Commando Logistics

The Logistic Support Squadron is predominantly an RLC sub-unit within Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines. Unlike its counterparts in the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers, the Sqn forms part of a Royal Marine unit, which has its own benefits and freedoms. Made up of Logistic Specialist (Supply) and Petroleum Operators, the Sqn provides logistic support to the entire United Kingdom Commando Force.

In barracks, this includes routine issues and receipts for all nine Commando Units, as well as SME supply and fuel advice which includes fuel support and an Inventory Management Cell. On operations, the Sqn’s personnel provide intimate support to all units, and most recently they have switched to focus on first and second-line support to the Littoral Response Groups as the Commando Force restructures. This entails a combination of ad-hoc and persistent deployments across the world, in the most demanding of environments, and means that all members of the Sqn need to be competent in both trade and green skills.

The Sqn is due to grow in the next 12 months as it adapts to its new role. In addition to opportunities for Pet Ops and LSS, there are opportunities for Chefs, MovCons, Dvrs, ATs with the UKCF. For those that want to do something different from the norm, deploy to some amazing locations and push themselves to their limits, they should seek opportunities to work in the UKCF. If this is you, speak to your chain of command or email: 3cdox-clrlsops@mod.gov.uk

Could you sustain the UK Commando Force?

Some insights from serving members of LSS CLR

8 Sgt Moore “I was posted into CLR from AFC Harrogate where I was a section commander. I had wanted to serve within 3 Cdo Bde for years. My primary goal was to become an Army Commando and within my first year I managed to achieve this. I was then selected for promotion to Sgt in Jun 21 but didn’t want to leave LS Sqn due to the fact I had minimal deployments because my focus was on achieving the Green Beret.

I soon realised the tempo of CLR was changing and the Unit was focused on the Future Commando Force and the formation of multi-trade CSS Troops, to provide first-third- line support to 40 and 45 Commandos. This is a massive opportunity for any rank wanting to utilise their trade skills. Within the CSS Troops, Suppliers and Pet Ops will be providing a capability not seen before to support UKCF. This is by far the most rewarding job in trade I have had and I would recommend it to anyone who wants something a little more challenging and physically demanding.

Since arriving to CLR in 2020 I have deployed to Norway and conducted the Cold Weather Warfare Course (CWWC). My role is Tp Sgt of CSS TP 2 supporting 45 Cdo RM. From Norway we deployed straight to Poland on Op COPPERWING supporting 45 Cdo to carry out any non-combatant evacuation operations if required. As the deployment went on, we laid the foundations for the logistic nodes in theatre and began supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces by providing lethal and non-lethal aid. This was an eye opener for me. As the J4 SNCO I was in direct contact with PJHQ using the supply chain effectively to make sure all partners could operate efficiently with the help of logistics.”

8 Pte Leslie “Upon arriving at LS Sqn, I felt very welcomed and integrated with my troop. When I found out I was assigned to CLR, I was quite excited to get stuck in, and have so far done the ADR Course, in addition to being rigger marshall trained, and deployed on Op ESCALIN. I have

had a great experience here so far, and whilst there is an expectation to become commando trained, the training is progressive and instructors are helpful.”

8 Cpl Fryer “I was posted to LS Sqn in Nov 21 from 3 Bn REME Tidworth. After I was selected for promotion to Cpl on the sweeper board, my options for posting after promotion were very limited. With only five options available, I was lucky enough to have LS Sqn as one of them. I saw this as a great opportunity to not only carry on perfecting my trade knowledge but to also focus on my green skills.

Not long after arriving to CLR I was loaded onto my Cpl ALDP and Class 1 Supplier course, passing both back-to-back. Shortly after passing these two courses, I settled into my new role of Storehouse IC.

In my time at CLR I have had many opportunities for courses and deployments, the first one being Ex GREEN DRAGON where new Future Commando Force concepts were tested. Following this, I was loaded onto the AACC. The course in totalled 15 weeks, during which I was pushed to my limits mentally and physically. I took great pride in passing the course and it is something I will take with me for the rest of my career.

