Ex IRON CHALLENGE

Ex IRON CHALLENGE 21 3 (UK) Division TTX

3 Armd CS Bn REME “Developing the next generation of Technical Leaders”

OC: Maj Harry Hazel ASM: WO1 (ASM) Richard Fewtrell

Between 15 Mar to 2 Apr 21, 18 Fd Coy, 3 Armd CS Bn REME delivered Ex IRON CHALLENGE on behalf of Comd ES 3XX and CO 3 REME. This Technical Training Exercise (TTX) was a 3-week camp that focussed on the enhancement of trade knowledge and the technical competence of REME Tradesmen and maximised the completion of Class 3 to 2 progression across 3 (UK) Division.

The centralised training exercise, with its own dedicated training staff, gave an opportunity to develop wider skills and encourage trade progression away from the distractions of Barracks tempo. It provided a “Safe Place” to train where the focus was on the completion of individual Trade Proficiency and Development Booklets (TPDB), whilst concurrently instilling and refining the necessary skills to enable operational capability within the Iron Division. This was a welcome change of pace appreciated by many,  3-Weeks  Longmoor – Hampshire  6 of the 8 REME Trades Represented  258 Students in attendance  113 members of the Training Delivery Team  210 Equipment Platforms  20,000 Hours of Technical Training

allowing vital training to be conducted without hindrance. For many of the students, trade development had stalled during COVID dispersion and the reduced engineering opportunities of the past 12 months. The use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for precourse reading and reference complemented trade tuition as did the opportunity to train both on and off platform. There is no substitute for practical experience and many of the instructors were JNCOs with experience on current in-service platforms.

They dedicated their time to mentorship and coaching rather than pure engineering academia.

Despite limitations from COVID, Longmoor Camp provided a Wi-Fi enabled, robust and entirely adequate training facility with lecture theatres, classrooms, technical infrastructure and of course for those that are old enough to remember, Bordon Heath with its gruelling recovery training area, Martinique Square and for some, access once again to the infamous Bordon kebab van.

Trade Leads

TSS – WO2 (CSM) J Best

“Ex IRON CHALLENGE 2021 has been the ideal opportunity for all TSS students to gain a thorough knowledge of the TSS trade. Covering all aspects of the TPDB, the students not only leave as Class 2 qualified, but also with a Defence Train The Trainer (DTTT) Phase 3 competency. The TTX has established a great precedent for our trade. The breadth of information learnt, ranged from basic MJDI skills to Army Aviation only normally taught at Aviation units. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Trade Delivery Team and look forward to the TTX in 2022”

Ex IRON CHALLENGE TTX 21 has been very different to those of previous years. This is the biggest TTX to date including 3 phases of SVR trg, distributed CrARRV and Wr Operator courses and approximately 190 Class 1, 2 and 3 Recovery Mechanics in total deployed on the TTX.

“A big change is having more current class 1s like myself instructing. After speaking to the crews, they said they have enjoyed having new class 1s instructing and learning more about complex recovery, especially the guys who are preparing for their class 1 course”.

After training 90 students for 3-2 and 2-1 continuation training and achieving all the objectives we set out to do has been a massive training success. The addition of distributed training has allowed us to give Armd Veh capability back to the field force, this TTX has set the bar!

Tech Elec – WO1 (ASM) H Breed

The Technician CEG training package for TTX 21 was conducted using bespoke Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) incorporating surface mount technology components and devices. The Training was well received by class 3 soldiers and all trainees walked away with a greater appreciation for their trade group and are far better tradesmen and woman for it. They are now able to effectively perform their role as a Class 2 Electronics Technician in their Unit lines.

Armourers – Sgt P Cunliffe

Ex IRON CHALLENGE 21 has seen 24 Armourers from across 3 Division attend a comprehensive technical training package; completing a wide range of training objectives from small arms maintenance to electrical fault finding on the WR510. For the students, this has been a fantastic learning environment and has allowed them to develop their trade knowledge, crucial to gaining their class 2 status. We have achieved a fantastic result with all students completing approximately 90% of their TPDB, a task that would normally take several months in a 1st Line Unit. I am proud to be giving a better, more rounded soldier back to the field force.

Metalsmiths – SSgt C Hunter

Ex IRON CHALLENGE 21 presented an ideal opportunity for both Class 3 and Class 2 Metalsmiths to gain valuable trade experience. With 14 Students, ranging from Class 3 Cfn straight out of Lyneham, to a Class 2 Corporal, the students quickly grasped the concept of concentrated training. The main focus was to practice the core handskills and techniques that allow a Metalsmith to return equipment to the battlefield. A bespoke training package based around a ‘Cube’ was developed to allow training to be both progressive and challenging. The ‘Cube’ was manufactured by the students and used as a training aid to simulate common faults and repair procedures, each task on the “Cube” represented the majority of faults the young Cfn are likely to encounter on the Battlefield. On completion of the “Cube” the Class 3 tradesmen had completed the majority of tasks aligned to the TPDB. Feedback from the students was encouraging, with a number wishing to return on TTX 22. I also look forward to next year and am excited to elevate our training package and include more cross-trade activity.

Vehicle Mechanics – WO2 (AQMS) S Battiscombe

Ex IRON CHALLENGE 21 (TTX) saw 44 VM Students from across 3(UK) Div conduct vehicle borne problematic tasks, major component removal/refitting and complex technical fault finding under the instruction of 14 SME Vehicle Mechanic Class 1 tradesman. The Training was delivered over a two week period mixed with real life support tasks; this was consolidated in the third week with an A & B vehicle rehabilitation on receipt of equipment spares, identified throughout, that afforded greater vehicle availability before returning it back to the end user. The Training was executed and well received both by students and instructors alike and all walked away with a good understanding of their trade coupled with greater practical skills. This TTX has now afforded Class 3-2 tradesman to go back to their Units with their heads held high and on completion of a few minor TPDB tasks will see them soon achieve Class 2 status. I believe that this Training is invaluable and if further resources were made available it will continue to produce REME tradesman of the highest calibre that is sorely need across the field force.