A Year in Armoured Aviation –32RA LAD

Scribe: Capt Jim Docherty OC LAD, 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery

22 Bty BULLDOG engine change

In May of 2021, I had the privilege to assume Command of 32 Regt RA LAD, based in Robert’s Barracks, Larkhill. 32 Regt is the Army’s only Mini Unmanned Air System (MUAS) capability, providing all formations with Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, using a combination of Puma, Wasp & Desert Hawk 3 (DH3). The subunits of the Regiment are mounted in BULLDOG, COYOTE and LAND ROVER or in the Para light role, so the LAD has a very broad range of equipment to support; both land and aviation and we can boast that we are the only unit to employ every single REME Current Employment Group (CEG). We are also proudly, Armoured Aviation –definitely one of a kind.

Cfn Price repairing an 18 Bty COYOTE OC LAD Regimental Logo

This year the LAD has continued in its quest to remain innovative. It is leading REME Aviation in developing electronic signature and full work recording by utilising JAMES. This is common practice in the land domain but is breaking new ground for aviation. The LAD is further exploiting JAMES access, supported by a new WiFi network, with coverage even including the outside vehicle park areas. The intent is to have both VMs and Avn Tech’s accessing JAMES and technical documents on tablet devices, conducting full electronic work recording on both the land and aviation equipment. The LAD is exploring the employment of ‘Amazon’ style lockers for the issue and backloading of spares using QR codes. A particularly exciting area is the use of augmented reality technology to offer remote assistance for fault

Cpl Brown replacing a servo on a WASP'

Cpl Hopkins testing a PUMA

diagnosis, technical advice with the possibility to conduct remote inspections. Other areas in design include automating maintenance scheduling and asset location tracking; all intended to improve efficiency and the lived experience for our soldiers - 21st century ways of working.

The Tech’s under the leadership of Sgt Chettleburg, have been busy working alongside 1710 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) to design bespoke airframe repairs, serving to increase equipment availability, reduce cost, and ultimately increase their job satisfaction. In other areas we are experimenting with 3D printing pushing boundaries for aircraft component manufacture and designing BDR adhesive patches. The Tech’s are now undergoing pilot training, this will enable them to become qualified as maintenance test pilots, able to conduct flights following repairs. In support of 21 (Air Assault) Battery, Cpl Brown has taken advantage of his Fitter Section alignment and has successfully completed both P Coy and his jumps - a unique opportunity, certainly for an AC Tech that is also complimented by LAD Para PiDs to facilitate the allimportant pay.

The VM’s have continued to work hard, providing excellent COYOTE availability for Op NEWCOMBE Pre-Deployment Training and remain in the close fight with BULLDOG and LAND ROVER on a daily basis. As I write this LCpl Knight, (VM2) is going out of the door on Op CABRIT and Sgt Greenwood on Op NEWCOMBE – we wish both a safe and enjoyable tour. Cpl ‘Parkour’ Parker has been key in scoping the future of the Regiment’s vehicle fleet and has been conducting research on BOXER in preparation for its arrival in 2027. Sgt (Robbo) Robinson has organised an excellent adventure training package which was thoroughly enjoyed by all – even LCpl Winskill, eventually. Cpl ‘Flash’ Gordon has been fabricating all manner of cages, shelters, mock-up weapons, generally keeping busy and the Recovery Section have kept the equipment managers on the straight and narrow, acing every inspection.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the loss of one of our own. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of LCpl

Cfn Price taking a short break

Cfn Clarke replacing a steering box

LCpl Cimino inspecting a DH3 Ex WESSEX SEAHAWK – OPFOR

Crafty Cup football tournament team

LCpl Sugden using Augmented Reality (AR) goggles

32 LAD canoe water polo team Cpl Brown on P Coy

Jack Jarvis who sadly passed away this year. I can honestly say that I have never been prouder than when watching the soldiers of this LAD giving Jack the send-off that he deserved. AeM.

The hard work and sheer determination of the LAD has been thoroughly recognised this year. WO1 (ASM) Chris Smillie (outgoing ASM) has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, WO2 (AQMS) Ben Hartlebury awarded a GOC 6XX commendation and a Deputy Commander 1ISR Bde safety award, and SSgt Oli Jones was awarded a Joint Helicopter Command Commanders Air Safety commendation for his work in accomplishing the creation of DH3 on JAMES. In sport, the LAD is through to the final in the ‘Crafty Cup’ football tournament under the watchful eye of Sgt ‘Danny’ Johnstone – our fingers are crossed. Cpl Adams has been integral to the REME Rugby team in their successes, WO2 (AQMS) Stan Pugh and Sgt ‘Keith’ Smallwood enjoyed a short holiday (disguised as a Cricket tour) to St Lucia. Sgt (Robbo) Robinson has led an inexperienced team to 3rd place in the Army water canoe polo championships and the sporting season finished on an even bigger high when 32 RA LAD won the REME Festival of Sport – Minor Unit Cup. The icing on the cake came when the LAD was selected as the winner of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) award for ‘Best REME First Line Unit’ – fitting recognition for a team of such trade diversity and a passion for remaining at the cutting edge of technology.

In all it has been an exciting and rewarding 12 months and we continue to look to the future. Our critical next phase will see the LAD grow a brand-new Fitter Section (combined land and aviation) in support of a new sub-unit. So, if you relish a challenge and want to contribute to the ongoing successes of the Regiment and the LAD then please look for us on your next jobs list! 32RA LAD.

Cpl Waters at the REME Festival of Sport Winners of the ‘Best First Line Unit REME’ from the IET Engineering Awards