Soon after completing the AACC, I was deployed to Poland on the advance party for Op COPPERWING. This was a testing experience for me for a variety of reasons. Firstly, I have found that usually when deploying on operations, everything is usually all set up for us to move into, but this was a brand-new operation and we had to start from scratch. I was put in the role of J4 SNCO until one of our seniors arrived to take over. This was a strenuous time with a lot of late nights. Towards the end of the deployment, I was aligned to move location to set up the new HQ and J4 element in Poland. For this I was given the acting rank of Sgt and worked directly for BOWO 104 Bde.

Shortly following this we started preparation for Op ACHILLEAN, which saw the Sqn deploying on exercise to confirm the effectiveness of the CSS Tp.

A busy year for myself which has seen me develop a lot in different aspects. I have had the opportunities to experience so many new things and new countries which no doubt will never be forgotten.”

8 Lt Ollie Pritchard “When I initially found out I was going to CLR I was excited but nervous about the AACC. I was unsure if I was fit or robust enough to do it and thought I needed more time to prepare but was put onto the course straight after Phase 2. Although tough, the course was achievable for someone with good fitness and a strong mindset. After passing the course in Jan 22 I was tasked with being the OC of the next Pre-Commando Preparation Course. I really enjoyed this as it was nice to be on the other side of the fence for once.

After that I got involved in organising and running troop level AT in Cornwall, conducting charity events for the Royal Marines and doing other military skills activities which fitted with LS Sqn’s soldier first ethos. No two weeks at LS Sqn are the same and I can honestly say I have not spent a whole week behind my desk since I arrived. It is busy with taskings coming in at short notice and requiring quick output, but it is a very rewarding and enjoyable job to do. Unlike any other RLC unit, at CLR you get to work with Royal Marines, a fantastic experience that I have thoroughly enjoyed.”

Commando training The Commando Logistic Regiment’s Pre-Commando Preparation Package tests those who wanted to attempt the AACC both physically and mentally for four gruelling weeks. Personnel conduct two field exercises during weeks two and three to develop their basic field skills, building up to a fully tactical night navigation test at the end. The physical standards are high although very achievable with participants building up throughout the four weeks to an output standard of; 40 press ups, 50 sit ups, five pull ups and Level 11 on the bleep test. The course is structured to develop individuals’ physically and build up mental resilience. This is tested on the challenging hills of North Devon where participants pushed themselves up legendary hills such as Beetroot and Ashford to complete their yomps and speed marches. A decent percentage progress to the Pre-Commando Physical Assessment and most pass and are invited to begin the All Arms Commando Course. Many of those who fail return.

Defence School of Logistics and Administration

Commandant Gp Capt G Williams

8 Handover of Command at DSLA (Gp Capt Willaims and

Gp Capt Griffin)

Having recently arrived as Commandant of the Defence School of Logistics and Administration, I was thrilled to once again be reunited with The Sustainer – and through it find out what my RLC colleagues are up to. I’ve been given such a warm welcome to Worthy Down and have been struck by the huge amount of positive energy that fills the School – it really is a very special place, and I am so pleased to be here. I take this opportunity to thank Group Captain Leah Griffin for her hard work in establishing the DSLA, she will be missed.

The DSLA gave Group Captain Griffin a good send-off (by kind support of the RLC Museum) in a 1939 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith which was used by Field Marshal Montgomery during the second World War – most notably it was taken to France on 9 June 1944, three days after D-Day,

8 Departure of Gp Capt Griffin landing on Juno Beach in a propaganda demonstration in which bringing an unarmoured car, so definably British, showed that everything was in hand, under control and that the Allies were here to stay.

