ISSUE 4 FEBRUARY 2020 LAND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM JOURNALLAND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM EQUIPMENT
IN THIS ISSUE
Project Delivery Updates Future Capabilities
LEMS JOURNAL OUTCAN Perspectives
National Défense Defence nationale MAINTENANCE 2.0
What does the future of maintenance in the Canadian Armed Forces look like? MGen (Retd) Eldaoud has some interesting questions and challenges to pose to you, the maintainer.
Read the letter on page 7.
Photo credit: Cpl Genevieve Beaulieu, LATVIA Imagery Technician.
Cover Photo: A member of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in a Light Armoured Vehicle during Exercise KAPYONG MACE at CFB Shilo.
Photo credit: MCpl Louis Brunet, Canadian Army Public Affairs. LEMS JOURNAL LAND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM JOURNAL
DIRECTOR GENERAL’S COMMENTS Adapting to the Changing Environment ...... 2 PROJECT DELIVERY UPDATES Director General Land Equipment Program Light Armoured Vehicle Upgrade Project Extends Usage By 15 Years or More Management by Jacques Gobin ...... 3 Modernizing Night Vision in the Canadian Armed Forces Brigadier-General by Roman Kaufman ...... 4 Rob Dundon Progress Being Made on Soldier Operational Clothing and Equipment Modernization by Eric De Lafontaine ...... 5 Editorial Team Data Logging the LAV 6.0 Fleet: Keeping Armoured Vehicles In The Fight Gus MacDonald by Capt Alvin Tanudjaya ...... 6 LEPM Program Coordinator FUTURE CAPABILITIES LCol Jeff Spitzig COS RCEME Letter to Maintainers – The Need for Maintenance 2.0 by Nicolas Eldaoud, MGen (Ret), CSM, CD ...... 7 Maj Nicolas Arseneault G4 Plans 2, Canadian Army Additive Manufacturing, LEMS and the RCEME Corps Headquarters by René Provencher ...... 9 Advanced Sub-Unit Water Purification System: Water – An Essential Combat Supply Maj Jason Das by James Buell ...... 11 Canadian Forces Liaison Officer US Army Tank-automotive and Adaptability: The Key to Success in Operations Armaments Command by René Provencher ...... 13 Innovation in Defence: Insight Gained Through Liaison With 2Lt Louis Poulin Our American Colleagues Asst Staff Officer, by Maj Jason Das ...... 15 RCEME Corps CWO Jeffrey Saunders OUTCAN PERSPECTIVES LEMS Operations Advisor / An Outside Canada Posting Can Be a Dream Come True! RCEME Corps Sergeant-Major by LCol Martin Bedard ...... 17 MWO William Forest RCEME in York: A Golden Opportunity to See How Others Do It! Director Combat Support by Maj Grant Pudlowski ...... 18 Equipment Management The Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Corps: (DCSEM) 7-7-2 Our Closest Relatives? Rob McKinnon by Maj Stéphane Payant ...... 20 DGLEPM Communications Patience, Ingenuity and Basic Kiwi Do-It-Yourself-Itis: Advisor A History of the RNZEME Corps Send articles and by Colin Andrews and Kelvin Hawley ...... 22 comments to: [email protected] LEMS Journal is an unofficial publication of the Canadian Armed Forces published by the Director General Land Equipment Program Management. The content of each article represents the views of the author Coordinating Editor or authors and does not necessarily represent official policy or opinion. The distribution of LEMS Tom Douglas Journal is mainly done electronically. A digital version of this issue can be found at https://www. canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/organizational-structure/assistant-deputy- [email protected] minister-materiel.html. Unless noted otherwise, articles within this publication may be reprinted. Tel. (289) 837-3168 Proper credit and a courtesy copy of the reprinted material would be appreciated. ISSN Number: 2561-5874 Bilingual printed version DIRECTOR GENERAL’S COMMENTS Adapting to the Changing Environment By BGen Rob Dundon
seeing articles discussing topics such this affects our business. How quickly as Additive Manufacturing (AM) and we adapt to the changing environment Artificial Intelligence (AI), you are not can mean the difference between suc- likely to be disappointed. cess and failure.
Switching gears from conceptual to Finally, I would be remiss if I did not current capability, we continue to see highlight the excellent work that some great success in both the delivery and of our members are doing on outside furtherance of Major Capital Projects. It of Canada (OUTCAN) postings in the s Director General Land is important that we have a venue such service of our nation. I was delighted Equipment Program Management as this to share and learn from our to read about these experiences and A (DGLEPM), I am honoured once collective experiences. believe that it serves great purpose to again to have the privilege of introducing share some of what is happening with the Land Equipment Management System Since the last issue, the geopolitical our closest allies. (LEMS) Journal. atmosphere both domestically and internationally has changed. Whether To all those who contributed to the The well-written articles of this fourth it be the election of a minority govern- publication of the issue, I send you my issue continue to place emphasis on ment at home, or bold actions taken sincerest gratitude for a job well done. the importance of studying emerging in the Middle East that threaten fragile technologies that undoubtedly will play peace and stability in the region, it is a crucial role in our future defence vital that we – as experts within our capabilities. In this issue and future domains – strive to maintain both an issues, if you expect to continue awareness and understanding of how
NEXT EDITION LEMS Journal is your forum for putting forward ideas, commenting on current or past articles, and sharing related experiences. The next edition of the LEMS Journal will be published in the summer of 2020. If you want to be a part of the next edition, please send your articles – or your ideas for articles – to [email protected] no later than April 15, 2020.
