tough training, celebrating RLC30 and succeeding in sport and marking milestones past and present.

47AD Squadron 47AD Sqn begin a busy term with support to the RLC30 Parade in Winchester, where the Sqn represented Air Despatchers past and present at the Royal Logistic Corps’ 30th Anniversary celebrations. Officers and Soldiers of the Sqn deployed to Bavaria for two weeks of multi-AT testing physical courage and teamwork. Two-weeks of CTA/B Trg in the Brecon Beacons followed, focusing on core soldiering skills and building physical robustness. Shortly afterwards the troops deployed on exercise to Dartmoor in a testing downedaircraft scenario which saw them practising their SERE C skill base whilst on the run over challenging terrain - a novel, and character building, experience for some of the newer members of the Sqn. Finally, the Sqn went into a period of the last British C130 Hercules Air Despatch sorties and marked the end of the platform’s sterling service to Defence and other agencies.

63 Squadron This term saw 63 Sqn, with supporting elements of 15, 24 and 47AD Sqns, deploy to Cyprus on Ex KRONOS WARRIOR: a six-week DCC Infantry exercise. To prepare the soldiers for this challenging exercise, the Sqn tested its abilities

and tactics in Brecon completing two exercises building on basics, then advancing to platoon-level attacks. Once deployed in Cyprus, the Sqn’s Officers and NCOs delivered infantry lessons and tactics, whilst conducting acclimatisation training prior to deploying into the field. The troops demonstrated all they had learnt over a nine-day infantry exercise which saw them conducting Section to Company level attacks, being tested with some challenging scenarios in extremely difficult field conditions and countering a freethinking enemy. The final hoorah saw the troops successfully conduct a ‘Bridge Too Far’ Company attack before turning their attention to a well-deserved AT package consisting of water sports and sampling the local gyros.

82 Squadron Elements of 82 Sqn deployed on Ex HARAKA STORM alongside the 3 PARA BG to provide logistic support to multiple dependencies.

During this time, the troops honed their driving skills whilst operating in arduous conditions. Working alongside BATUK, 82 Sqn also had

8 63 Sqn Soldiers conducting

acclimatisation training in Cyprus

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8 47AD Sqn Officers and Soldiers at Heelsum Airborne Memorial in The Netherlands

the opportunity to work alongside the Kenyan Defence Forces who were also conducting training at the same time. Members of the Sqn were able to experience AT which tested their mental resilience and further enriched their experience in Kenya. Back in the UK, the remainder of the Sqn deployed to the Brecon Beacons on Ex RED NAVIGATOR, a testing navigation exercise that culminated in an ascent of the infamous Pen-y-Fan. Extracurricular activities and sporting successes The Regt has marked the 79th anniversary of key events this term, with battlefield studies to France and Holland to honour the sacrifices of its forebears in WWII. 6 Jun saw regimental personalities, including the CO and RSM, jumping in to Sannerville DZ to mark Op OVERLORD (D-Day), and separately travel to Arnhem to honour lives lost during Op MARKET GARDEN. In addition to this, sport has continued to play a key part in the Regt with LCpl Kotobalavu selected for the Army Rugby Union team in the prestigious Army Navy match at Twickenham before going on to represent UKAF at the Military Rugby World Cup in France. In July, the Regt’s Volleyball team was also crowned champions at the Mixed RLC Volleyball Championships in Aldershot.

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

17 Port & Marine Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps SOUTHAMPTON CO: Lt Col TD Wilcox • Adjt: Capt E Jordan • RSM: WO1 S Chambers As always, life at Marchwood Port has been very busy with a large increase in freight destined to support the self-defence of Ukraine and the Regt is poised to support events in Kosovo. The increased shipping naturally requires an increase in deployments of personnel to offload the equipment at its destination. Despite a very busy quarter, 17 Port & Maritime Regiment has made the time for personnel to participate in sport and adventurous training and support our veterans.

Scattering of ashes – Roy Watson BEM Roy joined the British Army in 1966. He gave up professional sporting success to travel and certainly achieved this, deploying to Borneo to dig up mines, skippering boats in the Persian Gulf and resupplying UK Special Forces in the Dhofar campaign. He met his wife Effie in Cyprus and settled back in Marchwood, England in 1972. In 1974 he deployed with 17 Port Regiment RCT and took part in the evacuation of British Nationals from Cyprus using the Mexeflote. In 1977 he was awarded the BEM on the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Honours list. He deployed to Hong Kong with his family before his final two-year deployment to the Falkland Islands in 1982. Shortly after he returned, he retired as a Staff Sergeant and eventually emigrated to Australia with his family in 1986. Sadly he passed away in 2020 and his final wishes were for his ashes to be scattered into the Solent from a Mexeflote. The Regt was proud to oblige, and his ceremony was led by the 104 Bde Padre with Roy’s family in attendance. The committal of his ashes went well, and we hope he rests in peace.

Boden Cup - RLC Netball Inter-Unit Competition winners Maj Lesley Boden was OC 52 Squadron when she tragically

passed away whilst heavily pregnant in 2013. A talented netball player who represented the RLC; in 2014, the RLC netball committee established the Boden Cup in her memory. 17 Regt always makes sure it provides a team for this event. The training days were organised and lead by Cpl Taraki and the team captained by Pte Williams. The team started well, winning the first three games, and only losing the fourth game by one goal, entering the final as joint top scorers. The final was against 165 Regt RLC and 17 Regt managed to win a tough, close game and was crowned the overall 2023 winners.

Ex SEAHORSE AETHER Between 6-11 Aug 23, Staff Sergeant Milham organised a multi activity adventurous training package to Ennerdale in the Lake District. The package consisted of

8 17 P&M Regt’s Boden Cup winning team

8 Saying farewell to the late Roy Watson BEM

hill walking, mountain biking and rock climbing, delivered selfsufficiently by the Regt. The adventurous nature was compounded by inclement Lake District weather, making the training more physically demanding, but all personnel who attended found the package rewarding and enjoyable.

Cricket Team – Inter-Unit and Army Plate champions 17 P&M Regt’s cricket team has won the RLC Inter-Unit competition and the Army Plate competition. At the helm of this triumphant journey was Pte Bynoe, who led from the front throughout the season. The team’s exceptional teamwork and individual brilliance catapulted them to the top of the cricketing ladder. An unbeaten season now leaves the team looking forward to next year and the hopes of taking home the Army Cup. Sea fishing WO2 Jones continues to represent at the highest level and has enjoyed a successful year. He has been selected to represent the Wales boat team in the Home Nations & World Champions event. He has also been selected to represent England beach team in the Home Nations & European Championships.

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25 Training Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps LECONFIELD CO: Lt Col B Ekman • Adjt: Capt S Adamson • RSM: WO1 T Jones Ex NORTHERN STRIKE –

By Cpl Ian Blakey 110 Squadron organised the annual RLC Military Skills Competition, known as Exercise NORTHERN STRIKE, on behalf of 25 Regiment RLC. The event took place on 7 Oct 23 and its primary objective was to foster unity within the RLC community while challenging participants with a combination of mental and physical military tasks, in a realistic and demanding environment. Through such events, The RLC can enhance its abilities, promote camaraderie and strengthen its overall operational readiness.

The event saw 34 teams from across the Corps showcase their commitment and dedication.

It brought together individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills to compete in various challenging activities. The sheer number of teams and their collective enthusiasm made this year’s Ex NORTHERN STRIKE truly remarkable.

The event took place in DST’s training area and included some additional challenges for the teams, who had to endure mental, physical, and cognitive tasks.

Despite the demanding conditions, the teams displayed strength and maintained a healthy competitive spirit throughout.

Phase 1 of the competition involved a thorough kit inspection to ensure that participating teams possessed the appropriate kit and equipment prior to their arrival at DST. This inspection is conducted to verify that all teams have the necessary resources for the competition.

Phase 2 required participants to apply their military skills and knowledge in high-pressure situations to demonstrate their operational effectiveness. This phase focused on testing their abilities and readiness for real-life combat scenarios. One crucial aspect of this phase was the loading of vehicles with essential 54

8 Phase 2 included loading vehicles with combat supplies

8 The 8.5km march included 30 obstacles in recognition of RLC30

supplies needed by front-line troops to carry out their mission.

Participants were provided with a list of required items, which they had to locate and load safely for transportation.

Phase 3 involved an 8.5km loaded march, which contained 30 obstacles. This march was organised to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Corps. The teams had to work together and demonstrate a strong sense of cohesion and effort to overcome each task they encountered along the course.

Phase 4 involved testing the soldiers’ shooting skills in a combat situation. As they entered the range, they were required to put their training into practice and demonstrate their proficiency with personal weapons. This phase aimed to assess their ability to handle real-life scenarios and engage targets effectively.

Phase 5 marked the culmination of a rigorous and competitive day on the DST training area, where teams faced their final challenge; a

2km best effort across challenging terrain. The competitors displayed outstanding determination and skill throughout the entire phase, pushing themselves to their limits.

This last race tested their endurance, agility, and mental strength as they navigated through the ever-changing landscape.

Northern Strike 2023 was a fiercely contested event that showcased the dedication and sportsmanship of all participating teams. The competition was marked by intense effort and a spirit of healthy rivalry, making it a memorable experience for all involved.

25 Regiment RLC expresses its gratitude to the RLC Corps of Drums for their contribution in playing the teams over the finish line.

8 The RLC Corps of Drums provided a final burst of encouragement to drive teams across the finish line

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UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

27 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps ALDERSHOT CO: Lt Col B Reehal • Adjt: Capt R Limbu • RSM: WO1 R Simpson 27 Regiment RLC (the ‘Wolfpack’) has been heavily focused on continued support to homeland and overseas commitments from Op INTERFLEX to persistent engagement in Eastern Europe on Op CABRIT. The Regt took the opportunity to prepare itself with Ex PHOENIX WOLF in June and successfully tested its new RHQ team.

They invested time in the planning and execution phases while exploring the tactical estimate process during the Ex IRON TITAN Command Post Exercise in July.

Despite the high tempo, members of the Regt have been able to participate in numerous significant sports and adventurous training activities; maintaining morale and enthusiasm.

There was successful representation from the Regt at the RLC Inter Unit Volleyball, RLC Inter Unit Netball and RLC Inter Unit Hockey Championships (The Bari Cup). Members of the Regt formed part of the RLC Orienteering Team in the World Masters Orienteering Championships as part of Ex SWIFT RUNNER in Slovakia. There was much to applaud at the RLC Sports Awards in July. It was another great sporting night to remember and 27 Regt was heavily involved in the setup and running of the event. In addition, 91 Supply Squadron (Sgt Gurung) also organised a multi-activity adventure training week in Wales which included mountaineering, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

27 Regiment Triathlon The Regt has been heavily involved in triathlon over the last year. A successful grant of £9,500 from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Scheme allowed the team to purchase bikes, wetsuits, and all required equipment for service personnel to get involved in the sport. The unit has also participated in numerous Army Triathlon Association (ATA) races in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, with

many members competing and winning silverware - despite it being the first triathlon for most athletes attending.

