rsme matters ISSUE 4 : MARCH 2010 NEWS FROM THE ROYAL SCHOOL OF MILITARY ENGINEERING MILITARY OF SCHOOL ROYAL THE FROM NEWS

Inside: Combat bridging Services special 1 RSME rugby...

Working together to train our soldiers for operations 02 MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 03 rsme matters rsme matters

Contents Features

Introduction ...... 4 5 Let it snow! ...... 4

Sport: rugby...... 5

Don’t walk by...... 6

Royal School of Military Engineering .... 7 SPORT: RUGBY 2009 A look back...... 8 For many aspiring sportsmen and women the highlight of the week at the RSME is Wednesday afternoon. One of the traditional sports in Class of 2009 update ...... 10 which 1 RSME regularly competes is rugby. Read more on page 5

COLD – VERY! ...... 14

Services special 6 10

Safety update ...... 15

Combat bridging...... 16

28 Engineer Regiment are building bridges in Helmand...... 18

OP GIRAFFE, Workington DON’T WALK BY CLASS OF 2009 UPDATE Cumbria 26 Nov 09 ...... 20 Each card submitted will be Congratulations are due to our class actioned and you will be given of 2009. They have now started their Construction update...... 22 feedback on the action taken and next phase of training. RSME of course your card will be entered Matters caught up with four of our Early beginnings ...... 24 in the monthly draw. volunteers at Chatham early in Read more on page 6 February. Read more on page 10 New Chief Instructor for PEW ...... 24

Reachback...... 25

IT update ...... 26 16 26 4

Main picture: COMBAT BRIDGING IT UPDATE Helping to keep Minley snow-free Ask anyone, anywhere what the If you want to know what’s Royal Engineers do and the answer happening in the IT world at the LET IT SNOW! Photography: All images except where stated will inevitably be ‘build bridges’. RSME, ask Holdfast Head of IT For the second year running both sites were hit by bad weather in January. by Ian Clowes www.goldysolutions.co.uk Read more on page 16 Chris Bryant. Design and Production: Plain Design This year however the snow lay thick on the ground and only the combined www.plaindesign.co.uk Read more on page 26 efforts of everyone within the RSME kept things running... Read more on page 4 Cover image: 1 RSME rugby team in action 04 MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 05 rsme matters rsme matters

Let it snow! Sport: rugby

As we explored in issue 3, the For the second year running both sites were Holdfast Site Manager Taddy McCauley For many aspiring sportsmen and group caps. A number of other players have Royal School of Military Engineering hit by bad weather in January. This year described one particular challenge. ‘As women the highlight of the week at the played at County level. The opponents, 13 Air is all about training. In this issue we however the snow lay thick on the ground people will remember, the availability of grit RSME is Wednesday afternoon. All types of Assault Supply Regt from Colchester, would take a look at the sometimes and only the combined efforts of everyone became a major problem country-wide. sports are catered for from golf to sky soon know that they had a fight on their forgotten world behind the training: within the RSME kept things running and all Thanks to the decision of CO 1 RSME to diving. One of the traditional sports in which hands. Today’s game is the second round of that of housing and feeding the resident students and staff safe, warm and utilise the parade square as a central car the RSME regularly competes is rugby. the Army Rugby Union Community Shield. thousands of students and staff each well fed. park our grit requirements were reduced, RSME Matters dropped by one murky year at the RSME. We also learn but our procurement team managed to February afternoon to see how the 1 RSME WO2 Snook takes up the commentary: about how the RSME is directly Minley Site Manager Adam Cooper takes secure one of the last available loads of team was doing. ‘Both teams took to the field with 1 RSME helping to solve problems in theatre up the story. ‘The start of the New Year saw rock salt available in the UK which was sporting their new Holdfast sponsored strip. and how bridging is still a central the continuation of the harshest winter for offloaded, suitably under cover of darkness “The team did well 1 RSME soon established a very quick 7 theme for Royal Engineers both at over 30 years. At Minley, exceptional to our Wood Street QM department.’ point lead. 13 AA drew level but 1 RSME home and in Afghanistan. snowfall covered the site with over 12 against strong kept the pressure on and went into half- inches of snow. During the first week in Lt Col Paul Fountaine (CO 1 RSME) added, opposition and are time 8 points ahead. In the second half 13 We catch up with some of our particular large numbers of RSME ‘A great deal of planning took place AA seemed to have a renewed sense of volunteer Sappers as they embark on personnel simply couldn’t make the journey between the Regiment and Holdfast to now looking to purpose and kept 1 RSME defending their trade training, watch 1RSME bring into work. However it did not deter determine the best way to minimise the defend the Fern Cup own try line. But the boys dug in their heels down the opposition on the rugby significant numbers from making it into disruption to training, whilst remaining alive and didn’t allow 13 AA to take advantage. field, hear how the RSME coped with work either on foot or in 4x4’s to ensure the to the problems people were facing getting of which they are the Introduction Introduction the January snow, and more. 900+ students were well looked after. to work and the possibility of needing to current holders.” After a succession of scrums Sapper Taff assist the local community. Thankfully no Barlow managed to run in a try which was Tim Redfern ‘3 RSME and Holdfast met twice each day such deployment was needed, and successfully converted taking the score to to review progress and identify actions although training was disrupted for a short The team is selected from a squad of 45 22-7. Towards the end of the second half required. This ensured that the impact on period, we soon caught up all lost time. The soldiers and four permanent staff. There is Sapper Dougie Douglas drove over for a training was minimised and a round-the- flexibility and mutual understanding an enthusiastic coaching team led by second try by the corner flag completing a clock approach to clearing and gritting site demonstrated by all stakeholders was WO2(SSM) Lew Snook, SSM 24 Trg Sqn, successful game for 1 RSME.’ We’re always looking for new parts of roads was really effective. Holdfast testimony to the strength of the RSME himself a RFU Level 2 Coach, who also the RSME to explore and share within engineers and chefs remained onsite partnership, without which the impact could coaches with the London Irish Community The team went on to narrowly defeat 14 Sig RSME Matters. If you’d like us to tell overnight to ensure heating systems and have been far greater.’ Team at Premiership Masterclass camps. Regt 11-10 in the Qtr final of the shield but your story then just let us know. centralised feeding were guaranteed.’ Lew is joined by two other coaches: SSgt were themselves beaten by 16 Regt RA in Vince Reynolds, Electrician SSgt also a the semi-finals. Ian Clowes Around the Medway sites the training and Level 2 Coach, and Sgt Drew Sherston, service delivery remained largely unaffected. Durrant Troop who is a Level 1 Coach. WO2 Snook remains optimistic. ‘The team Editor, RSME Matters 1 Training was halted for 1 ⁄2 days due to the did well against strong opposition and are conditions but this time was easily made up The highest capped player in the team is now looking to defend the Fern Cup of 07930 982 661 over the following weeks. Sapper Joe McClean who has six Welsh age which they are the current holders.’ [email protected] 06 MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 07 rsme matters rsme matters

Don’t Royal School of walk by Military Engineering

There’s a new name in safety at the we’ve been able to address: from slip, trip Vicky recently met the first three winners at HQ RSME RSME. Vicky Huckle has recently taken on and fall hazards to complex issues such as Minley. Sgt Owens spotted trailing electrical HQ RSME with Holdfast coordinates and resources the activities of the regiments and wings in order to allow the lead Heath and Safety role within the traffic management around sites. leads outside Mac’s Mess. Jason Jordon effective and efficient delivery of trained and motivated soldiers for operations in Afghanistan. Matters of RSME and will be working closely together identified the risk from ice build-up over the quantity and relevant training content are articulated by the HQ as a requirement in concert with the five effects from the RSME Plan: support operations; maximise the effectiveness of the recruit and training pipeline; with her team of Patrick Mottram (Medway) ‘What’s needed now is a big push behind entrance to the workshops and Peter improve training delivery; embed a culture of continuous improvement; deliver improved infrastructure. and Steve Marshall (Minley) to champion the scheme. My aim is that everyone uses Thomas highlighted the hazards of loose safety and environmental issues. the scheme to identify and report incidents, steps outside Sleavon Block. PEW potential problems and opportunities for Professional Engineering Wing delivers training up to MSc level to Royal Engineers professional Vicky has over 20 years of experience, improvements’. Each received a cheque for £50. engineers and technicians (Chartered Engineer & Incorporated Engineer) and troop commanders in ranging from heavy civil engineering to order to deliver force infrastructure, and reconstruction & development projects on operations worldwide. The Wing also provides bespoke pre-deployment training and agency training in Maths, specialist mechanical handling equipment To support this push Vicky has So take a look around as you move about IT and Technology to all other courses run at the Royal School of Military Engineering. and plant. commissioned additional safety posters and site. If you spot something: will be out and about championing the ‘My experience is well matched to the scheme over the next few months. DON’T WALK BY 1 RSME REGT (Chatham Station) 24 Trg Sp Sqn diverse range of activities within the RSME Each card 1 RSME Regt provide Artisan Engineer training to the Royal Engineers and wider Field Army. There are over 12 different trades available to soldiers who pass through here on their class one and two courses. and I’m excited about my new role and the ‘The scheme is for everyone to participate submitted will be Junior and Senior Command Courses, Professional Engineers, RE Band musicians and soldiers 36 Trg Sp Sqn challenges ahead. I’m keen to see in: Army personnel including students, actioned and you undertaking Search courses and Explosive Ordnance Disposal all add to the diversity of Chatham Station. increased participation across the RSME Holdfast instructors and support staff, and will be given especially in the Don’t Walk By campaign,’ site visitors. We’ve already had several feedback on the Comd Wing she commented. winners of our monthly draw from action taken. Command Wing provides the Corps with trained and motivated commanders and leaders through submitted report cards and it’s been great What’s more, operationally focused command and supervisory training to Royal Engineer Officers, Warrant ‘This campaign has already thrown up a to meet them and learn more about their your card will be Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers. With particular emphasis on leadership, great range of suggestions and issues that observations and the actions taken. Each entered in the doctrine and tactics, the training provides the necessary technical, supervisory and administrative card submitted is potentially saving monthly draw. knowledge to command engineer sections, troops and squadrons in peace and on operations. someone from an injury. Remember - 55 Trg Sqn it could be you!’ 3 RSME REGT (Minley Station) 3 RSME Regt provide Combat Engineer training to the Royal Engineers and wider Field Army. In addition to the Military Engineer Class One and Three courses, they also run Junior Command Courses, Instructor Selection and Development, PNCO Cadres, Common Military Syllabus and 57 Trg Sqn Driver Training within the Corps; and training for Assault Pioneers, Support Troopers and Corps of Army Music for the Infantry, RLC, RAC and CAMus. 63 Trg Sp Sqn

BEW Battlefield Engineering Wing is the MOD's centre of excellence for battlefield engineering. Your Safety Contacts: BEW's emphasis is on command and control skills using and developing advanced combat engineering skills and techniques: everything from rapid bridging, to use of explosives. These skills are also fundamental to force protection engineering (protected structures, water supply etc). Training is focussed on RE and all arms commanders, corporals and above.

CIS Branch Part of the Battlefield Engineering Wing, the CIS Branch is the centre for all CIS matters in the Corps, with training being delivered to both vocational and non-vocational soldiers. Training is delivered using computer aided classrooms, landrover based training aids and field training. With BOWMAN and the soon to be introduced new RE Battlefield Information Systems Application (MAKEFAST), the Branch is an integral part of command and young officer training.

DEFENCE ANIMAL CENTRE Delivering: Through Canine, Equine and Veterinary Divisions, the Defence Animal Centre (DAC) trains military working animals and personnel trained in their husbandry and use, including military working dogs for arms/explosives search and security tasks - a unique wide area capability. The VICKY HUCKLE PATRICK MOTTRAM (MEDWAY) STEVE MARSHALL (MINLEY) DAC is also responsible for the procurement and training of all horses and riders for the Household t: 07837 324 319 t: 07919 211 081 t: 07887 796 557 Cavalry Mounted Regiment and King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 08 MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 09 rsme matters December ‘08 rsme matters

EX SP ENDEAVOUR January ‘09 New CO 3 Regiment - Lt Col Quare EX WARPAINT Holdfast Service Commencement

OP HERRICK 11 Phantom Sapper EX 39TH SHOT February ‘09 EX SAILFISH UOTC Weekend EX OAKAPPLE EX SP ENDEAVOUR Foundations dug for JRSLA 1005 EX WARPAINT March ‘09 Takeover by Comdt RSME Brigadier NG Baveystock

Foundations dug for Vision and RSME Plan produced Phantom Sapper REA Weekend Minley REFRESHER JRSLA GB1005 April ‘09 EX SAILFISH 1 RSME win RE Games EX SP ENDEAVOUR EX OAKAPPLE Production of first edition of RSME Matters Virtual Learning Environment development work started May ‘09 SPECIAL TO ARMS Minley Week EX SAILFISH PDT GENERIC REA Weekend Minley OP BAM June ‘09 Veterans and Armed Forces Day

Phantom Sapper Refurbished JR Club at Veterans and Armed Forces Day Corps Memorial Weekend Minley opened July ‘09 Pay as you dine (PAYD) Introduction HQ RSME Partnering Workshop

Refurbished JR Club at Minley opened August ‘09 Corps Memorial Weekend EX POLAR POWER (OP HERRICK) RSME Open Day

SSD received 4000 calls in month EX OAKAPPLE September ‘09 OP BAM (OP HERRICK) EX PINESTICK WiFI Rolled out New CO 1 Regiment - Lt Col Fountaine

October ‘09 Training Transformation Symposium RSME Open Day SSD received 4000 calls in month

Major build starts - Medway Co-location of RSME and Holdfast teams November ‘09 Remembrance

New Classrooms at Minley

KELP EAGLE 2009 December ‘09 HTS ISO 9001 Accreditation EX PINESTICK Contract with DSG for Vehicle Inspections agreed A look back

OP HERRICK 12 January ‘10 32,419 cases logged by SSD in year 1,000th Sapper begins trade training under Holdfast Training Services Handover of JRSLA 1005 February ‘10 10 MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 11 rsme matters rsme matters Class of 2009 update

