Page 51 - MERCIAN Eagle 2022

HQ Company/Quartermaster’s Dept
MT Platoon
Capt Lee Jones
I think it’s fair to say that any Kenya exercise never really goes to plan. Especially when it comes to the fleet of vehicles that can only be described as ageing and tired at best. Some of the platforms were older than the QM(T) (and equally knackered).
We were promised a full fleet to enable us to be a credible TFH. We should
have taken over at least 9 FFR’s but this clearly didn’t materialise. So, in good
old BATUK fashion, they promised us a Caribbean all inclusive holiday full of sun, sea, and cocktails but what we got was Skegness on a winter’s day with a pint of flat lager.
The fourth principle of war being flexibility, we adapted and overcame. As the MTO, and not being very resourceful, I put my head in my hands with despair and tasked LCpl Kisse to go and demand that BATUK supply the finest off-road Toyota 4x4 with built in mini fridge and aircon as a minimum for the CO (another trick we thought might put him off the scent, especially when he thought we’d be on PT with him...).
With a car park full of white fleet
4x4s, everyone was pleased that they weren’t going to get green fleet that at best would only break down 3 times a day and have parts disintegrate in front of them. On the first run out for BG
Tac and Main, they worked out how to pack and live off these vehicles and on return all BHQ were happy ‘’well nearly everyone’’ - the CO came back and said he had a terrible night’s sleep and he really struggled to put his poncho up (not the first time I’ve heard him say that).
So, he asked me if I could square him away with a vehicle that can keep him off the floor and make him look a bit ally in front of the soldiers (that said, it was a struggle for me throughout with my little legs as I couldn’t reach the pedals so I had to get LCpl Kisse to drive me everywhere). So, this is what he had
to struggle with for the duration of the exercise.
We did have to endure having a certain amount of green fleet and I think it’s fair to say the LAD team, led by Sgt Mcloughlin really earned their wages and were simply outstanding. The vehicles needed relentless attention, and they never failed to deliver. They ensured
that TFH always maintained lift capacity and we could manoeuvre around the battlefield.
OC/QM
QM Tech CSM RQMS Main RQMS Tech CQMS
Maj Peach
Capt Mason
WO2 Thomas WO2 Miller
WO2 Keeton CSgt Hodgkinson
Maj Jase Peach
The work never stops for the old boys
(and girls) in the back, and we’ve kept
pace throughout. Ranging from supporting MACA (ESCALIN and RESCRIPT), exercises everywhere, a deployment to Kenya, and the drawdown as part of the amalgamation, there’s been enough work to ensure that what hair remains is going grey and falling out. We’ve also managed to squeeze in some PT, although the CO cottoned onto our trick of turning up to his PT sessions and then sneaking off before the start line. Anyway, the camp doesn’t run itself, and things needed checking...
Anyway, onto the Eagle submission. I’ll let the departments talk for themselves. They’ve been superb throughout, and I couldn’t wish for a better team. Loyal, hard- working and selflessly committed to the task at hand – no matter the obstacle. All the best to you all for the future, whatever and wherever it is. SFSH.
Light Aid Detachment – REME
WO2 Chambers
2 MERCIAN LAD REME has spent the last six months or so working on the handover of weapons and vehicles. Over 3000 individual Vehicles, Weapons and ISTAR all needed inspecting, repairing and handing over. As part of the 4X family, we are also busy assisting the wider Bde whenever needed, that includes pre-LEA assurance activity and inspection of equipment from other units who are fully committed elsewhere. The main focus for the LAD has been the Non-Taskworthy Land rovers, some of which have been off the road since 2018 and due to the successive failures of spares contracts, it has proved extremely difficult to turn these vehicles around. The REME always rises to the occasion and have managed to achieve what no-one thought was possible with the assistance of the QM’s credit card. We are also looking to the future, postings out have been a constant worry for all concerned, but we are leaving with a sense of achievement and pride that
we served with the 2nd Bn the Mercian Regiment and were the last to do so. Best of luck troops, Stand firm...
SPS Department
Working as a military personnel administrator (MPA) within an Infantry unit can be a very demanding but rewarding role. As well as carrying out our day-to-day administrative tasks to ensure the Companies are in good order, we can also be expected to deploy with our Companies on exercises and join in on their PT sessions.
Following my Phase 2 training in September 2021, I was assigned to
2 MERCIAN as a Junior MPA within
HQ (Headquarter) Company. I was apprehensive about coming to an Infantry Battalion as I had only just left Phase 2 training and I knew it would be a busy unit. Luckily, the Battalion was due to deploy to Kenya on Ex ASKARI STORM 22 a couple of weeks after I arrived, which gave me
the opportunity to get to know everyone during the RACs. My first few months were very hectic as I got to grips with my new job and tried to learn everybody’s names within my Company. This was an extremely busy time for me as an MPA as I had to rapidly apply my skills that I had learned
in Phase 2 training only weeks before. I have always found PT challenging with
the Company, however everyone motivates each other, and no one is ever belittled for
not keeping up. I really enjoy working with the chain of command; they support us
if anything is needed from the Company and provide a positive atmosphere to
work in. I also started my Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship and have had to juggle it with daily tasks and jobs around the Company and Battalion.
Although Infantry Battalions might have their challenges, we have nothing but positive things to say about 2 MERCIAN. If any other MPAs are looking for a fast-paced and varied role, I would highly recommend being assigned to an Infantry unit as I have learned loads in my role so far, and I am building my confidence every day.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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