The Regt runs an annual competition called ‘The Lewis Memorial Trophy’; dedicated to the late Lt Col Lewis. The competition involves a variety of different sports competitions and in June the Regt (under Sgt Callaway) organised a super sprint distance triathlon which proved to be a huge success and encouraged many individuals to join the regimental team.

Support to RLC Boxing Boxing is one of 27 Regt’s prime sporting activities and its support to RLC Boxing has always been phenomenal. July saw Capt Sumner and Sgt Khan organise an RLC Boxing Team tour to the world-renowned Gleason’s Boxing Gym in New York City. Upon arrival in New York, preparation for the competition was underway as the team began training and acclimatising. The team endured rigid training sessions twice daily at fantastic sites such as Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge and, of course, Gleason’s Gym where light pad, bag sessions and other activities were carried out.

On the evening of 7 Jul, the first bout started at 1900 hrs, with the gym packed by spectators supporting the home team. The evening was well contested but the

8 The 27 Regt Triathlon team home side won all but one bout.

The team’s tour also comprised a visit to the 9/11 museum and a visit to Philadelphia and the iconic steps where ‘Rocky’ was filmed.

Ex WOLF CANOPY – Parachuting Adventurous Training Members of 19 Tank Transporter Squadron and 91 Supply Squadron attended the Parachute Foundation Training (PFT) course in Netheravon.

Despite a blanket of low clouds and high winds, the team enthusiastically started its week with ground training, an important step in any would-be parachutists’ career. As all hopes of jumping were evaporating due to classic British weather, there was one glorious day of jumping!

Everybody then took their turns to step to the plate, and when their time came each one of them jumped with neither question nor hesitation.

8 Ex WOLF CANOPY first jump

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29 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps SOUTH CERNEY CO: Lt Col E Sedgwick • Adjt: Capt Z Marsden • RSM: WO1 S Goldsborough The past twelve months have seen 29 Regiment RLC deliver strategic mobility, theatre enablement and specialist capability at very high readiness throughout. At the time of writing, 107 29 Regt SP are deployed across eight different operations, short term enabling tasks and permanent joint operating bases.

This period has seen an increased contribution to setting the conditions for future interoperable theatre enablement delivery in Europe and SP from across the Regt have deployed in response to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

50 Sqn Throughout 2023 50 Sqn has routinely delivered high operational output, deploying SP on Op INTERLINK, Op CABRIT and contributed a significant tranche of the Sqn’s workforce to the short notice deployment on Op POLAR BEAR in response to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

The Sqn has made its mark on regimental life with a plethora of impressive feats including Pte Davies topping the ABF Race the World leader board, covering over 500km in a week. Meanwhile Capt Gwynn-Powell was awarded a 1* Commendation for his efforts on Op CABRIT. To ensure the soldiers of the Sqn and wider Regt were provided an opportunity to venture outside their comfort zone, the Sqn planned and executed Ex CENTURION REEF – the Regt’s annual SCUBA AT package to Malta.

formed the C2 and FMCC nucleus of both the US 2-3 ID RiP (Esbjerg, Denmark), which saw the Sqn aid in the movement of over 2,000 US armoured vehicles into central Europe via Denmark. Pivoting onto Ex AUSTERE SHIELD 23, 69 Sqn was involved with simulating the deployment and redeployment of two OF4 TEG HQ’s concurrently throughout Europe. With no respite for some, the summer also saw the need for several members of the Sqn to deploy at short notice on Op ELGIN SRF in response to escalating tensions in the Balkans.

8 Currently 107 SP from 29 Regt are deployed worldwide

59 Sqn Over this period, 59 Sqn has been given the task of delivering Joint Air Mounting Centre output.

Throughout, the Sqn has exploited the opportunities afforded by the rhythm of regimental duty; improving understanding of British Army heritage and cohesion by delivering a battlefield study to Normandy (Ex CENTURION SCHOLAR) and the inaugural regimental Fiji Day. 59 Sqn has also led the way in Defence Engagement on behalf of the Regt fostering a bilateral relationship with Canadian Forces Movement Control Unit (CFMCU), based in Montreal.

69 Sqn Whilst the end of the STET form cycle remains firmly in sight for 69 Sqn, this period has afforded no letup in operational tempo. In addition to ongoing taskings, 69 Sqn SP

80 Sqn Throughout the year, 80 Sqn has diligently executed its primary role: providing the sole postal and courier capability output for Defence. PC Operators are deployed throughout the world from BFSAI to BATUK, and on multiple operations including Op INTERLINK, OP SHADER and most recently, Op CROSSWAYS (Saudi Arabia).

Despite a high operational output, 80 Sqn has set the pace for sporting achievements with LCpl Gurung and Pte Gurung deploying to South Africa with RLC Badminton and Sgt Davies showing his strength and determination on the Army Weightlifting circuit.

The Regt would like to congratulate Sgt Warner, who received a Commander Home Command’s Commendation for outstanding contribution to retention, Cpl Roberts who will receive the RLC Conductor’s Coin for his efforts on Op INTERLINK, Cpl Allely who received a Chief of the General Staff’s commendation for her contribution to the wider Army’s vehicle efficiency, and Sgt York who has been awarded a Joint Commander’s Commendation for his outstanding contributions on Operations.

8 60 Sqn has aided in the movement of over 2,000 US armoured vehicles into central Europe

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

150 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps HULL, NEWCASTLE, HARTLEPOOL, LEEDS, BRADFORD, DONCASTER, LINCOLN CO: Lt Col H McCullough • Adjt: Capt A Ellis • RSM: WO1 P Poole EX KRONOS HUNTER In June, 150 Regiment RLC deployed to Cyprus on its Annual Continuous Training (ACT) exercise.

Supported by members of each unit in 102 OS Bde and visited by the Bde Comd, the Wagoner’s Reserve completed a memorable exercise consisting of a dismounted exercise, range packages, cultural visits, AT and some R&R at the local water park and shotgun range.

Temperatures topped 30 degrees most days which was carefully monitored by the training team. With the focus on section level skills and the final attack taking place in the very early hours, it was a safe, yet challenging and rewarding, part of the exercise. With the exercise phase complete there was time for some well-earned fun. Paddleboarding and a turtle safari at the beach were followed by a cultural visit to Tomb of the Kings in Paphos.

Community engagement As a Reserve Unit 150 Regt is expected to partake in engagement activity and what a better place to do so than at Silverstone whilst the F1 or MOTO GP is taking place!

Members from across the Regt were only too glad to support the Army Engagement Team and provide some of the catering support to the 180 Service Personnel in attendance. The unit also supported the Hartlepool Tall Ships event opening a new location in the city at the same time.

Trucking and sports Over two busy weekends in August, the Regt deployed on a mounted exercise at DST maintaining transport skills and familiarising themselves with the new CST (Tankers) ahead of taking on the capability. The unit also conducted the annual InterSquadron Sports competition noting fitness and teamwork are an important part of being a reservist. Under glorious sunshine the sub units went head-to-head in a multitude of sports to bring

home the highly coveted trophy.

160 (Lincoln) Squadron was the eventual winner in what was a very close contest. A just reward for its efforts hosting such an excellent and enjoyable event!

Ex WAGONER ADVENTURE In September members of the Regiment departed on three AT periods in the UK and to Morzine in the French Alps to conduct 10 days of mountain biking. Exercise leader Cpl Smith, from 160 Sqn said: “I take up any opportunity I can to do Adventurous Training as it is one of the best ways to learn to cope in arduous situations.” The group consisted of experienced riders and complete novices; all were in agreement that it was a fantastic experience!

8 Mountain biking in the French Alps

8 160 (Lincoln) Sqn lift the Trophy at the Annual Sports competition

Reaching out 218 (Hull) Squadron was pleased to host both the Lord Lieutenant’s Awards and a Veterans’ Lunch at its Army Reserve Centre. The first of its kind since the pandemic, the events were supported by local businesses who donated the food and a large selection of VIP guests came to congratulate the award winners and veteran community.

The unit has also delivered multiple ‘look at life days’ for over 500 Leeds police officers and two female leadership development days for Hull’s blue light services, university, NHS, charities and sports clubs.

Doncaster also ran a successful football competition for local business teams. Each event cements our link with our respective communities and mutually supports recruiting.

150 Regt is always looking for new members – please see the new QR code for all the details.

150 Regiment RLC has sub-units located in: Newcastle, Hartlepool, Leeds, Bradford, Hull, Doncaster and Lincoln

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151 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps CROYDON CO: Lt Col E Lewis • Adjt: Capt O Roberts • RSM: WO1 S Jaffa

Annual Continuity Training (ACT) For two weeks in September, 151 Regiment RLC deployed on Ex IRON TITAN. Although being a Reserve Unit the Regt still managed to deploy with enough capability to field a whole squadron. With an around the clock SHQ and a fully operational troop, the Regt slotted perfectly into 10 QOGLR’s ORBAT. A week in the wind bowl of RMB Chivenor, saw the troops battle through rain and what felt like hurricanes strong enough to move scoff tents and break equipment. 151 battled on and completed numerous driver training and deception operations, before moving to DSA2 in Caerwent, Wales. With sentries out and rumours of soldiers being kidnapped, no-one was allowed to go to the toilet by themselves.

Luckily, with perfect drills and high morale, the enemy decided not to risk going near them. A lucky few were chosen to attend a visit by Director Land Warfare and, by no mean feat, showed off what the Reserves can really do. Working alongside their regular counterparts, you would not be able to tell the difference.

Warmaster World Championship Over the first weekend of October, a legion of wargamers descended on the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, turning the cathedral of sporting excellence into a bloody battlefield of flashing blades and sorcerous 58

conflagrations. Not literally, but imagination is a powerful thing!

151 Regt’s RAO, Maj Alex Janaway, was among those taking part in the Warmaster World Championships. An epic scale variant of the globally renowned Warhammer Fantasy Battles, the game is played on a tabletop where two players face off with armies that must manoeuvre and fight to take objectives and break the will of their opponents. Maj Janaway, the current world champion, was defending his crown having regained it a year previously. However, he had decided to take an army that was considered almost unplayable in a competitive context; so that he could lurk around the lower

8 Maj Janaway is again named Warmaster World Champion

8 151 Regt was able to deploy in full Sqn strength on Ex IRON TITAN

tournament matchups and not have the pressure of facing the top players. So it was with some surprise that he found himself unbeaten at the end of day one and vying for the top spot once more. Come the end of the weekend, having fought off a brace of spirited challengers from Denmark, he once more emerged as the undefeated champion to the shock and awe of many of his colleagues… Not least of all, himself.

Army Reserves’ Hockey Tournament In late October, several players, both experienced and brand new to the sport, donned the infamous blue and white stripes for the Army Reserves Hockey Tournament.

Playing against multiple young and sprightly UOTC teams and reigning champions Military Intelligence, 151 Regt put in some amazing performances. Playing a total of nine matches including wins against multiple UOTCs and the recently crowned, indoor hockey champions, 151 Regt finished in an impressive fourth place. For a team of reservists, many of whom have hardly played hockey before, and a few who didn’t know which end of the hockey stick to use, it was a fantastic result and perhaps the beginning of a championship side in the future. Only time will tell.

