4 minute read
Ex DEVONIAN LAMASSU
101 Bn SP congregated and captured after a productive two-week exercise
Scribe – Lt Matthew Roberts
Advertisement
In mid-June, soldiers from 101 Bn REME deployed on Ex DEVONIAN LAMASSU, a trade camp based at RMB Chivenor supporting Commando Logistic Regiment (CLR) LAD. The mission was twofold: to complete as many ITRs (Individual Training Requirements) as possible while providing Equipment Support (ES) to the CLR.
On arrival, the Devon weather was on show with sideways rain challenging the construction of tents and cam nets. Of course, as soon as these were put up, beautiful sunshine presented itself. The Company position was established at the end of a disused airfield. This provided excellent routes in and out as well as hardstanding on which production could effectively take place. Shortly after the position was established, the tactical phase of the exercise began and the Company was attacked; testing the soldier’s readiness and defensive fighting power. The tactical phase continued for the next 48 hours with the troops refreshing themselves in camouflage and concealment, section attacks, and conducting ES in a tactical environment.
On completion, several ITRs had been fulfilled and the attention was switched to production. The exercise saw a total of 312 trade hours and 39 tasks completed. Work was carried out across two locations, RMB Chivenor and Instow, with soldiers from across three trade groups working on Land Rover, SV and BV 206 platforms. The hard work of the Company enabled the CLR LAD to clear longstanding pieces of work from their shop floor, allowing them to focus on higher priority tasks.
In addition to production, the Company enjoyed a capability demonstration from the Additive Manufacturing Platoon from 5 FS Bn REME. The speed and accuracy of which they were able to replicate common spares from platforms impressed all, not to mention the cupholder made, which proved to be very useful for the return journey back to Manchester. The exercise culminated with an afternoon of adventurous training. Soldiers were taken coasteering on the North Devon coast. This involved a combination of swimming in open water and climbing up the cliffside before jumping back into the sea; testing everyone’s courage and endurance. Ex DEVONIAN LAMSSU was a great success. Being able to maximise the opportunity to combine both military readiness training and delivering production hours was a great display of what the REME Reserves are able to achieve. The opportunity to give our Reservists access to equipment and capability rarely seen in the Bn whilst also widened their perspective and providing them with a glimpse into the future of ES.
Soldiers from 101 Bn REME have their military skills put to the test
The Bigger Picture
In the West of England, 101 Bn REME waits, ready and able, to support your units. With an experienced workforce of ex-regular REME soldiers, vocational Vehicle Mechanics, and keen
tradespeople we want to help you.
We are able to mobilise elements of our workforce to seamlessly integrate with your own soldiers, providing an extremely motivated and competent uplift in workforce for short periods of time. This has been demonstrated numerous times: on the above Ex DEVONIAN LAMASSU; during Ex DRAGON POWER, where 127 TS Coy completed 700+ hours of work significantly contributing to the success of the exercise; and during 159 TS Coy’s deployment to BATSUB on Ex CARIBBEAN REHAB 21 where, over a nine day period, 66 tasks where completed across 274 total hours resulting in a final availability of presented vehicles increasing from 84% to 97%; effectively preparing the fleet in Belize for the exercise season. 101 Bn REME covers the West of England and Wales. If you think we can help you and your unit please contact the Battalion Training Officer to look at potential opportunities. 101 BTO:
Stephen.atherton941@mod.gov.uk Join us
The REME Reserves are always looking for keen individuals leaving the Regular Army to join us. With a minimum commitment of 27 days a year, which is easily achieved through weekly training evenings, occasional weekends and a two-week exercise or development course.
You’ll be paid a daily rate which increases with rank and experience, and you can also earn an annual taxfree bonus. You will earn days of paid ‘leave’ and will be eligible for allowances and discounts as a member of the Armed Forces.
To enquire about joining the REME Reserves contact the Regimental Headquarters REME:
REMERHQ-jobs@mod.gov.uk or telephone: 01249 894506
Sunrise at the start of a long day on Exercise
101 Bn SP explaining to 127 Coy CSM Barnes and former REME Eccy (last remaining?) the finer points of trailer servicing requirements
