ExcelLence in REME

WO1 (Comd SM) Marion ‘Maz’ Hoer

Divisional Command Sergeant Major, 6th (UK) Division

Recent successes –

Commissioned as a Late Entry Officer in the REME.

Selected to be Command Sergeant Major for 6 (UK) Div.

Received the Meritorious Service Medal.

What made you join the Army?

My parents took me to the Royal Tournament in London when I was 6. From that point on, all I ever wanted to do was join the Army. I joined the Army Cadets as early as possible, a fantastic experience through which I was introduced to what the REME could offer through a visit to a regular unit. As I went through secondary school; I really enjoyed sports, design technology and all the sciences, so discovering that I could join the Army Apprentices College at 16, REME offered me the perfect opportunity and I joined as an Armourer.

Are you happy you made the right decision?

much more self-confident when taking on tasks that sit outside my core skill set and happier to put forward ideas, even when the subject may not be in my lane.

I absolutely love being in the Army, the REME and the diverse challenges and opportunities that are available to me every day. I don’t think any other job allows you to serve with such a wide range of units in a variety of roles. Add the ability to be professionally accredited as an engineer and some excellent training that is provided; the opportunity for personal development is immense. I’ve also been able to qualify as a Leader, delivering adventurous training activities such as skiing, climbing, klettersteig and hill walking.

Over your career, what have been the key experiences that led to you becoming the soldier you are today?

How does WO1 (ASM) Hoer differ from the Miss Hoer who first came to the Army and the Corps?

Miss Hesketh joined the REME straight from school into her dream job; in that respect, nothing has changed! I wasn’t particularly academic when I joined, but my time spent in the Corps has shown me the opportunities available to improve myself at every level across multiple disciplines such as engineering, AT and sport. I’m By virtue of how the Corps operates, I learned very early that teamwork and listening to those around you was key to success. Deploying to Iraq on Op TELIC really forced me to mature; I was still quite young and naive, so it really brought home to me the realities of what we do as our core business. I’ve not always succeeded in what I set out to do; I failed the advanced phase of Op SAMSON which really made me look at myself, learn and accept I am not infallible. That experience also taught me to look for the opportunities to improve yourself, but also that it’s OK not to succeed at everything you do; learn and develop from them and come out stronger on the other side. I attended the Combat Estimate phase of JCSC(L), an opportunity that really opened my mind, challenged my abilities and made me more comfortable working out of lane. That acceptance of working in an unknown field, coupled with the teamwork and the amazing people I have worked with was something I really reflected on before applying to be a Comd SM.

You were awarded a Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) in the New Year’s Honours. Can you tell us more about the award?

I have been extremely fortunate over the full span of my career to work for and with exceptional people. I have been always given the opportunity to show my best self where I have been able to safely fail and develop, to do better the next time. The MSM was awarded to me for continual excellence across my 20 year career, but this is not something that can be

linked to the Corps throughout my assignment. I have also arranged touch points within different areas of the Corps to remain read in and aware of what is going on; primarily through those who assisted and mentored me through the LE Commissioning process.

As a soldier I have especially loved working with, coaching and developing people. This post allows me to live and breathe that every day, to champion those great ideas from the coal face and it’s an opportunity I will not waste. It is out of trade but it does allow me to enhance skills I have already learned from working out of lane, especially planning and active listening. I am excited to be able to reinvest that experience back into the Corps at a later date.

What do you get out of engineering and life in the REME that you couldn’t get from any other kind of work?

achieved alone. So although I was awarded the MSM; it was earned by everyone who has had an impact or bearing on me and my life to date.

What are your secrets to success as an Engineer and a Soldier?

In my case; perseverance, enjoying what I do and being humble. I wanted a trade when I joined the Army and I truly enjoyed being an Armourer, solving engineering problems as part of my daily life. The Corps structure makes it easy for you to constantly learn from those around you and this is true, no matter what rank or trade you are. I have worked hard to be accepted by the units we work alongside, allowing me to champion their particular ethos alongside the REME’s and provide the best support possible. Learning the importance of being humble, the best ideas come from where you might not expect; trusting those around you to provide sound advice, irrespective of rank. A good friend of mine uses the term “never too old for areas” and it is one I hold myself to every day. I feel that being able to find that balance makes you a credible soldier and a professional Engineer.

You’ve just taken up the post as 6 (UK) Div Comd SM. As a REME Soldier, what can your experience bring to this role?

Every day is different. The challenges our people face remain complex and the Corps allows you from a very early stage in your career to lead teams and make engineering decisions. Those units we support will listen to you as a Cfn or JNCO and accept the recommendations you give regarding equipment support or recovery options. Add to that the opportunities for AT, gaining civilian and military qualifications, routes to professional accreditation and that true sense of team belonging; I don’t know many other jobs in the world that would provide all of that and I relish it.

If you could sum up your life now how would you do it?

I’m embarking on yet another adventure and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Although I haven’t followed the standard path post LE Commission; I feel extremely privileged to have been selected as a Comd SM and very humbled to be able to represent the Soldiers in 6 (UK) Div and across wider areas in defence. The Army has been everything I expected and more; I am challenged to think, react and support people from a Cfn to a GOC on a daily basis. If you haven’t thought about the Comd SM route, do! Follow your dreams because someday they might come true.

As an engineer, 6 (UK) Div works with new, highly technical, ground-breaking equipment; it is fascinating to see not only the advancement in technology but how it really enhances our soldiers’ core roles on Operations. The integration between these new technologies and that key human interface is captivating. REME taught me to be not only analytical, but also attuned to the needs of our people and what makes them tick. I am naturally interested in this; able to take the technical and translate it to give the users experience and feedback, not only the GOC, but wider areas across defence.

In your new post, there aren’t going to be many opportunities to practice your trade. What was it that attracted you to the post, as both a Soldier and engineer?

I absolutely love working with people. REME RHQ has been very supportive, particularly the CASM; ensuring I am able to remain