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

152 (North Irish) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps BELFAST CO: Lt Col R T Clements • Adjt: Capt S McIlveen • RSM: WO1 M S Macrae Ex SARAJEVO SUSTAINER 15-20 Aug 23 Thirty members of 152 (NI) Regiment RLC (from Pte to Lt Col) deployed on Ex SARAJVEO SUSTAINER; a Battlefield Study to Bosnia. The aim of the exercise was to extract lessons of use to the Regt from the experience of the British Army, UN Allies, and other combatants during Bosnia in Herzegovina (BiH) operations from 1992 to 1995. The end state being that all regimental staff were increasingly aware of the challenges associated with a dynamic and complex operating environment and acutely aware of the realities of such a conflict.

The party travelled to Sarajevo from Belfast City Airport via London Gatwick and Frankfurt with Col Hughes (DComd 104 Bde) meeting the party in London.

Meeting up with Col Ilic, the expert guide, the party then travelled on to Sarajevo. Arriving in Sarajevo in the early afternoon, the party met the coach hire company and moved to the Spa Hotel Terme via the Butmir Tunnel of Life.

Day 1 - Sarajevo high ground.

The afternoon of Thu 17 Aug was spent on a series of stands on the high ground above Sarajevo, focused on the study of the siege from the Serb perspective. This included Vraca Memorial Park and the Serb HQ. Day 2 - Gorazde visit. The exercise deployed to Goradze for a full day on Fri 18 Aug to study the siege, specifically the actions of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The day was led by Col Ilic, who was employed as the MA to Gen Rose in the early stages of the conflict. Key stand locations included OP locations, the UN base, British memorials, the museum, and St George’s church on the inter-entity boundary line.

Day 3 – Srebrenica. Col Ilic produced a comprehensive presentation, delivered to the party on Sat 19 Aug in the Hotel conference suite, followed by a Srebrenica Museum tour, held in

8 The Battlefield Study party looks down on Sarajevo

Sarajevo. This included the infamous massacres of Muslims and Serbs.

Redeployment. The exercise redeployed to the UK on the morning of Sun 20 Aug. The route was the reverse of the outbound.

Overall, the Battlefield Study was a huge success, benefitting a significant number of personnel in terms of their own military knowledge and awareness of conflicts involving UN Forces.

Ex AUSTERE SHIELD 1-18 Sept 23 48 Members of the Regt deployed to PUTLOS to support Ex AUSTERE SHIELD. 400 Pet Sqn assisted 9 Regt RLC with establishment and operation of a Primary Bulk Fuel Installation (PBFI) supplying all fuel needs to those on the exercise. 220 Tkr Sqn was tasked with developing and delivering the core combat element of ITRs over three 4-day packages with each phase ending in a battle camp scenario. A total of

8 400 Pet Sqn and 220 Tkr Sqn deployed on Ex AUSTERE SHIELD

8 Eight FLRT operators were qualified on Ex SHAMROCK WARRIOR

48 SP from across 101 Bn REME and 17 P&M Regt RLC took part and completed their core combat ITRs. Ex AUSTERE SHIELD provided a great opportunity for the Regt to deploy a large contingent and put their trade skills into practice.

Ex SHAMROCK WARRIOR 6-21 Oct 23 The Regt’s Annual Continuous Training (ACT) period was conducted in Northern Ireland utlising the local training areas Aldergrove Flying Station and Ballykinler training area. The focus of Ex SHAMROCK WARRIOR was capability building with the Regt delivering FLRT, CST Operator, UST Operator, CST Driver, ADR licencing and DTTT courses. After an incredibly productive exercise, 152 Regt now has an additional 10 x CST drivers, 12 x CST operators, 10 x UST operators, 9 x Instructors, 8 x FLRT operators and 18x ADR qualified drivers ready to support the operational requirements of 104 TS Bde.

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154 (Scottish) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps DUNFERMLINE CO: Lt Col S Johnson MBE • Adjt: Capt G Pryor • RSM: WO1 A Maloney Over the past four months, 154 Regiment RLC has been in overdrive, from laying the groundwork for a state-of-the-art Army Reserve Centre to throwing down the gauntlet in a no-nonsense Army-wide cross-country motorsport competition.

Ground-breaking ceremony marks new beginnings for 154 Regiment RLC In a momentous event that will shape the future of the Unit, a ground-breaking ceremony was held in August, marking the commencement of the construction of the new Army Reserve Centre at Bruce House. Attended by distinguished dignitaries, including the Provost of Fife, Councillor Jim Leishman MBE, the ceremony underscored the strong partnership between the military and the local community, affirming the Regt’s commitment to the region.

Scheduled for completion by June 2025, the new centre will serve as the flagship for the Scottish transport regiment; housing RHQ, 239 Sqn and 527 HQ Sqn. The ground-breaking ceremony symbolized a new chapter in the Regt’s history, fostering camaraderie and optimism among attendees.

A delightful finger buffet lunch was provided by the Unit Catering Manager, WO2 Waters and his team, a testament to his and the unit’s high standards. The actual ground-breaking occurred on October 27, 2023, as the site was

8 Cpl Hume and LCpl Mallaney of 230 Edinburgh Sqn triumph in the Truck Class on MUDMASTER 23 handed over to construction firm Henry Brothers, marking a significant step towards the realisation of the new ARC. Management of the construction project will now be overseen by Regional Command, ably supported by 154 Regt’s QM(T), Maj Honeyman, without whom this project would not have been possible.

Annual Continuity Training (ACT) September saw the Regt embark on its ACT, a challenging two-week journey that showcased the unit’s skills, resilience, and teamwork. The exercise spanned multiple locations, testing capabilities and readiness.

The ambitious training event encompassed various sites, requiring support from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) for training on privately owned land.

The Regt first demonstrated its Convoy Support Centre capability to those in the unit who may not have seen one previously. The CSC was hosted at the StandardAero site in Almondbank, Perth, where Colonel Lowe, Deputy Commander (Reserves) for 4 Light Brigade Combat Team, witnessed the Regt’s capacity to support the Brigade.

Moving to Cameron Barracks in Inverness, the Regt engaged in an ITR exercise, testing navigation skills on a particularly scorching day (doubly so for Scotland!). A cultural visit to Fort George added historical context to the journey. Following ITRs, the convoy south to Holcombe Moor training estate included establishing a second CSC at the DVSA site on the M74, to consolidate the previous learning as the tactical scenario was enforced – the XO spent the night in the bushes observing the troops! A further cultural visit to Leeds Armouries enriched the troops’ experience.

The final phase tested crosscountry driving skills from the Bosnia trails at Garelochhead to Galloway Forest, before ACT concluded with all exercising troops consolidating at Eastriggs for a “mess dinner in the field”, celebrating the success of the exercise and highlighting the bonds forged amongst the troops.

Exercise MUDMASTER 2023 In a display of skill and coordination, in October, the Unit in collaboration with the British Army Motorsports Association (BAMA) and the Scottish Land Rover Owners Club (SLROC), hosted Ex MUDMASTER 2023. The multi-venue, multi-phase driving and navigation event brought together 98 military and civilian crews or riders from across the four nations of the UK. These included 75 all military crews or riders, three mixed civilian/military crews and 23 all civilian crews.

8 The new Bruce House ARC ground breaking ceremony

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

156 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps LIVERPOOL CO: Lt Col T Steed • Adjt: Capt B Griffin • RSM: WO1 R Thomas It has been a busy period for the 156 Regiment RLC, having recently returned from Ex IRON TITAN, this year’s Annual Continuous Training event. The Regt has also continued to support Op INTERFLEX. Concurrent to all this, several AT events were undertaken, including hill walking, rock climbing and sailing, as well as Ex NORTHERN LIGHTS, the Regt’s overseas AT expedition, which saw 14 SP deploy to Iceland for seven days of mountaineering. The Regt has also had a great start for its Army National Reserve Cup ambitions, defeating 167RLC 7-0 in the first round.

Ex NORTHERN LIGHTS In August, 14 members of the Regt deployed to Iceland on Ex NORTHERN LIGHTS. Here they conducted an adventurous training expedition, completing a self supported trek across the 55km Laugavegur trail and 25km Fimmvoruhals trail. Their resilience was tested as they crossed the austere, volcanic terrain in poor weather, but all completed the route successfully, qualifying a number of new SMFs into the Regt and expanding the logbooks of our more experienced mountaineers.

Ex IRON TITAN September saw the Regt deploy on Ex IRON TITAN for Annual Continuous Training. Here, the soldiers deployed to Maindy Barracks, Cardiff, alongside 151RLC, 157RLC and 103 Bn REME to simulate mobilisation activity, before integrating into 10 QOGLR and 27RLC to operate alongside Regular counterparts.

They spent time completing Live Fire Tactical Training and BCS, before deploying on the FTX which saw them conducting supply actions across the south west.

Simultaneously the Regt had a number of personnel gain new driver licenses at Aldershot, continuing their professional development.

Op INTERFLEX 156 Regt personnel remain in command of the Handling and Processing facility in support of Op INTERFLEX, enabling the UK based training of Ukrainian soldiers. The task remains high tempo, and to date they have prepared over 8,000 soldiers for training, issuing over 251,000 pieces of kit.

Looking forward The Regt has now begun preparations for its annual military skills competition, The Chalker Cup;

8 The Regt has begun preparations for

the Chalker Cup military skills competition

which will see teams from all sub-units, as well as from 10 QOGLR, 27RLC and Op INTERFLEX testing themselves through a number of trade and BCS challenges. The event will be concluded with a Christmas dinner for all members of the Regt. The ski team is also set to depart to Norway for Ex ALPINE KNEES BEND, the Corps’ Alpine training event. The football team continues training ahead of its Army National Reserve Cup Second Round fixture against 5 RRF, hoping to maintain momentum after its 7-0 victory over 167RLC in the previous round.

8 The 156RLC football team made a

strong start in the Army Reserve Cup

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THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

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157 (Welsh) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps CARDIFF CO: Lt Col A Briggs • Adjt: Capt R Sayer • RSM: WO1 C Jones 157 (Welsh) Transport Regiment has seen a scorching summer programme packed with plenty of activity including: a CPX, FTX, support of UK resilience Ops, mobilise and de-mobilise troops on Op INTERFLEX and welcoming many fresh new faces.

Ex IRON TITAN - By WO2 Barry – 224 Squadron The British Army’s largest exercise for over 20 years saw the Regt playing important roles in two parts of Ex IRON TITAN. Firstly, to deploy Dragon Sqn and support 27 Regt RLC in the resupply of 3 (UK) Div from RMB Chivenor. Secondly, for RHQ to support 6 Bn REME in the Deep Recce Strike Sustainment planning on Salisbury Plain. Both of which thoroughly tested the Regt’s readiness to contribute significantly to "How We Fight 2026".

Dragon Sqn (an amalgamation of all 157 sub-units) was mobilised in Cardiff. A breath of fresh air as the Reserves were pairing up with their Regular counterparts for the first time in years. The G1 departments conducted a thorough admin check of all troops and 156 Regt RLC delivered the Road to War brief to set the scene for what was shaping

8 The 157 (Welsh) Regiment Corps of Drums, led the RLC30 parade in Winchester

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8 Driver training on Braunton Burrows

during the BCS phase of Ex IRON TITAN

up to be a highly anticipated exercise. First parades done; the Sqn got on the road to Chivenor to conduct a week of BCS. This included: ambush drills, drone training and convoys, to name but a few of the serials in a standout package. These serials certainly set the Sqn up for success! Sqn at the ready, full tactical mode was applied and now the troops were supporting all lines of supply for

real; pushing important stocks forward on call and in time for the front-line elements.