2 LEMS Journal | Issue 4, February 2020 PROJECT DELIVERY UPDATES Light Armoured Vehicle Upgrade Project Extends Usage By 15 Years or More
By Jacques Gobin
n July 22, 2019, eight months LAVUP improved the protection, mobility, specifically for the NATO Enhanced ahead of schedule, the Light and lethality of the LAV III platform, Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia. Armoured Vehicle Upgrade while maximizing command support and O Notwithstanding the lengthy delivery Project (LAVUP) achieved a major mile- human interface factors. This 550-vehicle stone with the acceptance of its final upgrade out of a total of 651 units in schedule, the design of the upgraded vehicle delivery. Over a period of six- the LAV III fleet assures that the CA’s vehicle was done in a relatively short and-a-half years, the project upgraded flagship fleet will remain successful in time, with the intent of having upgraded 550 vehicles for the Canadian Army (CA). the Army of Tomorrow’s Contemporary vehicles more rapidly available for oper- These upgrades will extend the life of Operating Environment. Separate proj- ations. The result of this condensed the vehicle platform to at least 2035 ects are upgrading most of the balance development period was that a small — and will ensure that our soldiers are of the fleet. The Light Armoured Vehicle number of non-critical items, such as provided with the best equipment possi- Reconnaissance Surveillance System cable brackets, were not installed on the ble for today and tomorrow. project is modifying 66 more vehicles production line. Instead, the vendor – and the Airspace Coordination Centre General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada The Light Armoured Vehicle III (LAV III) Modernization project has modified five (GDLS-C) based in London, Ontario originally entered Canadian service in of the vehicles. – has deployed field service represen- 1999. The following year the US Army tatives to Canadian Army locations to selected a derivative of the LAV III, which A delivery period extending past six years install these items post-delivery. This it eventually called the Stryker, for its is not typical for a vehicle project. But, as retrofit schedule extends to early 2021. rapid deployment capability. The LAV III LAVUP is an upgrade project, this meant performed extremely well on domestic that the CA had to withdraw LAV IIIs from The Canadian Light Armoured Vehicle and international operations, notably service in order to be improved. The rate program is a global success story in Afghanistan. Lessons learned from at which the Army could withdraw vehi- going on 20 years. It typifies all of the operations led to increased stowage, cles while still having enough to conduct elements of Canada’s defence policy: add-on armour, and added vehicle and operations and training meant a longer- strong at home, secure in North crew protection kits, all of which greatly than-usual delivery period. The tipping America and engaged in the world. increased vehicle weight. The resulting point was reached in 2016 when the CA requirement for better mobility, and Commander designated the upgraded Jacques Gobin is from Winnipeg. technological advances in day and night LAV – now known as the LAV 6.0 because He retired from the Canadian sensors and fire control systems, led to of the nomenclature of the drivetrain – Armed Forces in 2016, having the initiation of LAVUP in 2009. as the operational fleet. The Canadian served 31 years as a RCEME officer. Armed Forces subsequently deployed the He joined the Public Service in 2016 LAV 6.0 to Operation REASSURANCE, as the Project Manager for the Light Armoured Vehicle Upgrade project.
Issue 4, February 2020 | LAND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 3 PROJECT DELIVERY UPDATES Modernizing Night Vision in the Canadian Armed Forces
By Roman Kaufman
trong, Secure, Engaged: The first major success Canada’s Defence Policy is of the project was S the driving force behind many the procurement of projects in Assistant Deputy Minister Monocular Night Vision (Materiel). The Night Vision System Devices (MNVD). The Modernization (NVSM) project is one contract for these was example, initiated to address the availa- awarded to CADEX bility and quality of night vision equip- Defence and announced ment for soldiers and sailors. To com- by the Minister of plete the task, the NVSM project works National Defence during with the Director of Land Requirements CANSEC 2019. The and the Director of Naval Requirements, MNVDs are an improvement on our • Act as a responsible, indispensable among other stakeholders, capturing current in-service PVS-14, with a longer partner with NORAD, NATO, needs from the two Canadian Armed battery life, less weight, less bulkiness, Five-Eyes Partners; Forces (CAF) elements within one and a white optical viewer. The next • Field state-of-the-art capabilities to procurement strategy. step will be to receive 300 kits and keep pace with allies and to maintain distribute them to reserve units. an operational advantage over The NVSM project will offer a number adversaries; and of fixes and improvements, principally: The project encompasses three types of soldier-borne equipment: Image • Address the threat stemming from • Addressing technical deficiencies in Intensifiers (I2), thermal imagers, and terrorism and actions of violent the current night vision capability by laser-aiming devices. Requirements for extremist organization, including matching our allies’ capabilities for weapon, vehicle, and vessel-mounted those in ungoverned spaces. detecting, recognizing, and identify- devices will be addressed through ing targets; The project will provide the Regular other projects. Force and Primary Reserve Forces • Ensuring we surpass our adversaries’ with state-of-the-art equipment. This capabilities; Canada’s defence policy provides clear will offer a vast improvement on the • Increasing our ability to distinguish direction on Canadian defence prior- ities over a 20-year period. The policy capability offered by our current, friendly, hostile, and neutral forces to obsolete, night vision equipment. The improve our situational awareness; acknowledges that the international landscape is marked by the shifting Royal Canadian Navy will also receive • Increasing our ability to navigate balance of power, the changed nature this augmented night vision capability. terrain, on land and at sea, in both of conflict, and the rapid evolution of The project is working confidently to low light and zero light conditions; technology. These trends undermine deliver in 2025. • Reducing weight and bulkiness to the traditional security once provided decrease the burden on soldiers by Canada’s geographical borders. Roman Kaufman is Systems and sailors; and The NVSM project will address the Engineering Manager, Night Vision • Providing our troops with the ability following priorities identified in SSE: System Modernization. to communicate information to commanders, near and far, while • Field an agile, highly trained, flexible, considering the cognitive burden. diverse, combat-ready military;
4 LEMS Journal | Issue 4, February 2020 PROJECT DELIVERY UPDATES Progress Being Made on Soldier Operational Clothing and Equipment Modernization
By Eric De Lafontaine
ome 600 soldiers at 4th Canadian trousers, shell fragmentation protective that the next generation of clothing Division Support Base (4 CDSB) body armour, bush caps, helmet covers, and equipment fits the widest variety of S Petawawa are standing out as and rank patches in the “Prototype J” soldiers possible. they help the Canadian Armed Forces mid-spectrum pattern. test a new Canadian Disruptive Pattern The Soldier Operational Clothing and (CADPAT) to help in the selection of a This new four-colour pattern falls in the Equipment Modernization (SOCEM) replacement camouflage for the current middle of the camouflage spectrum, not project, led by the Canadian Army iconic woodland (green) and arid (tan) overly emphasizing brown or green tones. Director of Land Requirements in coop- CADPAT patterns. eration with Assistant Deputy Minister While there have been more than a (Materiel) and Defence Research and The original distinctive CADPAT, revo- dozen patterns tested, this is the first Development Canada, has been in the lutionary for its time, was developed in one to be taken out of a lab and tried works for over two years in an attempt 1997. Since then, a number of advances out using real soldiers who are under- to harness technological advances to have been made in camouflage research going rigorous training for overseas improve the functionality of Canadian – specifically protection from detection operations. There will likely be adjust- Armed Forces operational uniforms by infrared and other night vision systems. ments made to the pattern resulting and equipment. The CADPAT pattern is most closely from this trial. associated with the Canadian Army The goal is to provide operational The test period will last until July 2020. clothing and equipment that protects but Royal Canadian Navy and Royal During this time, the Human Factors Canadian Air Force personnel also and fits better, while lightening the Support Cell from the Soldier Systems load carried by soldiers. wear it when they work within Army Directorate within Director General Land lines. The MultiCam pattern worn by Equipment Program Management will Transitioning to a single pattern from Canadian Special Operations Forces seek user feedback about the “Prototype the current temperate woodland and personnel is not being replaced. J” pattern by conducting large-scale ques- arid will also create efficiencies in Since the end of September 2019, tionnaires. The team will also conduct terms of logistics. 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian data collection, focus groups, and 3D Regiment, has been wearing coats and body scanning to define how the current Eric De Lafontaine is Manager operational uniform and personal – Soldier Operational Clothing equipment can be improved. and Equipment Modernization, This study will also seek feedback from Directorate of Soldier Systems soldiers of smaller stature, including Program Management but not exclusively women, to ensure
