Page 362 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
regularly inspect all Regimental Mascots.
Each visit leads to a comprehensive inspection report which is produced by OC VSTAT. Meanwhile the VSTAT, in addition to the inspectorate role, also offers guidance to MWA user units; communi- cating CVRO policy, advising on kennel infra, and implementing good practice. VSTAT also co-ordi- nates and conducts liaison with outside agencies such as Land Forces, Air, UKSF, the MDP as well as assisting 1 MWD Regt with collective training
as required.
Defence Science Technology Laboratories
(Dstl)12 supports the RAVC with regard to technical advice and scientific, evidential analysis relating to MWAs being crucial for strict funding processes. This scientific support for operational and financial needs, is particularly important where, for instance, the development of explosive threat training aids for MWD, is concerned.
There is one exception to previous iterations of TET/VSET and that is – training qualifications related to RAVC personnel is now completed by the RSME Training Development Team (TDT) with support from the Course Design staff at Melton Mowbray.
National Standard – 2018:
It was the wealth of Service experience and knowledge in MWDs that, in 2001, sparked the suggestion that there ought to be a Governmental overarching standard.13
The biggest boost to this idea was that same wealth of experience in the personnel responsible for the training, tasking and validation of AES dogs for Operations; plus the fact that the licensing of the dog teams was conducted annually by the independent VSET, and by the Provost Marshal Dog Inspection team (PMDI). The proposal being – to standardise procedures across the Home Office.
Hours of work went into completing every aspect of this proposal by numerous working committees – the RAVC being a large stakeholder. It took the next 17 years for a National Standard to be agreed.
In December 2018, the National Canine Training and Accreditation Scheme (NCTAS) was finally published. In the end, the greatest impetus came as a consequence of the shortfalls identified during the Olympic Games in 2012, when, in some cases, unaccredited civilian dog handlers were employed
by sub-contractors for security during the event. The arrival of the National Canine Training and
Accreditation Scheme resulted in the following: Qualification, Licensing and Authorisation (QLA). The QLA Policy produced, is now owned by VSTAT. It defines the validation and licensing processes required to authorise MWD Teams as competent to conduct search operations. The MWD Certification process recognises that the MWD team has met the defined operational standards and the MWD Team Licence is normally
valid for one year.
In Theatre Role Specific Training (RST).
Conducted prior to live Operations, RST includes validation and licensing in accordance with the policy. VSTAT own the QLA Policy and as such are the authority. Training should include the use of all available Search training areas, with mentoring provided by Search SMEs. It must update them on the latest threat and any changes to Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) and allow the dog to conduct scent recognition, environmental familiarisation and acclimatisation. The RST is run by in-theatre SMEs and validated by VSTAT, or personnel acting on their authority. VSTAT (or a delegated authority), license the teams on behalf of the ACAI for MWD. Training Aids, explosive and component parts that mirror operational threats – as informed by Defence Intelligence Land/Dstl – are procured for all training activities including individual, collective, RST and continu- ation training.
During 2019-2020 the RAVC revised its own Validation and Licensing procedures, in full, for all MWDs. The Corps also issued a new Joint Service Publication (JSP) 960 – the JSP or policy provides clear guidance on the roles and respon- sibilities of CVRO acting as the delegated MWA Competent Authority. This new document joins together Operational Performance and Certifi- cation standards across the whole of Defence for MWDs. It also sets down the minimum Operational Performance Standards for MWD teams and clearly outlines the process by which MWD must be Certified against the set standards. The document is a ‘gold standard’; the Home Office and civilian agencies have a similar standard to follow.
MWD capability is now compliant with UK National Canine Training and Assurance Standards; what is encompassed in the JSP is also inter-operable with NATO MWD capability.
12 A proven national asset, Dstl is an executive agency of the Ministry of Defence (MOD providing world class expertise and delivering cutting-edge science and technology for the benefit of the nation and allies. Dstl is one of the principal government organisations dedicated to science and technology in the defence and security field. Dstl supplies specialist services to MOD and wider government, working collaboratively with external partners in industry and academia worldwide, providing expert research, specialist advice and invaluable operational support. Source: Gov UK website.
13 DAC/G3/10/2 dated 15th January 2001.
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