Meanwhile, RHQ got busy with the staff work - some would say the less thrilling aspect of the exercise (hotly disputed by the XO) but equally as important. The field phase saw the RHQ move out and set up tactically for the first time in years with the Brigade Support Group in Old Carter Barracks. Upon set up, the planning commenced with 6 Bn REME and the Deep Recce Strike sustainment functions were implemented, questioned and tested over to ensure a robust plan was completed.

A thoroughly testing and enjoyable exercise for both Dragon Sqn and the RHQ came to a conclusion in the demobilisation phase, which was conducted by the Rear Ops Group (156 Regt).

Other news - By Pte Lau – 223 Squadron Need we mention the success of RLC30? WO1 Lock and his drummers led the Parade through the streets of Winchester to mark a spectacle of an event. The drummers were also out in full force alongside a number of Troops from the Regt at the Royal Welsh Show.

The rain did not dampen the spirits of the Welsh Loggies as we showcased some of The RLC’s key capabilities. And finally the Regt was on show once more for Truckfest! What better way to show off the Army’s Support Vehicles?

8 Deep Recce Strike sustainment planning was exercised on Salisbury Plain during Ex IRON TITAN

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

158 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps PETERBOROUGH CO: Lt Col A Swales MBE • Adjt: Capt J Eddie • RSM: WO1 E Eversley Another busy quarter for 158 Regiment RLC as it continues training through the STEELBACK (SB) series of exercises.

The Regt has deployed on Ex SB 3 to the Barnham Training Area and SB 4 to Sculthorpe Airfield, conducting training on occupation of vehicle harbours, breakdown and anti-ambush drills, then DPs and XPs respectively. A clear progression can be seen as the Regt continues to move its way through BCS and special to arm training.

The Regt also had representation on Ex PINION DAWN, a CAST exercise to validate the 1 Avn BCT BSG. This was conducted out of Warminster and over the course of the week, the BSG conducted a number of planning cycles covering scenarios such as the recovery of aircraft, movement of the BSG and a REHABILITATION of the BGs. This was the culmination of the various exercises earlier in the year in which 158 Regt and 7 Bn REME have put themselves through their paces to ensure that logistic effect can be provided to the Avn BCT. Ultimately, the BSG was validated and given its licence to operate.

8 The new CO 158 Regt commanded the inaugural deployment of 1 Av BCT BSG on Ex IRON TITAN

102 OS Bde has been heavily involved in Op INTERFLEX, and is particularly keen to get reservists deployed. When the opportunity to mobilise the Army Reserve became reality, 158 Regt canvased its troops and in short order, was in a position to mobilise 1 + 4 to deploy to Poland. In line with their Regular counterparts, all the necessary G1, med and G7 checks were conducted. As to be expected, this can be more difficult in the Reserve space, but despite this was a great success and the five SP deployed in good order on what is a fantastic opportunity for them.

The Regt conducted its ACT, in September. Ex STEELBACK PROGRESS gave the Regt the opportunity to go beyond the basics and conduct more complex logistic support activity aimed at all trades across the Regt. In addition to the core trade related training, the Regt was also able to put on a very successful DTTT course, Team Medic course and an ITR package, maximising on the opportunity provided by having the Regt in one place. The exercise saw an initial deployment to Swynnerton before projecting up to Leuchars, utilising a CSC in Warcop. The Regt conducted a number of INLOADs, drawing on the skills learnt during the SB series of exercises, before

8 Ex STEELBACK PROGRESS saw

158 Regt conduct a number of inloads

returning to Swynnerton. During the second week of the ACT, the Regt was also able to host a number of its Reservists’ employers, providing briefs in the field and showing them the skills their employees are able to develop within the Reserve and therefore what they can bring back to their businesses.

The second week of the ACT overlapped with Ex IRON TITAN. This saw the Avn BCT BSG, under 7 Bn REME, shaken back out again and established to provide logistic support to the AAC Battlegroups exercising in Nescliff. The focus from a Regt’l perspective for this phase was to allow one of the transport Sqns to conduct real life resupply with loops from Swynnerton to Wattisham Flying Station and back. This was the first time since re-rolling that one of the Sqns has deployed in its new role as per Future Soldier and was a fantastic training opportunity for them to receive orders from the BSG, conduct their own estimate, and ultimately execute the plan. It was also an opportunity for CO 158 Regt, Lt Col Anna Swales MBE, to take command of the BSG for a week and further solidify the bonds between 7 Bn REME and 158 Regt.

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159 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps COVENTRY CO: Lt Col A Heather • Adjt: Capt W Douglas • RSM: WO1 P Whiting In recent months and over the summer period, 159 Regiment RLC has been a whirlwind of activity, showcasing the versatility and excellence of the Army Reserve across a variety of domains. Ranging from a diving expedition to Cyprus and success at the Corps Sports Awards, to the Regt’s Annual Continuous Training (ACT) exercise in Sennelager, Germany; the Regt has continued to prove an invaluable part of 102 OS Bde and the wider Corps.

Under the dedicated leadership of WO2 Gota – the SPSI of 123 Sqn the Regt embarked on an unforgettable diving expedition to Cyprus - Ex DRAGON BARBARIAN ODYSSEY. The exercise took place over nine days in July and was not only a test of the team’s physical abilities but demonstrated their adaptability and skill as the divers explored underwater caves, wrecks and reefs in the crystal-clear waters of Cyprus. The expedition was a resounding success and provided a fantastic opportunity to introduce new divers to the sport whilst challenging the more experienced members of the team with complex challenges such as underwater navigation and dive planning.

The Regt has always been a leading contributor to sport and AT, and this was recognised at the RLC Sports Awards on 6 Jul 23 in Aldershot. Pte Palmer of 243 (HQ) Sqn was the first to receive an award which was no less than the RLC Sportswoman of the Year, which she received for her impressive contributions to Boxing.

Next up was the Corps Rugby League team – managed by WO1 (RSM) Whiting – which won the RLC Team of the Year award. RHQ was thrilled with the results and the CO, RSM and Adjutant were present to celebrate with the Regt’s sports stars.

In September, 159 Regt completed its most prominent and fulfilling training event of the year, its ACT exercise in Sennelager. Ex 64

HALBERD RISE 23 consisted of a challenging field training exercise (FTX) followed by a week of professional development courses, an Officer and SNCO staff ride and cultural visits around the former BAOR locations and WW2 battlefields. After a series of training weekends during the summer to build collective competency, the FTX took place immediately on arrival in Germany.

The exercise allowed the Regt to test its new warfighting role by deploying a composite squadron for a week, fine-tuning trade and battlecraft syllabus skills and validating its Warfighting Increment training objectives. The FTX was a rigorous test of the various trades in the Regt, involving the establishment and operation of a Field Storage Area, a field kitchen

8 Ex HALBERD RISE 23 included the Regt setting up and operating a FSA

8 Cyprus was the location for

Ex DRAGON BARBARIAN ODYSSEY

and testing training objectives under additional complexities such as a ‘live’ UAS threat, CBRN serials and insurgent activity.

The second week of Ex HALBERD RISE 23 saw the successful completion of courses including GS modules, communications training, and team medic courses. The Regt’s PSIs also took the opportunity to immerse the Regt’s LSS personnel into the CA account at the nearby Land Readiness Fleet (LRF) at Athlone Barracks, Sennelager. This account is the current busiest in the world and allowed LSS personnel to complete 3-2 upgrades and hone their skills whilst dealing with a high level of transactions against an operational output. Maj Pelan – the Regimental 2IC – took the opportunity to conduct some conceptual training with the Regt’s Officers and SNCOs, driving west to Wesel to lead a battlefield study of Op PLUNDER – the allied crossing of the Rhine in 1945. In addition to a unit BBQ and the visit of 102 Bde and RHQ The RLC, the Regt visited Wewelsburg Castle and the Edersee dam – the site of one of the ‘Dambuster’ raids.

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162 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps NOTTINGHAM CO: Lt Col J Hodgson • Adjt: Capt W Eagle • RSM: WO1 D Teal Commanding Officer handover/takeover Lt Col Hodgson has now taken command of 162 Regt RLC from Lt Col Steel MBE. Lt Col Hodgson is a regular officer who throughout his career has deployed on a number of exercises and operations across the globe and taken up positions that include OC 12 CS Sqn, DCOS 104 Bde and most recently a position in Army HQ as desk lead for the Army Welfare Project and Accommodation Policy.

Regimental AT In August members of 162 Regt had the pleasure of spending two memorable days in the charming town of Ambleside at the RLC’s AT hut which is nestled in the heart of England's spectacular Lake District. Throughout the weekend they were challenged both physically and mentally with hillwalking, mountain biking and a fantastic aerial rope course.

Attendees rotated between hillwalking and mountain biking, with hillwalkers ascending one of the region's most iconic peaks, The Old Man of Coniston. From the summit they were rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding hills and sparkling lakes below.

The following day, they traded hiking boots for mountain bikes and the cyclists set off for the Go Ape ropes course. From exhilarating downhill zip lines and challenging technical obstacles, there was never a dull moment. The lush green valleys, gushing streams, and dense forests provided a picturesque backdrop for what was a truly unforgettable and exhilarating weekend.

Parachuting - Embracing challenges and learning together Participating in a condensed threeday parachuting course was a thrilling experience for those who participated, despite the unexpected weather challenges that limited jumps. The course

began with insightful classroom sessions covering equipment, safety procedures, and the fundamentals of exiting an aircraft and engaging in parachute drills to improve our control and landing techniques.

The adverse weather conditions allowed for only a few jumps, but participants made the best of their time, ensuring they still had a blast and soaked in as much knowledge as possible. The limited jumps became valuable learning opportunities, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and resilience in parachuting and military life.

The climax of the course was the final day, where participants eagerly made their jumps, fuelled by the anticipation of applying what they had learned. Despite the

8 Lt Col Hodgson is the new CO of 162 Regt RLC

8 The Regt’s AT Ex was based at Lower Gillerthwaite

brevity of the course and the weather challenges, the experience was unforgettable, instilling a deep appreciation for courage, determination, and the strength that comes from facing and overcoming obstacles as a team.

Training experiences Ex ITR ARCHER ran in June over the hottest days of the year with a range package at Kingsbury and training for the Role Fitness Test at Chetwynd Barracks. The warm conditions suited those soaking up the rays on the range, however the heat posed an additional challenge to those conducting the RFT training. In July 281 Sqn delivered the training package for the Regt’s team entering Ex NORTHERN STRIKE. This saw the team put through their paces on a 25m range, weighted endurance runs and classroom sessions focusing on Comms, BCD, CBRN, military knowledge and Corps history.

Specific to arms training in the Joint Air Mounting Centre at South Cerney was run in September, with the Mov Ops brushing up their skills in the processing of both passengers and freight via the air bridge. The Regt also welcomed WO1 Wright, Comd Mov WO, to showcase some of the capabilities Reserve Mov Ops provide to wider Defence.

