Trade Training
Ex IRON CHALLENGE 21 3 (UK) Division TTX 3 Armd CS Bn REME “Developing the next generation of Technical Leaders” OC: Maj Harry Hazel ASM: WO1 (ASM) Richard Fewtrell
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etween 15 Mar to 2 Apr 21, 18 Fd Coy, 3 Armd CS Bn REME delivered Ex IRON CHALLENGE on behalf of Comd ES 3XX and CO 3 REME. This Technical Training Exercise (TTX) was a 3-week camp that focussed on the enhancement of trade knowledge and the technical competence of REME Tradesmen and maximised the completion of Class 3 to 2 progression across 3 (UK) Division. The centralised training exercise, with its own dedicated training staff, gave an opportunity to develop wider skills and encourage trade progression away from the distractions of Barracks tempo. It provided a “Safe Place” to train where the focus was on the completion of individual Trade Proficiency and Development Booklets (TPDB), whilst concurrently instilling and refining the necessary skills to enable operational capability within the Iron Division. This was a welcome change of pace appreciated by many,
3-Weeks Longmoor – Hampshire 6 of the 8 REME Trades Represented 258 Students in attendance 113 members of the Training Delivery Team 210 Equipment Platforms 20,000 Hours of Technical Training
allowing vital training to be conducted without hindrance. For many of the students, trade development had stalled during COVID dispersion and the reduced engineering opportunities of the past 12 months. The use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for precourse reading and reference complemented trade tuition as did the opportunity to train both on and off platform. There is no substitute for practical experience and many of the instructors were JNCOs with experience on current in-service platforms. They dedicated their time to mentorship and coaching rather than pure engineering academia. Despite limitations from COVID, Longmoor Camp provided a Wi-Fi enabled, robust and entirely adequate training facility with lecture theatres, classrooms, technical infrastructure and of course for those that are old enough to remember, Bordon Heath with its gruelling recovery training area, Martinique Square and for some, access once again to the infamous Bordon kebab van.
Trade Leads TSS – WO2 (CSM) J Best “Ex IRON CHALLENGE 2021 has been the ideal opportunity for all TSS students to gain a thorough knowledge of the TSS trade. Covering all aspects of the TPDB, the students not only leave as Class 2 qualified, but also with a Defence Train The Trainer (DTTT) Phase 3 competency. The TTX has established a great precedent for our trade. The breadth of information learnt, ranged from basic MJDI skills to Army Aviation only normally taught at Aviation units. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Trade Delivery Team and look forward to the TTX in 2022”
30 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk
