Page 32 - MERCIAN Eagle 2019

MT Platoon
Capt Antony Hopkins
Since the last edition of MERCIAN Eagle, the MT platoon has seen a good few changes in the department. We wish Captain George Long all the best as he moves onto UWO and is replaced with
a younger model in the form of Captain Tony Hopkins. Sgt Haywood has moved across to the RDS and we congratulate Sgt Grey on his promotion and desk move to the MT
SNCO. We lose Ptes
Morris and Kenny
as they venture into
pastures new and
we have gained
some excellent men
to keep us in good
shape.
It has been an
incredibly busy period in the MT. Whilst we continue to enable the Battalion and the wider Army with vehicles, manpower and transport expertise, we have also received and turned around no less than
70 platforms that returned from Oman. This required a huge amount of time and effort and despite some teething problems a massive well done to all in the department, particularly Sgt Grey, Pte Miti and the B fleet maintainers.
BATUS and OP TORAL are now the focus of the department and we have Cpl Kaucha, Cpl Gurung and
the world of gliding - he may have
other words to describe his torment!
Pte Miti threw himself from a few
planes parachuting, Cpl Raybould got married and what a great excuse for a department BBQ, Cpl Gurung got the opportunity to enjoy some Estonian hospitality whilst teaching and Pte Brooks enjoyed some of the fine sand of the West Wales beaches.
We now look forward to the return of LCpl Dutton from BATUS and LCpl Nash from RSDCs in time for the Christmas festivities before some well-deserved leave with our families and preparing for OP TORAL
It isn’t all work work work in the MT. Pte Cook had a great time on adventure training
LCpl Vaqewa working tirelessly
to train the Bn in licence acquisition, GS cadres and conversions. We look forward to seeing this training progress in the new year
when we receive the
Foxhound and Ridgeback platforms to train for Afghanistan.
It isn’t all work work work in the MT. Pte Cook had a great time on adventure training learning some new skills in
30
OC:
CSM: CQMS (M):
Maj M Whillock WO2 D Buckley CSgt Simmons
HQ Company
Maj Mick Whillock
Now in my second year of command of HQ Company, I have had the privilege of watching the departments grow in stature as HQ Company delivered through 2019. 1 MERCIAN has taken part in multiple events both in UK and
Adventure Training Package, which allowed other members of HQ to escape from their workplace and try new challenges outside their comfort zone.
This year saw the new fitness training implemented, with the
abroad supporting Op
CABRIT, Op ORBITAL
and Ex KHANJAR
OMAN. This has added
much complexity to the
logistics chain whilst
each Sub Unit has
worked independently
away from battalion. As always, this is never a one person show and it is only achieved through a collective of SMEs and their teams supporting the battalion to deploy in an effective manner.
Ex PRAIRIE STORM 3 and Op TORAL. I know our soldiers will continue to embrace each one in turn to the highest standard in their personal development and leadership, striving to be the best as the battalion makes its name in 20 Brigade.
-
and I can honestly say that the level of fitness has genuinely risen from the year before. This has been highlighted on a number of occasions during the Commanding Officer’s PT where HQ have held their own
and certainly not coming last in the pecking order.
Now as 2020 arrives HQ Company look forward to the future challenges, as we continue to provide Real Life Support to the battalion with TDS commitments,
I can honestly say that the level of fitness has genuinely risen from the year before
Physical Employment Standards (PES), and with the introduction of Soldier’s Conditioning Review (SCR) and Role Fitness Test (RFT). The PTIs in HQ Company took this opportunity to
Throughout the
year members of
HQ Company have
had great opportunity
to take part in other
exciting challenges
ranging from Joint
War Fighter in the
USA, Castlemartin, a
Battlefield tour in Israel and Ex VIRTUAL EAGLE. These were just a few of the opportunities that allowed our soldiers to develop in their trades and showcase their skills in a variety of challenging situations. In addition, the LAD organised and led an
really embrace the new fitness programme and in turn brought a greater variety of PT lessons into the Company that were not only demanding but fun and rewarding too if I dare say that! This has been impressive,
...striving to be the best as the battalion makes its name in 20 Brigade
THE MERCIAN EAGLE