In other significant news, we said a fond farewell to Brigadier Mike Caldicott CBE who has invested so much energy and passion into the DSLA and the wider DCLPA. He too will be sorely missed, but we are also delighted to offer Brigadier Lee Daley a warm welcome to his role as Commandant of the Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration.

8 Freedom of Winchester dinner

On 12 Oct, I was incredibly proud to receive, on behalf of the DSLA, the Freedom Scroll for the City of Winchester by the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Derek Green. It is highly unusual, given the DSLA’s relative youth as an organisation (formally opened in 2021), to be awarded such a privilege. Receiving this honour really reflects the outstanding relationship that Worthy Down has with its local community.

Also in my first week was the DCLPA award ceremony where we celebrated the exceptional contribution of Service Personnel and civilians from across the College. Our guest speaker was Peter Reed OBE – ex Royal Naval Officer and three times Olympic Gold medallist! I learnt so much from Peter. He shared his medals with us all – in fact they were a little dinked because they had been shared with so many people over the years. It made me remember how individual success is about so much more than ourselves and he told a story of how at the starting line at the London 2012 Olympics he could hear the roar of the crowd at the finishing line cheering him on from the start. I think that’s the positive energy I have felt as I walked through the doors of the DSLA – it’s the roar of encouragement to everyone who is embarking on a course or a new role at Worthy Down, at their starting line – and that includes me at mine.

Command Wing – Chief Instructor Lt Col Andy Moss OBE

Troop Commanders’ Course 90 saw 24 newly commissioned 2Lts being joined by a Captain from the Irish Defence Force for the three-month education in the requirements of a junior officer in The RLC on first appointment. The course also welcomed three RLC 2Lts from the Army Reserve who joined for the elements of the course focussed on the logistic estimate, orders and the practical application of taking a troop into the field and conducting DPs. At the time of writing, the course has recently returned from their time at DST Leconfield where they underwent driving and communications training. Currently all eyes are on the upcoming Exercise TIMBER TRUSS and the battlefield study to Arnhem.

Whilst the trainees were away at DST, the DS enjoyed a couple of days mountain biking in Hampshire as Adventurous Training. The introduction to mountain biking was ably organised by SSgt Purvin and less ably carried out by the team. All of the staff survived relatively unscathed and fit to receive the trainees back in to Worthy Down for the remainder of their course.

Field Logistics 2 has taken a break from training delivery to focus on developing future course content and force optimisation. Capt Tom Frost is overseas acting as an Observer Mentor for Exercise CERBERUS. These opportunities enable Command Wing to stay abreast of developing tactical and operational sustainment doctrine while facilitating CSS training and evaluation. The rest of the team have begun the task of overhauling Defence-wide contract management (CM) training. The closure of the Business Skills School within the Defence Academy, combined with the increase in demand for Contract SQEP personnel, has resulted in a new requirement. The current seven-day Defence Logistics CM Course is being replaced with a nine-day awareness and a nine-week practitioner course. This work is drawing on SMEs and organisations from across Defence.

Field Logistics 3 have had a recent turnover of personnel to continue the delivery of the Joint Logistics Operations Course (JLOC) and the RLC Majors’ Course, both taking place at the end of November. There has been a very high level of interest in the JLOC with 30 UK personnel allocated to attend the Tri-Service course. There is also a growing awareness of the course amongst NATO forces with five overseas officers from Estonia, Canada, Ireland and Hungary also attending and more countries expected to apply for next year’s courses following engagement by the team. This not only develops international relationships in the military logistics community, but also improves the experience of the course itself. Focussed on NATO deployments, having allied personnel encourages different views of overcoming operational issues that are likely to be faced in future ops.

