G N I R E E N I G N E
Y R A T I L I M
rsme F O
L O O H C S
L A Y matters O R
E ISSUE 10 : AUGUST 2012 H T
M O R F
S W E N
Inside: Holdfast special Managing the pipeline Crane training
Working together to train our soldiers for operations 02 AUGUST 2012 rsme matters
We’re always looking for new parts of the RSME to explore and share within RSME Matters. If you’d like us to tell your story then just let us know.
IAN CLOWES, Editor, RSME Matters 07930 982 661 [email protected] AUGUST 2012 03 rsme matters
Contents Features Introduction ...... 04 05 Pondorosa visit for new faces ...... 05
Construction ...... 07
Managing the pipeline ...... 10
Holdfast Command Support ...... 14
Bicester bound ...... 16 CONSTRUCTION There has been a recent flurry of activity across the RSME as several major Holdfast special construction projects have been completed. This includes the new reception centre and fitness suite at Minley... Read more on page 5 Minley support ...... 17 Teamwork wins out ...... 20 10 14 Hawley redevelopment ...... 22
Crane training ...... 23
Rising stars ...... 27
Christchurch Troop ...... 28
MANAGING THE PIPELINE HOLDFAST COMMAND SUPPORT With the headline stories of training Deep within the Burgoyne building at transformation, new build Gibraltar Barracks lies one of accommodation and training facilities Holdfast’s lesser known teams carrying it is easy to forget that there are many out essential work in support of the more teams of people working away RSME. Command Support is all about behind the scenes to make it all communications and that inevitably happen. Read more on page 10 relies on complex technology and equipment. Read more on page 14 23 28
CRANE TRAINING CHRISTCHURCH TROOP Carrying out lifting tasks during Continuing our look at the
Main picture: The Holdfast team responsible for operations, often at night, presents Troops within 63 Sqn, 3 RSME supporting the BR90 vehicles during a recent real challenges and dangers. The Regt, the focus moves to training exercise. Holdfast team at Minley is Christchurch Troop, until recently responsible for all levels of crane known as Driver Training Troop. Photography: All images except where stated by Ian Clowes www.goldysolutions.co.uk training within the RSME, right up to Read more on page 28 Design and Production: Plain Design the advanced Appointed Persons www.plaindesign.co.uk course. Read more on page 23 04 AUGUST 2012 rsme matters Introduction
Welcome to issue 10 of RSME strong partnership ethos within the Matters. There are some key new faces at RSME, their work is recognised across the RSME. Tim Redfern has taken on the the School as best practice and has role of Director, Land Training within already resulted in significant benefits Babcock and is replaced by John and efficiencies. We also meet the Wadham who takes on the role of Holdfast Holdfast crane training experts and the MD. Tim retains links with the School in his team responsible for the maintenance of new position and will be supporting John the complex BR90 bridging equipment. as he leads Holdfast through the challenging times ahead. At Brompton we Turning to the construction programme, also meet the new Chief of Staff, HQ the new site at Bicester is almost RSME and the new CO 1 RSME Regt. complete and Hawley Hard, the focus of much of the waterborne and bridging Now well into the fourth year of the training at Minley, is in the demolition contract seemed the right time to take a phase of a total redevelopment. Many closer look at Holdfast Training Services refurbished facilities are now coming Limited (Holdfast); exploring the back on-line and several new builds have structure, role, challenges and been completed ahead of schedule. successes of the last three years. The RSME has made tremendous progress Our Troop focus looks at the newly in training methodology and the renamed Christchurch Troop (formerly transformation process is well the Driver Training Troop) as they carry underway. Sweeping improvements to out a public bridging demonstration in the School’s technical infrastructure Christchurch and get to grips with the have been matched by newly newly launched Rapid Emplacement constructed or refurbished teaching Bridging System (REBS) and protected facilities and accommodation. Catering, Self Loading Dump Truck (SLDT) Pondoro facilities management and the Armoured, vehicles. engineering and technical support are second-to-none. And that’s not all. In a packed issue we meet more of the backroom teams for new Holdfast, working closely alongside the supporting training including the team at Authority in collocated teams, plays a Minley responsible for reception, post and key role in the management and graphics support. Finally we speak to the planning of the training process. In this team recently praised by CO 3 RSME 2 issue we meet the team responsible for Regt for their fantastic efforts that kept MD Holdfast developing and improving the planning the site running earlier this year when a pipeline. A team that epitomizes the major water supply pipeline fractured. John Wadham’s previous appointments span both military and commercial areas. He served in the Royal Navy (RN), including the role of
New Holdfast MD John Director of Training at a major shore-based Wadham with Holdfast training establishment, Project Director of a Training and Services large construction project and was a member Director Peter Sheridan of the Directing Staff at the RN College, Greenwich. In 2005 he became Head of Services for Fleet Support Ltd in Portsmouth Naval Base, responsible for the delivery of facilities management and infrastructure services. This was followed, in 2006, by his appointment as Director of Operations with Flagship where he was responsible for both support and training services. He took up his post as Holdfast MD in June 2012. AUGUST 2012 05 rsme matters
2 1 osa visit faces
Chief of Staff, HQ RSME 1
Colonel David Brambell (Late RE), studied His Grade 2 staff appointments included a In 2007 he assumed command of 62 Wks civil engineering at Southampton University technical role in the Naval Base Design Gp RE based in Chilwell, Nottingham. His before commissioning into the Royal Authority, HM Naval Base Clyde, Chief of Unit deployed elements concurrently on Ops Engineers in 1988. Tours as a Tp Comd in Staff, 12 (Air Sp) Engr Bde and a brief stint HERRICK and TELIC. In May 2009 he Germany and in the training environment in the Permanent Joint HQ. He has been deployed as Joint Force Engineer in followed, before a posting as Adjt 38 Engr lucky enough to command at sub-unit level Command of the TELIC Engr Gp for the Regt based in Ripon, North Yorkshire. He twice: 34 Fd Sqn (Air Support) in the completion of Op BROCKDALE, the then completed Professional Engineer Middle East and 535 Specialist Team RE, redeployment of UK forces from Iraq. He Training at the RSME. This included an 18 based in Antrim. then completed the Advanced Command month attachment to the United States and Staff Course before returning to the Army Corps of Engineers’ Vicksburg District Promoting to Lt Col in February 2005, he Permanent Joint HQ in July 2010 as SO1 J4 in Mississippi. He also gained Membership deployed for 8 months as SO1 J4 Infrastructure. A demanding but rewarding 18 of the Institution of Civil Engineers as a Infrastructure on Op TELIC. On return from months culminated with his appointment, on Chartered Engineer and promotion to Maj. Iraq he moved to Virginia for a tour in NATO’s promotion to Col, as Chief of Staff, RSME in Allied Command Transformation. February 2012. 06 AUGUST 2012 rsme matters
New faces continued...
