anna soubry: meet mod’s first female mp minister DefenceFocus Royal Navy | Army | | Ministry of Defence | issue #276 NOVEMBER/13

sophisticated Disabled soldiering ski team We speak to the Deputy Commander p20 rehab on the slopes of ISAF about the Afghan Army combatbarbie NANAVIGATORVIGATOR

ANNA SOUBRY: MEET MOD’S FIRST FEMALE MP MINISTER DefenceFocus Royal Navy | Army | Royal Air Force | Ministry of Defence | ISSUE #276 NOVEMBER/13

Main cover picture: SOPHISTICATED DISABLED SOLDIERING SKI TEAM Corporal Jamie We speak to the Deputy Commander p20 Rehab on of ISAF about the Afghan Army the slopes Peters RLC Picture: Sergeant Pete Mobbs Pete Sergeant Picture:

Regulars

p14 verbatim Surgeon General Paul Evans on keeping troops ‘fit for purpose’ and much more

P26 book reviews Riveting new reads from James Wharton and Frederick Forsyth

P28 health Heart disease is a silent killer but a few tips can keep you healthy

P30 chess conundrum Carl Portman reports on the NATO Chess Championships in Poland

P31 Competitions Your chance to win a break in the Peak District or a war game for your PC Features

p6 sharpshooters My great escapes: chelsea Mesmerising winning entries from the Army’s photographic competition pensioner John Humphreys P24 P8 Stabilisation Job’s done for the Military Stabilisation Support Group

P8 P16 Service spooks Catherine Walton talks about Defence Intelligence in

P18 Military masterclass General John Lorimer, Deputy Commander ISAF, talks to Defence Focus

P20 Peak practice Skiing has huge benefits for troops whose lives are touched by illness or injury

P22 C’mon have a go if you think... P18 The Reserve is expanding and joining up could change your life

NOVEMBER 2013 | ISSUE 276 | 3 EDITOR’SNOTE

FIONA SIMPSON operations, this month Ian looks at DefenceFocus some of the areas not always at the top As usual we have of the headlines, including the work of a fabulous feast the Military Stabilisation Support Group For everyone in defence of a magazine for and one of the secret squirrels who Published by the Ministry of Defence you this month. works in Defence Intelligence. Level 1 Zone C For starters we Care of the wounded from recent MOD, Main Building Whitehall have a first for conflicts is also on the menu this London SW1A 2HB Defence Focus as month. There’s an interview with the General enquiries: 020 7218 1320 we interview the Surgeon General Air Marshal Paul EDITOR: Fiona Simpson new Minister for Evans who talks about the legacy of Tel: 020 7218 3949 Defence Personnel, medical training that we are leaving email: [email protected] Welfare and Veterans, Anna Soubry. with the Afghans, showing that building ASSISTANT EDITOR: Ian Carr She is the first female MP to become a capability is not just about military Tel: 020 7218 2825 minister in the department. Surely that security. email: [email protected] can’t be right? In this day and age? But, And for a veritable ice cream ASSISTANT EDITOR: Leigh Hamilton somewhat shamefully, it is so. Anna sundae of a desert there’s an interview Tel: 020 7218 5988 talks about how she is approaching her with the disabled ski team, whose life- email: [email protected] new role and how, essentially, she just changing injuries have done nothing to ASSISTANT EDITOR: Lorraine McBride wants to get on and get stuff done. dim their bravery or competitive spirit Tel: 020 721 82341 For a meaty main course you can as they look forward to a season of email: [email protected] get stuck into the latest from Ian Carr hair-raising downhill action, and maybe ART EDITOR: Mark Eagle on our ongoing operations Afghanistan. even a paralympic medal or two. Tel: 020 721 8 3658 email: [email protected] As we move into our final year of So all I have left to say is bon appetit.

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4 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | NOVEMBER 2013 inmemoriam DEATHS ON OPERATIONS - 23 may to 14 NOVEMBER

Lance Corporal Brynin his initial training he was posted to 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare). Lance Corporal James Brynin was Such was his calibre, and having killed in Afghanistan on 15 October already served a tour in Afghanistan in 2013. He had deployed in the early 2012, he volunteered to train with the hours with the Brigade Reconnaissance BRF and deployed back to Afghanistan Force (BRF) from Camp Bastion into in August 2013. Lance Corporal the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Brynin, who was known as Jay to his province to counter an imminent friends, excelled in the Army; he had threat to both the Afghan population already been selected for promotion to and the International Security corporal, and had grand ambitions. Assistance Force. Towards the end of Lance Corporal Brynin leaves the operation Lance Corporal Brynin’s behind his parents, his sister Yasmin section became the target of enemy and girlfriend Olivia. fire. Together with a sniper and a Lieutenant Colonel Richard machine gunner of the BRF, Lance Slack, Commanding Officer of the Corporal Brynin returned fire, but while 9th/12th Royal Lancers, the Brigade extracting from the area he received a Reconnaissance Regiment, said: fatal gunshot wound. “Lance Corporal Brynin was a star, Lance Corporal Brynin was born burning bright and rising fast. From in Shoreham-by-Sea on 22 December the moment he joined the Brigade 1990. Joining the Army in February Reconnaissance Force it was clear that 2011, he was immediately identified as we were blessed with a truly special a bright, motivated, self-starter and individual. His loss is one of the real joined the Intelligence Corps. Following tragedies of this military campaign.”

Warrant Officer Class 2 Battalion The Staffordshire Regiment. Ian Fisher WO2 Fisher’s extensive operational experience includes four operational Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Ian tours: once to Northern Ireland, twice to Fisher was killed in Afghanistan on 4 and a previous tour of Afghanistan. November 2013. WO2 Fisher deployed to WO2 Fisher deployed with his Afghanistan on 19 August 2013 as the company on a 2-day operation to Warrior fighting vehicle Sergeant Major disrupt insurgent activity in the vicinity for the Armoured of Kamparak. As a meeting was being Infantry Company of A Company, 3rd conducted with Afghan National Security Battalion The Mercian Regiment. Forces, WO2 Fisher’s vehicle was His colleagues described him as subjected to a vehicle-borne suicide the epitome of an infantry sergeant attack. WO2 Fisher was evacuated by air major; straight-talking and obsessive to the military hospital at Camp Bastion, in his pursuit of excellence and gaining where it was confirmed that he had been the most from his subordinates while killed in action. ensuring their well-being. WO2 Fisher was born on 6 October WO2 Fisher leaves behind his wife 1971 in Barking, Essex. Hewon a place Emma and two sons. WO2 Fisher’s at Staffordshire University, obtaining a wife paid the following tribute: “He will Bachelor of Science honours degree in be remembered as a doting father, 1993. Alongside his studies, WO2 Fisher loving husband and a true professional joined the Territorial Army. In August soldier. He loved being a soldier, that’s 1996 he volunteered to go to Hong Kong what he lived for. We are all so proud as a regular private with B Company, 1st and always will be.”

NOVEMBER 2013 | ISSUE 276 | 5 Sharpshooters

Giss a kiss: a famous army horse bids farewell to Troop Leader Captain Charlie Fitzroy before he trots off into retirement after 19 years’ loyal service Picture: Sergeant Adrian Harlen Sergeant Picture:

Snow patrol: the Life Guards Military tattoo: Private Ross Cunningham Reflective: Staff Sergeant Paul Zaman riding onto Horse Guards Parade cleans his weapon after a patrol in Afghanistan from 32 Regiment Royal Artillery Picture: Sergeant Adrian Harlen Sergeant Picture: Picture: Captain Dave Scammell Scammell Dave Captain Picture: Picture: Corporal Jamie Peters RLC Jamie Peters Corporal Picture:

Grafters: sappers from 21 Engineer Regiment working to Trench warfare: Corruna Company, 1st Battalion deconstruct a Hesco Bastion building at Patrol Base Nahidullah The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, on operations Picture: Corporal Jamie Peters RLC Jamie Peters Corporal Picture: Picture: Corporal Mike O’Neill RLC Mike Corporal Picture:

6 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | NOVEMBER 2013 Army Photographic Competition 2013: Below are some of the winning images that depict life in today’s forces

Flower power: Soldiers from 1st Battalion chat to Afghan children during a break in a patrol Picture: Corporal Jamie Peters RLC Jamie Peters Corporal Picture:

Boxing clever: Private Woods vs Private Francis, Inter Company At ease: Private Ballan takes a breather to grab Boxing Night, 1st Battalion The Princes of Wales’s Royal Regiment something to eat while on exercise in Kenya Picture: Sergeant Jonathan Lee van Zyl Jonathan Lee van Sergeant Picture: Zyl Jonathan Lee van Sergeant Picture:

Reflective: Staff Sergeant Paul Zaman from 32 Regiment Royal Artillery

Dog’s life: a military working dog attached to the Welsh Guards takes a rest in the shade during an operation in Helmand Picture: Corporal Jamie Peters RLC Jamie Peters Corporal Picture:

NOVEMBER 2013 | ISSUE 276 | 7 A Signpost Posting Troops of the Military Stabilisation Support Group can relax knowing Their work is done. Well nearly, writes Ian Carr from Lashkar Gah

rom almost the first moment war-torn province it was the MSSG who which has led to the citizens of central that ISAF boots stepped onto the were their eyes and ears on the ground, Helmand being able to lead normal lives, sand and soil of central Helmand giving them access to places and people enjoying safety provided by their own F province, the Military Stabilisation that otherwise they could not reach. security forces, and making their own Support Group (MSSG) have been At first, MSSG teams spent most of decisions about their future delivered by instrumental in winning the hearts and their time following in the wake of fire- their own system of government. minds of its people. fights, paying immediate compensation Over the last two years MSSG’s role Their role has been described by for damage to crops, buildings and has been about signposting. Major Will some as unique. It has certainly been ditches. They would take over land and Miller who was based at Lashkar Gah complex, and fluid. Ultimately their compounds needed by ISAF and report during Herrick 18 explains. “When we central purpose has been to provide the back to the PRTs, helping them to focus were training for our deployment we link between the citizens of Helmand on local needs and on projects that would were told we would be doing no more province and their government, a bring stabilisation and development build projects, and little in support of convention that simply did not exist in any where it was most needed. operations. We would be going out on the meaningful way in the early days. As these projects took shape the ground when necessary, but instead of As civilian-led Provincial MSSG would monitor progress, forging doing the projects to support the locals Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) from links with the locals and building up we’d be signposting them to whichever government departments such as DFID, databases of trustworthy contractors. Afghan government department should FCO and MOD began the arduous and Since then the MSSG has been be delivering the work.”

Picture: POA(Phot) Sean Clee POA(Phot) Picture: dangerous task of bringing stability to the instrumental in every step of the journey “The MSSG would then report

Rocky road: soldier keeps watch during construction of Route Trident in Helmand

8 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | NOVEMBER 2013 Big bake off: making mud bricks in Afghanistan

Smooth operator: builders using traditional materials Picture: Grahame Hunter, architect, www.afghanearthworks.com architect, Hunter, Grahame Picture: Picture: Grahame Hunter, architect, www.afghanearthworks.com architect, Hunter, Grahame Picture: the situation to the PRTs, who could or five men to compounds for as many be far from straightforward. Take the liaise with the relevant department as 100 army or police personnel. There Lashkar Gah main operating base. The to make sure they were fully aware of are virtually no operational maintenance Ministries of Education and of Finance the situation. “The PRT would give us costs for the buildings. They have thick and the District Governor each believe it the overview of what the government walls so they are warm in winter and should go to them. Claims can even be departments should be doing, and what cool in summer, so they don’t need air made on buildings that didn’t exist before they were supposed to be providing to the conditioning. “And we put mechanical ISAF erected them. projects, so we could then match that to wells in, hand-pumped, so there’s no “To find out who owns what we engage what we were seeing on the ground,” said need for electricity,” said Major Miller. with local communities, consult our ISAF Major Miller. Closing bases and handing back land registry, and PRT legal experts search Now, government money is flowing and compounds that ISAF have been using through whatever documentation there down from and into departments is not as simple as it may seem. It’s not might be. Decisions about ownership of who are putting together proper plans just a case of handing over the keys and agricultural land are often made by the for expenditure. Which means that, at saying to the new owners ‘we hope you will District Governor, but disputes go through the provincial level, the Afghans can be as happy here as we have been’. the courts to establish proper ownership,” prioritise their own projects, allocate To start with, after decades of conflict said Major Miller. resources and place contracts with and upheaval, how do you know to whom With that tricky issue out of the way, approved contractors who have had time you should be handing the keys? the next thing to sort out is the payment to demonstrate their quality of work and Even when the base is being handed for any damage that might have taken relative trustworthiness. over to a government department, it can place. “If we have built a base on land With elected district community councils in place, holding those in power to account for spend and progress on projects, much of the stabilisation work of the MSSG and the PRTs is nearing an end. During Herrick 18, most of the team’s time was spent bringing to an end the last major build project, Orthodox Build Earthworks (OBE), and in closing or handing over patrol bases. “I’d say around 40 per cent of the team have been working on the OBE project. OBEs are not part of the Helmand budget, the money is injected right at the source where it is needed,” said Major Miller. OBEs are buildings made out of mud, and constructed using traditional building techniques so that they can be easily maintained by local builders. They can be Planners of action: Major Will Miller (left) and Captain Matt Eade

anything from a small checkpoint for four RLC Jamie Peters Corporal Picture:

NOVEMBER 2013 | ISSUE 276 | 9 helmand province

population, so the numbers of the MSSG are reducing. At one time there were as many as 50 MSSG personnel working in teams of six. “On the previous Herrick there were 27. I brought out 16 who were split between four locations. By the end of August that will drop to seven. And when the OBE project is complete there will be no further requirement,” said Major Miller. “In September we will be handing over to the next Herrick who will have a team of just four.” PRT will move its HQ away from Lashkar Gah and establish itself in Camp Bastion and the plan is that the MSSG will continue until probably March 2014, with a contingency to hold over for a month or two if necessary supporting Task Force Helmand by providing stabilisation information. As the drawdown rumbles on, ironically the MSSG have found themselves engaged in similar tasks to those they performed in the early days, organising the repair of infrastructure, and mending culverts and simple bridges broken as heavy ISAF vehicles return kit to Camp Bastion. “It’s the damage you would expect from bringing heavy loads along roads that were not designed to take them. If we break something we have to fix it,” said Major Miller. So as combat troops move out, the MSSG’s footprint is being replaced by Afghan boots. But they will not be leaving unthanked. Knowing that some of the MSSG staff that they had been working closely with would soon be leaving, a group of Hammer time: building bridges in Afghanistan the main Afghan contractors asked if

Picture: Corporal Jamie Peters RLC Jamie Peters Corporal Picture: they could organise a farewell party for them. “We had them all sitting around Building sights: this table,” said MSSG’s planner, Captain workers using Matt Eade. “An Afghan colonel turned traditional skills, up too. They had all brought food and we and opposite had a little party. They exchanged gifts, plaques and certificates of appreciation. It was a bit like the Oscars. But there was genuine friendship. The colonel made a speech thanking us for helping them to provide a future for the people of Helmand province, and then everyone thanked everyone else. It was nice.” Tough nuts though the troops of the

Picture: Grahame Hunter, architect Hunter, Grahame Picture: architect Hunter, Grahame Picture: MSSG are, they, just like the rest of us, like to hear their efforts have made a that could mean we had to put in force before, and say ‘right, this is what it is difference and have been appreciated. protection measures, which might mean now; this is what we are going to do’. The “The kinetics have now quietened down,” knocking down a compound on the engineers will remediate the site but said Major Miller, “the government edge of the base. We would then have we (the MSSG) will be there to determine departments are functioning. I think to either pay compensation or arrange if there are any valid damage claims to the OBEs are our legacy and they will for that compound to be rebuilt,” said be made.” provide the infrastructure for maintaining Major Miller. “We’d call the owner in, As bases close and with reconstruction security for many years. I think we should hopefully with records of what it was like work increasingly in the hands of the local be proud of that, and of our part in it.” DF

10 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | NOVEMBER 2013 FEATUREINTERVIEW Anna Soubry

just do it just two weeks into her new job as minister for defence personnel, welfare and veterans, anna soubry speaks to ian carr