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165 Port & Maritime Regiment RLC PLYMOUTH CO: Lt Col G Symonds • Adjt: Capt A Stephenson • RSM: WO1 R Ligairi It has been a busy period for 165 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC conducting multiple Adventurous Training (AT) expeditions and Special to Arm training weekends: allowing regimental personnel to remain current and competent within their respective trades, with final preparations underway for Ex AUSTERE WYVERN the Regt’s Annual Continuous Training (ACT).

AT The Regt has seen multiple expeditions over the past quarter.

Personnel participated in mountain biking in Mallorca; where personnel were tested in all terrains covering 30km over the hills of Cala Torta and the notoriously difficult coastal route along Cala Figuera. While members of the Regt were testing their skills in the mountains, another contingent was challenging its sailing skills deployed on Ex HIGHLAND EXPRESS. This involved navigating the spectacular scenery of Islay, Juray and Mull along the west coast of Scotland; and was a weeklong expedition that gave new sailors the experience of sailing in challenging Scottish waters.

Trade training 142 (Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars) Sqn conducted VS trade training at Dalton Barracks; ensuring they were prepared for their upcoming deployment on Ex WOLF INCREMENTUM through specific B-Vehicle servicing activities and return to role certification. Concurrently the Mariners and Marine Engineers conducted maritime specific training with a sea survival course conducted at HMS Excellent.

Sporting achievements Multiple personnel across the Regt have competed at Corps and Army level sports over the past quarter including, but not exclusive to, Corps Basketball, Army Triathlon, Army Boat Angling and Inter-Corps Road Running.

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Most notably Pte’s Harris and Gough both represented the Regt with the Armed Forces Rally Team competing at the Ceredigion Rally and the 2023 Jim Clarke Rally.

During the former they tested their skills across the Welsh mountains; driving and navigating across sheer drops into ravines and negotiating sharp hairpin turns. Pte Harris commented: “As a crew member I got to really enjoy the strong community support for these events, the adrenaline keeps me on form and my pace notes keep the driver on track even with the unforgiving corners.”

Additionally, 2Lt K Bryson competed in the World Pentathlon Championships winning Bronze and securing a place in Team GB at the 2024 Paris Olympics. A huge

8 Pte Harris competing in the Ceredigion Rally

8 2Lt Bryson receiving the Bronze Medal at the World Pentathlon Championships

8 165 personnel complete their sea survival course

congratulations to all our sportsmen and women who have succeeded at such a high level over the past few months.

A look forward The Regt will soon deploy on Ex AUSTERE WYVERN where all trades will be tested in role to support live tasks such as the loading of multiple Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels at the Sea Mounting Centre and Operational Hygiene support to exercising troops on Salisbury Plain. Post exercise, the Regt will be conducting further AT expeditions to Hadrian’s Wall and participating in the upcoming Ski season, with many of our personnel committed to their respective sports across the Corps and Army.

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RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

167 Catering Support Regiment RLC GRANTHAM CO: Lt Col M Dyos • Adjt: Capt C McColl • RSM: WO1 A Cartwright 167 Catering Support Regiment has maintained a high tempo of activity within the UK and overseas, delivering catering support to a wide variety of activities, while maintaining a rigorous training output.

Army Reserve School of Catering (ARSC) A steady drum-beat of training has continued in the ARSC with the core delivery of back-to-back Chef trade courses for Reserve personnel.

Newly qualified Reserve soldiers have learned the basics on Class 3 trade courses while seasoned chefs have returned to challenge their skills on Class 2 and 1 Chef courses.

Focused skills courses focused on vegan and game cooking, have attracted good uptake from Regular and Reserve students and allowed them to expand their culinary repertoire into these areas. The ARSC also welcomes two new permanent staff instructors, Sgts Fletcher and Stockham to the team.

8 Specialist ARSC training includes how to prepare game

Technical training programme The Regt’s technical training development programme has continued, with the delivery of two high profile events. This programme is designed to remind, revise, train, develop and extend technical chef skills while delivering real-life functions.

In July, a team delivered catering to 104 TS Bde’s UNIFIED WOLF

Awards Dinner at the REME Museum, Lyneham. In October, the Regt delivered Ex TRAFALGAR NIGHT. Led by WO1 Oberhoffer and SSgt Jones, the small team deployed to HMS President in the heart of London and produced a truly excellent meal for over 90 VIPs attending the Trafalgar Night dinner.

This training has been of great value to all who attended, while providing a real-life outcome to other units.

Operations support 167 personnel have been quick to volunteer for taskings across the UK and overseas. Close to home, chefs provided catering support to both the British Grand Prix and Moto GP at Silverstone, while others deployed to Scotland to support the Royal Guard mounting at Balmoral Castle. Opportunities for overseas travel have been a huge draw, with personnel deploying to the milder climates of Cyprus on Ex KRONOS HUNTER, Germany on Ex AUSTERE SHIELD and across the Atlantic to Canada on Ex CANPADDLE. The Regt maintains an operational focus and is already preparing for commitments in 2024.

Sports In November, seven members of the Regt travelled to Gibraltar with the RLC Reserves football team for a match – the first such overseas fixture in many years. Despite delays, multiple aborted landings,

8 167 Regt footballers in Gibraltar and an eventual detour to Malaga due to Storm Ciaran, the team eventually arrived at Devil’s Tower Camp and conducted a training session and a cultural foray into the tunnels of Gibraltar.

On the field, 167 Regt’s own LCpl England set an early lead with an impressive 25-yard goal, and another followed from the penalty spot in the first half. However, the British Forces Gibraltar team soon capitalised on the away team’s tiredness and eventually won the match 5-2. This short tour was greatly enjoyed by the team and the Regt looks forward to more involvement in 2024.

Remembrance and the Wildman Trophy On Remembrance weekend, the Regt came together to compete for the annual Wildman Trophy – the inter-Sqn skills competition designed to promote healthy competition between sub-units and enhance Regimental spirit. This year, events were themed around the game show, the Crystal Maze – with a range of tasks testing problem solving ability, physical fitness, dexterity and teamwork. A close fought competition saw JNCO’s taking the lead on tasks and ultimately saw 111 Sqn lift the trophy before a celebratory curry supper for all competitors.

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THE SUSTAINER | OTHER UNITS

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2 Operational Support Group RLC (2OSG) GRANTHAM CO: Lt Col A Chambers • 2IC: Maj J Bastin • RSM: WO1 Allison 2 Operational Support Group has continued its tempo of support to exercises and operations, including its support to a number of major two and three-star exercises, whilst also seeing the demobilisation of a number of personnel who have been supporting operations: CROSSWAY, ILKANE and ESCALIN. Ex STEADFAST JUPITER 23 Scripting Workshop On the 27 Jun, Lt Col Jolly and Maj Bolter flew out to the JWC in Stavanger, Norway to participate in the Scripting Workshop for EX STEADFAST JUPITER. They were employed in a staff support role supporting JLSG Brunssum. The purpose of the workshop was to script injects - the tools that during the execution phase, will be the interactions between EXCON and the training audience - and will provoke tangible responses that can be evaluated against set training objectives. Working in a multinational team, they successfully produced several sustainment injects. 2 OSG will redeploy in larger numbers to JWC for the execute phase in Oct; this time as part of the Response Cell team in EXCON. Ex KRONUS HUNTER 3 Members of 500 Communication Troop, embarked on Ex KRONOS HUNTER 3 in Cyprus in support of 162 Regiment RLC; which was tasked with the training and development of deployed personnel as well as real-life support to the exercise.

Week one focused on ITRs and basic skills for deployed personnel.

This included refinement of Comms Troop’s SOPs. The exercise afforded Comms Troop the ability to deploy numbers into the field which isn’t always possible, which further helps the sub-unit’s cohesion and training development. During the exercise there was also ample opportunity for troop members to 68

take on additional training including for LCpl Shaw, the opportunity to train on the fire engine that supported the exercise.

Ex SEPTEMBER SERPENT 500 Comms Troop provided communications detachments in support of the Ex SEPTEMBER SERPENT providing a robust and a diverse network over Altcar training area, using the VHF Manpack radio system.

Detachments were assigned to 205 Field Hospital to assist and maintain CIS Communications for the duration of their exercise.

During this time 205 Field Hospital embraced the opportunity to conduct some basic communication training in the field with the dets and mobile platforms led by the supporting operators from 2 OSG. This exercise once again highlighted the flexibility and benefits associated with Reserve units and the benefits they can add to exercises.

Ex IRON TITAN Members of 500 Comms Troop recently spent two weeks attached to 148 Fd Coy, 103 Bn REME, deployed as part of Ex IRON TITAN. The exercise saw the deployment of around 8,000 troops across South Wales and south west England over several weeks and was intended to robustly test the

8 Members of 500 Comms Tp Supporting EX KRONOS HUNTER 3

ability of 3 (UK) Div to fulfil its warfighting role.

Comms Troop’s primary responsibility during this exercise was to provide CIS and BOWMAN/AIRWAVES support to 148 Fd Coy which was integrating itself into HQ 5 Bn REME. Comms Troop provided both radio watches as well as radio and voice procedure familiarisation. It also provided additional comms SME support to 5 Bn REME. Promotions, welcomes and farewells We sadly said a fond farewell to Capt Tirtha Gurung, who is retiring after 41 years of service. His contribution to the unit and the British Army is impossible to measure. He has been integral to the smooth running of the unit and has been the right-hand man to the CO for years. SSgt Timms will also be leaving us for retirement after 26 years Reserve service. We thank them both for their hard work and devotion and wish them well for the future. We offer a warm welcome to Maj Joe Hart, Maj Ian Cooney and Sgt Chris Hibbert.

Finally, we would like to offer our congratulations to Maj Goodwin on the birth of his daughter.

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

British Army Training Unit KENYA SO3 CSS: Capt K Franklin Ex HARAKA STORM 2/23 –

By LCpl B Muriva - Logistic Specialist (Supply) Ex HARAK STORM, formerly known as ASKARI STORM, is an Infantry battle group validation exercise.

During the exercise period, the CSS hangar builds into a fast-paced and technical environment. Those working there see an influx of soldiers enquiring on demands or seeking logistical support. A hub of activity is the Issues Bay. Here we fulfil the demands of the battle group and other dependencies by selecting and issuing the requested items. Most of our stores consist of vehicle spares to sustain the vast fleet of over 800 vehicles held. With the demanding environment and unforgiving terrain found in Kenya, the department is kept busy!

During Ex HARAKA STORM night shifts, I oversaw the demands and issues and return stores. During the exercise, second line stores are tasked with staffing the hangar 24/7, in support of the battle group; tending to any demands and issues during out of hours. This sustains the battle group’s capability and ensures the smooth running of the large-scale exercise. I find this role extremely fulfilling as I know the battle groups’ successes can depend on our ability to react effectively to the requirements of the exercise.

In conclusion, I've recognised that every member of the CSS team plays a vital role in supporting BATUK's objectives, and thanks to the combined efforts of the Kenyan Support Staff and Service Personnel, we live up to our reputation as the centre of excellence for light role training during Ex HARAKA STORM and beyond.