CO 1 RSME Regt
Lt Col Gareth Baker was commissioned went to HQ RE Land as SO2 O&D Infra into the Royal Engineers in 1990. On during the Op TELIC 1 period. A completion of the Royal Engineer Young fascinating tour followed, as the Russia Officers’ Course he was posted as a Tp desk officer in PDRN, orchestrating the Comd in 77 Armd Engr Sqn before Russian submarine rescue, before having completing an in-service degree and a the privilege to command 20 Fd Sqn on a subsequent Sp Tp Comd post in 34 Fd construction tour in Canada and then Op Sqn (Air Support). Following a tour in HERRICK 7. Whilst in HQ EinC(A) as SO2 Bosnia conducting humanitarian demining O&D he was heavily involved in FAS(NS) with the UN, he deployed on Op planning, Op ENTIRETY restructuring and AGRICOLA 1 as Adjt 21 Engr Regt before implementation of the RSME Regimental pursuing technical career training on the establishment as part of the Public Private PET(C) course. This included an 18 month Partnership. After a short stint in the industrial attachment in Australia followed Defence Intelligence Fusion Centre by a 12 month post within the Royal (Afghanistan) he went on to spend 12 Engineer Professional Engineer Wing months as SO1 Operational Welfare for having secured his Chartered Engineer DCDS (Pers&Trg). In January 2012 he took status. Having been selected for ACSC, he up his current post as CO 1 RSME Regt. AUGUST 2012 07 rsme matters
Construction There has been a recent flurry of activity The new-build Junior Ranks’ Single Living The JRSLA was completed eight weeks across the RSME as several major Accommodation (JRSLA) at Brompton was ahead of schedule and is already in full use, construction projects have been constructed using the modular system a real achievement as the construction site completed. This includes the new reception deployed previously at the RSME and featured lies right in the middle of the busy Brompton centre and fitness suite at Minley, new-build in RSME Matters issue two which can be site. This is the first part of the Combined accommodation blocks at Chatham downloaded at www.holdfasttraining.co.uk. Mess development. Further demolition of together with newly refurbished Thanks to careful design and planning, the existing Junior Ranks’ Mess will follow accommodation and training facilities coupled with retention of several mature the completion of a new Mess alongside, across the School. trees during the build, the development fits which in turn will be followed by the second well within the site. section of the JRSLA building.
“I believe it is incredibly important to ensure we look after the Firm Base, and decent accommodation for our soldiers is a very important part of that process.”
Brig Simon Wolsey OBE, Comd 2 Bde Minley reception centre
The fitness suite in Minley was opened by growing reputation as a model for future Maj Gen R.R. Davis CBE (Late RE) earlier support contracts. He also added, this year and is named after Lt Gen Sir Philip Neame VC KBE CB DSO KStJ. This ‘From my perspective, the opening of this is particularly appropriate this year as he block is particularly pleasing because I was also a Gold Medal winner in the 1924 believe it is incredibly important to ensure Olympic Games. we look after the Firm Base, and decent accommodation for our soldiers is a very RSME Matters accompanied Brig Wolsey important part of that process. We have as he toured the new JRSLA building with been guilty in the past of neglecting our key personal from Holdfast, Carillion and SLA and SFA and this type of improvement the RSME. In his opening address he is much needed and essential if we are to praised the work of Holdfast at the RSME continue to demand great things from our and commented that Holdfast had a young people on operations’.
Behind the names
MAIDANAH BLOCK NEAME SUITE
Maj Gen Davis inspects the Neame Suite
The new JRSLA is named in honour of Gen Lt Gen Sir Philip Neame was awarded the Sir Edward Pemberton Leach VC, KCB, Victoria Cross for his actions on the 19th KCVO. He was awarded the Victoria Cross December 1914 at Neuve Chapelle in for his actions on the 17th March 1878, France. Neame went forward to strengthen aged 31. Capt Leach was working defences in a recently captured trench. He alongside the Bengal Sappers and Miners was informed that all the British Bombers as a Military Survey Officer. An extract from were wounded and the bombs left would the citation states, 'In action with the not go off. He used an improvised Shinwarris he behaved with the utmost technique to initiate the bombs and gallantry in charging, with some men of the commenced throwing them into the 45th Sikhs, a very much larger number of German trenches in the two directions of the enemy. In this encounter Capt Leach the counter-attack. In the face of very heavy killed two or three of the enemy himself, fire Neame checked the enemy advance for and he received a severe wound in the left almost an hour and rescued all the woulded arm from an Afghan knife. it was possible to move. AUGUST 2012 09 rsme matters 10 AUGUST 2012 rsme matters Managing the pipeline
With the headline stories of training The Army recruits potential soldiers into (SOTT) to the Holdfast team. This is a transformation, new build accommodation basic training, Phase 1, from where they detailed document that defines the and training facilities it is easy to forget that move to Phase 2a training, the basic training that will take place over the there are many more teams of people combat engineer course (B3) at Minley. coming twelve months, a key document working away behind the scenes to make it Depending on their chosen trade this is that the Holdfast team then uses to all happen. One such team is responsible followed by driver training and the move to determine the resource requirements. for the management of the training pipeline Phase 2b trade training, much of which is However they already have a draft at the RSME. This involves making sure that delivered at Medway. schedule in-place. This looks several not only does each course have the right years ahead and the team works closely amount of accommodation, classroom One aim of the team is to manage this with Maj George Cormack, Senior space, learning and exercise resource but process such that they minimize the time Personnel Selection Officer (SPSO), also that the correct number of students soldiers are not under training, either whose role is to build the Recruit turn up to sign-on to the course at the right between phases or before posting. Allocation Plan (RAP). George works place and time. Although not under training these together with the Army recruiters to students are a potential major cost in ensure that enough Phase 1 recruits are This is no mean feat and the nature of the terms of accommodation, catering and entering the system at any particular time. task means that some of the team are supervisory care. heads-down busy solving today’s issue of To get a better insight into the process providing transport and supplies for an off- By the effective utilization of planning RSME Matters spoke to the team members site exercise while another team member systems, evangelical promotion of the about their work. lives four years in the future working with benefits of proactive planning and excellent recruiters to ensure that appropriate communication the team has reduced the Nigel Thomas is the Training Management numbers of suitable new soldiers are Soldiers Not Under Training (SNUT) by over Team Leader, based at HQ RSME. Nigel recruited to fit with the trade requirements 50% in the last two years. essentially lives three years in the future and laid down by the Field Army. has a clear oversight of the planning Maj John Wilson is tasked with creating process. Working closely with George The team comprises Holdfast, Authority and the long-term training requirements and Cormack he manages teams at both Minley Civil Servants each with their own role to play. providing the Statement of Training Tasks and Chatham.
