Get Fit Fast

MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH ARMY
SOLDIER - MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH ARMY
JANUARY 2018
S SPECIAL
ES
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WWW.SOLDIERMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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GREEN, HEATH, LEWIS, TERRY
GET FIT
FAST
JANUARY 2018 £3.50
Make that
fighter physique
a reality in 2018
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PLUS | Talking shop with Army chief | Do you know the Drone Code? Tr t
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CONTENTS
FEATURES
26 CGS’s New Year message
Army chief praises troops
28 After hours
Soldiers support emergency services
33 Kenya countdown
What to expect from a sub-Saharan stint
36 Flying into trouble

Rules and regs for drone operators
38 Reality bytes
Virtual trainer simulates casevac flight
42 On their mettle
Divisional staff test their resolve
46 The flip side

From wounded warrior to welfare worker
REGULARS
7 The Informer
Top stories from across the Service
18 Need to Know
Essential tips for today’s personnel
49 Talkback
Ruminations from the ranks
53 Bullet Points
Troops’ intelligence assets
61 Reviews
Kit, books, music and movies to
fill your downtime
82 Final Word
Mercians share fitness tips
SOLDIERSPORT
70 Rugby union
Coaches embrace community role I remember
72 Angling
Infantry carpers seek new blood
going to
– p44
75 Football
Reds revel in Middle East tour
my rst
78 Boxing
Soldiers star in Catterick showdown
cardiac arrest
81 Swimming
Business as usual in corps finals
Troops answer 999 calls – page 28

4 JANUARY 2018 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
4-5-sol-jan.indd 1 19/12/2017 18:43

Happy
New Year
THE start of a new
year is a great
point at which to
set fresh goals –
and kid yourself
33
that you might
just meet them. But if the words of
performance nutritionist Gareth
Nicholas are to be believed, it is a
good sense of proportion that is the
key to getting healthy.
On page 21 the adviser to the Army
Triathlon Association offers his top
tips for a battle-winning diet. And it
is refreshing to see that his advice
is as much about planning and
preparation as it is about cutting out
the finer things in life.
Turn to page 18 to read our fitness
special in full. From workout hacks
(page 18) to affordable training
kit (page 25), there is plenty of
inspiration to be found.
46
And finally, thank you to boxing
stars Spr Ebonie Jones (RE) and LCpl
John Marvin (PWRR), whose fighting
physiques adorn the front cover.
Turn to page 78 to see how their
fellow boxers got on at the latest ITC
Catterick showdown.
From all the team at Soldier,
we wish you a happy, healthy and
42
adventure-filled 2018
Sarah Goldthorpe • Editor
Where to find Soldier

Printed copies
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third title Online

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Purchase
IF you’re not in the Army you can buy Soldier
Chez crowned king from your high street magazine retailer or
– page 78 directly from us at subs@soldiermagazine.
co.uk (£23 for 12 issues in the UK).
www.soldiermagazine.co.uk JANUARY 2018 5
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news@soldiermagazine.co.uk
British troops’ news asset
Editor Sarah Goldthorpe

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sgoldthorpe@soldiermagazine.co.uk
Sports Editor Richard Long
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rlong@soldiermagazine.co.uk
Assistant Editor Becky Clark
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rclark@soldiermagazine.co.uk
Assistant Editor Cliff Caswell
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ccaswell@soldiermagazine.co.uk
Art Editor Tudor Morgan
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tmorgan@soldiermagazine.co.uk
Designer Maddie Marchment
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mmarchment@soldiermagazine.co.uk
Photographer Graeme Main
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gmain@soldiermagazine.co.uk
Photographer Peter Davies
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pdavies@soldiermagazine.co.uk
Thrown in at the deep end

Advertising Heather Shekyls
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Subscriptions
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Rookie Army sailors praised for saving lives in choppy water Managing Editor Steven Muncey
C
01252 787095 (94222 7095)
OURAGEOUS gunners on a “Their lifejackets inflated – but one smuncey@soldiermagazine.co.uk
sailing expedition showed “skill of the crew took his off and dived
and resilience beyond their under the vessel.
experience” when they saved the lives “He had gone to help a fifth
of a stricken crew in gale force winds. member who was trapped inside.”
The troops had been on a routine With the engine of the St Barbara
leg of Exercise Mediterranean Ubique started, and all eight soldiers on-board
on-board the Royal Artillery Yacht Club helping with the rescue, Col Wilson
vessel St Barbara V (shown above) moved in and the sailors were pulled
when they pulled five Swiss sailors from the water.
from the water. The four men and one woman SOLDIER – Magazine of the British Army
Club commodore were taken below, given Ordnance Barracks, Government Road,
Col Neil Wilson was dry clothes and transported Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2DU.
skippering the boat. to the nearby port of
He recalled how the
drama had unfolded at
Las Galletas, where they
received medical attention. The mast All enquiries: 01252 787107 (94222 7107)
Fax: 01252 787110 (94222 7110)
Email: news@soldiermagazine.co.uk
Punta Rasca, close to
the tip of Tenerife.
The Army crew
The yacht had been on an
adventurous training outing
sponsored by Royal Artillery
crashed www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
SOLDIER is published by the Ministry of Defence
down
and printed by Wyndeham (Roche) Ltd.
(above right) watched regiments and designed to Print contract managed by CDS.
in horror as the nearby vessel, Tyger of give troops a taste of sailing life. © CROWN COPYRIGHT 2018
London, barrelled into the water and Col Wilson continued: “The soldiers
Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily
capsized, throwing her crew overboard on-board during the rescue were from those of the British Army or the Ministry of Defence.
(near right). 29 Commando Regiment.
“It had been obvious that “Their actions were impressive
something was seriously wrong – the given the fact that only one or two of
mast crashed down into the water them have ever sailed before – they Facebook: facebook.com/soldiermagazine
with the wind around Force 7,” Col showed skill and resilience beyond Twitter: @soldiermagazine
Instagram: @soldier_magazine
Wilson told Soldier. their experience.
“I called for my second-in-command “They performed well during the
to get up on deck and we sent a emergency but their care for the
Mayday. As we circled we saw four sailors afterwards was great to see.
people fall from the boat into the sea. “They showed real compassion.”
7-sol-jan.indd 1 19/12/2017 10:53

A taste of Army activity across the world
1. BERMUDA
LONG-DISTANCE SERVICE
A BERMUDA-based Reservist is
continuing his service with the
British Army despite living some
3,500 miles from his unit. 1. BERMUDA
Cpl Geoff Byrne, a member of
the newly formed 8th Battalion,
The Rifles, moved to the Atlantic
island nine months ago, where he
works as a butcher.
The 48-year-old fulfills his
Women’s
Reserve commitments by training
with the Royal Bermuda Regiment sport is
growing out
and visiting his company in
Durham when he is in the UK.
A Regular until 1996, in 2007 he
joined D Company, 5th Battalion,
The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers,
which became part of 8 Rifles
there
upon its formation last month.
“It’s great to know I can still
keep up training while I’m living
here,” he said.
Footballers on tour in
the Middle East 3. UK
HIGH FIVE
– page 75
SOLDIERS from the Royal Gibraltar

Regiment have completed a 2. FALKLAND
five-week exercise at Otterburn
training area. ISLANDS
Reservists and Regulars joined up
for a live-firing package, practising
fire and manoeuvre skills as well as
day and night navigation.
The full-time troops then
deployed on two exercises, the first
2. FALKLAND ISLANDS
being a week-long test for privates
and lance corporals in various
LET’S YOMP AGAIN...

command roles to assess their
readiness for promotion. 4. GERMANY
END OF AN ERA
A GROUP of veterans The focus was on section-level
have successfully tasks that went through various
completed their retrace stages of offensive operations in a BRITISH Forces Germany
of the 1982 yomp to Port conventional war-fighting setting. newspaper Sixth Sense has rolled
Stanley – paying tribute A final exercise tested off the press for the last time –
to fallen comrades along platoon-level tactics, with troops concluding a publishing run of just
the way. conducting nightly reconnaissance under four decades.
Organised by the Not patrols and launching an early Originally launched for the 6th
Forgotten Association, morning clearance operation. Armoured Brigade in 1970, the
the Falklands Trek Challenge saw a team made up of Army cap weekly tabloid later expanded
badges, plus the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, embark on the to cover the wider British
60-mile journey. community’s news and sport.
The event – coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the war – Editor Phil Welsh, who worked
took in battlefield sites including Two Sisters and Tumbledown. on the paper for nearly 25 years,
Tweeting during the trip, association CEO James Stopford said: said: “I am very glad we have
“The company is brilliant and the banter is flying”. been able to serve our people here
for so long.”
.
8-9-sol-jan.indd 2 19/12/2017 18:28

INTELLIGENCE
IN NUMBERS
FOR THE ATLAS?
8,000
How many sappers have learnt Brief the team now:
to ski in the 40 years the Royal
Engineers Winter Sports Club
has run adventurous training in
3. UK 4. GERMANY
Stubaital, Austria. Members of the
corps were gathering in Fulpmes
to mark the milestone as this Email: news@soldiermagazine.co.uk
issue went to press. Facebook: facebook.com/soldiermagazine
Twitter: @soldiermagazine
7. IRAQ 7. IRAQ
HEADING HOME
TROOPS from the 2 Rifles
Battlegroup are preparing to
return to Northern Ireland
after a successful six months
6. BORNEO
underpinning the fight against
5. KENYA Daesh militants in Iraq.
The soldiers are heading
home from Asad airbase, Anbar
province, where they provided
force protection to the
international coalition and
trained more than 1,000
Iraqi Security personnel.
They are being replaced
5. KENYA by members of the Royal
Regiment of Scotland.
COMMUNITY COOPERATION .
SOLDIERS from 3rd Battalion,
The Parachute Regiment took
time out from training on the
African savannah to improve the
infrastructure for pupils at a school
in Laikipia.
6. BORNEO
GUNNERS GO APE
People pay
Troops installed a 5,000-litre
water tank, constructed fences,
redecorated outside areas and
reinforced a pathway at the Bridge
Academy in Likii.
Meanwhile, personnel from
thousands to
British Army Training Unit Kenya
have been helping local people come here
rebuild a vitally important dam in
the Rift Valley.
The station supplied specialist
engineering equipment, manpower Africa assignment
and expertise to repair the impresses troops
RESOLUTE gunners embarked on a series of tests – including
structure, ensuring fresh water for – page 33 conquering the highest peak in South East Asia – during a
the rural community of Dol Dol. demanding adventurous training package in Borneo.
Exercise Jungle Monkey saw 14 Reservists from 101st
(Northumbrian) Regiment, Royal Artillery brave demanding
terrain and 100 per cent humidity. But they rose to the
challenge, ascending nearly 5,000m to the top of Mount
Kinabalu (pictured) and a further 2,400m on nearby Trus Mardi.
The trek provided an opportunity to remember the thousands
of Allied soldiers who died in Japanese captivity during the
Second World War.
8-9-sol-jan.indd 3 19/12/2017 18:28

FIRST TO STAY
ALERT
THEN TO GET
TO SLEEP
NOW TO GET
THROUGH
THE DAY
Addiction can take hold without you
even realising.
Forcesline is a free, independent helpline, that’s outside

of the chain of command for the Armed Forces and their
families. We’ll listen and help get you back on track.
0800 731 4880

Open weekdays, 9am to 5.30pm
Or get in touch online at ssafa.org.uk/forcesline
Registered as a charity in England and Wales Number 210760 in Scotland Number SCO38056 and in Republic of Ireland Number 20006082. Established 1885. S184.0417
10-sol-jan.indd 1 28/11/2017 15:25

A personal view from

Sara Baade, Chief
Executive of the Army
Families Federation...
THE SHAPE OF
THINGS TO COME
A
FTER a busy 2017, the
coming year is set to
continue in the same vein
with some exciting projects.
We have been awarded
£194,000 of Libor funding,
which will enable us to develop
an online information hub to
Picture: Steve Dock
better inform Forces families

about future postings in
terms of housing, education,
employment and infrastructure.
This tri-Service project will
New system to help Reserves advance

give soldiers and their loved
ones more decision-making
power and leave them better
prepared for the military journey.
I am also keen to continue
F
RESH promotion rules aimed at to the promotable list had been improving the employability of
making career progression fairer increasing year-on-year, with more Army partners and, to that end,
for Army Reservists will be rolled candidates than available jobs. we are working with Warwick
out this year. “This is not good career University to carry out research
In a move to bring personnel in-line management because it falsely raises in this area.
with Regular colleagues, a Reserve expectations, which is not in the For those who want to work
promotion board is being introduced interests of either the individual or or train, we will do everything
to consider majors aspiring to the the Army,” the officer added. we can to improve access to
rank of lieutenant colonel. “The new board will ensure scores supportive employers and
Currently, cap badge pre-selection are truly comparable. It is in keeping realistic opportunities. Look out
boards score candidates and those with policy to integrate Reserve for a survey on this soon.
achieving more than 30 points are practice and procedure with its We will also be assessing
ratified and published on the so- Regular counterpart.” the Army “offer” and whether
called pink list.
s t o p p i n g s t e e d it represents a fair deal for the
A show
But the five Reserve brigadiers on modern family.
the new board will now carry out Many of you have taken part
their own assessment and scoring in our recent questionnaire
before finalising which individuals about this, and we hope to gain
should go forward. some meaningful insights to
Army Personnel Centre spokesman continue effecting policy change.
Maj Ali Hempenstall (Scots) said the The future accommodation
pre-selection process would still take model pilots are also expected
place but the extra scrutiny would to begin in 2018. We still have
bring more consistency as scores many questions around this, as
between cap badges can vary. do families, but in
The board will mirror the the meantime
procedures of its Regular cousin. we continue to
“It will allow us to compare apples ensure that you
with apples,” Maj Hempenstall told are properly
Soldier. “The board will sit for the considered
first time in February and will provide THIS bizarre cake would be enough to stop Paul Hollywood in his in the
a pan-Army score for Reservists, tracks. Recreating a scene from Stephen Spielberg’s War Horse process.
bringing their career management in movie, it was cooked up by civilian Emma Morris for a display
at Birmingham’s NEC. Her husband Owain, a fitness instructor at
line with the Regulars.”
the Infantry Battle School in Brecon, told Soldier the cereal and
Under the current system the marshmallow creation had “brought many to a standstill”.
numbers of Reservists being added
11-sol-dec.indd 1 19/12/2017 11:09

CADET FORCE FIRST
n THE Queen has approved a new
commission for Cadet Force volunteers.
From now on it will replace the current
Land Forces commission and personnel will
no longer be classed as Army Reservists
unless they serve in the Reserve separately.
Existing ACF officers have been
transferred to the new commission unless
the appointment board decided otherwise.
RAPID REACTION TEST

n THE expertise of Royal Electrical
and Mechanical Engineers serving
with 16 Air Assault Brigade was put
Picture: Graeme Main

to the test in two days of intense
competition to celebrate the corps'
patron saint St Eligius.
Exercise Pegasus Bluebell saw
the soldiers taking on tasks ranging
Sticks set to improve pain relief

from shooting to radio procedure
and battlefield first aid.
8 Parachute Field Company were
declared the winners.
T
ROOPS are being issued with (shown above) have the best possible
lozenges to relieve pain on the medical support.
battlefield, which MoD officials She added: “The principal benefit
say will be more effective than the is the way the drug is administered –
current morphine shot. absorption through the
It offers
The new "lollipops", which use inside of the mouth is
the synthetic substance fentanyl, are more reliable than an
thought to be both faster intramuscular injection.
greater
acting and easier to “Fentanyl is faster acting, enabling
administer than the pain relief to be achieved more
existing drug. quickly. It offers greater control as it
control They will replace the single use

auto-injectors used for severe pain.
An MoD spokeswoman told Soldier
can be removed from the patient’s
mouth if needed.”
The spokeswoman also highlighted
that the sticks, or oral trans-muscosal that as fentanyl is a commercially
lozenges, are being phased in. available product, the MoD will be
They will ensure personnel on able to draw on existing research into
operations and overseas exercises its benefits.
HORSE HEALING
n UK veterans facing mental health
problems have undergone a therapy session
with a difference under the guidance of
Guard changes... for a day
American horse whisperer Monty Roberts.
A three-day workshop at the Royal
Armoured Corps Saddle Club in Bovington
saw the 82-year-old equine behavioural
expert teach seven ex-
Service personnel how
to gain a horse’s trust
through body language
and by lowering
their heart rate and
breathing.
Famous in equine
Picture: PO Arron Hoare, RN
n ROYAL Navy sailors have performed the Changing of the Guard ceremony
circles for his training outside Buckingham Palace for the first time. The sailors' new skills were taught
techniques, Roberts has by drill instructors from 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards. One soldier told the
already helped hundreds London Evening Standard: "They could be better. They won't ever be able to do it
of former US soldiers like the Grenadiers can." Another joked: "We've been doing it for 300 years so it's
suffering from PTSD, about time we let them have a turn!"
depression and anxiety.
12-13-sol-jan.indd 1 19/12/2017 15:46

Looking for underwater adventure?

S
ERVICE personnel are being
sought to get involved with
the biggest underwater
excavation since the Mary Rose.
HMS Invincible was captured
from the French in 1747 and
sank in the Solent in 1758, but
not before it revolutionised
MISSION RECOGNITION
British warship design. n AROUND 100 soldiers from the 32
Army divers have already Engineer Regiment-led task force serving
retrieved artefacts from the with the United Nations mission in South
wreck (shown), but the Maritime Sudan have received medals in recognition
of their service to the war-torn country.
Archaeology Sea Trust now
The troops, shown above, are due to
wants soldiers and veterans return home this month and have been
to help with conserving and carrying out infrastructure work in Malakal,
recording the finds, as well as including camp construction and drainage-
with next year’s dive season. system building.
No experience is necessary In Bentiu the contingent built a new
and the centre is accessible to permanent hospital for UN personnel and
anyone with a disability. provided clinical training to local medical
Picture: Michael Pitts
To register interest contact staff at the state hospital.
They also helped repair Rubkona airfield.
Kevin Stratford on 07793
559 405 or kstratford@
bournemouth.ac.uk GOING ON EXERCISE?
01252 787096
LEVISON'S LESSONS news@soldiermagazine.co.uk
n EXPLORER Levison Wood will share his
CARPING ON
experience with Service personnel as part
of an impressive line-up of speakers by the
Centre for Army Leadership.
The former Parachute Regiment officer and n THE annual Forces Carp Classic
Reservist will deliver sessions on "leadership competition provided the perfect catch
in the field" at the Royal Military Academy for charity – netting £8,000 for Blesma
Sandhurst on February 21, and the Harman and Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Lecture Theatre in Catterick on March 22. The week-long event at Abbey Lakes
Picture: Simon Buxton
For more details on the events, which are in France attracted some 100 serving
open to all personnel, visit the Centre for Army personnel, veterans and blue light workers.
Leadership Moss site on DII or alternatively
WELSH WONDERS
www.sandhursttrust.org
n SOLDIERS have been recognised at the
GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL DELAY

Armed Forces in Wales Awards.
Capt Glenn Hall (RLC) was among those
to be honoured at a ceremony at Cardiff
City Stadium. The officer was praised for his
work to grow the Reserves in his role as
TROOPS will have to wait slightly longer recognise deployments. recruitment officer for 157 Regiment, RLC.
to receive the new incarnation of the Eligible serving soldiers do not need
General Service Medal (GSM) while a to apply; they will be flagged on JPA and
new contract to supply it is finalised, the
MoD has said.
the medal sent via unit admin staff.
However, veterans will need to contact
UNLOCK SCHOOL CASH
The award is due to be ready in the the MoD Medals Office. n ARMY parents and carers are being
urged to tell teachers that their child has
coming weeks, although a small supply is Any troops with questions should
a military connection before January 18 to
available now for urgent requirements. contact their unit HR staff. unlock extra education cash.
The decoration was created at the Meanwhile, Regular officers have been State and free schools, as well as
end of the First World War and revised assessed for entitlement to the Long academies, are granted £300 per youngster
back in 1962. Service and Good Conduct Medal after under the so-called Service pupil premium.
Reflecting operations from the it was announced that the decoration The money, from the Department for
beginning of 2008, the latest version of would be extended to this cohort. Education, is used to provide support
the GSM was drawn up two years ago An assessment process for veteran during testing times such as a parent being
– with a new ribbon plus five clasps to officers has now begun. away. Children from reception class to year
11 are eligible.
12-13-sol-jan.indd 2 19/12/2017 15:46

FEARLESNSG
n PERSONNEL from 75 Engineer Regiment and the German Bundeswehr's 130 Pionerbataillon formed a
250-metre crossing over the River Elbe at Artlenburg to mark 40 years of the nations working together
on amphibious missions. The construction involved 21 M3 rigs and took place close to where Fd Marshal
Montgomery's Army conducted its own crossing of the river back in 1945.
FUNDRAISI
Aiming high £15,000

Target:
AN injured veteran
battled his disability
For: RBLi
Families to be the focus in 2018

and intense altitude
sickness to climb Everest base
camp. Anil Gurung (ex-RGR), who
lost his right leg after he stepped
T
on an IED in Afghanistan in 2009, HE well-being of soldiers, The politician said a pilot for the
reached the height of 17,600 feet,
raising money for Royal British I want to their families and the veteran
community will be among the
future accommodation model, an
overhaul of military housing, would
thank them
Legion Industries in the process. priorities for government in the coming begin at the end of 2018.
Help him meet his target by visiting year, the defence secretary has said. But he stressed that it remained a
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/
for their work

Reflecting on the past 12 months long-term project, adding: “It will run
AnilGurung and looking ahead, Gavin Williamson for a number of years before we decide
saluted the work of Service personnel whether we might roll it out across the
and the support they get at home. country so we can listen to your views.
“Over the next 12 months I look “We will be moving to an
forward to publishing our transition accommodation model based on need,
strategy for those exiting the Armed not rank or marriage. I believe this is
Forces as well as furthering our good the right thing to do.
work on our mental health and well- "There are better ways to reward
being,” he added. seniority than through housing that not
“Alongside this, we will publish a everybody wants.”
new strategy to build on our initiatives
to end domestic abuse." ● Home Truths – page 11
Marathon task
A SUPER-FIT former Army officer
is preparing to run a marathon a
day for 15 days along the Western
Front to commemorate the 100th
anniversary of the end of the First
World War. Lizzie Rosewell (ex-RA)
will run some 360 miles, starting with n THE MoD has awarded a complete by May 2020.
the Paris Marathon before returning £250 million contract to build New office, catering, retail and
to London via Amiens, Thiepval, Arras more than 900 new homes leisure facilities are included in the
and other major battlefield sites,
carrying her own
kit and camping
Really wild... near Salisbury Plain, which will
accommodate troops relocating
plans, while health and education
centres are to be created for
Target: What to expect from an from Germany. military and civilian use.
most evenings. To
£2,000 support her visit
African adventure
– page 33
Lovell will begin constructing
the housing in Bulford, Larkhill
A complex of new single living
accommodation units – providing
For: ABF The So www.lizzierunning.
ldiers’ Charity wordpress.com and Ludgershall in the coming 378 additional bed spaces – has
weeks, with the scheme due to also been completed at Larkhill.
14-15-sol-jan.indd 1 19/12/2017 17:24

a £16
5p
AKU b air of
ooks
FACTFILE
ANY personnel with a love of
Antarctic heroes honoured

travel may well have guessed
the clues to last month's spine
lines competition.
AS90
Haapsalu, Parnu, Rakvere
and Valga are all places in
Estonia – the mission we spilled
TURRET
T
HE first all-British Armed accolade in recognition of his actions the beans on in the same issue.
Forces team to complete an in the immediate aftermath of the This month, Soldier has
unsupported, 1,100-mile coast-
to-coast crossing of Antarctica was
London Bridge terror attack.
The off-duty officer gave vital first
TRAINER teamed up with our friends at
AKU (www.aku.it) to offer one
The training lucky reader a pair of Slope GTX
among the Army winners at The Sun’s aid at the scene, helping 12 victims. hiking boots worth £165.
Military Awards, the Millies. And Cpl Philip Keogh (RAMC) was aid hits a major
milestone next With a comfortable fit, this
Known as Spear 17, the outfit named best Reservist for the efforts month lightweight and breathable
was led by Capt Lou Rudd (Para) he made in treating casualties of the footwear is perfect for treks on
50,000
and featured five Reservists. They Manchester Arena explosion in May. easy or medium terrain.
completed their quest in January after Further recognition to medically- It also features full
a 67-day battle in the polar wilderness. minded personnel was given in the Gore-Tex lining for superior
Their achievement saw them "hero at home" unit category, where waterproofing.
Simulated To be in with a chance of
presented with the "inspiring others" military co-responders were shortlisted
rounds fired winning this smart prize –
award during the annual ceremony at for their work with South Central perfect for those who like to
3
London’s Banqueting House. Ambulance Service. explore the great outdoors at
Lt Jared Bambridge (Yorks) received Read more about their work on Crew any time of the year – tell us
the "hero at home" individual page 28. positions what links the words on the side
simulated – of this issue.
commander, Send your answers to the
gunner and usual address or comps@
loader soldiermagazine.co.uk by
January 31. Good luck!
2
Turret
trainers
available –
in Tidworth
and
Gutersloh
Savings on GUARDSMEN REMEMBERED

ammunition n TWO courageous Second World War
£125M
troops now have a final resting place after
their remains were formally identified in
light of DNA evidence.
AFGHANISTAN ACADEMY'S WINNING WOMAN

Joseph Goulden, 31, and 19-year-old
Raymond Rose were serving with the
Coldstream Guards when they were killed
n THE Afghan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA) has held its 10th during the Battle of Salerno in Italy on
graduation ceremony and passed the century mark for the number of female September 25, 1943.
officer cadets who have been commissioned. Discoveries by two Italian military
This year brought another milestone as the academy awarded the Duntroon history groups and research by the MoD
Sword, for the best overall officer cadet to commission, to a female for the first Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre
time. Somaiya (above), 24, will be travelling to the UK next year to further her confirmed the identities of the guardsmen.
officer training. Relatives of the soldiers attended a
Since September 2014 more than 3,000 cadets have passed through ANAOA, rededication service at the Salerno War
where around 30 British soldiers are working with other mentors from Australia, Cemetery, where the Commonwealth War
New Zealand and Denmark. Graves Commission has provided new
headstones for the Servicemen.
14-15-sol-jan.indd 2 19/12/2017 17:24

16-17-sol-jan.indd 1 19/12/2017 16:41

THE BIG
PICTURE
Mahajan Field Firing Range, India
FAN-TASH-TIC
MAJ Dave Granfield (R Anglian)
shares a hairy experience with
Vijay Modi, a local legend in the
moustache-growing fraternity of
Bikaner, India, during Exercise
Ajeya Warrior. The aim of the
biennial exchange was to improve
understanding between 1st
Battalion, The Royal Anglian
Regiment and the 20th Battalion
of the Rajputana Rifles, India’s
oldest unit.
Picture Lt Col Simon de Labilliere, AAC
16-17-sol-jan.indd 2 19/12/2017 16:41

KNOW FITNESS | HEALTH | NUTRITION I EXPERIENCE | RULES & REGS | KITBAG
LEAN
AND
NEED TO
, RE Spr Ebonie Jones, RE

Spr Sam Webster
kg Boxing weight: 51kg
Boxing weight: 60
Aim to burn more calories than you’re Add some extra fat-burning runs, either
eating. Our nutritionist told us about in the morning when you’ve fasted or in
the app My Fitness Pal, so I use that the evening so you’re running off what
to log everything I eat. It tells you you’ve eaten. Strength and conditioning
exactly how many calories you’re also helps with weight loss but for me it’s
consuming, your macros – the extra miles. I’ll do some four- to six-
carbs, fats and proteins – and kilometre steady-state runs in addition
everything else. It’s easy to to our usual boxing training. I try and
snack without thinking but with avoid carbs in the evening and only use
the app you’re more conscious them to fuel a session. We work with a
of what you’re taking in. It helps nutritionist and diet safely, aiming for 0.5
massively. It’s hard when I go home to one kilogram weight loss per week. I
because my mum’s a feeder, but I make believe in everything in moderation but
sure I don’t snack too much and maybe I try and avoid alcohol because it really
swap a chocolate bar for some fruit. makes my weight go up.
XX MAY 2017 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