12 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | novemBER 2013 ooking out across the Thames to the London Eye on a bright October morning, the view from this fifth politics is supposed to be L floor Main Building window has to be a contender for one of the best in town. about doing stuff Not that it’s likely that Anna Soubry, our new minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, the first female some decisions which are important, priorities, the reserves and the Armed MP to be made a defence minister, will be that touch people’s lives and which make Forces Covenant? “I had conversations spending much time appreciating it. differences,” she said. with regulars and reservists from 1st That’s not so much down to the For some newcomers to MOD, taking Mechanized Brigade when they returned weight of work on her desk, but more to up positions of power in a department from Afghanistan and the buzz I got was do with her approach to the task ahead. where decisions can occasionally very positive. I asked the regulars about With nearly two decades experience as literally be a matter of life and death, the their experience of the reservists and a criminal barrister and a famously busy responsibility can be sobering. “That they didn’t hesitate in saying they were brief at the Department of Health under doesn’t trouble me at all,” said Anna first class. We see our Armed Forces as her belt, heavy workloads come as no Soubry.“I’d rather do that than endless heroes, and I’m not decrying that, but we shock to the system. meetings that don’t achieve very much.” should also see them as professionals It doesn’t take long to realise that In the world of personnel, or HR as it is who are extremely good at their jobs. In Anna Soubry is all about wanting to get now known, personality profiling is all the terms of recruiting we’re not where we things done, and being office-bound, you rage. If you were bold enough to attempt to would like to be I think, so I am keen to suspect, is not her preferred way. “I hugely pigeonhole Anna Soubry you would have understand the problems and do what I enjoy getting out and meeting people, her down as a completer-finisher. can to unstick things. It is doable.” understanding what’s going on, what “Absolutely. Politics is supposed to And the covenant? “We have had two the issues are, having frank discussions, be about doing stuff,” she said. “One of the freedom parades through my constituency. identifying problems and seeing what I can things that drives me bonkers in politics On the last the weather was appalling, yet do to move things on,” she said. is when you don’t just get on and do it. you couldn’t move because of all the people Just two weeks into the job when she That’s when I start to get exceptionally who had come out to show their support. spoke to Defence Focus, Anna Soubry had frustrated.” What really appealed to her, I think the level of respect for our Armed already met plenty of people: “All the big she says, about being a criminal barrister Forces has never been so great in our bosses... erm.” Her PA helps by intervening was that there was always a result. lifetime. It’s going to be my job to make sure with the acronyms: “You’ve met CDS, VCDS, But you would be wrong to interpret our troops are well looked after, and then PUS and CDP.” this as haste at all cost. There is, she let the people know that is happening.” The new minister laughs. “Yes I have to readily admits, a place for measured An important part of achieving that will learn all that,” she continued, enthusiasm thought. “Sometimes it might take you be establishing a useful dialogue with the undimmed. “Some have been full-on briefs, longer because you need to do it right, and Service charities, something on which Anna especially from General Andrew Gregory, the process involves going out to talk to Soubry has already made a start. (Chief of Defence Personnel). I had a good different people to do research and develop “I have had an excellent meeting with long chat with him.” a good policy. I’ve no difficulty with that. As the biggest charities and there was a lot of When asked about the nature of that long as there is an end game. Or if you have frank talking about the need for us to work chat, she indulges herself in a bit of what to say ‘we can’t do that, we’d like to, but we together, to be more joined up, but also to might well be trademark leg-pulling. haven’t any money’. That’s fine, because recognise that each of us needs to know “Can’t tell you. Top secret.” There’s a you know where you are.” what we actually want. So when we say heavy pause, and a full-on stare, which You can imagine that our Permanent things like we want people to have proper is then lightened by smiles and laughter. Under Secretary Jon Thompson will be access to the NHS, what does that actually “No, no, he was explaining his brief, which delighted to hear this kind of stuff. He, mean, what does the model look like?” of course will be a large part of my brief.” as we should all know by now, is eager It must help that she comes into the You feel that working for this minister is for change and reducing bureaucratic debate with fresh eyes, and that she has going to be enjoyable, as long as you keep blockages in favour of better delegation of experience of working with charities at the on your toes. authority and accountability. “That sounds Department of Health. It is an area that she Already she has a firm view about the about right,” said the new minister. “As intends to take a lead on. priorities. “Recruitment of reserves and the long as change is fair and smooth and There is time for one last question; in Armed Forces Covenant – making sure that includes people knowing where they are, this day and age is it relevant to point out it is working in the way that we want it to,” and that’s what most people want in their that she is our first female MP minister? she said. As the Reinforcements Training lives isn’t it? To know where they are. “Well I’m very proud of it; I had no and Mobilisation Centre, which prepares all “You should always want to work with idea that was the case. I don’t think there branches of the reserve forces and civilians people and persuade them. Sometimes are many departments that haven’t had for service with the regular forces, is in her there will be a parting of agreement. a woman MP as a minister. I think what constituency, these issues are perhaps not Then you have to agree to disagree in as has surprised people is that it is 2013, and totally new to her. Especially as the centre amicable a way as possible so that you can I’m the first one. But I am chuffed silly.” is also home for many Service families. make the advances you need to make. But Immediately you can see her previous She has also already reached the I’m still learning about the Department, so experience as a journalist kicking in. “Oh conclusion that MOD is going to suit her. I’m not saying any more about that.” God, you’re going to use that as a quote now “One thing that I’m already finding really Early days it may be, but what are aren’t you?” The meeting with the minister enjoyable is that we are actually making her immediate impressions about her big finishes as it started, with laughter. DF

november 2013 | ISSUE 276 | 13 verbatim health centre surgeon general air marshal paul evans talks to ian carr about sport, simulation and skills retention

DF: You have been in post for nearly a year DF: How do the lessons learned make a working to gain experience, and it’s a good now, what developments have you seen? difference? place for us to retain those skills that we SG: Afghanistan is of course still our main SG: It gives us the opportunity to examine need to deploy to theatre. effort, so we have been making sure that the particular treatment that an evacuated I have around 400 medical personnel we are delivering the medical support that casualty has had and either change or embedded there delivering care on a daily the coalition requires of us. Nowadays we reinforce our practices. basis, the majority of which is going to are putting a lot of effort into mentoring the Let’s take the life-saving application civilian patients. Afghans, both in primary healthcare and in of a tourniquet for example. Feedback to We have nurses on neurology and the hospital environment. the on-scene medic that the procedure did neurosurgery wards, where most patients indeed save life is a massive confidence- are from road traffic accidents, so they are DF: What does that involve? booster. Conversely, if lessons can be gaining the best experience and skills that SG: There has been a definite improvement learned, they are, with rapid feedback to UK medicine can provide. Birmingham will in the practice of medicine there. Most the training system ensuring that evidence- remain the receiving hospital for casualties Afghan doctors train abroad, so the based techniques remain at the fore. from overseas, for example from places competence levels are generally good. We like Cyprus. are not teaching them how to do surgery; DF: With the drawdown from Afghanistan, I think the important thing is that if we are helping them by increasing the how will our relationship with the Queen we find ourselves in a crisis situation in opportunities that they have to practise in Elizabeth Hospital change? the future, we can be confident that at their own facilities and on their own people. SG: The dynamic will change of course, but Birmingham we have a system that can the relationship will be the same. We have a respond rapidly and effectively. We wouldn’t DF: What developments have there been long-term relationship with them and with have to start from scratch. in providing medical care to our troops in the university. theatre? It is a teaching hospital, and a trauma DF: Maintaining those clinical skills is not SG: There have been many developments centre, so irrespective of a reduction in going to be easy? over the years. I’d say that a real strength the number of casualties coming from SG: It isn’t easy. It needs careful thought. is in the weekly communication between Afghanistan, which is already happening, And it’s one of the major issues for me today the hospital in Camp Bastion and the it is a very good place to have our doctors, as Surgeon General. One way we can do hospital in Birmingham, where they have nurses and allied health professionals it is by placing our people in NHS trauma multidisciplinary meetings to discuss how cases have been handled. What’s important is that there is a really good feedback system, right out to the medics in primary healthcare and to the medics at the front line. Our lessons

Picture: Corporal James Williams RLC Corporal Picture: learned capability is really powerful.

Stay with me: soldiers training to provide immediate treatment to stabilise casualties on an exercise

14 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | NOVEMBER 2013 centres and hospitals with busy emergency DF: The primary role of DMS is to ensure departments to help our people retain their that Service personnel are ‘fit for task’. skills. Which is why being able to place What does that involve? people at Birmingham is so important. SG: We provide primary healthcare for

Picture: F Brown Picture: Service personnel, but it is much more DF: How will medical research be than an NHS GP would deliver. affected? We include an operational element SG: Research is also a really key way to looking at maximising fitness for task. build and encourage enthusiasm and So, if someone presents with a twisted maintain a cutting-edge. Defence Medical ankle for example, we give them the Services (DMS) have a strong academic clinical treatment required, as would presence at Birmingham. We have eight the NHS. But we also think about the defence professors there whose job is to consequences for their work. Are they develop and maintain research links. And capable of working light duties, do they Surgeon General we are a partner in the pioneering National Air Marshal Paul Evans need two days off to get them back to Institute for Health Research Surgical fitness quicker, do they need a programme Reconstruction and Microbiology Research of rehabilitation or physio? Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. and nurses will need to develop similar The Defence Medical Rehabilitation We also have strong links with other skills. Programme has been a tremendous academic institutions and organisations. success over the last 10 years. It’s a tiered For example, we are interested in the DF: Are there any other real-life approach. The first level is the primary care effects of blast. Thanks to our links with opportunities you are looking at? you would get on your base. Then there are Imperial College London and the Defence SG: Yes, this is an area where we have the 15 regional rehabilitation units (RRUs) Science and Technology Laboratory we can got to look at how we can achieve giving spread throughout the UK and Germany mimic them in a lab environment. So we secondary care personnel the opportunity that can help with diagnosis, and advise on may not be seeing the direct effect from an to practise in the operational environment. treatment. The RRUs have rapid access to explosion in Afghanistan, but we do have the That might be supporting charitable work MRI scanners, which means that effective talent and expertise to look at the effect of in the developing world, or it might be treatment plans can be worked out quickly, blast on a vehicle; this can inform the sort of moving people around the UK or sending often doing away with the need for surgery. boots personnel should be wearing or what teams to work with our international That’s made a tremendous difference sort of floor a vehicle should have. partners and vice-versa. It needs to be in getting people fitter, quicker. Lastly In future we may not have the carefully thought through and like all there is Headley Court. Although they casualties where you can link a specific budget holders I have to be conscious of hit the headlines with their treatment injury to a particular circumstance. We getting the best value from every pound of complex trauma cases, their bread can take the lessons we have learned and my organisation spends. Recruitment and butter work is diagnosis of complex modify them and continue the process of into DMS over the last 10 years has been muscular and skeletal injuries. research even after hostilities have ended. enormous; what we need to do now is to continue to maintain opportunities that will DF: What is the approach to treating DF: Will our experiences in Afghanistan encourage people to join DMS. mental health issues? continue to influence research? SG: If you can keep people at work and SG: Absolutely. If we look at rehabilitation DF: How do you encourage people to manage their treatment in the workplace for example, both mental and physical, choose a medical career in the military? then you get much better results. the consequences of injury will go on SG: For me it was sport. I joined as a Outreach clinics from our departments through life. So what we are already doing medical cadet because I wanted to compete of community mental health visit units so is studying the effect of injury, not just seriously in athletics. The military was a they can talk to individuals in their working amputation, in its broadest sense. way I could do that. environment. That gives a better and more Medical training is conducted within holistic view of what the problems are. So DF: Will simulation also play a part? the NHS. What we (MOD and DMS) add in many cases, the individual can receive SG: Yes it will. From training individuals in is the polish and the training that allows the right treatment and still get the support how to fix an artery or mend a leg, through our people to operate effectively when from their mates at work. to collective training simulation. All those deployed. We make people good leaders. medical personnel who serve in Bastion So we attract people who are interested in DF: Isn’t it true that mental health issues undertake pre-deployment training the way the military do things. Of course can sometimes take years to surface? at Hospex; the complete and realistic we already have many reservists who work SG: I fully acknowledge that might be the simulation of an entire field hospital in in the NHS who see it as a good way of case for some people, and issues could which staff work through real-life scenarios developing their careers. arise after they have left the Services. in real-time. When we do recruit, the experts from Clearly we do everything in our power In future we will also use simulation the Royal Colleges comment time and for those people. For those who present to help us work with our immediate again on the quality of the people we attract. as a veteran, we work very closely with the international partners. What we will do is By the time they have finished their training Department of Health and the charitable create exercise programmes that mimic with us they are very competent individuals, sector to try and help them. But there is the sorts of things that we might be doing in and that is obvious in the extremely high a clear distinction. I am responsible for other conflicts. And at the individual training level of research and clinical work that they those who are in service, and the NHS is level it may be that we develop simulations do. Recruitment might start to drop, but responsible for veterans and reservists in conjunction with the NHS as their doctors there’s no sign of that at the moment. once they return to civilian life. DF