Congratulations are due to our class of to Chatham. This can mean stints on ‘When we first arrived in Chatham we 2009. They have now started their next guard duty but Tatton also spent a week at explored the night life and had a few phase of training. RSME Matters caught up the Royal Engineers’ Museum at Chatham. wild nights out. However we’re all keen with four of our volunteers at Chatham early A fascinating place,’ he commented. I was on sports and tend to spend more time in February. surprised at the large number of Engineer in the gym than the bar. The most VCs.’ frustrating thing so far about the course Three of them have moved together onto is that once you’ve built a fine looking the Bricklaying and Concretors course. Sapper Walkden spent an enjoyable two wall you have to take it down!’ Sapper Tatton explained that they had weeks at Lodgehill playing the enemy found the B3 end exercise one of the during Phase 2a final exercises, before We’ll meet up with the trio later in their toughest they’d done so far. taking a week’s leave at home. course when we’ll also take an in-depth look at exactly what the course entails. ‘The worst part of the exercise was ‘That was a real challenge. I missed the afterwards. The satisfaction of receiving the routine, the lads and the camaraderie. It’s Where are they hoping to end up on stable belt and the pleasure of being served difficult to explain to friends back home just completion? 24, 28 and 36 Regt., but breakfast by the RSM was somewhat what life’s like in the Army.’ you’ll have to wait and see who’s going knocked when we learned we had to go where…. back and put away the two bridges we’d Sapper Walkden is the 1000th Sapper to built during the exercise. enter Trade Training at Chatham since the start of the Holdfast contract! Before ‘It was also sad to part company with signing up, Walkden spent two years as a everyone at the end of the course.’ pro-golfer. In between courses he’s also managed to play golf in the Engineer/ Each of the Sappers spent time in the Sapper competition and is hoping to make Minley-base Talavara Troop before moving the Corps and possibly the Army team.

“The most frustrating thing so far about the course is that once you’ve “Leave was a real challenge. built a fine I missed the routine, the lads and looking wall the camaraderie. It’s difficult to you have to explain to friends back home just

Sapper Walkden take it down!” Sapper Tatton what life’s like in the Army.” 12 MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 13 rsme matters rsme matters

FITTER GEN Everyone arriving at Chatham is placed on the ‘There’s very little a Fitter Gen won’t be able The final volunteer in this catch-up is Sapper Assessment Module. This is an opportunity to do after training.’ Crosbie. He’s currently completing the Fitter both for the instructors to evaluate the Gen assessment course in the workshops students suitability for the course and for the On completion of the 32-week course the at Chatham. He also spent time in Talavara students to confirm it’s really what they want Sappers will move on to driver training at Troop and remembers periods of intensive to be doing. There are seven courses each Leconsfield before joining the field army. sweeping of leaves and snow in December. year, with 12 students per course. ‘The work so far on the assessment course Many will return to complete the specialist has confirmed that Fitter Gen is really what I Sapper Crosbie Jon commented: ‘Fitter Gen is a mysterious Class 1 courses: Fitter Equipment, Utilities want to do,’ he explained. Life at Chatham role to many people. The full title is Fitter and Petroleum or Fitter Machinist. is quite different, with more social time, (SSM) Lew Snook, coach of the 1RSME Sapper Crosbie’s other success is that he’s RSME Matters spoke to Head of General Equipment Mechanic and the civilian instructors and a wider range of Rugby Team, and he was immediately just learned to drive and bought himself an Department Jon Sillers to learn more about ultimate role is the servicing, maintenance In the next issue of RSME Matters we’ll visit food and drink.’ drafted into the next training session. He old mini... so keep your eyes open for a being a Fitter Gen. and repair of the Army’s huge range of the Electrical Department and meet one of hopes to be playing for 1RSME in some mini crammed with 1RSME rugby players mechanical equipment.’ our other sapper volunteers and Head of Sapper Crosbie’s other interest is rugby of their upcoming matches. over the coming weeks. A toolmaker by trade, Jon arrived at the Department Steve Reece. and he’s hoping to make the U21 Army RSME in 1994 as an instructor on the Fitter To achieve this the student has to become Rugby Team. While speaking to him in Machinist course. Promoted to Head of well versed in all engineering workshop the Fitter’s Café we bumped into WO2 Department in 2002 he was appointed practices and have a general working Faculty Manager in June 2008. knowledge of petrol and diesel engines, generators, pumps and vehicle/plant transmission systems.

“There’s very little a Fitter Gen won’t be able to do after training.” 14 MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 15 rsme matters rsme matters

COLD – VERY! Safety

‘It is one of those things you look back Many were competing for a good cause: RSME stars of the on and enjoy several hours after including two of the Holdfast team. Andrew update The accident statistics for 2009 show As the year progressed an increase in the completing!’ commented QMSI Paddy Bowes ran in support of Help for Heroes 2009 International some very clear trends. Peter Sheridan, minor injuries can be seen. A large Hanna. ‘During training we’ve had far more and Mike Foley for the Oliver Fisher Baby PETER SHERIDAN TAKES Holdfast Training and Services Director, proportion of these less serious injuries, arduous physical challenges than the Tough Unit at Medway Hospital. Boat Show A LOOK AT THE 2009 RSME takes a look at the figures and explains resulting in minor cuts and bruises, Guy course, but the conditions were SAFETY PERFORMANCE what lies behind the numbers. occurred during training, both on the horrendous – I’ve never been so cold.’ Holdfast MD Tim Redfern, taking part for Capt Deppe took his team to the combat engineer grounds and in trade the first (and last) time, said it was a Docklands in January, and became a star for The year started badly with a number of workshops. An equal number occurred A 10-mile course through sub-zero lakes fantastic day for the entire RSME team the week. In fact they were making history as bone fractures resulting from slips on snow during PT and other fitness training. (first ones through had to break the ice!), ‘though not one I will repeat in a hurry’. the first Royal Engineers to appear at the and ice during the January bad weather. muddy swamps, fire walking and being London International Boat Show since the Each major injury was investigated; it was One of the key messages is that trainees, attacked with electric cattle prods. Just show began in 1954. found that although the causes varied they and particularly instructors and commanders, the thing to tackle on a freezing Sunday in tended to result from failure to work or act need to better understand the risks that there January? This was made even more significant as the safely, or the failure to wear the correct will always be in the challenging training that Royal Navy had no ship to display at the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Royal Engineers must do, and to take Well that’s what a team of over nearly 50 show this year due to operational A reduction in these types of injuries during whatever steps they can to ensure that competitors from the 1 RSME and a Holdfast requirements. the snows of 2010 is positive, reinforcing realistic training for operations does not result team of 9 decided to do. Billed as ‘The the importance of following the correct in injuries that are avoidable. world’s safest, most dangerous test of mental As those of you who attended the Veterans operating procedures and wearing the right and physical pain, fear and endurance’, the Day at Chatham Dockyards last summer will PPE. Simply wearing the appropriate safety • Think about the risk in every task before event lived up to the promise. know, the combat support boat and rigid shoes can prevent an injury leading to you start it raiders put on an impressive display that months of painful recovery. The trend in • Take account of inexperience, particularly By the end of the course even the simplest The final word comes from QMSI Paddy wooed the crowds at the Docklands. ‘lost time injuries’ has steadily fallen. ‘Lost of Phase 2 trainees task such as climbing over a concrete Hanna when asked if he’d be back next time injuries’ are less serious injuries but • Don’t cut corners; do it the right way drainpipe required everyone to work as a year. ‘Yes and no! Yes we’ll be back next Capt Deppe had other duties to perform they still result in the need for time off work • Concentrate on what you are doing team. Cold – Very! year, but I’m going to suggest we do the however, including TV, newspaper and or training to fully recover. • Wear PPE when your work requires it Tough Guy event that runs in the summer magazine interviews and photo shoots. The • If injuries do occur, keep reporting them OC 36 Sqn Maj Hazel Whiteman also took next time….’ team can be see here (photo) performing in so that we can eliminate the causes part. ‘I was really impressed with the lads the tight confines of the docks (photograph • The only acceptable level of injuries is zero that took part from 1 RSME Regt. Not only You can see what it’s all about at by Nick’s wife Alison Deppe). did every single one of them complete the www.toughguy.co.uk where you can event, they did it with style, flair and checkout the photo galleries and try and panache! The assortment of fancy dress spot our brave participants. (including full makeup, hot pants and stockings!) provided entertainment and gained admiration from both the other competitors and the crowd. I still haven’t decided if I would do it again... probably not!’