Background image: FreePik
18-19-N2K.indd 1 19/12/2017 18:52

FITNESS special
MEAN
Clothes feeling tight after the festive season?
These Army boxers have to stay within five per
cent of their fighting weight, so they know a
thing or two about burning fat. Here are their
top tips for dropping the pounds in 2018…
ots PWRR
Fus Sean Eng, Sc Gnr Karriss Artings
tall, RA LCpl John Marvin,
kg
Boxing weight: 69 Boxing weight: 57kg Boxing weight: 81
Kg
Don’t go in at the deep end if you need Focus on your training rather than rink plenty of water to flush
to lose weight, ease yourself into it what you weigh, and the pounds out your system and keep
instead. Start doing a few slow runs should fall off naturally. It's easy to hydrated. People massively
and pick it up from there, upping the become obsessed with the scales overlook that. I’m quite lucky
intensity as you go on. After leave my otherwise. When I’m at my target because I naturally sit quite
weight usually goes up to 71 or 72kg weight I usually treat myself at close to my fighting weight ut
but as soon as I start training and the weekends but if I need to drop if I need to drop a few pounds
bringing my calories down it drops off some weight I’ll cut out the Nando’s I’ll watch the portion sizes and
again. I’ve got a sweet tooth and like and chocolate and stick to three I don’t eat carbs unless I know
chocolate, so I cut that out because it’s meals a day. I put in some extra I’ll be burning them off. We do
just useless calories and stick to my runs, or jump on a watt bike for a lot of training anyway and
three specific meals per day. efinitely 20 minutes after a training I particularly like bag work –
avoid crash diets and those fad eating session too. Also, doing lots of practising movement and power
plans. Take it gradually and eventually repetitions on light weights is ariation ut ll also fit in
you’ll see results. a good way to lose fat. some runs. It all helps.
Speak to your PTI before embarking

on any new exercise and diet regime
18-19-N2K.indd 2 19/12/2017 18:54

HEALTH
E-cigs:
things to know
1
There are various
models to choose
ree ik
from, but most are

rechargeable with
a refillable tank
ictures
Could e-cigs be your best shot

at quitting smoking this year?
2
They ork
by deli erin
nicotine throu h
WITH the experts still disagreeing over quit. And according to the NHS Smokefree vapour rather
whether vaping is completely safe, and website (www.nhs.uk/smokefree), they only than smoke
with many public places banning it, you carry a fraction of the risk of the real thing.
could be forgiven for thinking that e-cigs
are a bit of a no-go.
But with at least 2.8 million users in
Vapes produce neither tar nor carbon
monoxide – two of the most harmful
elements in tobacco smoke – so for those
3
This is created by
the UK, the devices can’t be ignored. In struggling to quit on willpower alone, they heatin a solution
fact, they are now the most popular tool to might be worth a glance. inside the de ice
4
There is ro in
What's inside? e idence they can

hel smokers to
quit, with similar
or better results
Nicotine Vegetable glycerine than atches
Contained in the cartridges. A food additive, made from plant

E-liquids can be bought in
anything from 0 to around 20
milligrams, depending on the
oils such as palm oil, soy, or
coconut oil 5
They re not
habit. Reducing the strength Flavourings a ailable on
of what you buy gradually rescri tion but
E
dials down the addiction E-cigarettes come in more you can et ad ice
P
than , different fla ours from pharmacies or
P E A
vape shops
V
VA
?
Propylene glycol
Anything else
A 2017 law change banned
6
As with all electrical
A synthetic food additive certain additives such items they shouldn t
that is also used in various as colourings and the be left to charge.
edible items such as stimulants caffeine and They ha e been
coffee-based drinks, liquid taurine. If in doubt about kno n to catch fire
sweeteners and ice cream what’s inside, ask the seller
XX
20 JANUARY www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
MAY 20172018 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
20-25-N2k.indd 1 19/12/2017 19:09

NUTRITION
New Year, WITH more than half of New Year's

resolutions revolving around healthy
eating, losing weight or other body
changes, Soldier sought some professional
new menu
words of wisdom. Here, performance
nutritionist Gareth Nicholas – an adviser to
the Army Triathlon Association – gives his
top tips on how to boost your exercise
regime with a healthy diet. Gareth Nicholas
Avoid free Give your

sugars portions proportion
any o the oods e eat contain our daily diet should be balanced
su ar. Some naturally occur hile ith er cent comin rom
other items such as cakes biscuits and carbohydrates such as asta e etables
chocolate ha e added su ar kno n as rice and otatoes. rotein should re resent
ree su ars. on t be ooled su ar is still er cent this can be ound in meats dairy
su ar but it shouldn t be totally fish beans and ulses. The
a oided. imitin ree su ar remainder is rom ats ideally
hel s you li e healthily and healthy ats like nuts seeds
mana e ei ht. and oily fish.
Regular healthy snacking lan prepare an refine

helps avoid junk food choices
atin little and o ten ill kee your metabolism e e all been there ood sho in on an em ty
tickin o er and end o the cra in s or unhealthy stomach or ski in lunch in a our o a double
ood. Try to add rotein to e ery meal but don t dinner. Bad re aration leads to bad decisions.
o cra y around fi e to rams de endin Try cookin a little e tra at dinner and takin
on your oal. Try to eat e ery three to that to ork as lunch. lso remember that
our hours and don t or et your three ust because it orks or the astest
e etable ortions and t o ieces Eat breakfast – stron est fittest erson in your unit
o ruit to make u your all skipping meals is doesn t necessarily mean it is
im ortant fi e a day. an unhealthy way to ri ht or you.
lose weight
Break ast is the most im ortant meal o the day.
urin the hours o slee your body has been on a orced
ast and i in it ener y in the mornin is a er ect ay to
start the day. t has been scientifically ro en that those ho ski
break ast are more likely to make bad choices throu hout the day and
ain ei ht.
or more hints ti s and ad ice check

out www.platformnutrition.com
20-25-N2k.indd 2 19/12/2017 19:09

EXPERIENCE
‘I was tired of
being that guy’
Then
Fed up of struggling in PT sessions, Pte Levi

Walker (RLC) decided to get serious about
his fitness. Now he’s winning bodybuilding
competitions. Here’s how he did it…
S retty unfit al ays at the to uit think o that aim.

back o the rou on T ith the Someone said to me once that PROFILE
entire s uadron ha in to ait or they don t o to the ym because
R
me. as tired o bein that uy. eo le like me are there. But that s PTE LEVI WALKE
n on the first day o not ho it should be.
errick e had a unit hoto nyone can do this. eo le Age: 29
taken and hen sa it thou ht ha e di erent body sha es so Height: 6ft 2in
ri ht need to lose ei ht . it mi ht take some more time
Weight: 92kg
dro ed about kilo rams than others but it s ossible or
and started to look skinny but e eryone. Those ne to trainin Body fat: 5.6%
didn t like that either. So be an don t need to be as strict as me to Competition category:
orkin out and the hole thin get results. Men’s physique (tall)
ent rom there. hen first started ust ent Accolades:
n a mate and ere in the to the ym to ha e un and et • Ultimate Sports Nutrition
ym in anada and decided e fit ithout any kno led e o Classic 2017 – 1st place
needed a oal so e said e d aim trainin and nutrition but still
arsh hoto ra hy
• UK Drug Free Body

to com ete in bodybuildin . ot in ood sha e.
Building Association UK and
did my first sho in une and o lo e it more than e er
International
on that hich didn t e ect. despite the strict regime.
Championships
Since then e done t o more ho e more eo le et into
2017 – 1st place
and come first in one and second this s ort and broaden its rofile
in the other. e t year ant to o ithin the rmy. • Rhinos Classic
att
to the orld cham ionshi s. n the last day o our 2017 – 2nd
place
ain
Be ore a com etition it takes hanistan tour e eryone took a

me t o or three eeks to et ote on ho as oin to be the
raeme
do n to the ri ht body at about first to i e u on the fitness and

three er cent. t can be a chore e eryone said it ould be me.
but the end oal dri es me on. But m the only one still doin
ictures
y ad ice is to set yoursel an it and eo le rom my old unit

ob ecti e and e ery time you ant don t reco nise me no . ■
20-25-N2k.indd 3 19/12/2017 19:09

EXPERIENCE
TRAINING Walker's
I avoid too much running. I
daily
prefer low impact machines, diet plan
especially the cross trainer,
but as a by-product of losing
weight and getting fitter I’ve
actually cut my PFA time
from 12min 48sec to 8min
59sec. Judges have said I
need to improve my chest
thickness, so I'm using heavy
Now single arm exercises such
130g of oats,
one banana,
scoop of Nutella
as dumbbell bench presses,
seated cable presses and
decline presses. I've created
a six-week programme for
myself, after which I will
review my progress and
change if need be. 300g of potato,
70g of lean protein
SESSIONS
per week, including
cardio
+ 1hr20min
125g basmati rice,
100g broccoli,
sessions weight sessions 70g of meat –
chicken or mince
PRE-SHOW
PROGRAMME
Up to sessions
per week
Including 100g oats,

one banana
cardio and weight sessions
FOOD PHILOSOPHY
There’s no magic pill that

will help you lose weight 250g long grain rice,
70g of lean protein,
– I think 70 per cent of
100g broccoli
your body comes from
the kitchen and 30 from
the gym. I don’t believe in
low-carb diets because the
effect is temporary. I use
protein shakes because it’s
(post-gym session)
a good way of incorporating 300g potato,
more protein and meat is 70g of meat
expensive. I try and have
balance, though. At the
weekend I might have a 15-
inch pizza to myself.
ollo te alker s trainin routine protein bar

on nsta ram @levi_jwalker
20-25-N2k.indd 4 19/12/2017 19:09

RULES AND REGS
Bring your waist in-line

Are your vital stats a cause for concern?
The UK has the highest level of taking it seriously.
obesity in Western Europe and, PTI and medical staff
unfortunately, Army personnel now monitor troops using a
are not immune. combination of BMI and waist
Having a body mass index circumference measurement (see
(BMI) of 30 or above puts troops below), and offer tailored support
into a category that means their to anyone who needs it.
health, career and operational But responsibility also lies with
effectiveness are at risk. soldiers to make sure they nip
The problem may be worse weight gain in the bud.
among the civilian population, Here’s how to check whether
but the Ministry of Defence is still you measure up…
1
Work out your BMI
Weight (kg) ÷ Height (m) =
÷ Height (m) = BMI
5
Take action
Being overweight puts
you at greater risk Measure your waist
2
of health problems Take a tape measure around
including cardiac arrest, your natural waistline –
muscular-skeletal injuries, between your belly button and
depression and poorer your ribcage – and take the
mental health. The measurement in centimetres.
message to troops is to
act early before it
becomes an issue.
Work out your risk

3
4
Seek advice
A BMI of higher
than 25 is classed as
overweight, higher
than 30 is obese.
Approach your PTI, who will If you fall into either
assess whether you are at of these categories
increased, high, or very high AND your waist
risk and help you to create circumference is
a personalised diet and greater than 94cm
exercise plan. (for men) or 80cm
(for women) your
health is at risk.
■ For full details on the Armed Forces weight
management policy read 2017DIN01-179
20-25-N2k.indd 5 19/12/2017 19:09

KITBAG
On the market
Looking for some new gear to
kick-start the health regime?
Here is a flavour of what your
cash can buy you in 2018...
Activity tracker
£169.9
5
okia s ne Steel acti ity
tracker is desi ned to look as
ood at mess unctions as it ould the ym. t
eatures an ad anced heart rate monitor and
ersonalised coachin ro rammes and is
available at https://health.nokia.com
Pull-up bar
£9.99
you ancy sub ectin your abs to
some serious unishment ithout
the cost o ym membershi you could do
orse than the Bodyma door ay ull u and
chin u bar. kay it isn t ortable like some o its
contem oraries but hat it lacks in ersatility it
makes u or in sturdiness and rice. t the time
o oin to ress this bit o kit as on sale or Smart scales Price
£9.99 at www powerhouse fitness co u
TBC
Think Sha am or ood. The utriSmart is a set o
scales that lets you check the nutritional content o your rub
be ore it ets any here near your li s. ue to be released later
this year you can kee an eye out or it at www.terraillon.com
£on8th/ Cycling game

m
you stru le to dra yoursel a ay
rom the bo and you o n a bike check out
i t. ou ll need a turbo trainer hich hooks u
to your T ia an nt connection and SB so you
can cycle across some stunnin landsca es rom
the armth o your di s. ide ith other athletes
Gym wear and use the data to build a tar eted trainin
£19.99 session. Si n u at www.zwift.com
This camo desi n orkout
kit is hel in to boost the
co ers o The oyal British e ion as
ell as su ortin your fitness lan.
The li ht ei ht breathable ickin
abric comes in male emale desi ns
ith a choice o colours and si es
and it on t cost the arth. Buy at
www.poppyshop.org.uk
20-25-N2k.indd 6 19/12/2017 19:09

Army chief’s New Year message
to serving soldiers…
T
HE Army was remarkably but tness and well being are also key
active in 2017. On any ingredients o our ghting ability. And
given day around 25,000 I have also been impressed by those
soldiers were either units who are increasingly treating
deployed on operations, their soldiers as athletes by focusing
on standby or protecting on conditioning and nutrition as part of
the homeland and their physical training (page 18).
overseas territories. The British Army continues to prove
This included deployments in support its resilience and character. We are one
of allies in Estonia and Poland to provide of the nation’s most popular and trusted
deterrence and reassurance with Nato institutions. That is down to the quality
to ensure a secure Europe; expeditionary of our soldiers, both Regular and Reserve.
engineering in South Sudan to enable All good soldiers have courage,
the UN; capacity building in Nigeria endurance, skill, adaptability and
and Somalia to help partner militaries discipline. But the British Soldier blends
counter insurgency and extremism; these qualities together with compassion,
C
enabling partner militaries in the ght humility and humour. No wonder the
C and Cpl Timothy Jones
against Daesh and the Taleban; anti- nation is proud of what you do.
poaching in Gabon and Malawi to disrupt 2018 will bring both challenge and
unding flows to e tremist organisations. opportunity. Uncertainty about proposed
eing prepared to ght in Europe is changes to the provision of housing and
largely the focus of 3 (UK) Division. other terms and conditions of service is
Exercise Iron Resolve at the end of last unsettling. But no decisions have been
year (page 42) was a good shake-out of taken and I shall ensure that the Army’s
our war ghting skills. particular interests are understood and
The light units in 1 (UK) Division, accounted for as solutions are designed.
C Cpl aul haw
together with appropriate specialist Your views are important and do make
capabilities are delivering rst rate a difference. They provide me with the
results in what has to be a long-term evidence I need to represent your needs.
defence engagement strategy. Please continue to engage with CGS’
Patiently and persistently building rie ng Team and the Armed orces
enduring relationships and growing continuous attitude survey.
C Cpl ete rown
insight and understanding equips us to I would like to wish you and your
“get left of the bang” and means we are families all a Happy New Year and thank
better prepared should we be tasked to you for your hard work and commitment
intervene. in 2017.
The new Specialised Infantry wish you a ul lling that brings
battalions have made impressive you the opportunity to further your
gt upert rere
progress and are increasingly recognised ambitions.

as important operational capability. You might use the opportunity
1 Armoured Infantry Brigade presented by the hundredth anniversary
together with the Strike o the end o the irst World War to
Experimentation Group engage with your local communities,
ain
have seized the opportunity build understanding of the British Army,

to experiment and are reinforce our reputation, and take the
raeme
discovering useful insights time to reflect on what we might learn

in to new ways o ghting. from those who have worn our boots
ominic ing
At the unit level, I have before us.

been impressed with And remember that whilst
the imagination and 2017 was the Year of the
enthusiasm that is being Navy and 2018 is the
applied to improving our centenary of the Royal Air
ictures
battlecraft. orce every year is the

This is important, year of the Army. n
Chief of the General Staff,

Gen Sir Nicholas Carter
26-27-sol-jan CGS.indd 1 19/12/2017 15:23

We are one of
the most popular and
trusted institutions
26-27-sol-jan CGS.indd 2 19/12/2017 15:24

Soldiers ditch their downtime to answer late-night 999 calls
Report: Sarah Goldthorpe Pictures: Graeme Main
28-31-sol-jan-First responders.indd 1 19/12/2017 18:07

L
IFE begins at the end of your comfort zone, so lights and rounda outs of Aldershot s rush hour traffic, and as
the saying goes. we reach the motorway I catch a glimpse of the speedometer’s
And if that’s true then LCpl Georgina Harvey pin hovering menacingly over the 100mph mark.
(RAMC) and Maj Dai Tamplin (AGC (RMP)) he engine moans furiously as Ma amplin confines it to a
must have more anecdotes to share over a pint low gear, and for a rief and horrifying moment find myself
than most. lamenting the absence of Trimble to keep things in check.
ut as sit in the ack of their first ut there is no time for superfluous raking now. Somewhere
responder vehicle – scrunched between in Reading a life hangs in the balance, and the responsibility to
various bits of medical kit, some high-vis save it has been handed to these two Regular soldiers, who are
jackets and a rather tense-looking Soldier photographer – it is giving their time for free to answer that call.
the concept of life ending that we are all preoccupied with. Having volunteered as a military co-responder for six years
The pair are on duty as military co-responders with South now, Maj Tamplin is all too aware of the difference his team of
Central Ambulance Service, and just seconds after signing 270 tri-Service personnel are making.
on for the shift their first o comes through ia an remem er my first cardiac arrest, he tells me as he
arresting dashboard alarm. negotiates our congested route with a affling com ination of
The blue lights come on, accelerator awakens, and within two speed and calm.
seconds my heart is in my mouth. “The guy was ‘dead’ when we arrived but we shocked him, did
The Ford Mondeo estate – not a car synonymous with high- CPR and by the time our backup arrived we had got a return
octane adventure – wails and whines its way through the red of spontaneous activity (heartbeat to the rest of us).

“That’s rare, and I don’t know if he is they have seen.
still alive, but even if it gave his family time hey explain that, like community first
to say goodbye it was worthwhile. responders, their focus is on basic lifesaving
“When you leave a job like that there is skills such as defi rillator use and .
huge elation. But then you also get the ones The idea is that by answering calls very
that are unsuccessful. local to them, these personnel can arrive
His last words hang grimly in the air faster and help save more lives.
before he is forced to brake the car hard. The cars cannot deliver patients to hospital
he officer s siren is sending some dri ers and are stocked with limited medical supplies
into panic mode and they are making bad first aid kit, a defi rillator, oxygen, gas and air
decisions in a bid to clear his path. and aspirin pretty much covers it).
drift my hand o er my seat elt riefly So I am taken aback when I hear about the
before enquiring about the casualty we are range of tasks they have encountered.
headed for. Choking babies, cardiac emergencies,
An elderly lady has fallen over and has strokes, assaults and elderly people living
een on the floor for some time. pl ar ey in isolation and squalor – you name it, these
explains that although the ambulance two have seen it.
service has been trying to dispatch a vehicle, And as the stories are told, it becomes
resources can get diverted to more life- increasingly hard not to make connections
threatening calls. with my own loved ones.
No sooner do we make our own approach We arrive at our destination, and the
to the address than the soldiers’ dashboard photographer and I edge nervously into
device bleeps again. the house behind LCpl Harvey, who is busy
The troops are needed on a more urgent taking o s .
job – a suspected heart attack in a 35-year- The patient is conscious, and as we watch
old man. The car does a U-turn and we head the Grenadier Guards medic hand over to
off in a new direction. arriving ambulance crews with the utmost
It goes quiet. As I watch blue lights bounce professionalism, I cannot help but feel proud.
off the glass buildings I wonder how much “People always ask why I would do
longer that poor woman will have to wait. something like this and not get paid for it,
“Obviously that’s hard because we know she tells me afterwards. “But I really enjoy it
she is still waiting for help, says pl and for me it’s also about experience.
Harvey, as if to read my mind. “Army medics rarely treat elderly folk
The car edges through another set of or children – and we generally work with
red traffic lights, and Ma amplin spots a people who are healthy – so seeing things On call: LCpl Georgina Harvey
(RAMC), Maj Dai Tamplin (AGC
flashing speed camera. like asthma and cardiac arrest lets me (RMP)) and 268 other military co-
I wonder how on earth he saw it at such de elop my skills. responders helped South Central
high speed with so much rush-hour activity She adds: “When my time in the Army is Ambulance Service by attending
more than 2,000 patients between
going on around us. up I want to be a civilian paramedic so this
April and September last year
But travelling on a blue light means also prepares me for that.
eing on constant high alert, and the officer o sooner are they finishing their
concedes that a busy shift can take its toll on paperwork back in the car, when another call
the driver in particular. comes through – this time to a confusing
No wonder, then, that the training course domestic situation where someone appears
for rapid response vehicle drivers lasts three to have been assaulted with a knife.
weeks. Perhaps not surprising in itself, Police are on the scene.
but compare this to the four days of formal est you stay in the car for this one, Ma
medical training these volunteers are given Tamplin tells us as we pull up, before locking
and it becomes clear where the risk lies. us in the vehicle.
I quiz the pair about the sorts of things After treating the patient for minor

wounds and signing off the job, it’s straight
onto the next emergency – a three-year-old
oy with reathing difficulties.
My stomach twists as the details are read
out, and I think about my own two-year-old
tucked up in bed at home.
LCpl Harvey says she has never been sent
to three calls on the bounce. It’s a busy night.
“This is the sort of job where I start to
mentally run through all my training, she
tells me, shifting restlessly in her seat as Maj
Tamplin hits the gas.
We approach a large roundabout. “Clear
right, she calls out.
Somewhere between the medical jargon
and high-octane driving, it occurs to me why
this role is so important.
Tonight might be an unusually demanding
shift – with others involving hours of sitting
around at standby points – but it is the
presence of the co-responders that is as
significant as their indi idual actions.
By providing extra cover, they are giving
members of their community the best
possible chance of survival.
e do sometimes encounter suspicion,
Maj Tamplin says of his full-time ambulance
colleagues. “But it’s up to us to break down
WANT TO GET
those arriers.
INVOLVED? And if there’s one thing that can help in
To find out how to that department, it’s a sense of humour.
become a military “As you can imagine, military banter
co-responder contact mixed in with emergency service humour
cfr@scas.nhs.uk (for
can create some some pretty interesting
Hampshire, Berkshire,
Oxfordshire or okes, the officer adds.
Buckinghamshire) or your South Central Ambulance Service –
local ambulance trust. which covers Buckinghamshire, Berkshire,
The positions are open Oxfordshire and Hampshire – has the UK’s
to military personnel and
biggest cohort of military co-responders.
MoD civilians.
But with troops usually committed to just
one shift per week, the trust is keen for more
to get involved.
The MoD has also thrown its weight
behind the scheme, having recently
o erseen the purchase of fi e new rapid
response vehicles through the Armed Forces
Community Covenant grant scheme.
or Ma amplin, the enefits to defence
are obvious.
Experience in first aid can only e good
in our line of work, he says. ut we are also
putting people into difficult scenarios and
asking them to assess risk, form a plan and
act all of that de elops the indi idual.
With soldiers hungry for new challenges
and ambulance services under increasing
pressure, surely this fantastic scheme will be
seen in every part of the UK before long. ■

30-sol-jan.indd 1 28/11/2017 15:52
Deploying to the land of Masai warriors
and wildebeest? Here are some of the
things that could be in store...
Words: Sarah Goldthorpe Pictures: Sgt Paul Randall, RLC, Cpl Dek Traylor, RLC, Cpl Luisa Scott, RLC, Graeme Main and Rift Valley Adventures
# African unions
# Outdoor
Sharing expertise with local
personnel is a key part of the
experience at British Army
Training Unit Kenya (Batuk), and
with the nation’s troops deployed adventure
on a challenging peacekeeping From mountain biking and
mission in Somalia these trekking to rock climbing and
exchanges could save lives. “The bushcraft, the opportunities
partnership is important,” Maj for adventurous training and
Mark Stone (Para) said during outdoor activities are plentiful
the latest Askari Storm. “It works in Kenya. After being on
both ways. We’re understanding exercise many units take time
their capabilities, equipment, out to enjoy this aspect of the
and what they can achieve on country’s culture, with many
the ground, and hopefully we can packages focused on the
pass on some of our niche skills.” Mount Kenya region.
33-35-sol-jan kenya.indd 1 19/12/2017 17:58

# Airborne excitement
Paras descending on a drop zone in this part of the world will discover a host of fresh challenges.
The hard ground means a higher risk of injury when touching down, and flash downpours can
also present some gritty conditions for even the most experienced in the discipline. Personnel
must think on their feet – literally – when conducting airfield seizures. Dangerous wildlife and
harsh scrubland can be physically wearing, and cracked surfaces can pose a risk to aircraft.
# Fierce wildlife
# Community kudos
From scorpions and snakes to
the so-called Big Five, Kenya’s
rich wildlife presents a threat
Whether it’s medics delivering to exercising troops as well as
healthcare to remote villages or an a spectacle. From encountering
engineering project to repair wells inquisitive hyenas on stag to
and water supplies, Kenya allows UK herding game out of a training
personnel to see their skills put to area, the experience is likely
lifesaving use. “Some of the communities to be a memorable one. “People
are in real need of help,” Sgt Thomas pay thousands to come to Africa
Nyanaro, a community health nurse in and go on safari and we come
the Kenyan Defence Force, explained here, work here, and have it for
during Exercise Askari Serpent. “Medical free,” said Pte Mathew Haigh
facilities are very far away, so too are (Para) following the latest
schools. Water and sanitation are also Exercise Askari Storm. But
a problem for some. The soldiers have care must be taken. The black
been very welcoming. It’s been good to be mamba, for example, is one of
part of a team and work hand-in-hand to the fastest and deadliest snakes
improve people’s lives.” in the world.

