11 minute read
2 SCOTS LAD on Ex KHANJAR OMAN
FOXHOUND in workshop
Scribe: Capt B Carter, OC LAD
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2SCOTS Battle Group (BG) deployed to Oman on Ex KHANJAR OMAN in early August 2022 to December 2022. During this time the LAD were a key enabler in a successful exercise assured by 4 Brigade. Deploying as part of the activation, and then last out the country, the LAD has worked hard to ensure the best equipment availability for a very fragile Light Mechanised Infantry (LMI) fleet throughout the four months in theatre.
ASM Perspective:
WO1 (ASM) P Robinson
Oman has not been without its challenges. Firstly, the fleet including 26 FOXHOUND, 14 JACKAL and a number of B vehicles deployed in July 2022; most of which were transported from various units around the UK beforehand. Once all the vehicles had been collected we had a few weeks to get them fit to embark on the journey; starting with the trip to Rosyth Port.
Before the vehicles could move to the port, many of them had outstanding non-task worthy faults for us to repair in the little time we had. The Priming Equipment Pack that had been earmarked for sustainment in Oman therefore had to be used to provide the ES Mat we required. Units attached to the BG were also having similar issues.
Upon arrival in Oman, the fleet of circa 230 vehicles had to be unloaded from the boat. Once inspected and ES Mat requirements were placed on demand, it was evident that the supply chain was fragile and was going to cause some issues. The first of our
The LAD Group Photo
significant problems came in the form of window delamination on the FOXHOUND fleet. 7 of the 26 platforms had been affected with one or more delaminated windows. There was only 1 Commanders window available for issue from depot. This left 6 FOXHOUND without the required ES Mat, so it was decided that a Perspex replacement would be trialled. After various emails back and forth with the project team and the scrutiny of a prototype, the Perspex had passed the test and was fitted to 6 of the FOXHOUND fleet; increasing the availability across the BG for the integration exercise. The ‘Innovation in the Small Space’, 1 Div Rhino Award, was given to 2 SCOTS LAD for the window project.
Fitter Section:
LCpl Wood
I deployed on Ex KHANJAR OMAN on the 7th of August 2021 as part of 2 SCOTS LAD. We deployed out as part of the activation party; which meant our job was to bring the fleet in from the port, back to the Joint Logistical Support Base (JLSB), and then, get them in working order for the Battalion to deploy on exercise.
As a qualified JACKAL driver, myself and Cfn Herbert were attached to ISR Company to deploy out, embedded in their Company as Javelin Platoon’s 2IC’s Driver and the Company’s ES IC and 2IC. During the 2 exercises we maintained and rectified faults on various platforms, from FOXHOUNDS to quad-bikes; repairing forward to allow all the assets of the Brigade to be as deployable as possible and stay in the battle picture.
One of the faults we had was a burst airbag on a JACKAL. The suspension was sinking on the front right-hand side of the wagon, which made it unsafe and unfit for use on the area. To get it on the road for the final attack, we patched the hole in the airbag by using layers of self-amalgamating tape and super glue. This held for the 100km drive back to the JLSB from the exercise area, a good application of Battle Damage Repair (BDR) in the field.
Being embedded within a Company was an interesting
More repairs on a FOXHOUND
experience, which had its pros and cons. Having to rely on just myself and Cfn Herbert’s engineering knowledge and use of limited spares we had to think a little outside the box at times; carefully placed zip ties and lots of liquid gasket helped us keep the whole ISR fleet on the road for the entirety of the two exercises.
Being right at the front meant we could keep punching forward for example; keeping the Sniper Platoon fully manned when a CV boot had burst and the bolts had rattled loose; having ES so far forward meant we could save hours of valuable time in bringing A1 forward or recovering the wagon back to the JLSB. We both thoroughly enjoyed our experience deploying out with an LMI
Company and it was valuable in refreshing our basic infantry skills; plus it gave us an insight to more in-depth tactics the Battalion used in the field.
A1 Fitter Section: Cpl Stewart
LR Recovery Demonstration for the Omani Army
We deployed out onto the training area as a Forward Repair Team (FRT) of three; myself, Cfn Tooth (VM) and LCpl Sutcliffe (Armr). During the first phase (36hrs) we prepared for the maintenance day and the integration with the Omani Army. During this phase we demonstrated what we do as a cap badge and why we are attached to the unit. We conducted various tasks that ranged from simple repairs on the pneumatic system on the UST to replacing a turbo on a Land Rover as well as vehicle weapon mount repairs. The next phase was the actual exercise phase, which lasted two weeks. The exercise started on the 28th of October and ended on the 10th of November. During this time, we were the FRT assigned to support FSP Company as well as A1 and the wider Battle Group. We were busy as vehicles were recovered back to our location for further repair. These repairs ranged from those that required spares and having these sent forward to us, further BDR (such as coolant hose pipe repairs and coolant header tank repairs) or general repairs as we had more time and stability at our location than the Fitter Sections with the forward Coys/Sqn. We were also called forward to the Fitter Sections to carry out repairs on vehicles (such as rectifying hydraulic leaks on a FOXHOUND to replacing weapon mount locking pins) or to assist in the recovery of vehicles that
Climbing AT
could not be repaired out on the ground. When the exercise was coming to its final phase we were tasked as an FRT to secure a location for an Equipment Collection Point (ECP) for any vehicles that may be required to be recovered back before the end of the exercise.
Once the exercise had concluded we then moved into the rehab phase and preparation for the RORO ferry and the Hand-Over/TakeOver (HO/TO). This consisted of every vehicle that had deployed on the area or to Oman being inspected, serviced and repaired. This task was long and tedious due to the number of problems that occurred as a result of the exercise and the limited number of spares and equipment we had throughout the deployment because of the location we were in.