Image courtesy of Charlotte Acton rsme matters Services special

Introduction

The RSME is a large organisation, Holdfast has introduced many changes with a significant residential population. over the last 12 months. This includes Many of the residents are young recruits Pay as You Dine (PAYD), refurbished retail and Sappers. This brings a duty of care and entertainment facilities, new vending and a need to provide effective areas and of course the new-build accommodation and support to them accommodation blocks, the first of which during their stay. are now in service at Minley. The new accommodation is being delivered with a In this special we take a look at the clear focus on providing improved service sometimes unnoticed teams that provide at best value, with maximum energy the practical support: food, saving and built-in sustainability – of accommodation, cleaning, waste disposal which more later. and retail services throughout the RSME. It’s usually only when there’s a problem This is only the start of a long programme that people become aware of the scale of of improvements. You will read elsewhere the task. In a future issue we will take a in this issue of the ongoing building look at the pastoral care and the teams programme and of the potential that look after emotional, spiritual and necessary disruption at Brompton that is family welfare across the RSME. required to complete the infrastructure work in advance of the demolition and Since 2009 catering services, build planned over the coming years. But accommodation, cleaning and waste the result will be accommodation and disposal have been provided by Holdfast catering facilities second to none, Training Services Limited through ESS, providing top-level support to the RSME part of the Compass Group. training mission.

So let’s take a look at what’s happening across all sites and at the same time learn some surprising statistics and meet some of the team. rsme matters rsme matters Services special Services special

Catering and Retail

RSME Matters went behind the scenes to see Operating a PAYD Service also means The other area that has seen major just what’s involved. All the meals are that civilian and contract staff can use the change is the entertainment and relaxation produced to tight specifications, set by the onsite facilities. The introduction of PAYD areas. Most recently at Minley the Junior MoD, that ensure nutritional and healthy eating was a massive culture change not only Ranks’ Diner, Mac’s Mess, has been standards are maintained. In addition, the for the military customer but the Holdfast refurbished together with the Junior Ranks planned menus ensure a range of healthy team providing the service. Holdfast Club. The JR Club is an exceptional facility options is always available. Contract Director Trevor Allen explains: with relaxed open areas combined with gaming and TV areas: it sets a lead across Work starts in the early hours of the morning ‘PAYD was introduced in July 2009, only the whole of Defence and is a much with the early shift preparing for breakfast six months after the new contract started. admired development. service. Following breakfast, mounds of The implementation plan covered a six sandwiches can be seen being prepared for month lead-in period and was one of the Sustainability is critical in the catering dispatch to students out on exercise and, by largest of its kind within the Defence provision and Holdfast is committed to this time, the lunch preparation is under way. industry. We developed a programme of using UK-sourced fresh seasonal produce training presentations and briefs and, for whenever possible. This includes 92% of Originally from Lithuania, Audra has Junior Ranks’ Mess Manager Chris example, we had to recruit and train 26 potatoes used, 86% of root vegetables and lived in the UK for 14 years and before Henderson can be seen with Joy Mathew new retail assistants. Existing team onions and 75% of brassicas (cabbages moving to the RSME worked for checking the front of house display as the members attended till and retail training to etc) coming from the UK as well as all beef. Compass in London, focusing on With a catering team of 150, if it’s true In addition to the core meals a full ‘grab ‘n’ lunch service begins. Once lunch is over ensure a smooth transition.’ catering and retail outlets in the City of that an army marches on its stomach then go’ range, lighter breakfasts and lunches, and the cleaning up complete, the late shift ‘One of my favourite times of the year is London. Although she’s unlikely to the RSME is in good hands. Serving up as well as the High Street’s favourite coffee arrives to begin the work to prepare for May to June when we’re able to source establish a champagne bar at Chatham thousands of meals each day across all brand Costa Coffee, are available at the dinner. UK grown asparagus which is some of she’s enjoyed her move to Kent and the sites the team provides breakfast, lunch and newly refurbished Fitters’ Café at Brompton the best in the world,’ Trevor added. RSME. ‘The biggest challenge so far dinner at the Officers’, SNCOs’ and Junior Barracks. Indeed this café bar feel, with was the move to PAYD. The recruitment Ranks’ Messes as well as additional barista-produced premium Costa Coffee, is of new staff, an intensive training services at key remote training sites. It’s a replicated at Gibraltar Barracks in the retail programme combined with new menu huge task and the catering teams at both within Mac’s Mess. A full grab ‘n’ go food control and design, portion control and sites are generally amongst the very first to range is also available within the Spar stock management, was hard work but arrive in the morning and the last to go shops on both sites. Never forgetting that well worth it. The other challenge was home. Not only are meals and snacks some are elsewhere during the training day, learning to identify all the different served in Messes but a lot goes on remote vending areas are also being service ranks!’ elsewhere. established across the RSME with 24hr access to drinks and snacks.

“One of my favourite times of the year is May to June when we’re able to source UK grown asparagus which is some of the best in the world” rsme matters rsme matters Services special Services special

