resettlement: life after leaving the armed forces DefenceFocus | Army | Royal Air Force | Ministry of Defence | issue #262 JULY/12

operation olympics n Britain’s biggest peacetime security operation n Meet the military athletes going for gold combatbarbie NANAVIGATORVIGATOR

Armed forces day: thousands turn out to cheer troops P6

P18 Back to civvy street Regulars Help for 20,000 troops leaving the Forces p5 In memoriam P22 going for gold Tributes to the fallen Military athletes prepare for the Games

P20 Podium P24 A cut above the rest Sir Peter Wall on Army 2020 Stuart Laws trains an Olympic fencer p31 wonder of war horse Win a pair of tickets for War Horse

P8

Features

P8 Olympic security Meet Military Director Olympics P24 p12 change at the top p22 Ursula Brennan bids farewell to MOD

JULY 2012 | ISSUE 262 | 3 EDITOR’SNOTE

Tristan kelly allowed through the perimeter to find DefenceFocus out what’s involved in the biggest The more observant will have noticed peacetime operation ever mounted by For everyone in defence that there is a new name heading this the Armed Forces. Published by the Ministry of Defence column. I have taken over in a caretaker Just like the Olympics, the Army 2020 Level 1 Zone C role following the departure on VERS of announcement seems to have been a MOD, Main Building our erstwhile editor Danny Chapman who long time coming. Many individuals and Whitehall London SW1A 2HB should now be enjoying a well-deserved units will be busy digesting the news to General enquiries: 020 721 8 1320 rest. Over three years he’s piloted Defence figure out what it means for them. For Focus, as well as news on the websit e and a view from the top on what it means ACTING EDITOR: Tristan Kelly Tel: 020 7218 4252 intranet, through some turbulent seas. A for the Army and for Britain take a look email: [email protected] big personal thank you to Danny and we at our article by General Sir Peter Wall.

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Ian Carr wish him well in his new endeavours. Meanwhile, Leigh Hamilton has been Tel: 020 7218 2825 Producing the magazine sometimes looking at some of the help available for email: [email protected] feels like a marathon effort and no less those starting a new life on Civvy Street. ASSISTANT EDITOR: Leigh Hamilton so than this month. This is our Olympics Lest we forget, this is all happening Tel: 020 7218 5988 issue and as the great event draws near against the backdrop of continuing email: [email protected] (or is in full flow when you read this) operations in . While coverage ASSISTANT EDITOR: Lorraine McBride members of our Armed Forces will be in this issue has lost out to the Olympics, Tel: 020 721 82341 hard at work not only to ensure a safe and be assured that our roving reporter is email: [email protected] successful games but also going for gold currently in theatre and will bring us all ASSISTANT EDITOR: Vacant in many of the myriad events. Lorraine up to date next month on the progress McBride has been hard at work chasing being made to transfer authority to Afghan ART EDITOR: Mark Eagle Tel: 020 721 8 3658 down the athletes to give us all some forces. Until then, remember that all the email: [email protected] inspirational reports from inside the Team latest defence news can be found on the GB Camp. Meanwhile, Ian Carr has been intranet and MOD website. DISTRIBUTION AND SUPPORT: Shell Daruwala Tel: 020 7218 1320 email: [email protected]

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Opinions expressed in Defence Focus do not necessarily represent those of the MOD. Articles on all aspects of MOD and Defence will be considered for publication but we reserve the right to edit contributions. MOD The Defence News Blog YouTube staff contributing to Defence Focus should ensure their Get a daily update of all the At Defence Headquarters YouTube the writing is suitable for open publication. defence stories running in the media latest videos from across Defence can with the MOD’s official position on the be found, including clips of soldiers on Advertising key issues, as well as a Defence Diary patrol in Helmand and briefings from Advertising sales are handled by Shun Tamura at Ten Alps Media. Tel: 020 7657 1810 with upcoming events of interest. senior personnel. email: [email protected] Visit www.blogs.mod.uk and subscribe Distribution to the daily alerts. Afghanistan Blog The magazine is distributed through major military Updated daily with official news on the bases, depots and MOD offices. Facebook/Twitter UK mission in Afghanistan as well as Join over 200,000 followers at the HM with stories from across the media and Armed Forces Facebook page and personal blogs from Armed Forces Printed by Corporate receive Defence HQ tweets @DefenceHQ personnel currently deployed. Document Services Ltd on 100 per cent on Twitter. www.ukforcesafghanistan.wordpress.com recycled paper

4 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | JULY 2012 inmemoriam DEATHSDeaths ON OPERATIONS ON OPERATIONS - 26 September – 26 MAY to to 1 26 JULY october 2012 2011

Captain Stephen Corporal Michael James Healey John Thacker

Captain Stephen James Corporal Michael Healey, from 1st Battalion John Thacker, from 1st The Royal Welsh, was Battalion The Royal Welsh, killed by a blast from an was killed in Afghanistan improvised explosive device on Friday 1 June 2012 while on patrol in his vehicle after coming under in the Nahr-e Saraj district small arms fire in the of Helmand province on Nahr-e Saraj district of Saturday 26 May 2012. Helmand province.

Private Gregg Lance Corporal Thomas Stone James Ashworth

Private Gregg Thomas Lance Corporal James Stone, from 3rd Battalion Ashworth, from the 1st The Yorkshire Regiment, Battalion , was killed in Afghanistan on was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 3 June 2012 after Wednesday 13 June 2012. coming under fire from a He died as a result of enemy group of insurgents in the action while on patrol in Nahr-e Saraj district of the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. Helmand province.

Corporal Alex Guy Warrant Officer Class 2 Leonard Corporal Alex Guy, from Perran Thomas 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, was Warrant Officer Class 2 fatally wounded on Friday Leonard Perran Thomas, 15 June 2012 while leading from the Royal Corps of his section forward to Signals, was killed on Sunday assist a group of Afghan 1 July 2012 in a small arms soldiers who were fire incident at Checkpoint pinned down following an Kamparack Pul in the Nahr-e insurgent ambush. Saraj district of Helmand.

Guardsman Craig Guardsman Apete Andrew Roderick Saunikalou Ratumaiyale Tuisovurua Guardsman Craig Andrew Roderick, from the 1st Guardsman Apete Saunikalou Battalion Welsh Guards, Ratumaiyale Tuisovurua, was killed on Sunday 1 from the 1st Battalion Welsh July 2012 in a small arms Guards, was killed on Sunday fire incident at Checkpoint 1 July 2012 in a small arms Kamparack Pul in the fire incident at Checkpoint

Picture: Cpl Al Crowe RAF Cpl Al Crowe Picture: Nahr-e Saraj district of Kamparack Pul in the Nahr-e Helmand province. Saraj district of Helmand.

APRILJULY 2012 | ISSUE 26062 | 5

ARMED FORCES DAY

Fire drill: Red Watch crew members from Two canoes: Corporal Mick O’Regan (left) Camels Head Fire Station conduct drills on and Corporal Nigel Wood from RAF College Sea salute: RFA Mounts Bay steams past at the the Maritime Firefighting Training Unit Cranwell proudly display the flag Armed Forces Day National Event in Plymouth Picture: LA(Phot) Rob Gillies Picture: Elias Gordon Picture:

Service personnel visit Wembley to meet the England team, including Ashley Cole, Andy Carroll, Wayne Rooney and boss Roy Hodgson Picture: Sgt Jez Doak RAF Picture:

Calendar girls: entrants for Aerial thrills: The Red Arrows Plymouth’s Calendar Girls Good view: people came in their thousands for provide an exciting finale in Plymouth contest at HMNB Devonport the fourth annual Armed Forces Day in Plymouth Picture: LA(Phots) Rob Gillies & Joel Rouse Picture: Picture: SAC Ben Tritta SAC Picture:

6 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | JULY 2012

tens of thousands of people united across great britain to celebrate armed forces day on 30 June 2012 Picture: LA(Phot) Rob Gillies Picture:

Depth of support: divers from the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth take the flag into the “Eddystone Reef” tank in front of visitors Picture: LA(Phot) Rob Gillies Picture:

Up and over: RAF Police dog Rek and handler Cpl Simon Stoneman Picture: Leading Aircraftwoman Gemma Nagi Leading Aircraftwoman Picture:

An Armed Forces Day paraade in Dundee Picture: Mark Owens Picture:

Irish eyes are smiling: a little Good view: people came in their thousands for Torchbearers: Balfron soldier Captain Robbie Donaldson was one boy visits the Carrickfergus the fourth annual Armed Forces Day in Plymouth of those who carried the Olympic Flame through Alloa in Scotland Armed Forces Day event Picture: Cpl G Moreno RLC Cpl G Moreno Picture: Picture: Mark Owens Picture:

JULY 2012 | ISSUE 262 | 7 olympic security

Search me: troops will be providing venue security during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Picture: Sgt Russ Nolan RLC Sgt Russ Picture: Secure Games ian carr talks to the military director olympics about making sure the games go without a bang

or five hundred days the imposing peacetime security operation seen in the strategic planning work done by the MOD, Olympic digital clock in Trafalgar UK – what Joint Commander, General Sir which is pan-Whitehall, and the work Square has been relentlessly Nick Parker has described as “a complex, that we do for the Director of Counter F ticking off the seconds to the multi-agency operation, with one key Terrorism, UK Operations. Underpinning opening ceremony of the Games. aspect for the Defence contribution – to all that is the work we do at tactical level.” Sightseers from around the world have make sure that we know what is going The Brigadier needed to bring posed in front of the 6.5-metre-high, on across a wide range of activities.” But in some bespoke expertise - media four-tonne timepiece to have their photos what does that mean in practical terms? specialists to engage with communities taken. And as the number of days to go Speaking to Defence Focus, Brigadier explaining what was going to happen and decreased, so the excitement mounted. Richard Smith, who was appointed why. He also needed policy specialists, Would everything be ready in time? Military Director Olympics in May last so that when the strategy was agreed and Meanwhile, far from the public year, pointed out that this tri-Service the work was pushed down to the tactical eye, athletes have been spending every operation may be huge, but it has been level he could be sure that everything second training hard for the biggest built on existing joint operations that being done was in line with what MOD sporting event on the planet. Likewise, routinely ensure UK security with the ministers had demanded. “We got three for more than a year, the military has military working alongside the civil high grade civil servants who had just been planning and preparing to make agencies and authorities. come back from service in Afghanistan sure that the Games prove to be a safe Straight away an Olympics team to do that,” he said. Deciding to deploy and secure event. was set up comprising both military ground-based air defence around Taking the lead for security on British and civilian personnel working at the London was an example of this process soil is of course the responsibility of the operational level, reporting to General Sir in action explained the Brigadier: “The police. The military role is to provide the Nick Parker. Joint Commander will say ‘from my extra capability and manpower support “I say we operate at the operational perspective, this is my military advice’, that the police and the Home Office need level,” said Brigadier Smith, “because we make sure that advice goes into to safeguard what will be the greatest we provide that gearing between the the MOD at the right level so that when

8 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | JULY 2012 ministers make their decisions they have it also allowed us to check the viability to cause the minimum of disruption, all the information they need.” of the sites: could we maintain our they mean it. Shift patterns have been But the planning discussions operational output? Were our reaction organised so that handovers don’t between Defence and the Home Office times acceptable? Did we have the right inconvenience residents on the school started well before the Brigadier’s coalition of radars? And it meant we run; thought has even gone into which appointment. And as a clearer view of could check if the assets worked in an kind of fencing will surround the ground- requirements emerged, so the requests integrated way, and we could exercise based Rapier systems. Should it be from the London Organising Committee alongside the civil agencies such as the opaque – or would it be less alarming if of the Olympic and Paralympic Games police and the Civil Aviation Authority.” you can see through it and maybe chat to (LOCOG) for military support increased. There were two other objectives the troops? And, of course, no-one wants In the end,17,000 military personnel will – engaging with the public to reassure to scare the horses. Literally. “We have be engaged in the operation, some 7,500 them and dispel any myths that they actually demonstrated to LOCOG and more than are deployed to Afghanistan. might wake to find soldiers lurking in the the equestrian organisation that flying This military contribution will deliver shrubbery, and to convince anyone with helicopters off HMS Ocean using flight specialist and niche capabilities such malign intent that the Games were no soft paths that are screened by buildings will as bomb disposal and high risk search, target. “The Games is a great opportunity minimise the disruption.” venue security, and the normal support for us to integrate with the public in a way But like any operation it is, as the that the military extend to the police in we wouldn’t normally,” said Brigadier Brigadier readily admits, the logistics dealing with the unexpected. Smith. “We want them to see us at our that can catch you out. Without having The scale of this operation may be best, let them get to know us and show the right people in the right place at the unprecedented, but there is nothing them that we really appreciate the right time, no plan, however elegant, new about the concept. Military Aid to support they have shown for our troops in is worth the Gantt chart it’s printed on. the Civil Authorities is well established, Afghanistan.” Accommodating17,000 personnel is no and as Air Vice-Marshal Stuart Atha, As an extra insurance that those small task, especially when you need to the Air Component Commander for the encounters are happy ones, the 11,000 take the strain off what will already be a Games, said, speaking at a press facility troops providing venue protection, heavily burdened transport system. So, at Blackheath: “One of my hats is that although already skilled in basic security, wherever possible, the aim has been to use I’m the UK Air Defence Commander will have an extra five days training to existing infrastructure, even if that means responsible for defending the skies over tailor their military skills and tune them temporarily adding to it and keeping travel the UK, 365 days of the year. What we to the ethos of the Games. “We have put time to no more than an hour. have done for the Olympics is extend that plan and place a particular emphasis on the Greater London area and the Home Counties.” 17,000 military personnel will be For the military, what this all amounts to is a tri-Service, multi- engaged in the operation, many more layered, integrated approach. For the rest of us that means all prudent, than are deployed to Afghanistan. precautionary preparations have been made, and everything is put in place with the minimum of fuss, and with the minimum of disruption. a lot of thought into making sure our “So we will have personnel operating In May, over a nine-day period, personnel are ready to fill the roles in out of RAF bases such as Waddington Exercise Olympic Guardian took place, the right atmosphere and with the right and Halton, and Army bases such as testing the capabilities that would be approach,” said Brigadier Smith. “We Hounslow. We will also be using TA deployed on land, in the air and on the have had our trainers trained by the G4S centres, and we have built temporary water. It was of course an essential experts who will be operating alongside deployed accommodation at other examination to make sure that everything them. But we mustn’t forget the locations. worked together as planned, Paralympics, we must make sure that we With a roof over their heads, even if and that the response to treat them with the same importance.” it’s a canvas one, the next problem is to any imagined threat was No-one does detail better than the get everyone fed and able to get to their tested. “The military livex military, and when they say they want place of work. So to keep the engines was really important,” running – both human and mechanical, said Brigadier Smith. contracts providing catering, transport “It allowed us to build and fuel have been extended. up an understanding Brigadier Smith appreciates the of what was effort that has gone into making it all normal air traffic possible. “None of this would happen over London so without a huge number of people we could spot anything working unsung behind the scenes.” that was out of place. But And come the Games, behind the scenes is where the military want to

Sky eye: Blackheath is one of a Picture: Graeme Main stay. Let’s hope all of the attention is number of locations where ground- on Usain Bolt. Or even better – based air defence systems will be placed Jessica Ennis. DF

JULY 2012 | ISSUE 262 | 9 olympic security olympic

Operating from RAF Northolt, Typhoon fighter security aircraft are on standby 24-hours-a-day to guard We take a look at the various venues tri-service military capability supporting the police in Britain’s biggest ever peacetime security operation

on Land During the Olympic and Paralympic Games,17,000 military personnel will be on the ground helping the police maintain RAF Waddington security at the Olympic and Paralympic venues and villages.

n Up to 11,000 Service personnel will be helping to provide venue security; 5,000 troops will provide specialist capabilities such as bomb RAF Northolt disposal, search and dog London teams. 1,000 troops will provide Weymouth logistic support.