Left to right: Nicola, Nicki, John, Nigel, Caroline, Mike, Leticia AUGUST 2012 11 rsme matters
SOLDIERS NOT UNDER TRAINING Total SNU T Over 30 Day SNU T
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0% 9 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 1 1 l 1 1 ul n ul n u n J Ja J Ja J Ja
‘Previously training wings tended to work Nigel is supported by a team of three at accommodation provision while so much of independently, coordinating their own Chatham and two at Minley. the existing accommodation has been requirements, which often led to demolished to make way for the new build, inefficiencies and conflict as well as Caroline Timms is the master of long-term or under refurbishment.’ He commented. significant levels of SNUT. Bringing the planning, looking four years into the future. pipeline management process together This long-term view is critical to developing Leticia Aldridge provides admin support for and fully utilising the available technology a working schedule and once in place both sites, and deals with the here-and- has transformed the planning process. As enables changes to be made at short now. She handles the Field Army ‘bids’ for well as my own teams I work closely with notice as courses are rescheduled. Phase 3 training working closely with the the sub-contractors’ planning teams and Authority and manages the joining the Authority allowing us to respond Mike Foley ensures that all the resources instructions and any short-term Mission flexibly and resolve any potential conflict are booked, for both exercises and Specific Training requirements. in good time.’ courses. ‘The biggest challenge has been
Left to right: Michaela, Kim, Bruce 12 AUGUST 2012 rsme matters
Managing the pipeline continued...
Working alongside the Holdfast team is Engineer Warfare Wing (REWW) and 3 ‘The phone never stops ringing. Whilst we Nicki Skelding (SO3 Plans), who provides all RSME Regt as well as the Minley-based plan ahead there are always daily issues to the performance statistics that allow the Training Quality and Development teams. be resolved. With the increasing use of team to monitor progress and outputs TAFMIS there is no doubt that the long- alerting the team to any problems that ‘Major exercises are carried out from Minley. term planning is improving. We work very might require changes to the plan. Nicki We work hard to avoid resource clashes. I closely with the Holdfast teams on-site. also sits on the TAFMIS Working Group. mainly focus on the overall plan while my They have an excellent understanding of colleague Michaela is more focused on the the equipment and resources and this really The Training and Financial Management provision of the final resources. The prestigious helps us to fine-tune our plans.’ Information System (TAFMIS) is the central Troop Commander Course final exercise (Ex system that the team uses to manage the MORTAJA SAPPER) takes place on Salisbury Michaela is constantly promoting the use of training pipeline and allocation of resources. Plain over several days and requires 24/7 TAFMIS by the training teams, and is Course requirements can be a very complex support; a real challenge. Working closely always willing to provide hands-on training mix of vehicles, plant, accommodation, with the REWW and the Holdfast Combat to new staff, both Authority and Holdfast. catering, classrooms, training grounds, Engineer Support Team ensures success.’ drivers and plant operators. TAFMIS is used TAFMIS is also the focus for Kim Trute, to smooth the requirements and make best Michaela Thacker plans the accommodation, Course Module Editor (CME) expert within use of resources. finding it equally challenging at Minley due to Holdfast. Kim works across the RSME the current construction and refurbishment helping existing and potential TAFMIS TAFMIS is very much at the forefront of programme. She is also responsible for users to understand better how TAFMIS everything the Minley team does. Bruce booking all of the off-site training areas, from operates and how it can help them do Jobbins looks after the local master plan Weymouth to Salisbury Plain and the many their jobs better through improved and coordinates closely with the Royal demolitions ranges used by the RSME. planning and scheduling.
“ The flexibility demonstrated is impressive. This is an organisation where change can, and does, happen very quickly to accommodate the needs of Defence.”
Maj John Wilson, SO2 Plans, HQ RSME AUGUST 2012 13 rsme matters
Maj John Wilson added, FUTURE
‘As the lead planning, management and Working within the present financial O&D Officer for the RSME, my team has a constraints and ever reducing resources, very close working relationship with the effective planning becomes increasingly training management team. The single important. Nicola concluded, factor for success is integrated planning combined with operations and performance ‘We now have a very clear view of the measurement. The experience within the planning cycle and through better use of The team is now managed by Training and Holdfast team and the working relationships TAFMIS and regular communication with Planning Manager Nicola Davies. they have established with the training all interested parties we are looking to Nicola has been heavily involved in training deliverers is fundamental to success. Their increase our effectiveness and continue development within the RSME and has day-to-day work with the SPSO ensures to lead the way in the effective use of worked on projects such as the VBS2 that the pipeline is continually monitored, technology. Further reductions in SNUT simulation suite and the applications of 3D reviewed and adjusted, ensuring that are targeted, and we are also working to modeling within the training environment. In trainees pass through smoothly and the support the RSME as they look to target addition she is responsible for the Training correct balance of Royal Engineer soldiers potential third party income generation.’ Exploitation Team. She commented, is met. The flexibility demonstrated is impressive. This is an organisation where ‘I’ve been very impressed by the work the change can, and does, happen very quickly team does, and in the way they have to accommodate the needs of Defence. utilised the planning process to so This could be to meet additional training significantly reduce SNUT. Their requirements or the complete rescheduling commitment to the RSME is unrivalled and of training at short notice in order to provide they are constantly looking for ways to support to Op OLYMPICS, achieved with improve resource planning and utilisation.’ no loss of training and at no additional cost to Defence.’ 14 AUGUST 2012 rsme matters
“ They are an integral part of the Command Support Branch and an excellent example of the support provided to the RSME by Holdfast.”