Adventurous Training – LCpl T Reid - Ammo Technician On 11 Sep 23 a cohort of BATUK CSS embarked on an AT package at Rift Valley Adventures situated on the border of the Ngare Ndare forest. Rock climbing initiated the

first day’s activities and encouraged cohesion through mutual trust of both the belayer and climber. A fruitful few hours scaling the rock face resulted in widespread sense of achievement all around.

The theme of heights recurred and canyoning tested the resilience of group members physically and mentally as they were encouraged to dive into indefinite depths of pools spilling from a waterfall. A canopy walk was a pleasant conclusion to the end of the day’s activities as the group crossed a wire bridge suspended some 50 metres in the air, overlooking the native wildlife and scenery.

On day-two, mountain biking saw the groups blaze the trails of the local landscape and attempt to maintain their composure through increasingly bigger obstacles. A 3km circular tour returned them back to the camp where they had a break for lunch just in time to take shelter from the deluge, courtesy of El Nino.

8 Second Line resupply being conducted as part of Ex HARAKA STORM 2/23

8 CSS Group conducting rock climbing on AT

The Rift Valley Adventurous Training package succeeded in not only testing the physical and mental barriers faced by individuals, but reinforced mutual respect, discipline, and proved to be a thoroughly entertaining and inclusive experience for the entire group.

Community Engagement – LCpl E Kyeremeh – Logistic Specialist (Supply) On 15 Sep 23, twenty personnel from the CSS Department travelled to Laikipia County's Nyakio Secondary School to conduct community engagement. The Department donated two poly tanks with a capacity of 10,000 litres each, which were used to collect water from the gutters. To develop a bond with the locals and fully integrate with the community, a friendly football game was played, which saw the school win 1-0!

The Department utilised the opportunity to speak with the students and urge them to take their studies seriously. In an effort to promote a love of reading, over one thousand books and an assortment of writing materials were distributed to students.

The school's principal expressed his sincere appreciation for the Department's generous contributions to the school.

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The Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion GLOUCESTERSHIRE CO: Lt Col G Allen RLC • Adjt: Capt K Gurung • RSM: WO1 R Wiseman Visit to 17 P&M Regt RLC In August, the Officers, WOs, and SNCOs of the Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion were invited to visit 17 P&M Regt RLC at the Sea Mounting Centre, Marchwood. This coincided with the delivery of vehicles to deploy overseas, which provided the perfect opportunity to visit them and 17 Regt at the same time.

17 Regt demonstrated to the visiting cohort the unique and critical capabilities it holds. This includes the ability to deliver vehicles and equipment to the shore using the Mexeflote in the absence of an established or austere port, supported by Combat Support Boats. This was a capability most of the Bn team were unfamiliar with. A pleasant surprise was the sight of the Bn’s ISO containers, that had been sent previously to the SMC, being prepared to be shipped to Greece for EX STEADFAST JUPITER. In addition, the Bn arranged for Dr Alexander Woolfson to deliver a fascinating presentation to both units’ Officers, WOs, and SNCOs on the political and military situation in Europe, the importance of deterrence and our respective unit’s roles in ensuring that this deterrence was credible.

The visit concluded with a BBQ at the McMullen Barracks Officers’ Mess. It was a very enjoyable visit for all and the Bn thanks 17 P&M for its warm and welcoming hospitality and looks forward to returning the favour in the future.

Ex STEADFAST JUPITER 23 At the time of writing, the GARRC Sp Bn is actively deployed on Ex STEADFAST JUPITER 23. The exercise kicked off with the Port Task Group arriving in Alexandroupolis, Greece, where it was reunited with the UK-shipped vehicles. After enjoying a refreshing swim in the Aegean Sea, the group wasted no time in unloading the ship and gearing up for a northbound convoy.

The convoy was a joint operation 70

8 Officers, WOs and SNCOs on a 17RLC Mexeflote at the SMC

featuring contributions from GARRC Sp Bn, 22 and 32 Sig Regts and 1 YORKs. Each unit brought its unique skills to ensure the convoy's preparedness. Facilitated by military police from Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania, the convoy progressed smoothly, pausing only for an overnight rest at Bulgaria's Vasil Levski Military Academy in Veliko Tarnovo. Notably, meticulous vehicle preparation led to an impressively low vehicle casualty rate of approximately 3% over the two-day journey, ensuring that all the equipment reached Bucharest in excellent condition.

The exercise has now transitioned into the 'PROJECT’ phase where each unit is focused on constructing Command Posts (CPs) for HQ ARRC. Engineers are powering the sites, logisticians are establishing infrastructure and providing driver support, while the infantry ensures security. The intense work schedule has still allowed time for cultural enrichment, as the soldiers have

been visiting various sites in Bucharest, thereby broadening both their skill sets and their cultural understanding.

Ex GOTHIC KHUKURI In June, 37 members of the Bn participated in Ex GOTHIC KHUKURI; a comprehensive Battlefield Study set in Northern Italy. Primarily centred around the 'Gothic Line' - a fortified German defensive barrier aimed at stopping the Allied northward push - the study had multiple objectives. It sought to deepen understanding of the human toll of war, explore the psychological dynamics that influenced military decision making and foster a unified ethos among JNCOs, SNCOs, and Officers within the Bn. The week was intellectually stimulating yet poignant, offering those who participated a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the generations that preceded us.

The study served as a valuable occasion for shared learning and reflection, reinforcing both the gravity and complexity of military operations.

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

20 Transport Squadron The Royal Logistic Corps LONDON OC: Maj C Frost • SSM: WO2 G Keen 20 Transport Squadron is located in Central London. Its role is to provide the transport support to the Royal Household, ceremonial events and MOD Main Building.

This year has seen a continuous flow of major events, however this article shows that 20 Tpt Sqn is still able to deliver on providing its soldiers with stimulating and alternative activities.

Ex COCKNEY CHALLENGE 23 Twenty Service Personnel from across the Sqn deployed to Episkopi Garrison in Cyprus for a five-day AT package. Organised by WO2 Scott Nesbitt (A Troop Commander) and supported by his team of instructors and admin staff, the unit was able to secure a break from duties to enhance the lived experience of its soldiers.

Upon arrival of the main body into Cyprus, the troops began a short but essential acclimatisation package. For some of the 20 Sqn soldiers, this was their first deployment outside of the UK. The unprecedented heat, that was regularly in the news, was the highest risk to the team and created a significant challenge to delivering worthwhile training in a safe and controlled manner. The instructors that delivered mountain biking (MTB) on this event chose some of the most picturesque locations on the island to conduct their sessions. However due to the extreme heat and risk of fires, the MTB plan was adjusted perfectly to see the rising of the sun in the morning while the temperature was still cool and concluded with and evening trail run along the coast ending at Aphrodite’s Rock.

To end the week’s activities, the unit visited Pathos Archaeological Park where the soldiers had time to gain some educational value from their visit and see some of the island’s rich historic heritage.

Ex COCKNEY CHALLENGE was a huge success. 20 Tpt Sqn is extremely grateful for the support of the Force Master Driver,

8 The Disney Breakfast meet and greet Episkopi MT and 1 Bn the Duke of Lancaster Regiment’s MT who made this expedition work with precision and ease.

Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers – Disney Breakfast On 29 Sep 23, seven members of 20 Tpt Sqn including the OC Maj Charlie Frost and the SSM, WO2 Gavin Keen volunteered to assist the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage (WCHCD) in delivering its annual charity road trip. The event consists of many London Taxis that depart from Canary Wharf, London and drive in convoy to Disneyland in Paris for children who are medically disadvantaged. This annual event has been supported as part of a long-standing relationship between 20 Tpt Sqn and the Worshipful Company.

On this exciting occasion, the military delegation, in No2 Dress, conducted a meet and greet with all VIP’s, children and their families at the East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf where they served breakfast to the families and engaged with the youngsters who where about to depart on their big adventure.

WCHCD – Safe Drive Challenge 20 Tpt Sqn hosts an annual road safety awareness competition to which the WCHCD is invited. This year’s event was a huge success and involved around 40 participants across the two organisations. The events included a navigation exercise where teams would mount a vehicle and head into Central London under a time constraint, showing navigation skills and local knowledge.

There was a manoeuvring and guiding exercise using a Land Rover and trailer, fault finding under the supervision of the Light Aid Detachment and some light manoeuvring skills where military drivers got to drive an LEVC Taxi around obstacles. By far the hardest activity was the Taxi Drivers’ route knowledge test. This event challenged individuals to memorise a route across London and read it back to the dispatcher without the use of a map. The event was concluded by a BBQ and prizegiving.

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British Forces Brunei - RLC Logistic Support BRUNEI SO3 Log Sp: Capt D Knott • GCWO: WO1 S Loghmani

RLC Logistic Support - Sport and sporting achievements BFB troops in Japan – A journey of skill and camaraderie by Cpl L Spaull, Ammunition Supply Depot.

In March, members of the British Forces Brunei (BFB) Garrison Support Troop (GST) embarked on Ex FROSTED KUKRI 2023, an activity that took them to the picturesque slopes of Hakuba, Japan. This diverse group representing several BFB cap badges included RE, PARA, REME, RAPTC, QGE, QGS, and QOGLR. They all shared a common goal: to enhance their skiing proficiency to Skiing Foundation Level one (SF1) or two (SF2) and beyond.

The exercise wasn't just about refining skiing skills; it aimed to strengthen the bonds among the GST. Teamwork is the backbone of our operations, and this activity reinforced that crucial aspect of our collective efforts.

The first day brought a touch of uncertainty as the snow seemed to be in retreat. Nonetheless, we equipped ourselves and braced for less than perfect conditions.

Fortunately, the next morning greeted us with a winter wonderland, offering the perfect canvas for our skiing activities.

Progress wasn't without its challenges. When we were all together in the evening and asking how everyone thought the start of the exercise went, the consensus was: “I spent more time sliding down the snow than skiing down it.”

Yet, as the days passed, confidence and competence grew, reducing the time spent prone on the snow and allowing for bruises to mend.

By the week's end, everyone had achieved either an SF1 or SF2 qualification, a testament to the dedication of our exceptional instructors.

The final day allowed us to

8 The BFB GST on the slopes in Japan explore the vibrant city of Tokyo before our return journey. We admired the Buddhist temples and strolled through the Imperial Gardens, immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture. The bustling streets and overcrowded road crossings, not a jaywalker was in sight left a lasting impression showcasing the unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Overall, this venture provided a welcomed break from the daily routine at the Ammunition Supply Depot in Brunei. Achieving an SF2 qualification in skiing was a rewarding accomplishment and the experience of Japan was an added bonus. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say I’m looking forward to the next one!

In other sports news Sgt Hemlatta Gurung took the lead in forming and captaining a BFB Garrison Support Troop Women's volleyball and badminton team, setting the stage for spirited competition against the RGR wives.

On the badminton court, Sgt Yural Walakham Rai QOGLR, led the British Forces Brunei team to the Army Championships 2023.

Serving as the Badminton 2/IC for 1 RGR and BFB, Sgt Rai's expertise has also taken him to Singapore and Nepal as a BFB player.

