G N I R E E N I G N E Y R A T I L I M rsme F O L O O H C S L A Y matters O R E ISSUE 5 : AUGUST 2010 H T M O R F S W E N Inside: Construction Where the Barley Blows Professional Engineer Wing Special Working together to train our soldiers for operations 02 AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 03 rsme matters rsme matters Contents Features Introduction ........................................... 4 8 Defence Animal Centre .......................... 4 Class 1 Carpenters ................................ 5 RSME Progress Update ........................ 6 Holdfast - Trusted to Deliver .................. 7 HOLDFAST - TRUSTED TO DELIVER Where the Barley Blows ...................... 12 We’ve looked at many areas of the RSME within the pages of RSME Matters. However, as in life outside of the RSME, behind the scenes are many unsung Boxing ................................................. 16 heroes working hard day in day out... Read more on page 8 PEW special Safety .................................................. 17 12 16 It could be you! .................................... 18 Health .................................................. 19 Class of 2009 update .......................... 21 ABLE .................................................... 22 WHERE THE BARLEY BOXING Construction ....................................... 24 BLOWS The cry rang out across the parade What links three continents, several ground at Brompton Barracks Football Charity Match ........................ 26 young members of Hackett Troop, ‘Boxers!’, and the next two and the Padre 1 RSME Regt, competitors entered the arena... JRSLA Opening ................................... 27 a Holdfast Instructor and a famous Read more on page 16 historian to a field in France? 57 Training Squadron .......................... 28 Read more on page 12 Information Management .................... 30 24 28 22 Main picture: ABLE deployment CONSTRUCTION 57 TRAINING SQUADRON Wherever you look around the RSME Over the next few issues RSME Photography: All images except where stated by Ian Clowes www.goldysolutions.co.uk construction is now well under way. Matters will be looking at some of the ABLE Design and Production: Plain Design This includes the Bicester site where Squadrons across the RSME. This How do you cross a 42 metre gap in 90 minutes? ... a challenge the RSME is www.plaindesign.co.uk the new Defence Explosives, Munitions month the focus is on 57 Training teaching engineers to solve using the Automotive Bridge Launching Equipment and Search School (DEMSS) South Squadron, part of 3 RSME Regt... Cover image: Anna Lyon, Holdfast Build Programme (ABLE) through training... Read more on page 22 Manager, discussing the internal fit-out at Minley training facilities will be located. Read Read more on page 28 with partners from Carillion and the RSME. more on page 24 04 AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 05 rsme matters rsme matters Welcome to the latest issue of RSME Matters. In this edition of the n magazine we focus on a capability which is fundamental to the o engineering success of the Corps: i Professional Engineer Wing. We also t feature some of the Babcock Defence team who deliver essential services c that support the delivery of training - stores and equipment support. u d We are into our second summer of joint delivery at the RSME and there o is much to be proud of; the construction programme continues r at a pace at Chatham, Minley and t increasingly at Bicester. In this edition, the construction team talk n about some of the challenges that I face them in preparing buildings for handover to the end user and the importance of a totally integrated approach to ensure that what Holdfast is supplying is of the highest quality, specification and on time. Equally the training output at the RSME continues to improve; first time pass rates are up, and loss to training rates are down. Finally, it has been a period of reflection; the current course of Plant Operator Mechanics supported the dedication of a memorial to Sapper Hackett in Givenchy in what was a moving service of commemoration. This was a poignant reminder that those values of selflessness and courage are a common thread across all in the Corps. Defence Animal Centre Class 1 Carpenters Mention the Defence Animal Centre In the next issue we’ll learn all about the Been there, done it - but back to HERRICK 10) where he was in Helmand Tim Redfern (DAC) at the RSME and you might be met work of the DAC. However we make no Chatham to learn some more! Province with 38 Engineer Regt. As well as with a blank stare. The DAC is part of the apologies for the free advert in this issue! using his trade skills in the building of RSME but is based independently at a site One of the biggest challenges at the DAC It’s sometimes forgotten that many of the accommodation he also provided near Melton Mowbray. There the sound of is the sourcing of new dogs and they are students passing through the RSME have not demolitions support to the Infantry, using We’re always looking for new marching soldiers and armoured vehicles is constantly looking for suitable dogs to only spent time in the Field Army but have explosive methods of entry. ‘This involved parts of the RSME to explore replaced with that of barking dogs, train. It is possible to donate dogs to the often completed operational tours in very close contact with the insurgents.’ and share within RSME Matters. galloping horses and the ring of metal on DAC; to learn more simply visit Afghanistan. One of the current Class 1 Sprs Ellis and Crow-Brown If you’d like us to tell your story metal from the Farriers’ forge. www.yourcountryneedsyourdog.co.uk Carpenter and Joiner courses spoke to RSME Spr David Crow-Brown was in Afghanistan then just let us know. Matters about their recent experiences. All but with Op HERRICK 8 providing engineering We also carried out route clearance duties. However the role of the DAC is becoming one of the course had served in Afghanistan. close support. Using the mine detection equipment for the increasingly important, especially in the training They can be seen pictured with their Holdfast first time in a real-life situation was a real Ian Clowes of dogs. In a tri-Service operation that also Instructor Del De Lorme. ‘I was able to use my trade skills as part of challenge.’ Editor, RSME Matters supports the police and other Services, DAC the team expanding the accommodation trains dogs not only to guard and carry out LCpl Richard Ellis has served in both Iraq and toilet facilities of the forward operating Spr Crow-Brown will be joining 10 Sqn at 07930 982 661 vehicle searches but dogs capable of detecting (Op TELIC 9) and Afghanistan (Op bases for 51 Paras. RAF Leeming, part of 39 Air Support Regt. [email protected] a wide range of items from drugs to explosives. 06 AUGUST 2010 AUGUST 2010 07 rsme matters rsme matters RSME In the last 6 months we have... • Launched and populated the Virtual • Held a Training Transformation Progress Learning Environment (VLE) Conference • Installed WiFi in most accommodation • Redesigned elements of Phase 2A Update blocks at Brompton and Gibraltar training at Minley Barracks • Developed and delivered courses on • Opened two new Junior Ranks Single the Truck Mounted Loader (TML) 6 Living Accommodation blocks and tonne lift commenced refurb of accommodation • Delivered Pre Deployment training for blocks at Minley HERRICK 12 (21 Engineer Regt) and • Started a programme of training HERRICK 13 (23 Engineer Regt) transformation • Delivered Op BAM & JFEE support • Co-located Holdfast and contractor Holdfast - • Delivered real time support to 28 staff with HQ and Regimental / Engineer Regt deployed on Station staff HERRICK 11 Trusted to Deliver • Reorganised MT services at Minley We’ve looked at many areas of RSME time. Babcock uses the strapline ‘Trusted within the pages of RSME Matters, from the to Deliver’ and I believe that neatly sums up major exercises to the progress of the new the stores operation within the RSME.’ building programme. However, as in life outside of the RSME, behind the scenes are many unsung heroes working hard to Munitions provide services without which everything would grind to a halt. Tucked out of the way in a secure compound somewhere in Hampshire are ‘Stores’ often comes into this category. In two key members of the Holdfast team. this issue we take a look at some of the Whilst surrounded by the rolling Surrey In the next 6 months we will... critical stores operating across the Minley countryside, this team has no time to stand site and meet some of the people that make and take in the sights and sounds of nature. • Implement an RSME-wide LAN and • Provide new search routes in the it all happen. Holdfast Stores Manager They are responsible for the safe handling intranet site vicinity of Bicester to facilitate future Andrew Walker explained the scope of his and storage of all live munitions used at training operations. ‘At Minley we are responsible not RSME Minley. • From the first course to undergo only for the receipt and issuing of materials training transformation, release trained • Deliver training on protected plant fleet and equipment, but we also do a great deal Tony Grey won’t mind admitting he is the Sappers on average 30 days early to LCT (P), LWT (P), MWT (P) and SLDT (P)* of work ensuring that the equipment is well senior partner in this venture, with 22 years the Field Army • Deliver Pre Deployment Training for maintained and safe to reuse.’ as a vehicle specialist in the Royal Logistics • Create the infrastructure for the RE HERRICK 14 (24 Commando Engineer Corps and 7 years in the Military Police and Warfare Wing Regt) Providing stores support to all of the Guard Service.