Maj Charlie Miller, OC Command Support Branch, 3 RSME Regt
Holdfast Command Support
Deep within the Burgoyne building at previously known as the CIS Wing. Jim for ensuring that what is issued is also Gibraltar Barracks lies one of Holdfast’s lesser Miller takes up the story. returned, and it was very clear in their briefing known teams carrying out essential work in to one of the current courses that they were support of the RSME. Command Support is ‘All exercises need communications. very proud of their role and keen to see it all about communications and that inevitably Typically we support Phase 2 and 3 returned in the condition it was issued. relies on complex technology and equipment. training. We liaise closely with the Jim Miller and Trevor Beaumont look after instructors to ensure that equipment is ‘The introduction of Bowman in late 2006 everything from cables and antennae to the available when and where it’s needed and was a major challenge for the team,’ Jim complex Bowman radio sets. that it’s in good working order.’ commented, and is at the heart of much of what we do today. Once we’ve completed a Between them they have over 25 years of With over £3m worth of equipment in their visual check of the equipment, the instructor experience supporting what was care the Holdfast team are also responsible will confirm the functionality and report any AUGUST 2012 15 rsme matters
equipment that is faulty. It’s our role then to Maj Charlie Miller, OC Command Support in working order. They are extremely liaise with the manufacturer over the repair.’ Wing, commented, thorough and my instructors also take advantage of their huge knowledge and The team has recently successfully passed ‘It’s a really positive and symbiotic experience. They are an integral part of the both the Logistics Support and Equipment relationship. The Holdfast team supports Command Support Branch and an Care Inspections with flying colours. training across all of the signals related excellent example of the support provided courses. There is a huge volume of to the RSME by Holdfast.’ ‘We achieved the highest level pass,’ equipment movements in and out of the explained Jim. ‘As a team we’re very proud stores in any one week and the relationship Both Jim and Trevor are licensed radio of our record. We are very customer facing and trust between the instructional team operators and Jim is the Station Manager and as part of the Holdfast team we feel and Holdfast ensures that the right for ‘G3XRE’, the Royal Engineer amateur we’re really making a difference.’ equipment is available at the right time and radio society based at Gibraltar Barracks. 16 AUGUST 2012 rsme matters Bicester bound
The new facilities in Bicester are the move has also required Holdfast team nearing completion. In the next issue of to relocate many large and unusual RSME Matters we will take you to Bicester training aids. in our Special feature as we explore the new site and catch-up with the work of On a very wet day earlier this year RSME the new Defence EOD, Munitions and Matters caught up with Dean Couper at Search Regiment. Establishing the new Lodgehill near Chatham as he was site at Bicester has required the building of overseeing the removal of the final new accommodation and a wide range of munitions from the obsolete dive pool. “The removal of these external and internal training and support items is quite a facilities, together with the ‘The removal of these items is quite a refurbishment and upgrading of challenge,’ Dean explained. ‘It requires all challenge. It requires existing accommodation. As well the skills of the Holdfast operator working all the skills of the as the new dive pool, featured in closely with the divers to safely remove previous issues, this also the larger torpedoes such as the one Holdfast operator includes a number of special being moved today.’ working closely with training areas: streets of houses, an underground Dean is also responsible for the move of the divers to safely search facility and a several pieces of rail rolling stock, an remove the larger brand new dual aircraft and a tank, but he’s confident the carriageway, to team will have the equipment in-place in torpedoes such as highlight only time for the start-up of training at Bicester the one being moved three. However in September. today.” rsme matters Holdfast special
On a very cold morning in January The hub of the operation was the SSD We’re now well into the fourth year of the 2009 the banners were out proclaiming a based at Brompton Barracks. Led by contract that is now recognized as a welcome to the RSME, signifying the David Gatfield this team was well model of best practice within the MoD. start of the 30 year Private Public prepared and had carried out several The RSME is in the process of a dramatic Partnership (PPP) between the Authority trials and dummy runs that included ‘live’ transformation. New and refurbished and Holdfast Training Services Ltd. exercises with real callers to fully test accommodation and training facilities are both the technology and the operators. evident to the casual visitor. Not so A fleet of bright white vehicles, They had also completed familiarization obvious is the internal transformation that resplendent in the new Holdfast logo, visits to all sites so that they had a good is underway. New training methodologies was busy around all the sites and the understanding of the geography of the are rapidly being established, alongside blue Holdfast uniforms were everywhere School, drilling down into the day-to-day exciting initiatives throughout the support to be seen. Behind the scenes the new operations to the extent of even knowing service delivery. Partnering is a way of life, Service Support Desk (SSD) had been the nick-names for training areas and with Holdfast and Authority teams operating since the early hours and both buildings so they could provide the best working side-by-side to common aims Holdfast and their Authority partners service from day one. and objectives. were working hard to make this simply another successful working day. This has enabled the RSME not only to improve training output and efficiency but For many this was the culmination of also build an infrastructure and many months of hard work as management capability that has helped they developed procedures and the RSME to integrate the Defence systems to support the new Animal Centre (DAC), the Defence EOD, contract, and new staff had been Munitions and Search School (DEMSS) recruited and trained ready to hit the and the Royal Military School of Music ground running on day one. (RMSM) over recent years.
In this RSME Matters Special we take a look at the role that Holdfast plays within the RSME and highlight some of the initiatives and successes from the first three years of the contract. rsme matters Holdfast special
Training Services
• direct training • exercise support • training development • logistics/stores • management and planning • motor transport fleet management and maintenance • training content production • administration and security • innovation • accommodation • planning • catering/retail • transformation • grounds maintenance • third party income generation • operational support • apprenticeships • IT services, management and development • internal training and development rsme matters Holdfast special
Infrastructure Safety, Health,
• site redevelopment, relocation Environment & Quality • new build accommodation and training facilities • refurbishment of accommodation and training facilities • proactive management of SHEQ across the RSME • utilities and IT infrastructure development • established relevant external accreditations • long-term strategic planning • initiated powerful safety campaign • community engagement • excellent construction safety and environmental record • healthy eating and nutrition initiatives
Holdfast MD, John Wadham, outlines the role that Holdfast plays at the RSME.
“Holdfast is fully integrated into the life of the School. The Holdfast team works seamlessly with the Authority and many of the teams are made up of collocated Authority and Holdfast personnel, differentiated only by their uniform. Partnering is at the heart of everything that we do here at the RSME and there is no doubt that it is one of the key factors that makes Holdfast so successful.” rsme matters Holdfast special
Training
Holdfast is involved in many key the scenes and an example of this is the One of the results of all of this work has elements of the training carried out at the work of the pipeline planning team that has been the opportunity to identify potential RSME, from direct delivery to support and successfully reduced the number of soldiers third party income generation (TPIG) planning. At Chatham Holdfast delivers not under training (SNUT) by over 50%. opportunities. Partners, both civil and courses ranging from basic trade instruction These soldiers are students at the School military, are being sought to take to professional engineer masters degree who are waiting for the start of a course or advantage of the fantastic training level training. At Minley the Holdfast focus is who are waiting to be posted. This environment and infrastructure being on crane training, where students learn the reduction not only has a clear financial developed at the RSME. Pilot courses have basics of lifting and slinging, as well as the impact, saving valuable accommodation, already been run on a small scale such as more advanced Appointed Persons course. catering and supervisory resource, but also the F-Gas training for civilian contractors Holdfast also delivers the new chain saw improves the morale of students and allows and the utilization of training facilities by the training courses. the RSME key resources to be focused on London Fire Brigade. students under training, as well as ensuring Holdfast has been instrumental in the the Field Army receives soldiers in an Holdfast and the Authority are committed to introduction of new training methodologies, efficient and timely manner. the development of their own staff and as reported in previous issues of RSME extensive personnel development and Matters. These initiatives have had a really The training transformation has been made training is carried out at all levels. positive impact on the outputs of the possible by the new development teams Apprenticeships are encouraged and RSME, with improved pass rates, reduced introduced by Holdfast, bringing the widespread, both amongst the staff and course lengths and delivering soldiers capability to produce high-tech course students, and civilian qualifications are suitably trained and qualified to meet material in-house delivered via the new regularly achieved alongside the military current and future operational requirements. Enhanced Learning Environment (ELE). requirements. This can range from simple course reading As you can read in this issue of RSME material to complex simulation suites such Matters much of the work goes on behind as the VBS 2 multi-user battlefield simulator. rsme matters Holdfast special rsme matters Holdfast special
Services
As the current CO 1 RSME Regt Lt Col On a day-to-day basis Holdfast provides all Gareth Baker commented recently, of the accommodation and catering required by students, staff and visitors. This ‘Holdfast have created a tremendous has been a major challenge as the environment, allowing me to effectively development of the site infrastructure has concentrate on my role in delivering trained progressed, with the demolition of existing soldiers. I don’t have to worry about the facilities often limiting available resources. underlying support needs – Holdfast The team has also been heavily involved in simply delivers.’ the design of the new accommodation and kitchens, ensuring that they are fit for It’s a similar story at Minley. With clear purpose and making commissioning and requirements identified in advance, Holdfast operation an easier step to take. is responsible for ensuring that vehicles, plant and equipment, manpower, Vehicle fleet management and maintenance accommodation and catering are all are also part of the Holdfast responsibility. provided as and when required. This could New equipment, such as the replacement be a local training area at one o’clock in the fleets of MAN trucks and Terex cranes has morning, the middle of Salisbury Plain or a been successfully introduced and the demolitions range in the middle of nowhere! maintenance regime adapted to the new rsme matters Holdfast special
“ Holdfast have created a tremendous environment, allowing me to effectively concentrate on my role in delivering trained soldiers. I don’t have to worry about the underlying support needs – Holdfast simply delivers.”
