The Expeditionary Light Forces Exposition

Innovation Exposition

The Expeditionary Light Forces Exposition

Scribe: Lt Harriet Burns (1 CS Bn REME)

All attendees seated and awaiting the opening brief delivered by GOC 1(UK) Division, Maj Gen Collins DSO OBE

On Wed 10 Nov 21, 1 CS Bn REME hosted an Expeditionary Light Forces Exposition in Catterick Garrison. The Expeditionary Light Forces Exposition, delivered by 102 Log Brigade on behalf of 1(UK) Division, aimed to draw together ongoing innovation projects and the latest technology from industry with Light Forces innovation leads and members of the Field Army in a mini-Defence & Security Equipment International format that promoted discussion and enabled attendees to understand the capabilities available and already being trialled. For the Army, innovation is defined as ‘generating ideas and

1 CS Bn REME’s innovative modular white fleet

putting them into practice to overcome challenges and exploit opportunities’. The concept of the Expo sought to share innovation ideas and identify the opportunities, potential commitments in 2022, where ideas could be trialled.

The exposition was delivered in three phases: An Innovation Symposium, Circulation of the exposition (including capability demonstrations) and finishing with an innovation back brief which gave attendees the chance to ask questions to specialists from military and civilian backgrounds. The day began with an opening brief delivered by GOC 1(UK) Division, Maj Gen Collins

Demonstrating the potential use of solar power

2nd Medical Brigade showing a pop up medical tent, with realistic teaching dummies inside, with 1 CS Bn REME deployable HQ hidden within the camnet

DSO OBE, with Brig FaithfulDavies CBE Comd 102 Logistic Brigade closing the exposition.

The Expo was sub-divided into 7 key themes, with exhibitors drawn from across Defence, Defence industry and other companies that may not have worked with the MOD previously. Whilst each theme delivered innovation ideas or products aligned to their respective field, the Expo highlighted the cross-cutting of innovation across multiple areas. Energy Generation, Storage & Consumption made an important contribution across most of the innovation areas and represents an innovation field where industry have already developed Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions that could be delivered rapidly to mutually support ongoing projects or capability gaps across the remainder of the innovation themes.

One of the largest themes was ‘Delivery of ES’ which highlighted some of the incredible work being conducted throughout the REME. 5 FS Bn brought their impressive Additive Manufacturing capability, showcased a collaborative robot which could be utilised in the future to help soldiers with ES tasks and demonstrated how augmented reality can be used to help train soldiers and deliver remote ES through virtual means. The Combat Service Support Training and

Level Peaks demonstrating a new scope with attendees able to view through

Light Weight Recovery vehicle presented by CSS TDU (Trial Development Unit)

GRC Ltd showcased their 6SAT fleet, a variety portable satellite solutions

Jenkel showcased two tactical military vehicles

3 Commando Logistic Regiment with their MRZR high mobility vehicle

Development Unit (CSS TDU) presented the new and highly capable lightweight recovery vehicle, significantly smaller than the SV(R), affording greater flexibility on the battlefield and more appropriate when supporting Light Forces.

Multiple units and firms contributed to the theme of power, demonstrating how to generate power in remote locations using technologies in both solar and wind. These examples were shown both combined with platforms and as standalone power sources. Sustaining the force was highlighted by 3 Commando Logistic Regiment who demonstrated their MRZR high mobility vehicle and equally impressive SharkCage racking solution.

This combination of military and civilian exhibitors allowed Commanders from across the Army including the heads of both 1 (UK) Division and 102 Logistic Brigade to be exposed to new, emerging technologies. In total there was 48 separate stands showing off innovative products to over 380 guests with a live link up with the Army Warfighting Experiment. A wellexecuted event concluded with the seven themes being summarised by representatives across the Division to take forward the key findings into future light forces capability development.

Photos supplied by Bob Morrison from Joint-Forces.com