Issue 4, February 2020 | LAND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 5 PROJECT DELIVERY UPDATES Data Logging the LAV 6.0 Fleet: Keeping Armoured Vehicles In The Fight
By Capt Alvin Tanudjaya
esponsibility for supporting the enable scalability when comparing data to Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) single or multiple vehicles, or to the entire R 6.0 fleet transferred to the fleet. The data logger will capture key Director Armoured Vehicle Program performance indicators (KPI) from the LAV Management (DAVPM) Wheeled LAV 6.0 Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. Equipment Management Team (WLAV There are approximately 530 parameters One of the potential data loggers, EMT) as the fleet nears full fielding available and the EMT will capture and log Kvaser Memorater Pro 2xHS v2 across Canada. The LAV 6.0 fulfills all KPIs – which will then be detailed a wide variety of roles within the and analyzed in the final report. Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). This initiative is intended only to log In order to maintain its serviceability up to vehicle behaviour and characteristics. and beyond its life expectancy, monitoring No effort is being made to monitor or its sustainability, health, and usage is analyze driver behaviours. The data critical. With this in mind, the WLAV EMT loggers being included in the initiative is working in partnership with the manu- are independent, read-only devices and facturer, General Dynamics Land Systems have no influence on the overall opera- One of the potential data loggers, – Canada (GDLS-C), to implement data tion or performance of the vehicle. Vector GL 1000 logging technology on a specific number of LAV 6.0s, for a set timeframe, in order While the final analysis of data and implementation of all possible future to characterize operational functions for efforts to identify trends or other issues use as a baseline for analytical purposes. benefits is expected to begin within the upcoming fiscal year, the data logging of value to the EMT and the Canadian One aspect of the initiative that is of the LAV 6.0 fleet could be the first Army. Potentially, this could lead to currently underway involves installing a step toward integrating the LAV 6.0 into predictive maintenance and to forecasting 2 expected future equipment failures in full Brigade’s worth of LAV 6.0s with data the battlespace of the future. The fleet logging systems. Having these systems is expected to be the CAF’s main fighting specific LAV 6.0 vehicles. force for the next 25 to 30 years. installed for a period of one year on this In the future, another initiative is sample size will create a baseline that will Looking to the far horizon is necessary expected to be conducted to capture a when trying to evaluate this landscape; 100% data baseline – which will assist however, for now, we will take this in cyber intrusion detection, where initiative one small step at a time. significant reductions in baseline performance could potentially be The aim of this initiative in the short an indication of a cyber-attack. term, as mentioned previously, is to create a baseline of operational and Capt Tanudjaya is the Chassis vetronics performance characteristics Manager for LAV 6.0 in DAVPM. He for the LAV 6.0 in order to monitor its started his career in the CAF as part sustainability, health, and usage. In of the DEO program as a RCEME One of the potential data loggers, the long term, this baseline analysis Officer after getting an Engineering IoSiX J1939 can be used to evaluate future logging degree at the University of Toronto.
6 LEMS Journal | Issue 4, February 2020 FUTURE CAPABILITIES Letter to Maintainers – The Need for Maintenance 2.0
By Nicolas Eldaoud, MGen (Ret), MSC, CD
ear Maintainer: I hope this letter virtual environment. Weapon systems finds you well. I have decided will hit new levels of integration as D to write these few words as I more soldier enhancement technol- strongly believe that, over the years, ogies are introduced. At the same tactical land maintenance has not been time, technology is moving to become able to evolve to properly support land more autonomous. The importance of operations. When looking at it objectively, energy sources and power storage for one must admit that maintenance has tomorrow’s high-energy- not really changed over the last 50 years. consuming equipment is a serious We did keep up with technology but challenge that has to be considered. have not transformed the ways and Ammunition will become less about means by which maintenance contributes the amount of explosive and more to the operational success of today’s toward integrated guidance systems. land operations. The Corps of RCEME and its partners have therefore some Tomorrow’s weapon systems will do catching up to do and you, my fellow more but will cost more, limiting the maintainers, are invited to contribute amount being procured and enhancing to the thinking process and to imagine singular operational importance. The Maintenance 2.0. Canadian Army is finding itself in a of land equipment engineering at the position similar to the Royal Canadian lowest level in order to allow for more Technology must be looked at, not only Navy (RCN) and the Royal Canadian flexibility, freedom of action, and from the perspective of how it is made, Air Force (RCAF) when it comes to adaptability of land equipment – with but equally from the perspective of how technologies, and it must learn from a view to allowing tactical commanders it is used. The Canadian Army’s capstone their maintenance models. For to exploit the full technological document Close Engagement, published example – contrary to the Army G4 capabilities of their equipment. The in 2019, provides clear objectives – Navy N4 and Air Force A4 have no propositions are: requiring land operational equipment business in operational maintenance. to become adaptable, modular, Finally, operating as a Combat Service • Modernize the role and respon- self-sufficient, and more durable. Support (CSS) element has consistently sibilities of land maintenance: It also needs to support rapidly limited the natural evolution of land Within the operational objectives changing situations and therefore be maintenance operations and this must of Close Engagement, Maintenance able to be reconfigured quickly. be challenged. 2.0 must be able to provide tactical commanders the agility, flexibility, On the purely technical side, With the recent publication of Close and ability to effect rapid equipment tomorrow’s technology will be more Engagement, the RCEME Corps has changes. It must assume responsibil- integrated and will not care for the an opportunity to change course. It ities beyond “fixing the VOR (Vehicle current vehicle, weapon, electronic/ is with this in mind that I offer four Off Road)”. Maintenance 2.0 adds optronic, and material divisions that propositions to help design and build two new responsibilities: “preparing exist in RCEME. It will be smart to Maintenance 2.0, the new way tactical for battle” – which includes modi- allow physical materials to be one land maintenance is to be carried out fications, adjustments, and the cus- with information systems and the to support land operations. In short, tomization of equipment to support Maintenance 2.0 is the decentralization
Issue 4, February 2020 | LAND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 7 rapid changes; and “optimizing for proximity of maintainers to the com- Beyond the argument for a new the fight” – which provides real-time bat operators while dissociating them Maintenance 2.0, the aim of this short monitoring of equipment during from the environment of logistics. It article is to initiate discussion and combat as well as the ability to adjust must create a strong vertical align- encourage questions. We have to take equipment directly or remotely. The ment between tactical maintenance advantage of the extraordinary intellect Navy and Air Force are already well and the highest technical bodies at the and creative potential of RCEME mem- advanced in these areas. strategic level to enable robust reach- bers and their partners. The opportu- • Expand the technical skills of back support and the delegation of nity is now. There will never be perfect RCEME engineers and technicians: technical authorities. Maintenance 2.0 solutions, so we have to imagine a Officers and technicians of all trades must operate in the exclusive domain transformation that allows flexibility, must be invested in understanding of land operational equipment. agility, and freedom of action and adap- the fields of electronics, digitalization, • Extract tactical maintenance tation. It must enable the decentraliza- automation, and artificial intelli- from the elements of CSS: tion of the decision-making processes gence/augmented intelligence. The Maintenance 2.0 must exist outside to the lowest level and permit trust and Corps must also be involved in the the CSS realm. If a new doctrinal acceptance of risk to exist. The Corps field of energies, including new and domain is required, create “Combat of RCEME has demonstrated for over emerging concepts such as new fuels Equipment Engineering Support 75 years its ability to take on challenges. and electrical generators and accu- (CEES)”. In doing so, Maintenance Rethinking “how we maintain” is just mulators. These advanced technical 2.0 will be able to develop and one of them. aptitudes – and more – will empower evolve without the constraint of CSS/ RCEME leaders to present novel techni- logistics practices and assumptions. Major-General Nicolas Eldaoud cal alternatives to their commanders. This will allow honest analysis on retired from the Corps of RCEME in • Allow the evolution of land how Maintenance 2.0 can be better 2019. He now enjoys supporting his maintenance toward the Navy commanded, structured, planned, wife’s career in Washington and and Air Force models: Maintenance and executed to enable enhanced cooking, travelling, photography, 2.0 must increase the doctrinal support to land operations. and staying in touch with RCEME.
