Page 8 - Chiron Calling Autumn 2019

Ex PRAIRIE STORM 1 2nd April-16th June 2019 By Pte Morris 1 MWD Regt
I was deployed as one of two AES handlers attached to the QRH Battlegroup as they sought their Collective Training Level 4 validation during Ex PRAIRIE STORM 1. Our main objective, in addition to supporting the Battlegroup’s certification, was to establish where the MWD asset best fits within the Armoured Infantry.
Soon after we arrived at British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) we quickly established our position within the battlegroup. We were attached to 17 EOD & Search Squadron RE, where we worked as a cohesive entity during the pre-exercise admin phase. This involved preparing vehicles, cam-nets and other G4 related admin that we usually don’t have to contend with! We were also able to offer our search capabilities to assist them with taskings, along with the Protection asset as a force multiplier when their personnel were limited or tired from long hours on duty.
The first couple of weeks consisted of a live firing package. We took part in fire team, section and even a Platoon level attack. These were all completed without dogs but were nevertheless a good opportunity to conduct battle inoculation preparing our MWDs for the rest of their time on the Prairie.
The Test-Exercise phase was a 2-week long period where blank ammunition was used against a reactive enemy force. This was the where all the dogs were distributed from 17 Squadron throughout the two weeks to assist the other units within the exercise. These ranged from the Combat Service Support (CSS) Group, Battlegroup Headquarters (BGHQ), and being on the front line with the attached Company from 5 Rifles.
Supporting CSS was a natural fit for us. The search teams can provide information on the Main Supply Routes (MSR’s) as we are travelling on “taken ground” where the threat of insurgents is higher. The deterrent of a Protection dog roaming around the harbour areas adds to the safety of the personnel against these small insurgent groups.
Overall, Ex PRAIRIE STORM 1 was a successful exercise. It allowed both new handlers and dogs to experience a different type of warfare and expose them to such a large-scale battlegroup. With more time on future PRAIRIE STORMS and opportunity to sell the understanding of our capability, I believe 1MWD will prove themselves an asset for the armoured infantry during conventional war fighting.
Ted
Vinnie
6 CHIRON CALLING
I joined the Terriritorial Army in Feb 2000 and trained as a Chef. I was fortunate enough to have served operational tours in Iraq in 2008 and Afghanistan in 2008. After many years in the RLC, I decided to leave to pursue a Reserve career as a dog handler and I applied to join 101 Military Working Dog Squadron as a Reservist in June 2016.
In January 2019 I saw an opportunity for a 3 year Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) post with the Royal Navy as a chef on the Aircraft Carrier, HMS Prince of Wales and without hesitation I applied and was successful.
As I had been out of trade as a Chef for several years and now serving as a Dog Handler with the RAVC Reserves at North Luffenham, I first had to attend a refresher course and set off for Grantham to update my Level 3 Food Safety and Supervision skills. After completing both refresher courses I was then off to the Reserves Training and Mobilisation Centre at Chilwell, for the 10 day Mandatory Army Training Tests (MATTs) package and on completion I was due to join HMS Excellence, (Navy Command). Meanwhile, prior to my contract with the Navy, I had already booked up to do my ADR (Hazmat) Course for Transportation of Hazardous Materials which also gave me an additional qualification prior to joining HMS Excellence.
Upon arrival at HMS Excellence, I was introduced to my mentor who sadly informed me that due to unforeseen circumstances I would no longer be joining the Aircraft Carrier HMS Prince of Wales, but would instead be attached to the Royal Marines. Needless to say that my enthusiasm and excitement was somewhat deflated by this news, as I was so looking forward to going on HMS Prince of Wales. I was therefore posted to the Commando Logistic Regiment (CLR), but prior to this, I had to undergo a 3 weeks familiarisation at HMS Dragon to see how the RN operates (quite a bit different to the Army I might add). After this period, I had to do my Basic Sea Survival Course, followed by 1 week firefighting and sea survival. Fire fighting was hard work, but the sea survival included plugging holes in a training ship tipping left and right causing waves and getting under the water to plug up was fun. The last day also included jumping in to a lake from a 4 metre platform, swimming and climbing in to a life raft. Then even more swimming and up weighting etc. Nice and easy day for me being a lifeguard swimming instructor.
The following week was the Navy First aid course, which is different to the Army’s Battlefield first aid, and many of the other Army members on the course failed. Fortunately, I passed all with flying colours, thanks to having done all my
MATTs regularly with 101 MWD Sqn in North Luffenham.
Then I was off to North Devon and Commando Logistic Regiment (CLR) to join the Catering Troop to be precise, and I happened to be the only Pongo (soldier) in the Troop which would be 50 eventually. My role is to support 3 Commando Brigade, with the catering on all their deployments, so a busy time ahead with plenty of travel hopefully.
After all the preparation and training that I had undergone prior to joining the CLR, one of my first task was not even catering due to the Troop needing to be self sufficient and with my advanced driving experience, I was asked if I could set up a training facility for members or the Troop to gain their driving licences, mainly for car and truck. There were quite a few barriers to overcome, after a lot of going back and forth, I have now managed to get the Troop ready to driver qualified all up and running several weeks earlier than the deadline I was given.
After the Summer leave we will start deploying, the first group are off to California, working with the US Marine Corps. Then in November I am off to Norway to do the Arctic survival training!! Hopefully, I will be able to write so more about the next phase of my exchange in the next issue of Chiron Calling!
On Exchange with the Royal Marines
By Cpl Karl Bowness RAVC - 101 MWD Sqn Reserve