# Tough environment
With dusty savannahs and stifling
temperatures, Kenya provides the
perfect opportunity for personnel
to hone their personal admin and
fieldcraft skills in some of the
most arduous conditions on Earth.
Managing your water intake is
vital; heat injury is a very real
threat here. Moving tactically
through dry scrub is challenging,
as is digging-in when the ground
is parched. Flash flooding can
also be an issue. “People think
there are safety nets but there
aren’t,” Pte Mathew Haigh (Para), Caught on camera:
Members of 3rd Battalion,
who has deployed to Kenya twice, The Parachute Regiment
explained. “It’s just one of the were the latest to hone their
things to deal with, but it prepares fighting and fieldcraft skills
you for further operations.” on Exercise Askari Storm
# Intense live
firing
Did you know that one of the
Service’s most important
live-firing complexes is in
Kenya? And with a £250,000
upgrade completed last
year, it’s a must-do for
light infantry troops.
Objective Silver at Archer’s
Post Training Area is a
square-kilometre network
of buildings and corridors
sunk below ground level
and members of 3 Para were
the first to make use of the
revamped site when they
deployed on Exercise Askari
Storm at the end of 2017. n

O
PERATING a small drone may be as easy as Not only that, there is a proposal that all such devices
riding a bike, but the two don’t compare when should be controlled via an app rather than simple remote
it comes to abiding by rules and regulations. controls in order to ensure the new rules are incorporated
While youngsters around the country were into flight plans.
free to leap on their Christmas pressies for a A mandatory registry for larger unmanned aerial vehicles
carefree ride around the park on Boxing Day, is also on the cards.
all those sparkling new quad, hex and octocopters should If you wish to use a drone commercially you have to first
have stayed in their boxes until the owners had thoroughly attend an accredited CAA course that will train and assess
familiarised themselves with the Civilian Aviation your ability to safely operate one.
Authority’s (CAA) Air Navigation Order 2016. The package includes flying competence, knowledge
This document sets out the law when it comes to of the law, risk assessments and decision-making and is
endangering the safety of people or property with any designed to ensure those who wish to legitimately use them
small unmanned aircraft, including relatively cheap, for business can do so safely and not expose the general
commercially-available drones. public or aviation to unnecessary danger.
For instance, did you know that these craft cannot be Further information can be found at www.caa.co.uk
flown over or within 150 metres of any congested area, Military personnel also need to be aware that if they use
and if they have a mass of more than seven kilograms a drone for work – even for non-core requirements such as
(excluding fuel but including equipment like cameras) photography or surveys – the flights will be regulated by
Words: Steve Muncey Picture: Graeme Main
they must not be flown at a height of more than 120 metres the Military Aviation Authority (MAA).
except in prescribed airspace? This organisation’s requirements are similar to the
You can be prosecuted for breaking these rules – and CAA’s but if your unit does not have any in-house aviation
many have been. expertise you may wish to consult the MAA for advice, or
For further guidance look up the Drone Code, which is read DIN 2015DIN06-023.
available to download at www.dronesafe.uk along with a Also, make sure you read a very important DIN that is due
handy app. to be published in early 2018.
You should also be aware that K law on flying drones It will detail a whole host of new requirements and
will almost certainly be tightened up in the near future restrictions related to the operation of drones by Armed
thanks to a bill currently going through Parliament. Forces personnel and contractors on defence estate, some
It is calling for individuals to be banned from operating of which should have already been communicated down
these platforms near airports and for police to have the through the chain of command.
power to order the owners to ground them. Check out future editions of Soldier for the full details.
36-37-sol-jan drone.indd 2 19/12/2017 18:02

Small drones are more popular than ever for work and play but there are lots of rules to consider
● To use a drone for commercial

purposes you must obtain
permission from the CAA
● Ensure any images you take

don’t break privacy laws
● Never fly a drone in the vicinity ●Think about what to do if your

of manned aircraft More than 50 near- drone fails Is it going to fall far enough away
misses were reported last year and in 2016 a Lynx from people, buildings and airfields
missed a drone by nine metres
● Never drop an object from
● Always steer clear of airports your drone that could
or airfields endanger people
or property
● Keep your UAV in sight and
below 120 metres
● Don’t operate it over congested

areas and never fly within metres o a person
building or vehicle not under your control IL
E
AG
FR
● Take care with altitude With the

exception of some small toys, most drones can climb
several thousand feet into the air
36-37-sol-jan drone.indd 3 19/12/2017 18:02

REALITY
BYTES Authentic and virtual
combo provide full-on
casevac experience
Report: Cliff Caswell Pictures: Peter Davies, Birmingham University, FreePik
38-40-sol-jan-Virtual reality Chinook.indd 1 19/12/2017 17:56

The nauseating sense of motion has disappeared but it takes a
few seconds to return to sure footing even though the movement
was an illusion.
“We’re still missing the smell of aviation fuel in this
experience,” admits Prof Bob Stone, director of the Human
Interface Technologies team at Birmingham University, which
has put this simulator together.
“Everyone who tries it tells me this – we’re working on it.”
The distinctive smell of the Chinook might be missing, but the
experience is still very real.
This is what is known as a mixed reality simulation – a
speciality for Stone’s department, which has had a raft of
successes with similar products.
The immersive world is a combination of real objects in the
cabin combined with computer-generated effects.
And the centrepiece is a mannequin of an injured soldier. In a
virtual casevac it is the job for medical teams on pre-deployment
training to bring him back to base alive.
Cash for these types of projects comes from a mixture of
government and private sector backers.
Joint Medical Command – through the Royal Centre for
Defence Medicine – funds the Chinook project, which is part of
the university department’s wider Medical Emergency Response
Team initiative.
The helico ter cabin is set u in an in atable tent hich
provides the feeling of an enclosed space.
Real-world kit includes a mock M60 machine gun, realistic
seats and other familiar equipment.
I
Exercise participants can manoeuvre their way around the
cabin using paddles to manipulate the environment.
was a ash ac a sudden p un e into a Touching the mannequin is really unnerving. It both looks and
er di erent wor d and ti e feels very credible.
stooped o er in a hinoo arre in A variety of situations can be recreated– including altering the
throu h the patchwor o a andscape e ow casualty’s heart rate to the point of cardiac arrest.
hands instincti e c utchin or the we in “Using this mixed reality approach with real-world objects is
to sta upri ht definitely the ay ahead asserts Stone.
he unner and oad aster are sittin near the “Although this is currently a ‘proof of concept’, there has been
dropped ra p and the wind distur ed en ine interest in it from all three Armed Forces as well as various
whine and c atterin rotors re er erate as the ambulance services.
aircra t c aws its wa ac to ase “The model allows us to simulate pretty much any vehicle.
or a ew seconds this is rea it “We have been given the go-ahead to look at an Army Mastiff
au ht o a ance the pitchin and very soon.”
h pnotised the round owin e ow e a The Chinook package – which has been tested by teams
sure we are in o er osnia in the s the including those at the Royal Air Force Tactical Medical Wing
ee in s are those o a uch oun er e on an – joins an impressive line-up of products being developed in
operation on one Birmingham (see overleaf).
he stran e ha ucination e aporates a ter The technology is certainly immersive and has a lot of
re o in irtua rea it headset n its p ace is potential for a variety of training and real-world applications.
a oc up o the he icopter ca in co p ete with Matched with the likes of drones and the latest mapping
the o ects that were around e e ore techniques, the way troops view the world around them could
ut the iew is one a on with the crews soon be very different. ■

Mixing it up
FROM operations to
training exercises,
academics at the cutting
edge of mixed reality
Cutting edge
The Birmingham team
believe it could give have developed a
simulation package
soldiers a battle-winning
that accurately recreates the dynamics of the Cutlass
edge. Far from perching EOD robot. Matched with the asset’s operating box,
troops in front students can have the fully hands-on experience in a
of a screen safe environment to supplement classroom training. With
with a console some trainees prone to pushing a complicated piece of
headset, they kit beyond its limits – to the point of toppling it over –
can physically the simulation allows them to get to grips with it before
interact with the taking to the controls for real. The UK Armed Forces
world around have around 40 of the simulators available – they can
them. Steve replicate both outdoor and indoor situations.
Tabletop ops
Barraclough of
the Chartered
Institute of
Drone zone
Resembling something akin to the
Ergonomics old Xbox 360 real-time strategy
and Human game End War, the Future According to Bob
Mission Systems programme Stone, the concept of
Factors believes
overlays virtual images onto real objects – in this case an area a “sacrificial drone”
these technologies
of operations is projected onto a table. Wearing virtual reality could be useful to
can help to familiarise glasses, would-be commanders find themselves in a digital room future armies. The
personnel with extreme with the landscape, military assets and other aids projected onto expendable device
situations.The CEO – their map and on screens around them. Environment data mapped could be dropped
whose organisation by drones is used to create the backdrop. Academics believe the from a mothership,
is a key supporter of technology could assist in dealing with incidents such as a multi- uploading useful data
Birmingham research – site terrorist attack – like the Charlie Hebdo atrocity – by keeping before being hit by
told Soldier: “We have a tabs on all locations. enemy fire.
real opportunity in this
work – it brings human
factors into a situation
and can allow troops
Fighting fit
Casualties with limb
to make mistakes and injuries can use
learn in a controlled med cycles to do
environment.” exercise around a
virtual beauty spot.
Here is a taste of the
other work in the Virtual village The Birmingham
team have digitally
A digital representation of an Afghan village
university’s research mapped an area
has been helping soldiers recognise signs in Plymouth and,
portfolio… that insurgents are at work. Clever lighting when linked to a cycle,
effects and shadowing show the signs of patients can explore
IEDs such as command wires, disturbed earth the scenery.
and markers – spotting them can mean the
difference between life and death.

67-sol-jan.indd 1 12/12/2017 13:37
ON THEIR M
Personnel go back to basics w
42-44-sol-jan ironresolve.indd 2 19/12/2017 19:12

W
ITH the sun climbing laboriously
over the plains – heralding the
slate-grey sky of a winter morning –
troops are continuing to process the
frenetic events of the past 24 hours.
Amid the silhouettes of farm
buildings and dagger-like
arrangements of aerials, the ambient
buzz of the Army at work hangs over this improvised camp.
The drifting aroma of boiling ration packs and coffee, the
flapping o canvas in a cutting wind and the hum o generators
give the semblance of normality.
But this is an illusion.
A ew hours ago an air to ground missile was red at this
makeshift base – the command post of HQ 3 (UK) Division.
It is time to move out – and quickly – before a further strike
causes greater havoc.
This might be a mock attack, but Exercise Iron Resolve is
bringing troops back to core business a dust o o war ghting
skills that have not been extensively rehearsed for two decades.
In this serial, the headquarters has been broken up and
deployed across different locations on Salisbury Plain to avoid it
being wiped out in one strike.
The command post also frequently changes location – or
“chocs” – as a further precaution, to avoid contact with the enemy.
Although this three-week package, which encompasses assets
including Warrior and Bulldog vehicles, represents a return to
many of the tactics familiar to the Cold War generation, the
world in which it is set has moved on considerably.
The communications revolution has opened up a new front
in cyber warfare, while social media means the eyes of citizen
journalists are on combatants.
Skill sets to deal with these new areas are critical.
As the command post prepares to move from the buildings
it has requisitioned on New Zealand
Farm, command sergeant major
WO1 Jon Frith (Gren Gds) is in a
con dent mood.
He believes soldiers are rising
to the challenge and working well
alongside the many international
partners embedded in the
R METTLE
headquarters. Colleagues from
Nato’s HQ Allied Rapid Reaction
Corps are also taking part in
Report: Cliff Caswell Pictures: Graeme Main
the manoeuvres.
“Past operations mean
we have experience –
including coordinating
joint forces, which
is a huge asset,”
WO1 Frith tells
Soldier. “Iraq and
Afghanistan have
provided us
with strong and
credible leadership
cs with Iron Resolve at all levels.”
WO1 Jon Frith (Gren Gds)

We asked o cers and soldiers how the
exercise had panned out…
I am here as an observer and

seeing this exercise has been
enlightening. The notion
of distributed command
– and how you do it – is
very interesting. There are
different concepts here
that we might introduce
to French training.
Capt Guillaume Barbe, French Army
With the “choc” under way, command has been transferred
to a post rapidly established a few miles away. But there are
developments on the battle eld. It is interesting for somebody
Some 35,000 allied personnel are preparing for an offensive of my rank to have the GOC
across a front spanning around 20 miles and a loss of leadership in the turret. You wouldn’t
cannot be afforded. usually have the chance
Moving in a Warrior convoy to the new location is general to interact and would
normally only see him on a
o cer commanding a en ick orton who originally
formal visit. Exercise Iron
commissioned into the Royal Highland Fusiliers in 1989. He is Resolve has been a good
pleased with the way his troops are adapting to large-scale peer- opportunity to see the
on-peer combat. bigger picture
picture.
“It is fair to say we have been on a journey to rebuild the skill
LCpl Joshua Kenny, RRF
sets or war ghting over the past ew years it is a long time
since we have seen this type of exercise,” he admits, adding that
the use of “choc” has not been rehearsed for some time.
“The training is all about regrowing the right expertise, taking
The package has been
lessons from past campaigns and putting them into a new
a challenge – it has
context as we live and operate together.” been very physically
Service personnel at the sharp end of the HQ are impressed demanding at times.
with the learning opportunities on offer. t is the rst time have
“Life out here is quite a change from the likes of Iraq and supported a mobile
Afghanistan,” remarks LCpl Mitchell Lawrence (RE), who is in divisional HQ and
the Royal Engineer cell. “The situation is different, even around the moves have been
protocols such as evacuating the wounded. particularly testing
testing.
“We are talking about high casualty situations and we won’t be LCpl Jack Keates, R Signals
able to use Chinooks for extraction – ambulances will be needed
for the numbers of wounded.
And mine elds rather than improvised e plosive devices will
be the problem.” It’s a good way to test interoperability.
Cpl James Duncan (Para) emphasises that building The British and US militaries have been
relationships with allies has also been a high point of Exercise working closely together on operations
Iron Resolve. for the past 15 years and we have
“I have served for the past 15 years and this is something that more similarities than differences.
seems to be getting stronger and stronger,” he adds. But here we have the opportunity to
“The package also represents a chance to see the bigger share ideas – the value of being in a
picture of command.”
multinational environment is you learn
from one another.
The opportunities are certainly rich.
In a changing world, the Army must keep pace with the Brig Gen Douglas Crissman, US Army
Deputy Commanding General,
environments it may ace particularly in the war ghting 3 (UK) Division
arena – and plans are now being made for divisional troops to
take part in a major serial in the USA this year. n

45-sol-jan.indd 1 11/12/2017 14:59
When recce commander Nathan Cumberland lost both
legs to an IED blast his future seemed bleak. But in just a
handful of years the determined Grenadier Guardsman has
gone from wounded warrior to dedicated welfare worker.
He tells Soldier his story…
I
T turned out to be third time lucky for me,” Nathan side of things because you seem invincible.”
Cumberland says grimly of his Herrick tour in 2009. But when a position was advertised at the Defence
The Serviceman was on patrol when he stepped on Medical Welfare Service last year, the ex-Serviceman
an IED, leaving him with catastrophic injuries that made the move.
would see him become a double amputee. And – as is often the case with those leaving the military
“I sensed something wasn’t right that day,” he – his experiences at the sharp end would prove to be a vital
recalls of his final military mission. asset to his new employer, which supports Armed Forces
“It had been quiet, like something was being planned. personnel and veterans undergoing medical treatment.
We’d all joke about whether it would be our turn next, and The 33-year-old is based in Nottinghamshire, where he
how we should have picked our wheelchairs out.” spends a lot of time assisting the elderly.
The dark humour turned out to be a terrible prophecy. “It appealed to me to work with guys over 65,” he
Cumberland lost one leg in the blast, and in the chaos of explains. “The sorts of stories you hear are fantastic.
the aftermath he had to apply tourniquets to himself while “Often people just need our reassurance.
awaiting the Mert helicopter. “It might be little things like telling them what’s what, or
Interview: Sarah Goldthorpe Pictures: Peter Davies, Graeme Main and Freepik
Thirteen pints of blood, 27 operations, two years of how long they will be in hospital for.
rehab and several bouts of MRSA later, something “Sometimes the doctors are busy and welfare
of a normal existence was starting to come officers can act like go-betweens.”
into view for the Serviceman. It doesn’t sound like the easiest of full-time
“My regiment was amazing,” he jobs for someone who has seen more than
recalls “People visited daily and I had his fair share of medical procedures.
no issues with the support. “I found the first few months a
“I was more worried about my struggle,” Cumberland concedes. “But I
family and fiancee.” just got on with it.
Following stints at both Headley “I think if you ask anyone you don’t
Court and Tedworth House, do this job for the money; it’s a cliche
Cumberland was eventually ready to but you just want to help.”
enter civvy street. He continues: “It can be hard to see
He took up a job with Help for people with fewer injuries than you not
Heroes, coordinating the charity’s coping – at one point I did wonder if I was
ambassadors, and even went on to cut out for the welfare thing.
compete at the Invictus Games in shot put “But there’s a lot of factors involved and over
(pictured) and powerlifting. time I’ve learnt to see these.
“Your head is going at 1,000mph, trying to accept “Someone may have lesser injuries, but their road to
that things have changed,” Cumberland explains. recovery could have been more difficult than mine.
“I was meeting all these charity people and the world of “Perhaps they were on their own, maybe they don’t have
welfare just grabbed me. a big family like I do, or a fiancee whooping their arse.
“When you’re serving you don’t really think about that “Until you’re in someone else’s shoes you never know.”
The veteran’s sympathetic yet no-nonsense approach is
clearly one that many of his military patients appreciate.”
He tells me: “Sometimes I do have to be quite blunt with
people, but as they are ex-Forces they usually
want that.
“I explain that no one likes asking for help
but that amputees like me will have to do
that for the rest of our lives.
“It goes from there, really.”
It might not be the patrol-base banter he
was wrenched away from, but Cumberland’s
admits the camaraderie of his newfound
46-47-sol-jan welfare.indd 2 19/12/2017 14:53

career has been a boost to him as well as his service users.
“You usually find that sense of humour is there,” he says.
“An elderly veteran might not recognise their wife any
more but I guarantee they will know their service number
and be up for a laugh.”
Having the strength of character to take on other people’s
problems is an admirable trait in anyone.
But to do so after sacrificing nearly a decade of your own
life to the recovery and rehabilitation process is nothing
short of remarkable.
He may be out of uniform, but Nathan Cumberland is just
about the most positive embodiment of grit, determination
and courage it’s possible to imagine – and yet another
example of how the Army’s values and standards can
make a positive impact long after discharge.
“I will be part of the welfare bubble for the rest of
my life,” says the veteran matter-of-factly. “That’s
just the way it goes.
“No one can know what’s coming if they get
injured, and it comes down to how you want to
deal with it.
“When I was in Selly Oak I decided I had
two choices – blame everyone or accept that
I am never going to be in the Army again and
focus on the future.”
If that sort of outlook doesn’t inspire those
he works with, nothing will. n
46-47-sol-jan welfare.indd 3 19/12/2017 14:53

www.snugpak.com
48-sol-jan.indd 2 29/11/2017 07:32

In his sights: A reader
is aiming for better
conditions
for volunteers
‘Reservist pay needs support’

M
Y Reserve battalion employs the conditions of service for VTOD
a number of personnel on as they are for ADC.
voluntary training and other There are practical and legal
duties (VTOD) including as recruiters or reasons for this.
in administrative roles. It follows that no agreement can
These soldiers work 207 days a year be made to pay this individual on
and for the vast majority of them it is specific days if he or she does not
their sole form of income. attend for work on these days; the
However, despite being part-time exception is maternity, which is
employees of the British Army they are covered in 2015DID01-167.
not entitled to sick pay, or even paid An ADC is different in that a
compassionate leave when their kids formal written commitment is made
are ill. between the employer and the
I recently found this out when one of Reservist for specific work to be
my team, who is a single mother, had to conducted on certain days.
take time out. If the soldier is not able to
For the Should we, as a modern organisation,

hire people on a zero-hour style contract
work at any of these times, due to
sickness and/or for compassionate
majority it
with no employee benefits? – Maj Pete reasons, they are paid for these
Shergold, Mercian days just as they would be if they
were on full-time Reserve service or YOUR letters provide an
is their sole Lt Col Nigel Drayton, Senior Officer

Policy, Directorate Manning (Army),
a Regular.
VTOD has an attractive allowance
insight into the issues at the
top of soldiers’ agendas...
employment
replies: VTOD is entirely voluntary; package, namely pay in lieu of but please be brief. Emails
the Reservist doesn’t have to come annual leave, pension earning under must include your name and
in to work and the employer doesn’t Armed Forces pension scheme location (although we won’t
have to provide work. 15 and assistance with daily publish them if you ask us
The Army is able to employ commuting costs.
not to). We reserve the right to
members of the Army Reserve on ADC is slightly different in that
part-time Reserve service VTOD and/ it grants paid annual leave and accept or reject letters, and to
or additional duties commitment terminal leave but doesn’t include edit for length, clarity or style.
(ADC), providing the aggregated daily commute costs. Before you write to us with a
total of both does not exceed 180 In both cases a five per cent problem, you should first have
Reserve service days per year. X-factor is included in pay which tried to get an answer via your
This is in addition to the Reserve’s increases with annual increments own chain of command.
obligatory training requirement of and promotion and, if linked to
27 days per year for the regional obligatory training, an annual
Army Reserve, or 19 days per year bounty is paid with all service being mail@soldiermagazine.co.uk
for a national Reservist. reckonable for the award of the @soldiermagazine
The employer and the individual Volunteer Reserves Service Medal.
can select either commitment We consider that both the
exclusively or mix and match VTOD and ADC packages compare
them to suit, but paid sick and favourably with equivalents for
compassionate leave are not part of civilian part-time employment.
49-51-sol-JAN-TALKBACK.indd 1 19/12/2017 15:43

Get it off your chest
and on social media
www.facebook.com/soldiermagazine
The article on officer cadets

conducting public order
training in the December issue
caused a riot on Facebook...
Ged McMichael
Public order training
is an indication that
the Army is trained to be used An unwelcome greeting
W
against the very civilians it
ITH the MoD correctly placing offence to us all. – Name and address
is supposed to protect. A sign
a lot of importance on various supplied
that something is broken. Sad.
diversity, inclusion and gender-
related issues, may I bring everyone’s Col Steve Davies, Assistant Head
attention to the way we greet and speak Employment, Directorate Manning
to each other. (Army) replies: The use of gendered
Steve Hancock For example, when the telephone terms when greeting officers as
The Army is not rings I must answer with the name of my you walk around barracks reflects
sworn to protect department, my name, followed by “how a convention that is used in many
those involved in public
Am I not
can I help you sir?” important sectors of British society,
criminality, so by default if Presumably, we say “sir” because including the monarchy, judiciary
they are deployed against regimental sergeant majors and officers and parliament.
those involved in disorder
they are being used to protect risking were once all male, harking back to a
time when only men were allowed to
I would disagree that the British
Army is somehow out of step with
offence?
those civilians who are at risk. serve in the military. the community in this regard.
Secondly, when I see an officer Saying “sir” or “ma’am” is both
walking through the barracks I must appropriate and polite.
greet them with the word “sir” or However, I agree that the
Ant Sharman “ma’am” but am I not risking offence convention of answering the
Public order training here by assuming someone’s gender telephone using “sir” without
is part of their core or implying that they actually see knowing who one is speaking to
syllabus – not something new. themselves as having a gender? is now considered outdated and
It is an excellent environment Isn’t it about time the Army arguably unnecessary.
in which to pressurise considered abolishing these Victorian- The opening gambit of saying your
decision-making and prepare style greetings? rank and name followed by “how
young leaders just a little for I believe a new system should be can I help you?” is both respectful
the moment that it is bullets looked at which is more up-to-date and and applicable to all callers and
and not potatoes incoming. lessens the risk of embarrassment or should be adopted.
Stuart Nicholson
The British Army
has always trained
WHERE IS SOLDIER’S SENSE OF OCCASION?
in public order and used it in ● AS a long-time reader I was struck by the lack of festive content in your December
Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq edition – what happened to the special Christmas competition?
and Cyprus. In the past you published celebrity messages to the troops as well. Am I being cynical
or have companies and public figures lost interest in the Armed Forces now that we are
no longer involved in combat operations?
And while I enjoy the editor’s letter on page five, I was looking forward to the
Bryan Malyon traditional update from the chief of the general staff. – Name and address supplied
Did this back in ‘91
there at Longmoor, it The managing editor responds: You are correct that the Army’s relatively
was great fun low profile compared to the Herrick era makes it more difficult to attract
companies and celebrities to participate in special articles or competitions.
As for the Chief of the General Staff, Gen Sir Nicholas Carter, he opted to
write a New Year message instead of a Christmas one (page 26).

Has the public lost interest?
extend the grant to cover the price of the

new mess dress, even if an individual has
already taken advantage of the scheme
to purchase the previous set of clothing.
– Name and address supplied
Lt Col (retd) Kestrel Simson,

Ceremonial and Operational and
Service Awards, Army Headquarters,
replies: The Army Dress Committee
first considered proposals to change
the King’s Royal Hussars’ dress
regulations in June 2017.
It then approved a modification
to the design of the male senior
NCO mess dress in order to make it
more suited to females, but because
The
this was a voluntary alteration
there could be no additional grants
or public funding to pay for existing
outfit is members to update their outfits.
The committee also stated that
obsolete there was to be no pressure for

personnel to change their clothing.
However, the regiment voted that
soldiers with more than 18 months
‘Another bill for us to bear’ left to serve should purchase the

new jacket and bib.
In a similar vote, members of the
I
AM serving with the King’s Royal (this doesn’t cover the whole cost). corporals’ club, who are under no
Hussars and am being forced to However, they’ve been told the obligation to purchase any form of
comply with the requirement for some garments are obsolete and are expected mess dress and receive no grants
regiments to change their mess dress due to pay around £1,000 for new ones. at all, also agreed to change to the
to females now being eligible to serve in This is yet another bill soldiers have to new design.
the teeth arms. bear and if a similar situation occurred If you or any other member of
While I welcome the introduction of in the civilian sector the cost would be the warrant officers’ and sergeants’
women into the Royal Armoured Corps, covered by the company. mess or the corporals’ club are
should we be forced to purchase new Most employees out there simply unhappy with this change to the
mess dress without support? wouldn’t accept being told to “suck it up rules, you should take up the matter
Several colleagues of mine recently and put it on a credit card”. with your regimental chain of
bought the old-style outfit with a grant A reasonable solution would be to command.
DOES TROUSER POLICY LEAVE TROOPS IN THE COLD?

● I HAVE recently deployed to Eastern The schedule itself was produced by
Europe where we’ve been told that wind is Royal Marine mountain leader subject
one of the primary factors when it comes matter experts.
to feeling the cold. A layered system was developed
However, we have not been supplied that is designed to allow soldiers to
with windproof trousers, so under what survive and operate in Eastern Europe.
conditions is this piece of kit issued? If individuals identify what they
– Name and address supplied believe is a deficiency in the clothing
schedule or a defect in the issued
Col Neil Llewellyn, Assistant Head of items, they are encouraged to raise
Logistic Support, Army Headquarters, a report through their chain of
replies: Our deployments are command that identifies the problem.
supported through a specific schedule This will then be analysed by
of clothing items and ancillaries which the Field Army’s Support Branch to
are designed to cater for the full determine if a new requirement needs
range of weather conditions. to be generated.
This schedule is the responsibility But thus far, no defect reports
of Support Branch, Headquarters have been received relating to
Field Army who have endorsed the issued clothing for UK Armed Forces
requirement and funded the solution. operating in this region.

