Overseas Exercise
Ex ASKARI STORM 1/21 CSS Gp deployment
Scribe:2Lt Jen Whitehouse 1 REME
M
embers of 4 Close Support Company from 1 CS Bn REME deployed to BATUK on Ex ASKARI STORM 1/21 between 17 Jan and 6 Apr 21. They were augmented by soldiers from 7 Regt RLC and together, the two units formed the CSS Group. Supporting both the 2MERCIAN and 1LANCS Battlegroups throughout their deployment, the large CSS sub-unit comprised of a REME headquarters with additional logistic specialists including a Fuel and General Transport Troop, Supply Troop and an Equipment Support Platoon. The exercise served to validate 2MERCIAN ahead of their deployment on Op TORAL, whilst also providing an opportunity to train CSS, validate the subunit to CT CHARLIE, and more importantly, to develop the expeditionary SV(R) CSS concept for the ASKARI STORM series. and after weeks of repairing and recovering The CSS Group was tasked to experiment equipment in the field, their focus shifted to with the delivery of pan-CSS, ‘training as it preparing for an equipment rehabilitation prior to would fight’ as part of the Light Brigade the 2MERCIAN mission zero validation exercise. As Support Group (LBSG). In a first for CSS in the vehicle packets arrived at Lolldaiga training Kenya, the sub-unit deployed forward of area, each piece of equipment was inspected and Nyati Barracks to Archers Post and repairs were effected to enhance the availability of Lolldaiga training areas, delivering the fleet prior to the battlegroup’s most testing sustained CSS effect over vast distances, phase. The ability for the CSS Group to fully deploy in austere conditions and at reach from a White water rafting forward and establish a BSG was only made firm base. Trialling the new concept, the possible through the deployment of a Field Service CSS Group established a Brigade Support Pack (FSP), which represented another first for Kenya and the ASKARI Group (BSG) forward and intimately supported the two independent STORM series. The FSP, which provides Log IS including MJDI, battlegroups within the tactical constraints of the exercise design. facilitated the demanding of commodities including ES materiel, Applying the ES principle of ‘repair forward’ to the other functions of forward of the 3rd line firm base at Nyati. CSS including both Supply and Transport, the CSS Group Although Ex ASKARI STORM 1/21 was particularly challenging, significantly reduced the logistical loop times and expedited the reward came in the form of adventurous training. Over 90% of the Supply of commodities to sustain the battlegroups. CSS group participated in world-class adventurous training which Despite the social distancing constraints during the handover of included; archery, white water rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding, equipment at the start of the exercise, the ES Pl inspected the fleet of climbing and mountain bike safari - which was described by one of 386 vehicles in record time. The work for the ES Pl didn’t stop there the Craftsmen as “the best thing that they have been able to do in the Army!” Equally as worthwhile, and one of BATUK’s additional priorities is the requirement to support the local community. The CSS Group volunteered to renovate a local nursery in Nanyuki where we designed and created a new classroom environment, constructed new fencing, built an outdoor lunch area and even manufactured playground equipment from scrap metal and old tyres! Ex ASKARI STORM 1/21 was an exercise of many firsts, albeit with many unprecedented challenges, not least the implications of a COVID-19 outbreak. The austere environment, tired vehicle fleet and real-life frictions that operating in Kenya presents, provides an excellent setting from which to train and test CSS. The Ex ASKARI STORM 1/21 CSS Group, force generated around 4 CS Coy REME HQ, proved the concept that CSS can be trained alongside the infantry battlegroups within the tactical exercise ‘wrap’ and have set the foundations for future exercises in Kenya. BCS Lesson Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 15