8 LEMS Journal | Issue 4, February 2020 FUTURE CAPABILITIES Additive Manufacturing, LEMS and the RCEME Corps
By René Provencher
ver heard of Additive Manufacturing (AM)? How about E 3D Printing? This relatively new method of manufacturing involves adding or bonding thin layers of a material to build an item layer-by-layer as opposed to conventional technology that largely focused on iterative removal of material from a block of raw material There is also the possibility of creating (subtractive manufacturing). Additive small “mesoscale” (from 0.1 mm to manufacturing has seen exponential 5 mm) structures that can form the Multi-Material growth within the last five years. building blocks of the following organic structures saving even more weight.
But what does this mean for LEMS and the RCEME Corps? Should we jump right into using this new technology and, if we do, how will it affect the support of current and future military equipment?
The commandant of 202 Workshop Depot (WD) has been given the respon- sibility to lead AM implementation within Minimal Surface (Gyroid) the Director General Land Equipment Program Management (DGLEPM) Division and has also been asked to help guide the Canadian Army (CA) on how to best address these questions.
To date, 202 WD has used polymer AM machines to produce prototypes, This is due mainly to today’s availability jigs, and fixtures – and to aid the Lattice of inexpensive and powerful digital con- development of in-house designs – but trol and computing tools. The advent of what about using it to make in-service metallic printed components now brings parts? To better understand this, AM into the realm of producing useful personnel from 202 WD visited US and This review of the current state of production parts for systems. Even more German defence establishments to see AM technology has revealed that it is exciting is the possibility of producing what kind of equipment they are using, still emerging and many challenges optimized parts that can mimic organic which parts they are producing using remain to be solved before it can be structures, saving both material and which material, and also to discuss utilized to replace conventionally weight as seen in this example: their AM policies.
Issue 4, February 2020 | LAND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 9 manufactured parts. For example, its usefulness, ability to perform within Finally, 202 WD and QETE will be exam- predicting the resistance to stress, this environment, and the development ining a number of polymer AM machines strain, fatigue, and so on of organic of guidance/policies for its use. Below in order to determine which would be designs is not practical – and in some are photos of the MSVS shelter, which suitable for use within the CA and make cases not yet possible. Also, current will be used as the system under test, recommendations... stay tuned! metal AM methods require both a huge and the AM system. The AM system amount of care with the storage and being deployed consists of a laptop, a René Provencher is Land handling of raw materials, and exten- hand-held 3D scanner and a 3D printer. Engineering Support Centre sive quality control measures to ensure (LESC) Leader. material properties are repeatable Although there are currently a few and consistent. polymer AM systems out at some units, there remains a lack of clear policies and With the collaboration of: Based on the above findings, the 202 guidance regarding their use: 202 WD’s Kevin Wright – Land Material WD commandant has concluded that Land Material Assurance section will be Assurance (LMA) Program Manager; the latest polymer AM machines offer working with Maj Brent Wagner and his the most reliable, practical, and easy- team at the CA G4 Maintenance organiza- Major Fernando Echavarria-Hidalgo to-use technology while also producing tion to develop these documents. – Lead for Innovation and the most consistent parts for use within Technology Group at LESC; and the CA. Currently, 202 WD is building Along with the Quality Engineering Major Ali Alibhai – Manufacturing, a deployable AM capability that will be and Test Establishment (QETE), 202 WD Components and Electronics part of Maple Resolve 2020 (MR20). has been chairing annual DND-wide AM Production Program Leader at The use of this capability during forums, the second of which was held 202 Workshop Depot (202 WD). MR20 will inform options about its on November 7 and 8, 2019, to ensure employment and will help determine coordination of effort within all of DND.
Deployable Additive Manufacturing system consisting of an MSVS shelter, laptop, hand-held 3d scanner and 3d printer.
10 LEMS Journal | Issue 4, February 2020 FUTURE CAPABILITIES Advanced Sub-Unit Water Purification System: Water – An Essential Combat Supply
By James Buell
ater, as we all know, is essential to sustain human W life. Under various field conditions, a single soldier can require up to 45 litres of water per day for drink- ing, cooking rations, and basic hygiene. On a camp, this requirement increases to 150 litres per day.
The Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit (ROWPU) has been the workhorse of water production since it entered into service in the mid-1990s. The size of a sea container, a single unit is intended to provide clean, potable water for approximately 5000 soldiers deployed for an indefinite period of time. With dispersed operations increasingly becoming the new norm, there is a need to augment the ROWPU with a smaller system. This need has been reinforced by lessons learned Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit (ROWPU) deployed to Haiti (OP HESTIA 2010). during several Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) deployments such as Haiti.
1 1 0 5 0 2 1 In Kandahar Province, troops were 2 Water 51 1 dispersed across a wide area of 2 operations, and drinking water was Bulk Petroleum supplied predominantly as bottled Food 2 water. This placed a considerable Barrier materials 2 burden on strategic and tactical supply lines but also exposed resupply Ammunition 1 convoys to high risks. An American Comfort Items 1 1 study on operations in Afghanistan 51 1 Major End Items 1 1 and Iraq shows that slightly greater than 50% of all convoy tonnage was Clothing 0 5 for transporting water. Clearly, a new Package Petroleum 0 2 way of doing business is needed. Repair Parts 0 2
The Advanced Sub-Unit Water Medical 0 2 US Study results shown in this graph. Purification System (ASUWPS) project
Issue 4, February 2020 | LAND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 11 will address these deficiencies through the delivery of a sub-unit (up to 250 personnel) water treatment system to both the regular and reserve forces, for whom this is an entirely new capability. The project also intends to replace the aging Water Buffalos with a much larger (3000-litre) water tank trailer.