NOVEMBER 2013 | ISSUE 276 | 15 defence intel i won’t tell you a secret Catherine Walton has just finished a six-month tour as senior analyst in Afghanistan. She talks to Ian Carr, very discreetly, in Kabul

a regular basis, and one suspects that thoroughness is a quality they hold in high regard. So it was no surprise when Catherine said: “The thing about being an analyst is you keep your powder dry until you are absolutely certain. In Defence Intelligence (DI) we do use the language of uncertainty and probabilities, so we will say things like ‘it is highly likely from our assessment and from what we have seen in reports that we can do x’.” Tactical intelligence on the threat is provided for the top brass by the regional commands and PJHQ. What the generals required from Catherine was intelligence at the strategic level. For example, information about what is happening at the political level, which may influence the direction in which the Government of the Islamic Republic of

Knowledge and power: Lieutenant Sid Wareham (RN) Afghanistan (GIRoA) might travel next. and Catherine Walton, Defence Intelligence Or it might be that they need to know analyst, outside the Afghan’s MOD about issues arising from the Bilateral Security Agreement between Kabul and Washington. It was Catherine’s job to help n the world of intelligence everything Fair enough. So what would be a safe them reach informed decisions about what has the potential to be significant. For question to start with? stance to take on such things. those who seek out the meaning of So is being inherently nosey a natural As an analyst, Catherine didn’t go out I events, linkages and trends, the flap of advantage in this line of work? “No! I’m not and gather the information herself. “I do a butterfly’s wing might amount to no more nosey! I’m quite a private person, but I am not have sources, I am not a collector,” than a bit of downdraft, or it could be the analytical. So I do think things through very she said, using a term which could come beginning of a political hurricane, so an eye thoroughly, which can be annoying for my straight from the pages of John le Carré. for detail is essential. family and friends,” said Catherine. Once, to Instead, it was her job to keep monitoring “When you are putting forward key see what kind of people work in intelligence, the feeds she received and corroborate the judgements about a situation to senior Catherine and her colleagues took information to make sure it all made sense, people who are basing their decisions on personality tests. “Worryingly, we all turned and then spot any anomalies. what you tell them you don’t want to miss a out to be quite geeky. We’re all analytically- Her days in Kabul would begin at trick,” said Catherine Walton, senior analyst minded and interested in the same kind of 0730 in the morning and often didn’t finish in theatre based at the ISAF HQ in Kabul. stuff. The work attracts that kind of person. I until 10 in the evening. She was a regional “One piece of information could change think they call it geek chic these days.” specialist, and the region she was expected everything, and you don’t want to miss it.” Not that these personality traits would to know all about was the whole of ! Catherine, as you might expect, had to bother four-star US General Joseph Which might explain the need for the long be very careful about what she said. “I’ve Dunford, commander of ISAF, or his deputy, days. “It has to be that wide because there been told in very strict terms what I’m not Major General John Lorimer. These are is an intricate collection of things that supposed to talk about,” she said, smiling. the people that Catherine had to brief on influence each other.

16 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | NOVEMBER 2013 upport perations

“There are so many things internationally that influence GIRoA, such as special cooperation agreements. Ultimately it is the region that will support this country in the long term, post-ISAF. So it is important to encourage these regional partners to support this country in a positive way. So we feed into our senior intelligence cells information that is pertinent to that goal,” she said. “The work involves a lot of liaison with all our ISAF partners, making sure that our assessments are not too way out there or controversial, and that we are in the right swim lane on issues. Or, if not, then I have to find out why my path has diverged.” Seventy per cent of Catherine’s work was evaluation and constant re-evaluation. Does this intensity turn the analyst into a mini-expert? “I think it does, “ she said. “But what we instil in everyone is that we are drawing material from other experts. So you reach back to London, or into Washington, and you will get the real experts, who do this kind of stuff all year round, feeding into your assessments, so you can’t go far wrong.” But there are also bespoke activities, described excitingly as ‘deep dives’, where analysts spend two or three days looking at a particular issue in more detail. An opportunity that came Catherine’s Eyes down: watching the ballot count in Lashkar way was to put together a short training Gah during the September 2010 elections Picture: Sarah Yuen Sarah Picture: programme to introduce Afghan analysts from the Afghan MOD to some of the methods and processes of defence “One of the big differences between intelligence at Chicksands. tactical and strategic intelligence is the Her Afghan counterparts were all shelf-life of the information. At the strategic military, so they were very experienced level we are taking a view of things years in going out on the ground and gathering from now that will feed into our policies intelligence for use at the tactical level. and strategic guides. The Afghans are just What Catherine was asked to do was to beginning to think in those terms,” she said. help them to conduct more strategic Catherine began by giving the class of assessments that would feed into their 25 Afghan officers an introduction to the way policy-makers, a concept that was wholly that intelligence works in the UK, including Paper exercise: Catherine Walton new to them. a short history of its development since the with a class of Afghan analysts “It was really exciting, and very Second World War. Then they were given an interesting. Because they were military it exercise to complete. was a surprise for them to see how civilians, “The idea is you work towards an end it was important that analysts present especially female civilians, could fit into all state stemming from a potential political their assessments with confidence and that,” she said. scenario. You then use your intelligence objectivity, and that you shouldn’t be But they rapidly channelled that to check for the milestones that you would pressured into saying something just surprise when they realised how much expect to see as you head towards that because your senior wants to hear it. I they stood to learn from the half-day pilot end state. The example I gave them was think that classes like that will help them session, and the questions soon started how would security look for a successful to realise that intelligence is so much more coming. “It was a pleasant surprise that election in a year’s time, and what sort than just a response to a threat.” they were so keen to question me directly of intelligence cells would you have to Careful thought is now being given to rather than through an interpreter. It create to give you that? That was non- what further training our DI might be able enthused me and I was able to get really controversial and something they could to offer the Afghans. Of course, it’s not for involved with them on the exercise itself.” relate to,” said Catherine. “I used our Catherine to say what that might be. At the The idea grew out of a visit that General experiences during the Olympics to show end of her tour her lips might be sealed, but Ferahi, the Afghan equivalent of our Chief them how we did it.” they are still smiling. “I’ve really enjoyed of Defence Intelligence, had made to look at From Catherine’s description it sounds it. There’s been lots of opportunities to do the structures of defence in the UK and the like the course went well and provoked some really interesting work.” And that, courses on analysis held at Chicksands. a lot of debate. “I made the point that you might argue, says it all. DF