85 Sqn (Herring VC)

The last few months have seen the Squadron switch fire slightly and focus on developing the next cohort of RLC JNCO/SNCO Instructors. The first of the Instructor Development Cadres was successfully delivered under the leadership of Capt Rory Falls and Sgt Deian Jones. In total, 20 trainees attended in preparation for their assignments to training establishments. The course has recently been refreshed and now includes a visit to an Army Training Regiment where the trainees receive a voice of experience chat from the current crop of RLC Instructors and also receive a tour of the Regiment’s training facilities. On top of this, sqn personnel have been gaining qualifications to

8 Fd Log 1 AT in Hampshire (L to R, Capt Newman, Maj Bowsley, Capt Pethick, SSgt Purvin, Capt Wathen)

8 Departure of WO1 (RSM) Hardy

ensure we can meet the needs of the wider RLC. Cpls Baker and Limbu recently passed their Urban Operations Instructor Course held at the Infantry Battle School with another couple of SNCOs recently passing their Live Firing Tactical Training Course. Despite its primary role of training, the Sqn has supported real life operations, most notably Cpl Mark Baker as a coach driver in support of the funeral for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Finally, the Sqn said farewell to WO1 (RSM) Hardy who has departed to assume the role of RSM 7 Regt RLC. He has been replaced as SSM by WO2 Becky Brown who has arrived from DST Leconfield.

Logistic Specialist Training Wing (LSTW) – CO Wg Cdr Sam Alexander

Another exceptionally busy period for the LSTW Sqns, based at Worthy Down, Marchwood and Brize Norton. Whether delivering specialist training to hundreds of Defence trainees, supporting Platinum Jubilee celebrations or deploying on numerous exercises, LSTW personnel have been relentless in their drive to deliver.

Defence Petroleum and Specialist Training Sqn (DPSTS), Worthy Down

At the DPSTS, the staff and trainees witnessed the end of the arduous eight-month Officers’ Petroleum Course (OPC). The 10 RAF, RLC and overseas officer trainees deployed on Ex FINAL FLOW to conduct their final course assessment, establishing deployed bulk fuel installations and utilising a Petroleum Bulk Fuel Installation and Enhanced Storage Modules across the UK. DPSTS instructors and OPC Trainees deployed into the field for two weeks, utilising over 50 SET troops, including Petroleum Operators and RLC Drivers from 27 RLC and RLC Chefs from 4 Med Regt. Originally deployed to Barton Stacey, the OPC then moved troops, vehicles and fuel equipment to numerous other training areas, where they constructed, commissioned and operated live fuel sites. Throughout they were tested in demanding leadership appointments and exercise scenarios. The OPC’s professionalism, dedication and overall performance on the final exercise was excellent, with all trainees passing with flying colours!

Away from exercising in the UK, a member of DPSTS Permanent Staff deployed to America in order to build relations with our closest allies and better understand how our US counterparts deliver fuels training to their specialist operators. Flying out with personnel from across Field Army, the week-long visit saw Sgt Hill work closely with the US Army Petroleum and Water Department discussing deployment of fuel into the field, testing processes and assurance.

8 Ex FINAL FLOW, DPSTS, Longmoor, Aug 22 8 Sgt Hill presenting the DPSTS plaque to US Army Petroleum

Operators

73 Sqn, Marchwood

After a busy period delivering numerous specialist courses at Marchwood, members of 73 Sqn, LSTW, departed Southampton for the Island of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, where they met and boarded The Royal Logistics Corps’ yacht. Once embarked upon the 40 ft vessel, the eight-person crew set sail on an Adventurous Training package to introduce novices to sailing and to encourage AT leader development within the offshore sailing environment. With this being the first time the majority of attendees had lived on a yacht, high winds, close confines and unescapable heat tested even the strongest of sea legs. Despite this, the sailing experience offered access to the beauty of the coastline and in particular the Cabrera Nature Reserve, accessible only by sea, making it all worthwhile. Throughout the trip the crew learned and practiced a variety of sailing techniques and

manoeuvres, from operating the sails, navigation and chart work, mooring, vessel administration and maintenance. A thoroughly enjoyable experience was had by all and it has enticed many to look for their next sailing opportunity.