Joint ground-based air defence: providing defence against fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and missiles

10 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | JULY 2012 In the air Air defence is about detecting what is happening in the skies above you, understanding what you are looking at, E-3D Sentry aircraft will provide deciding if it is a threat, and, if it is, dealing electronic surveillance with it quickly. This is how it is done. n Around the clock, using n Ground-based, laser- on the water binoculars with thermal guided Rapier systems and imaging detection systems, Starstreak high velocity Amphibious assault ship HMS Ocean will be Army air observers located at missiles will be positioned to moored on the at Greenwich, a number of sites will keep an detect and deal with close- while HMS Bulwark and RFA Mounts Bay will be unblinking watch on the skies in air threats. They will be around the capital. operated by Army Royal keeping everything shipshape in Weymouth Bay. Artillery personnel. n Three Royal Navy Sea n HMS Ocean berthed n HMS Bulwark will King helicopters will provide n No 1 Air Control Centre at Greenwich will be the be positioned off the Dorset surveillance to spot any mobile radar type 101 will be maritime hub for police-led coast to provide security threats and then, if needs be, deployed to Kent to augment operations with Royal Navy during the sailing events direct air, sea and ground the picture provided by existing and Army Lynx helicopters on armed with Goalkeeper forces to intercept the threat. ground radar, and the Centre board. In addition there will weapon systems, enhanced can take tactical command and be up to 600 troops aboard radars and sensors. Also n RAF Pumas based at Ilford control of intercepting aircraft. comprising soldiers and aboard will be up to 350 TA Centre, and Royal Navy . Royal Marines. and Army Lynx helicopters n The control and reporting operating from HMS Ocean, centre is where air and n Patrol boats and n RFA Mounts Bay will moored at Greenwich, carrying ground-based radar and rigid inflatable boats will be providing support in RAF Regiment snipers, can other information warning of rapidly carry Royal Marines to Weymouth Bay. be tasked to intercept and suspicious airborne activity a scene, who can be tasked to redirect aircraft that stray into is coordinated, and will shoot out the engines n Royal Navy divers will restricted airspaces. provide tactical control of all of suspicious craft on provide a maritime bomb intercepting aircraft. UK waterways. disposal capability. n RAF E-3D Sentry aircraft flying from RAF Waddington n Four Typhoon fighter will supplement ground-based jets based at RAF Northolt radar and can control fighter will be tasked to intercept planes and other aircraft, and unauthorised aircraft that also provide airborne security. enter restricted airspace.

HMS Bulwark will be providing protection for the sailing events

JULY 2012 | ISSUE 262 | 11 PUS INTERVIEW

Gone: Permanent Secretary Ursula Brennan has returned to the Ministry of Justice

Brennan

bows out Allan House Picture:

After two years in MOD’s hot seat, Permanent Secretary Ursula Brennan is leaving a shrinking Department with no regrets Interview: Lorraine McBride

f a week in politics is a long time, and Ursula Brennan eschews a politician’s military and civilians teaming up for the then two years as MOD’s top boss sound bite. “Well, partly of course, I’ve greater good. must feel like a roller coaster. Wars got to know MOD, so things that seemed “The truth is when you cut an I in Afghanistan and Libya, the 2012 bizarre when I arrived don’t seem quite so organisation to begin with you keep running London Olympics, the departure of Defence strange several years on,” she smiled. around trying to do what you did before with Secretary Dr Liam Fox and Defence “I think that one thing that does feel fewer people,” said Ursula. Transformation are all milestones in different, is a more… [she hesitates slightly] “However, the scale of the requirement MOD history, but the real game-changer corporate is a slightly depressing word,” to slim down our organisations, not just in has been bringing in a balanced budget she continues, “because it sounds dull. But Defence but the impact on the economy and that has had a significant impact on the there is genuine desire among the senior public spending, has meant that all of us Department’s size and shape. team to work together to solve things, had to stop and say ‘hang on a minute, we Ursula Brennan started her Civil though I think emphasising distinctiveness can’t carry on the way we were’. Service career in 1975 and rapidly rose is still important.” Once that penny dropped, new ways through the ranks. She assumed the top She doesn’t mean the three Services of working together emerged. She cites job (making her the first female head of the locked in age-old tribal budgetary battles the Voluntary Early Release Scheme and MOD) in 2010 in the wake of the Strategic over whether to fund an aircraft carrier at the HR team’s diversity work as a prime Defence and Security Review. Ask what it the expense of a Tornado, so often played example of “we’re-all-in-it-together”, but is really like to be the Permanent Secretary out in damaging press headlines, but the ask if progress is being rolled out across

12 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | JULY 2012 the Department and Ursula says with matters most?’ All this time spent trying to But isn’t it just a classic example of a admirable frankness that it’s “really hard get the budget in balance hasn’t just been military mind in action? “You could argue to tell”. about accountants crunching numbers. It’s that,” observed Ursula. “But it’s a really “When I get out and about, people have about senior members of Defence asking interesting lesson that the military said an opportunity to tell me how life works at ‘what is our top priority?’ and that comes ‘if you ask us to do something then we ask the coalface, but I don’t see it day-to-day down to value.” how much is it going to cost? How long will in quite the same way that some people She emphasises the importance of it take? What will be the knock-on impact?’ can,” she explained, aware of the tricky wiping out profligate procurement. “We’re “The Civil Service isn’t usually as perception of ivory tower syndrome held by not going to promise to deliver equipment disciplined, so that’s a lesson I’ve learned. If some whenever she visits far-flung corners we can’t afford. We’re going to promise and you’ve got something seriously difficult, then of Defence. then deliver even if it means delivering a slightly haphazard planning won’t do.” Now that the MOD’s infamous £38bn smaller number of projects.” “Secondly, I’ve learned just how deficit has been eliminated, the Department Ursula points out the folly of fudging impressive the military and civilians are is evolving into a new era of Transforming decisions and racking up costly project delays when a crisis blows up. With Libya, it Defence. The key to getting it right lies in which was borne out by Bernard Gray’s report wasn’t just military planning, there were strategy and governance with clear-cut that showed how the MOD burns money from civilians who knew what action we needed accountability. constantly repricing projects. to take before engaging in a campaign. The restructure included a new “It’s the classic lesson in any business. I was really impressed by people’s Defence Board chaired by the Secretary If we get things wrong and redo them, we professionalism who understand that, of State, a slimmed down Head Office, waste money. Get it right first time, we will as well as the combat role, there is an and new business models for equipment save money.” important Department of State role.” capability teams that mean beefing up Where the MOD succeeds is through Her successor’s task is to inject a responsibility for Front Line Commands. peerless crisis planning. “If you compare sense of belief in staff. She wants bosses She yearns to strip back the MOD’s us to other government departments, the to reconnect with people, asking them notoriously layered briefing culture that requires multiple staff to be briefed in turn before reaching the boss. Ursula knows that the lines between true leadership and mere line management The world isn’t black can blur and calls on bosses to let staff know what they expect from them. and white. It’s lots of “I think the best line managers that I worked for said ‘have you got the resources? Well, now go away and do it’. shades of grey Keep in touch, and if you hit a problem or your boss thinks ‘actually, there’s a bigger picture here’, they help straighten it up and MOD really is impressive,” said Ursula. ‘what’s preventing you from doing the job put you back on the right road again. “Take the threatened tanker drivers’ in the way that you know best?’ and ‘can we “It doesn’t mean that they’re always in strike, Departments came together and do something to help?’ the room every time something happens. General Sir Nick Parker took charge. A real She thinks the next phase will mean Nor does it mean that post-streamlining discipline fell into place asking ‘what’s the drafting in private expertise to get the job they pass the buck up the chain and plead problem? What are you asking us to do? done in the best way. “It’s difficult when ‘nothing to do with me guv!’ because I don’t How should we equip ourselves? And how reform plans come across as criticism of the think that’s leadership either. I don’t think do we equip ourselves in future to make Civil Service. The world isn’t black and white. we’ve got that one cracked yet.” sure that it’s sustainable in the long run It is lots of shades of grey. Her biggest bugbear is persuading through serious analytical planning’.” “There’s stuff we are really ace at staff to write punchy briefs. “Occasionally that nobody does as well. But there are if I get something really good, I tell people some things frankly where we need to pull ‘you gave me a lucid simple note in plain our socks up, and others where it doesn’t English which I understood straight away’. make sense to carry on when the private “Some people are capable even if their sector could do them better.” subject is complex and others write reams Ursula has returned to the Ministry of technical jargon which I then struggle to of Justice to grapple with the challenge of understand. It remains a problem in MOD - transforming the courts, prisons and legal we’re not good at writing succinctly.” aid on a drastically reduced budget. By contrast, she cites a better I wonder if she is sad to be leaving with understanding of spreadsheets and the so many projects on the go following such implications of runaway budgets. Some intense turbulence. She nods and says she people even gripe that the bean counters catches herself scribbling notes. have taken over the world and that the “I think ‘no, my successor will be doing Department is obsessed with money. that, not me’. Yes, that’s sad, but also it’s “I don’t think that’s fair,” countered really nice to go back somewhere I know, Ursula. “We’re genuinely trying to say ‘we which is the Ministry of Justice, so I’m know what our budget is so how can we be Back then: Ursula Brennan looking forward to that - and they’ve got outside Main Building sure that we’re spending money on what Allan House Picture: plenty of problems.” DF