NOVEMBER 2013 | ISSUE 276 | 17 isaf fighting talk Deputy Commander ISAF, Lieutenant General John Lorimer, talks to Ian Carr about adding value

few years ago, waiting in a dusty certainly has experienced that warrior By ISAF stepping back in this way, the queue for a flight home from trait. Talking about his time when he ANSF were given the opportunity to prove Camp Bastion, two grizzled commanded 12th Mechanized Brigade to themselves that they could be confident ABritish soldiers were chatting. during Op Herrick 6 in 2007 he said: in their own abilities. And there’s no doubt One suddenly nudged the other and “We can’t teach these guys how to fight. that they rose to the challenge. said, with some pride, pointing to an Sometimes it was a difficult thing to get “The ANSF have prevented the Afghan soldier: “He’s one of mine. Never them to stop. I remember on a couple of insurgents from controlling populated seen fighting spirit like it.The thing is occasions pulling people back saying ‘it’s areas or key terrain throughout the year,” though, they can get a bit carried away OK, we’ve gone far enough’.” said General Lorimer. “Across the country when running into battle.” Veterans from those years would the vast majority of violence has taken place This was in the early days when be staggered to see how things have away from populated areas. In the top 10 training the Afghan soldiers meant changed. Now it is the Afghan National areas which have experienced 35 per cent of teaching them the basics of organised Security Forces (ANSF) who are leading the total violence, those areas contain only soldiering and fighting alongside them in the show, planning and carrying out three per cent of the population. almost equal numbers. around 95 per cent of operations with ISAF “The ANSF emerge from the fighting As natural warriors the Afghans have forces very much in support. season confident in themselves and no shortage of courage. What they lacked A crucial coming of age was reached credible in the eyes of the people.” then was the military framework and this summer when the ANSF took the lead So credible in fact that recent discipline to achieve an objective in the for the first time during the traditional surveys revealed that among the civilian most effective way. fighting season. Last summer ISAF population the overall favourability rate Speaking to Defence Focus at the was involved in 41 per cent of for the ANSF was 88 per cent, with the HQ in Kabul, ISAF Deputy Commander operations, whereas this year Army rated at 92 per cent. Lieutenant General John Lorimer it was just nine per cent. Speaking at the end of his tour, Task Force Helmand Commander for Herrick 18, Rupert Jones’ comments certainly bear this out. Talking about the manner in which the Afghan 3rd Brigade of 215 Corps had reinforced their sister

brigade in during the summer he RLC Jamie Peters Corporal Picture:

Drill skills: Afghan soldiers on parade

18 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | NOVEMBER 2013 said: “They put on what I can only describe which mirrors the famous Sandhurst as a masterclass. As a fighting force they military model. can plan, integrate their resources, bring “General Karimi is convinced that if in reserves and do all the things that you you get good platoon commanders then would expect of a professional army.” you get good platoons, and this good The development of this professional leadership eventually feeds right through force has meant that ISAF troops are the Army’s structure. Which is why we increasingly standing back at the company will be helping with the ANAOA right and brigade level and letting the ANSF get through 2014 and beyond,” said General on with things in their own way. Lorimer. International efforts are now being So when midnight strikes on 31 targeted at developing the institutional December next year, General Lorimer architecture that will help the ANSF to harbours no Y2K-style portents of build on their self-confidence and sustain disaster. Instead he predicts a smooth Table top talks: Lieutenant General their future. John Lorimer at ISAF Headquarters start to another year’s soldiering. “We

“Those are things such as manpower RLC Jamie Peters Corporal Picture: are planning for a Resolute Support and resource planning, acquisition and Mission. We are clear about that and budgeting, all the things that happen all his commanders to be ex-Sandhurst. we’re planning how we will continue to within a Ministry of Defence that develop Which is why he is so determined to train, advise and assist starting from 1 and sustain capability,” said General make the Officer January 2015. The ANAOA will be one of Lorimer. Academy (ANAOA) a success.” the UK’s main areas of input,” he said. “We in ISAF command started the The ANAOA is based at Qargha, And after all the fuss and doom- year with three questions,” he said, roughly 14km to the west of Kabul. It mongering that led up to New Year’s leaning forward across the table. opened its gates to its first cadre of Eve 1999, when the sun rose on the first “Could the ANSF secure the population students in October. For more than a morning of a new millennium, no aircraft throughout the fighting season? The year the UK has been leading the NATO fell out of the sky, no computers plunged answer to that is yes. Can they provide Training Mission to support the Afghan us into an apocalypse. We just all went the security for the population during the National Army in developing its academy, about our business as usual. DF elections next April? And again the answer is yes, they are way ahead of the game in comparison to the elections in 2009. And lastly, will they be able to effect a full security transition in December 2014? The answer is a qualified yes, but we still have work to do to enable that to happen.” Much of that work is now at the ministerial level, helping the Ministries of Defence and of Interior and the organisations that support them to become effective departments of state, working together with a common purpose. “Every level in the organisation must add value so that the soldier can go out on the ground and do the business. It’s a question of helping them to recognise how to get political direction, strategic intent and turn that into tactical activity,” said General Lorimer. But that doesn’t mean all of ANSF’s issues now have a pinstripe pattern. “Below the ministerial level we will be helping to improve the sophisticated aspects of soldiering,” said the General. “Elements such as command and control, leadership, collective training and combined and integrated operations, by that I mean getting the infantry to work with the gunners and engineers for example.” Most important of all you could argue, and General Karimi, head of the Afghan Army, certainly does, is the need for good leaders. “Every time I chat to him, about all sorts of issues, he always raises the issue of leadership. If he could, he would like DF DISABLED SKI TEAM THE SKI’S THE LIMIT ALTHOUGH THEY’VE LOST LIMBS AND EXPERIENCED MORE TRAUMA THAN MOST PEOPLE, A GROUP OF service SKIERS are living ON THE EDGE. report BY LEIGH HAMILTON

port can play a large part in physical into something is the best way of getting rehabilitation. For Armed Forces over your fears. “With a bit of tough love, personnel recovering from medical most people can figure out a way of doing S treatment as a result of an injury everything for themselves, whether that is sustained on operations or illness, it can carrying your own ski equipment, learning be vital. In addition to the more obvious to ski on your own, learning to get on and off physical benefits including building a lift or learning to get up after a fall.” strength and motor skills, sport can This approach appears to have worked increase confidence and create a setting for paralympian hopeful ex-Army Sergeant where camaraderie provides a joint goal or Mick Brennan, one of the members of the focus. recently unveiled 2013/14 season CSDST One such sport is skiing. The Combined squad. Mick lost both legs in a car suicide Services Disabled Ski Team (CSDST) is bomb attack while serving with 30 Signal Rehabilitation: skiing can be very a charitable organisation that helps to helpful with physical recovery Regiment in Iraq in November 2004 on rehabilitate serving and retired Service Operation Telic 5. As well as losing his personnel who have been injured during legs, Mick was in a coma for 14 days and their military service, through the medium “When you’re skiing you’re doing a suffered from brain damage as a result of of adaptive (Alpine) skiing. fun activity, but it’s very physical. Because the incident. Following the amputation of one or you’re enjoying it you gradually build up Having never skied before, joining the more limbs, the future must seem quite your strength and your fitness. CSDST wasn’t top of Mick’s to-do list. After daunting and full of seemingly impossible “With skiing you put yourself on a level being invited to attend an adaptive event, challenges. CSDST coach Warrant Officer playing field. The exhilaration you can get he was headhunted by the British team Class 2 Mark Scorgie believes that skiing from throwing yourself down a hill at 70 manager and was encouraged to join the can bring even the most reticent out of their miles an hour, although scary, can be fun.” CSDST at the same time, and he’s never shells: “A lot of people say ‘you won’t be Mark, who himself has skied for the looked back. able to do this, you won’t be able to do that ’. Royal Engineers team, the Army team and Mick is the CSDST’s high-flier, winning They have to figure out for themselves what did a couple of seasons for the CSDST, prestigious titles including a silver medal at they can and can’t do. says that sometimes throwing yourself the Europa World Cup Super G and a bronze at the Alpine World Cup. He’s also one of five hopefuls gunning for one of two available slots on Team GB’s squad for the Winter Paralympic Games in Sochi in Russia next year. The CSDST, along with their sponsors, works with each skier to build their own adaptive ski kit and Mick is no exception. He says: “I’m a sit-skier. I ski like everyone else; however, whereas an able-bodied person wears a ski boot, I wear a seat. I had the seat cast by a prosthetics department so it’s snug and fits like a boot. “You’ve got a frame and suspension which is designed for my weight and the way I ski. I use a normal ski, but it has a stronger binding so in theory it shouldn’t come off.” Even with state-of-the-art equipment, Mick has still managed to sustain injuries, such as a broken sternum, and is currently Bonding: the Combined not skiing due to a broken arm, but that’s Services Disabled Ski Team all part and parcel of a sport that relies on provides a sense of comradeship for its members speed and dexterity to produce winners.