Defence Movements Training Squadron (DMTS), RAF Brize Norton

This summer saw the DMTS host the International Logistics Officer Course from DCLPA, Worthy Down. DMTS RLC and RAF logistics SME instructors took the opportunity to demonstrate how the Sqn has been integrating virtual reality into its core training delivery. The experience was a great opportunity for all and a real eye-opener for our overseas colleagues.

Away from the classroom, the Sqn hosted a highly successful Families Day at Brize Norton with the opening of the newly restored DMTS Garden. The Sqn was privileged to have the Comdt DCLPA, Brigadier Caldicott, in attendance for the opening. The DMTS Garden was created through a sqn self-help initiative and a £1000.00 grant from the DCLPA. This area now provides an enjoyable, calming space for DMTS staff and trainees to enjoy. This event also coincided with the awarding of Jubilee Medals and Commendations to DMTS personnel.

LSTW Personnel from all three sqns also attended the DSLA Platinum Jubilee Medal Parade at Worthy Down in June, where a number of personnel received medals. A particularly poignant event, noting the events of recent weeks.

Food Services Training Wing (FSTW) CO Commander Tom Shaves RN

The Food Services Training Wing continues to re-establish relationships that have been lost over the last few years. At the start of October, a small group of our Permanent Staff visited the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

8 PS visiting the Royal Hospital Chelsea

They had a fantastic tour of the facility and were particularly impressed with the standard of the food on offer to the In-Pensioners. The support and care provided to the In-Pensioners is incredible, with an ensuite cabin, dining room, bar, chapel and infirmary. Everything is catered for within the picturesque Royal Hospital on the edge of the River Thames. During the tour they spoke with the catering manager and have organised a Christmas Cake judging competition, furthering the Wing’s commitment to the In-Pensioners. Watch this space for the results.

A team of Royal Navy trainee chefs visited their future home in Portsmouth. This was an important day for the trainees as Portsmouth is a significant location for the Royal Navy, it has been an integral part of the city since 1194. It is home to almost two-thirds of the Royal Navy's surface ships, including the new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, the formidable Type 45 destroyers, Type 23 frigates and mine countermeasures and fishery protection squadrons. It will also be home to HMS Prince Of Wales, the sister ship of HMS Queen Elizabeth. At 65,000 tonnes they are the biggest ships ever built for the Royal Navy.

The aim of the visit was to understand the working environment of HMS Duncan, a Type 45 air-defence destroyer. The trainees can expect to be assigned to one of the Royal Navy’s six destroyers throughout their careers. The trainees were able to explore the destroyer, including the galley, the living quarters and the bridge.

A highlight of the day was a visit to HMS Victory, this is a 104-gun first-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, ordered in 1758, laid down in 1759 and launched in 1765. She is best known for her role as Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805. In 1922, she was moved to a dry dock at Portsmouth, England, and preserved as a museum ship. She has been the flagship of the First Sea Lord since October 2012 and is the world's oldest naval ship still in commission, with 244 years' service as of 2022. The trainees were able to explore the ship and see the spot where Lord Nelson was shot at the Battle of Trafalgar.

As a part of our journey to becoming a Culinary Centre of Excellence, the Wing is looking to expand the steward training and provide our trainee stewards with a wider skill set. A team of instructors from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Squadrons participated in a barista workshop at Moon Roast coffee in Alresford. The team were able to learn about the origins of a coffee bean and the history of the company’s development. Moon Roast have barista training facilities and a kiosk where their customers can purchase freshly roasted beans and a cup of expertly brewed coffee. The company prides itself on exploring ethically sourced, seasonally selected Arabica coffee beans, from various origins worldwide. Being around people who are passionate about their product really inspired the team. Our team of instructors are now able to pass on their newly gained skills to steward trainees, who will use them across the world in Defence Engagement events.

8 Trainees with HMS Victory

8 RN and RAF instructors at the barista workshop, Alresford