52-sol-jan.indd 1 18/12/2017 12:02
BULLET POINTS Bite-sized data to keep you in the know
chair@armylgbt.org.uk (multiple sclerosis group):
COMPETITIONS Army Libraries: 01252 340094
www.mutualsupport.org.uk
National Ex-Services
INTELLIGENCE
Army Ornithological Society:
Spine line winner: Michael Association: The following Army Briefing
www.armybirding.org.uk
Furlong, Allenby Barracks, www.nesa.org.uk Notes, Defence Internal Briefs
Bovington Camp. Army Welfare Service: and Defence Information
National Gulf Veterans’ and
01904 882053; Notices can be found online at
Churchill DVD winners: Graham Families’ Association Office:
www.army.mod.uk/welfare- www.armynet.mod.uk
Drew, Wendy Sparrow, Pete 24-hour helpline 0845 257 4853;
support
Rendall, Jayne Hawkes, Lisa Telford. www.ngvfa.org.uk ABN 137/17: Defence employer
Big White Wall: recognition scheme directive 2018
Poppyscotland: 0131 557 2782;
DIARY
www.bigwhitewall.com
www.poppyscotland.org.uk ABN 135/17: The management of
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans: trade and employment competences
Regular Forces’ Employment
020 8590 1124; Association: on JPA
January 15: Deadline for the www.blesma.org
British Army’s first poetry 0121 236 0058; ABN 134/17: Introduction of the
competition. See page 17 of Blind Veterans UK: www.rfea.org.uk Cadet Forces Commission
November 2017’s Soldier for details. (formerly St Dunstan’s) Remount:
020 7723 5021; ABN 133/17: Introduction of the
01451 850 341; Army Reserve promotion board (pink
February 1-6: Soldiery: British www.blindveterans.org.uk www.remount.net
Army Portraits exhibition at the list) in 2018
Care After Combat: Royal British Legion:
National Army Museum, Chelsea. www.careaftercombat.org ABN 132/17: The Centre for Army
The work of photographer Rory 0808 802 8080;
www.britishlegion.org.uk Leadership’s 2018 speaker series
Lewis will be on display – he will Career Transition Partnership:
give a talk with Gen Sir James 020 7469 6661 Royal British Legion Scotland: DIN 2017DIN01-190: MoD civilian
Everard at 1800 on January 31, Children’s Education Advisory 0131 550 1583; medical practitioners pay award
ahead of the opening. Further Service: www.legionscotland.org.uk 2017
details at www.nam.ac.uk/whats- 01980 618244; DIN 2017DIN01-189: MoD civilian
RBL Industries Vocational
on/soldiery-preview dcyp-ceas-enquiries@mod.uk dental practitioners 2017 pay award
Assessment Centre:
Combat Stress: 01622 795900; www.rbli.co.uk
March 23: N Battery (The Eagle DIN 2017DIN01-188: Health
Troop), Royal Horse Artillery 01372 841600; Scottish Veterans’ Residences: service support for personnel
celebrate the 175th Hyderabad www.combatstress.org.uk 0131 556 0091; assigned to European Joint Support
Day. Open to all ex-members, Defence Humanists: www.svronline.org Unit locations
the event comprises a black tie www.defencehumanists.org.uk Single Persons Accommodation
dinner in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne DIN 2017DIN01-187:
Erskine: Centre for the Ex-Services: Reimbursement of professional body
from 1900. For more information 01748 833797;
and to confirm attendance email 0141 814 4569; fees for Regular Armed Forces allied
www.erskine.org.uk www.spaces.org.uk health professionals
hyderabad1843@gmail.com
Family Escort Service: SSAFA: DIN 2017DIN01-186: Selection for
March 17: Opening of the 020 7463 9249 0845 1300 975; the attendance on the intermediate
National Army Museum’s www.ssafa.org.uk command and staff course (land
Special Forces – Out of the Felix Fund – the bomb disposal
charity: Stoll: Reserves) in 2018
Shadows exhibition. For further 020 7385 2110; info@stoll.org.
details visit www.nam.ac.uk 07713 752901 DIN 2017DIN01-185: Launch
www.felixfund.org.uk uk; www.stoll.org.uk of the payment of professional
DIRECTORY Forcesline: The Not Forgotten Association: membership fees policy

UK – 0800 731 4880; Germany 020 7730 2400
www.nfassociation.org DIN 2017DIN01-184: Hepatitis A
– 0800 1827 395; Cyprus – 080 and B vaccine shortage
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity: 91065; Falklands – #6111; from The Poppy Factory:
0845 241 4820 operational theatres – Paradigm 020 8940 3305; DIN 2017DIN01-183: Service pupil
Services *201; from anywhere in the www.poppyfactory.org premium details for 2017/18
Armed Forces Buddhist Society:
world (CSL operator will call back) – DIN 2017DIN01-181: Recruitment
Chaplain 020 7414 3411 The Royal Star & Garter
0044 1980 630854 – the introduction of new sift and
www.afbs-uk.org Homes:
Forces Pension Society: 020 8481 7676; selection tools and the removal of
Armed Forces Christian Union: mandated minimum educational
020 7820 9988 www.starandgarter.org
01252 311221; www.afcu.org.uk qualifications for generalist roles
Help for Heroes: The Veterans Charity:
Armed Forces Muslim
0845 673 1760 or 01980 846 459; 01753 653772; DIN 2017DIN01-180: Volunteer
Association:
www.helpforheroes.org.uk info@veteranscharity.org.uk Cadet Corps – change of status
Chaplain 020 7414 3252;
www.afma.org.uk Heroes Welcome: Troop Aid: DIN 2017DIN02-009: Army
Armed Services Advice Project: www.heroeswelcome.co.uk 0121 711 7215 or 07734 384260 national security vetting clearance
0808 800 1007; HighGround: uk4u Thanks!: requirements.
www.adviceasap.org.uk www.highground-uk.org.uk 01798 812081; www.uk4u.org DIN 2017DIN03-019: Treatment of
Army Families Federation: Joint Service Housing Advice Veterans Welfare Service: military terrain pattern uniform and
01264 382324; mil 94391 2324; Office: 01252 787574 0808 1914 218 (from the UK); mosquito nets with permethrin
www.aff.org.uk 0044 1253 866043 (from overseas)
Medal Office:
Army LGBT Forum: www.gov.uk/government/
94561 3600 or 0141 224 3600
www.armylgbt.org.uk;
Mutual Support
groups/ veterans-welfare-
service
Continued on page 54
53-54-sol-jan.indd 2 19/12/2017 15:48

non MoD-sponsored cadet units and DIN 2017DIN07-134: Joint Service DIN 2017DIN07-123: Joint
Continued from page 53 organisations adventurous training parachuting – operational planning course – FY
planning expeditions to Cyprus in 2018 2018/19
DIN 2017DIN05-018: The Defence
DIN 2017DIN04-195: Amendment Medical Services Regulator initial DIN 2017DIN09-020: General
DIN 2017DIN07-133: Offshore
to Army command standing order operating capability structure, roles Service Medal 2008 with Eastern
sail training craft from Joint Services
9015 and responsibilities from December Africa clasp for Operation Tangham HQ
Adventurous Sail Training Centre for
DIN 2017DIN04-194: Return of 1, 2017 unit adventurous training exercises British Peace Support Team (Eastern
serviceable A1/A2 STAS equipment to Africa)
DIN 2017DIN05-017: Contact with DIN 2017DIN07-132: Defence
Qioptiq is to cease immediately parliamentarians DIN 2017DIN10-053: British Army
Medical Services Reserves external
DIN 2017DIN04-193: Declaration of motorsports event – Saxon Express
DIN 2017DIN06-025: Publication of course application process
2018
obsolescence: Clansman ground spike
International Air Transport Association DIN 2017DIN07-131: Defence
antenna NSN 5820-99-620-5950 DIN 2017DIN10-052: Army
dangerous goods regulations 59th information management passport
edition Support Command – South Climbing
DIN 2017DIN04-191: Removal from
DIN 2017DIN07-130: Defence medic Competition
service of sample kit, dog training No 3
DIN 2017DIN06-024: Container level 3 uplift course to level 4 associate DIN 2017DIN10-051: The Army
DIN 2017DIN04-190: Publication of weighing verification ambulance practitioner – attendance Indoor Tennis Championships 2018
deployed antibiotic policy criteria
DIN 2017DIN06-023: Duty to
DIN 2017DIN04-188: Declaration consult with the Defence Fire Safety
ROADSHOWS
DIN 2017DIN07-129: Adventurous
of obsolescence of Sophie R and all Regulator training – mountain biking expeditions
associated spares – Harz Mountains
DIN 2017DIN06-022: JSP 800, vol
DIN 2017DIN04-187: Declaration 4b, ed 2, management and detail of DIN 2017DIN07-128: Defence The Army Engagement Team
of obsolete equipment – Rapiscan latest amendments recovery capability employment training wants to hear from members of the
security screening equipment courses. Schedule April 2018 until public who would like a personal
DIN 2017DIN07-139: Chainsaw
March 2019 invitation to its hi-tech roadshow.
DIN 2017DIN04-186: Back-loading training audience The event starts with a reception, is
of L81A2 cadet target rifle DIN 2017DIN07-126: 2018 Senior followed by a presentation, questions
DIN 2017DIN07-138: Adventurous
DIN 2017DIN04-185: Identify Friend training offshore sailing – planning signals intelligence adviser training and culminates with refreshments.
or Foe mode 5 platform identification expeditions to Cyprus in 2018 course There will be a range of military
numbers personnel on hand to answer any
DIN 2017DIN07-137: Flotilla DIN 2017DIN07-125: US Air Force of your queries. Call 01276 412880
DIN 2017DIN04-183: Removal Express advanced course in engineering cyber or email your name and address to
from service of cartridge electrically internship armymediacomm-aeg-mailbox@
operated fire extinguisher (Lynx Mk DIN 2017DIN07-135: Recording mod.uk with the event you are
foreign language proficiency and DIN 2017DIN07-124: MoD managed interested in attending.
7 and 8)
multi-level language assessments – learning service – procurement of
DIN 2017DIN05-019: Support to independent candidates external training for MoD personnel January: 16, Truro; 30, Brent.
NO. 914
TEN details have been changed in this picture Barracks, Government Road, Aldershot, Hampshire will win £100-worth of men’s grooming products
of sailors from the Royal Navy taking their place GU11 2DU with your contact details, including from The Bluebeards Revenge.
in history at the Changing of the Guard on the email address, no later than January 31. The winner will be announced in the March
forecourt of Buckingham Palace. A photocopy is acceptable but only one entry 2018 issue. Usual rules apply.
Circle all the differences in the left image and per person may be submitted. November’s winner: Sue Presland, SIB Regt
send the panel to HOAY 914, Soldier, Ordnance First correct entry drawn after the closing date RMP, Provost Bks, Aldershot.
53-54-sol-jan.indd 3 19/12/2017 15:48

Navigation
Training
Doing Selection?
Intensive 2-day courses in
Map and Compass work.
Theory and Practical Small
Groups (4/5) or Individuals.
Ex-Mil Instructor.
Accom incl.
Contact Andy
07787 122436
brynderwen@tiscali.co.uk
55-59-sol-jan.indd 1 12/12/2017 13:39

Julian Young
Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate
ATTENDANCE AT POLICE STATIONS FOR MILITARY

AND CIVILIAN POLICE INTERVIEWS
COURT MARTIAL AND ALL CIVILIAN CRIMINAL
DEFENCE CASES
National and International Attendances
Legal Aid may be available
Emergency numbers:
+44 (0) 7956 502069 and +44 (0) 7956 158007
Office number: +44 (0) 207 388 8333
Consultant with Tuckers LLP, solicitors
Email: julianyoung@jylaw.co.uk SRA No: 592449
RECRUITING NOW Contact 3CDOX-29CDORCMO@mod.uk or 01752 236156
Notice to readers
The publishers of Soldier cannot accept responsibility for the
accuracy of any advertisement or for any losses suffered as
a result. Readers are strongly recommended to make their
own enquiries and seek appropriate commercial, legal and
financial advice before sending any money or entering into
any legally-binding agreement.
55-59-sol-jan.indd 2 12/12/2017 15:30

55-59-sol-jan.indd 3 12/12/2017 13:39

BOOKS
Military history books.
Specialists in new and used
military books. Visit our website
To advertise please call or for a printed catalogue call
01252 787106 or email 01303 246500.
advertising@soldiermagazine.co.uk www.militaryhistorybooks.com
SERVICES
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27 Regt RLC, Aldershot. 25 November 2017 1st Prize (£20,000): 2nd Lt A
11 November 2017 1st Prize (£10,000): Capt C McCormack, B Coy, 2 Scots,
1st Prize (£10,000): Gnr 18 November 2017 Booth, HQ 12 Armd Inf Bde, Penicuik. 2nd Prize (£10,000):
H Davies, M Bty, 3 RHA, 1st Prize (£10,000): Spr D Bogle, Salisbury. 2nd Prize (£5,000): Maj S Robertson, 32 Signal Regt,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne. 2nd Prize 102 Sqn, 71 Engr Regt, Paisley. Cpl K Stockton, 34 Fd Hosp, Strathclyde. 3rd Prize (£8,000):
(£5,000): Maj E Thompson, 2nd Prize (£5,000): WO1 D Strensall. 3rd Prize (£4,000): Cpl Lt Col B Smith, D Pers Manning
HQ RSME, Chatham. 3rd Prize Rai, 10 QOGLR, Aldershot. 3rd L Tippett, 1 Rifles, Chepstow. 4th Team, Andover. 4th Prize
(£4,000): WO2 G Osborne, LSP, Prize (£4,000): Capt G Main, 4 Prize (£2,000): Maj J Linegar, HQ (£4,000): Capt J Shipley, SPA,
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244 Sqn, 30 Signal Regt, Regional Command, EHT, HQ Sqn, RL, Catterick. 15 Colchester. 15 Consolation
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Pte A Gurung, Sp Bty, 40 (AD) G Livesey, D Jt Cap, London. WO2 R McAulay, UKTI DSO/Est Perryment, ATC(P), Woking; Capt
RA, Emsworth. 15 Consolation 15 Consolation prizes (£200 (L), Salisbury; WO2 D Kirkpatrick, A Hosking, 243 Sqn, 10 Signal
prizes (£200 each): Name each): SSgt D Urbaniak, 60 4 Armd Med Regt, Aldershot; Regt, Andover; Sgt G Lucas,
withheld, RAF St Athan, Vale of Sqn, 39 Engr Regt, Kinloss; Sgt L Barker, Sp Coy, Mercian, 659 Sqn, 1 AAC, Yeovilton; SSgt
Glamorgan; SSgt R Fawcett, HQ Capt D Weston, CJSU, BFPO 57; Chester; Cpl K Nyalemegbe, G Lynch, QRH, BFPO 16; Sgt D
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withheld, HQ Hereford Garrison; Warminster; Sgt J Hartland, Cbt Chippenham; Capt D Brown, Le Sauteur, 28 Sqn, 1 Med Regt,
LCpl S Christian, HQ Sqn, 1 AAC, CIS School, Bovington Camp; 1 ITB, Catterick Garrison; LCpl BFPO 16; LCpl F St Rose, 1 IG,
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151 Regt RLC, Croydon; WO2 C RSMS, Thatcham; LCpl D Tooth, B DA, Swindon; Col M Lindsay- RMP, BFPO 801.
o.uk
55-59-sol-jan.indd 4 18/12/2017 12:03

55-59-sol-jan.indd 5 12/12/2017 13:39
36-sol-oct.indd 1 14/09/2017 11:31
reviews@soldiermagazine.co.uk
TOP GEAR
A FINE BALANCE
P62 Whyte mountain bike gets Soldier treatment
BOOKS THE Whyte 801 is a trail bike with a bit of cross-

country pedigree.
And with a price tag of around £899 (the version
P64 I tested came courtesy of Edinburgh Bicycle
Cooperative), it offers good value to boot.
MUSIC The spec includes a Shimano Deore ten-speed
drivetrain coupled with a 30-tooth front chain ring
and 11-42 tooth rear cassette.
P65 This helped me to climb the very
steepest of hills as I put the bike to the
MOVIES test across North Yorkshire’s countryside.
61-67-sol-jan reviews.indd 1 19/12/2017 18:44

TOP GEAR DESIGN DOSSIER BOOKS
A UK-based company, Whyte
attributes its success to the fact
its designs have pushed the
Gear changes all proved to front wheel of trail bikes further
be smooth and precise. in front of riders at a slacker
In fact, in the eight or so weeks I angle to the frame. The idea is
have ridden the Whyte 801 there have that this helps the steering to
been no issues with this kit at all. self-correct, keeping riders on
track over uneven surfaces. The
The RockShox 30 forks smooth out
Whyte 801 represents some
the trail, but it is fair to say the bike significant upgrades from
struggles on very pebbly terrain where the 605 model – including a
there is a rapid succession of big hits. 66.5-degree head tube angle.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by Browse Whyte bikes online at
the power of the Tektro Auriga hydraulic www.edinburghbicycle.com
disc brakes.
I had no problems with these, despite
the challenges thrown their way, and PICK OF THE MONTH:
they certainly boost confidence when
BREAKOUT AT
going downhill or
tackling tricky terrain.
STALINGRAD
I mainly rode on rocks
or hard-packed trail, where the Maxis
Ardent 27.5-inch tyres were equally
up to the mission – although they The incredible story of a German
struggled slightly with the traction in PoW’s lost manuscript
the deepest mud.
Generally, though, they roll over the IT is rare that the appendix of a book
ground easily and help soak up a lot of proves as absorbing as the text itself.
the heavy bumps. But that is very much the case with the
The 801 can be chucked into corners afterword to Heinrich Gerlach’s Breakout
and will track nicely. at Stalingrad, in which academic Carsten
The wheels are Whyte’s own rims Gansel relates how this remarkable
coupled with non-branded hubs and, novel came to be published.
again, these were perfectly functional Gerlach was a lieutenant in the
and reasonably stiff, remaining true to Wehrmacht’s ill-fated Sixth Army. In
the test. November 1942, after months spent
All other components are own- struggling to control the city on
branded but, again, they didn't give me the Volga, a Russian counterattack
any headaches. encircled and trapped the
As someone who mainly rides cross- 300,000-strong German force on the
country, this bike certainly served me freezing steppe.
well and, overall, I enjoyed riding it. By the time Fd Marshal Paulus
Its handling is good and the short surrendered the following February,
stem makes for direct, poised steering. only 91,000 soldiers remained alive.
The bike platform is stable, inspiring They were taken prisoner and during
confidence over testing terrain, and his seven years in captivity, Gerlach
when climbing its stiffness allows for penned a semi-autobiographical
effective power transfer. account of his experiences.
Overall, the Whyte 801 is a well- The manuscript was discovered and
balanced machine, as suited to new confiscated by the Soviet authorities,
riders as it is to those looking for and after his eventual release the
comfort on longer excursions. ■ officer found he could no longer recall
the detail and structure of his text.
REVIEW: WO1 JASON MARRIOTT, RIFLES
However, thanks to multiple sessions
with a hypnotist, he was able to
rewrite his book and in 1957 it was
VERDICT: published – to wide acclaim – under
A pleasure to ride, with a the title The Forsaken Army.
design that inspires confidence
The story would have ended
there but, incredibly, in 2012 Gansel

BOOKS
Breakout at Stalingrad
by Heinrich Gerlach is
published by Apollo
priced £25
Picture: Imperial War Museum

Cruel winter: A column of
German prisoners marches
through Stalingrad after their
surrender to the Soviets
BOOK RELEASES
Gibraltar: The Greatest Siege in

British History
by Roy and Lesley Adkins
unearthed the original copy in a emaciated by hunger, filled with all the
Moscow archive. pain of tormented animals, they died a THIS book tells the story of the Siege of
It is this version, along with his miserable death in the frost and snow, Gibraltar from 1779-83 following the outbreak
notes, which has now been translated and with a curse on their lips against of war between Britain and the alliance of
into English for the first time. the man whom they’d once trusted. France and Spain. Through the letters and
The story follows Gerlach’s alter ego, That was Stalingrad.” journals of the people on the Rock at the time,
Lt Breuer, and his compatriots as they By speaking out against Hitler, the who endured starvation, battle casualties,
struggle to survive their ordeal in the officers hoped to shift opinion and end disease and desertion, just about every
so-called “cauldron” on the outskirts the war more quickly, thus preventing human failing and strength is revealed. This is a very detailed account,
of Stalingrad. the total destruction of Germany. well annotated, illustrated and with an excellent index and bibliography. I
Hitler effectively condemned his Ultimately, of course, they were feel it lacks a bit in analysis but the authors do a good job of connecting
troops to death by refusing to allow unsuccessful but this insight into their events. This is well worth reading to get an idea of such an important time
a retreat, and the book is a bitter efforts is riveting. in Britain’s history.
indictment of his hubris, echoing All Of nearly 100,000 Germans taken Andy Kay, ex-RS
Quiet on the Western Front for its anti- prisoner, only 6,000 returned home
war message. after the war.
The novel is compelling in itself but Gerlach was determined that their The Boys from the Bridge
the added context provided by Gansel’s story should be heard and, 60 years on by Sebastian Abineri
appendix is utterly fascinating. from its first publication, this excellent
Gerlach was among a group of book will shine a light on the horrors of AS a lifelong A Bridge Too Far buff I leapt at
disillusioned German officers recruited the Eastern Front for a new generation the chance to read this account of the author’s
by the Soviets to form an anti-fascist of English-speaking readers. ■ time as an extra on the movie. The title starts
league. Their main undertaking was off as more of an autobiography but eventually
to produce anti-Nazi propaganda to REVIEW: BECKY CLARK, SOLDIER offers a behind-the-scenes look at filming.
distribute to those troops still loyal to Being a member of Attenborough’s Private
the Fuehrer. Army was undoubtedly a fantastic experience
In an article about Stalingrad for VERDICT: and something Abineri is clearly proud of. I
the organisation’s newspaper, Gerlach An absolute gem of a book that was disappointed there weren’t any photos of the all-star cast – or even
wrote: “…they didn’t go to their filled a gap in my knowledge of perhaps the author in uniform – if only to try and spot him on my next
deaths with a victorious smile on the Second World War viewing. But I would recommend the book to fans of the film.
their faces…and singing the national WO2 Mike Owens, RE
anthem, but instead, dressed in rags,

BOOK RELEASES CONTINUED MUSIC
Churchill
Warrior
by Brian Lavery
THIS informative PICK OF THE MONTH:

title paints an
MOON MISSION
interesting picture
of how life in the
British Army at the
end of the Victorian Ex-Oasis star embraces fresh
era in Sudan, India ideas on third solo offering
and South Africa helped mould Churchill into
the greatest British (and American) war leader HAVING spent more than two
of all time. As Lord of the Admiralty he was decades at the forefront of the UK rock
known more for failed ventures at Antwerp ‘n’ roll scene, fans of Noel Gallagher
and Gallipoli, but what people forget is his know what to expect when an album
time as a battalion commander on the Western comes around.
Front and the subsequent development of So when talk of a bold new direction
true amphibious, armoured and air warfare. and a novel approach to recording
It was these visionary ideas that the author surfaced ahead of the release of Who
persuasively argues are responsible for his and Built the Moon? there was a certain
the nation’s success a generation later against degree of trepidation in some quarters.
the Nazis. More than two years in the making,
Cpl Scott Roberts, Rifles the record saw Gallagher immersed
in the Belfast studio of renowned
producer and DJ David Holmes,
Women where anything with a passing
Warriors resemblance to previous solo offerings
by Tracey-Ann or the mighty Oasis back catalogue
Knight was swiftly banished.
The end result is an album brimming
INSIGHTFUL with experimentation, electronic
and heart- diversions, guest musicians and
rending, this is a vocalists, as well as hints of soul, rock,
well-researched, disco and dance.
authentic text on “People are going to be surprised,”
the plight of female Holmes explained. “I think people love
soldiers throughout the centuries and from Noel and they’re desperate for him music of today – and its tin whistle riff
all over the world. Not motivated by equality, to make a really big, bold, up-tempo proves to be a welcome addition.
VERDICT:
the desire to break stigmas or prove their beast of a record. Creativity
The delights continue with Keep on
worth against their male counterparts, each “A lot of his music is mid-tempo. This at its best Reaching, It’s a Beautiful World and
individual instead had one simple need: to one is fun.” She Taught me How to Fly, tracks which
serve their country. I've read this book three The change in direction is obvious boast wide-ranging influences and a
or four times now and still find their stories from the very outset, with opener similarity to New Order in their prime.
incredible and exciting because every one of Fort Knox embracing an electronic Greater familiarity is found on the
these soldiers gave up what was expected of approach that would not be out of album’s final song, Dead in the Water,
them to follow a common dream of answering place on the likes of a Chemical which slots seamlessly into Gallagher’s
the call alongside their countrymen. Brothers record. repertoire of acoustic masterpieces.
Sgt Helen Asquith, AGC (SPS) Lead single Holy Mountain proved Change isn’t always seen as a
divisive when it first aired, with some good thing but here it has delivered
even drawing unfair comparisons to spectacular results. Who Built the
Want to join our review team? Ricky Martin in his heyday. But this
is much better than anything ever
Moon? is an outstanding record
that serves to underline the artist’s
Email reviews@soldiermagazine.co.uk delivered by the long-forgotten Puerto reputation as one of the greatest
Rican pop prince. songwriters of his generation. ■
It is a track full of joy and optimism
– which are rare commodities in the REVIEW: RICHARD LONG, SOLDIER

MOVIES
MUSIC RELEASES
Songs of Experience
by U2
BILLED as a companion to 2014’s Songs of

Innocence, this latest offering from Irish rock
heavyweights U2 proves to be a limp and toothless
affair. The band’s cutting edge has been replaced in favour of a more radio-
friendly approach, which serves up a largely forgettable selection that fails
to get out of second gear. The 2017 tour marking the 30th anniversary of
acclaimed album The Joshua Tree served as a reminder of the greatness
Bono et al are capable of but this effort will only further irk those who are
still annoyed at being force-fed the group’s previous record via iTunes.
Richard Long, Soldier
PICK OF THE MONTH:
RENEGADES
No One Ever Really Dies
by NERD
HAVING ventured down the mainstream path The battle for Bosnian bullion
during the more recent offerings in his solo career,
producer, rapper, singer and all-round music mogul SOME of Hollywood’s finest minds
Pharrell Williams has returned to his early roots with the resurrection of have come together to give the all-
funk-rock collective NERD. The move proves to be a wise one as it allows American action thriller treatment to town’s folk can use it to rebuild their
the artist to successfully explore political and hard-hitting themes, rather the less well-charted subject matter of lives after the war.
than penning infuriating soundtracks to animated films. As with the band’s the Bosnian war. To succeed they must evade a
previous albums, there is a wealth of guest collaborators – including Written by Luc Besson, (Taken, ruthless enemy, overcome seemingly
Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar – and the sheer variety of musical genres The Transporter, Taxi) and Richard insurmountable odds and blag all the
and subject matter make this a reunion to welcome. Wenk (The Equaliser, Jack Reacher, kit required for an almost impossible
Becky Clark, Soldier The Expendables), Renegades sees their underwater heist.
talents focus on a conflict that has yet There are some hilarious cameos by
to see much mainstream coverage from British Special Forces characters, who
Greatest Hits: God’s Favorite Band the big screen. play a supporting role in the action.
by Green Day And by applying a formula that has Complete with bogus accents and fake
proven quite successful in the past they moustaches, they somehow seem to
THIS is the second "best-of" collection to be served have done a decent job. come off second best every time they
up by the USA’s premier punk-rock outfit. The first The big CGI chase scenes, high body encounter this particular US outfit.
came in 2001, prior to the group’s diluted second counts, classic one-liners and good old The film is packed with explosive
coming that spawned ubiquitous and tedious hits such as American Idiot Uncle Sam dishing out freedom by the fight scenes, ranging from a tank chase
and Boulevard of Broken Dreams. It is no surprise to see this era well lorry-load will have you on your feet around downtown Sarajevo to some
represented here but the real highlight comes from the inclusion of ten shouting "Murica". expert underwater knife action.
tracks from Green Day’s frenetic 90s pomp, including Basket Case and The story centres around a haul of And if you’ve ever wondered who
When I Come Around. These songs serve as reminder to a triumphant past stolen Nazi gold that is rumoured to be would win in a dogfight between a light
and come as a marked contrast to the bland stadium anthems delivered in hidden at the bottom of a Bosnian lake. reconnaissance helicopter
recent times. A team of Navy Seals are persuaded and a fighter jet, Renegades
Cliff Caswell, Soldier to help recover the treasure so that the has the answer.