Pictures: Senior Aircraftman Dek Traylor Senior Aircraftman Pictures: Once he’s ironed out any kinks and

20 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | NOVEMBER 2013 Top dog: the team’s top racer Sergeant (Retired) Mick Brennan formerly of the Royal Signals

recovered from his latest injury, Mick believes that he will be top of the pack: “I think I’ll make it into the Sochi team, With a confidence that has been buoyed as long as I don’t mess up. by his CSDST experience, Andy has set “I’m still making mistakes and his sights on the ultimate skiing prize. He I need to work on that and it will come with reveals that Mike isn’t the only CSDST coaching. I just need to alleviate those little member with his eye on Korea 2018: “It’s a mistakes and I’ll become world class. big commitment and it’s a lot of work to get “My big goal is the Winter Paralympics are rules and regulations that have to be there, but it’s where I want to go.” in Korea in 2018. At the moment I’m taking adhered to. He says: “I ski with one pole. I On meeting the CSDST members, one part to compete and get the experience, but have to ski with a pole in my discipline. The gets a distinct feeling of inadequacy. These by Korea I want to go to win.” hardest bit is the balance, having one arm people are extremely brave and have the Another CSDST member with more you can use and absolutely nothing on the most refreshing approach to life. Hurtling humble aspirations is RAF Flight Sergeant other side is a challenge.” down hills at breakneck speed isn’t for John Kirk who lost his right arm after he Fusilier Andy Barlow has also had his everyone and these men have gone through was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma in share of obstacles to cross. After losing more than most, yet are still living life on the August 2010. After ‘a quarter of his body’ his left leg above the knee in a minefield in edge. was removed, instead of feeling depressed Afghanistan while on Operation Herrick in Flight Sergeant Kirk explains that following his operation, John decided to 2006, he decided to give skiing a go. everything is a team effort and there is no grab life by the horns. As he is a yacht instructor for the Army, room for divas: “Skiing has helped me a lot. As well as completing a skiing being involved in a physically demanding It’s given me a focus. It builds confidence instructor’s course, John took part in sport wasn’t new to Andy. After skiing and improves your interaction with other Battle Back exercise Snow Warrior in occasionally for a couple of years with the people. Bavaria and through that joined the CSDST CSDST, he decided that if he was going to “There aren’t enough people to in May 2012. take the sport seriously he had to dedicate a mollycoddle you, so you have to do things for With a completely new outlook on lot more time to it. “My sailing, although it’s yourself. It’s not easy looking after skis and life, John’s existence has changed over my job, it is only a job. Whereas skiing, I’m getting all the kit up and down mountains, the past three years: “I never thought I’d really enjoying my skiing at the moment and but you have to do it. You have to look after be an international athlete at 44 years I want to do this seriously.” yourself.” old. I thought all that sort of stuff was long Although he has adapted well to life So, with brave, non-diva-like gone, but I can give these able-bodied without his limb, once he gets on the slopes, professional athletes, surely the sky is the guys a run for their money. I did the RAF there is a palpable feeling of equality. He limit? Coach Warrant Officer Class 2 Mark indoor championship the other week and I explains: “When I’m skiing alongside able- Scorgie has high hopes for the 2013/14 finished ninth out of 32 against able-bodied bodied people there is a comfort in that team: “Our goal was to get guys to the athletes.” there is life after injury. I thought my life was Paralympics and we do have a potential Like Mick Brennan, the gear that John over. I’m enjoying my skiing at the moment paralympian. Mick is looking good for it. He uses is tailored to his needs, although there so it’s good for me.” is proof that what we’re doing works.” DF

NOVEMBER 2013 | ISSUE 276 | 21 reservists Are you tough enough? with training and operational duty opportunities, being a royal marines reservist can be life-changing

here has never been a better time reservists,” Lieutenant Colonel Alderson currently being trialled by RMR London, to join the ,” said. Project Achnacarry is a recruit training so says Lieutenant Colonel Aldeiy “We need to refine the training and programme that delivers increased tempo “T Alderson, a tough-talking marine support we have in place to maintain our and introduces a second intake of recruits in charge of boosting reservist numbers. reservists’ ability to integrate into regular every year. Thus allowing a reservist who Over the past 16 months, as Chief of commando units. We are also seeking to misses or requires additional training Staff of the Royal Marines Reserve (RMR), exploit the improved terms and conditions to rejoin another training programme he has been part of a team looking at ways for reservists under FR20, and promote quickly. Close relationships with the of increasing and retaining the cadre of the opportunities for international Commando Training Centre Royal personnel able to quickly drop their roles exercises, deployments, adventure Marines are also yielding benefits, with on civvy street and serve alongside regular training and representing the Corps in a dedicated training team of regular Royal Marines commandos. sport. In short, we aim to provide the best instructors delivering assessment and But becoming a Royal Marines (RM) offer in Defence to volunteers willing to confirmation exercises for the RMR. reservist is tough – every one of them commit their spare time.” Ex-regulars who join the Reserve are is trained to the same high standards Royal Marines reservists are offered now being reviewed on a case-by-case as their full-time colleagues, with the the chance to deploy with the Lead basis, dependent on time out of the service exception that, outside the Corps, they Commando Group, the opportunity to as well as the specialist skills they are are regular people; students, policemen, deploy overseas at least twice a year, bringing, especially when it comes to the bankers and youth workers. an annual exercise in the UK, and the upper age limit. In many cases, a man’s key Not everyone is cut out to be a RM possibility of deploying to the US to take skills are a compelling case for the Royal reservist; the training is demanding, the part in an exchange programme. Marines to bring him into the reserves to commitment long, and not all volunteers “These are the principal offers we are deliver training and administrative support make it. But fresh thinking is helping making as we recognise that, for many to the growing RMR. these men, and their employers, take people, being a reservist is about being Lieutenant Colonel Alderson said: advantage of one of the best packages able to do something challenging and “The work we are doing now and in available in Defence. rewarding, gaining skills, qualifications the future is all about maintaining a At present there are roughly 430 and experience they can use in their robust and capable strategic reserve reservists in the Royal Marines with a workplace.Being able to say proudly ‘I that the Royal Marines can employ with target under Future Reserves 2020 of am part of the Royal Marines, this is confidence. 630 by 2018. To achieve this the RMR is what I did at the weekend’,” said “From high-end contingent seeking to rewrite their offer. Lieutenant Colonel Alderson. operations to providing range teams “Future Reserves 2020 (FR20) is “But we have also identified and medics for regular training, the happening, and while 630 may seem a a problem with training; it is too success of the Royal Marines Reserve will small number in comparison to the other long from beginning to end continue to rest on the quality of the military services, it’s quite a challenge and we are seeking to offer it makes to volunteers, and the when you consider the training and simplify this process.” quality of those who take up the

Picture: PO(Phot) Sean Clee Picture: expectation that we place upon our Devised and challenge.” DF

Opportunities: being a Royal Marines reservist can involve deploying around the world

22 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | November 2013 FEATUREINTERVIEW MY MEDALS

Hiding under huts until John Humphreys at the Royal Chelsea Hospital dark, we made our way to a perimeter wall and climbed over. Walking south, initially only at night, we persuaded an Italian farmer to swap our uniforms in return for scruffy old clothes. We risked

Picture: xxxxxxxxxxx Picture: walking by day and lived off the land. But food wasn’t a priority as we’d been on starvation rations for nine months. My weight dropped to just seven stone but I was fit so we carried on walking. We faced a major incident when we crossed the autostrada as a convoy of German vehicles approached. I always stood in front because I spoke Italian fluently and my mates would go to ground. Standing still, the trucks passed, followed by three sidecars, until the final one slowed and stopped. Speaking in broken Italian, the SS officer asked me where the nearest river was and with great joy I told him. Did my heart skip a beat? More than that! From there, we crossed the mountains. In a hilltop village we overheard an Picture: Sergeant Pete Mobbs Pete Sergeant Picture: Italian lad say that English soldiers were in the village A converted factory with below; we went down and wooden bunks, we were so found a patrol who drove My Medals tightly packed in that, if we us by jeep to Bari, 1st Para put our knees together, we Brigade HQ. During his 41-year army career, Lieutenant could play cards. Soon, we were on our way We were fed a slice of home on a troop ship for six Colonel (Ret’d) John Humphreys, 92, escaped bread and a small piece of weeks’ leave. twice from POW camps and was awarded 11 cheese five-days-a-week; we medals including two Mention in Dispatches. supposedly had meat soup Interview by Lorraine McBride on other days but I think they must have just waved an Oxo wrapper over it. NW Europe The POW camp was Belgium, France young and our reaction was terrible but I learned to and Germany “hooray!” because we were speak fluent Italian, which In February 1944 I qualified as professional soldiers, only proved crucial in my escape. a parachutist. Posted to 1st Africa Star too keen to get stuck in. I finally escaped dressed Parachute Squadron Royal In 1936 I became a boy soldier In August 1940, I joined a in Greek army uniform that Engineers, we jumped into at the Army Technical School, field company and deployed looked very similar to Italian Arnhem in September. Chepstow. At the end of it, to Nigeria, Sierra Leone and uniform. Our trick was that I was eventually taken you joined a man’s regiment, Egypt via Durban. I stayed in at dusk I marched my two prisoner and moved to a POW and I went to the Royal the Western Desert until the friends up towards the gate camp near Emerich. When Engineers in spring 1939 for a Germans captured Tobruk to the commandant’s office you’re first taken prisoner, few short months before war in 1942, when I was wounded for ‘punishment’. I was a bit morale drops to your boots broke out. and taken prisoner. apprehensive that the Italian because we weren’t trained When war was declared, From there, it was nine guard would rumble us but in escape techniques. But the I was digging trenches in months in a POW camp in we got through smoothly into second time I wasn’t at all Shorncliffe. We were all Ancona, north east Italy. the Italian barracks. demoralised as I knew a few