The advanced water treatment system Poor turbidity water sources – Disaster Assistance Response Team deployment to the Philippines (OP RENAISSANCE 13). when delivered will be capable of treat- ing virtually any water source, includ- ing seawater, chemical and biological contaminants, and high turbidity water. have inherent maintainers. For these contract. Although fielding of the The system will be fully automated – reasons, an in-service support contract equipment is still well in the future, the including self-diagnostics of any faults will be awarded for the acquisition capabilities that the ASUWPS project and backwashing of filters to prevent contract. will deliver will ensure the provision fouling – thus enabling minimal inter- and distribution of safe drinking water vention from the operator. Transported The structure of the sustainment con- to both the Canadian Armed Forces on a trailer, the system will include a tract will provide maximum flexibility (CAF) and on humanitarian assistance cold weather sustainment kit to enable to augment first line technicians when operations for years to come. Moreover, operations in environments with tem- necessary, but also to conduct scheduled the sustainment solution that has been peratures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. inspections, fault finding and major developed offers a unique resolution repairs, additional training of operators of the supply and maintenance challenges The sustainment of the water treatment and maintainers as well as Repair & presented by the fielding of a small, system will build on lessons learned Overhaul (R&O). Industry will also specialized fleet. from the in-service ROWPU. Operators provide deployable spare kits to sustain and maintainers alike often suffer deployed operations such as the DART. from skill fade. These challenges James Buell is the project manager are compounded by the fact that The project team is working diligently for the ASUWPS project and section reserve engineer regiments do not to move the project into implementation head for Combat Engineer capital by June 2020 and subsequently into equipment projects.
12 LEMS Journal | Issue 4, February 2020 FUTURE CAPABILITIES Adaptability: The Key to Success in Operations
By René Provencher
hat is this new organization During the Normandy Campaign in vehicle technician noticed an armoured called the Land Engineering 1944, the Canadian Army (CA) launched officer working on a Sherman tank. On W Support Centre (LESC)? a number of major armoured offensives closer inspection, he saw that the officer What does it do and why do we need it? on prepared German Army positions was tack welding a section of German defended by heavy Panzer battalions. Tiger track onto a Sherman, overloading To show you the why of LESC, let me During one of these assaults, within the the vehicle. tell you about an incident that took lines of Les Fusiliers de Sherbrooke, a place during the Second World War.
Major Radley-Walters receives the Military Cross from General Bernard Law Montgomery in Ghent, Belgium, October 1944.
Issue 4, February 2020 | LAND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 13 The corporal took one look at the The Panther could engage and kill his This story illustrates the adaptability Sherman’s suspension and said: “You’re Sherman while it was still two kilome- that the CA needs today. Rad knew the adding a lot of weight onto that suspen- tres away, so the officer’s solution was strengths and weaknesses of his own sion. You’ll be lucky to get 500 miles to apply “add-on-armour” (AoA) to the equipment and that of the enemy’s so out of this tank.” The officer replied: front glacis of the Sherman’s chassis he could quickly apply new information “If this tank can get me over this hill, it and turret by tack welding a combina- to improve survivability. At LESC, we will have paid for itself eight times over,” tion of Panther track and Tiger track specialize in improving equipment explaining that during that day he had to the front of his vehicle. The Panther survivability, lethality, mobility, and driven a number of Sherman tanks up round would wedge itself into the AoA sustainability, and we have the in-house to the German Army position, and each and both would fly off the glacis of his capability and expertise to help you time his tank had either been hit or Sherman without penetrating it. Then, develop these vital skills. otherwise disabled. In some cases, the before the Panther had time to shoot officer had barely managed to jump out again, his Sherman could get within What else can LESC and the RCEME of his tank before it burst into flames, 600 yards and shoot to kill. Corps do to help you succeed? and then he had walked back to his More to follow... lines, climbed into another tank, and This armoured officer was none other repeated the process all over again. than Sydney Valpy Radley-Walters, René Provencher is Land known as “Rad”, who was awarded Engineering Support Centre By now, the officer had noticed a the Military Cross, the Distinguished (LESC) Leader. weakness in the design of the Panther Service Order and was the western tank and was preparing to exploit it. Allies’ ace of aces in WWII. The Panther’s turret had a curved mantlet. The officer knew that if he could get When Rad told me this story, it hit close within 600 yards of the Panther tank, to home since my great-uncle was a his gunner could hit the lower portion Sherbrooke Fusilier who was killed of the mantlet and the anti-tank round while driving a Sherman on D-Day + 1. would ricochet downwards into the relatively thin roof of the chassis, effectively destroying the Panther. The problem was getting within 600 yards.
14 LEMS Journal | Issue 4, February 2020 FUTURE CAPABILITIES Innovation in Defence: Insight Gained Through Liaison With Our American Colleagues
By Maj Jason Das
s the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Liaison Officer (LO) with A US Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) at Detroit Arsenal, I’ve had several unique opportunities to learn more about the collaborative nature of the American
defence industry. As a RCEME officer,
I’m constantly on the lookout for possible
opportunities for LEMS to learn from
American innovation and experience.