JULY 2012 | ISSUE 262 | 13 verbatim fit for purpose Surgeon General Vice admiral philip raffaelli talks to ian carr about keeping the armed forces healthy

and civilian strengths to support the delivery of success on operations. That is absolutely what we do, so to be part of it makes perfect sense.

DF: So is there a need for Single Service healthcare provision? PR: I’m convinced that you should do cloth-on-cloth care where you can. Recognising and understanding Single Service requirements and the environments in which they operate is important. But the bottom line is, when you need a doctor, nurse or medical assistant to intervene, you want somebody who is properly trained and as fit for purpose as you can make them. We are not a cheap option, so the more efficient and effective we can make that, the better.

DF: Is it that kind of thinking that is behind the creation of the Defence Primary Healthcare? PR: Establishment of the DPHC is integral to a commitment made by the Service Chiefs to continue to improve medical care to the Armed Forces. So medical centres, regional rehabilitation units and departments of community mental health will operate much as they do now, but will be carefully, and over a period of time, brought together under one single organisation with the delivery of primary healthcare run on a regional basis, Picture: Harland Quarrington Picture: but in a coordinated and harmonious way.

DF: What is the role of Surgeon General? DF: The Service Chiefs are behind the DPHC model? PR: My formal position is the professional Head of the PR: They and the VCDS and CDS clearly support and Defence Medical Services (DMS). Which means I have respect their medical services and recognise the end-to-end responsibility for the appropriate delivery important contribution they make to morale as well of our three principal outputs: medical operational as physical fitness, so it was not a position they took capability, healthcare provision, and subject matter lightly. Last year they spent about six months seeking expert and health advice. All of which adds up to confirmation and reassurance that the move to a unified ensuring we have the maximum number of suitably primary care service was going to maintain the quality healthy personnel who are fit for task, and who, as a they had grown to expect from their own Single Service result of what we do, remain as healthy as possible – primary healthcare. They have also made it clear that Promote, Protect and Restore. wherever possible they would like cloth on cloth service to understand the environment their patients work in. DF: Why is the SG organisation now part of JFC? But they also recognise that a uniformity of delivery of PR: I am a very strong supporter of the Joint Forces the same policies and practices, given the peripatetic Command concept. The medical services exist either nature of the military and their dependents, will add to to make people from across the three Services well the consistency and quality of care their people receive, and keep them fit, or to deploy a medical capability whichever medical centre they might go in. to operations. Over the years, particularly in the operational environment, we have increasingly been DF: Is that desire to achieve a consistent approach delivering an effect by working jointly. In the Role 3 affected by the use of locums in medical centres? hospital at Bastion, you don’t know until they take PR: Locums can often be extremely high-quality their mask off if that man or woman is Army, Navy or practitioners, certainly those are the type we seek. RAF, or even if they are regular or reservist or indeed What they can lack is the occupational health side of what nationality they are. We have a successful track the treatment in a military context. Now, if I have a record in harnessing capabilities and focusing on the bad ankle I can see an NHS GP and they will give me specific skills we need. the right treatment. What they won’t be so good at JFC was created to bring together unique military is knowing whether I am fit enough to go to sea in a

14 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | JULY 2012 submarine or to parachute out of an aircraft. That is overheads that will make it an easier ask of our people. certainly an area where having healthcare delivered by Of course as the total Armed Forces population and men and women from the RAF, the Navy or the Army their dependents reduces, particularly overseas, the can be an advantage. That’s why we train our civilian number of patients who come through the door will also practitioners on the same basis, so that they do have reduce. So we will have to ensure that we have the right that understanding, and are familiar with our electronic medical centre in the right areas, manned with the records, so they make sure that your medical category right people for the population they will be expected is correct. to serve in the future. DF

DF: You say DMS is not a cheap option. What can you do about that? PR: We make sure that our posts are properly defined in terms of job spec, the skills and experiences required, and then select the best person for the job. Now, if you want a tooth taking out I’ll make sure it’s a dentist who does it, if you want your belly opening up, I’ll make sure a surgeon does it, which is why there are some posts that are specifically tied to professional qualification. Outside that we follow the approach laid down in Top Structures, Next Steps. First, does the task need doing? If it does, can it be provided by someone outside the organisation? Could it be undertaken by a MOD civilian (many of our civilians provide healthcare, they don’t just work in admin) or is it necessary for a military person to do it? Finally, must it be a specialist? Each time you go up a step in terms of requirement there is a cost implication.

DF: So what else drives that decision? PR: Our first requirements are what outcomes do we want for our patients and what do we want to provide our commanders with? Then we look at how we can put in place most efficiently and effectively a structure that does that. For us, form follows function.

DF: Will the organisational changes such as DPHC and JFC increase efficiency? PR: Creating a single headquarters from five separate ones (the three Single Service organisations plus PJHQ’s provision overseas in Gibraltar, Cyprus and elsewhere, and the British Forces in Germany) will mean we can remove some HQ function duplication – for instance we will have only one financial team. Each of the Services work to somewhat different models so we are looking to take best practice from each during the Defence Primary Healthcare initial operating capability phase. We are going to run a pilot starting in October to test how a clinically-led regional structure backed by a small DPHC HQ works, before we move to full operating capability. And by April 2014, JFC will have been in existence long enough for us to take a wider view of what we need.

DF: What effects will the reduction in the Armed Forces head count have on you? PR: There will be a couple of significant effects. Firstly, the DMS, like everyone else in Defence, will be expected to deliver our share of personnel reductions – both military and civilian. The loss of 25,000 civilians across Defence is also important for us. We have spent a lot of time looking at situations where we can use civilian personnel, not just in policy or administration, but in healthcare delivery. So we need to be careful that in making savings we do not affect our healthcare delivery. If we can reduce duplication and reduce our HQ

JULY 2012 | ISSUE 262 | 15 borrowed Feature PARSIFAL, VALKYRIE and HERCULES

THree programmes are helping he requirement to support current operations in Afghanistan remains MOD scientists and engineers the highest priority in Defence. work with industry and academia TAnd, since 2007, MOD scientists and engineers have been working with to deliver battle-winning kit industry and academia on rapid research and development programmes to deliver capability into theatre within a rolling six to 12-month time frame. n This article was first published in This work is driven by operational Defence Codex - the magazine for requirements and is both proactive and Defence Engineering and Science, reactive – responding quickly to changes Issue 11, Spring 2012 in threat and insurgent posture. Led by Capability Ground Manoeuvre and the Permanent Joint Headquarters, the three programmes for enhancing protection, capability and burden-reduction have

Big beast: a Mastiff armoured patrol vehicle in Afghanistan Picture: Cpl Ian Forsyth RLC Cpl Ian Forsyth Picture:

16 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | JULY 2012 delivered exceptionally capable and soldier protection, where a recent success Picture: Andrew Linnett world-leading equipment. This has ranged story has been the development of the from vehicle mine protection upgrades to three-tiered pelvic protection system that minimising the telltale signs of a vehicle’s has dramatically reduced injuries from specialist role. These three programmes improvised explosive devices. are called Parsifal, Valkyrie and Hercules. They support UK forces to maintain the VALKYRIE - ISTAR initiative in the technology battle in order Valkyrie focuses on C4ISTAR, lethality and to improve our freedom of manoeuvre and mobility enhancements for both mounted expand tactical capabilities. and dismounted troops. It addresses UK Armed Forces’ research priorities, PARSIFAL - protection primarily focusing on identifying, derisking Parsifal focuses on protection and demonstrating concepts that offer the enhancements. Originally created in 2007 potential to have an immediate impact on to address the new threats experienced in operations. It also conducts research to , Parsifal has consistently delivered support improvements in training, doctrine science and technology into urgent and logistics. The Valkyrie programme foot. Hercules consists of over 20 work operational requirements for Operation consists of over 30 work packages ongoing packages spanning the survivability, Telic and Herrick to maximise survivability or completed. lethality, mobility, sustainability and human of troops. factor domains. Activities are focused All vehicle types in Afghanistan are HERCULES - reducing burden around derisking and demonstrating protected by armour fits developed through Hercules focuses on reducing the soldier new lightweight technologies, improving the Parsifal programme and much of burden. Soldiers in Afghanistan have to a soldier’s physical preparations for this work is highly classified. However, carry heavy loads made up of armour, operations, and advising on new tactics, innovations such as Tarian anti-rocket weapons, electronic equipment and combat techniques and procedures to reduce the propelled grenade netting, the outstanding supplies. Understanding the adverse overall burden. protection provided by Mastiff and the impact on performance, Project Hercules Parsifal, Valkyrie and Hercules highly innovative new Foxhound vehicle aims to address this by investigating options demonstrate Defence Science and have been widely publicised. Parsifal also to reduce the physiological, cognitive Technology Laboratory industry and focuses on base security and infantry and thermal burden on the soldier on academia successfully working together. DF

Foxy: the light protected patrol vehicle Foxhound Picture: Andrew Linnett Andrew Picture:

JULY 2012 | ISSUE 262 | 17 Resettlement article

Life beyond the military

Leaving the Armed Forces can be a daunting prospect. Leigh Hamilton investigates the support the MOD provides those leaving the military

18 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | JULY 2012 fter years of living a structured Lieutenant Commander David stuffing out of you. lifestyle, which could involve Sargent is one of the many Service “I was at the Army headquarters fighting on the front line, personnel who have benefited from the dealing with the aftermath of the impact A entering what might seem CTP. He was notified in September 2011 of the 9/11 attacks and how we would go like the comparatively quieter civilian that he was being made redundant as about preparing contingency plans for world can take its toll if the transition part of Tranche 1 of the Armed Forces similar attacks,” he said. isn’t properly handled. Around 20,000 Redundancy Programme. “One moment I was looking at personnel leave the Services every After serving for almost 13 years as very, very important matters that had a year. This can be due to a natural end a Logistics Officer with the Royal Navy, significant and profound impact on the to their career, redundancy, or medical Lieutenant Commander Sargent relied future of the Armed Forces for the next discharge. Each of these individuals has heavily on the guidance provided by the 10, 15, maybe 20 years, and the next access to tailored support and advice CTP during the year before he left the moment I was looking for a job on years before they are discharged, to Armed Forces. the outside. ensure they are as well-prepared After initial contact with the CTP, Although Johnny had carried out as possible. Lieutenant Commander Sargent extensive research into what the civilian The Career Transition Partnership attended a CTW at the Regional world could offer him, his experience (CTP), which is a partnering agreement Resettlement Centre (RRC) Cottesmore with the CTP helped him secure a between the Ministry of Defence which set the tone for the rest of his position at a management consultancy. and Right Management, provides transition experience: He said: resettlement services for those leaving “When I attended I was still in “When I saw my advisor, I found the the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force shock after being made compulsorily meeting extremely useful and helpful. and Royal Marines, and also acts as an redundant,” Lieutenant Commander Overall it backed up the research I had intermediary for employers wishing to Sargent said. “The CTW was a real wake- already done.” hire Service leavers. up call and made me think very long and Changes in family circumstances To date the CTP has helped over hard about what I needed to do. It got me can be a catalyst for some personnel to 170,000 personnel with the tricky into the job-seeking mindset.” seek voluntary redundancy. transition to civilian life by offering During his military career, After 14 years as an RAF Puma guidance, workshops and courses. Lieutenant Commander Sargent gained navigator, Sarah Murnane decided to Advice, guidance and support are apply for voluntary available from the CTP two years before redundancy to discharge until two years after leaving spend more time service, if the individual is eligible in The CTW was a with her young accordance with current policy. child. After receiving word that they are After being leaving the Forces, a Service leaver is real wake-up call approved for given a briefing which clearly outlines redundancy, Sarah what they can expect in the coming attended a CTW at months and they will be given in-Service extensive experience in logistics and RRC Northolt. She said: resettlement advice before attending supply chain management. Planning “Before I joined the Air Force a three-day Career Transition to utilise his existing military skill-set, I wanted to teach, so the advisor Workshop (CTW). Lieutenant Commander Sargent set encouraged me to look into that. The CTP’s Marketing Communications his sights on finding work in the field of meeting with her was so useful, she Manager Karen Carroll said: logistics. He said: knew so much.” “Obviously it’s a scary time for a lot “I found myself referring time During the CTW, Sarah was of people and we’re aware of that. The and again to CTW and the notes I was encouraged to look for jobs online and first thing Service personnel need to do provided with. Certainly as my job search it was during the workshop that she is get registered with the CTP through continued, I found the lessons learned applied for a position as a geography their Service Resettlement Advisor and were more and more relevant.” teacher - which she got. get the process started. Although focusing on logistics Luckily the skills Sarah had gained “Then they can go onto the three-day vacancies, by chance he came across during her time in the RAF ensured she transition workshop and start to work an advert for a position of Business was well-equipped to face a classroom of with a career consultant. Manager at a local school: rowdy children in her new job. “They will develop and follow a “I saw the job specification and “When I got hit in Baghdad, that Personal Resettlement Plan which realised that it was almost identical to was quite scary. Kids playing up in the will include resettlement activities to that of a Naval Logistics Officer.” classroom is comparatively not scary meet the needs of the individual and Lieutenant Commander Sargent still at all.” aspirations for their future career.” uses his military experience on a daily To those who may be facing Service personnel possess a wide basis, and said: redundancy, Sarah advised: range of skills and a work ethos which “Be it management of people, things, “You’ve got to find a job that suits you make them very valuable assets to money, infrastructure, the experience and don’t underestimate the skills that civilian employers. gained has proved utterly invaluable.” the military has given you.” These skills include leadership, Johnny Wrench served for 23 Life after active service has the being able to work as part of a team, years in the Army and took voluntary potential to present new opportunities. discipline, maturity and acceptance redundancy in 2011. He explained that Visit www.ctp.org.uk for of responsibility. any kind of redundancy can knock the more information. DF

JULY 2012 | ISSUE 262 | 19 podium the ROAD TO FUTURE FORCE 2020 In an article written for , General Sir Peter wall outlines the thinking behind Army 2020

Under Army 2020 the Reserves will take on a greater role Picture: Sgt Russ Nolan RLC Sgt Russ Picture:

oday (Wednesday 4 July) the Defence force to deliver “boots on the ground”? Secretary Philip Hammond will set out what The answer lies in the level of assurance that the Army is for. we as a nation require when our interests are being T After the experiences of the past ten years threatened and we are vulnerable. The world is not there is unlikely to be much of a national appetite for going to be any less confrontational just because of its protracted war. Yes, the faces new economic plight; in all probability it will be more so. threats from terrorism and cyber attack. But in an Some threats we face will come from well outside era where there has been no threat of conventional the military sphere: challenges to our economic interest, invasion since the end of the Cold War, some might ask to our values and beliefs, to the conditions that underpin why we can’t shrink our Army by even more than the stability around the world. Diplomacy and negotiation significant numbers already announced. will always be our first resort. But the credibility of these Fighting wars through precision attacks from approaches often depends on the implicit understanding air and sea has obvious political as well as military that military options exist - and that, when the preferred attractions. And if that won’t work then why not rely on means aren’t working, we may need to turn to them. And our allies to do the hard yards? Or support a local proxy that, when we do, they must work.