24 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | NOVEMBER 2013 tricks and I was determined then found a track on the to escape again. Royal other side of the wadi that Left to right: Corporal ‘Chick’ Weir, Corporal John Humphreys, Engineers always carried a the Jerrys could use so I did Lieutenant Dennis Simpson and Captain Eric Mackay clasp knife on their shoulder that next. We didn’t have and I dropped mine down any English explosives so I my trousers. In those days, used German ones; I drilled the Germans never touched holes but the explosives around your crotch when they were too big, so I sawed them searched you. in half. When the Officer At the POW camp there Commanding turned up, he was a long building where all nearly had a fit and I told him prisoners headed. I was more ‘well you tell me how to get interested in escaping and explosives in that hole’. His spotted a small cookhouse response? ‘Carry on!’ with an open door. Anyway I blew that road Inside were two big up and it was still being stoves and two windows repaired when I was taken with iron bars. Closing the as a POW to hospital in Sunday, my main challenge door I took my jackknife Benghazi. was making sure a sniper and scraped all the cement After my escape from didn’t kill me. The IRA booby- around the bottom of the bars a POW camp, I was sent trapped mines and used all to loosen them. I went to the to a resettlement camp to Palestine (MiD) sorts of skullduggery. By now stove, mixed the ashes with assess if we were fit to carry Issued with short rifles and I was captain quartermaster water and carefully covered on soldiering. The CO told jungle warfare kit we awaited and we did all the engineering the windowsill to conceal me that I’d got a Mention our next move in a camp near tasks, building towers and what I’d done. I looked for my in Dispatches, but quite Weymouth. When the Far sangars to obstruct the IRA. friends to tell them that I was honestly I didn’t know what it East War finished we were My outstanding memory making a break. meant. pleased, knowing that we’d was keeping my head down. At dusk, I planted both have been part of the force to Northern Ireland at that time feet against the wall, grabbed attack Malaya. So instead we was a difficult, nasty place. the bars and bent them. I’d went to Palestine until 1948. done nine months in a POW My main role was with camp, so I was damn sure that the engineers in cordon and I wasn’t going back. I was just When the armistice was search. We cordoned off the 22 and now I’d escaped twice, called we were in Norway. kibbutz and searched for OBE but, when you’re young, it’s We took the surrender of armoury that the Germans I served in the Army for all part of life’s rich pattern. the Germans, removed had cleverly hidden. They laid 41 years and didn’t know When I arrived home, explosives from the mines under railway lines anything else until I retired as my mother was hanging out hydroelectric plants and and made crafty switches to a Lieutenant Colonel in 1977. I washing. She said ‘I thought started clearing minefields double-bluff us. They blew up met my late wife Brenda during you were in a POW camp!’ I but realised we were daft the King David Hotel and we the war and we married when I told her ‘I was but I didn’t like and should have made the were first on the scene and came home from Palestine. it!’ Germans do it. When we found a few survivors. Our The Duke of Kent heard the war was over trucks were always loaded presented my OBE at my there wasn’t any massive with everything we needed, investiture and we had a celebration because, before all stored in a way that, if we long chat about Hong Kong. we knew it, we went to wanted a pick and shovel, He served there at the same Africa (Mention in Palestine by train and troop there it was. time except he commanded a Dispatches) ship. I got my second Mention cavalry squadron while I was I got the first of my two I got my medal from in Dispatches in Palestine just a Tommy. I wasn’t nervous Mention in Dispatches (MiD) the King of Norway with a when my name appeared because I previously met King in Africa. The road leading diploma thanking me for my in ‘Part Two Orders’ on our George and Queen Elizabeth down into Derna in Libya contribution towards the noticeboard. I don’t have the when we went to the Palace was a horseshoe shape in freedom of Norway. I also faintest idea why. My military after Arnhem and presented to the mountains with a lovely won a commendation from record says: ‘For services the Royal Family. harbour at the bottom. The the Commander-in-Chief, beyond the call of duty’. I enjoyed my army career. I Italians built this magnificent General Montgomery, for saw quite a lot of the world so I road out of the mountainside; services beyond the call of didn’t lack travel. After retiring, a wall went straight up from duty in North West Europe but I was fortunate to become The the road while the other side you don’t win anything, I just County Emergency Planning sheered down. got three cheers. I met Monty Northern Ireland Officer in West Glamorgan. My My company commander once after the war. He asked In 1970 I was with the Para wife decided that we’d live in told me ‘I want you to get if I’d been to Africa while I Brigade at the height of the Mumbles, which seemed only that road ready to blow up’. was stood there wearing the Troubles. Based in Antrim fair given that I dragged her I prepared it for demolition, Africa Star. I thought ‘Hell!’ around the time of Bloody around the world.

NOVEMBER 2013 | ISSUE 276 | 25 BOOKS

Out in the Army My Life as a Gay Soldier By James Wharton, Biteback Publishing, £16.99

This is an easy-to-read getting back together with new attitude within the service with a teenager from Wiltshire biography, told with candour. the one he really loves and, towards diversity; leading to his who had lobbied her council Stephen Fry describes it eventually, tying the knot in a interview with representatives to provide a much needed as ‘wonderful, stirring and civil partnership. from the American military venue for a teenage LGBT thrilling’… he’s obviously easily All this is told over the looking to dissolve their ‘don’t forum influenced him to leave pleased. James Wharton’s background of his day job of ask, don’t tell’ policy. This the Army and become a part story, basically, is boy meets being a soldier in the Blues and led to his collaboration with of Stonewall’s Education for boy, after boy, after boy on the Royals, which, quite frankly, Stonewall, where a meeting All campaign. gay scene in London. I found more interesting. Realising his life is Especially the details about shallow and self-harmful he the two sides of the regiment, decides to embark on a stable the ceremonial and the ‘green’ relationship with his one true war-fighting when he was love, who, unfortunately, has deployed to Iraq in 2007. other ideas and dumps him – His pride in the Regiment, mid-tour of Iraq. especially his time in , Then, after meeting training as a gunner on a another lad and starting a Scimitar commanded by proper relationship, James’ Prince Harry, leaps off the first true love re-enters his life page. Also of interest was and it’s James’ turn to do the his work for the Army’s PR dirty on boyfriend two, whilst machine, demonstrating the

THE KILL LIST Behind the lines By Frederick Forsyth A Critical Survey of Special Bantam Press, £18.99 Operations in World War II By Michael F. Dilley Casemate UK, £20

Frederick Forsyth probably deserts, presumably so the Looking at the work of the successful during the Second needs no introduction to you, reader doesn’t feel cheated. brave Special Operations World War, and also how they with 12 novels topping the Even the relatively benign personnel during the Second failed. bestseller’s list. Somali negotiator gets his World War, Behind the Lines The no-nonsense way This latest offering from comeuppance – something I provides critical reviews of in which each case study is the master storyteller focuses feel would be unlikely in real some of the best and worst presented not only keeps on modern-day terrorism and, life. examples of the time. each example short and especially at the beginning, I But that aside, it is fast- From an in-depth look succinct, it also provides had to keep reminding myself paced from start to finish. My at Britain’s first , the reader with enough it was a work of fiction. absolute favourite bit came to how Japanese Special Ops information to picture each Forsyth’s prose is flawless in the foreword: ‘For the US soldiers parachuted behind scenario in their mind’s eye. and no words are wasted. Marine Corps, which is a very enemy lines to capture the Using strict evaluation Several strands gradually large unit, and for the British Palembang oil refineries, criteria, the author assesses weave into a single thread and Pathfinders, who are a very Behind the Lines passes a 23 operations, grading them my only gripe is the neatly tied small one. To the former, magnifying glass over some to provide the reader with a up happy-ever-after ending, Semper Fi, and to the latter, of the best examples of how rounded review of each case where everyone gets their just rather you than me’ – classic. Special Operations were study.

26 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | NOVEMBER 2013

Health Heart Health and Fitness circulatory heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer, causing around 82,000 deaths every year

Reduce your total fat intake – especially saturated fat and trans fats. These lead to increased cholesterol and are therefore bad for your heart. Foods high in saturated fat include butter, hard cheese, fatty meat, biscuits, cakes, cream, lard, suet, ghee, coconut oil and palm oil.

Moderate amounts of unsaturated fats – monounsaturated and polyunsaturated – are good for your cholesterol levels. Foods high in unsaturated fat include olive oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, nuts and seeds (such as walnuts, pine nuts and sesame seeds), and some margarines and spreads.

Lower your salt intake – eating too much can cause high blood pressure, which is linked to heart disease. The body only needs small amounts of salt, with the daily recommendation for adults being less than 6g, which is about one teaspoon. Cut down on processed foods as they contain large amounts of salt – at least 75 per cent of the salt in our diet comes from food such as bread, cheese, sausages, cereals and biscuits. Manufacturers often list sodium on the food label instead of salt, and 1g of sodium is the equivalent of 2.5g of salt. A food is high in salt if it has more than 1.5g salt or 0.6g sodium per 100g.