Nestling alongside the extensive workshops She’s looking forward to the summer One of the biggest contributions to the At the moment there are special skips and at Brompton Barracks is the refurbished weather when the outdoor seating area can Waste reduction in food waste has been the bins for a wide variety of wastes as can be Fitters Café. RSME Matters was shown be used at the Fitters’ Café. The highlight introduction of standardised menus and seen in the box below. around the café by Retail Manager Audra so far for Audra was the Christmas function recipes. This was also a challenge to the Uikiene. Audra is responsible for the Fitters’ she ran in the RE Bar. services catering staff who had previously been able However the biggest problem at the Café, the RE Bar, Spar shop and the to create their own menus and order moment on-site is that people are not Dugout Bar with a team of 11. ‘It was a real eye-opener, with the students whatever materials they wanted to. putting waste into the correct bin. In the last issue of RSME Matters we really getting into the Christmas spirit with looked at the handling of hazardous ‘The Fitters’ Café is getting a much broader some amazing fancy dress costumes!’ ‘This enables us to have a tight control of ‘This results in contaminated general waste, wastes. The bulk of the waste management range of customers since the refit. The new our supply chain which brings additional which we either have to re-sort or pay a revolves around the more normal domestic range of food and snacks is selling well, POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE benefits of economies of scale and bulk premium to dispose of. I would make a plea waste – but on a commercial scale. with pasties still being the most popular. One of the other challenges we face on a sourcing. The team had to learn a to everyone on-site to think before simply Judging by the amount of coffee we sell, regular basis are the formal Mess dinners completely new way of working; but we throwing waste into a general skip. Is there Waste is collected in a range of containers productivity after breaks must increase and events. At Chatham these are even can now guarantee the food quality and a special bin available? If in doubt contact from small bins to large skips. The majority significantly!’ Audra said. more significant as the Officers’ Mess is ensure we meet the ideal nutritional the Service Support Desk.’ SILVER SERVICE of these go to local landfill. However also the Royal Engineer HQ Mess. balance,’ Tim added. The Corps Mess has a particularly fine Holdfast has developed a number of Audra also explained that the next move So next time you have a bin to empty, silver collection, looked after by Luke recycling initiatives across the site. For was to install additional vending machines ‘There are many established customs and Tim is also responsible for the many large think of Tim. Povey. Luke had been contacted by example over 200 office-paper recycling into sites at Wainscott, Upnor and Lodgehill practices to consider when managing such waste skips you can see as you travel RHQ Mess Secretary Larry Inge who boxes are now located across the RSME. as well as increasing the range of foods high profile events. The Mess is steeped in around the RSME. • Could you have eliminated the need had seen a candle gutter in use some The aim is to have a box in every office. In available in the Central Mess in a new history and we aim to match that by for the waste or reduced the volume years previously on the Royal Yacht January 2010 RSME Brompton recycled ‘Grab-and-Go’ range of ready meals and faultless service.’ Trevor said. ‘The Corps’ ‘With the reducing availability and increasing produced? Britannia – preventing candle wax 41.7% of its waste. This exceeds the 2010 baguettes. Mess team is only small so we supplement cost of landfill tackling our general waste is a • Can it be recycled? – if so find the falling onto the table. Luke was Government target of 40%. the team from other on-site staff to ensure number 1 priority. The key to this is again to right way to do it. immediately tasked to source every event goes well.’ focus on eliminating and reducing the waste • If it has to be disposed of make sure it something similar for the Mess. Tim Mullis is the man charged with dealing at source, but also to handle the waste so goes into the correct waste stream! Drawing a blank on ‘Google’ Luke with the waste challenge at the RSME. that it can be easily recycled.’ decided to call Buckingham Palace for advice and shortly found himself on ‘We work to the principles of: Eliminate, the train to London for a meeting with Reduce, Recycle and Dispose. Using our the Yeoman of the Silver and Gilt! Not ‘Trimtrax’ programme we are able to only has Luke now got a solution to identify and quantify all our waste prevent wax falling on the table, but streams. For example there is he’s also got an invitation to join the production waste from food Yeoman at the Palace to observe a preparation, hot plate waste State Banquet in March. which is food cooked but not served, and waste due to food that is SPECIAL BINS beyond its use-by AVALIABLE ON SITE FOR: date.

‘The ‘Trimtrax’ Batteries programme makes Oil that waste visible to the team and we have Fluorescent tubes already seen a marked Wood reduction as a result.’ Glass Saw dust Dog waste Hazardous waste Paper Cardboard Ink cartridges rsme matters rsme matters Services special Services special

“We’ve been used Accommodation to sharing in services 4-man rooms so Anyone who has not visited the RSME Some of the most impressive features of some of our TV for some time will be struck by the large the new buildings can’t be seen at all. amount of construction that is taking place. These relate to the areas of sustainability equipment is a bit We looked at the overall construction and energy management. RSME Matters programme in the last issue with a focus on spoke to Holdfast Project Manager Paul oversized for the the new Junior Ranks’ Single Living Young who explained: Accommodation (JRSLA) at Minley. The first new single living of the blocks is now complete and ‘The buildings represent only 78 of 840 permanent staff members are now moving rooms that we’re delivering across the rooms. However out of their 4-man rooms and into the new project. Sustainability is a key part of all of accommodation. our projects. This includes ecological it’s great to have provision of bat boxes and observations during tree removal, attenuation of surface your own space water and working to achieve a BREEAM rating (An internationally accepted and bathroom.” environmental standard).’

Dave Smith, Holdfast Deputy Estate and Property Manager took us on a tour of one of the centralised boiler rooms.

‘Unlike in the older buildings all of the utilities With the completion of the second block and services are easily accessible and low imminent and the grand opening planned for maintenance. This brings obvious benefits later in March, RSME Matters took a sneak and cost savings. We have installed the preview along with some of the first tenants. latest equipment and all of it is capable of being monitored remotely. We are planning It’s impossible to detect any signs of the to install a site-wide energy monitoring and modular build system used. From the management system that will bring outside the blocks look solid and modern additional savings in coming years. with clean lines and an impressive façade. Once inside the clean lines continue and the Dave’s team is responsible for the operation kitchen and utility areas are well fitted out and maintenance of all of the utilities plant and already in use. and equipment across the Minley site.

Meeting up with the new residents in one of Modern buildings will also help the unseen the communal lounge areas the feedback heroes of the cleaning staff. They are was positive, although the move had always the first contractors onsite, arriving thrown up a few problems. at 4.40 each morning to start cleaning all areas while most people are still in bed. ‘We’ve been used to sharing in 4-man With very nearly 200,000 square feet to be rooms so some of our TV equipment is a bit cleaned, this is a major task! oversized for the new single living rooms. However it’s great to have your own space and bathroom.’

Spr Dale Batley, Malta Troop added, ’This is the best accommodation I’ve had since I’ve been in the Army.’ rsme matters Services special

People Innovation

The successful delivery of these Holdfast Contract Director Trevor services hinges on the quality of people. Allen explains that it is important to Holdfast recently had the opportunity to constantly seek out new menus and nominate three team members for a refresh the offering at the RSME. Compass award scheme. 'It's no use simply offering the same food George every day, but the development of a new Cunningham menu is not as simple as it might first (Gibraltar appear. At the Chertsey-based ESS Barracks) – Innovation Centre sits the team tasked walked over three with developing the new menu structure miles to work and the tightly controlled supply chain during the operating under PAYD. January snows and, in the ‘The Food Development Team comprises absence of the chefs from both the military and high “The partnership duty chef, prepared the Junior Ranks’ street retail backgrounds. Combining the meets regularly to Mess for breakfast and helped Head Chef best of both worlds, working to a six- Charlie Unwins cook breakfast for over month development cycle, the team is discuss proposed 500 personnel. constantly searching for new meals and new menus and exciting offerings. Kate Fyvie recipes. All aspects (Brompton ‘Unique to ESS is that this is a of the menu are Barracks) – retail partnership with the MoD ensuring all champion for new menus fully meet the MoD reviewed, from the PAYD, led the till guidelines. The partnership meets nutritional value to training of the new regularly to discuss proposed new teams. With a real menus and recipes. All aspects of the the taste. This can-do attitude menu are reviewed, from the nutritional ensures that menus Kate worked long value to the taste.’ hours and made a are refreshed and significant contribution to the successful PAYD – GIVE IT A TRY remain interesting introduction as PAYD. ‘Not everyone has given PAYD a go yet’, all year round.” Trevor Allen commented Trevor Allen. ’We’re really (Brompton keen that people come along and give it a Barracks) – no try. With full breakfasts at only £1.10 and relation to the lunch and dinner for well under a fiver, it’s Contract Director, real value for money.’ Trevor works as Ration Clerk and was nominated by the Food Services Warrant Officer for his hard work and dedication during times of great change.