CO 1 RSME Regt Lt Col Gareth Baker
requirements. Holdfast is also regularly support team, responsible for estate and taking on new responsibilities such as the buildings maintenance. Working closely with maintenance of the impressive BR90 the SSD this team provides all the trades bridging vehicles – as seen on page 30 of required, together with skilled project this issue. engineers, to ensure the training estate, accommodation and training facilities are In addition catering, cleaning and retail maintained to the highest standards. services, together with grounds maintenance are all key Holdfast activities With the importance of e-learning and that contribute to the successful life of the simulation the IT world is an increasingly School. That is not to forget the many important enabler, and the Holdfast IT specialists within the Holdfast team, such team, led by Chris Bryant, has created an as armourers, boat maintenance and IT infrastructure capable of supporting the support personnel, drivers and plant transformation process at the RSME. New operators, reception teams, graphics, server rooms, the consolidation and printing and postal service teams. streamlining of legacy systems, fast and effective broadband provision are rapidly One of the more visible support teams that becoming the unseen backbone of works across the RSME is the direct delivery training at the RSME. rsme matters Holdfast special
Infrastructure
Visitors to the RSME continue to be at Brompton Barracks only recently, Medway creating modern work-spaces impressed by the speed of the together with fitness facilities at Gibraltar suitable for the 21st Century. redevelopment that has taken place across Barracks. As reported in this issue the all sites. Most evident is the new-build redevelopment of Hawley Hard is well However there is an equal focus upon the accommodation and training facilities that underway and the Bicester site is almost refurbishment of both accommodation and have rapidly appeared during the early ready for occupation. Workshop areas have training facilities, bringing elderly buildings stages of the contract. New Single Living not been forgotten. New maintenance up to modern standards. This work, Accommodation (SLA) was officially opened areas have been developed at Minley and although much more low key, is critical to rsme matters Holdfast special
ensure that the RSME has the capacity to network development has ensured that the All of this work requires effective support the students over coming years. technology required to support the training coordination and management and the transformation is in-place and can provide Holdfast team plays a key role in the long- Again there is much work that is not in-the-workplace delivery of training term strategic direction of the RSME, obvious to the casual visitor. Major materials that can also be accessed ensuring that the infrastructure is suitable investment in IT infrastructure, from new remotely by both students and staff. for the projected needs. server centres to state-of-the art equipment, broadband services and rsme matters Holdfast special
Safety, Health, Env
Holdfast is responsible for the campaign. Encouraging anyone throughout The work of the safety team was management of the four key areas of the RSME to identify and react to potential recognized in 2011 with the presentation of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality. safety hazards, the campaign has the top Babcock International Group safety Working together with the Authority, undoubtedly prevented both incidents and award. Both of the shareholders behind Holdfast ensures that the RSME operates injury to personnel and equipment. Holdfast, Babcock and Carillion, as well as to the highest standards and has Holdfast’s sub-contractors have a major introduced a number of initiatives across commitment to Health and Safety and have the School. won a number of national safety awards such as the Gold ROSPA award. Working through a dedicated safety team, the Don’t Walk By programme was established early in the contract and continues to promote safety awareness through monthly awards and a poster
HOME SAFE EVERY DAY
DON’T WALK BY! rsme matters Holdfast special
vironment & Quality
Wherever major construction work is taking Major efforts have been made in recycling With massive change an inherent part of the place there are bound to be major and waste disposal. This is carried out role out of the PPP it is critical that the environmental issues to be tackled. Holdfast, across the training estate, where initiatives procedures and documentation in-place is working together with Carillion, has maintained to re-use training materials are underway, appropriate, effective and fit-for-purpose. To a strong focus on environmental issues and effective recycling of waste materials ensure that this is the case Holdfast has throughout the redevelopment of the RSME. and the management of hazardous wastes invested in a comprehensive quality system This has included the planning of construction are now in-place. Particular emphasis has that operates to ISO 9001. Through a series activities to avoid nesting birds, bats, dormice been placed on the catering waste of internal audits and external validation and newts. In addition other environmental management with significant early savings Holdfast is confident that it is maintaining mitigation methods, such as vehicle wheel being made. The RSME has also achieved best-practice and the highest operational wash and silt mitigation have been regularly ISO 14001 accreditation. standards. deployed. All the work has been completed under the guidance and supervision of the Considerate Constructors Scheme. rsme matters Holdfast special
Leading the way
It has been a tremendous first three server rooms. The ELE now supports both training, ensuring the Field Army’s years for Holdfast at the RSME. The distance learning and learning in-the-work- requirements continue to be met. detailed preparation and planning before place, enabling the new training contract start ensured a seamless transition methodology to be deployed more widely Underpinning all of this are the initiatives and for the training, services, infrastructure, across additional courses. management of the Safety and Environmental safety and environmental responsibilities needs of the RSME, already bringing award- Holdfast had taken on. Early initiatives such The back-room teams such as the pipeline winning benefits, together with the crucial as the SSD and the direct delivery team planning team, content generation teams oversight of the Quality systems. made rapid inroads into existing legacy and course developers have streamlined issues, and a strong partnership was the planning process. This allows better use Looking to the future, Holdfast is working developed with the Authority. of resources and has significantly reduced with the Authority to ensure that the inevitable the number of soldiers not under training changing requirements for trained soldiers With strong leadership and strength in- that the School has to support. can be met within an increasingly efficient depth Holdfast has enabled the RSME to and forward-looking environment. Alongside embark on a period of transformation that The partnership with the Authority is seen this there is a growing awareness of the has created a training establishment fit for as best practice within the MoD and has opportunity at the RSME to work with other the 21st Century. Expertise within strategic enabled swift responses to urgent organisations, both within the MoD and the development and planning, working as an operational requirements, the introduction civilian world, to provide third party support integral part of the RSME team alongside of new equipment and the implementation to training, with mutual benefit to all parties. Authority members, has supported