20 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | JULY 2012 Increasingly that means forming coalitions that vitalnumbers include regional partners as well as our traditional allies. They are becoming ever more important in political and military terms, but also to confer international legitimacy on our actions. We should only commit forces when we have a clear understanding of THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT the nuances of the situation at all levels - including the THERE READY TO HELP you human terrain. Understanding that is critical as both Iraq and Afghanistan have demonstrated. Such a level RN Benevolent Trust: Grants, Harassment, advice and income supplements bullying or discrimination: of clarity is hard to come by. for veterans. Call 0239 2690112 or JSP 763, The MOD We have designed Army 2020 against this email [email protected]. Harassment Complaints backdrop. Our future force will be structured Procedures, is a guide for around three core purposes. The first is RN Association: Comradeship for Services and civilians. Navy: intervention and conventional deterrence; the all serving and 023 9272 7331. Army: 94 391 second is overseas operations in multinational ex-Service members of the RN, Ext 7922 (01264 381 922). RM, QARNNS, WRNS, Reserves, alliances to prevent conflict at source; the third RAF: 95471 ext 7026. Civilians RFA and RNXS.royal-naval- purpose is activity within the UK - partly to make association.co.uk 0800 345 7772 (+441225 us more responsive to domestic operations such 829572 from overseas) or em: as flood relief and the Olympics and to improve Royal Marines Benevolent [email protected]. homeland resilience, but primarily to ensure that Fund: Relieves hardship among serving and former Marines Matters of conscience we can sustain the reformed Army Reserve that will and whistleblowing under the be a key element of our new forces. and dependents. royalmarines. [email protected] or Public Interest Disclosure Act. The Army Reserve will include armoured forces call 02392 547201. Call 0800 3457772. Select and light forces, intelligence and surveillance. option four. It will work with the Royal Navy and the Royal ABF The Soldiers Charity: Air Force as well as government departments Support to soldiers and veterans. Service Personnel and and NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations). It www.soldierscharity.org or call Veterans Agency: Pay, pensions 0845 241 4820. and personnel support for the can be adapted to handle smaller operations, or Services and veterans, including configured as a full-scale brigade for a sustained RAF Benevolent Fund: Help for the JPA system, and Joint period, as we currently operate in Afghanistan. RAF personnel past and present. Casualty and Compassionate Given warning it will field a division for even larger rafbf.org or call 0800 1692942. Centre: 0800 0853600: 0800 challenges. 1692277 or veterans-uk.info Despite a reduction of 20 per cent in our regular Civil Service Benevolent Fund: MOD Occupational Welfare manpower, our future capacity will not be far short of Helps anyone who has worked for the Civil Service and their Service: Confidential advice on its current level. We have managed this by building dependents. Advice about work and personal issues. Call a high dependence on the new Army Reserve, and a support and financial help. csbf. 0800 345 7047 support network of specialist contractors. This is a org.uk or call 0800 056 2424. ground breaking change. But I am confident that with Service Complaints imagination and the help of employers and industry - Army Welfare Service: HQ Commissioner: To make supported by changes to legislation - this will work. AWS has relocated to Upavon. a complaint or seek Relocating the Army from Germany calls for Confidential support for soldiers advice, contact: SCC@ and families. army.mod.uk/ armedforcescomplaints. some focused spending on new bases - and the welfare-support/family/default. independent.gov.uk sooner we can do this the better. We will have aspx or call (UK) 01980 615975. important new equipment, including the excellent capabilities returning from Afghanistan. RAF Association (RAFA): Naval Personal But what of our officers and soldiers who are so Comradeship and care for & Family Service and critical to this venture? They are to be found in the current and former RAF Royal Marines Welfare: members. rafa.org.uk/welfare. warrior generation that has fought courageously in asp. NPFS & RMW have three main Iraq and Afghanistan. We need them to soldier on offices in the UK, where the into the new era, and we need people of comparable HIVE: Tri-Service information serving person’s next of kin courage, talent and commitment to join them. covering issues like education resides determines which After our departure from Afghanistan in 2014 and health. 167 offices. hive.mod. office to contact. life in this new Army is going to be different for sure; uk. Eastern area office - HMS but it will be just as challenging. So we will look after Nelson - Tel: 023 92 722 712 - Royal British Legion: Charity them and their families. The ongoing redundancy providing financial, social and after hours 023 92 726 159. programme is unavoidable. We must do everything emotional support to vets and Western area office - HMS possible to support those soldiers making the serving, and dependents. Drake - Tel:01752 555 041 - transition into civilian life. Equally we need to ensure www.britishlegion.org.uk or call after hours 01752 555 220. the military continues to attract the best. 08457 725 725. Northern area office - Change is always difficult, and for an organisation Helensburgh - Tel: 01436 672 SSAFA Forces Help: Supports as mindful of its history as the this serving personnel, veterans and 798 - after hours 01436 674 321 is especially so. I am confident that Army 2020 is the families of both. Practical (Ext 4005) imaginatively configured and properly resourced to and financial assistance and RM Welfare - 01752 836 395 (via meet the future demands of this uncertain world, emotional support.ssafa.org.uk duty officer, guardroom manned by soldiers of the highest quality. DF or call 0845 1300 975. RM Stonehouse).

JULY 2012 | ISSUE 262 | 21 OLYMPIC ATHLETES for Gold Army Officer and Team GB rower, Captain Heather Stanning, is tipped as a hot medal hope. Interview: Lorraine McBride

ITH THE clock fast-ticking still enjoying it and getting what I want In-form: down to London 2012, Royal from it.” officer Captain Heather Stanning Artillery officer Captain She credits her Army training with W Heather Stanning is in the helping her to keep a clear head and stick best form of her life. Fresh from winning to her goals. “What I learned at Sandhurst gold in the World Cup regattas in was that you’re given your mission and and in the women’s coxless pairs, you stick to it.” she, along with crewmate , Captain Stanning enjoys most hope to use victory as a springboard for outdoor sports and before taking up success in the Olympics. rowing she was a passionate sailor and Aged 27, Captain Stanning will make snowboarder, though both sports are now her Olympic debut this month, a day after on hold. the opening ceremony. She has also given up cheese, which Her major breakthrough came presumably has the approval of the Team with Helen at the 2010 World Rowing GB rowers’ dietician - but don’t get her Championships in New Zealand when started on ice baths. “I really hate the the British pair doggedly hung onto the cold,” she laughs. coattails of the reigning world champions, She says of her training regime: the New Zealand pair, to win silver. “In winter, it’s lots of long miles, long Rowing legend Sir sessions in the gym. Come summer, we predicts that Team GB’s rowers will start doing more racey stuff and that’s make it a record medal haul at this year’s more fun. My social life goes out of the Olympics, but Captain Stanning is taking window a bit with lots of early nights but nothing for granted. it’s sensible. We train so hard to get our “It’s very exciting to be part of this,” bodies in good shape that we’re not going she says. “But at the same time, every day to throw it away for a night out. That’d be is an important training day and there is so ridiculous.” much we can do between now and then.” The Olympic rowing events start a The daughter of Royal Navy officers, day after the opening ceremony at Eton Captain Stanning believes the military Dorney near Windsor, where Team GB lifestyle was hard-wired into her as a race in trials, adding a frisson to the child, making it, along with the attraction thrill of a home Games. of adventure training and opportunity “It’s familiar but at the same time for sport, a natural career choice. She it’s going to look very different when they won a sixth-form Army scholarship put the grandstands up, filled with 30,000 at School and was spectators,” says Captain Stanning. “And commissioned from Sandhurst in 2008, friends and family who maybe wouldn’t moving into 32 Regiment Royal Artillery. be able to travel halfway around the Then, two years ago, she was world are going to be there, which will be released from Army duties so she could fantastic.” attempt to row her way into Olympic A former troop commander, Captain selection. “The Army have been absolutely Stanning will return to Army duties in fantastic at supporting me and giving me September. She may well be doing so as time off while it has clearly been a busy an Olympic gold medallist. time,” she says. “Hopefully,” she says, “seeing an “I’ve popped down to see the officer achieve something on the world Regiment in Larkhill whenever I can or stage will inspire other soldiers. And part they pop over to see me. They’ve been of my performance will be a way of saying superb about making sure that I’m OK, thank you to 32 Regiment Royal Artillery.” DF