8 Sgt Gurung and her women’s volleyball team

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

Defence Munitions (DM) Kineton Station TEMPLE HERDEWYKE CO: Lt Col S Sutherland MBE • RSM: WO1 S Hogan-Henry Ex EDGEHILL EAGLE On 23 Jun 23, Kineton Station held its biennial Major Accident Control Regulations (MACR) exercise, Ex EDGEHILL EAGLE. The Station is mandated to test its internal capability to respond to a major incident on site, and the ability to work alongside external emergency services during such events.

The exercise incorporated both Counter Terrorist (CT) and Major Accident (MA) elements and involved personnel from Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Midlands Ambulance Service and DEMS Training Regiment. In addition to exercising personnel from these organisations, there were also a number of observers from across Defence reviewing the exercise.

It was the first opportunity for Kineton Station to test out the new Emergency Control Centre (ECC) in a live capacity. It was noted by the external auditors that there had been significant progress in the ECC since the last MACR exercise in Oct 22. The exercise tested all aspects of emergency response in a complex and multi-layered scenario which included a Road Traffic Accident (RTA), multiple casualties, a hostage situation, and a Depleted Uranium ammunition fire.

Overall, the exercise was a success for all of the internal and external agencies that took part, and an important opportunity to evaluate where procedures can be improved going forward.

Sport and AT In July, 11 Army personnel from DM Kineton took part in the Nijmegen March.

The Nijmegen March is a renowned annual multiple-day marching event that takes place over four days and 100 miles and attracts around 40,000 civilian and military participants. During the event, participants walk a set distance each day through the

8 Emergency services responding to a road traffic accident and casualty

Dutch countryside and towns carrying up to 15kg.

The atmosphere was truly incredible with the event supported by a number of bands and DJs throughout the route, and most importantly, an enthusiastic public handing out snacks and sweets and providing the much-needed motivation.

The DM Kineton team successfully finished the march and was awarded the Vierdaagsekruis (Cross of the Four Days Marches) for their efforts. The Station intends to continue to participate in the Nijmegen Marches going forward.

8 Enjoying the Station BBQ

Military civilian cohesion The Kineton Station Cohesion Drive is an ongoing initiative started by the Head of Establishment, in Jun 22 with the inaugural summer civilian/military pub quiz, held in the JNCO’s Club. Since then, the Station has organised activities on a monthly basis open to both civilian and military personnel. Such activities have included visits to the Defence Academy, Shrivenham, the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

After an especially frenetic year in which the Station has provided significant ongoing support to wider operations, including but not limited to Ukraine, this year’s initiative culminated in a Station BBQ and quiz afternoon held on 19 Jul 23. The event was a great opportunity for personnel from the Station to engage and socialise in a relaxed and informal setting, with close to 80 members of staff attending.

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Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS) BENSON, OXFORDSHIRE OC: Maj A Hughes • 2IC: Flt Lt J Traynor • SSM: WO2 L Dowling JHSS has remained busy throughout 2023 with a healthy volume of tasks coming from JHC and from the various aircraft squadrons it supports.

The Sqn continues to provide teams for readiness for national commitments and is ready to deploy at short notice around the world.

JHSS also continues to prove capability through a myriad of operations and exercises which demonstrate and practice the ability to operate in a variety of environments. This year JHSS has operated in environments from the high north Artic of Norway, the southern latitudes of the Falklands, through to the sandy deserts of Oman and Colorado.

Notwithstanding the busy tempo of deployments, JHSS continues to facilitate year-round underslung load training for aircraft from RAF Benson and RAF Odiham and the JHSS Heli Handling School also continues to delivery high quality training to all three services. The Heli Handling School is about to take on its seventh course variant, consolidating courses onto JHSS, the Sqn cements itself as the location of heli handling excellence within Defence.

An insight into one of JHSS’s recent deployments: Ex DESERT KANJAR – OMAN

By Pte Jeanoi George – RLC Driver JHSS deployed a team to assist with Ex DESERT KHANJAR in Oman.

The team utilised every aspect of the Squadron’s personnel, being comprised of not only RLC Drivers and Comms Specs, but RAF Movers as well. Under the direction of Commando MAOT, this deployment was a true Tri-Service effort.

Oman is one of the hottest countries in the world, something the team could very well attest to!

Arriving in peak summer, the team has endured temperature reaching upwards of fifty degrees Celsius. To mitigate the harsh temperatures of Oman, the team went straight into 74

their heat acclimatisation training.

Once this was completed, they broadened their desert survival skills by undertaking desert SERE training. This included how to make a shelter, gather water and increase the odds of being found; all in case of a worst-case scenario.

JHSS’s primary objective out in Oman, was to assist with Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) in achieving its environmental qualified desert aviation training.

The team went out on the ground to recce suitable landing sites (LS) across local areas in order for aircrew to build up experience in dusty locations.

The team furthered its assistance to the exercise by designating desert boxes using a variety of landing aids for night flying and building underslung loads (USL) for pilots to practice with in the desert environment and experienced hooking up loads during “brown outs”; which the team quickly became accustomed to it.

It wasn’t all work for the team though. On no-fly days, when all the duties had been done, the team was able to spend some time enjoying what Oman has to offer.

This included visits to the capital, Muscat, to indulge in the local culture. The most notable of these experiences, was Mutrah Souq, the famous marketplace located in Muscat’s old town. They also enjoyed its natural side too,

8 JHSS’s Heli Handling School continues to provide underslung load training for units across Defence

partaking in mountain hikes by Oman’s “Grand Canyon” or cooling off by swimming in its many wadis.

Ex NOCTEM WARRIOR 23 – By Pte Enrique Gordon - RLC Driver Teams from JHSS deployed to the Naval Air Facility in El Centro, California to support the flying training of Support Helicopters in the desert environment. During this deployment the team had to face the challenges of operating in a harsh environment as they experienced one of the world’s hottest temperatures ever recorded, a blistering 51°C. Despite the uncomfortable temperatures, the team continued to perform their crucial tasks. JHSS assisted 28 Sqn RAF and 27 Sqn RAF with training during their deployment whilst completing SERE training, learning how to avoid capture and how to survive in an isolated desert.

8 JHSS personnel operated in

temperatures in excess of 50ºC in Oman and the USA

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OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

132 Aviation Supply Squadron Royal Logistic Corps IPSWICH OC: Maj McHugh • SSM: WO2 S Jones 132 Aviation Supply Squadron RLC deployed on Ex PINION TITAN, between 13 Sep and 6 Oct 23. This was the first time the Sqn has deployed as a secondline general support (GS) squadron in line with Future Soldier to sustain 1 Aviation Brigade Combat Team in warfighting operations. This was the culmination of over six months training, both in trade and soldiering skills.

Relying heavily on its reservist counterparts, 132 Sqn began the exercise on Swynnerton training area, integrating with the re-rolled 158 Regt RLC. Operating a GS Sqn, 158 Regt provided LSS personnel to join the Sqn and work on interoperability, whilst other subunits from the Regt also provided the close support (CS) functions that 132 Sqn doesn’t organically provide. Operating as GS and CS, the Sqn seamlessly managed demands from the Army Air Corps Battlegroups, providing integral support, ensuring demands placed were processed and delivered efficiently to the BGs. Throughout the exercise, the Sqn was tested with multiple scenarios, including enemy serials, CBRN and civilian population, continuously improving the operational capability of soldiers and ensuring

that all the training it has completed is executed to the standard required. After nearly three weeks at Swynnerton training area, 1 Avn BCT conducted a move down to RMB Chivenor, truly testing how the REME and RLC elements move a Brigade Support Group and how the large size of a GS Sqn moves tactically throughout the battlespace.

Successfully moving a GS Sqn came as a large task. With support from 101 OS Bde to move our materiel, the Sqn reached the FOC in RMB Chivenor.

During the course of Ex PINION TITAN, 132 Sqn was privileged to host a number of senior officers,

8 132 Sqn soldiers on CP duty including Comd JHC, Comd 1Avn BCT, the REME Corps Col and Comd ES 3 (UK) Division. 132 Sqn was able to demonstrate the capability that it provides to Aviation, and how the Sqn’s professional soldiers ensure the continual sustainment of the AH and supporting staff.

The Sqn now looks forward to travelling to Belgium for a battlefield study, before numerous deployments on RLC skiing. Looking forward to the New Year, there will be more exercises and the Sqn will continue to provide logistic support and capability across the BCT.

8 132 Sqn JCB operators loading 101 OSB

8 Logisticians unlashing materiel from 101 OSB

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THE SUSTAINER | ADVENTUROUS TRAINING

By AS1 Hodder and Cpl Mann Mountain Biking When it comes to adventure and camaraderie, few activities match the thrill of mountain biking.

Recently, 12 members of the Joint Helicopter Support Squadron decided to take a break from their demanding duties to embark on an unforgettable day exploring the lush trails of Swinley Forest. This article, follows their exhilarating experience as they explore the forest, bond as a team and discover the therapeutic benefits of nature and off-road cycling.

The call of Swinley Forest Swinley Forest, located in Berkshire, is renowned for its picturesque woodlands and diverse trail network that caters to mountain bikers of all skill levels. The forest offers a unique blend of challenging descents, flowing single tracks, and scenic vistas that beckon riders to explore its natural beauty.

The Squad The 12 members of 3 Troop who ventured into Swinley Forest came from different branches of the armed forces, each bringing their own set of skills and experiences.

Despite their diverse backgrounds, they all shared a common love for adventure and a desire to unwind in the great outdoors.

Equipped with a fleet of highquality mountain bikes and safety gear, the squad set off on their mountain biking adventure. Swinley Forest welcomed them with its canopy-covered trails, allowing dappled sunlight to filter through the leaves, creating a tranquil and immersive atmosphere.

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JHSS 3 Troop go biking in Swinley Forest

8 The JHSS MTB squad found the

restorative power of nature in Swinley Forest

Challenges and triumphs As they pedalled deeper into the forest, the squad faced a variety of challenges. Technical descents required precise control, while steep climbs demanded endurance and determination. However, the camaraderie and support among the group pushed them to overcome every obstacle they encountered.

Mountain biking is not just about conquering trails; it's also about building connections. The squad forged strong bonds during their journey, relying on each other's strengths and encouraging one another through the tough sections.

The forest became the backdrop for stories and laughter that would be remembered long after the adventure ended.

The therapeutic power of nature One of the most significant takeaways from this mountain biking excursion was the therapeutic power of nature. The riders found solace in the forest's serenity, experiencing a sense of peace and tranquillity that served as a welcome break from the rigors of military life. Swinley Forest provided a space for relaxation and reflection, rejuvenating their minds and spirits.

Completing the adventure After a full day of pedalling through the forest, the squad emerged from Swinley Forest with a sense of accomplishment. They had navigated challenging trails, crossed streams, and breathed in the fresh woodland air. The adventure not only strengthened their bond but also left them with lasting memories of their mountain biking experience.

The personnel who ventured into Swinley Forest discovered much more than just a thrilling outdoor activity. They found unity, resilience, and the restorative power of nature.

Swinley Forest, with its enchanting trails and tranquil atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable journey. As these individuals return to their military duties, they carry with them the memories and lessons learned from their adventurous day in the woods, forever grateful for the respite and camaraderie it provided.

