Page 28 - 1RHA 2023

1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
1 RHA Training Wing WO2 FC Kavwenje (MTWO)
In 2023, the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (1 RHA) Training Wing experienced significant personnel changes. The respon- sibilities of the Regimental Training Officer were transferred
from Captain Ewan Philip RHA to Captain Stuart Paine RHA, along with those of the Motor Transport Warrant Officer from WO2 McDonnell to WO2 Kavwenje. The post of Training Wing 2IC has been the busiest of all; Sgt Hampson decided to leave the service, which resulted in Sgt Raffermati being posted in from E Bty. However, he was soon offered a posting to a Training Regiment that he could not refuse, resulting in SSgt Carter being posted at short notice from B Bty. In less than a year, the 1 RHA Training Wing’s entire training team has been replaced, bringing a sense of renewed vigor.
As a result of WO2 James McDonnell’s efforts, 1 RHA had fewer driving licenses and fewer training gaps. He secured last-minute course delivery in time for E Bty’s deployment to Op CABRIT 13 through his charisma and rapid wit. With his optimistic outlook on achievement, the fitness of E Bty for deployment would have survived. In addition, WO2 McDonnell’s meticulous diligence and strong leadership skills have significantly increased the training wing’s efficiency. His efforts contributed to the success and read- iness of 1 RHA, ensuring that it remains a top-performing and highly effective Regiment within 1 DRS Bde. He continues to be MTWO for 26 RA, with 1 RHA’s sincere appreciation.
In July 2023, Bombardier Foster, the Regimental GSDI, departed the military. Deserving of commendation for the twelve months of intensive driver training he devised and implemented for 1 RHA. During his military service, Bombardier Foster had a significant impact on the instruction of the Regiment. His commitment and knowledge were instrumental in equipping the soldiers with the skills necessary to excel in their duties. His departure is unfortu- nate for the Training Wing, but his legacy will endure.
In February 2023, the United Kingdom provided the AS90 to Ukraine as part of the UK’s Gift in Kind (GIK)’ program. This did not end when the AS90s were dispatched, as it was immediately followed by assisting in the delivery of STTT packages by all AS90 units and deploying the Light Aid Department and AS90 crews to Germany to ensure that both weapon systems and vehicles were combat-ready before they arrived in theatre. This resulted in sus- pending all other platform maintenance so that the armaments destined for Ukraine could receive undivided attention. During
this time, B Bty began its extensive Pre-Deployment Training in preparation to succeed E Bty on Op CABRIT 12 in September 2023, following a six-month mission in Estonia.
To ensure that all members of the Batteries were prepared for deployment and UK-based exercises, the Regimental Train- ing Officer and his team collaborated with the Battery Training Officers. This allowed continuous training updates, ensuring all members were up to par. The Training Officer also organised Bat- tery-to-Battery training exercises for unit integration and cohe- sion. This collaboration confirmed the Regiment’s readiness for deployment and fostered a sense of camaraderie and coopera- tion, as well as ensured the acquisition of required credentials.
The MTWO has had a busy year, focusing on training voids in license acquisition, driver and commander training courses, and all other driver training-related endeavors. After transferring from an RPAS unit to a CS Regiment, his learning curve was steep, requiring him to adjust his planning approach. The Training Wing worked tirelessly to ensure that each class was tailored to satisfy the unique requirements of 1 RHA, incorporating realistic scenar- ios and direct instruction. This collaboration between the Train- ing Wing and the Batteries of 1 RHA enhanced the Regiment’s capability, depth, and operational output. The following training has been provided thus far:
• Obtaining a Driver’s Licence (B, C+E, and H licenses)
• Conversion of Armored Service Drivers (Warrior, AS90,
CRARRV, and Bulldog)
• The HAZMAT
• UST Op training
• 19 RA collaborated with the EPLS Operator.
• MAN SV alteration
• SDC Land Rover
• Course for AFV commanders (Warrior and Bulldog).
Due to an earlier emphasis on GIK, inadequate vehicle availabil- ity impacted the desire and capacity to provide driver training. When DMIs were unavailable because of operational deployment or preparing to deploy, the Training wing had to exert extraordi- nary effort to fulfil training requirements. However, the LAD has worked assiduously to provide training platforms, with the assis- tance of the Batteries, who have contributed to the workforce at every opportunity to aid in this endeavor. Without the help of
AS90 SDC crossing a narrow bridge
AS90 SDC course
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