Ex ASKARI STORM

Overseas Exercise

Ex ASKARI STORM 1/21 CSS Gp deployment

Scribe:2Lt Jen Whitehouse 1 REME

BCS Lesson

Members 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. The CSS Group was tasked to experiment and after weeks of repairing and recovering with the delivery of pan-CSS, ‘training as it equipment in the field, their focus shifted to would fight’ as part of the Light Brigade preparing for an equipment rehabilitation prior to Support Group (LBSG). In a first for CSS in the 2MERCIAN mission zero validation exercise. As Kenya, the sub-unit deployed forward of the vehicle packets arrived at Lolldaiga training Nyati Barracks to Archers Post and area, each piece of equipment was inspected and Lolldaiga training areas, delivering repairs were effected to enhance the availability of sustained CSS effect over vast distances, the fleet prior to the battlegroup’s most testing in austere conditions and at reach from a firm base. Trialling the new concept, the White water rafting phase. The ability for the CSS Group to fully deploy forward and establish a BSG was only made CSS Group established a Brigade Support possible through the deployment of a Field Service Group (BSG) forward and intimately supported the two independent Pack (FSP), which represented another first for Kenya and the ASKARI battlegroups within the tactical constraints of the exercise design. STORM series. The FSP, which provides Log IS including MJDI, Applying the ES principle of ‘repair forward’ to the other functions of facilitated the demanding of commodities including ES materiel, CSS including both Supply and Transport, the CSS Group forward of the 3rd line firm base at Nyati. significantly reduced the logistical loop times and expedited the Although Ex ASKARI STORM 1/21 was particularly challenging, Supply of commodities to sustain the battlegroups. reward came in the form of adventurous training. Over 90% of the

Despite the social distancing constraints during the handover of CSS group participated in world-class adventurous training which equipment at the start of the exercise, the ES Pl inspected the fleet of included; archery, white water rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding, 386 vehicles in record time. The work for the ES Pl didn’t stop there climbing and mountain bike safari - which was described by one of 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.