the rapid of the overall strategy including the deployment of new teams and initiatives integration of new schools such as Comdt RSME, Brig Stephen Hodder sums up, across the School. Training transformation is DEMSS and RMSM. underway with new courses established ‘Now in its fourth year, the RSME Public using modern training methodology and The underlying support provided; Private Partnership with Holdfast Training supported by the latest technology. accommodation, catering, vehicle fleet and Services is proving to be extremely maintenance continues to provide gains in successful. We are leading the way within This has been made possible by the rapid efficiency. Holdfast is bringing continued Defence as a model for the future; the development of the IT infrastructure, focus to these supporting services allowing frequent visits from other Army and Defence consolidating existing disparate systems the Authority to focus on their own key schools shows that this is widely and building new common networks and areas of training management and military recognised. The contract has gained its strength by establishing partnership working at all levels between the Authority and the Contractor. The Defence Reform Programme, which includes a new structure for the Army under A2020, will inevitably bring challenges and change. Working together we can respond quickly to changes in the output required from us and we can also exploit opportunities for mutual benefit. Together we are a dynamic, forward looking and very positive organisation. Long may it continue!” AUGUST 2012 17 rsme matters
Minley support
“Our new location has been a positive move. We’re much more accessible and this means that people often visit to discuss their requirements.”
Anyone visiting Gibraltar Barracks the issuing of security passes to be carried recently cannot fail to have been impressed out outside of the camp fence-line, and by the new reception facility and redesigned includes a purpose-built reception facility. entrance layout. This is the domain of The Holdfast team not only covers the Alison Kaminski’s team, normally the first operation of the reception centre, but also contact many people have with the RSME. the post room and reprographics. The new layout allows security checks and
Sappers conduct vehicle searches at the new control point 18 AUGUST 2012 rsme matters
The graphics/reprographics team of Tricia ‘Even a quick chat can help define the Danes and Irene Longman, have also just requirements and confirm the best format moved into new facilities adjacent to the for material to be submitted for printing,’ post room. explained Irene. ‘It’s also very important that people identify when the job is ‘Our new location has been a positive required. This also determines the time the move. We’re much more accessible and material for printing must be submitted to this means that people often visit to us – any delays will inevitably push back discuss their requirements,’ the completion date. Specialist graphics commented Tricia. cannot be created overnight!’
Tricia is a graphic designer and provides The team can handle large format prints specialist graphics support across the of up to A0 in size alongside the more RSME, which includes everything from usual high-speed black and white and business cards to large format printing. colour A4 printing. The team is very proactive and see themselves as part of ‘Our focus is to support the training and the training team. we provide all types of course material. This can be booklets, complete with ‘We identify upcoming courses and work illustrations and graphics to maps of the to hold core materials in stock. We training areas for upcoming exercises.’ encourage the instructors, especially if they are new to the course, to pop along Both Tricia and Irene are really keen to and discuss their needs. It’s not unusual discuss a requirement before a request is for them to have missed key requirements sent to the SSD. and we can help them ensure they have all the materials they need.’
PRIVATE MAIL ADDRESS:
Rank, Name, No. Branch or sub-unit title HQ or unit title Gibraltar Barracks GU17 9LP AUGUST 2012 19 rsme matters
Irene is one of the multi-skilled administrators who also man reception along with Kris Saines. Kris can also be found in the post room, working alongside the Holdfast Unit Post Orderly John Cornwall (below). Providing a full postal service the team members are proud of their ability to track down poorly addressed post.
‘We’re rarely beaten,’ commented John, ‘however it helps if post is addressed correctly. It really helps us to get post to everyone as swiftly as possible.’
The correct way to address incoming post can be seen on page 18.
Kris was off to do a stint in the reception centre, so we joined him together with other members of the Holdfast team, to see what challenges that role brings. Jackie Green and Karen Howes are the other members of the team.
‘The new centre is fantastic,’ Karen said, ‘the addition of adequate seating and the toilets are a real plus.’
Alison added that it is a real help to her and the team if they were notified in advance of all deliveries and also large events. Advance notification of visitors also ensures that they do not get held up at reception. 20 AUGUST 2012 rsme matters
Teamwork wins out
It is often only when disaster strikes that The Holdfast Infrastructure Direct Delivery Combat Engineer Support Team. The the strength and depth of support available Team, under the leadership of Jason Nye, catering team under Paul Brogan, led by is fully recognized. This was the case at responded immediately and worked Head Chef Alison McKane, ensured that Gibraltar Barracks when, in the early hours through the night to begin the task of Mac’s Mess continued to provide food, and of a cold night in February, the main feed pumping out the pump room and removing Storeman Colin Willis provided additional pipe between the water storage tank and and replacing the damaged pumps, as well logistical support. the main pump house fractured. This as repairing the incoming feeder line that resulted in the flooding of the pump house had fractured. This included electricians Paul Davies, Holdfast MT Manager worked that interupted the water supply to the Ray Vanner and Barry Pace, plumber Ian closely with WO2 Paul Blundell to provide entire Station. Palin and mechanical engineer Duncan transport for both staff and students so Swinton. Direct Delivery Supervisor Ashley they could use facilities at St Omer At the centre of the action was Station Staff Rayment supervised contractors brought in Barracks in Aldershot. Officer Maj Doc Findlay, as Holdfast Site to support the repair work. Manager Adam Cooper explained, CO 3 RSME Regt Lt Col Jim Fernandes In addition to the team working to bring the commented, ‘Doc acted as the focal point for the system back on-line other Holdfast team coordination of all the activities and ensured members worked to ensure that the camp ‘Individuals from across all areas have a measured and effective approach was could continue to function by the pulled out all the stops to put in place taken as the situation unfolded.’ deployment of water bowsers and logistics contingencies and get the repairs in place. support from Keith Steadman and the Despite the fact that we have had a major
“ Individuals from across all areas have pulled out all the stops to put in place contingencies and get the repairs in place.” AUGUST 2012 21 rsme matters
service failure not one piece of training has failed to be delivered; this is business continuity in its truest sense. Water bowsers and portable toilets were on-site in hours and several team members spent two successive nights in freezing conditions to ensure the pumps could be replaced and a temporary repair effected. This resulted in the water supply being reinstated to the Station within less than 48 hours.’