22 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | JULY 2012 GOLD WINNER Royal Navy Olympic gold medallist Lieutenant Pete Reed is making final preparations for London 2012

o you mind if we sit down?” asks Lieutenant Pete Reed, glancing Officer class: gold medallist at his chunky sports watch. Lieutenant Pete Reed D “I need to be quick because I’m cold and hungry.” He’s not being brusque, just keen to conserve energy for another gruelling rowing session at Caversham Lakes near Reading. Lieutenant Reed is the 31-year-old Royal Naval officer who won gold at the Beijing Olympics four years ago in the Picture: Peter Spurrier/Intersport Images men’s coxless four event. Now he will be competing in his second Olympics, defending his medal alongside Alex Gregory, Andrew Triggs Hodge and Tom James. He insists anything less than gold would be a part of history,” he says,”to realise every

Picture: Shane Wilkinson Picture: disaster. “It would be a nightmare to get sportsman’s dream. And to win gold in a a silver medal or less so we just need to home Olympics would be spectacular.” focus on being as good as we possibly can And hopes for the men’s coxless four be, learning all our lessons over the last are high.“The expectation gives us the few years.” kick we need to deliver,” Lieutenant Reed To become an Olympic gold medallist says. “There’ll be a lot of pressure. But requires an uncommonly dedicated that’s what you want when you’re going talent and mindset and Lieutenant Reed into battle. ” is convinced that officer training at the He has little doubt that military Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, support has helped him to reach the shaped him into the Olympian he is today. pinnacle of sport and knows that his Navy “At Dartmouth, I learned about payslip has provided a cushion that other teamwork, determination, dedication, impoverished athletes don’t enjoy. and enthusiasm – and those qualities are “It keeps me living a lifestyle that isn’t exactly what I’m using every day to get the extravagant but a little bit ahead of some job done,” he says. “I wasn’t the same guy of my peers,” he says. “It means I can eat before I joined the Navy that I became after the right food, get the right rest and have training and I don’t think I could have done the right quality of living so that I can train this sport for as long as I have if I hadn’t harder than I would otherwise. And that gone through Dartmouth.” has kept me at the top for a long time. Lieutenant Reed joined the Navy for “And having the Navy behind me and many reasons but mainly the military their training is absolutely synonymous lifestyle: “I didn’t want an office job – I with the personality and characteristics wanted to be part of something that that you need to be a top rower. mattered more. That pointed me in the “I can’t quite find the words at the direction of the Royal Navy.” moment to describe how supportive the He was also drawn by the opportunity Navy has been. I wouldn’t be rowing if it to train with the world’s best and he won a wasn’t for the Navy. To have the Senior naval bursary before returning to the fleet Service backing you when you’re training and serving as one of its youngest officers, each day and to be as proud as I am to be training alongside wiser, older heads. wearing the white ensign on my kit spurs Taking part in the 2012 Olympics me on. It’s something that will be with at Eton Dorney “is an opportunity to be me as I cross the finishing line.” DF

JULY 2012 | ISSUE 262 | 23 OLYMPIC ATHLETES Picture: PO(Phot) Terry Seward PO(Phot) Terry Picture: Stuart Laws

Corinna Lawrence

Cut Above the Rest Stuart Laws is training partner to British fencer Corinna Lawrence, reports lorraine mcbride

ou cannot underestimate the Roehampton University, where Stuart is image, Stuart says that many of the fencers importance of a trusty training chairman. making their name don’t fit the hooray partner in elite sport. Marathon Stuart trains with Corinna for six hours henry stereotype. Fencing is a Cinderella Y runners rely on fleet-footed every week and, in the run-up to a major sport and Stuart hopes that the Games pacemakers who often set the pace but competition, the pair hire a squash court will raise the profile of British fencing and who will never win themselves, while as a make-do ‘piste’. When he competes he’s expecting a rush of new blood after tennis stars rely on partners to ‘hit’ with against Corinna, he holds back from using the Games, particularly if one of Britain’s and champion boxers train with a sparring his natural strength. 10-strong squad wins a medal. partner as part of their entourage. “We concentrate on honing However, fencing enjoys a huge Stuart Laws runs the MOD’s GEMS technique,” he said. “I try to mimic the following across Europe: “You find kids scheme that encourages staff to submit styles of the top fencers and ape their lining up to collect autographs of all the brainwaves that save the Department favourite moves so Corinna knows what competitors. In all the eastern European money. But when Stuart’s not helping the she must do.” countries it’s massive. When I went to Ministry to save millions of pounds, he An accomplished club fencer himself, Budapest, the local bars even cordoned off devotes his energies to training Britain’s Stuart hovers around Britain’s top 100 but tables for fencers.” senior women’s fencing champion Corinna reckons it can be hard to progress because But all eyes will be on London come Lawrence in her quest to win Olympic gold. it costs £20,000 to train and compete at the July and Stuart has already bagged tickets Stuart started fencing back in school. top level. to support Corinna at the ExCel Centre, “A local club did a demo and the people “There is no real money in fencing,” and then watch the men’s event two days were so sociable; I have stuck with it ever said Stuart. “One or two competitions later. He is excited both to support Corinna since,” he said. offer prize money, but on the whole you and also watch many fighters whom he It is a sport that combines feline, win vouchers. Instead, I fence for my own knows from the World Cup circuit. balletic grace with a cardiovascular enjoyment and it’s a good excuse to travel. Always keen to attract new faces into workout. Players wear close-fitting My girlfriend and I go away for a city break his beloved sport, Stuart says that many metallic fabric bodysuits and where the and I’ll go away and fence for a few hours fencing clubs offer free first nights, with attacker hits the foil a red or green light on a Saturday morning.” lessons starting from just £15. illuminates. Training leads to a frantic schedule. “Fencing is an ageless sport that suits Corinna has won the British Stuart’s bosses allow him to work flexible all sizes, shapes and ages,” said Stuart. Championship 11 times. The pair met hours to squeeze in early morning training “No matter how old or unfit, you can still

DF

at London Thames Fencing Club at sessions or to compete. Despite its elite have a go and compete.” Association British Fencing Picture:

24 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | JULY 2012

MY MEDALS

Pride of Ghana: Trooper Emmanuel Nartey prepares for Olympic action

In a sports-themed change to our normal look at military medals, Trooper Emmanuel Nartey, 29, who will represent Ghana in judo at the Olympics, recalls his most treasured sports medals. Interview: Lorraine Mcbride Pictures: Graeme Main Graeme Pictures: My Medals