MOVIES
One of the standout

characters is played by JK Simmons
(Whiplash, Spiderman, Patriots Day),
who adopts the role of the tough,
uncompromising and cantankerous
Rear Admiral J Levin.
The officer boasts an endless
supply of witty one-liners that is
only surpassed by what appears to be
a constant flow of alcohol and cigars. DVD/DIGITAL RELEASES
If you’re hoping for a historically
accurate depiction of the conflict there American Assassin
are better titles out there. Out now
But if you want an all-American
VERDICT:
action-packed adventure this film An entertaining watch
FOLLOWING the death of his girlfriend Dylan
delivers in spades. Hurrah! ■ O’Brien takes it upon himself to infiltrate the
terrorist network responsible. The first half of
REVIEW: CSJT CHRIS CORBY, RIFLES this film’s action and espionage scenes have
echoes of the Bourne franchise, but this is truly
ruined by the second half’s completely implausible plot line about
a US carrier group involved in a submarine nuclear blast. While
one-time Batman Michael Keaton makes a believable former
Navy Seal responsible for training the CIA’s operatives, the film is let
down by cheap CGI. O’Brien’s wooden acting leaves you thinking he
would be unable to infiltrate a dance floor, let alone a terrorist cell.
Cpl Scott Roberts, Rifles
IT
Out now
A GROUP of pre-teen geeks battle a child-

eating monster in small-town America while
the adults around them remain oblivious.
I’ve never really got the whole clown-phobia
thing but even so, this remake of IT had me
jumping more than I care to admit. My recollections of the original
mini-series are hazy but this version seems more violent and no less
sinister. It also devotes more time to the dysfunctional home lives of
each of “The Losers”, allowing a brilliant young cast to shine. The
classic Stephen King vibe will keep fans happy but the frequent
comedy and 1980s nostalgia give the film wider appeal.
Becky Clark, Soldier
Revolt
Out now
PART sci-fi actioner, part road movie, this title

sees Lee Pace (Guardians of the Galaxy)
and Berenice Marlohe (Skyfall) trek across
Kenya. The small problem is the alien invasion
that’s under way. With cues taken from War
of the Worlds, Skyline and Monsters, this movie punches above its
low-budget weight with solid performances, good use of the African
countryside and reasonable direction.
Maj Alex Janaway, RAMC

39-sol-jan.indd 1 29/11/2017 14:53
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68-sol-jan.indd 2 11/12/2017 14:53

Sports Editor: Richard Long
Photographers: Graeme Main and Peter Davies
SOLDIER
SPORT
NIGHT TO REMEMBER
ARMY boxers wowed the

crowds at ITC Catterick in
a series of superb bouts
with international rivals
from England and Finland.
Read more about their
success in the ring on
pages 78-79...
69-sol-jan.indd 1 18/12/2017 18:45

RUGBY UNION
70-71-sol-jan.indd 1 19/12/2017 13:42

SIGN UP: THOSE WANTING TO GET INVOLVED MUST ALREADY BE COMPETENT COACHES. FOR MORE DETAILS ON
OPPORTUNITIES AT HARLEQUINS EMAIL ADRIAN.CUBBIN357@MOD.UK AND WASPS SIMON.HOPKINS307@MOD.UK
COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN
ARMY COACHES TAKE THEIR SKILLS TO CIVVY STREET
AS RUGBY SEARCHES FOR NEWCOMERS TO THE GAME
A
S administrators of un elie a le and it is a out e always elie ed that if
England s top flight knowing how to address issues you get children to play a team
game, remiership like that. sport it pro ides them with the
ug y ha e ecome keen “For us it is a great way of grounding of how to e a decent
in estors in community learning how to coach in a human eing.
pro ects that see rug y union ci ilian setting. e are used And the core alues of rug y
flourish at grass roots le el. to coaching military men and and the Army help articulate
ecent success stories women ut this is something what it is to e a good citi en.
include the pro ision of mixed completely different. rogramme coordinator
a ility rug y sessions for those hile attitude pro lems Simon opkins Signals,
with disa ilities or mental and some choice language pictured centre , a former Army
health issues as well as an are among the hurdles to player, is another coach linked
initiati e to ring the sport to o ercome in the South there are to asps.
schoolchildren in low socio other challenges in the est As well as eing in ol ed in
economic areas. Midlands, where a strong Army the community pro ects he is
And the Army has een contingent has formed close part of the clu s de eloping
playing its part. onds with o entry ased player programme, where he
orking with orcester, clu asps. deli ers leadership training to
asps and arle uins, Ser ice he youngsters they work "IT IS potential stars of the future.
coaches ha e een keen to with often hail from a lack, hile we are trying to grow
test themsel es in a different Asian or minority ethnic ABOUT the sport of rug y, the thing for
en ironment, where the AME ackground, where us is that we are de eloping as
challenges ha e come thick rug y is an unfamiliar pursuit. HOW YOU coaches, he said.
and fast. At the schools work in t is a out how you talk to
SSgt Adrian Cubbin per cent of children are AME, TALK TO players and what you can do to
A S S , pictured near explained t ol ason ennedy make rug y more en oya le.
left is the sole military Signals, pictured far left , one PLAYERS" here ha e een challenges
representati e associated with of those ased in the region. along the way ut that only
arle uins, where he ser ed here are a num er of issues makes us etter.
as a community coach after when it comes to coaching E ery unit has a role to
returning to the from a year olds ut when you play in terms of community
posting in ermany. throw in a sport that is pretty engagement and this feeds
e are engaged with schools much alien to them it ecomes nicely into that. he regional
ased inside the M , the a difficult challenge and one command is also on oard.
senior , who won an S that am not used to. a ing Army randing
coaching award in for his ennedy, who is also director on our kit is a great thing.
efforts in creating the ielefeld of Army academy rug y, got e are em racing sport and
ulldogs youth team, told in ol ed after eing posted to coaching ut are soldiers as
SoldierSport. irmingham and sees coaching well. t shows people what
n ulham ha e to coach as a logical step after finishing opportunities are a aila le in
rug y to oys who are his playing career. the military.
predominantly footballers and e said his is the next he programme is due to
not really interested in the est thing. t is a out gi ing expand in the coming months
sport. hat is a challenge. something to young children in as asps create closer links
ut coaching girls is much and around the city. with the Muslim community,
simpler. hey want to learn and e e een teaching rug y and the soldiers will e
that makes things a lot easier in PE lessons and a number in ol ed once more. ■
whereas adolescent oys, who of schools are now playing
do not necessarily want to e fixtures on the ack of that. he
there, can e tough. kids who are really interested
he language you hear are forming the teams. t is all
from some year olds is related to fun.
70-71-sol-jan.indd 2 19/12/2017 13:42

CAST OFF: FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO
ANGLING GET INVOLVED VISIT WWW.ARMYCARPERS.COM
ANGLERS ON THE UP
FISHING is a sport in good health,
with more than 1,500 soldiers
signed up as members of the
Army Angling Federation (AAF).
Carp is one of the disciplines
CARPERS CALLED TO ARMS

THEhas
that Army
seenwas represented at
considerable
thegrowth
Homeless
in recent WorldtimesCupbut in the
shape of CSgt
all tastes Chris Bonnar
are catered for –
(Scots).
from individuals seeking the
A totaluillity
tran of 64 ofteams from 52
fly fishing tocountries
those
competed
who areatwilling
the four-a-side
to brave the tournament
in Glasgow,
elementswith at sea.the senior NCO acting
as a referee
“We have during the week-long
got guys who have
festival
perhapsof football.
done this once or twice
W
“To have
in the the AAF
past,” opportunity
secretary to Maj
referee ITH the new carp some big lakes before but this
at an
Gus event like(AGC
Brindle this was extremely
(SPS)) told fishing season was phenomenal.
SoldierSport
humbling,” . “They join the
the Serviceman said.Army looming on the "We were going in blind as I
“Ibut are notI had
thought necessarily
seen a lotinterested
in my 17 horizon the Service's anglers don't think anyone has fished
in football,
years of service rugby
but toorlisten
cricket toand
some of are being urged to cast their for carp there before, so it was a
thethey want
stories and something
meet people else.who have lines and boost numbers within really good test."
“We alsomore
been through have thanpeople whoofare
most us the ranks. The Infantry, like many corps,
canrepresenting
comprehendatwas theatvery
timeshighest
heart- Early matches are planned for are keen to recruit newcomers
level of our sport, so there is a this month and soldiers will be to the fold and with around
really good mix. vying for places on corps teams ten matches already planned
“The AAF has deals in place ahead of major competitions for the year ahead there will
with various companies who offer later in the year. be plenty of opportunities for
good discounts on tackle and we Among those looking to soldiers to get involved.
can support anyone who wants to impress will be anglers from From there, the best anglers
get involved in angling through "I'M SURE the Infantry, who have to will go on to compete at the
our regional structure.” balance work commitments Inter-Corps Championships.
For more information on the THERE and deployments with their Preston added: "We have
different disciplines within the sporting ambitions. got around 40 members but
Army Angling Federation visit ARE A Team member Gdsm Marc don't always see them due to
www.armyangling.co.uk Preston (Coldm Gds) is one of deployments. Sometimes it can
LOT OF those returning to the water just be ten at a time.
and is hoping to build on a "Our captain has just been
TROOPS uni ue opportunity to fish at posted to Estonia so he may not
CAPT Gemma Rowland (RA) Virginia Water, in the Windsor get selected. We'd like to get
has been named as the new OUT Great Park, at the end of the more people interested so we
skipper of the Army women’s 2017 campaign. can create greater depth.
rugby union team. THERE "It is a 170-acre site that is "I'm sure there are a lot of
Fellow international player Sgt normally closed to the public," personnel out there who fish
Bianca Dawson (AGC (RMP)) will be the WHO he told SoldierSport. but do not necessarily realise
side’s vice-captain. "But through the Army we got that there are teams they can
“They will make a formidable FISH" the chance to fish there. t was get involved with. We want
leadership team,” explained head coach a massi e lake ha e fished them to come forward." ■
72-sol-jan.indd 1 19/12/2017 13:16

10-sol-oct.indd 1 14/09/2017 12:00
6-sol-sep.indd 1 17/08/2017 13:15
GOALS GALORE: THE ARMY WOMEN GOT THEIR SOUTHERN COUNTIES
CUP CAMPAIGN BACK ON TRACK WITH A 4-1 WIN OVER SUSSEX
FOOTBALL
GREAT GRENADIERS
THE Grenadier Guards were the
big winners at the Household
i ision oxing competition finals
as they emerged victorious from
three of the six bouts contested on
an energy-charged night.
Gdsm Daniel Barham (pictured
above left) secured the honours in
SOLDIERS TESTED ON GULF TOUR

the super heavyweight ranks, with
Gdsm Rob Greaves claiming the
cruiserweight title and LCpl Josh
Bell the heavyweight crown.
Elsewhere, there were triumphs
for LSgt Luke Campbell (WG,
pictured below right) at light
A
heavyweight, CSgt Wayne Sampat TWO-WEEK tour of the "A lot of the girls had never
(IG) at light middleweight and Gulf States has given been to the Middle East before so
Gdsm Quin Eccles (Coldm Gds) at the Army women the to go there and play football was
light welterweight. perfect springboard from which a great opportunity.
Campbell's win also helped the to launch their bid to regain "Actually, that is what we join
Welsh Guards – who performed football's Inter-Services trophy. the Army for."
strongly in the tournament's The defence engagement trip As well as performing on the
earlier rounds – to the team title. featured visits to Kuwait, Qatar, pitch the players were involved
The event was resurrected after Bahrain and the United Arab in organising coaching sessions
an absence of more than 50 years Emirates (UAE) and, with the at English-speaking schools and
in 2016 and organiser Maj Milton "THAT soldiers boasting a 100 per cent local clubs, where their efforts
Butler (IG) was pleased to see the record from four matches played, were met with enthusiasm.
boxers building on the success of IS WHAT the squad appears to be in good "It was really well received
last season. health ahead of the challenges and we were surprised by how
he officer added his WE JOIN to come. much they already do in terms of
competition proved that we have Goals from WO1 Krissy Wright football," Askins added.
put together a very credible and THE and Cpl Libby Dixon (both AGC) "Women's sport is growing out
formidable Household Division steered the Reds to a 2-1 win there and this was a massive
team that can go out and take on ARMY over the Bahrain national team, opportunity for us in terms of
the wider Army.” while a hat-trick from LCpl defence engagement; it was a
FOR" Jemma Dinning (REME) was the chance to really push football in
highlight of a 4-0 victory against those countries."
the UAE. On their return to the UK the
"Being away for two weeks was players took part in the annual
really good for team cohesion," trials week, which featured
defender Capt Emma Askins matches with Portsmouth and
(REME) told SoldierSport. Millwall Lionesses.
"It proved to be a great bonding Their competitive campaign
experience for the players. then started with a 3-2 loss
"In many ways it was like to Middlesex in the Southern
pre-season training – we were Counties Cup – despite a brace
straight in at the deep end. from Dixon. ■
75-sol-jan.indd 1 18/12/2017 19:50

BOXING
SPORT SHORTS
NATTY STARS IN SHEFFIELD
B
OXING star LCpl Natty Ngwenya
(Gren Gds) continued his rapid
rise in the heavyweight ranks
with a deserved victory at the GB
hampionships in Sheffield.
he win capped a terrific year for the
soldier, who also triumphed in the same
Winchester awaits competition in May and was runner-
up at the English Amateur Boxing
THE Service’s top squash players Association Championships.
return to the court this month for the His latest success was secured on a
annual Army Championships. split decision against Team GB member
Staged in Winchester, the three-day Lewis Williams and has earned the
tournament comes hot on the heels of fighter a three day talent assessment
a successful showing at the UK Armed with the celebrated set-up.
Forces Individual Championships, “To be a two-time GB champion in the
where the soldiers won three of the four same year is phenomenal,” Ngwenya,
trophies on offer. who was nominated for sportsman of
he men s open final pro ed to e the year at the last Army Sports Awards,
an all-Army affair with defending said afterwards.
champion Capt Sam Miller (RA) “I’m thankful and grateful for the
defeating WO2 Lenny Westover all the support I’ve received from my
(REME) 3-0. It was the same story in friends, family and within the Army
the women s final, where apt osie boxing team.”
Hamilton (RE) triumphed over Capt he Ser ice had three other fighters
Michelle Higgins (AMS). Maj Rich Green on the bill and all performed strongly
(AAC) won the masters competition. despite missing out on top honours.
England’s Louis Lynn defeated
LCpl Kyle Morrision (RLC) in the 56kg
division, while LCpl Megan Reid (RLC)
suffered a contentious loss to Team GB’s
Claudia Havranek on a split decision.
Cpl Steph Wroe (REME) was beaten by
Picture: Andy Johnson
Lauren Price. ■
"OUR
LADS
Loggies lead the way
PLAYED
ATHLETES from the Royal Logistic
Corps excelled in the wintry conditions WITH
of Penn Woods to retain their Inter-
Corps orienteering crown. THEIR
The loggies posted a collective
time of 9hr 20min 21sec to win the HEARTS
men s long class finishing almost
minutes clear of the Royal Engineers in ON THEIR
second place.
It was a similar story in the women’s SLEEVES" ARMY wing LCpl Semesa Rokoduguni (Scots DG) will be looking to
competition, where the Royal Signals start the new year in style in a bid to force his way into the England
successfully defended their title from squad for next month’s Six Nations.
the 2016 season. he ath ier was reca ed to the s uad or the recent autu n
However, there were new champions internationals and came off the bench to score tries in victories over
in both the men’s short class and Argentina and Samoa.
under-25 events, which were won by The soldier made his England debut against New Zealand in 2014
the Royal Artillery and Army Medical (pictured) and has now scored four tries in four appearances.
Services respectively.
76-77-sol-jan.indd 1 19/12/2017 13:14

RUGBY
NETBALL
UNION
MONTH RUGBY ININ

NETBALL
NUMBERS
IN SPORT
SUCCESSIVE
DETAIL
TITLE WINS
123
FOR THE
ROYAL
NAVY AT
a uary’s key fixtures...
U23 LEVEL
3
WHAT: Army
winter sports
DETAIL
123
WHEN:
January 13-25
WHERE: France
Picture: Alligin Photography

NEED TO
KNOW: The
POINTS
winter sports
season hits SCORED BY
top gear this month with Exercises
DETAIL
THE ARMY IN
123
Pipedown, Telemark Titan and Spartan THE SECOND
Hike all taking place ahead of the main HALF
Army Championships
AS THEY
DRAW DENIES YOUNG GUNS

FOUGHT
BACK FOR A
DRAW
DETAIL
19
123
P
OINTS difference proved
to be the deciding factor
as the Army’s next
generation of rugby stars saw
Gnr Jake Richards (RA)
collected a kick over the
top and the wing passed
the ball inside for Sig John
their title hopes dashed in the Davetanivalu (R Signals) to
WHAT: Woolwich Cup football DETAIL
TRIES final match of this season s run in under the posts.
SCORED BY Inter-Services showdown. Another Navy penalty
123
semi finals
WHEN: January 15 THE REDS IN A 19-13 victory over the stretched the lead to 13-7 but
WHERE: Venues TBC, for more details TWO INTER- Royal Air Force gave the with Fus Aaron James (Inf)
visit www.armyfa.com Reds the perfect start to touching down in the corner
SERVICES
NEED TO KNOW: The corps cup their campaign but with the soon afterwards the soldiers
competition heads towards its climax as GAMES Royal Navy thrashing the remained in contention.
6
the Infantry take on the AGC in one semi- same opposition 43-7 they A fourth kick from the tee
final, while the oyal Engineers attle the DETAIL needed to down the defending looked to have sealed the
champions in Portsmouth a contest for the hosts until a
123
Royal Signals in the other
week later to claim the prize. moment of magic from LCpl
However, a keenly fought Lloyd Wheeldon (Para) turned
WHAT: contest ended in a 19-19 draw the match on its head.
Cambridge Uni v – meaning the soldiers’ wait The scrum half gathered
Army rugby union WINS for silverware continues. quick ball at the back of the
WHEN: January The visitors were up against scrum and kicked downfield,
FROM SIX
DETAIL
17 (1915 kick off) it from the first whistle as the where he sprinted past the
WHERE: Grange MATCHES Senior Service went about final defender to touch down.
Road, Cambridge
NEED TO
KNOW: The
123
FOR THE
SOLDIERS IN
2017
their business in style.
Two penalties and a
con erted first half try set
James then kicked the extras
to tie the game at 19-19.
"We're devastated," Army
long road towards them on the way to what skipper Spr Marcus Mercer
4
Twickenham appeared to be a comfortable (RE) said. "Our lads played
starts here for the Army senior side win efore the Army finally really well with their hearts
as they get their 2018 campaign under sprang to life with their first on their sleeves and I'm proud
way in what has traditionally been a attacking move of the match. to lead them out." ■
challenging match against the students
76-77-sol-jan.indd 2 19/12/2017 13:14

BOXING
CHEZ CROWNED KING OF THE CATTERICK RING

S
UPER heavyweight star proved too much for imposing Nathalie Coles (RLC, pictured
LCpl Chez Nihell (PWRR) England international Stewart. ITC CATTERICK below left) lost to Riikka Niemi.
mounted a stunning “There was a lot of pressure on The visiting athlete made a
defence of his English title me with this being my third title BOXING blistering start and maintained
belt to cap a superb night for defence,” Nihell (pictured above) ARMY her form throughout the bout to
the Army boxing team as they said afterwards. “The support seal a unanimous verdict against
2
locked horns with international was phenomenal; it was a special an opponent with ust fi e fights
opposition at ITC Catterick. night with a great crowd. to her name.
he fi e time om ined “I came through my training But the Reds were able to
Services champion outclassed here six and a half years ago so call upon the experienced LCpl
rival Hosea Stewart to score a to return to Catterick to defend
FINLAND Shamim Khan (RLC) in the next
2
unanimous verdict and delight my title and then vacate the belt contest and the bantamweight
a passionate home crowd at is a massive honour. ace oo ed class and confidence
the end of a series of bruising “I was the smaller man out in his win over Wael al Khaghani.
encounters with fighters from there but that is the case with The soldier’s rapid footwork
England and Finland. most super heavyweights I face. and sharp reactions made him
Victory represented a third I have quick feet and hands and a difficult target to hit and with
straight triumph in the format can take a punch, which seems a sound defensive platform in
and Nihell immediately vacated to work for me.” place he was able to pick off al
the title to allow other boxers to The evening also saw Army Khaghani at will.
vie for the crown in the future. fighters em ark on a re enge “He came here to box,” Khan
The result underlined the mission against the Finnish told SoldierSport. “He’s a strong
soldier’s status as the one of the national team ha ing lost to boy and the Finnish number one
country’s premier contenders the same opposition earlier in and when he landed his punches
in the super heavyweight ranks the season. they were hard shots.
and his combination of quick Their latest attempt began “I kept it long on purpose and
footwork and accurate punches in disappointing style as like to hit and move; it’s about
– particularly with the left – development squad boxer LCpl boxing without being hit. I really
78-79-sol-jan.indd 1 19/12/2017 13:13

CATTERICK
enjoyed it in there and it was a
great win.”
pl en ees a ies
Welsh, pictured below) then built
on the momentum as he edged
past Niazz Ahmadi in a tight
IN NUMBERS
contest at light welterweight.
There was little to choose
between the two, particularly in
a cagey opening round, but the BOUTS
Army man upped the tempo in ON THE
the second and third to take the EVENING
win on a split decision.
9
“I was up against it; he’s a
Finland champion who has done
well over the past few years so I
knew I had to perform and do as
I was told by the coaches to get
the o done, a relie ed ees
Davies said afterwards.
While the split decision edged ENGLISH
in the Army’s favour there was TITLE BELT
no such luck in the following VICTORIES
bout as Gdsm Josh Plummer
FOR LCPL
(Coldm Gds) succumbed to
Muhammad Abdilrasoon. CHEZ NIHELL
The soldier was up against (PWRR)
BROWRING BOWS OUT

a two time innish national
3
champion and his rival
underlined his pedigree with a
controlled performance that saw
the head to head record etween
the two teams end .
Elsewhere on the ill, nr or
T
Ellis Willets (RA) lost an English HE drawn match with “Instead of relying on
BOUTS WON
title belt eliminator to Natalia Finland proved to be one walko ers we e had to fight
Rok and Mne Jack Stringer (RM) BY ARMY of SSgt Jason Browring’s hard to win the Combined
was named fighter of the night FIGHTERS A final shows as head Services over the past
following an impressive victory IN MATCHES coach of the Army's all four years. We have been
over Santeri Laine. AGAINST conquering boxing team. challenged in that time but
Finland claimed two further Having initially served as there has been a lot of success.
FINLAND
wins as io ron e medallist part of the support staff the “At the beginning my
Mira Potkonen outgunned THIS YEAR senior NCO landed the top aim was to create a more
England’s Paige Murney and o at the start of the structured approach where
4
Elina Gustafsson triumphed over season but has stepped down people knew what they were
Hannah Shield. ■ from the role as he prepares to doing and when.
leave the Armed Forces later “It was about making
this year. things more Army orientated
During his time at the so those in the outside
helm Browring has guided world would look at us as a
NATIONAL the fighters to four om ined professional set up.
Services titles while helping “We are now boxing at a
TITLES a num er of athletes fulfill really high level. Winning
WON BY their ambitions at the upper international vests and
FINLAND'S echelons of the amateur game. national titles proves that and
OLYMPIC In the past year alone the people are impressed by us.
BRONZE team has won two Great “I always wanted to get to
Britain elite titles, two a point where I could hand it
MEDALLIST England elite titles and two over to the next guy and he
MIRA Welsh elite titles. can carry on the good work.
POTKONEN “We have managed to turn Hopefully that will happen.”
no ice oxers into full Former Army boxer Cpl
8
internationals during that James Allen (REME) is due
time,” Browring, the reigning to take over, with further
Army sports official of the appointments to be made in
year, told SoldierSport. the coming months. ■
78-79-sol-jan.indd 2 19/12/2017 13:13

3-sol-jan.indd 1 28/11/2017 15:29
POOL TALK: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE NEWS FROM SERVICE
SWIMMING BY LOGGING ON TO WWW.BRITISHARMYSWIMMING.COM
SWIMMING
GAME BRIEF
DATE: December 6-7, 2017
COMPETITION: Inter-Corps
Swimming and Water Polo
hampionship finals
VENUE: Aldershot Garrison
Sports Centre
THE Royal Electrical and
CORPS QUALITY COMES TO THE FORE

Mechanical Engineers claimed a
third successi e nter orps
men's water polo title.
In a repeat of last year's
final, the defending champions
squared-off against the Royal
Logistic Corps and edged an
action-packed match to run out
11-8 winners.
R
The women's showpiece ECORDS tumbled in the Kirstie Forbes winning both the
saw the Army Medical Ser ices
triumph o er the .
INTER-CORPS pool as the Army's top 100-metre freestyle and 50-metre
And the medics completed SWIMMING swimming talent returned
to action at the annual Inter-
eterans' freestyle.
It was a similar story in
a hat-trick of titles on the day
as they reigned supreme in CHAMPIONSHIPS Corps Championships. the men's competition as the
swimming's relay competition, A total of fi e competition Infantry retained their corps
with the Infantry winning the MEN best times were set during an crown in style.
men's e ent.
INF
inspired afternoon of action, LCpl Luke Conder led the
with LCpl Cat Green (Int Corps) charge with ictories in the
CORPS COMMENTS: the standout performer.
The athlete started a hectic
50-metre and 400-metre
freestyle – his second win
WOMEN day by winning the women's coming in a record time of 4min
"YOU DO metre utterfly in a record 31.41sec. Teammate Capt Marcus
NOT HAVE AMS time of 30.22sec before eclipsing

her achie ement in last season's
200-metre freestyle.
Roberts took the 50-metre and
100-metre backstroke crowns.
Other highlights came from
TO BE A a ing finished in min 2nd Lt James Gibson (RE),
. sec she sha ed almost six who won the 800-metre and
TOP-END seconds off the record posted 200-metre freestyle, while
in 2016 and she completed a OCdt Jacob Randle-Bissell set
SWIMMER TO remarkable hat-trick in the a new record of 32.29sec in the
metre utterfly, where an 50-metre breaststroke.
TAKE PART – effort of 1min 10.9sec secured a he standard was ery high
third milestone. this year," organiser WO2 Emma
IT IS ABOUT owe er, reen's personal Argue (REME) told SoldierSport.
haul was not enough to secure o set fi e new records at one
DEVELOPING the collecti e honours as the meeting is some achie ement.
Army Medical Ser ices retained ow we ha e a slightly
TALENT FOR their title from last year. calmer climate we are seeing
The swimmers won eight of more and more people coming
THE FUTURE" the indi idual finals, with back to the sport.
Pte Jodie Older celebrating er the past few seasons we
WO2 Emma Argue (REME) a breaststroke double in the
50 and 100 metres and Maj
ha e had igger teams entering,
which is fantastic for us." ■
81-sol-jan.indd 1 19/12/2017 13:12

Final Word
I try to do as much
running as I can
each week, and
usually that’s three
runs of around ten
kilometres each. If
you stop exercising
This year I will work out in the gym it makes coming
and run every week because I’m back to work all the
attending a 12-week course at
Brecon so I need to be on top form
more difficult.
for that. Capt Josh Cartwright
LCpl Ben Hubble
Shake it off
I swi or
an hour on
a re ular
basis at Soldier asked troops from 1st
my local Battalion, The Mercian Regiment
how they kick-start their workout
pool,
On leave I usually
do around seven after the holiday season
which hours a week,
mixing swimming,
keeps my running and cycling.

