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dental field kit, providing an essential insight into the conditions that one might work in within the deployed environment. Once the MRS was in-place, personnel received a ground brief and Orders from the OC, which provided ‘situational awareness’ and an understanding of the ‘med plan’. The MRS was subsequently ‘dropped’ and relocated by convoy. At the second location, personnel were reminded of the principles of personal administration in the field and conducting section attacks. Additionally, through a series of real-time moulages,
Cpl Gordon Shaw, RADC
I arrived at Keogh on the night of the 26th and it didn’t take long for me to have flash backs of Phase 2 living, especially when going for a shower to find a pigeon & nest in the shower cubical!
We deployed in the early morning of the 27th in horrendous weather which obviously boosted moral because “if it ain’t raining, it ain’t training” (as the saying apparently goes).
On arrival to the training area we were met by some awfully glum looking faces as the medics and nurses had been dug in during the night, and the stormy weather meant that most had only had very little sleep. However, our cheery faces soon made an impact and we set to work dismantling the MRS. With some basic guidance the dental team where soon well ahead of their counterparts and it really didn’t take long for all the kit to be loaded up for the next area.
Over the next few days we assisted in the erection and dismantling of a role 1 MRS, helped with casualty drills, harbour area tasks, and used the exercise to boost team cohesion and moral throughout as it’s not very often the RADC JNCO’s get to work with each other. It soon became apparent the team was strong and proactive in all tasks that were placed upon us, and this was noted by the CoC.
I left the exercise wet, cold and tired but satisfied in the knowledge that the dental corps has some amazing characters and I enjoyed the experience.
RADC personnel had the opportunity to participate in triage, treatment, and onward evacuation of casualties. As well as learning much about working in an MRS, the RADC personnel gave training to 4 AMR personnel about the management of dental casualties.
In summary, this was an excellent opportunity for RADC personnel to enhance their knowledge and skills of working in the deployed environment. There will be further opportunities to deploy on similar exercises. I can fully recommend volunteering!
Post Exercise Report – Ex Starlight Serpent 1
Major Tom Drinkel, RADC
INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND.
On the invitation of 4 Armoured Medical Regiment (4 AMR), 5 RADC personnel from across DPHC deployed on Ex Starlight Serpent from 27 Feb to 03 Mar 17. This was a CT1 exercise organised by 4 Sqn, designed to improve field skills.
AIMS.
The aims of the dental section deploying on Ex Starlight Serpent were as follows:
a. Provide opportunity for RADC personnel to experience living and working in austere conditions, and develop field skills.
b. Develop understanding of the function of a Role 1 MRS, including their role as dental professionals within it.
c. Provide additional expertise and training for Combat Medical Technicians (CMTs) as required.
OUTCOMES.
The following outcomes were achieved by the dental section during the course of the exercise:
a. All personnel adapted well to the challenge of living in the field for 4 nights and their presence was welcomed by members of 4AMR. The additional manning was beneficial for achieving the overall aims of the exercise.
b. A wide range of field skills were taught and developed, including section attacks, erecting and dismantling treatment facilities, and night moves.
c.
d. e.
Training was provided to the members of the dental section to further their understanding of an MRS, and its key personalities. There was opportunity for all personnel to play an active role in casualty drills.
Dental Nurses had the opportunity to assemble dental field kit. RADC personnel provided training to CMTs on common dental emergencies and triaging.
SUMMARY.
Ex Starlight Serpent provided personnel from within RADC the chance to deploy on exercise alongside 4 AMR. It offered a great opportunity to build on their field skills as well as work alongside other cap badges from within the AMS. Working within an MRS, the RADC personnel gained valuable insight in to their role within it, which will stand them in better stead if they are required to deploy on operations in the future.
For those considering a posting to a Medical Regiment in the future, deploying on exercise gave them a much better understanding of the command structure within a Regt and the demands that would be placed upon them.
The presence of RADC personnel was also beneficial for the running of the exercise. The additional manning reduced the strain on the 4AMR personnel, while the additional clinical expertise enabled further training opportunities
The general feedback from RADC personnel was very positive, and it is recommended that further opportunities for deployment on similar CT1 exercises are made available.
RADC BULLETIN 2017 7