Kate made it to the London final of the awards in the Cumberland Hotel as the overall winner in her category. 16 MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 17 rsme matters rsme matters Combat bridging

Ask anyone, anywhere what the Royal Fairey Engineering Ltd of Stockport, the ‘The MGOB is of modular build with all The BR90 is most commonly deployed Engineers do and the answer will bridge had many variants, from the simple components arriving strapped on a drops as a two-storey bridge. This increases inevitably be ‘build bridges’. In spite of the over bridge to complex multi-span bridges pallet. Building an MGOB is a real team the carrying capacity. One of the other vast scope of skills, trades and ability complete with pier sets. It was even built in activity and an excellent section leader means of deploying the bridge is the within the RE it is still the bridging that combination with the M2 amphibious development exercise. It’s easy to get the impressive Automotive Bridge Launching captures people’s imagination. This was bridge. Use declined after 1997 with the measure of a good section commander Equipment (ABLE) which can bridge over reinforced by the recent build following the introduction of the BR90 General Support during a build.’ 30m in a single action. RSME Matters Cumbrian floods. Bridge; and the double storey MGB, much will be reporting in detail on ABLE in a loved by every combat engineer, slipped ‘The MGOB build is also used by the Bridge future edition. The Royal Engineers are also making a out of use. Highly portable and easy to Display team at recruitment events. Watching tremendous contribution to the efforts in construct, the MGB is both rugged and the display team at work, completing the build The other commonly used bridge is the Afghanistan in a ‘festival of military flexible and ideally suited to the challenges in less than eight minutes is a marvel when Logistic Support Bridge. This is the engineering’ including the construction of in Afghanistan. Elements of the MGB are compared with a less experienced team still bridge recently deployed in Cumbria many types of bridges. CO 28 Regt Lt Col also found in the MGOB. Normally a 4 or 5 at it after over an hour!’ following the major floods. WO2 Matt Bazeley takes us through the first four bay construction the MGOB is constructed Dorkings was part of the team in months of their latest Afghanistan posting. in-situ, over weak ground or culverts to At this point it should be explained that Cumbria and tells his story on page 20. strengthen a crossing point, whereas the QSMI Rowland is from the Royal Australian But first we’ll get back to the ubiquitous MGB is built on one side of the obstacle Engineers, on secondment to the RSME. Medium Girder Over Bridge (MGOB). Some and manoeuvred into position once He recalls competitions with the Royal days wherever you turn at the RSME you’ll complete. Engineers only vaguely as his team come across a team of engineers hard at repeatedly came second. work assembling one of these bridges. It is the MGOB that is most commonly seen Where better to go to learn more than to and used in training at the RSME. ‘I wouldn’t say that the UK teams cheated, the RSME’s Q-Mobility, the specialist but they were much more creative during bridging QSMIs based at Gibraltar QMSI Rowland explains,’The MGOB is not building competitions and always seem to Barracks. WO2 Marc Dorkings and WO2 often used in theatre, but is a superb finish first,’ he added ruefully. Geoff Rowland know just about everything introductory level training on all elements of there is to know about combat bridging. the Medium Girder Bridge system. It is used One of the advantages of the modular throughout the RSME from the B3 Combat nature of the bridge system is that it can be The Medium Girder Bridge (MGB) is the Engineer course to Troop Commander used in a variety of non-standard ways. For basis for the current style of bridges training and of course the annual example in Afghanistan bridge beams have commonly deployed. Introduced in 1971 it competition between 1 and 3 RSME been linked together to create effective displaced the classic Bailey Bridge and the featured at the Open Day.’ narrow footbridges to replace those Heavy Girder Bridge. Produced by William destroyed by insurgents. 18 MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 19 rsme matters rsme matters

28 Engineer Regiment are building bridges in Helmand

The Sappers of 28 Engineer Regiment ‘A considerable amount of our work has ‘I can't tell exactly how many walls or ‘Ably supported by force protection ‘Along with this additional manpower we “In keeping with our have been involved in every significant involved the development and improvement bridges we have blown up but I do know elements from the Coldstream Guards this are also bringing in new capabilities. The Corps motto we really operation undertaken by Task Force of the ever-increasing forward operating that over 450 bar mines will never again route will link the military patrol bases and Automotive Bridge Launching Equipment Helmand over the last four months. Here bases, patrol bases and checkpoints see the inside of a Quartermaster's local communities running through the (ABLE) system is arriving in theatre as I have been ubique their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant around the Area of Operations [AO]. Ammo Store! We have also been centre of the area. write, which will give us the capability to (everywhere for the Colonel Matt Bazeley, gives a report on their engaging in that favourite of Royal rapidly establish crossings up to 32m in time in Afghanistan. ‘So far we have added 21 new locations Engineer sports, bridge-building. ‘It is a fantastic combined effort of military, under an hour. And on the horizon is the non-Latin speakers!), and the footprint will continue to grow. And contractor and local nationals on a 'cash- arrival of the Trojan armoured engineer but I would add that we will continue to develop it. ‘The largest has been the construction of for-work' scheme. It provides a strong and vehicle which will come with a number of the 34-metre Friendship Bridge to the west durable route through the area which is route-opening and repair capabilities. we have been ‘It is through providing this level of support of Nad e-Ali district centre. The effect of this already encouraging local markets and involved in omnia to the ground-holding Battle Groups that bridge has been to completely change the social movement around the area. ‘So it's been an incredibly busy few months. we enable them to achieve their effect local social dynamic, as previously isolated The scale of work has been enormous and (everything!).” amongst the local population. This populations have been able to get to ‘Whilst the road has obvious benefits for us, it the range of tasks we have tackled recognises that to positively influence the market, school, medical care, or simply to is just as useful and important for the locals breathtaking. I am constantly impressed population and give them confidence that experience the freedom to move without too. Good engineering, delivering local with the work being undertaken by the we, with our Afghan security force fear of insurgent checkpoints or taxes. employment, secure routes, and commercial Royal Engineer soldiers. Their capacity to colleagues, are here to stay, we must live and social opportunities. Simple really. turn their hand to some challenging amongst them. ‘A truly liberating piece of counter- construction tasks but be more than insurgency support engineering. ‘But the scale and range of engineer activity credible in their soldiering skills is testimony ‘It is incredibly simple really. Push the remain huge. We have been reinforced by to their talents. insurgents away, place ourselves in a ‘We have also constructed medium-girder an additional Royal Engineer Squadron who position from which we can influence bridges and non-equipment bridges (the have come into theatre with a specific remit ‘In keeping with our Corps motto we really and secure the local population and Sapper equivalent of building a bridge using to advance our efforts on winterising base have been ubique (everywhere for the non- provide an environment within which the only the contents of your shed). One of these locations and the Infrastructure Latin speakers!), but I would add that we ‘Welcome to what I can only describe as a green shoots of development can we actually constructed in Bastion and then Development Plan. have been involved in omnia (everything!).’ festival of military engineering. In the four flourish. Our construction efforts allow flew into site underslung under a Chinook. months we have been providing engineer for the delivery of security-enabled The military engineering equivalent of a support to the Battle Groups of Task Force development. Simple really. Chinese takeaway, delivered to your door. Helmand [TFH], I have been hugely impressed by the range and variety of Royal ‘But it is not just the base construction ‘However, our most significant piece of Engineer activity that we have delivered. efforts that provide a very tangible measure COIN support engineering is only just of the engineer activity. We have getting into its stride. The construction of ‘The traditional Sapper role divides into the contributed to numerous patrols and Route Trident, running for 9.2km through provision of force support engineering and clearance operations. the Babaji AO, is a impressive task. close support engineering. Here we deliver both of these but under the broader guise of COIN [counter-insurgency] support engineering. “I can't tell exactly how many walls or bridges ‘We have worked hard to ensure that the we have blown up but I do know that over engineer support has been dynamic, proactive and effective. This has seen Royal 450 bar mines will never again see the inside Engineer personnel involved in every of a Quartermaster's Ammo Store!” significant operation undertaken by TFH over the last four months.