8 The squad formed strong bonds during their MTB experience

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ADVENTUROUS TRAINING | THE SUSTAINER

Go SCUBA

8 Day two focussed on surface skills and concluded with a dive to 5m A team of fifteen Service Personnel from across 29 Regiment RLC deployed in October on Ex CENTURION REEF, to undergo the progressive scuba diving package in Malta. The BSAC qualification equips anyone with the core skills, to dive to a maximum depth of 20 metres in open water, in the UK and abroad.

After a late-night flight on the Sunday, the team was up by first light on Monday eager to get started. Day one began with a gentle introduction to the amazing instructors at Dive Deep Blue Malta, a brief outline of the course content, and familiarisation of kit and equipment. To finish the day the instructors concluded with key safety drills practiced in the swimming pool.

Day two welcomed the team with their first open water dive in the clear warm Mediterranean waters of St Pauls Bay. Working in groups of four, the team began with snorkelling. This granted an opportunity to become familiar with the ocean environment and practice skills such as duck diving and surface drills.

The team then progressed to a 5m scuba dive, working on scuba safety drills and enjoying the sights in and around the north east coast of Malta.

Once all team members were comfortable in the ocean, day three took them Northwest to Crikewwa to further develop their skills at 10m with mask clearance, regulator malfunction and buoyancy drills. Collectively the team enjoyed seeing the abundance of resident marine life such as moray ells, fire worms, jelly fish, octopus and a wide variety of colourful fish varying in shape and size.

The fourth and final dive training day consolidated all the previous drills, culminating in a dive casualty rescue scenario. Once complete, the teams enjoyed a 15m dive, taking them through a short underwater cave passage before handrailing a vertical shelf overlooking a 30m drop into the abyss.

The final dive day commenced with a longanticipated confirmation dive in the Grand Harbour of the capital city, Valetta. All divers were now fully rehearsed and competent students, enabling them to embrace the scuba diving experience in all its glory.

This special dive allowed the teams to exercise their new abilities at record depths of 18 metres. To further enhance the experience the teams were led to the wreck of HMS Māori, a WWII destroyer, bombed in the harbour by the Germans in an air raid in 1942.

Due to dive safety regulations, the now BSAC qualified divers were unable to fly for 18 hours after their last dive. This afforded the team a well-earned rest day to enjoy the rich culture and history Malta has to offer at a relaxing pace.

Ex CENTUTION REEF was a fantastic opportunity for members of 29 Regt to learn new skills in a challenging and unfamiliar environment, push them out of their comfort zone and understand of the importance of teamwork, in particular the time-honoured ‘buddy-buddy system’.

8 Ex CENTUTION REEF 8 The fourth training

day consolidated all skills previously learnt

was a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills in a challenging and unfamiliar environment

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THE SUSTAINER | OBITUARIES

8 Private Nabin Thapa RLC

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It is with immense sadness we report the death of Private Nabin Thapa of 6 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps on 21 September 2023. He died whilst on exercise at the Driffield Training Area in South Yorkshire. He was 35 years old.

Despite having joined the Army relatively recently in March 2019, Private Thapa had enjoyed a busy time in The RLC and achieved a vast amount.

After completing basic training at the Army Training Centre, Pirbright he moved to Worthy Down,Winchester to undertake his trade training as a Logistic Specialist (Supply). In August 2020 Private Thapa was assigned to Dishforth in Yorkshire and quickly became a valued and respected member of the Regiment. He had completed an operational deployment to Cyprus as part of the United Nations peacekeeping force and deployed in support of the national response to COVID-19. He had also deployed to Kenya.

In the past year alone, he was part of a squadron held at high readiness for operations within the UK and deployed on demanding exercises in the UK and Oman.

During both exercises he demonstrated his excellent trade knowledge and work ethic; he was a team player through and through. He had also recently undertaken adventurous training in Spain where he put his characteristic determination and high spirits to good use whilst hill walking in some unusually wet conditions.

Private Thapa was a quiet and conscientious solider and was always the first to volunteer.

No matter the scale of the task, he could be relied upon to be there. A selfless individual, Private Thapa always looked out for others. In his own time, he undertook charity work in an effort to raise awareness and funds for those less fortunate than himself. A humble and understated individual, his cheerful outlook was infectious.

Also a talented sportsman, Private Thapa was part of both the 6 Regiment Volleyball and Badminton teams. He was a fiercely determined and focused athlete. He always

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gave his all and represented the Regiment in exemplary fashion. This attitude persisted throughout the rest of his lifestyle.

Private Thapa became a rock to be relied upon when it came to any sort of tough work and an absolute asset to his Chain of Command.

Lieutenant Colonel Lockett CO 6 Regiment RLC: "Private Nabin Thapa’s devastating death is felt very deeply. Private Thapa achieved an incredible amount since he joined the Army in 2019, including completing an operational deployment with the United Nations in Cyprus. He was an extremely hardworking and dedicated soldier who led by example. Often found using his knowledge to develop more junior soldiers, he was a well-respected and popular member of the Regiment. He will be greatly missed.”

Major Pearson-Burton OC 62 Squadron: "Private Thapa was a wonderful soldier, utterly committed to his profession. In the last year alone, he deployed on several high-level events, including a highly successful deployment to Oman. Nabin threw everything he had into the Army, a keen sportsman he represented 6 Regiment in Badminton and Volleyball, he was fiercely competitive, especially with members of the Squadron on PT, always pushing to get the best out those around him. Selfless and driven, Nabin always looked out for others, absolutely true to character he was part of a charity event that raised a substantial amount of money for those less fortunate back in Nepal for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.We are proud to have served alongside this dedicated and inspiring soldier.”

The Corps and 6 Regiment have been devastated to have lost a brilliant soldier in such difficult circumstances. His memory will be honoured in his Squadron and the wider Regiment as a kind and caring individual; he will be sadly missed, but incredibly well remembered. Our thoughts are with Private Thapa’s family and friends at this sad time.

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LAST POST | THE SUSTAINER

LAST POST Bailey - On 7 September 2023, Mr J F Bailey RAOC/RCT Barker - On 04 October 2023, Mr P Barker RCT Bateson - On 15 July 2023, Lt Col BB Bateson RASC/RCT Belk - On 31 October 2023, Mr L J Belk RAOC Bonallack - On 29 September 2023, Sir M Bonallack RASC Brady - On 19 July 2023, Mr CP Brady RCT Brocklehurst - On 20 September 2023, Pte A L Brocklehurst RLC Burdett-Weston - On 26 September 2023, Mr J Burdett-Weston RASC Burrell - On 03 May 2023, Mr ES Burrell RASC Caiger - On 13 November 2023, IP PJ Caiger RCT Clarkson - On 15 August 2023, Mr S Clarkson RAOC Clifford - On 11 September 2023, Mrs K Clifford Coldrick - On 3 September 2023, Maj J M Coldrick MBE GM RAOC Cradleton - On 19 August 2023, Mr T Cradleton RAOC Craig - On 28 July 2023, Mr J Craig RAOC Crook - On 10 March 2022, Mr AJ Crook RCT Cumbes - On 6 July 2023, Mr P Cumbes RAOC Deeks - On 22 November 2023, Mr DJ Deeks RCT Denham - On 12 September 2023, Mr P Denham RASC Evans - On 18 October 2023, Mrs B Evans Evans - On 4 November 2023, Mr A Evans RAOC Gott - On 2 September 2023, Mr J Gott RAOC Grimshaw - On 15 August 2023. Mr C Grimshaw RAOC Harper - On 29 October 2023, Mr W J Harper MBE RAOC Hawley - On 11 October 2023, Mr EDK Hawley RASC Haycock - On 2 September 2023, Lt Col B A Haycock RAOC Hewlett - On 17 September 2023, Maj K J Hewlett RAOC Ingram - On 31 August 2023, Maj JH Ingram RASC/RCT/AAC Inman - On 27 September 2023, Maj P G Inman RAOC Johnston - On 1 September 2023, The Ven W F Johnston CB QHC MA Late RAChD Lawrence - On 1 August 2023, Maj D R Lawrence RAOC

Lawton - On 14 September 2023, Lt Col F W Lawton RAOC Lee - On 10 July 2023, Mrs KG Lee Lumb - On 14 July 2023, Mr G P Lumb RAOC Macfarlane - On 28 August 2023, Mrs C Macfarlane Mason - On 28 May 2023, Mr R J Mason RAOC McCormack - On 19 September 2023, Lt Col H D McCormack GM RAOC Melville - On 08 October 2010, Mr P Melville RASC Miller - On 21 July 2023, Mr K R Miller RAOC Moorhouse - On 28 July 2023, Mr S J Moorhouse RAOC Morgan - On 31 August 2023, Capt G R Morgan RAOC/RLC Murray - On 11 July 2023, Mr K Murray RAOC Park - On 5 September 2023, Capt T C Park BEM RAOC Payne - On 28 August 2023, Mr (IP) R Payne RAOC Pinkney - On 24 July 2023, Mr F Pinkney RAOC Robinson - On 09 July 2023, Mrs LV Robinson Rogers - On 22 August 2023, Col S Rogers Late RAOC Rowarth - On 7 October 2023, Mr M Howarth RAOC Scott - On 19 September 2023, Mr E J Scott RAOC Seymour - On 26 September 2023, Mr A Seymour RAOC Shaw - On 24 March 2023, Mr D Shaw RASC/RCT Shield - On 07 July 2023, Lt Col P Shield MBE RASC/REME/RCT/AAC Shipton - On 30 July 2023, Mr A Shipton RAOC Skingley - On 21 August 2023, Capt (QM) R Skingley RASC/RCT/AAC Soames - On 29 July 2023, Capt MA Soames RASC/RCT Steele - On 3 August 2023, Maj J H Steele RAOC Tavendale - On 17 July 2023, Mr W Tavendale RASC Taylor - On 21 July 2023, Maj R Taylor RCT Teegan - On 18 September 2023, Mr P Teegan RAOC Templeman - On 31 July 2023, Mrs B Templeman Thapa - On 21 September 2023, Pte Nabin Thapa RLC Tomlin - On 12 October 2023, Mr B Tomlin RAOC Townsend - On 09 September 2023, Lt Col PE Townsend RASC/RCT/RMP Varnavas - On 16 July 2023, Mr S Varnavas RCT Whittall - On 28 July 2023, Mr W A Whittall RAOC Young - On 4 August 2023, Mr H E C Young RAOC

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THE SUSTAINER | CENOTAPH 2023

#BritishArmyLogistics

The RLC Association at the Cenotaph 2023 This year’s Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph Parade took place on 12th November.

75 members of the Royal Logistic Corps Association formed up outside Horse Guards in London

led by the Chairman of the RLC Association, Maj Gen Ian Copeland CB prior to joining the other 9,950 UK Armed Forces’ Veterans that make up the Unit and Service Associations on

parade. Second in the order of march in Column B The RLC Association was preceded by the RAOC Association and was followed by the Life Guards Association.

Images are by kind permission of the RLC Association Secretary and the RLC Veterans Facebook Group

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www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

Photography: Cpl Anil Gurung RLC (Army Photographer)

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