26 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | july 2012 World Cup, Gold coaches help motivate me and I military unit, RAF Honington in Open in Crawley, Sussex. 2009 meditate about winning to get in Suffolk. It was a good tournament, When I won the gold medal the right frame of mind before the first international that I at the World Cup in Samoa it stepping on the mat. There is Commonwealth, performed in this country, and was a special moment and the always mutual respect between Silver 2006 I was the only UK-based player greatest breakthrough of my competitors but ultimately the My first medal on the to win a medal. sporting career. The medal with best fighter wins. international stage was winning Judo internationals draw the most meaning has to be my silver at the Commonwealth good crowds with 10,000 World Cup gold medal. When World Cup, Silver Championships in supporters and it’s often I was called up to represent 2011 Londonderry. I have good shown live on TV. British Ghana, it was an amazing The Judo World Cup takes memories but had a few fans always give me a cheer, feeling and a childhood dream. place every year on the circuit, restrictions travelling freely as which is very important to It’s one of my main goals in as do the Grand Prix, the a soldier. me. Whenever I competed in sport and to be able to achieve Grand Slam and the Senior I really wanted to be the the World Cup, all the British it was an honour. My mum was World Championships; the Commonwealth champion players lost, but the crowd so proud and cried tears of pure latter is the best and where and was gutted to lose to supported me right to the end. joy. Everything changed and I’ve reached the quarter-finals Craig Ewers, a fighter from London 2012 will be my overnight I became famous in on three occasions. Wales. My medals are very first Olympics and I qualified Ghana. Now people recognise In Liverpool in 2011, I important and, when I look at after finishing fifth in the me when I walk down the street fought really well all day and them, memories flood back African Championships. I’m and stop to chat about how well it didn’t look like I’d lose but, reminding me of the training, proud that I will be the first I’m doing in sport. during the final, with just 49 dedication and hard work I’ve Ghanaian to represent my I won my black belt seconds left on the clock, I put into my sporting career. country at judo. aged just 17 and I made my lost concentration. It was a Eight years ago, I was In London my threat will international debut at the slip that cost me the match. released from Army duties to come from Japan and Korea. same age in the World Luckily, even though I didn’t train full-time and compete at Of course I am hopeful of a Cup in 2001, and winning do as well as I hoped, silver international level. The Army medal in the 73kg category. it felt amazing. I knew still counted towards Olympic is 100 per cent supportive. I’m currently seeded Ghana’s I was a world-class qualification. They’ve granted me all the time number one player and 23rd in athlete but couldn’t Before a match, I get off that I need to concentrate the world rankings. break through on the nervous and excited. Every on training as well as financial After the Olympics, I’m circuit. It was really athlete gets nervous but I have support to travel abroad to not sure whether I’ll retire. frustrating and in to make my nerves work for compete. It’s a decision I’ll have to 2009 we started on my own good. My judo hero take after considering all my the road to Olympic is Kosei Inoue, the Japanese British Open achievements and I’ll speak to qualification; champion and former world Champs, 2007 my unit about what I want to do then when I won, number one, who is one of the I won bronze at the British in my future Army career. suddenly, the most talented and skillful judo pressure was off. players the world has ever It gave me great seen, and I’d love to follow in Mat’s not easy: confidence. his footsteps. Nartey grapples an opponent World Cup, Ghana National Bronze Champs, Gold 2000 2010 I was just nine years old My second World when I started judo. Two of Cup medal was my older brothers then aged winning bronze in 16 and 12 were winning judo Venezuela. To win a tournaments and bringing gold in 2009 and then home medals. I always wanted to slip to bronze was their medals but they were quite disappointing. It way better than me so we showed me that I needed became a competitive family. to work really hard, but at Winning my very first the same time I realised medal in Accra in Ghana’s that I had the motivation and national championships in desire to carry on. 2000 was exciting. It also I train hard at Bath caught the eyes of Ghana’s University every single day; selectors for the national six hours on Monday, four team. hours on Tuesday/Wednesday, Now I coach kids in schools six hours on Thursday, four for a chance to see the next hours on Friday and two hours generation coming up. on Saturday/Sunday. Before I display all my medals a major championship my either at home in Bath or my

JULY 2012 | ISSUE 262 | 27 Health

Right up my nose: other people’s body odour can be unpleasant

no sweat Sweating is normal but some of us can suffer with body odour. Here is why

28 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | july 2012 By Surgeon but, after a while, bacteria on the skin start or pharmacist for help. Treatments are Commander Nick to break it down, releasing unpleasant- available to reduce the amount of sweat smelling chemicals. This is body odour, produced or the number of bacteria around. Imm, a GP at otherwise known as BO. These need to be applied daily. Navy Command HQ, Body odour tends to be worst in warm, If you feel that the cause of your HMS Excellent. sweaty areas such as the armpits and groin. excessive perspiration is anxiety, discuss This is because sweat produced in these this with your GP. There are several ways areas contains protein and is less able to to sort this out – either with medication or Hello from Whale Island in Portsmouth. evaporate - bacteria thrive on it by seeing a counsellor to discuss how you It’s the middle of summer and hopefully and multiply. manage stress. you’ll be enjoying some warm weather as So, what can you do to prevent body Occasionally, a medical condition such you read this. You might be so warm you’re odour becoming a problem? The obvious as an overactive thyroid gland is to blame. A noticeably sweating. We all sweat. It’s things are: simple blood test can check for this. healthy and normal. But some people sweat n wash thoroughly at least daily – more if Being overweight increases a lot more than others and some suffer with you’re very active perspiration as well as putting you at body odour. Why is this? n use deodorant, soap and an risk of heart disease and diabetes. If you’re Sweat is an important way for the antiperspirant on the heavy side, consider having a chat body to regulate its temperature and cool n make sure it’s not your clothes that smell with your practice nurse about a sensible itself down. It’s produced by millions of – only wear them for a single day and wash weight-loss plan. tiny glands in our skin. As the water in it them regularly Stay healthy and I’ll see you evaporates, our temperature falls. Believe n when possible, choose clothes that next month. it or not, we lose roughly a litre of water keep you cool – natural fabrics like cotton in sweat every day. The amount we sweat are best n This is intended as general advice only. increases with exercise, anxiety and, of If you have trouble controlling body If you have any medical concerns please course, hot weather conditions. odour, despite following the advice make an appointment to see your medic Fresh sweat doesn’t smell unpleasant above, you could ask your local doctor or GP. DF

JULY 2012 | ISSUE 262 | 29 PUZZLES sudoku chess Who said this? “The secret to success, happiness, achieving your desires, all of the things that we Compiled by: as humans do and aspire Carl Portman to be, comes down to one concept: the ability to accurately assess your position. Everything you do in life is a move and there will be a response. This is a concept that has been bubbling in my mind and it comes alive for me at the chessboard.” It was the actor Will Smith who is one of many celebrities who play memorable and enjoyable at the board. the royal game. Let’s play… Madonna also plays very keenly, as The chess problem this month Fill in the grid so that every row, every does Lennox Lewis and Woody Allen. is taken from the game Movsesian- column and every 3x3 box contains the It’s not just for old men with beards Pantsulaia (European Team numbers 1 to 9 you know. Indeed, no-one in my chess Championships 2012). Find the winning club actually has a beard – well not a move for white. proper one anyway. Chess gets such a Send your answers to me at carl. bad press if it gets any press at all, yet, [email protected] please. A chess- as Will Smith implies, it is a metaphor related prize awaits. for life. It is very easy to walk away from The answer to June’s problem was difficulties in life – but you cannot do that 1.Pawn g8=rook g2. 2. Rxg2 Kf3 3. o-o on the chessboard unless you resign, checkmate. To castle, giving checkmate which is, of course, defeat. No, chess is is rare and must feel wonderful. Has about the fight, about struggle and the anyone ever done it? Winner to be Solution to the battle of wills. It is about creative energy announced. April’s winner was Kelvin June 2012 puzzle and the desire to accomplish something Marsh from MOD Main Building.

topical solution (no peeking)

20. Ken 20.

16. Oppose 17. Grace 17. Oppose 16.

crossword Celtic 15. Biryani 13.

8. Calypso 11. Tarrant 11. Calypso 8.

Across Kinnock 5. Gallop 4.

6. In Roman mythology, the god of water One 3. Stella 2. Lewis 1.

own (7) D

7. The Eiffel Tower is a tourist attraction in

this city (5) Jessica 22.

9. ‘______Elliot’, the smash hit London India 21. Spire 19. oy 18. Cyclone 18. oy H

musical (5) Chris Sir 14.

10. Olympic event featuring Finn and Paralympics 12. Sailing 10.

Laser races (7) Billy 9. Paris 7. Neptune 6.

12. Sporting event to be held in London Across from August 29 to September 9 (11) 14. Briton who won three gold medals at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing (3,5,3) 18. Violent rotating windstorm (7) 2. Sir Paul McCartney’s daughter, who is a 13. Indian dish made with meat, fish or 19. Upper part of a steeple (5) fashion designer (6) vegetables and highly seasoned rice (7) 21. New Delhi is this country’s capital city 3. U2 song which has the line ‘Have you 15. Football champions in Scotland in (5) come here for forgiveness?’ (3) 2012 (6) 22. Shylock’s daughter in ‘The Merchant 4. Fast pace for a horse (6) 16. Compete against (6) of Venice’ (7) 5. John Smith succeeded him as leader of 17. Jones, who performed at the Diamond the Labour Party (7) Jubilee concert using a hula-hoop (5) Down 8. Type of music from the West Indies (7) 20. Livingstone, a narrow loser to Boris 1. Detective drama starring Kevin 11. Presenter of ‘Who Wants To Be A Johnson in the 2012 London mayoral Whately and Laurence Fox (5) Millionaire?’ (7) election (3)

30 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | JULY 2012 offers sheffield is the full monty

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{ JULY 2012 | ISSUE 262 | 31 combatbarbie