Page 71 - Mercian Eagle 2013

3 MERCIAN LAD REME
After the high of a successful British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS), the Light
Aid Detachment have switched focus to preparing for Op HERRICK 19. The LAD has played a major part in exercises in both Germany and UK, keeping our WARRIORs rolling and firing throughout MST, and supporting the battalion in all social events. LCpl Hanley REME gave an unplanned beat boxing demonstration at the Corporals’ Mess Summer Function; although rumoured to be fuelled by a large quantity of Dutch courage, LCpl Hanley gave an outstanding performance and may well have earned
a reshow post Op HERRICK. He is also available for bar mitzvahs.
We had a change of OC LAD with
the arrival of Capt Neil Clark REME after Easter. He had big shoes to fill and has done extremely well to maintain the pace of his predecessor and much more. He has enabled the LAD to successfully train for Op Herrick 19 along with last minute tasks coming in thick and fast.
As we draw ever closer towards the end of 3 MERCIAN, the pace of life has increased, maintaining support to the Battalion and preparing for the draw- down. I have given my all into preparing the accounts, battling against MJDI and rectifying errors from the past. I was lucky enough to receive a Master General REME commendation for my efforts. I feel I was I just doing my job, but none the less I was proud to receive the award in front of the
He had big shoes to fill and has done extremely well to maintain the pace of his predecessor and much more.
whole Battalion (despite the unmerciful banter I received afterwards).
Although it has certainly been one of the busiest periods of my career, it hasn’t been just work, work, work. We have managed to boost morale with Battalion Adventure Training held in the Harz Mountains. Most of the LAD was able to participate and everyone to a man enjoyed it.
This will be the last time we see an operational deployment for the 7th Armoured Brigade and indeed 3 MERCIAN (STAFFORDS) and although these are sad
times, I know I speak for the whole LAD when I say with pride that I was there, and I was part of 3 MERCIAN. I am moving on to ATR(W) as a Section Commander and could not have asked for a better preparation
than the time I have spent living and working with the Mercian’s. STAND FIRM – STRIKE HARD, and the MERCIAN ethos is something I hope to be able to give to my recruits in the future.
OC LAD CAPT NEIL CLARKE REME Scribe: Cpl Kev Hall REME
MT Platoon Mercian Eagle by Capt Mick Whillock MTO
The pace of life in 3 MERCIAN continues to be busy and this is no exception for the MT Platoon. Once BATUS was out of way the Platoon then turned to focus on OP HERRICK 19. Initially members of the Platoon started to brush up on their personal skills on the ranges and attended briefs in preparation to deploy to Afghanistan. With the success of the drawdown, the allocation of roles was greatly reduced and unfortunately for the platoon we were stood down and asked to reinforce the Rear Operations Group.
It is a continual battle to keep soldiers qualified and up to date
in the current climate of operations, especially when you reflect on the rapid change of vehicles and equipment over the last ten years. The days are long gone when you learnt to drive in a Land Rover, followed by a quick familiarisation around the local training area with a trailer. Keeping in line with European Law and Regulations, we are no different to the civilian workplace. Now getting soldiers qualified you can expect to lose your men up to 2 to 3 months from start to
finish. Passing your
driving test is the
easy part, additional
factors you have to consider, UK and there are then the German Matrix, conversion courses for GS, trailers and minibuses. Then Drivers have to go on further training to gain CAT C (HGV) & E (HGV with Trailer) in preparation to drive the current operational vehicles in Afghanistan such as Huskey and Mastiff. Not forgetting, the additional constraints when driving the Huskey, the measurement
of the driver’s back. If too long then this effects the safety gap between the top of the helmet and the hatch, meaning that individual is not allowed to drive that vehicle.
Earlier in the year the Platoon said farewell to the old MTO Captain Mitchell and MTWO WO2 Chappelle who left in March 2013, followed by Sgt Venables in the summer. On behalf of the MT we wish them the very best in their future roles. With the new
MTO Capt Whillock MTWO WO2 Bartlett MT SGT Sgt Banks
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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