Thankfully, I’m in
You relax a bit over
fitness good shape at the Christmas but
le els up
moment as I’ve just
done a half Ironman. you have to keep
LCpl Conor Wilson
Sgt Dean Geoghegan on top of your
fitness I o to the
ost da s
Pictures: Graeme Main
an wa and
I eep that
ti in o er
on leave
Interviews: Steven Muncey and Becky Clark
I do some extra stuff in too ter

When we’re on block leave and
there’s a week or so left I go to
my own time on top of
the normal company PT a while
the gym or start running again
to prepare myself. It’s much
– starting off slow and
steady, and building it up
it becomes
harder if you leave it all to
when you get back. from there. se ond nature
LCpl Leon Cozens Cpl Daniel Browning LCpl Daniel Tranter
82-sol-jan.indd 1 19/12/2017 15:56

83-sol-jan.indd 1 30/11/2017 14:08
84-sol-jan.indd 1 28/11/2017 15:20
MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH ARMY
JONES, MUIRHEAD, MURDOCH, YARNOLD
COLD
CALLING
British troops lay generation
snowflake to rest in Estonia
FEBRUARY 2018 £3.50
1-sol-feb final.indd 1 26/01/2018 11:07

2-sol-feb.indd 1 22/01/2018 15:46
80-sol-jan.indd 1 28/11/2017 15:53
CONTENTS
FEATURES
26 A life less troubled
The changing face of Northern Ireland
30 Cold spell
Troops weather winter in Estonia
34 Combat kings
Guards adopt close-quarter drills
38 Warrior evolution
Vehicle upgrade readied for trials
42 A grape move
NCO plots career in wine trade
45 ‘It’s not just about numbers’

Senior Reservist talks recruitment
REGULARS
7 The Informer
20 Need to Know
47 Talkback
53 Bullet Points
60 Reviews
Kit, books, movies, music and games to
fill your downtime
82 Final Word
Troops reveal what winds them up
SOLDIERSPORT
70 Archery
Service set-up searches for new blood
It’s been nippy

72 Squash
National partnership bears fruit
but I’ve been

74 Winter Olympics
GB call for bobsleigh and biathlon stars
loving life
76 Commonwealth Games
Athletes geared for the Gold Coast
78 Rugby union
Reds put students to the sword
81 Motorsport
Wounded veterans take to the track
Cold spell – page 30
4 FEBRUARY 2018 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
4-5-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 20:28

26 34 Keeping
pace
OPERATION Cabrit
takes centre stage
in this month’s
magazine. Turn to
page 30 to find out
how British troops
are making the most of all Estonia
has to offer in their never-ending
mission to upskill.
Not content with the freezing
Baltic region, our team also travelled
to Northern Ireland to learn more
about the stark changes to UK troops’
way of life there since the conclusion
of the longest continuous deployment
in Service history (page 26).
If there is one thing this edition
makes clear, it is the evolving nature
of conflict.
38
Gen Sir Nicholas Carter’s words
on future warfare certainly bear this
out too. It will be interesting to see
how changes to military equipment
– such as those outlined on pages 11
and 38 – keep pace with the times.
In the meantime, if you have any
questions or comments on the day
job then contact us using the details
on page 7.
We are part of Army Media and
Communication so you do not need
permission to get in touch.
Enjoy the issue.
We are going to give Where to find Soldier

it our best shot Printed copies
the start of each month.
Soldiers target podium push – page 74
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
the scenes at Soldier, we publish a link to
soldiermagazine and on Twitter
(@soldiermagazine).
Online
editions are available on the Army website
Purchase
from your high street magazine retailer or
directly from us at subs@soldiermagazine.
www.soldiermagazine.co.uk FEBRUARY 2018 5
4-5-sol-feb.indd 2 25/01/2018 20:28

6-sol-feb.indd 1 18/01/2018 14:45
Cold-weather Editor Sarah Goldthorpe

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After 61 days on ice – pulling
80kg sledges up to 43km a day – the
six Servicewomen (shown above
and right) crossed the finish line at
Hercules Inlet on January 20. A lifelong
dream was
Expedition leader Maj Nics Wetherill
(RAMC) said she was “incredibly your own is there’s no one to double-
proud” of the achievement. check your decisions but I had a set
She added: “The journey has had
good times, bad times and great times
for all concerned and each experience
plan and I didn’t deviate from it.”
The officer encountered a major
setback when he ran out of food two
realised SOLDIER – Magazine of the British Army
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has made us better people.” kilometres from the end. Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2DU.
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reached its conclusion. filled with images and GoPro footage SOLDIER is published by the Ministry of Defence
Reflecting on the team’s stop at from the trip – had been lost in transit and printed by Wyndeham (Roche) Ltd.
the South Pole back in December, she on his return to the UK. Print contract managed by CDS.
added: “As we stepped forward and Anyone with information about © CROWN COPYRIGHT 2018
touched the famous silver globe, a the whereabouts of the pictures can Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily
lifelong dream was realised.” contact the Soldier editorial team via those of the British Army or the Ministry of Defence.
Lt Scott Sears (RGR, shown far news@soldiermagazine.co.uk
right) reached the same point on
IN NUMBERS:
Christmas Day in a privately-organised
Facebook: facebook.com/soldiermagazine
expedition to raise funds for the Twitter: @soldiermagazine
Gurkha Welfare Trust. Instagram: @soldier_magazine
the sort of
He told Soldier he was “very proud” temperature, in
to have completed the expedition. degrees Celsius,
“Doing the trip was the reward for faced by the
two years of planning,” he continued. trekkers
“The main danger when you’re on
7-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 18:46

1. NORTHERN IRELAND
STAYING SECURE
TROOPS heading to Northern
Ireland have been reminded that This is a
they must register their intention
to travel to the region with the
Centralised Risk Assessment Cell.
huge step
Further details can be found
on the Northern Ireland Garrison
Awareness Site on DII, where
forward
travellers’ details must be recorded
on a form.
While the process is not
mandatory for civilian MoD staff,
they too are advised to complete
the paperwork.
The site also gives some
basic dos and don’ts for soldiers
COLD-WEATHER
travelling to the region. CONQUERORS
– page 7
2.FALKLAND
ISLANDS
3. SUDAN
DIRECT TO DARFUR
2. FALKLAND ISLANDS BRITISH Army lawyers will deliver
legal training to soldiers in the
IRISH GUARDS Darfur region of Sudan for the first
ON TARGET
time this month.
The law of armed conflict
MEMBERS of 1st package is already run regularly
Battalion, Irish
Guards have
in the country’s capital, Khartoum,
but the lessons have never been 4. GERMANY
been preparing
to return home
taken to the heart of this troubled
area before. NATO OUTING
following a “This is a huge step forward SOLDIERS from 1st Battalion, The
four-month for the Sudanese, a major boost Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment
deployment as the Roulement Infantry Company. for UK defence engagement and have been honing their skills in
The soldiers – from Number 1 Company – embarked on a busy a really interesting opportunity southern Germany alongside
programme during their tenure. for the Army lawyers,” said Lt Col thousands of other Nato troops.
Battalion spokesman WO2 Kyle Reains said: “They have been Lee Saunders (REME), Britain’s Exercise Allied Spirit was
developing their core infantry skills. Their schedule has included defence attache in the country. coming to an end as this issue
live firing and getting out patrolling – but they have also had a Sudan has long been beset by went to press.
chance to do some tourism activities too.” conflict, with civil war between Designed to improve the
Elsewhere, Number 2 Company have been on Exercise Panther the north and south costing more way troops work together on
Gold in Thailand, where they embarked on a jungle exercise with than a million lives and conflict the battlefield, it saw the Brits
the Royal Thai Army. in western Darfur displacing and (pictured above in 2017) take on
killing and even greater number. the role of lead armoured infantry.
8-9-sol-feb.indd 2 25/01/2018 19:58

INTELLIGENCE
FOR THE ATLAS?
1. NORTHERN Brief the team now:
IRELAND 5. ESTONIA
4. GERMANY Email: news@soldiermagazine.co.uk
6. KOSOVO
7. IRAQ
3. SUDAN
7. IRAQ
‘A HISTORIC MOMENT’
HELPING to achieve a milestone
in Iraq’s history should be a
source of pride for members
of the 2 Rifles battlegroup,
their CO has said.
Speaking after the
battalion’s return home to
Northern Ireland from Op
5. ESTONIA Shader, Lt Col Neil Bellamy
described the clearance of
SAAREMAA SLOGGERS TO ENTER RECORD BOOKS Daesh fighters around Mosul as a
pivotal moment.
PERSONNEL on Operation Cabrit in Estonia (page 30) are gearing It was also a reflection of the
up for a record-breaking crossing of Europe’s longest ice bridge hard work troops put into training
later this month. the Iraqi Security Forces during the
Exercise Alphas Iceman will see A Company, 1st Battalion, The US-led mission, he added.
Royal Welsh and Estonian reservists attempt to traverse 26km “Having a pitch-side seat at
of frozen sea between the mainland and the island of Saaremaa
(shown below) on foot, ski and snow shoe. 6. KOSOVO the moment Daesh was declared
defeated was extraordinary and
If successful, they will be the first group to have completed the
route using human power alone. ONE YEAR MORE represented the high point of a
great tour,” Lt Col Bellamy said.
Elsewhere some 300 personnel from the 1 Royal Welsh THE deployment of around 30 “Many of the soldiers were
battlegroup (shown inset) and the Estonian Scouts Battalion will British Army personnel – including experiencing operations for the
take part in an 11-day winter training package at Soodla in the Reservists – to Nato’s Kosovo first time and had the opportunity
north east of the Baltic nation. Force has been extended by to work with other countries in a
another year. true multinational environment.”
The mission began as a The 2 Rifles personnel were
peacekeeping operation back in deployed to Al Asad airbase,
the late 1990s. Anbar Province, where they were
It has now evolved into a body also responsible for protecting a
of around 4,000 troops to provide coalition force of around 4,000.
stability in the region and training They have now been succeeded
for the Kosovo Security Force. by colleagues from The Royal
Picture: EstonianIslands.com
The British troops are working Regiment of Scotland.

with Nato allies including
Germany, Italy, Turkey and Poland.
The above image shows
– page 34
riflemen deployed to the region
back in 2008.
8-9-sol-feb.indd 3 25/01/2018 19:58

3-sol-dec.indd 1 16/11/2017 15:20
War games just got better

UP CLOSE: TES
New sensory
feedback
T
HE first sets of improved laser-based tactical vest that interfered with webbing and other load device sits on
engagement simulation (TES) systems have carrying equipment,” Maj Marcus Myles (PWRR), the wrist
been made available to the Field Army. project manager for collective training simulation
Designed to be more compatible with Virtus at Field Army Training Branch, told Soldier .
body armour and helmets, the new equipment “The new vest is much slimmer and lighter than
(shown below) retains the audio and visual it was and has done away with shoulder detectors
feedback of the previous version but now includes around the bicep. Head gear detects
a sensory response device as well. “This allows a greater freedom of movement, hits from 360
Worn on the wrist, it silently vibrates to alert the makes it easier to fit around webbing and body degrees and even
wearer of hits, near misses or injury and provide armour and reduces total weight.” from above
timings for simulated medical treatment. Another benefit of the updated system is that
“We used the new wrist sensor on our CT1 it offers an improved level of interoperability with
and CT2 training exercises and it proved to be partner nations – including the US Army in Europe.
really beneficial during casualty serials when first It is also set to be used by British troops training
responders gave first aid to those ‘wounded’ by with Polish and Estonian personnel as part of the The kit also
the TES kit,” said Sgt Paul Cook (Scots). enhanced forward presence (page 30). fits better
Thanks to the new head detector band, it Units that want to use the latest version of TES around
can now also identify simulated shots from 360 can find information about the bidding process on webbing
degrees as well as those fired from above. the Army Knowledge Exchange, accessible through
“Previous users will remember the cumbersome both Defence Gateway and DII.
GOT AN ATTITUDE?
n RESERVISTS are being asked to express
views on Service life as part of the latest
Army Reserve continuous attitude survey.
The document was sent to around
11,000 soldiers last month and the results
will be used to shape future policy.
Those selected to take part should return
the survey by March 19 and an online
version is available at www.surveys.mod.uk
‘MIX IT UP TO MEET THREAT’

n A COMBINATION of traditional military
skills and cutting-edge technologies will be
key to the Army’s future success, the chief
of the general staff has said.
Addressing delegates at the Royal
United Services Institute in London, Gen
Sir Nicholas Carter warned that warfare
is changing – with social media and fake
news now used as weapons.
He highlighted that Russia has upgraded
its military arsenal and had the ability to
disrupt communications – including GPS.
The UK needs to act, he said, if it is to
deal with these threats, with beefed-up
It’s much
equipment, better interoperability and an
effective cyberspace force all required.
He said the possibility of retaining
slimmer and infrastructure in Germany was being

considered, particularly Rheindahlen’s
vehicle storage areas as well as training
lighter and ammunition stores in Sennelager, for

the creation of a forward manning base.
The prospect of large-scale mobilisation
is being addressed through a military
project called Henry Wilson and 77 Brigade
is providing the ability to compete in the
“war of narratives” at a tactical level.
11-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 18:44

NEED BROWNIE POINTS? Mr Williamson speaks to members of 2nd
Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
on his first visit to Iraq last month
n ROMANTICS can give their loved one
a stylish gift this Valentine’s Day while
helping The Royal British Legion.
The charity’s Poppy Heart jewellery
FACTFILE
collection includes drop earrings, a
pendant necklace and charm bracelet
featuring the iconic red flowers set in a
silver heart design.
The items are available to buy at www.
FORCES
poppyshop.org with all proceeds from sales
going directly to the Service charity.
MAIL
Picture: Cpl Sally Raimondo, RAF

We might be
living in a digital
world, but the
British Forces Post
Office remains as
busy as ever:
'No decision' on defence cuts

More than
H
kilos of mail EADLINES revealing parts of the “No decisions have been taken and
were dispatched British Army that could be cut any talk of an outcome is speculation.”
last year. back as part of another security An update to 2015's Strategic
SPECIALISED SELECTION Social media
review are “pure speculation”, the
Ministry of Defence has said.
Defence and Security Review is due to
be published later this year.
n TROOPS are invited to apply to join one means that
Last month various newspapers It will look at all aspects of the UK's
of the new specialised infantry battalions. users are
sending claimed that efforts to try and balance security capability.
The eligibility criteria is aimed mainly the UK defence budget included Speaking about the project in
at personnel in Infantry units, so soldiers fewer
should consult their career management letters... plans to reduce the Armed Forces by Parliament last November, Defence
officer before inquiring. another 14,000 troops and combine Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
An initial sift will be followed by an units of The Parachute Regiment and "When you see our Armed Forces
intense two-week assessment cadre. the Royal Marines. and everything they do, and the
The first one starts on March 5, with But a statement from the commitment with which they give
two others planned for October 2018 and department said: “A whole range of themselves to it, you cannot be
May 2019. options have been discussed as part anything other than awed by it.
Read 2018DIN07-16 for details. ...but the growth of the cross-government review on "I will do everything I can to deliver
of online shopping
means more parcels
how to best to protect our country. for them."
STOLL SCORES NEW DIGS than ever
before
Home James 1.5 million

n THOUSANDS of ex-Servicemen and are being
women are to benefit from additional handled IN NUMBERS:
support services as part of a landmark
proposal announced by Stoll. A fully assembled bike
The charity, which serves as the leading
provider of supported housing EXAMPLES of how next-generation
for veterans in the UK,
kit can be paired with a logistic Bits of kit on the system
is financing the move
by selling part of its support package have been shown at
a summit in Warminster.
Transactions per month
existing Fulham
site to Chelsea The event, at the Army’s Land
Football Club. was the strangest Warfare Centre, provided an insight
If the deal prohibited item into how Lockheed Martin’s Joint
goes ahead it will someone tried to send Asset Management and Engineering
help fund a variety via BFPO during 2017. Solutions (James) can help to keep
of services including equipment in shape.
bespoke transition advice
James allows users from across all
for those leaving the Armed Forces and
outreach programmes in the community. Services to check information such as
It will also see state-of-the-art social status and availability of kit anywhere
housing and communal facilities built for in the world – including vehicle
Users of James
residents at the Fulham Road base (see mileage and ammunition fired.
artist's impression above).
12-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 18:09

33-sol-feb.indd 1 18/01/2018 14:56
FEARLESNSG SPECIAL SOMETHING
THE work of elite
soldiers is being
recognised in the
National Army
Museum’s first major
FUNDRAISI
exhibition since it was
refurbished last year.
Special Forces – Out
of the Shadows looks
at the skills required
of troops in these
units as well as some
historic operations.
A number of exhibits
and interactive
activities also feature.
Visit www.nam.ac.uk
for more details.
Money raised:
What would they have done?
On the pull £1,000
For: Mountain rescue A
RMY education officers found
themselves facing the same
dilemmas as historic military
University, said it allowed personnel
to consider their actions in unfamiliar
encounters.
A BIG-hearted NCO has charities figures when they embarked on a new He told Soldier: “It encourages
been on the pull for good kind of workshop. them to be decisive and to test each
causes in a wacky take on the Three Historian Alexander Falbo other’s ideas.
Peaks Challenge. Cpl Ben Turner took the troops from the “One of the measures of
(Int Corps) climbed the combined
11,182ft height of the tallest It changed Adjutant General's
Corps (Educational
success is when they are
still arguing with each
the way I
mountains in Britain – Snowdon, and Training Services) other afterwards outside
Scarfell Pike and Ben Nevis – on a through the so-called the lecture theatre."
20ft rope. He completed the mission
read history
case method project The expert added that
at an indoor ice climbing centre, in on a recent visit to the scenarios had to be
Scotland, in 11hr 43min. Strensell Barracks in York. completely accurate, with
The technique, which sound research carried out.
has already proven successful The project can be changed
with American soldiers, takes a to suit different settings, from an
historical situation and puts students informal conversation to large-scale
in the lead characters’ roles at critical events, and at the end participants are

decision points. told what action the real figure took.
The idea is that it teaches critical “As much as anything else, this has
thinking skills as part of their changed the way I read history," Falbo
continuous professional development. continued. "I cannot pick up a book
Falbo, a resident expert at the now without asking questions about
United States Marines Corps how decisions were made.”
Night owls needed

Flying high
COMBAT Stress is looking for than the outgoing aircraft – a
people to join its team for this 40-year-old Britten-Norman
year’s Nightrider moonlit cycle ride Islander, which could transport
in London. The event will be held a maximum of nine people to a
on June 9 and features routes of n ADVENTUROUS training in maximum ceiling of 11,000ft.
50 and 100 kilometres. For further Cyprus has been given a lift by The Cessna can hold up to 15
information on taking part visit the arrival of a new aircraft. and climbs to 13,000ft.
www.combatstress.org.uk/nightrider A Cessna 208 has been The $1.3 million airframe
purchased by the Cyprus was funded by various charities
Tell us about your daring Combined Services Parachute
Club. It will provide more flights
and trusts, and will be used
by the club at weekends and
charity feats news@soldiermagazine.co.uk per day and allow personnel
to jump from greater altitudes
Adventurous Training Group
(Army) on weekdays.
14-15-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 19:01

ticket
s to
Home the Natio
b n
Renov uilding and al
ating
Show
IN NUMBERS
Picture: Freepik
Army teens turn backs on uni 371,600

RECKON you know your stuff
when it comes to the world
of physical fitness? Then last
month's spine line clues would
have been a walkover.
former officers (Kai) Greene, (Phil) Heath,
(James "Flex") Lewis and
Q
in the UK who
UESTIONS are being raised over opt out. (Ryan) Terry are all the names of
could benefit
why young people brought up She told Soldier: “They may not see from support
high-profile bodybuilders.
in military households are less it as value for money or might just This month we have
from the Officers’ teamed up with the National
likely to go to university than their want to go out to work. Association
civilian counterparts. “But one figure from our survey Homebuilding and Renovating
Show (www.homebuildingshow.
Research by the University of shows 78 per cent of parents would co.uk/national) to offer five
Winchester has found that 40 per cent like their children to go to university, so
fewer Forces students whose grades we need to find out what's going on.” of these, some readers a pair of tickets to the
116,000
event at the NEC Birmingham
make them eligible take this route. Ed Harris, senior education officer on March 22-25.
This is despite figures suggesting at the Upavon-based Directorate of With around 500
most parents want their children to go Children and Young People, agreed the exhibitors, free seminars and
on studying. reasons were unclear. masterclasses, this roadshow
The Office for Fair Access now He added that universities currently is a must for anyone looking to
recognises those from Service families spend just over a quarter of their are thought to improve their home this year.
as an under-represented group. budgets supporting under-represented have long-term Experts are on-hand to offer
illnesses advice about everything from
Meanwhile, the Army Families groups so candidates should flag up security systems to ways of
Federation (AFF) has conducted its their military backgrounds in their funding new projects.
own survey into why so many decide personal statements. To be in with a chance of
against university, the results of which "Students can speak about the high If you or someone
scooping a pair of day passes,
you know needs
are due shortly. level skills they have had to develop help visit www.
tell us what links the words on
AFF spokeswoman Lucy Scott said to thrive in any context or location the side of this issue. Send your
officersassociation.
concerns of running up debts could while adapting to a broad range of answers to the usual address or
org.uk
be among the reasons why students situations," he said. comps@soldiermagazine.co.uk
by February 28.
Top pictures: Colin Poole and Richard Gadsby

TRANSGENDER ICON
n THE National Portrait
Gallery in London has acquired
this striking image of the
first transgender soldier to
embark on front-line service.
Ammunition technician WO2
Deborah Penny (RLC) was
SCOUSE SUPPORT
captured by photographer Rory
Lewis as part of his Soldiery
project. The senior NCO was
one of nearly 280 personnel n A WEBSITE has been launched for
from the Service who personnel leaving the Forces in the
appeared in front of his lens. Liverpool area.
A selection of the pictures are The city council set up the initiative to
being shown in an exhibition help members of the military community
at London's National Army find information on accommodation and
Museum, which is running until jobs, as well as on other local services.
February 7. For more information log on to
www.serviceleaversliverpool.co.uk
14-15-sol-feb.indd 2 25/01/2018 19:01

16-sol-feb.indd 2 24/01/2018 16:59

‘
Sara Baade, Chief
POWER TO
THE FAMILIES
W
HEN we quizzed
Picture: Bdr Murray Kerr, RA
families about the Army

offer recently, nearly
n DETERMINED cadets from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst were fired up for action as they took two thirds said they thought it
the fight to a mock enemy on Exercise Allenby’s Advance. Part of the academy’s offensive actions module,
had declined since they entered
the manoeuvres culminated in a fast-paced five days in Brecon, Wales. The package was an opportunity for
cadets to apply military knowledge with command skills in executing attacks, ambushes and raids. the military fold.
Many felt that policy changes
were driven by financial
implication rather than potential
‘Come back...’
benefit. And our research also
revealed a general lack of
awareness of the measures in
place to support Service families,
such as the schools admissions
code or help with healthcare
waiting lists.
AFF’s focus for 2018 will
therefore be ensuring that
troops and their loved ones
have more information on what
is available to them.
We’ll be exploring one
With budgets issue per month, hearing what
families have to say and giving
squeezed them the chance to approach us
with specific queries.
Ex-soldiers offered £10,000 to fill specialist trades surely this is The project will cover things
like employment, housing,
madness work/life balance, money and
F
ORMER Regulars who fancy more flexibility was needed in the way allowances, and I strongly
trading civvy street for a life back troops are retained and the bounty encourage everyone to engage.
in uniform are being offered an could offer significant savings. With major housing changes
attractive reason to do so – with a cash He added: “The rationale is that it on the horizon, it has never
windfall of thousands of pounds. is far cheaper to bring experienced been more important for us to
Troops from a range of trades can soldiers back on-board than to recruit Clothing kerfuffle be able to find help. And part
claim a £10,000 rejoin bounty if they and train people from scratch. of my organisation’s role is to
TALKBACK
return as part of an Army initiative to “But I would stress this scheme is an discover whether that help is fit
plug skills gaps in specialist areas. addition to – rather than replacement for purpose.
But personnel must give a minimum for – recruiting. Look out
of two years’ Regular service, while “There are a number of specialist PAGE 49 for more
officers need to commit to three. cohorts and trades that qualify for the updates and
The scheme launches on April 1 and payment. They are undermanned and, make sure
individuals who left before January historically, those who leave tend not you get
3 – including musicians, drivers and to come back.” your voice
armourers – are on the hit list. Maj Smith also said aspirations of heard.
Military chiefs claim rejoiners are of younger people were changing – with
increasing importance and stress the many not choosing a job for life – and
bounty is being offered to those from the Army needed to be flexible to them
trades “that cannot be addressed by leaving and returning in future.
other manning levers”. The rejoin bounty is budgeted for
Maj Alistair Smith (RDG) from the the next two financial years with an
Directorate of Army Manning said assessment expected in 2020.
17-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 17:48

18-19-sol-feb bigpic.indd 1 25/01/2018 16:57

THE BIG
PICTURE
River Thames, Central London
FINAL FLIGHT
AFTER almost 40 years of service
the Army’s Lynx helicopter
has taken to the skies for the
final time. With Wildcat now
acting as its replacement the
Army Air Corps embarked on a
farewell tour from RAF Odiham,
flying five of the remaining
assets to significant sites in its
history before culminating in an
impressive air “procession” along
the River Thames.
Picture Cpl Mark Larner, RLC
18-19-sol-feb bigpic.indd 2 25/01/2018 16:57

KNOW NUTRITION | HEALTH | CASH I EXPERIENCE
FOOD
NEED TO
FIRST AID
Eat your way out of injury
XX MAY 2017 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
20-25-N2k.indd 1 25/01/2018 20:50

NUTRITION
IT sounds bizarre, but if you’re not eating enough of the right grub you could be more
likely to get in ured on the attlefield.
t s all down to your muscles or lack of them in some cases . ithout enough energy
CHES
QUICK SWIT
they go into what is called a cata olic state . Essentially, this means the muscle
tissue itself starts to get roken down into fuel.
The result is a body more prone to injury, and less able to recover when it does get
knocked a out. ere are a few things you can do to a oid the pro lem. o find out more ■ Worried about your intake
read the efence utrition Ad isory Ser ice personal nutrition guide. of the sugary stuff? Almost all of
us are eating too much. Try these
simple swaps to reduce your risk of
obesity, heart disease and cancer…
Coco Pops Shredded Wheat

Scoff Eat calcium with milk with milk
our fi e Personnel with poor bone quality are

a day more likely to suffer with stress fractures,
and you need 1,000mg per day. Dairy
Fruit and veg products and green leafy veg are two
are an essential good sources.
part of any healthy
diet, helping to
promote the
Cola Diet Cola
body’s healing.
Get enough carbs
Endure This fuels training and helps to
oil fish optimise recovering between your

sessions. Read the Defence Nutrition
and Advisory Service factsheet SEN1 for
It might not more detailed guidance.
be everyone’s
top menu choice,
but salmon, fresh
tuna, mackerel,
sardines, trout
and herring are
Don't forget zinc
high in omega-3 This essential trace element is also
Sweet and sour Chicken chow
fats, which have involved in wound healing, and foods pork with rice mein
anti-inflammatory that are rich in it include meat, seafood,
properties. su er see s and almonds.
IN NU
20%
MBER
S
Cereal bar Rice cake
The am
ount of
use duri extra en
ng the h ergy
in the e e aling pro your body can
arly stag cess – p
es of in articu
severe.
But rem ju ry and if larly
soon aft ember, it is
er, so ad this cha
ju nges
while im s t your inta
mobile ke
to avoid
weight
gain
www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
FEBRUARY
MAY 2017
2018 XX
21
20-25-N2k.indd 2 25/01/2018 20:50

HEALTH
e s s
Str head
STRESS-
BUSTERS
Give yourself a break,
and try one of these
Exercise
It won’t make your problems
disappear, but going for a
Is worry taking run is great for clearing your
head. Read Soldier’s January
its toll on you? magazine for hints and tips
on how to get more active.
Connect
with people
Tell your mate, partner,
family, padre, doc or welfare
o ficer ho you re eelin .
They are there to help, and
the Army can offer advice.
A it of stress is normal not least in the world of soldiering. And while a it of it can
help to push you through something difficult, too much can take its toll.
Symptoms aren t ust mental, either. eeling worried can gi e you headaches, stop you
sleeping and make you more susceptible to problems like depression, heart disease and
alcohol dependence. i e ba
ere are some of the tell tale signs that it might e time to take action Research shows helping
others builds resilience. You
could try community work
or even smaller things like
Emotionally you may feel... Mentally you may... buying a mate a coffee or
stopping to make small talk.
Irritable or wound-up a e racing thoughts
Overwhelmed orry constantly
Anxious or fearful Find it hard to concentrate
Struggle to make decisions
Physically you may suffer

th... hings ou a fin
yourself doing he Breathe
eadaches you're feeling stressed A few calming breathing
Muscle tension or pain techniques can make a big
Dizziness Drinking or smoking more difference. Visit https://
Sleep problems Snapping at people apps.beta.nhs.uk for some
Feeling tired all the time Avoiding certain things or individuals relaxation and mindfulness
Eating too much or too little apps that you can carry
around on your smartphone.
XX
22 MAY 2017 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
FEBRUARY 2018 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
20-25-N2k.indd 3 25/01/2018 20:50

CASH
Insurance intel
ARMY COMMUTE
Car costs getting you down?
Read on for tips on cutting back Are you invalidating
ith under s paying as much as , a year for insurance, owning your own set of your insurance?
wheels is an expensi e usiness. ere are a few things you can try to make sure it doesn t
take any more of your pay packet than it has to
■ POLICE in West Yorkshire came under
fire last year a ter they sei ed the car o a
driver whose insurance didn’t cover the
commute to work.
Heavy-handed or not, it showed how
+1 31 important it is to have the correct cover.