lo
While I have observed that the US
om
defence industry as a whole is more
to intricately connected to the US Army pi than Canadian industry is to the qu
//
Canadian Army, the US Army is still
h
pursuing innovative ideas and products
rc from small businesses. Chasing innovation is critical to technological superiority, but requires a fine balance A standard 35 HP diesel engine (left) next to LiquidPiston’s 40HP diesel engine (right). LiquidPiston is between flexibility and risk. Canadian one of the 12 xTechSearch 3.0 finalists scheduled to compete for the grand prize in the spring of 2020. and American approaches to innovation are subtly different, but both provide excellent opportunities for our respective armies to benefit. been awarded to innovators to develop Intelligence, Surveillance and The Department of National Defence solutions to these challenges. In the long Reconnaissance (C4ISR); Putting Our (DND) has initiated the Innovation term, the expected annual investment will People First; and Protecting Our Forces. for Defence Excellence and Security level out at approximately $80 million.1 Future CFPs will include themes of program (IDEaS) as a way to network Increasing Combat Power; Sustaining with the Canadian innovator community Over its first year, IDEaS has issued Operations; and Greening Defence. The and identify to them opportunities 27 challenges focused on a variety division of proposals submitted from for investment from the defence of themes including: Operating in innovators to IDEaS was approximately community. IDEaS regularly releases Austere Environments; Defending 20% from academia, 60% from small- Calls for Proposal (CFPs) on defence Space Missions; Building Cyber to-medium industry (<500 employees), and security challenges to which a Capability; Accelerating Next-Generation 10% from large industry, and 5% from variety of innovators respond. As of Technologies; Enhancing Command, non-governmental organizations (NGOs). July 2019, more than $26 million has Control, Communications, Computers,
1. IDEaS website: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/defence-ideas.html
Issue 4, February 2020 | LAND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 15 As an LO, I have witnessed the American Corner” at the conference to talk to reduces the likelihood of investment innovation efforts, specifically a US Army many of the participants in Phase in technological cul-de-sacs or project run by the Assistant Secretary 3 of the third cycle. The variety of orphan equipment. of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics products and potential applications and Technology (ASA(ALT)) called was eye-opening. Medical technology Finally, rapid innovation is useless the Expeditionary Technology Search such as briefcase-sized X-ray machines without rapid acquisition. I have yet to (xTechSearch). This competition is now and pocket-sized pathogen diagnosis see evidence from either the Canadian starting its fourth cycle of evaluating tools were lined up next to advanced or American programs that includes proposals based on nine focus areas power systems and radars that could procurement mechanisms whereby identified by the Army: Long Range see through walls. fledgling developers can be issued Precision Fires; Next Generation a contract for their actual products Combat Vehicle; Future Vertical Lift; While each approach is different, the (whether from the Army or from senior Network with Hardware, Software and IDEaS program in DND has significant industry partners (“Primes”)) rather Infrastructure; Air and Missile Defense; potential to influence future CAF equip- than awards from the innovation Soldier Lethality; Medical Technologies; ment procurement. However, there are competition process. Military Engineering Technologies; and a few key opportunities where I think LEMS is a system that develops, Manufacturing and Manufacturability early investment from LEMS would procures, manages, maintains, sustains, Technologies.2 make a significant impact later. and, finally, disposes of equipment. Each cycle of xTechSearch consists First, from publicly available infor- Innovation efforts must not neglect of four phases spanning a full year. mation, the US Army innovation the stages following “develops”. While Phase 1 is the proposal review and endeavour places significantly more IDEaS is still growing as both a network acceptance of 48 entrants with a attention on the commercial viability of innovation and channel for investment, $5000 award. Phase 2 has each entrant of each proposal. The program even LEMS must get involved. Not only is present the product in a Dragon’s has an “accelerator” program to help this an opportunity to create our own Den fashion to a panel of military, xTechSearch winners be successful so challenges to find Canadian innovators industry, and technical experts with an they can transition technologies to the who could improve LEMS, it is also criti- award of $10,000 for the 24 accepted warfighter and commercial markets. cal to ensure that solutions proposed for proposals. Phase 3 is a more detailed This connection to commercial success Canadian Army equipment challenges presentation at an Association of the encourages longer-term relationships are grounded in core LEMS tenets that United States Army (AUSA) tradeshow between these fledgling industries have been battle-proven through more with an award of $120,000 for the and the Army, or wider Department than a century of experience. 12 selected products. Phase 4, after a of Defense (DoD) – creating a greater pool of creative potential further six months of development, has Maj Jason Das is currently the for future procurements. each participant demonstrate a proof- Liaison Officer at the US Army of-concept and transition plan on how Second, the phased approach encourages Tank-automotive and Armaments the product will be commercialized at continual feedback between the inno- Command at Detroit Arsenal in the AUSA annual meeting. The winning vators and the consumers. Not only does Michigan. His past LEMS experience participant receives $250,000 and the this provide ongoing incentive for each includes technical services officer other 11 receive $10,000. This program phase of development, but it provides positions, an engineer position awards a total of $2.28 million per opportunities to refine a product at Director of Ammunition and cycle, with a new cycle started every with input from panels of experts – Explosives Management and six months, exclusively focused on including military users, maintainers, Engineering, and sustainment US Army priorities. and logisticians. It helps focus defence business case analysis for the Logistic Vehicle Modernization Project. When I attended the AUSA conference investment where the intersection in Washington, DC, I took advantage between sound business decisions of the xTechSearch “Innovator’s and military applications meet. This
2. xTechSearch website: https://www.arl.army.mil/xtechsearch/index.html
16 LEMS Journal | Issue 4, February 2020 OUTCAN PERSPECTIVES An Outside Canada Posting Can Be a Dream Come True!
By LCol Martin Bedard
o you have managed to secure of three years – and one could argue that where newly acquired experience and an outside Canada (OUTCAN) after two years, it is time to move on and knowledge about the UK REME systems S posting? How lucky you are! learn something new. On the other hand, could be leveraged to enhance the Against all beliefs, finding volunteers upon returning with new experience, you RCEME Land Equipment Management for RCEME OUTCAN positions is a will be able to challenge what everyone System (LEMS). The RCEME Corps has significant challenge. I am currently else takes for granted and be able to successfully selected capable candidates serving on my third OUTCAN posting present new views and concepts on who performed well in the international with my family and want to reflect about systemic problems. arena and upheld Canada’s high reputa- these foreign work environments and tion among our allies; however, we have offer a professional and family perspective From a family perspective, your children to improve the way we employ those to fellow RCEME officers who may be will likely experience an international officers to capitalize on our investment considering a similar experience. school curriculum, which will usually when they return. be turned into an opportunity. Children There are currently eight RCEME normally reintegrate seamlessly into Overall, I strongly believe that accept- officers – one captain, five majors, one the Canadian school system with the ing an OUTCAN posting and serving lieutenant-colonel and one colonel – added bonus of an extra language and Canada’s interests abroad can be an deployed OUTCAN with their families. an international perspective picked extremely rewarding experience from These positions are not randomly up along the way. While your spouse’s a professional and family perspective. established but carefully selected by the professional career will likely be placed However, a word of caution – this is Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) on hold, OUTCAN financial benefits will not a one-size-fits-all experience. to ensure they achieve a deliberate offset some of that pressure. In addition, strategic effect. These positions provide Canadian employment opportunities do LCol Martin Bedard is currently the RCEME Corps and the Canadian exist for spouses while abroad. serving on his third OUTCAN posting Armed Forces (CAF) with access to Our members returning from OUTCAN as the Canadian Liaison Officer at technical facilities and expertise as the NATO Support and Procurement well as a means to influence and keep have acquired unique experiences. In a perfect world, the RCEME Corps Agency in Luxembourg. Previously, up with issues that affect our ability to he enjoyed challenging OUTCAN operate seamlessly with our allies. would capitalize on the knowledge and perspective gained by those deploying postings in JFC Naples (IT) and In this article, I want to reflect on profes- abroad and actively plan their next 1 UK Armd Div HQ in Herford (GE). sional and family considerations when employment in Canada. As an example, contemplating an OUTCAN posting. the officer returning from a posting as the The first aspect I will discuss is career Staff Officer 2 Combat Service Support - advancement. You must have heard that Equipment Support - Availability Manager when you accept a position abroad, your in the United Kingdom (UK) – could be career will take a hit. Yes and no! An advantageously employed within Director OUTCAN posting is a hard commitment Land Equipment Staff 3 (DLEPS 3)
Issue 4, February 2020 | LAND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 17 OUTCAN PERSPECTIVES RCEME in York: A Golden Opportunity to See How Others Do It!
