Page 71 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2017

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) 69
Extra Regimental Employment
Defence Hub Duqm, Oman
There is a certain timeless quality about southern Arabia, and Oman in particular, that is captivating with its vast deserts, stunning coastlines, and breath-taking but unforgiving moun- tains in the Jebel Akhdar and Dhofar ranges. Over the last 200 years our forebears have fought over much of the country in support of various Sultans but, while the scenery is worthy of many an effusive and expansive travel commentary, it is really the qualities of the people, the culture and our shared history that combine to make Oman such a special place. For without this genuine and enduring special relationship, the British involve- ment in the Sultanate would count for very little. As it is, the relationship is undergoing a fundamental refreshment whereby we are reinvigorating our presence in the country in order to sup- port a key ally and demonstrate our continuing appetite to be in- volved in the region. We cannot continue to rest upon the laurels of the exploits of very brave men in the 1950’s and 1970’s and, if you agree that this is a policy worth pursuing in a critical part of the world, then it is timely that the new generation play its role in bolstering this fundamental bulwark of our mutual security.
We may not have as much military or financial clout as we once did, but the Omanis still value our continued engagement and positive support. For our part, we value their close friendship and their wise counsel concerning the different influences in the region, their neutrality and tolerance as well as their pivotal po- sition, facing in to the Gulf Cooperation Council but outwards to Iran, China, India and the wider world. Although the circum- stances are different today, this partnership is as important as ever, as there are many interlocking issues in the region not least the wars in Yemen and Syria and the stand-off between Saudi and Iran. We have a unique relationship with the Omanis and they have a distinctive perspective from which we can learn a great deal, assisting our appreciation of the complexities within a traditional sphere of interest.
Underpinning our deep military relationship, we have over 90 embedded Loan Service officers providing training advice, we deploy a large number of Short Term Training Teams and we will participate in Exercise SAIF SAREEA 3 in October 2018. This represents an opportunity to show that the United Kingdom is fulsome in its desire to reassure the country and operate with its forces, as well as deter others in the region.
This rich tapestry of engagement has served both the United Kingdom and Oman well over many years, but the real game changer in terms of our enduring relationship is the establish- ment of the United Kingdom’s Defence Hub centred on the Port of Duqm, half way down the country between Muscat and Sala- lah. This is a key component of the Gulf Strategy and comprises, principally, the establishment of a Joint Logistic Support Base (JLSB) and integration of the Port and Airport as well as the Naval Dockyard operated by Babcock, to act as a joint enabling facility. The Secretary of State signed a Memorandum of Un- derstanding in August with the Oman Defence Minister and a commercial agreement was also signed with the Port of Duqm Company to secure real estate, and the provision of infrastruc- ture and services. Although, the JLSB will be a joint facility able to be used by the United Kingdom military in the round, its primary purpose is to support the establishment of the Regional Land Training Hub, enabling a permanent Land presence in Oman to facilitate training. This development is predicated on the allocation of a new Royal Army of Oman training area in
Colonel Bennett rediscovers his dormant reconnaissance and map reading skills in identifying a new training area at Ras Madrakah in Oman, accompanied by the Head of Army Training and the Royal Army of Oman
the vicinity of Duqm which will enable up to four Battlegroup exercises a year to be conducted. There is much work to be done to secure and establish this new training area, but it is hoped that the area will be approved and able to accept a pilot exercise in Spring 2019 as a precursor to a regular drum beat of exercises leading to the deployment of STRIKE in 2022 or thereabouts.
My work over the last year has been focussed on brokering agreements between the United Kingdom and Omani Minis- try of Defence and commercial organisations to establish the JLSB, as well as dealing with the Ministry of Oil and Gas to determine where suitable training areas could be located. I have spent many a night in the desert under the amazing firmament scouting all over Oman in pursuit of the new Collective Training Establishment. This has been great fun and certainly taxed my off-road driving skills over some pretty unforgiving sandy and rocky terrain criss-crossed by fiendish wadis. All of these fea- tures will test armoured commanders to their limit in the future as they try to manoeuvre through these significant obstacles.
For those who doubt or are sceptical of Britain’s role and place in the world, you only have to look at the recent enhanced commit- ment to Oman and Duqm, in particular, to see that the United Kingdom is still determined to invest abroad in support of its international obligations and the security of a key ally. Oman provides an exceptional and geopolitically relevant location, both in which to train and to hone our skills in a challenging environment - demonstrating our desire to act as a deterrent in a febrile world - and interoperate with a regional and increasingly capable force.
On the recreational front, there is much to commend Oman with many opportunities for exploration and excitement. I appreci- ate that there are limitations on Adventurous Training overseas these days, but with imagination, careful husbanding of funds and determination, Oman offers a valid and demanding destina- tion for any would be adventurers.
DMB