Wadi Darbat
A2 / Joint Logistics Support Base (JLSB): Sgt Gilling
We arrived in Oman on the evening of 8th August 2022 and were shown around the Renaissance Village. We then almost immediately deployed down to the port in the morning and established ourselves ready to inspect all equipment as it was unloaded and placed in a collection bay. We were checking for any problems that could have occurred on the journey from Rosyth, with the unloading of the boat and the safety checks taking 3 days to complete. This was mostly down to the fleet having to be lifted off the boat, due to the unavailable dry dock facilities to roll off. When we arrived at our new home for the next 4 months (the workshop) we found that nothing was in place in terms of a repair facility. We acquired and set up: waste oil, air conditioning repair, battery charging, work benches, desks, expense, COSHH, oil storage, rest area, scrap metal, unserviceable batteries, first aid and lifting equipment Sailing AT areas. Our hard work ensured we were making the facility as close to a workshop as we could get it with very limited resources. Our first major issue was that we found a significant problem with the FOXHOUND ballistic side windows which had starting to internally delaminate. We demanded the relevant spares and informed the chain of command that the problem that was arising with the windows, affecting the Operator’s visibility (obviously important in an armoured box that moves at speed). After the safety inspections we had dropped down to only 9 available FOXHOUND of 26. We eventually achieved 19 available for the first deployment after some tireless work from our tradesman in unfamiliar and very hot conditions. During the exercise the JACKAL platform held up well, maintained to 100% availability by LCpl Thomas Wood and Cfn Nathan Herbert. The FOXHOUND on the other hand spent a great deal of time in our A2 location. They required constant attention and maintenance; meaning the small team back at A2 were very busy for long strenuous days. Toward the end of the deployment the FOXHOUNDS improved with regular use and benefited from the maintenance carried out.
Sport / AT:
LCpl Sutcliffe
Providing a welcomed break from work routine, the inter-Battle Group sports day was held at the RSV camp using the facilities at hand; including the on camp swimming pool. 2 SCOTS HQ Coy consisting of mainly the LAD, competed in 5 a-side football, Warrior Fitness and a swimming relay. HQ Coy fell short in the football competition, conceding a firstround defeat and being knocked out by the Gurkha Engineers. Directly after the football, LCpl Farish, Cfn Herbert and myself then, still warmed up, had a good attempt at the WF circuit coming 4th out of 8 teams; only beaten by FSP Coy, QGE and A Coy. Finally, Capt Carter competed in the 400m swimming relay, despite being a one-man team and doing the
whole 400m himself, came 3rd in the rankings.
The AT package provided was amongst one of the best experiences I have had while serving. The coach journey from Duqm to Muscat was over 5 hours, but was definitely worth the wait. Camp Gecko is a brilliant facility located on an expansive beach which provides some of the best picturesque views whether it be the morning sunrise or the mountain backdrop.
Day one of activities was spent on the catamaran. We spent a majority of the day sunbathing and relaxing but also got chance to sail, swim, snorkel and fish. Watching a pod of dolphins hunt a school of tuna was incredible but a personal highlight was cooking and eating the black fin tuna on the beach that we had caught out on the boat earlier in the day.
The second day consisted of climbing in the morning and kayaking in the afternoon. I thoroughly enjoyed climbing and I loved abseiling. The Instructors only added to the experience, and it was great to see them helping less confident climbers. Sgt Day (2 SCOTS LAD) and Sgt Sudlow (Lights Dragoons) really encouraged people to push themselves outside their comfort zone in a constructive way. Abseiling was an interesting experience as I’d not done it before, and it has made me consider going climbing in my spare time and look at getting qualifications to be an Instructor myself. Kayaking in the afternoon was on a picturesque lagoon where there was ample opportunity to see wildlife whilst paddling around.
The third and last day of AT we did mountain biking in the morning and had a cultural visit to the Souk (market) in the afternoon. Mountain biking provided a look at the local area around Camp Gecko and opportunity for individuals to push themselves and attempt a small drop which was challenging for beginner riders. The Souk gave an insight to the history and culture of Muscat also giving us a chance to interact with locals; something we’ve not had much chance to do so far on the deployment. The small walk to the palace yielded some amazing views and photo opportunities.
On the last evening everyone including the Instructors and camp staff had a meal at the Dunes Bar which was not far from the camp. The food at the camp throughout was amazing but the meal at the dunes bar still managed to top it. Overall, I can wholeheartedly say the AT package is second to none and I hope it gets set up permanently so other Battle Groups get the opportunity to have the same experiences I did. Everything from the facilities, location and food to the Instructors made it an unbeatable experience.
Cultural trip and conclusion: Capt B Carter
Due to the work load workshop hours were precious, but with the post exercise inspections being completed quicker than expected, there was a small window to take the Class 1’s on a cultural visit to Salalah. Thanks to the generous funding from the REME Charity, our soldiers could have a well-earned trip to this magnificent city and its surroundings. Here we visited Mirbat, the sight of an SAS battle in the 1970s, experienced the Souks of the city and, of course, find some western food in a shopping mall! We also visited Wadi Darbat nearby, which is one of the most beautiful locations in the country. Overall this short trip was a great success and REME ranks returned rested ready for the final push for the fleet rehab.
Overall the deployment was a long, tough but ultimately enjoyable deployment in an interesting country. The LAD achieved an outstanding output with little resources, workforce or time; which was a testament to their hard-working nature. We look forward to future deployments in 2023…!
SVR Sunset