Holdfast Training and Services Director Peter Sheridan added,
‘This was a very good example of clear thinking, partnering and commitment and an outstanding joint effort by the 3 RSME Regt, Holdfast and sub-contractors.’
The work of the infrastructure team was recently recognised by the award of the Commanding Officer’s Commendation Coin, awarded to individuals or teams within 3 RSME Regt for their outstanding efforts, delivering tangible benefits to others through their selfless actions or behavior, resulting in greater effectiveness or efficiency during the training year. 22 AUGUST 2012 rsme matters
Hawley redevelopment
One of the landmarks at Hawley Lake is Jamie Davis (below right) has been with first aid, forklift truck operation, quad bike no more. The observation tower has been Holdfast for two years. and landrover driving and boat handling. demolished as part of the complete redevelopment of the Hawley Hard training ‘As part of the CES team we have a very Rikki added. ‘Holdfast has a real focus on ground. All of the main buildings within the varied job. Most of the team are safety boat continuing development and training. In training area have been demolished to trained and that’s our role today whilst the addition to the other courses I’ve recently make way for a new complex of Field Sergeants are on the water.’ completed the Ammunition Storeman classrooms, a Mess for daytime course at DEMSS Kineton. I will be putting refreshments, a boat maintenance and Rikki Parker (below centre) has been with that into practice during the Olympics as I repair facility, an outboard motor Holdfast from the start of the contract and am standing in for John Weston, maintenance facility and changing rooms particularly enjoys the support they give to Ammunition Storeman at Gibraltar for diving activities. In addition there are two the bigger exercises. Both have completed Barracks, who is participating in Op stores and a reception gatehouse. regular training with Holdfast that includes OLYMPIC as a reservist.’
While at Hawley RSME Matters spent some time with the Field Sergeants’ Course who were operating the Air Portable Ferry Bridge. We’ll feature this course in a future RSME Matters. However out on the water in a support role were two members of the Holdfast Combat Engineering Support (CES) Team who took time out to speak to RSME Matters about their role. AUGUST 2012 23 rsme matters Crane training
Carrying out lifting tasks during Further developments are planned that will operations, often at night, presents real add a blast/defensive wall complex that challenges and dangers. The Holdfast team will support the training of the placement at Minley is responsible for all levels of of large units, such as Portakabin crane training within the RSME, right up to accommodation units over high obstacles the advanced Appointed Persons course. requiring a ‘blind’ lift. A complete new road through the centre of the training The home of the team is the bespoke area is also planned which will provide an training area at Gibraltar Barracks. Within ideal location for training based around this area all types of lifting operations can be the plant transporter, either loading or carried out. Recent improvements to the unloading vehicles and carrying out training ground include the addition of a winching operations. simulated trench placement that enables the students to practice the laying of sub- surface drainage pipes, together with a simulated stores dump area similar to one the students might encounter on operations.
COURSES:
ME Dvr Spec [Crane] TML Operator [Light Crane] ME Dvr Spec [Plant Transporter] REME Crane Operator Appointed Person Lifting Operations (APLO) 24 AUGUST 2012 rsme matters
“ The course has been great, with the night lift being the greatest challenge.”
Military Engineer Driver Specialist (ME Dvr LCpl Daniel Rutter, 53 Fd Sqn, a Class 1 Spr Adam Gear from 22 Engr Regt can be Spec) [Crane] is a four week course which driver with previous postings to 28 and 25 seen guiding the pipe as it is moved into teaches all of the fundamental and practical Engr Regt, commented, ‘The course has position. Working with them is instructor skills required to operate safely the Terex been great, with the night lift being the Stuart Shuttleworth who came to Holdfast AC35 in-service medium crane. Students greatest challenge.’ after 18 years as a RE POM. Stuart has not only learn how to operate the crane but been instrumental in the development of the also how to be slinger/signallers (SS) and Truck Mounted Loader (TML) Operator trench complex. lifting operation supervisors (SLO). The [Light Crane] is a two week course that is students plan and supervise all of the lifting based around the safe operation of the Also working with the TML are TA tasks they undertake during the course and Ford Iveco Trakker TML including the SS Engineers Cpl Debbie Kelk and Cpl Paul carry out a complex tandem lift towards the and SLO roles. On the previous page Kitcher from 350 Fd Sqn (V), 73 Engr Regt end of their course. Unlike civilian crane students are using the TML to lower Chilwell (pictured on page 26). All the operators, the students also learn to concrete drainage pipes into the new courses are open to both Territorial and operate the crane at night. trench complex. Regular Army personnel. They are using the AUGUST 2012 25 rsme matters
Andrew Anderson , Dvr Spec Instructor all disciplines (Lead on iLET)
Stuart Shuttleworth , Dvr Spec all disciplines & ‘C’ Veh/Construction Plant Instructor (Lead on TML) CPCS qualified Instructor/Examiner
Barry Whitebread , Dvr Spec Instructor all disciplines (Lead on Medium Crane) NPORS qualified Instructor/Examiner
TML to position and unload palletised interim Light Equipment Transporter JOHN BALL ammunition boxes, a common task (iLET). This is a Seddon Atkins Tractor once they are on operations. Debbie will unit coupled with a Broshius trailer. The 23 years RAF Mechanical Transport, John’s last be deploying to Afghanistan in 2013. students learn how to secure plant military post was the Materials Handling Trials Unit equipment safely for load transport and RLC Bicester, a tri-service post overseeing training Students were also using the TML to how to calculate the correct position of and development of new equipment. After a spell positioning large concrete blocks and loads on the trailer bed to ensure there with a local civilian training establishment as the unloading Class 70 trackway. is an even axle loading. They also learn training manager for Industrial and transport how to plan and conduct route logistics, John joined the RSME in 2004. Qualified ME Dvr Spec [Plant Transporter] is a reconnaissance reports along with the by the CITB, RTITB, ITSSAR and NPORS to two and a half week course that application for the movement of an conduct training and examination John is the teaches students to load/unload, use abnormal/out-of-gauge load. Section Leader Dvr Spec Trg Sect Minley and and operate safely the current in-service Lead on Appointed Persons Lifting Operations. 26 AUGUST 2012 rsme matters
REME CRANE OPERATOR APPOINTED PERSON LIFTING OPERATIONS (APLO)
Similar to the RE ME Dvr Spec [Crane] This advanced course is only open to The team also respond to urgent course, this course doesn’t include the selected JNCOs with a minimum rank of operational requirement training and night lifting operations and has a slightly substantive Cpl and trains them to plan, Mission Specific Training (MST), often at reduced focus on the planning and supervise and execute lifting operations. short notice, and provide subject matter control aspects. Students will have either a driver, plant expert support to the Royal Engineer HQ operator or armoured background. technical teams. The course will also soon include training in the delivery of the SS and SLO training packages in-unit, increasing the course length to five days. AUGUST 2012 27 rsme matters Rising stars
