Page 103 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) 101
Armoured Fighting Vehicle Technical Training School (AFV TTS)
Greetings once again from the deepest depths of sunny Lulworth and Bovington!
Since the last time of writing there have been some significant changes. It shouldn’t surprise you to hear we are still extremely busy with courses, assurance, additional support to the Field Army and projects in the background such as the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme (LEP), AJAX, Warrior CSP and Mechanised In- fantry Vehicle (MIV), to name just a few. We con- tinue to evolve and adjust post our amalgamation that saw the Driving & Maintenance School & Gunnery School become one with a single head- quarters way back in February 2017.
The welcomed fresh faces of the new Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Tom Jefford QRH, and 2IC, Major Alan Ponde KRH are now keeping the ship steady with assistance from myself within the newly formed headquarters in Allenby Barracks, Bovington.
With the merge came an extended organisation with a more ro- bust and diverse wealth of experience from the Royal Armoued Corps, Infantry, Royal Engineers, Royal Artillery, Royal Electri- cal Mechanical Engineers, Royal Logistic Corps and Royal Ma- rines. It is reassuring to see that competition has never been so ripe among some 130 motivated SNCOs, all striving to deliver to the highest possible standard to catch the eye of the chain of command. Rest assured that the Cadres are now a thing of the past, however the Pre Employment Training (PET) remains strong and competitive and we continually strive to ensure this doesn’t change.
So what else has changed?
The Gunnery Training Advisory Team (GTAT) have moved back to Lulworth to become part of the Gunnery Wing, which has already proved to be beneficial and productive. A newly formed AJAX group is now embedded within the Combat Wing and they are preparing to take the reins from industry and de- liver ARES training next year. The last big ticket item will see a significant change to the Armoured Vehicle Group within the Combat Wing conducting additional training for 1 (UK) Divi- sion units, in support to operations.
So, what about the future?
We will continue to be a flexible evolving organisation, main- taining high standards while continually looking to improve and find diverse ways to deliver our core skills. Inevitably our lives will become an awful lot busier but we are preparing ac- cordingly. Ultimately we will continue to deliver and assist across the Army, moving forward as technology and platforms evolve and come into service. We will remain the single deliv- ery authority for all Mounted Close Combat technical training, delivering driving and maintenance training, as well as platform
based direct fire precision gunnery training. Fur- ther afield we look forward to a ‘super simulation’ building, earmarked for Allenby Barracks, with- in the next couple of years which centralise and increase our training delivery capability.
Currently there are 12 Royal Lancers within AFV TTS keeping the flag flying representing the Regiment. I’m sure you can appreciate we have lots to keep us occupied but not at the ex- pense of cohesion events, competitive sports and functions within my Mess in Lulworth and the Garrison Sergeant Majors’ in Bovington. It must be said that whatever we do, our mission remains at the forefront of all we do.
The work life balance continues to provide stability and time for personal development, Battlefield Studies, Adventure Train- ing and, more importantly, time to recharge from the tempo of regimental life. We are always delighted to see members of the regiment come through ARMCEN on various courses, if only to pull up a sandbag and catch up.
A very special mention goes to the fellow lancers with me for their continued professionalism, dedication and support in all they do to keep the technical training flame burning strong and extremely bright.
Headquarters – Warrant Officer Class I Regimental Sergeant Major C Godfrey, Warrant Officer Class II QMSI S Lansberry.
Initial Technical Training Group WO – Warrant Officer Class II D Smith
Combat Wing – Staff Sergeant SSI M Lindley, Sergeant SI C Circuit, Sergeant SI W Foster, Sergeant SI S Gorbutt, Sergeant SI AJAX M Smith
Gunnery Wing – Staff Sergeant SSI K Davies, Staff Sergeant SSI A Ferla, Sergeant SI A Holdcroft, Staff Sergeant SSI P Mar- tin GTAT
In closing, the motto is strong in this neck of the woods and its wearers continue to set the benchmark, taking pride in all they do. I have no doubt this will continue. ARMCEN is a vibrant place and I strongly encourage those looking for a change to vol- unteer to become a schools instructor. The rewards are endless and it secures firm foundations for future promotion and career opportunities once you earn the credited Schools Instructor status.
We look forward to seeing more of you soon and wish you all the
very best for the future.
CG