Page 10 - Chiron Calling Autumn 2019

On 29 June, myself and Captain James Wright (101 MWD Sqn) attended a mentoring workshop run by 101 Regt (EOD & S) RE at the Royal College of Defence Studies, London. The workshop, in a historic and inspiring setting, was the commencement of a Reserves Junior Officer coaching and mentoring programme, something which I had jumped at the chance of being involved in when the opportunity was presented. The workshop was a rare opportunity to learn from a number of high ranking, highly experienced and successful Reserve Officers within the Royal Engineers (RE), including Brigadier Andrew Wood, whom I had been fortunate to have been assigned as my mentor/coach. Additionally, it was also an opportunity to aspire to spend time at the college studying at some stage in the future.
The day itself was varied and interesting throughout, with plenty of opportunity to learn valuable lessons for both the military and civilian setting. The morning sessions consisted of a number of interesting and thought- provoking talks, covering topics which provided myself and the other mentees with a better appreciation of the
Mentoring Workshop
By Captain Tessa Muir RAVC 101 MWD Sqn
current make up of RE Reserves, and pathways for the future development. Whilst the afternoon session focused on an introduction to the mentoring programme, the privileges of command, and a breakout session in our allocated mentoring groups. The keynote speaker, Chris Roebuck, a British economist, with expertise in leadership and organizational performance, had plenty of experiences and advice to share with the group. Since attending the workshop I have endeavored to put some of the ‘lessons learnt’ into practice in my day-to-day life.
Prior to the workshop itself I had volunteered to be part of the ‘test of concept’, and had therefore been fortunate to meet with my mentor and undertake two mentoring/coaching sessions. These sessions were insightful, and even at a very early stage I found the experience invaluable in helping me consider and reflect upon my short, medium and longer term goals as a reservist Veterinary Officer in the British Army. Starting to explore these goals, it has already assisted me in look at things in new and innovative ways; seeing things from a different perspective and providing me with the tools for
generating solutions and exploring alternative approaches. Hopefully of cementing the enthusiasm for the wider programme with my peers, I was provided the opportunity to share my initial experiences with other mentees at the workshop, speaking to the group during the afternoon session about ‘my brief experience as a mentee’. Once the formalities concluded, it was time to walk to a local pub, The Grenadier, to continue to discussions, and enjoy the best of the British summer sunshine.
Overall it was a fascinating day, it provided a platform to share experiences, catch up with peers and friends I’d met previously, and an opportunity to meet new likeminded individuals. I came away with plenty to reflect and work on for the future, and a greater determination and drive to forge a pathway within the RAVC Reserves in which I can contribute to the Army’s wider goals. I cannot recommend the mentoring day (and the wider programme) highly enough to any Junior Officer seeking to develop themselves and those in their chain of command, if they are given the opportunity to attend this, or any similar programme in the future.
8 CHIRON CALLING
Military Working Dog Dee and I deployed on Ex SCORIPION ARMOUR from the 17th March to the 22nd in preparation for Ex PRAIRIE STORM 2 later in the year. This was our first exercise together as an Arms Explosive Search dog team. I was assigned MWD Dee in December 2018 but due to some medical limitations in January she was on rest for around 3 weeks before I could work with her. After she recovered fully we started to form a bond and began working together and became licensed as an AES team. I was feeling optimistic about the exercise as I was interested to see how my MWD Dee and I would fit into a Royal Engineer search team.
Once on the exercise there was a lot of new situations that Dee and I were exposed to that required me to help and encourage her to gain confidence; getting in and out of armoured vehicles and Land Rovers, gunfire and meeting new people. Before this exercise Dee had never been in a Mastiff (armoured vehicle, not dog!) before. I had to teach her that this was a positive experience so that in the future she would be comfortable with this form of transport. I’m lucky she’s a small spaniel as she can fit behind my legs, as once all of the search team and search equipment were in, it was a tight fit!
The exercise also provided the opportunity for veterinary lessons in
By Pte Cooper
order to further develop our skills and knowledge of how to provide first aid to the dog. Under the supervision of the veterinary officer I was able to administer MWD Dee a subcutaneous injection of chlorphenamine, which is an antihistamine; MWD Dee was having a reaction to the different terrain and vegetation causing irritation to her paws. The next day Dee was back on her paws and happy that the itching had stopped!
Halfway through the exercise I had to aid the veterinary technician inspect and monitor the dogs vital signs. We do this to ensure the dogs are healthy and there are no signs of ill health, so they can continue the exercise or receive appropriate veterinary treatment as required. The inspection included a full head to toe examination, checking for any injuries, lameness or signs of ill health, as well as checking the dogs respiration, pulse and temperature. We also received a veterinary lesson on how to deal with common scenarios in the field and on operations such as: hyperthermia, shock and catastrophic haemorrhages. As well as basic first aid we also had to know what a handler should carry in their k9 first aid kit.
During the exercise MWD Dee and I were attached to different task lines meaning I had to assess the scenario and advise the
search commander of how to employ the dog team to aid the search. Once dictated on how we were going to conduct the search Dee and I were used to search routes and areas to detect: firearms, ammunition, explosives and other objects associated with bomb making. This was very beneficial for me as when MWD Dee indicated on the scenarios I was able to report it to the search commander and watch how the search team and EOD would deal with a find. This gave me a real sense of achievement and I was so proud of Dee for taking everything in her stride despite all of the new situations that we were encountering.
The exercise also had a lot of opportunities for me to develop my soldiering skills such as providing top cover on the Mastiff where I was able to fire a GPMG. I also helped the team by covering the radios. During this I had to send contact reports, 9 liners and MISTAT reports, as well as passing messages on between other call signs when communications were difficult. MWD Dee was happy while I was busy, as she could get some well-earned rest!
I really enjoyed this exercise and learnt a lot from the Engineers and feel my bond with Dee got even stronger and look forward to future opportunities with Dee.
Exercise Scorpion Armour