By Maj Grant Pudlowski
here is a gem of a posting in • Need an alternator? Your supply guys maintenance, Babcock Defence Services York, United Kingdom (UK) will get you one from downtown. Group (BDSG). It is a huge company T with the 1st (UK) Division. This • Going on a small road move? with multiple responsibilities, but I deal formation is made up of eight brigades: No worries. There is a national with Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul four infantry, two logistics, one medical, recovery service like the Canadian (MRO) levels 1-3. and one engineer. The brigades span Automobile Association (CAA) that They have several workshops scattered from Northern Scotland to Southern you can call if you break down. England. There has been an RCEME around the UK. When LADs are position in the division since at least Because of the extent to which the overtasked, units will send all types of 1997, when it was an armoured division Brits use contracting, another work work from oil changes and inspections headquartered in Germany. strand I am involved in is dealing to engine replacements to a BDSG with the Army’s main contractor for workshop. Many units take advantage York is about halfway between London and the Scottish border, an hour from the east coast and two hours from the west coast. It is an historic place, having existed continuously since its founding as a fort by the Romans in 71 CE.
The position I hold is Availability Management in the Equipment Support (ES) branch of the HQ. It is roughly equivalent to a G4 Maintenance position in Canada. My duties include being the Divisional Joint Asset Management and Engineering Solutions (JAMES) officer. JAMES is an enterprise software system like the Defence Resource Management Information System (DRMIS), but easier to use.
The Brits are big on contracting, much more so than in Canada. For example:
• Your truck needs a windscreen? No problem. Call a civilian company and they’ll come out and replace it. • Flat tyre? Don’t go to the Light Aid Detachment (LAD) (British version of a maintenance platoon). Go to the quartermaster and exchange it, Maj Grant Pudlowski because LADs don’t have tyre machines.
18 LEMS Journal | Issue 4, February 2020 of these facilities, particularly reserve units that have used the FMSTs have But an exchange posting is a great units, which, with the rare exception, commented that they would have been opportunity to be exposed to other do not have any integral maintenance lost without them, especially when armies, other ways of doing things, and support. Routine, predictable work the equipment availability targets are other priorities. Not to mention the such as inspections must be forecasted so high. Units on high-readiness must opportunity to live in Europe. And even four months in advance. maintain 85% equipment availability, better, I don’t have to pay for parking while those units not on high-readiness like I did in Ottawa! Recently the BDSG contract expanded have a target of 75%. The idea of using to include several Field Mobile Support civilian contractors to augment RCEME Teams (FMST) – think Mobile Repair Maj Grant Pudlowski is currently tradespeople is probably something on his first OUTCAN and is learning Teams (MRT). The division has access that should be explored in Canada. to vehicle mechanics, armourers the local language. Previously, he (weapons technicians), and recovery Like us, the Brits have their own language worked in DGLEPM with the LAV and mechanic teams (recovery is a trade when it comes to acronyms. I am getting TAPV EMTs. He is a graduate of the here – a bad idea in my humble opinion). the hang of them, but it doesn’t help Land Force Technical Staff Program These civilian teams back up LADs that some of the accents here are so in Kingston and holds a Master’s and can even be used as non-tactical thick you could cut them with a knife. Degree in Public Administration from support on exercises, both The Brits tend to be in shape, and the RMC. He also has an Automotive domestically and overseas. division does physical training twice a Mechanics Licence, although he really week – and it is tough! Circuit training is doesn’t like getting his hands dirty. The idea of this “whole force approach” unfortunately very popular, as is running – using civilians to supplement the shuttles or laps in combat boots. guys in green – is growing. Many
Issue 4, February 2020 | LAND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 19 OUTCAN PERSPECTIVES The Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Corps: Our Closest Relatives?
By Maj Stéphane Payant
ecember 8, 1996 – to para- facilities. The four grades of repairs system technologist, and their electrical phrase US President Franklin D. are conducted at each level of the fitters are electrical and refrigeration D Roosevelt’s comment about the support structure: integral, close, technicians. attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, general, and national. 1941 – is a day that shall live in infamy If for any reason the equipment is for our brethren of the Royal New The NZ Army’s operational forces are deemed beyond local repair, it gets st Zealand Electrical and Mechanical grouped under 1 NZ Brigade. Major back-loaded to the national workshop, Engineering (RNZEME) Corps. With the units – the two infantry battalions, the the RNZALR version of 202 Workshop stroke of a pen, they were absorbed into cavalry regiment, the artillery regiment, Depot. This workshop is staffed with the newly formed Royal New Zealand and the engineer regiment – which contractors from Lockheed Martin Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR). have their own integral support that New Zealand, which enables the limited So, how did this affect the Kiwi Land conducts light-grade and sometimes number of military technicians to be Equipment Management System (LEMS)? medium-grade repairs. Their Technical employed in the field. The national Support Sub Units (TSSU) employ workshop offers medium-grade repairs For starters, the Corps may no longer Forward Repair Teams (FRT) to conduct for units outside of 1st NZ Brigade, exist, but the craftsman still thrives. repairs as forward as possible. such as reserve units and training Indeed, the Maintenance Support (MS) establishments as well as heavy-grade trades survived the amalgamation, and The brigade also has two Combat repairs for all. the flame is still very much alive. The Service Support (CSS) battalions that RNZEME crest and colours fly high in are regionally based on North and A key aspect that allows units to every workshop around the country, South Islands. These battalions are the maintain their equipment availability and it is common to see technicians Close Support organization and they is the replacement of items deemed and officers wearing their old RNZEME conduct light-grade repairs to units beyond local repair from the national regimental belt under their tunics. without their own integral support, Repair & Maintenance pool controlled and medium-grade repairs for the by the Defence Equipment Management Basically, there is not much that entire brigade. The CSS battalions Organisation (DEMO), their “Director is different. We share very similar can also form the basis of a General General Land Equipment Program doctrine and structure. Maintenance Support organization when deployed Management” (DGLEPM). This organi- of the equipment is separated into on a prolonged operation. zation is responsible for the through- four grades of repairs: operator, light, life support of all NZDF non-platform medium, and heavy grades. Those The MS trades perform light- and equipment. are mainly based on the engineering medium-grade repairs in the brigade. capacity required in terms of skills and Armourers are their weapons tech- DEMO is responsible for keeping the knowledge, infrastructure, and tooling nicians, maintenance fitters are their equipment fit for purpose and over- – ranging from replacement of minor materiel technicians, automotive are seeing the supply chain. The former is parts conducted by the operators to their vehicle technicians, electronic accomplished through such things as component-level repairs that require technicians are their electronic-op- monitoring the reliability, investigating extensive tooling and specialized tronic as well as their communication failure modes, and trends, researching