Stopping smoking - is the biggest step irculatory heart disease occurs health of your heart. Around a third of you can take to reduce your risk of when the blood supply to the the food we consume should be fruit developing heart disease. Smokers are heart muscle is reduced because and vegetables. Another third should be nearly twice as likely to have a heart C the heart’s arteries become too starchy foods, such as bread, cereals, attack as people who have never smoked. narrow or are blocked. This is caused by pasta, rice and potatoes. Wholegrain and Within a year of stopping smoking, your a gradual build-up of porridge-like fatty wholemeal varieties are best because risk of a heart attack falls to about half deposits inside the coronary arteries. of their fibre content. The remaining that of a smoker. Most deaths caused by cardiovascular third should include a moderate amount disease are premature and could easily be of dairy food, meat, fish and vegetarian An active lifestyle - can significantly prevented by making lifestyle changes. alternatives, and small amounts of food reduce your chance of developing heart Diet has a significant effect on the containing fat and sugar. disease. Taking regular exercise can

28 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | NOVEMBER 2013 lower your blood pressure, cholesterol vitalnumbers levels, weight and your risk of developing heart disease. Activities can range from a fast walk to more vigorous exercise, such THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE as running and dancing. Adults should READY TO HELP you do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week. DF

RN Benevolent Trust: Grants, advice Harassment, bullying and income supplements for veterans. or discrimination: 10 tips for a Call 0239 2690112 or email rnbt@rnbt. JSP 763, The MOD Harassment Healthier Heart org.uk. Complaints Procedures, is a guide for Services and civilians. Contact 1. Get moving - perform 150 minutes RN Association: Comradeship for the Defence Business Services on of moderate intensity aerobic activity all serving and ex-Service members 0800 345 7772 (+441225 829572 from every week. of the RN, RM, QARNNS, WRNS, overseas) or em: PeopleServices@ Reserves, RFA and RNXS.royal-naval- pppa.mod.uk. 2. Give up smoking - a year after giving association.co.uk up, your risk of a heart attack falls to Matters of conscience about half that of a smoker. Royal Marines Benevolent Fund: and whistleblowing under the Relieves hardship among serving Public Interest Disclosure Act. Call 0800 3. Manage your weight - stick to a and former Marines and dependents. 3457772. Select option four. well-balanced diet low in fat and high [email protected]. in fruit and vegetables, combined with com or call 02392 547201. Service Personnel and Veterans plenty of physical activity. Agency: Pay, pensions and personnel ABF The Soldiers Charity: Support to support for the Services and veterans, 4. Drop the salt - stop using salt at soldiers and veterans. including the JPA system, and Joint the table and try adding less to your www.soldierscharity.org or call 0845 Casualty and Compassionate Centre: cooking, or cut it out completely. 241 4820. 0800 0853600: 0800 1692277 5. Get your five a day - eat five portions or veterans-uk.info of fruit and vegetables a day. RAF Benevolent Fund: Help for RAF personnel past and present. rafbf.org MOD Occupational Welfare Service: 6. Eat oily fish - eat oily fish twice or call 0800 1692942. Confidential advice on work and a week. personal issues. Call 0800 345 7047 The Charity for Civil Servants: Helps 7. Walk off stress - if you’re feeling anyone who has worked for the Civil Service Complaints Commissioner: To under pressure, clear your mind with Service and their dependents. Advice make a complaint or seek advice, email: a walk; it will also count towards your about support and financial help. [email protected] daily activity. csbf.org.uk or call 0800 056 2424. Naval Personal & Family Service 8. Cut saturated fat - reduce the Army Welfare Service: HQ AWS has and Royal Marines Welfare: consumption of foods such as butter, relocated to Upavon. Confidential NPFS & RMW have three main offices in hard cheese, fatty meat, biscuits, support for soldiers and families. army. the UK, where the serving person’s next cakes, cream and lard. mod.uk/welfare-support/family/ of kin resides determines which default.aspx or call (UK) 01980 615975. office to contact. 9. Drink less alcohol - alcohol can ■ Eastern area office - HMS Nelson - be fattening. RAF Association (RAFA): Comradeship Tel: 023 92 722 712 - after hours 023 92 and care for current and former RAF 726 159. 10. Read the food label – members. rafa.org.uk/welfare.asp. ■ Western area office - HMS Drake - understanding what is in food will help you make healthier choices. Tel:01752 555 041 - HIVE: Tri-Service information covering after hours 01752 555 220. issues like education and health. 167 ■ Northern area office - Helensburgh - offices. hive.mod.uk. Tel: 01436 672 798 - after hours 01436 674 321 (Ext 4005) Royal British Legion: Charity providing RM Welfare - 01752 836 395 (via duty financial, social and emotional support officer, guardroom RM Stonehouse). This article comes to you from to vets and serving, and dependents. CS Healthcare, the specialist www.britishlegion.org.uk or The Defence Medical Welfare Service provider of health insurance for civil call 08457 725 725. (DMWS): Charity providing welfare servants. Telephone 0800 917 4325. support from frontline to recovery for www.cshealthcare.co.uk SSAFA Forces Help: Supports serving wounded, sick and injured serving This article is general advice personnel, veterans and the families of personnel and their families when only. If you or a family member have both. Practical and financial assistance they are in hospital, rehabilitation or any medical concerns contact your and emotional support.ssafa.org.uk recovery centres. www.dmws.org.uk GP or medic. or call 0845 1300 975. or call 01264 774000

NOVEMBER 2013 | ISSUE 276 | 29 PUZZLES sudoku chess The NATO Chess Championships were held recently in Poland and the UK team competed against Compiled by: 13 other nations. Germany is Carl Portman the strongest chess team and once again they prevailed. The UK finished 10th out of 14 and the team captain, Lieutenant Dave Ross RN, said that they had hoped to finish higher. I can vouch that this is a very tough tournament with titled players participating, and positive results have to be fought for, tooth and nail. There were opponent should now play 18…g6 to though some bright spots for our team. alleviate the pressure but blundered by Fill in the grid so that every row, every The best score was accrued by Staff playing 18…f6 (the pawn to f6). See if you column and every 3x3 box contains the Sergeant Dave Onley with 4½/7. He has a can guess how white capitalised on this numbers 1 to 9 very open, aggressive style of chess and to either checkmate or win material. The (like the great Viktor Korchnoi) he does nearest answer to what happened wins a not offer or accept draws lightly. It’s ‘die chess book donated by Chess & Bridge Ltd with your boots on’ chess for him. When of London. he sees a weakness in your position he will Send your answers to me at carl. exploit it ruthlessly. [email protected] please. I will give you one of his NATO games The answer to October’s problem this month against Polish player Marcin was 1…Qxh2+ 2. Kxh2 Ng3+ 3.Kg1 Rh1~or Solution to Skwarczynski. In this position Onley is 1…Bxd4 immediately. The winner will be the October white and pressing as usual for the win. announced. September’s winner was Dr 2013 puzzle He has just played his queen to g3. His Andrew Malcolm from the Met Office.

topical solution (no peeking) 15. Poland 18. Prior 19. Chic 19. Prior 18. Poland 15.

crossword Nirvana 13. Espresso 12. 6. Nettles 7. Carbohydrates 7. Nettles 6.

3. Ohio 4. Tennis 5. Trapdoor 5. Tennis 4. Ohio 3.

Across Miley 2. Redford Robert 1. 1. Shakespearean character who says ‘O, I Down

am fortune’s fool’ (5)

4. It struck an iceberg and sank with the Cyrus 23. Diamond 22.

loss of 1,490 lives (7) Atheist 21. Opals 20.

8. Gold in bulk before coining (7) Spur 17. Dark-room 16.

9. Table used in religious ceremonies (5) Moss 14. Ness 13.

10. Narrow beams of light (4) Vindaloo 11. Rays 10. Altar 9. 11. Highly spiced, very hot Indian curry (8) Bullion 8. Titanic 4. Romeo 1.

13. US prohibition agent who led ‘The Across Untouchables’ (4) 14. Kate, the British supermodel (4) 16. Photographic materials are processed Down here (4-4) 1. He is the only actor in the 2013 movie ‘Midsomer Murders’ (7) 17. It is worn on a rider’s heel to urge a ‘All Is Lost’ (6,7) 7. Sugars and starches found in food (13) horse forward (4) 2. And 23 Across. Her 2013 album 12. Strong coffee (8) 20. Gemstones made of hydrated silica ‘Bangerz’ went straight to the top of the 13. Kurt Cobain’s grunge group (7) and noted for their rich iridescence (5) charts (5,5) 15. England’s final opponents in their 2014 21. Person who denies the existence of 3. Columbus is the capital city of this US World Cup qualifying group (6) God (7) state (4) 18. England’s wicket-keeper in their 2013 22. ‘Blood ______’, a Leonardo DiCaprio 4. Andy Murray’s sport (6) Ashes success (5) movie (7) 5. Hinged door in a ceiling (8) 19. US disco group whose singles include 23. See 2 Down 6. John, who plays Tom Barnaby in ‘Le Freak’ and ‘Good Times’ (4)

30 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | NOVEMBER 2013 offers

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NOVEMBER 2013 | ISSUE 276 | 31