Photographs ©MoD/Crown 20 MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 21 rsme matters rsme matters OP GIRAFFE, Workington Cumbria 26 Nov 09

November last year saw record amounts advice during the rapid build of a replacement with the Sqn and refreshed them on the I’m glad to say the build went without a hitch of rainfall in Cumbria. This caused bridge. He modestly gives all the credit to the various parts we would be using. I then and I have nothing but admiration for 3 Armd widespread flooding and the collapse of six Military Construction Force, but RSME moved up to Workington on Sunday 29 Nov Engr Sqn and 64 Wks Gp who worked bridges in the county as well as many more Matters persuaded him to tell his story. to get eyes on the site and see how the tirelessly in very poor weather conditions and damaged. The town of Workington had ground works were coming along. The home always produced the maximum effort been badly affected. The river Derwent runs It was decided that a temporary bridge was bank required a 20m by 60m construction throughout the task. The temporary bridge through the middle of the town with two needed to link the two sides. 64 Wks Gp pad to be built on a green field site so that was named the ‘Barker Crossing’ in main roadway bridges; One of these RE from Chillwell had been tasked with the extensive plant work was required. remembrance of PC Bill Parker who was bridges had been completely destroyed recce and design of the crossing point with tragically killed when the main bridge and the other damaged beyond use, which 3 Armd Engr Sqn from Tidworth providing On Wednesday 02 December, at 1200hrs I collapsed as a result of the flooding. meant the town had been split in two. The the construction force. It was decided that was given the go ahead to begin the southern side of the town had the schools a Logistic Support Bridge (LSB) would be construction of the 17 bay bridge. The men WO2 (QMSI) Marc Dorkings and all the major shops. This meant that the needed. I was tasked with leading the and women of 3 Sqn then worked 24hrs a Q-Mobility BEW northern side of town now had a two-hour construction of the bridge with 3 Armd Engr day for 3 and a half days to complete the commute to get to the southern side, Sqn and moved off the Halton Camp in bridge. SSgt Gray Bedford from 3 Sqn and I normally a 10 min drive. A new bridge was Lancaster to meet up with 3 Sqn on supervised the construction sequence urgently required. Thursday 26 November. ensuring everything went smoothly.

Q Dorkings, a member of RSME's Battlefield The design team selected a 51.82m, 17 bay Engineering Wing (BEW), was deployed to LSB in Double Single configuration. This was provide construction and combat engineering to be the longest bridge of this type built by the Military in the UK. The bridge sets were delivered to Halton camp to be reconfigured for transport to Workington. In Halton I carried out rehearsals and practice builds

Image courtesy of Marc Dorkings 22 MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 23 rsme matters rsme matters Construction update

The first major building complex to be This work has included limited demolition of completed is at Minley. GB1005, the Junior the end section of the Sergeants’ Mess Ranks Single Living Accommodation accommodation block (to minimise the bed (JRSLA) was recently handed over and the spaces lost) and closure of the adjacent first permanent staff members have already road. This will enable the road to be moved in (page 6 of this month’s special). rerouted to the North and the diversion of major power and utility cables and GB1005 PROGRAMME: Individual transportable units were pipework currently running through land produced at Caledonian Building Systems earmarked for the new combined mess work starts 9th March 2009 in Newark and delivered to site just in time development BR1018. A more detailed look for assembly. Once erected and at the development of the Brompton site Groundworks - Foundations waterproofed a brick cladding and will be featured in the next issue of RSME March - June aluminium roof was installed. Matters.

Superstructure Also nearing completion at Minley are the new As we move into 2010 work also begins at June 2009 - January 2010 Crane training facilities and the MT Offices. Bicester with work on the new dive pool complex. Currently ecological studies and Modular erection to weather tight Moving over to the Medway sites, work protection measures are coming to a 4 weeks in June continues at Upnor on the garages and conclusion ready for the ground works to kennel complex. At Brompton major begin. This is the beginning of a two-year Asset completion preparatory work has begun that will allow programme at Bicester which will see 18th January 2010 the major infrastructure development DEMSS move across in the spring off 2012. needed before the main demolition/build Client handover programme can start. 8th February 2010

CONSTRUCTION:

Foundations: shallow mass concrete

Structure: modular units

Cladding: brickwork and aluminium windows

Roof: aluminium standing seam 24 MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 25 rsme matters rsme matters

in sultry Belize at +30°C the next. It was a very rewarding role and I was able to support the many smaller stations which would rely on local contractors for engineering support having no embedded engineering staff.’ During that time Tony became the Service Lead for Safe Systems of Work.