20 LEMS Journal | Issue 4, February 2020 and implementing design changes, and capabilities through projects. DEMO differences. Couple that with a similar adjusting the maintenance regimes. is involved by informing the capability culture, the versatility that comes from Overseeing the supply chain is managers when equipment requires being a small army and the “go getter” accomplished through monitoring the upgrades to remain technologically attitude, and it can be said that the national scaling of parts and their pro- relevant, and when the equipment craftsmen and officers from the RNZALR curements through original equipment needs to be replaced because it is are probably our closest cousins. manufacturers or other suppliers, when becoming unsupportable. DEMO is alternative sources are required. also involved from the earliest stages I am proud to serve with them. of capability definition and acquisition, DEMO is also heavily involved with assisting the capability managers and Major Stéphane Payant is Capability Branch, which, as the name project managers through early capability Canadian exchange officer in implies, has the responsibility of thinking, requirements setting, and New Zealand Equipment managing the various capabilities. support solution development. Management Group Leader Combat This organization is responsible Systems – Defence Equipment All in all, there are so many more for developing the requirements in Management Organisation. a similar fashion to Director Land commonalities with the Canadian LEMS Requirements. Capability Branch is also and the RCEME Corps than there are responsible for delivering the various
Issue 4, February 2020 | LAND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 21 OUTCAN PERSPECTIVES Patience, Ingenuity and Basic Kiwi Do-It-Yourself-Itis: A History of the RNZEME Corps
By Colin Andrews and Kelvin Hawley
ith the advent of mounted and for over a century this knack for warfare – first on horseback improvisation has flowed to every front W and then on wheels – the line where Kiwis have fought. need arose to mobilize those who made and repaired harnesses, wheels and The NZOM units in North Africa vehicles. As farriers, forgers, strikers, and formed part of the greater New Zealand blacksmiths used their tools to keep the Ordnance Corps and it is from this equine engines happy and shod, wheel- organization that the Corps of New wrights, mechanics, and coachbuilders Zealand Electrical and Mechanical tended the vehicles. Engineers (NZEME) was born, reflecting the organization of the British Army it Cutlers and masters of ordnance forged was supporting. Significantly, NZEME the striking and throwing weapons came into existence on the feast day of used by soldiers. From the smithies’ its patron, Saint Eligius, on December 1, work, the term hammer and tongs 1942. St Eligius is the patron saint of became synonymous with going hard not only the NZEME but also gold- at something. Brigadier Steve Weir, smiths, metalworkers, veterinarians, (later Major-General Sir Stephen Weir) and – most notably – horses and those chose these words to describe the who work with them. Throughout taxing Operation Crusader battles in the remainder of the Second World 1941 during the Second World War. War NZEME earned high praise for its The symbol of a crossed hammer and ability to keep equipment in the fight tongs (or pincers) came to symbolize the despite the challenges. Its success was achievement awarded to men passing attributed to “patience, ingenuity and exacting technical exams as artificers. basic Kiwi do-it-yourself-itis”.
The proud wartime reputation Forming the NZ Electrical & Mechanical established by the New Zealand Engineers as part of the temporary Ordnance Mechanical units (NZOM) 2NZEF overseas had set a precedent, founded in 1917 during the First World and arguments were brought forward War carried through to the NZOM in New Zealand for establishing a units of the Second New Zealand permanent electrical and mechanical them the reputation and traditions of Expeditionary Force (2NZEF) in the engineering branch of the army. Nothing the wartime NZEME Corps. The postwar second world conflict. Serious short- would happen, however, until after the NZAOC comprised of a Headquarters ages of spare parts and supplies in the Expeditionary Force was demobilized. and Inspectors Group in Wellington, North African campaign fueled the and the main ordnance and ammunition Kiwi tradesmen’s inventiveness, which When members of the NZEME returned depots at Trentham, as was the case with is often characterized as the “Number home from war service, they reverted each military district. 8 Wire” philosophy. This heavy-gauge to being NZ Army Ordnance Corps fencing strand has long been used to (NZAOC). Those who went on to serve The case for establishing a permanent cobble together mechanical solutions in Japan with Jay Force, which was branch progressed, and official notification on the farm back home or at the factory formed from 2NZEF in Italy, took with establishing the New Zealand Electrical
22 LEMS Journal | Issue 4, February 2020 & Mechanical Engineers came in The RF Cadet School relocated to always been leaders in technological August 1946. On August 23, an Army Waiouru in 1952, where it remained advance. RNZEME can be proud to Department, Wellington notice stated: throughout its existence. The RF Cadet have been the technological leader “His Excellency the Governor-General School was the main source of appren- within the NZ Army. Its service and has been pleased to approve under tice tradesmen (craftsmen) to RNZEME loyalty to the country is beyond Section 6(a) Defence Act, 1909, of workshops through to its disbandment reproach”. the NZ Permanent Forces, with effect in 1991, and was pivotal to achieving from the 1st Sept 1946 – Corps of the the ‘By Skill and By Fighting’ ethos On December 8, 1996, RNZEME was Electrical and Mechanical Engineers”, of RNZEME. disbanded and amalgamated with signed by Frederick Jones, Minister the Royal New Zealand Ordnance of Defence. The Vietnam conflict was the last Corps (RNZAOC) and Royal New in which RNZEME went to war. Zealand Corps of Transport (RNZCT) on Royal assent followed in July 1947 Individuals from the Corps have gone December 9, 1996 to form the Royal New when, along with other NZ Army to war zones since then, but in a Zealand Logistic Regiment (RNZALR). Corps, the NZEME gained the royal peacekeeping capacity. The post- prefix. This honour was recognition Vietnam period became one where Colin Andrews is a retired RNZEME by King George VI of the fine service the Corps responded to changes in sign writer. Colin joined the NZ rendered by NZ Forces in the recent the structure of the NZ Army toward Army as a Regular force Cadet in global war. The NZEME Corps had this peacekeeping role, and reorienting 1959 and graduated into RNZEME become the Royal New Zealand the country’s defence focus from in 1960 as the first indentured sign Electrical & Mechanical Engineers Southeast Asia to the Pacific and away writer apprentice. A keen military (RNZEME). The badge of the Corps from Cold War operations. For the historian, Colin is a long-time is described heraldically as: “A horse Corps the process meant a steady member of the New Zealand forcene (enraged) gorged with a coronet downsizing until it was disestablished Military Historical Society and of four fleur-de-lys, with a chain in 1996. At no time throughout this has written and published several reflexed over its back, standing on a process did the Corps of RNZEME lose works of military history. terrestrial globe superimposed on a its focus on professional standards in lightning flash and surmounted by the its work for the NZ Army – and the Royal Crown upon a scroll bearing esprit de corps of RNZEME continues Kelvin Hawley is a Systems Engineer the letters RNZEME.” today among former members working on the New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicle project. The year 1948 saw the establishment of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, as the Regular Force (RF) Cadet School RNZEME Colonel-in-Chief, shared in Trentham Camp that included an the following sentiments at the time RNZEME School of Trade Training. RNZEME was disbanded: “Armies have
Issue 4, February 2020 | LAND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 23