Holdfast is always keen to encourage Deep Gurung is from Nepal and had a Shane is really looking forward to the the ongoing development of its staff and catering background before joining commissioning of the kitchens in the new that of its contractors. That might be as part Holdfast. Deep is keen to succeed and, Officers’ Mess and is really looking to stamp of an apprenticeship scheme, participation finding he had missed the cut-off for a his mark on it. As well as encouraging his in a high-flier programme or simply supported NVQ last year, went ahead own team he also takes time out to additional training that will develop the anyway and supported himself achieving an continue his own development and has individual and help them to perform better in NVQ 2 in Food and Hospitality. He has now recently completed the Compass MD the workplace. RSME Matters dived into the jumped at the chance to continue his Roadshow, providing catering for very catering world at the RSME to meet three studies within the ESS scheme and is senior executives and VIPs at the Madjeski individuals who have done just that. working towards his NVQ 3. His NVQ 2 also Stadium in Reading. led to his promotion to chef in the Officers’ Sarah Moran is part of the Compass Mess at Minley working under Head Chef Trevor Allen, ESS Director, explained that Accelerate Programme, an apprenticeship Shane McKane. Deep wants to progress they run an annual scheme allowing team scheme run by the parent company of ESS, onto the level 4 course and it’s no secret members to gain additional qualifications Holdfast’s accommodation and catering that he has Shane’s job in his sights! and personal development. contractor. Within this personal development programme Sarah is taking an Shane has also completed the NVQ 3 and ‘We have around 25 nominees for next NVQ level 3 in Leadership and encourages his team to continue their year’s scheme already. It is a win-win for Management along with Key Skills level 2. development. both the employee and the business and it’s fantastic to see people like Sarah and Before joining Holdfast at the RSME Sarah ‘I got into catering at an early age working Deep progress through the scheme.’ had gained experience working at major as a part-time chef at weekends. After sporting events, including Wimbledon. gaining my NVQ 2 I joined Holdfast as a Trevor himself has been very involved in the This is her first contact with the military fulltime chef in Mac’s Mess. Taking the design of the new catering facilities at the and she is thoroughly enjoying her new opportunity to experience roles in other RSME and we will catch up with him again role, which is more office based than messes I returned to Minley as a chef four as he leads the commissioning of the before. She has recently championed the years ago, becoming Head Chef in the Combined Mess kitchens later this year at changeover of a key supplier, and is Officers’ Mess in November 2011.’ Brompton Barracks. exploring the possibility of reducing the environmental impact of deliveries by combining chilled and frozen deliveries. 28 AUGUST 2012 rsme matters Christchurch Troop
Continuing our look at the Troops Courses consist of 10-12 Class 2 drivers within 63 Sqn, 3 RSME Regt, the focus from across the Corps. The equipment is moves to Christchurch Troop, until large and complex requiring one-to-one recently known as Driver Training Troop. instruction during the early stages of the Based at Gibraltar Barracks the Troop course. provides training on the unique BR90 General Support Bridging (GSB) system, Tony continued, ‘This year the Troop was as well as on a number of other vehicles tasked with replacing the name ‘Driver such as the Self Loading Dump Truck Training Troop’ with something more [Protected] (SLD[P]), the Tank Bridge appropriate. After extensive research it Transporters (TBT) and the new Rapid was discovered that the BR90 was Emplacement Bridging System (REBS). developed in Christchurch in Dorset at a now decommissioned bridging site. In fact SMI WO1 Tony Higgins takes the original name for the BR90 bridge up the story. system was the ‘Christchurch Bridge’. This bridging site was the place where the ‘The Troop, myself, SNCO Sgt Daz original Bailey Bridge was developed.’ Redmond and ten instructors, teach up to 150 students each year. Our mission is to To connect the Troop with the new name, deliver specialist military engineer driver a visit was planned to Christchurch and a training on the BR90 system and specific public demonstration of the BR90 Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) capability was set-up. On a very hot day equipments for current operations. In the first task was to deploy the BR90 addition to our training role we are very across the tug pool at the site, a crossing involved in the development of new of the full river being not possible due to equipment such as the REBS.’ access problems. This was followed by the construction of an ‘artificial’ river, The Troop’s focus is the GSB bridge, a complete with sharks and alligators for single span unreinforced bridge from 16 the second crossing of the day. Several to 32 metres capable of taking a Class 70 hundred local school children and vehicle. A well-practiced crew can lay a interested adults turned up, some ex 32m bridge in 30 minutes. The advanced Royal Engineers themselves, and the day course takes crews further with the finished with the crowds travelling across equipment, allowing them to deploy a the completed span. A finer beginning for 44m single span reinforced bridge. the new Troop could not be imagined. AUGUST 2012 29 rsme matters
WO1 Higgins
• has served in the UK and Germany • deployed to Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan • over 20 years as a Military Engineer, Combat, Amphibious, Well Driller and Driver • last assignment was as MT WO for 65 Fd Sp Sqn in Hameln • Appointed SMI in 2011 • Responsible for the delivery of specialist Military Engineer Driver courses
Cpl Brown
• served in 26 Engr Regt, RE Close Sp Tp and 38 Engr Regt on operations in Kosovo and Iraq • over 12 years as a Military Engineer Specialist Driver • has developed training packages and on-line material for the ELE • develops and delivers all the courses run by the Tp • SME for the in-service Crane • Been with Christchurch Troop for over four years 30 AUGUST 2012 rsme matters
The equipment used by Christchurch around the main BR90 vehicles during this Troop is stored and maintained by task. Team Leader, Pete Sparrow, Holdfast. This includes responsibility for commented, the annual bridge and vehicle inspections and the maintenance and storage of the ‘We’re always looking for safer and more large volume of tools and technical effective ways to carry out our role. There equipment that accompanies each vehicle. is a clear risk when operating the BR90 The Holdfast team also has to regularly units and to minimise this risk under test the deployment of the main beam and maintenance conditions we are trialling the has piloted the use of fall protection bags bags as a fall arrestor system.’ AUGUST 2012 31 rsme matters
“ We’re always looking for safer and more effective ways to carry out our role. There is a clear risk when operating the BR90 units and to minimize this risk under maintenance conditions we are trialling the bags as a fall arrestor system.” www.holdfasttraining.co.uk RSME Matters is produced by Holdfast Training Services Ltd