And according to Forces insurance
specialist Keith Frampton, this can be
overlooked by serving soldiers.
Add a
1 2
Don't
3
The more
4
Beware
5
Keep the
6
Add a
Insurance companies usually offer
a choice between “social, domestic and
pleasure” – which means no cover to
named auto- you pimp paying car in a voluntary and from work – or “social, domestic and
driver renew your ride, monthly garage or excess pleasure including commuting”.
the more driveway “Some soldiers living adjacent to their
you pay military base ill ha e selected the first
Car Loyalty is This form of If you can type of cover, thinking that a brisk walk or
insurance expensive, payment is This can afford to cycle trip will do the job,” said Frampton.
is all about so note Consider like a high- bring the cough-up “But horrendous weather may make
risk and down your how badly interest loan. cost down £100 or so the journey by car the better option, so
sometimes renewal you want It is cheaper based on in the event commuting cover should still be selected.
you get a date in the those to pay the fact the of a claim, “Often this is available at no extra cost,
better deal diary and spoilers, upfront for vehicle is adding an but you'd be wiser to select it from the
if you add shop around and make the whole probably excess to outset or at renewal as admin charges
someone before sure you tell thing if you safer here your policy can be added if you do it mid-term.”
else to signing up your insurer can afford to than on a makes it As well as commuting (which means
the policy. to the same about any do so. road. cheaper. to one usual place of business), Service
Remember policy again. upgrades personnel visiting more than one
it must be You might otherwise military base need to select the “class
someone be surprised the policy one business use” category. This type
who would by the could end up of cover is also required if you want to
reasonably alternative being made ■ For free and impartial money advice visit claim expenses on the JPA system.
drive the car. deals. invalid. . eya ceser ce. r .uk
FEBRUARY
MAY 2017
2018 XX
23
20-25-N2k.indd 4 25/01/2018 20:50

EXPERIENCE
'I am completely powerless'

For six months the career of WO1 Kev Hughes
(AGC (MPS)) has been on hold to be at the
bedside of his three-year-old daughter Esme,
who is being kept alive by a mechanical heart
at Great Ormond Street Hospital while she
awaits a transplant. Here, the Serviceman talks
to Soldier about the agony of holding out for
that lifesaving phone call… and why troops
should talk to their loved ones about organ
donation today
PEOPLE always ask my partner Lisa and I you end up feeling other people's emotions
how we cope. But there’s no other option, we as well.
have to cope. Esme is amazing. Some of the treatments
When Esme was a baby we found out she she has under one ha e been firsts or the
had a heart murmur, which turned out to be UK, and she surprises us at every turn.
severe aortic stenosis. At the moment she is learning to walk
Despite two procedures she developed again. You see the agony on her face when
dilated cardiomyopathy, which means the she is doing physiotherapy, but she doesn’t
left side won't pump blood. give up.
She began to get more poorly, and when Everything I have done in my life, and in
she was connected up to the ECMO [a device the military, has seen me take charge of my
that acts like an artificial lun outside the own destiny.
body] it took me a week to be able to speak. But with this I am completely powerless.
I’ve served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern I’m having to put my faith in the doctors, and
Ireland and Kosovo, but nothing equips you at first that asn t easy.
for seeing your daughter lying there like that. I remember shaking one surgeon’s hand,
I started suffering badly with anxiety, and and begging him to bring Esme back to us.
I wish I’d spoken up about how I was feeling You just want to get something into their
sooner because when you do it’s a weight off heads to tell them how different and special
your shoulders. your child is.
Luckily with Lisa and I, when one of us is Unfortunately, we don’t know what’s
down the other is stronger. around the corner for Esme.
I’ve met other families at Great Ormond But this has definitely made us a reciate
Street, and we have seen another little girl life, so when she comes home we are going
with a heart like Esme’s pass away. to live to the full.
It is hard seeing all the poorly children as Sometimes you have one of those days
XX
24 MAY 2017 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
FEBRUARY 2018 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
20-25-N2k.indd 5 25/01/2018 20:50

EXPERIENCE
IN
NUMBERS
There are currently
6,472 people awaiting
a transplant in the UK and
last year nearly 500
people died waiting
where the kids want to go to the park but you organ, you have to be willing to give one.
Save a life – speak up can’t be bothered or have other things to do. But in order for Esme to get a heart,
But now we won't put off things like that. another family’s has to give the ultimate gift.
This has taught me to appreciate what you isa finds that ery hard kno in that
Families get the final say on whether their loved have whilst you still do. someone has to go through that.
one’s organs can be donated. If you would like Great Ormond Street has given our I look at it differently – my mind is just on
to help someone like Esme after you die, tell your daughter a chance to make it to transplant, Esme at the moment. But once she’s got a
family. If you don’t, you could leave them guessing and we are so grateful, but we don’t sit there heart of course I will start thinking about the
what you would have wanted or it might come as and expect everything to come to us. donor family.
a surprise that you have registered as a donor and ou ha e to et u and fi ht. So e ha e The help and support I’ve had from the
they may say no. entered a couple of marathons now, and Army through all this has been second-to-
To find out more visit raised quite a bit of money for Esme's none; I couldn’t have asked for any more.
. r a at . hs.uk different heart hospitals. The messages of support I‘ve received
Getting into this world of organ donations from random people has been amazing.
has been eye-opening. But the pressure is constant: when Esme
In Wales everyone is automatically on the is having a good day so are we, when she’s
organ donor list, and now England is looking having a bad day so are we.
to go the same way. She is at the top of the organ donation list,
But families can overrule this, so it’s but she has been for months now.
important people talk about what they would Every morning I wake up at 0400 thinking,
want to happen. ‘is today the day?’ ■
I believe that if you’re willing to receive an

25
20-25-N2k.indd 6 25/01/2018 20:50

A place once blighted by violence is
now a launch pad for worldwide ops
26-29-sol-feb NI.indd 1 25/01/2018 20:40

W
ITH the bright winter sunshine and dark
blue sky evaporating as the 737 descends,
the view outside the windows is replaced
by a vague sketch of rolling fields and
lakes – the gradual appearance of Northern
Ireland through the clouds.
I was amazed
The aircraft shakes off the turbulence
and banks around as it loses altitude
carrying a mixture of families, tourists and those on business as they
to see such a
prepare for arrival. Belfast is a popular destination for them all; a
cosmopolitan and flourishing city.
But generations of troops have also seen this view; for decades
difference it was their first glimpse of the backdrop to an often difficult

operational tour. And as wheels rumble across the runway and
cabin doors are opened, departing passengers tread the path
of soldiers past.
Belfast International Airport was once shared
with RAF Aldergrove – where countless tours to the
country began and ended.
But the military aircraft have long gone. Now the
tailfins of civilian airlines and panels advertising
holidays and duty-free shopping are testament to
significant change.
Only the breath-sucking wind and pelting sleet
remain a constant. So much is now different, but the
erratic weather refuses to compromise.
Northern Ireland was the focus of
Operation Banner – a counter-
terrorism campaign that lasted
some 40 years. It drew to a close
just over a decade ago.
Since then the political
Report: Cliff Caswell Pictures: Tourism Northern Ireland and Soldier archive
initiatives underpinning the
peace process have continued
to gather pace and now the
violence that defined The
Troubles era has long gone.
There is no evidence of
military infrastructure that
once existed. Some relics
of times past can be seen
on the tourist trails around
the old flashpoint areas,
but you have to look carefully.
Northern Ireland is no longer
the focus of operations – it is
the home of 38 (Irish) Brigade.
Many of those now serving
here are too young to remember
a time any different. But veterans
of Op Banner are struck by the
Left: Operation Banner,
transformation.
the British Army’s longest
continuous military campaign, Richard Dorney, a former soldier
ran from 1969 to 2007. Main with 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, was
picture: An aerial view of astonished when he visited the region
Ballintoy harbour and village, for the first time since the last of his six
County Antrim. Overleaf:
deployments more than 20 years ago.
Members of 2 Rifles train on
Ballykinler beach “It was extraordinary to see normal
26-29-sol-feb NI.indd 2 25/01/2018 21:08

police officers on the streets, and a Northern Ireland without
patrolling soldiers, sangers and the anti-rocket mesh,” the
retired lieutenant colonel admitted. “I was amazed to see such a
massive change.
“Many of my generation went on to serve challenging tours
in Afghanistan and Iraq. But my time as a young soldier in
Northern Ireland when I first went there in 1978 had a real
impact on me – I was young at the time and it was the first time
I had ever seen conflict.”
The journey from a violent past to today’s position of ongoing
normalisation has been extraordinary. Author and counter-
terrorism analyst Andy Oppenheimer – who has written widely
Northern Ireland is a
on Irish history – said the achievement of bringing stability to welcome sight to troops
the north should not be underestimated, particularly given the
situation that had previously existed. returning from ops
The Banner campaign claimed the lives of more than 650
troops and nearly 300 police officers. In the 1970s and 80s, a
A
bombing campaign carried out by the Provisional IRA on the
UK mainland targeted venues including the Conservative Party
conference at Brighton’s Grand Hotel and Downing Street as S coaches full of returning soldiers continue to
well as the Harrods department store in London. arrive through the gates of Thiepval Barracks
“Every day, every week there was violence – if there had been in Lisburn there is satisfaction among
a threat level in times past then it would have probably been at commanders of a job well done.
critical much of the time,” Oppenheimer emphasised. Having completed a six-month tour of
“Bombs were indiscriminate and killed and injured innocent Iraq – where they have been providing force
people while places were perpetually being evacuated for fear of protection and training the Middle Eastern
terrorist attack. country’s security forces battling Daesh – troops from 2nd
“There were new devices all the time and ways to counter attalion The ifles are con dent that they have made a
them would have to be found.” difference in theatre.
While highlighting that the past – and its victims – must During their tenure on Op Shader in Anbar province they have
not be forgotten, Oppenheimer believed that the “great strides” witnessed successes against terrorists and contributed to the
made towards peace were now being cemented, and that future ongoing United States-led action in the region.
generations would continue to build upon them. e ual signi cance however is the home to which they are
The Army is certainly playing its part in helping peace as it returning. In the not-too-distant past, Lisburn was a place where
continues to settle in the region. Far from patrolling, the boots troops were deployed during the years of the Northern Ireland
of soldiers now only pound the shops and tourist hotspots. Troubles. Now it is a springboard from which they embark on
There is a great deal to enjoy in one of the most beautiful places overseas operations.
in the British Isles. A troubled era has long passed into history. “We live here now, in the same way as in Aldershot, Catterick
The troops here are part of a new story. or Tidworth,” said Brig Jonathan Swift, commander of 38 (Irish)
This is a region on a journey but the rigade the ormation o which ifles is a part.
future is brighter and a return to the past is “Our role is not to operate within Northern Ireland but outside
now unthinkable. as an adaptive force.
Personnel are continuing to The ifles or e ample have been on a success ul tour but
build strong relationships with this is only one example – we have also had units deploying to
the civilian communities in Africa to assist with counter poaching activities.”
which they now live and With a mix of Regular and Reserve units, Northern Ireland
work – life has changed for is a useful location to launch operations. While there is an
the better in a place that has underlying threat from terrorism – troops are fully briefed on this
much to offer. n – the environment is a comfortable place to live while offering
26-29-sol-feb NI.indd 3 25/01/2018 20:40

Above: A thriving
Belfast is a highly
popular downtime
destination
Picture: Mike Weston
excellent preparation for deployment. “From my perspective, I enjoy being in Northern Ireland – it is
Ballykinler and Magilligan have well-equipped exercise areas a good place to live.”
while the surrounding environment – with lakes and mountains LCpl Ben Latham was also happy to be posted to the region. “I
– provides opportunities for adventurous training. have been here for four years now and it is not a massive drama,”
“In terms of threat, there are areas in any place that you would he added. “You hear some people complaining but I’ll be coming
avoid, and here is no different,” Brig Swift – who took up his back from leave early – I’ve never had any trouble.”
latest post late last year – continued. “We need to make sure our Cpl John MacDaid said there were plenty of opportunities
soldiers stay safe although this is not hard to do. in Northern Ireland – but stressed that troops needed to pay
“We are very well looked after here – in terms of leisure attention to the security advice and act accordingly.
activities we are near Belfast and the Antrim coast and “The threat is still there and there are certain places that you
Mountains of Mourne are just a short distance away.” should not go to,” he highlighted. “But you are fully briefed on all
For the soldiers returning from Iraq, Northern Ireland has this – that aside, there is plenty to do.
become a posting of choice. Lt Col Neil Bellamy, (pictured below) “Thiepval camp is great and you have Belfast a short distance
C o ifles said Thiepval arracks was a welcoming sight away – the only real issue for me is that the weather in Northern
after six months away. Ireland can sometimes be a bit inclement.”
“It is fantastic to come back to Lisburn following our It has been a decade since the end of Op Banner – the
deploying on Op Shader,” he added. “I have been in British Army’s longest continuous operation. Some 20
command of the battalion for three years and we have years have passed since the Good Friday Agreement
never felt like visitors. provided the political basis for a new and more
“I’m due to move on shortly and it has been a real peaceful era in the region.
privilege to be here with The ifles. Northern Ireland has passed many milestones. The
The soldiers under Lt Col Bellamy’s command path to peace has not been easy, and there have been
were equally enthusiastic about living and working in di culties and setbacks along the way. ut the shi t in
Northern Ireland – and returning home after a busy the Army’s presence here is a clear indication of the
period on operations. huge progress already made.
“I have been posted here for four-and-a-half years now Once this place was a deployment – a tour
and there is a lot to see and do in your spare time,” said where troops could expect trouble. Now it is a
Capt obert rince ifles . el ast is very close to us home and a place of opportunity as well as
and is really no different to any capital city – there is a welcome sight to personnel returning
quite a good nightlife there. from operations. n
26-29-sol-feb NI.indd 4 25/01/2018 20:40

Troops weather
Baltic winter in style
on Operation Cabrit
COLD
SPELL
62 NOVEMBER 2017 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
30-33-sol-feb estonia.indd 1 25/01/2018 17:14

N
O news is good news, as the saying goes.
And in the case of a politically and militarily delicate
It has that mix of real-life

deployment such as Operation Cabrit, perhaps that phrase
rings truer than ever.
t is a little under a year since British ersonnel first
arrived in Estonia as part of Nato’s enhanced forward
presence in the region and troops from 1st Battalion, The
Royal Welsh have spent the past three months settling
threat and challenging training
into the routine of their stint heading up the 800-strong
multinational battlegroup.
Soldier dropped in on several locations around the
country to et a a our o hat a tour to the Baltic state entails.
First stop: Cabrit HQ in Tallinn, where the man in charge, Col Giles
arris e lained that the mission defies any neat definitions. Fus Jonathon Hamill described how a Royal Marine-led cold weather
“This is both a deterrence and reassurance operation, so you can operators’ course had equipped him and his team to withstand the
quantify success by how little action is seen,” he said. conditions – and to put any inhibitions aside in the name of survival.
“ e s ent the first si or se en months tryin to com are it to re ious “We did some escape and evasion training where we had to kill a
deployments but it’s not like Iraq or Afghanistan – or even Germany in chicken and make some broth,” said the 20-year-old.
Report: Becky Clark Pictures: Graeme Main

the old days. “We also built a shelter to protect us from the wind and slept in it with
“There’s a whole new edge to it; it is novel and unique. just our bivvy bags.
“It has that mix of real-life threat and very challenging training, the like “The fire had to be ke t oin all ni ht. e ut brush ood on the oor
of which the troops won’t have done before.” to insulate us from the ground and we spooned – a lot.
This assessment was quickly borne in nearby Tapa, the main base for “It was pretty much spoon or die.”
the battlegroup. Nocturnal activities aside, the troops also rehearsed what to do in the
t first lance the schedule is not unlike it ould be back on home soil. e ent o a all into icy ater camou a e techni ues and ho to co er the
There are core skills to maintain, MATTs to tick off and range packages to tracks left in the snow by their feet and vehicles.
complete, interspersed with the odd community engagement task. Fus Hamill said his issued cold-weather clothing had helped to make
However, the environment is far from routine and the Baltic winter is the experience bearable.
not for the faint-hearted. “The kit works for me,” he added.
ayin any myths about eneration sno ake ell and truly to rest “It doesn’t keep you warm if you just stand there – you do have to
members of D Company’s mortar platoon completed an 11-day stretch in actually move and generate some body heat.
the field in tem eratures as lo as de rees elsius. “But if you do the drills correctly it will do the job.

IN NUMBERS
300
number of vehicles
belonging to the 1 Royal personnel making
Welsh Battlegroup, including up the multinational
Challengers from the King’s contingent
Royal Hussars

Cool customers: British and
Estonian troops mount a joint
attack on an empty apartment
block in the village of Varstu
“It’s been nippy but I’ve been loving life.”

Elsewhere in the southern village of Varstu, not far from the
Latvian border, members of A Company were conducting urban drills
alongside their Estonian colleagues – watched by a crowd of curious
locals and excited schoolchildren.
UK-based training doesn’t usually involve an audience but here civilian
life continued as normal while the two nations mounted a joint attack on
a deserted block o ats in the middle o a housin estate.
According to Cpl Joseph Jones, the facility added an extra level of
realism to that offered by basic stone structures at the likes of Copehill
Down. He explained: “The really good thing with this particular
building is that the remnants of what was in there to
make it a home are still there – furniture, debris on
the oor curtains indo anes. e don t ha e that “It’s important because we haven’t exercised with armoured
back in the UK. ehicles be ore so it s ood e erience or us to fi ht a ainst a
“It adds complexity and risk. We have to be unit with that capability,” commented Lt Semjon Malinovski.
aware of the obstacles and actually move things “We usually imitate it with trucks but it’s not the same as
out of the way, to check all the corners and make having it for real.
sure we’re fully clear.” “On the soldiers’ level it’s positive because they will take the
e ectin on the unusual style o o erational experience home and share it with their family.
tour, the 32-year-old said it brought back memories “Our defence is based on good relationships with allies.”
of the Falkland Islands. In fact, British military relations with Estonia date back
“I went down there a few years ago as part of the to hen the oyal a y hel ed the ed lin
Roulement Infantry Company and this is similar state secure its independence.
to that because there is a credible threat but One hundred years on, alliances are as
you go out on exercises and do real patrols to important as ever and later this month
reassure the local people,” he continued. UK personnel – and a newly arrived
“And although we’re not out here contingent of Danish troops – will
mending fences as perhaps you would celebrate the country’s centenary
in the Falklands, just being seen like this alongside their hosts.
It was pretty
achieves that same aim of supporting and Op Cabrit may be an
reassuring the population.” unconventional mission, but
For the Estonian troops too the with the festivities taking place
much spoon or die

joint training was a good opportunity against a backdrop of uncertainty,
to hone their skills alongside those deployed on Nato’s north-
counterparts equipped with platforms easternmost ank can be sure their
such as Warrior. presence is welcome. ■

Guards adopt close-
quarter drills to boost
aggression levels
34-37-sol-feb combat kings.indd 1 25/01/2018 18:42

Report: Richard Long Illustrations: Tudor Morgan and Maddie Marchment
IT’S MORE
OF A MENTAL
EXERCISE
C
ONTROLLED aggression is a key component of an effective soldier.
So when this important trait was perceived to be dwindling among
certain personnel from the Grenadier Guards those in charge wasted no
time in upping the intensity levels.
For the past year the regiment has been engaged in close-quarter
combat training – an activity that sees troops mastering martial arts moves under
the watchful eye of an expert instructor – and the results have been impressive.

Training talk
This all came about a ter the commanding o cer and went
to watch an exercise in Albania,” WO1 Martin Howlin, regimental
sergeant major of 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, told Soldier.
“We were chatting about a dry attack that we felt lacked
aggression and started discussing ways we could help the blokes
improve on that, and then channel it in the right way.
o we looked at martial arts. knew a civilian instructor who
has been doing this for years; he loves the military lifestyle and
was the perfect man for the job.” Troops from the Grenadier
A two-week trial followed and with the
students posting positive feedback Guards share their thoughts
the sessions have become a regular on the close-quarter
ture at the unit’s home in ille
Barracks, Aldershot.
approach...
Operating under the guidance of
instructor Neil Webster (pictured
left), of the Epsom-based Kung Fu
and Tai Chi Academy, the focus
has been on developing technical
skills rather than simply striking t’s good to be tackling a
a punchbag. new skill. We started by
They have progressed from
learning basic punches and holds to
learning how to throw a
thwarting a potential knife attack while punch and from there it has
dressed in full combat kit (see overleaf). evolved into manipulating
The training has been delivered at a busy the body and how to repel a
time for the Grenadier Guards.
n they ormed part o a high readiness oint task orce knife attack.
with personnel from Albania, Latvia and the Netherlands, which
saw them tackle a series of challenging overseas exercises.
It has been
And this year they will have companies deploy to South Sudan, great for team
A ghanistan and ra .
“We are not doing this to enhance our capability; it is more of
cohesion.
a mental e ercise W owlin e plained. t is learning about Gdsm Richard Halliburton
how to build aggression and turn it on when needed.
“This training has helped to create a particularly effective
battalion. t has also given the guys something di erent to do
that is un and builds team spirit and con dence.
“Having an activity to focus on and enjoy adds to the variety
on offer in the Army, and can only help with retention.”
After being offered the opportunity to work with the soldiers
Webster had to tailor his training to the students he was working
with, as his usual civilian approach would not be appropriate in
this setting.
really had to give it some thought and it has been a learning
curve,” he said.
“The end result is that these guys may actually have to kill
someone and that is obviously very different to working with
members of the public.
“The focus has been on developing power, how to strike
properly, hit hard and look for effective targets.
“One of the key things is not to remain static so we have
concentrated on footwork and keeping balanced.
nstead o learning set techni ues we have created a method
that covers all eventualities.
’ve been getting some really nice eedback. t is un
good for team cohesion and a very useful activity.
“Who knows, one day they may have to use this for real.” n

Mentally and physically, it
is something different. Many
of these guys come from different sporting
backgrounds – boxing, karate or other martial
arts – and this can only help in a combat role.
LSgt Kane Peters
These guys are

at the peak of
their training when
it comes to weapon systems,
tactics and eldcra t but hand
to-hand combat is something
we don’t do that much. This At the start I was
is a way for them to focus
their aggression and build
sceptical but
discipline; they love it. we are enjoying
Maj Rupert King-Evans
it and want to
carry on. t’s better
than being stuck
in a classroom!
Gdsm Tom Dell

Next generation of Army workhorse is
readied for trials
W
E the rst incarnation o the
Warrior armoured vehicle rolled o
the production line in the late s
it soon proved its mettle during the
ul War.
ince then it has gone on to earn the respect o
generations o troops on worldwide ops rom the
peacekeeping roles in osnia to high intensity action
in A ghanistan.
ut times have changed since this plat orm rst
saw action some three decades ago.
And an e ample o how its ne t generation might
look unveiled by de ence contractor ockheed
artin is now being readied or reliability
trials as part o the o ’s Warrior capability
sustainment pro ect.
The blueprint or the new asset
boasts a host o re nements
including a potent mm cannon
enhanced comms and uprated
protection.
38-40-sol-feb warrior.indd 1 25/01/2018 19:36

e ence chie s envisage that
these will e uip the vehicle or the
ne t phase o its working li e.
Capt Tony ale pictured below
right ancs who has been assisting oldiers are assisting ockheed artin with the contractor’s
with the initiative as part o the
Armoured Trials and evelopment initial trials o the vehicle at ovington in orset –
nit said the changes reflected the
uture environments in which it
eight of them have now been delivered. All variants are
could operate as well as com ort represented the 520 version which carries dismounted
in antry, 521 command vehicle, 521
and sa ety upgrades.
e added The original Warrior
dates back some years and we
have learned a great deal about the
observation post vehicle, and 522 and
plat orm since then particularly 533, used by E E to back up ops.
through operations.
n paper the asset represents a
huge increase in per ormance overall
but at this stage we are still talking
about a demonstration vehicle and
trials will begin this year. n
We are still talking demo
about a demo
vehicles
delivered
vehicle and trials

will begin this year
e ective range o new weapon in metres

years Warrior has
been in service
ain
raeme
ictures
eport Cli Caswell

DOWN THE HATCH FULLY LOADED
The new turret is at the heart A key eature o the Warrior’s new
IMPROVED ENVIRONMENT o the upgraded vehicle and incarnation is the mm CT cannon
is a potential game changer. that replaces the e isting mm arden.
The original Warrior had
Crews are better protected by unners will nd it o ers higher rates o
to be retro tted with an
a bee ed up armour package re greater range enhanced accuracy and
environmental control system
and improved seating. With more penetrating power than the e isting
as the e treme temperatures
more com ortable conditions kit. t can also be elevated to a greater degree
o ra and A ghanistan
or troops at the sharp end o than its predecessor a potential li esaver in
began to bite. ut the new
operating the vehicle the turret urban environments.
demonstration vehicle eatures
is also stabilised enabling its Ammunition choices are also e panded
a system tted as standard
cannon to be red on the move. and potentially include an airburst round or
making li e more com ortable
the rst time enemy troops behind cover
or all on board and keeping
will be vulnerable to the Warrior’s reach.
them t to ght in the toughest
igh e plosive and armour piercing rounds
weather conditions.
are also in the arsenal.
TOP GEAR
Although the new plat orm’s
top speed is broadly similar to
its original counterpart’s an
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER improved transmission system
makes or a more e cient
The original Warrior eatures overall per ormance.
limited communications
between the crew and the
in antry dismounts. ut the
new incarnation eatures a
visual display unit in the back The Warrior capability sustainment
giving troops real time updates
on the situation as they
project introduces a raft of
advance on a target. refinements to the platform.
Soldier was given a sneak peek…

41-sol-feb.indd 1 24/01/2018 17:16
A ggrape
grrrape
ape mmo
mov
move
ovvvee
oove
Battlefield find leads to ruit ul business or
W
HEN WO2 Fred Donnison a in started his career in rd Battalion
red onnison, ifles
i es headed to reece on The oyal reen ackets in he ent on

a battlefield tour he ne er to ser e more than years ith the unit in
ima ined that it ould mark y rus the Balkans and orthern reland
the start o li e a ter his lon be ore si nin u once a ain on ull time
rmy ser ice. eser e ser ice.
The senior soldier and keen military history “ ou ick u a lot o kno led e in the rmy
enthusiast had been isitin Thermo ylae to he continued.
see the lace here the amous S artans “The o o erates a lobal net ork and it
eter a ies and
clashed ith the ersians and here the tau ht me the lo istics o ho to mo e oods
British ou ht the ermans durin the Second rom to B in di ficult circumstances and harsh
orld ar. climates kee in them in er ect condition.
But ha in arri ed at the re ion “ s much as anythin thou h the military
onnison ell in lo e ith the local ood and teaches you to be confident in basic skills such
ictures
ine and he as soon raisin a lass to the as s eakin to eo le and to ha e the balls to
launch o a ne business. o out and take a chance on somethin .
n his firm uardin Thermo ylae he created “ ha e ut a lot o time and money into this
liff aswell
a artnershi ith local ineyards and a arm ro ect and it is a risk.

to brin the roduce to outlets in the . m ortin in limited olumes onnison
nd the Ser iceman is lookin to de elo the is firmly ocused on the the likes o military
enture hen he retires rom his final role as messes and hi h end hotels as the tar et
nter iew
re imental o erations su ort arrant o ficer market or the roduce.