The next move saw him back in an air support environment responsible for all New Chief facilities management and maintenance at RAF Coningsby, supervising the Instructor infrastructure required for the Typhoon Eurofighter. He also commanded 531 and 533 Specialist Teams RE (Air Early beginnings for PEW Support) during OpTELIC. A two-year spell as SO2 Plans in Works Group RE How did the RSME begin as the The School was organised into Lt Col AT Stevens cannot really be (Airfields) was followed by a move to HQ 'Establishment' at Chatham? Factors in Fortification, Survey, Construction and described as a new face at the RSME as he EinC as Customer 2 for fuel, water and the story include the defeat of Napoleon Special Schools (covering Electricity and has held several positions over the years electrical equipment procurement. Bonaparte and the expansion of the Demolitions, Telegraphy, Chemistry, before his latest appointment in command Promoted Lt Col in 2007, he acted as Reachback railways in Britain. Photography and Lithography, and of the Professional Engineering Wing (PEW) the tri-service customer for the £1 billion DON’T CALL THE RAC – JUST KEEP WAINSCOTT ON SPEED-DIAL Submarine Mining). at the RSME. Single Living Accommodation On 23 April 1812 a Royal Warrant Modernisation Programme (SLAM) One of the strengths of the instructional the rear hydraulic system - picture a classic authorised the 'Royal Engineer In 1940, the School was evacuated from Commissioned into the Corps in 1984 he before assuming command of PEW in team at the RSME is their wealth of JCB with a rear excavator arm and bucket. Establishment', in Chatham, Kent for ‘the Chatham to Ripon due to heavy bombing. spent his early years commanding Field and September 2009. experience and knowledge. This experience Instruction of the Corps of Royal Military The site became the Area Combined Support troops in the UK, Northern Baltic are often called upon by Sappers in theatre We received a phone call from Afghanistan Artificers, Sappers and Miners, and the Headquarters Chatham & HMS Wildfire approaches and Belize before a period An active sportsman with many years of who have a problem they can’t immediately describing the problem and immediately set junior officers of the Royal Engineers, in including Commander in Chief Nore and training Junior Leaders. competitive skydiving for the Corps, solve. It happens all the time, with contact, about trying to replicate the fault in our the duties of Sapping and Mining and Area Operations Centre 16 Group RAF Tony now runs Corps alpine skiing – often by email, leading to a thorough workshop. The problem was a tricky one, other Military Field Works’. Coastal Command (for the 'Battle of ‘That was exactly what I wanted to be recently successfully defending his Army investigation and rapid response usually but within the hour we’d discovered that the Britain') - almost all of which still exists in involved in,’ Tony explained. ‘One of my Veterans Ski Championship title for the resulting in a vehicle or piece of plant back problem could well be a bent rod connecting Following the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, tunnels 30m below ground. The School outstanding junior leaders at the time is third time. In the next issue of RSME into service. to one of the hydraulic control valves. Captain Charles Pasley recommended the returned to Chatham in 1948. now QMSI of the Military Plant Foreman Matters, we will spend some time with Royal Sappers and Miners Training Depot course! I then moved as 2IC of 50 Field Sqn Tony and the PEW to understand what We fed the information and solution back to at Woolwich be closed, concentrating all To mark 150 years of its existence, Queen (Construction) and began my involvement the role of the PEW is and to learn more theatre and sat and waited to hear what the training at Chatham, soon to be vacated Elizabeth II bestowed the word 'Royal' to with air support.’ of Tony’s plans for the future. outcome would be. Within the same day by the Royal Artillery. The move was further the title of the School. I wonder how we we’d received the following email: facilitated by the completion of the North will mark the 200th Anniversary of the Responsible for RAF Laarbruch on the Kent Railway and the 3.5km Strood 'Establishment'? Our grateful nation is Dutch/German border he also deployed to “The problem was rectified the same day Tunnel, the second longest tunnel in the laying on a few sporting events and some Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during the first and we’d like to thank you as the problem UK, creating a fast transport link from the fireworks, for starters... Gulf War. Following two years of had been ongoing for some time but finally Woolwich Arsenal. The original tunnel was Professional Engineer Training resulting in it’s sorted.” As a final touch they removed built to take a canal and ingeniously co- With grateful thanks to: Chartered Electrical Engineer status, Tony SC Fenwick, Friends of the Royal Engineers Museum the dusty job card from the folder and used with the railway between 1845-46 returned to the RSME to be responsible for (FoREM) signed the job off in my name. Not a bad before being filled in. all Clerk of Works training and instructing on job for someone 5,000 miles away.’ Sources: History of the Corps of Royal Engineers Vol I- the PET course. After a spell as SI and then The MT Workshop at Wainscott was the The Establishment became the 'School of IV (Institution of Royal Engineers, Chatham) A Short acting Chief Instructor he returned to History. The Royal Engineers. Compiled by Major DP latest location for such front-line support This is one example of many and the Military Engineering' in 1868 and the command 50 HQ Sqn in Bosnia before Aston RE (Institution of Royal Engineers, Chatham, work. The story is told by Instructor John contribution is significant. Vehicles and Director's title was changed to moving to Defence Estates. 1993) Follow the Sapper. Colonel G Napier (Institution Roberts. equipment repaired in-theatre is not only Commandant. Brass plates in HQ RSME of Royal Engineers, Chatham, 2005) back into service but a replacement unit is record the names of all commandants to ‘As DE Advisor for remote stations ‘28 Engineer Regt, currently deployed on also not required, saving precious resources the present day. overseas, I found myself covering the world Operation Herrick 11 in Afghanistan had and time not only in sourcing a new unit but travelling over 250,000 miles during the recently been experiencing problems with a transporting both old and new to and from tour. This could involve being in Bardufoss Light Wheel Tractor, preventing the use of theatre. A real win-win situation. inside the arctic circle at -25°C one day and 26 MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 27 rsme matters rsme matters

If you want to know what’s happening All of these tasks needed investment, but The result of all this work is a robust and “Although our existing in the IT world at the RSME, ask Holdfast they also required a state-of-the-art SCIDA flexible platform ideally suited to provide the installation was extensive Head of IT Chris Bryant. Keen to show off approved (Site-Coordinating Installation and RSME with an effective IT network that can the new Brompton server room, Chris also Design Authority) computer room to locate grow as the IT needs develop further. it was old and slow. updated RSME Matters on progress over the systems and operate from. The new machines have recent months. SUPPORT TO THE WRVS The inherited systems had been developed Alongside the core development work the really brought the facility piecemeal over many years and it required IT team is supporting a range of initiatives up to 21st century significant work to determine the best way across the RSME. The latest of these forwards. All work carried out by the involved the WRVS at Minley. standards.”

IT update update IT Holdfast IT team is well controlled and subject to inspection. Every cable installed As part of their support programme the or system built requires SCIDA approval WRVS provides internet access for soldiers at through an Engineering Change Request Minley. This had been restricted to standalone process. Only once full approval is given machines located in their offices. can the system go live. ‘We knew when taking on the running of As part of the new build programme Holdfast the RSME IT infrastructure that this would The computer room meets all current hardwire internet connections will be installed be a real challenge. This was to maintain guidelines and regulations and includes in all areas of the new accommodation blocks. effective system operation while also built-in redundancy, climate control and fire However recognising that the completion of carrying out works to ensure that the detection systems. Structured cable that work was some way away, Chris decided system could evolve and support the management is used throughout. This is a an alternative solution was required. Working delivery of training and services during a simple approach using colour coding in partnership with AVC Defence, savings were time of major change.’ cables to identify voice and data made across Brompton and Minley projects applications together with careful, that were able to be used to provide WIFI Early last year several key programmes organised routing which significantly (Wireless internet) connectivity within both the were initiated. Local PC memory upgrades streamlines troubleshooting and system JR Club Bar and Mousehole (TV area). were carried out, dramatically reducing management. logon times and improving day-to-day It also enabled the replacement of the ageing performance. WIFI was installed across Once the computer room was completed, infrastructure within the WRVS computer Brompton and Minley and a Virtual Learning new servers, storage and backup devices room with new workstations and computers. Environment (VLE) was established. A major were installed. This was greatly helped by a This work took place over the Christmas network rationalisation was started that will specialist hydraulic server lift that enables period with new cabling being installed include the move to a single domain the safe handling and location of heavy throughout the WRVS and Minley bar areas. structure. server units. The WRVS systems went live in January and KEY BENEFITS the WIFI in the bar area in February. • More reliable and faster Lou McGhie, WRVS Services Welfare internet and email service Officer explained that the new computer • Creation of a single Local system is really making a difference. Area Network connecting all RSME sites ‘Although our existing installation was • System designed to support extensive it was old and slow. The new Virtual Learning machines have really brought the facility up • Environment and future data to 21st century standards.’ repository • Fully MoD compliant, allowing Open from 10am to 10pm weekdays and 4- upgrade and expansion 10pm at weekends the WRVS is a popular • WiFi roll out across main spot for students to relax and meet up. accommodation blocks