Training: Ex WYVERN YOMP

Ex WYVERN YOMP – Basra Coy, 8 Trg Bn REME

8 Trg Bn REME deliver high-quality training through the lockdown restrictions.

Scribe: Cpl S. Wright

On the first weekend of February, with the third English Government lockdown in full effect, Basra Company of 8 Training Battalion REME, embarked on Ex WYVERN YOMP (Ex WY); the Battalion’s first COVID-19 secure patrol competition. Aimed at the Company trainees, the goal was to expose them to every trade group and department within Basra Company, whilst also developing their military skills by utilising expert military instructors. It also gave an opportunity for 8 REME and DSEME to demonstrate their ability to deliver extant training objectives, in line with the current government restrictions; both of which were a resounding success.

The exercise was structured as a 36-hour patrol competition, consisting of a round-robin of team building exercises, military skills stands and trade contextual training scenarios. The trainees – who were patrolling in their COVID-19 Fixed Teams (FT) – patrolled around the clock to complete each checkpoint, receiving a score at each one. The exercise culminated with the top three performing FTs winning prizes for their endeavours.

The experience level ranged from fully trained Royal Marine Commandos and transferees formerly of the Household Division, to Initial Trade Trainees (ITT) who have had a condensed phase one experience (8 weeks) due to COVID-19. The range of knowledge and

Patrolling to a stricken vehicle to conduct a battle damage assessment

Metalsmith stand: Fabricating a torque extraction tool

Command Task – The team are deciding whether a plank or a Cfn is the better option Command Task: A team eager to recover the stranded, critical spares

experience was evident but did not detract from the opportunity the trainees had to enhance their team cohesion outside of a classroom environment. The exercise provided the perfect opportunity for the more experienced trainees to mentor and develop their peers in fieldcraft, demonstrating leadership and mentorship in equal measure.

The Saturday saw a cold winter morning reveille before the FTs emerged from the notorious Lyneham shroud at their first stands for 0700hrs. By the end of the first stand all teams had settled into the exercise and were getting some high scores; obviously eager to get their hands on the Amazon vouchers that were up for grabs! Throughout the night serials, the FTs were given two rest periods (4 hours); a chance to conduct some necessary admin and shake off the fatigue that was inevitably setting in.

The competition was interspersed with a visit from Col McArthur, Comdt DSEME who visited the Metalsmith stand ran by SSgt Parker and Sgt Hill. This stand was a welcome chance for the ITT to warm up and dry off by the furnaces, having conducted a very boggy section attack lane with Sgt Gurung and movement with/without weapons with Sgt Kimmings and Cpl Johnstone.

By Sunday morning the temperature had dropped considerably, with the wind being comparable to the frozen tundra of the Arctic Circle. Nonetheless the ITT were still pushing on and all were grateful for the abrupt mid-afternoon finish, when the Company convened on the sports pitches for a socially distanced photo and prize-giving. Maj Catchpole, OC Basra Coy, thanked all involved and congratulated the winners, FT7 (Royal Marines) as well as FT8 (Metalsmiths) and FT15 (Recovery Mechanics) who came second and third.

Although this will hopefully be the last time 8 REME have to conduct a COVID-19 secure military skills competition, Ex WY has proven how the trainees and Permanent Staff alike are willing to adapt to limiting restrictions and that regardless of the circumstances at hand, 8 REME and Basra Coy can continue to deliver tradesmen to the field force – striving to succeed at trade and as a soldier.

Recovery stand: Operating tirfor winches as an antagonistic pair to right a rolled vehicle

Royal Marine Detachment stand: Close Target Recce patrol brief

BE RECOGNISED BE REWARDED

SSgt Andy Beacock EngTech MIMechE

Gain professional registration as an EngTech, IEng or CEng through a route specifically designed for REME personnel.

Enhance your military career Benchmark your skills and training Develop your professional network and connections

Apply now at imeche.org/armedforces For more support contact our Defence Liaison Ocer 07590 735816 dlo@imeche.org