Support Hub Update

FALCON UPDATE

Major John Green

My first update for the RTR family having taken command of FALCON in July 2020, is, unsurprisingly, dominated by the COVID pandemic.

FALCON exercising on Salisbury Plain

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the previous FALCON, Maj Mat Bonner for a robust and thorough hand over. FALCON is still held at a higher readiness which has been a real challenge to maintain over the pandemic. During the various lockdowns the Squadron was firstly dispersed but then managed in a shift pattern with never more than 50% of the Squadron in work at the same time.

This time has allowed FALCON to focus on the basics of soldiering, Counter-CBRN and Specialist CBRN. The Squadron conducted Troop level validation in November with the Troops showing how well they know their Fuchs and how to gain maximum value from the platform. Over the last year, I have restarted the OC’s challenge, a new competition which comprises of monthly activities testing physical, mental and specialist skills. Troops and Departments go head-to-head with the aim of getting the most points to get their team name on the Brig G Thompson Falcon Trophy. The inaugural challenge was won by the SHQ/Fitter section team.

The main effort for the Squadron over the last year has been to support the recently funded upgrade program for Fuchs, SUSTAIN. This will see much of the chemical and radiological sense equipment replaced and upgraded in Fuchs. The Squadron has been acting as both users and Subject Matter Experts to RBSL to ensure that we get the best upgraded platform possible. As part of 28 Engineer Regiment (C-CBRN), FALCON has been playing a significant part in shaping and developing specialist C-CBRN SOPs for supporting large formations (Brigade and Division). This has allowed FALCON soldiers and Officers to deploy on many exercises, including Ex WESSEX STORM and Ex WARFIGHTER in the US.

Experimentation and innovation have been at the forefront of our daily activity. Soldiers have come up with good ideas that will increase our capabilities. They have then been able to purchase small scale equipment to prove and develop concepts, which is allowing FALCON to directly support capability development for future CBRN Area Survey and Recce (AS&R) capabilities. Over the next year this is an area that will grow with FALCON supporting Strategic Command, Army HQ, DE&S and Dstl.

Outside of our day jobs, FALCON have been conducted many activities including sailing and parachuting with several soldiers collecting their day skipper and intermediate freefall parachuting qualifications. The 2021 OCs challenge has seen several great events including the FALCON strongman competition and a particularly arduous loaded march from Kimmeridge Bay to Lulworth Camp.

As FALCON looks forward to the next year, our focus is absolutely on Squadron level activity and verification. Ex ATLANTIC FALCON will see the Squadron deploy to the south-west UK to rehearse a Squadron level deployment in support of a Division. This will also be the first time that 28 Engineer Regiment (C-CBRN) capabilities will come together at Sub-Unit level to test the specialist CBRN Task Group concept. The Fuchs SUSTAIN upgrade will continue over the next year with the aim to be completed late next year, including a full respray. FALCON is in a strong position and has powered through the pandemic with added purpose and drive to get the CBRN AS&R capability out into the Field Army. Through frequent deployments on Ex WESSEX STORM and a possible deployment to CABRIT, FALCON stands ready to provide specialist CBRN manoeuvre support to Field Army units all over the world.

Refreshing the Mess Rules and Constitution and reviewing the financial structures, to ensure that the Mess maintains a healthy position. On deployment on Op CABRIT 8, Major Paul Hartley handed over to Major Andy Pilsworth. Paul had spent considerable time refreshing the mess rules and constitution and reviewing the financial structures to ensure that the Mess remains in healthy position. With these foundations set, focus turned to the upkeep of Mess property and silver and the commissioning of new commemorative items for the wedding cake and of course event planning.

The first event held was a Living In Members BBQ, which was thoroughly enjoyed and gave those Living In the opportunity to conduct some much need cohesion and socialising. Following this, the first large scale event in 18 months was held in early September, with another BBQ for all Mess Members and those Officers attached to the RTR Battlegroup for Op CABRIT 9. Lieutenants Tristan Knight and Adam Mackenzie organised a fantastic evening, which was much needed. The Mess also took the opportunity to say farewell to Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Kev Forde, Major Paul Hartley, Captain Adam Morris and Captain Ciaron Milne.

Whilst the RTR Battlegroup are deployed on Op CABRIT 9, Mess life will continue with Families Sunday Lunches, a Christmas Party and a Burns Night.

OFFICERS’ MESS UPDATE

Major Andy Pilsworth (President of the Mess Committee)

The Officers’ Mess has been very quiet since the pandemic struck in March 2020, however the former PMC, Major Paul Hartley, took the opportunity to conduct some much-needed housekeeping.

A tank outside the Officers’ Mess to welcome guests to the BBQ