Battlefield bottle
ith ilitary ntelli ence Battalion in the “This ine is ne er oin to be in Thermo ylae s
comin months. com etition ith the likes o Tesco hich is a landsca e has a
rich military history
“ ery much used to be a beer drinker di erent market entirely he added.
but hen as introduced to the ine out “ t is roduced or anically usin traditional
in reece as con erted the senior methods and ith all o the ra es cut by hand.
e lained durin an e ent romotin “ t ill be a ailable in lo olumes.
the enture at the onourable rtillery “But think that the British are ery o en
om any in central ondon. minded hen it comes to ine the ublic
“The local roduce as ery s ecial and ill try o erin s rom all o er the orld and
as somebody that already liked reek ood. seem illin to taste somethin di erent.
“The area is also beauti ul. onnison said he as lookin
“ first arri ed at ni ht and all could see or ard to retirement and his ne ci y
as li hts it could ha e been any here. street enture as ell as seein the
“But hen the sun came u the ruits o his ork de elo in uture.
reen countryside mountains and “ ne er anted to ollo a
e ean Sea ere lit u it as an traditional ath ay like ri ate
e traordinarily beauti ul lace. security ork hen le t the rmy he
Settin u the business ho e er as said ith a smile.
to ro e a challen e and onnison “ ith this business the only bosses
dre hea ily on skills or ed in decades ha e are clients and im ortantly et
o military ser ice. to choose them. ■
42-43-sol-feb Wine.indd 1 25/01/2018 16:53

When I was introduced to the
wine in Greece I was converted
42-43-sol-feb Wine.indd 2 25/01/2018 16:53

www.snugpak.com
44-sol-feb.indd 2 25/01/2018 19:21

Believe it Why did CGS pick you for
this job?
Any other priorities?
I want to champion the wider use of
have at your disposal?
One ambition I have is to create a
or not Maj I’d like to think he sees me as a Reserves. We don’t have to use full new database. We don’t capture the
Gen Bill people person. I like nothing better
than getting out and talking to
mobilisation, we can use Reserve
service days for things like flood
civilian expertise of our people very
well and JPA can’t be used, although
O’Leary – the soldiers. I think I can relate to them. work or even terrorist incidents. that would be ideal. In my last post
new Deputy One of my goals is to create more at the Army Personnel Centre we
We receive lots of letters flexibility in how we are used. started cataloguing the experience
Commander from Reservists, usually of those Reservists between posts. It
Field Army about lack of parity with But isn’t that expensive? meant we could trawl the directory
and joint Regulars. What do you say?
I read Soldier regularly and I’ve
There is a belief that the Army
pays double if Regulars could have
for certain proficiencies across cap
badges. For example, we needed a
head of the seen many of those. Some have filled the roles, but there is a price CO for a Reserve field hospital so
Reserve – valid points but I can’t promise
we’ll solve all their problems. What
for deploying those personnel too
so the net cost of a Reservist is
we used the list to find Col Damian
Griffin, an infantryman and former 7
has a lot in it does highlight is the importance actually far less than many think. Rifles commander who is a professor
common with of participating in the Reserve
continuous attitude survey (page 11)
A great deal of work is being done
on determining the true amount.
of trauma and orthopaedic surgery.
We need that capability.
soldiers. An so their voices can inform policy. Supporting the Regulars is hugely
engineer by How do you feel about
positive for recruitment and
retention; this is why we join.
What one piece of
advice would you give
profession, this sort of negative troops?
he joined the feedback from Reservists? Speaking of which, the Get all you can out of the Reserve
Saddened if their concerns current recruitment experience as well as the training
territorials as stem from our communications campaign is proving and education on offer. It’s boosted
a craftsman not working properly, and I controversial... my confidence hugely in my civilian
and has now acknowledge that some do. We have
been levelling the playing field as
A brigadier said to me recently, “I
keep hearing about the ‘belonging’
role when I occasionally have to
conduct presentations to the board
held every best we can and Reserve conditions campaign but I haven’t seen a single directors of huge companies.
rank except of service have improved. There will,
unfortunately, always be limitations
advert”. I told him that’s because
he’s not the target audience. As CGS
WO1. Here, to what we can achieve because said at the Army conference, this
he spills the of budgets, but we’ve done great
things in recent years. For example,
is part of a long-term campaign.
We’ve done well in building Reserve
Picture: Cpl Mark Larner, RLC

beans on we now receive a pro rata pension numbers in recent years and the
Reserve life... for our service and a day’s paid
leave for every ten days we serve.
proof is in the pudding.
There are also more opportunities And how’s that ‘pudding’

for sport and adventurous training. looking?
We’re on course to have 30,100
So how will you improve soldiers by April 2019 but it’s not
Interview: Steven Muncey

comms? just about numbers. We need to turn
Obviously the chain of command manning into trained capability.
remains essential but I’m also
aiming to communicate regularly Many Reservists bring
via Defence Connect. CGS’s briefing amazing skills to the table –
team is another essential route. do you know what you
‘It’s not just about numbers’

45-sol-feb DCLF.indd 1 25/01/2018 19:37

46-sol-feb.indd 2 24/01/2018 16:55

‘Don’t sublet our housing’
I
AM worried about a Defence to live in a house rather than a
Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) project block if they have weekend access
to sublet Service family accommodation to their children.
(SFA) on the private market. We would only sublet if the
While it might seem financially alternative would be just to leave
attractive to offset the costs of the the property standing empty.
disastrous contract the MoD signed up In the vast majority of cases, DIO
to when they sold off the SFA estate in rents out to the general public on a
1996, there are risks for our personnel. rolling six-month basis.
The move could create “bed- After the initial period a tenancy
blocking”, where soldiers are denied can be terminated by giving two
access to housing. months’ notice so this does give us
Short-term lets could be extended so a great deal of flexibility.
what is deemed adequate surplus for the The MoD has been dealing
Army one month might not be the next. with surplus housing in this way
There’s a risk, too, that DIO will bulk- for about ten years and the legal
There let properties to local councils, leading

to mixed estates with council tenants
processes for regaining possession
and negating “bed-blockers” are
are real
and potential social and crime problems. clear and not particularly onerous.
Resources may also be diverted from Conversely, leaving houses empty
military to civilian properties in order to increases the chance of squatters YOUR letters provide an
risks for make them more attractive for lucrative

commercial lets to the general public.
which is far more of a risk.
Also, we will not be giving
insight into the issues at the
top of soldiers’ agendas...
personnel
I hope the Army watches this initiative priority to civilians for income but please be brief. Emails
like a hawk because I fear it will generation or any other reason. must include your name and
negatively impact Service personnel Military personnel have protected location (although we won’t
somehow regardless of DIO assurances. rights regarding access to family publish them if you ask us
– Name and address supplied housing and these are enshrined
in your terms and conditions and
Richard Sewter, Assistant Head, wider personnel policy. accept or reject letters, and to
Accommodation Plans and DIO, as part of the MoD, cannot edit for length, clarity or style.
Requirements, DIO, responds: We rent to the public at the expense of Before you write to us with a
are subletting surplus SFA simply Servicemen and women so military problem, you should first have
because we have too many empty families will not lose out as a tried to get an answer via your
houses in certain locations. consequence of subletting. own chain of command.
In deciding whether to do this, On the contrary, the income
first we consult the local station generated by private sector lets
commander or commanding officer can be reinvested in the defence mail@soldiermagazine.co.uk
to take into account any potential estate rather than our limited @soldiermagazine
unit increases in manning and resources being drained by
whether there are opportunities properties standing empty and
to use the properties for Service deteriorating further.
personnel who might need them. I hope this gives you some
For example, someone may want reassurance for the future.
47-49-sol-FEB-TALKBACK.indd 1 25/01/2018 19:57

Get it off your chest
and on social media
www.facebook.com/soldiermagazine
The Lynx helicopter’s farewell

flight around the country (page
18) caused a whirl of comments
on Facebook...
Sandra West
Farewell, you served
us well.
Michael Long
Many a trip in one
of those in the
Falklands. Tough old lady.
Paul Thompson
Bike scheme needs to get rolling
T
Awesome chopper, HE Department for Transport (DfT) capital outlay to buy the bikes
flew in them many runs a buy-back scheme that allows initially and then maintain and
times, especially with 3 employees to purchase a bicycle for manage them during the period they
Regiment, Army Air Corps. their daily commute. are hired out for.
Operated through a salary sacrifice If the individual decides not to
plan, individuals effectively rent a bike purchase the bike outright, provision
Jo Melling
from their employer at first, with the must then be made for its purchase
I thought it was
opportunity to take full ownership after or disposal.
strange when my
a specific payment period. The MoD, instead, encourages
The MoD
2 year old and I heard them
Depending on where the kit is rented Servicemen and women to cycle
coming. We stood outside
from, the scheme provides savings of up to to work through the home to duty
40 per cent compared with retail prices. allowance (HTD).
rejected
and watched them change
formation from our back
As such, it is an extremely attractive An internal review of 2016
garden. Soo sad to see them
offer that is supported across the claimants found that just over
the idea
go but lovely to witness them
private and public sectors. Indeed, other 200 Army personnel benefited
one more time.
government departments have signed from claiming HDT; currently the
up to the scheme to pass the benefits on rate is set at £0.15 per mile, with
to their employeers. the individual contributing the
Noting that our people are our first three miles, which would see
Adrian Russell principal asset, should the MoD not be someone with a five-mile commute
Gazelle, Lynx, doing the same, especially as increased from their accommodation receiving
Chinook, Puma and financial controls have been delegated £131.40 tax-free per year.
Sea King, rode them all, hedge- to the top level budget holders? The DfT cycle to work scheme is a
hopping in a Puma or a Lynx in I’ve been told ministers considered non-taxable benefit, like HDT, so you
Northern Ireland was brill. joining but decided against it. – Name would not be entitled to claim both
and address supplied at the same time.
Neither would a soldier be
Col John Oldroyd, Remuneration allowed to switch back to HDT – in
Steven Breach Policy, Personnel Directorate, a case, for instance, where he or
38 years on and I responds: You are correct to say the she became injured and had to start
still prick up my cycle to work scheme has previously driving to work – until the hire
ears at the sound of a Lynx, been considered by the MoD but period was complete.
unmistakable. Used to cabby was rejected because alternative As personnel would also be
me about Fermanagh, the only and more advantageous systems are spending part of their income to hire
way to travel. in place the Armed Forces the bicycle before tax is paid, they
A DfT-style offering would be would effectively be paid less, which
expensive, requiring a significant impacts on pensions.

I am feeling aggrieved
RAGE AT RAG TRADE

Learning the ropes:
Phase one recruits at
Catterick get to grips
with the basics
● I RECENTLY learned that Army-
issued clothing that’s been worn
cannot be reissued but must be
thrown away or sold as surplus.
So a pair of trousers worn once,
washed and returned because they are
the wrong size cannot be reused.
With budgets being squeezed surely
this is madness. Hopefully I’ve been
misinformed. – Name and address
supplied
Col Neil Llewellyn, Assistant

Head of Logistic Support, Army
Headquarters, replies: Every
effort is made to ensure that
the supply chain operates in the
most cost-effective manner while
maintaining capability in the field.
Items are returned to stores for
a wide variety of reasons.
Clothing will be categorised
Rejoiner rues pitching up again according to its intended use so,

for example,“next to skin” items
are not returned to stock because
I
JOINED the Army in September 2004 most appropriate band and how to of health risk factors.
and left in August 2009 but re-enlisted provide the best result for the Army. While at first glance it may
in March this year. Similarly, seniority and pay are seem logical to reissue clothing,
I’m currently on a phase two training assessed by the Army Personnel the viability of this process
course at Lyneham and feel aggrieved at Centre, taking into consideration a depends on the economic value of
the recruiting process. soldier’s previous service, including an item verses the cost of restoring
When I was going through it initially I whether they have incurred any skill it to stock condition.
was told I had to complete phase one as fade, the level of experience within Returned clothing needs to
I’d been out of the Service for so long. the trade they have to offer, and any be categorised, assessed for
Surely
I was also informed that I had to start knowledge, skills and experience damage, cleaned, repackaged and
on basic recruit pay and that I’d lost all gained since they last served. relabelled, which uses resources.
of my 500 longer separation allowance You would have been classed as a This burden needs to be carefully
(LSA) days accrued from my previous time
in the Army.
category C rejoiner.
Your initial service and a break of this is considered and, ultimately, many
items are not cost-effective
madness
To top it all off, I’ve just found out they more than seven years has created a to refurbish because the work
have revised the rules so that soldiers significant retraining requirement. It required to bring them up to
rejoining up to ten years after leaving would have been decided that your a condition where they can be
now only have to complete a medical. skill fade was such that you were reissued is more expensive than
– Name and address supplied required to undertake phase one their disposal.
training again and return to recruit What might seem madness at
Maj Ali Smith, SO2 Soldier Policy, levels of pay. first glance is in fact the best value
Department of Manning (Army), Those rejoining the Army with a for money for the taxpayer – not
responds: In order to make the shorter break and/or higher previous to mention the fact that the British
rejoin process as efficient as rank require less retraining to Army cannot be accused of issuing
possible, previously trained ex- become fully employable. second-hand clothing items.
Regular soldiers are separated into As for retaining LSA days The final element of this
three bands: those who have been accrued in previous service, the process should also be considered;
a civilian for less than six years (A), tri-Service policy is laid down in previously-issued clothing is often
personnel who left six to ten years JSP 752: “Personnel re-entering the reduced to rags which the Army
ago and reached a minimum rank Services after a break that does either uses for a wide variety of
of substantive corporal (B) and all not exceed four years may count tasks or is sold to offset the cost of
others (C). former qualifying separation for the future purchases.
The minimum medical and purpose of LSA eligibility.” The process is therefore
training requirement is different Your break surpassed the quite clever and logical and has
for each status, but individuals are prescribed limit, hence you are been passed down to us by our
also looked at on a case-by-case unfortunately not able to retain the predecessors who had developed
basis to determine what is the LSA days you had accrued. the supply chain.

52-sol-jan.indd 1 18/12/2017 12:02
It’s come as a shock to me
RESERVE MEDALS
IN THE FIRING LINE
● I WAS interested to read your
article in the August 2017 edition
entitled “Medal Mistake” in which the
writer asked about the Long Service
and Good Conduct Medal criteria.
I was even more intrigued to read
the response of Lt Col Kestrel Simson
in which he states that recognition
for long and distinguished military
service for full-time Reserve service
(FTRS) personnel is under review.
Could I please ask what the current
considerations are and how these
o on ealth lea e ta es ight may affect serving FTRS soldiers and

officers? – Name and address
supplied
T
HE new rules on domiciled collective Commonwealth soldiers and officers.
leave and its substitute have come There are some conditions of Lt Col (retd) Kestrel Simson,
as a complete shock to me and have service which recognise their Ceremonial and Operational
been implemented with little education. specific circumstances, one of which and Service Awards, Army
My understanding is that the policy is domiciled collective leave. Headquarters, replies: While it
has changed significantly so that The purpose of it is to allow has been acknowledged that
Commonwealth soldiers who have personnel who join from outside of there should be some form of
become naturalised UK citizens are no the UK or Irish Republic to return medallic recognition for all
longer eligible for a free return ticket to to their home country at public personnel on FTRS and additional
their home country and/or extra holiday. expense for specified periods. duties commitments with long
When I signed up, one of the key To authorise a request for this, the service in uniform, exactly what
motivators was the guaranteed bonus of chain of command must be satisfied should be given to them is, I’m
having a flight and extra days or simply that the soldier meets a number of afraid, still to be decided.
the extra days (dependent on marital eligibility criteria, including that The Volunteer Reserves Service
status) to return home.
Like many Commonwealth soldiers,
their home is still in the country
from which they joined. Why Medal, recognising ten years’
qualifying service in the Army
the decision to become naturalised was
done mainly to remove travel restrictions
After five years’ residency foreign
and Commonwealth Armed Forces was this Reserve, is available for FTRS
officers and soldiers who come
incentive
as a result of visa issues (yes, dependent personnel have the opportunity to from the Volunteer Reserves, but
on where we go, such personnel are apply for British citizenship. Regular Reserves are not eligible
still required to obtain a visa), when Once they are naturalised, these for that or any other award.
being deployed on tasks and to spare us
embarrassment at borders.
It is my view that current
soldiers are considered to have
made Britain their home, even if
they retain dual nationality.
removed?
Commonwealth troops should have been Therefore, certain conditions of
given grandfather rights and the travel service, such as eligibility for this
incentive in their contractual agreement type of leave, no longer apply.
should be honoured. It became apparent that the
Why was this incentive removed and policy was not always being applied
why the secrecy in the change of the JSP? consistently across the Forces and
I would hate to think the MoD in some instances personnel were
has reverted to the 1960s where the being granted it after they had
sentiments were “do your time, help us gained citizenship.
out while you’re in, but don’t stay”. This was judged to be unfair and
I don’t believe that Commonwealth not in keeping with its intent.
soldiers should be penalised for upward JSP 760, chapter nine was
mobility. – SSgt David Vitalis, RLC amended to provide clearer
guidance about how to determine
Col Nathan Sempala-Ntege, Assistant whether such troops have made
Head, Personal Services, responds: their home in Britain.
Firstly, let me be quite clear that This amendment may not have
the Army values the significant reached all those who need to be Looking ahead: These Reservists at
Grantham are just starting out – will they
contribution across a wide range aware so we’ll ensure it’s highlighted
receive a medal for sticking around?
of roles made by foreign and to the chain of command.

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52-sol-feb.indd 2 24/01/2018 17:33

Children’s Education Advisory www.legionscotland.org.uk ABN 07/18: Applications for pardons
APPOINTMENTS Service:
01980 618244;
RBL Industries Vocational
Assessment Centre:
and return of medals – Turing’s Law
ABN 06/18: 2018 Army Reserve
Maj Gen Rupert Jones appointed dcyp-ceas-enquiries@mod.uk continuous attitude survey
01622 795900; www.rbli.co.uk
Assistant Chief of the General Combat Stress: ABN 04/18: Career management
Staff, replacing Maj Gen Nicholas Scottish Veterans’ Residences:
01372 841600; boarding manual v1.4
Welch 0131 556 0091;
www.combatstress.org.uk
www.svronline.org ABN 03/18: Introduction of the
Maj Gen Bill O’Leary appointed Defence Humanists: Regular Army rejoin bounty
Single Persons Accommodation
Deputy Commander Field Army, www.defencehumanists.org.uk
Centre for the Ex-Services: ABN 01/18: Army manning priority
replacing Maj Gen Simon Brooks-
Erskine: 01748 833797; policy
Ward
0141 814 4569; www.spaces.org.uk ABN 140/17: Performance
www.erskine.org.uk
COMPETITIONS
SSAFA: management evaluation survey
Family Escort Service: 0845 1300 975; ABN 139/17: Removal of the civil
020 7463 9249 www.ssafa.org.uk service initial sift tool and introduction
Spine line winner: Pete Walker,
Felix Fund – the bomb disposal Stoll: of new sift tools
Senior Storekeeper Op Account,
Mission Training & Mobilisation charity: 020 7385 2110; info@stoll.org. ABN 138/17: Changes to Regular
07713 752901 uk; www.stoll.org.uk Army officer commissioning regulations
centre (individual), Chetwynd
www.felixfund.org.uk
Barracks, Chilwell, Nottingham. The Not Forgotten Association: DIN 2018DIN01-014: The Firmin Sword
Forcesline: 020 7730 2400 of Peace Awards 2016 – results
UK – 0800 731 4880; Germany
DIRECTORY
www.nfassociation.org DIN 2018DIN01-013: The Firmin
– 0800 1827 395; Cyprus – 080 Sword of Peace Awards Competition
The Poppy Factory:
91065; Falklands – #6111; from 2017
020 8940 3305;
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity: operational theatres – Paradigm
www.poppyfactory.org DIN 2018DIN01-011: Tax-free
0845 241 4820 Services *201; from anywhere in the
world (CSL operator will call back) – The Royal Star & Garter childcare scheme for eligible working
Armed Forces Buddhist Society: parents (Service personnel)
0044 1980 630854 Homes:
Chaplain 020 7414 3411
Forces Pension Society: 020 8481 7676; DIN 2018DIN01-010: Purchasing
www.afbs-uk.org
www.starandgarter.org added pension or buying an effective
020 7820 9988
Armed Forces Christian Union: pension age
Help for Heroes: The Veterans Charity:
01252 311221; www.afcu.org.uk
0845 673 1760 or 01980 846 459; 01753 653772; DIN 2018DIN01-008: MoD
Armed Forces Muslim info@veteranscharity.org.uk NHS/Agenda for Change grades
www.helpforheroes.org.uk
Association: – submission of form 1720A
Heroes Welcome: Troop Aid:
Chaplain 020 7414 3252; performance appraisal development
www.heroeswelcome.co.uk 0121 711 7215 or 07734 384260
www.afma.org.uk report for 2017 reporting year
HighGround: uk4u Thanks!:
Armed Services Advice Project: DIN 2018DIN01-007: The automation
0808 800 1007; www.highground-uk.org.uk 01798 812081; www.uk4u.org
of medic incremental progression
www.adviceasap.org.uk Joint Service Housing Advice Veterans Welfare Service: DIN 2018DIN01-006: Anthrax
Army Families Federation: Office: 01252 787574 0808 1914 218 (from the UK); vaccination policy
01264 382324; mil 94391 2324; 0044 1253 866043 (from overseas)
Medal Office: www.gov.uk/government/groups/ DIN 2018DIN01-005: Operational
www.aff.org.uk deployment allowance
94561 3600 or 0141 224 3600 veterans-welfare-service
Army LGBT Forum: Mutual Support DIN 2018DIN01-004: Defence
www.armylgbt.org.uk; augmentation policy
INTELLIGENCE
(multiple sclerosis group):
chair@armylgbt.org.uk
www.mutualsupport.org.uk DIN 2018DIN01-003: Recent changes
Army Libraries: 01252 340094 National Ex-Services to the state pension
Army Ornithological Society: Association: The following Army Briefing DIN 2018DIN01-002: The Cadet
www.armybirding.org.uk www.nesa.org.uk Notes, Defence Internal Briefs Forces Commission
and Defence Information
Army Welfare Service: National Gulf Veterans’ and Notices can be found online at DIN 2018DIN01-001: Employment of
01904 882053; Families’ Association Office: www.armynet.mod.uk general duties medical officers
www.army.mod.uk/welfare- 24-hour helpline 0845 257 4853; ABN 14/18: Definition for Army DIN 2018DIN04-010: Identify
support www.ngvfa.org.uk Regular and Army Reserve trained friend or foe mode five platform
Big White Wall: Poppyscotland: 0131 557 2782; strength identification numbers
www.bigwhitewall.com www.poppyscotland.org.uk ABN 13/18: The Army higher DIN 2018DIN04-009: Planned
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans: Regular Forces’ Employment education pathway update 2 – withdrawal of support and disposal of
020 8590 1124; Association: registration of interest obsolete items from artillery system
www.blesma.org 0121 236 0058; ABN 12/18: Launch of the Defence project team
www.rfea.org.uk Security Handbook DIN 2018DIN04-008: The process
Blind Veterans UK:
(formerly St Dunstan’s) Remount: 01451 850 341; ABN 11/18: JPA preference flags for the tasking of deployed air
020 7723 5021; www.remount.net movements support
ABN 10/18: Army Parents’ Network
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Royal British Legion:
capability requirements
Care After Combat: 0808 802 8080; ABN 09/18: Armed Forces weight
www.careaftercombat.org www.britishlegion.org.uk management policy
Career Transition Partnership: Royal British Legion Scotland: ABN 08/18: National recruiting Continued on page 54
020 7469 6661 0131 550 1583; campaign
53-54-sol-feb- Bullet Points.indd 1 25/01/2018 17:41

regulations introduced to implement training Denmark, medical device accommodation rates
Continued from page 53 the EU basic safety standards directive decontamination operator and pre- DIN 2017DIN08-002: Provision of ad
2013/59/Euratom deployment courses hoc clothing including corporate/team
DIN 2018DIN04-006: Aircrew in-ear DIN 2018DIN06-004: Phase down of DIN 2018DIN07-006: Unit welfare identity clothing
communication devices fluorinated greenhouse gases officer training courses 2018/19 DIN 2017DIN08-001: 2016/17
DIN 2018DIN04-005: Declaration of DIN 2018DIN06-003: Ionising DIN 2018DIN07-005: Unit custody Annual report and accounts – closure
obsolescence A0 Plotter NSN:7025- radiation regulations 2017 staff course, unit custody staff refresher of feeders
99-741-3098 DIN 2018DIN06-002: Publication of course and operational detention course DIN 2018DIN10-004: Inter-Services
DIN 2018DIN04-004: Firemark fire DSA02 DLSR movement and transport DIN 2018DIN07-004: Highland Paragliding Championships 2018
extinguishers to replace current Chubb safety regulations and DSA03 DLSR Express DIN 2018DIN10-002: Basic gliding
fire extinguishers MTSR defence codes of practice DIN 2018DIN07-003: Refund of farrier courses at the Army Gliding Club,
DIN 2018DIN04-003: Change of DIN 2018DIN06-001: JSP 800, vol professional body fees Upavon
order process for batteries currently 4b, ed 2, detail of latest amendments DIN 2018DIN07-002: Temporary DIN 2018DIN10-001: Army Rifle
procured through contract number landing zone safety officer course dates Association target shooting courses
DIN 2017DIN06-027: Emergency
MEDGS/00310 with Carwood Motor 2018 January to December 2018
pollution response service
Units Ltd
DIN 2018DIN07-017: Exercise Arctic DIN 2018DIN07-001: Core recovery
ROADSHOWS
DIN 2018DIN04-002: Amendments events for wounded, injured and sick
Express 2018
to operational medical modules Service personnel
contents – June to November 2017 DIN 2018DIN07-016: Joining
instructions and training requirements DIN 2017DIN07-140: Units wishing to
DIN 2018DIN04-001: The conduct training/trials/exercises/sport The Army Engagement Team
for the specialised infantry assessment
management of TacCIS HQ equipment in Cyprus wants to hear from members of the
cadre
on James and MJDI public who would like a personal
DIN 2018DIN07-015: Joint DIN 2018DIN08-001: Claims for loss invitation to its hi-tech roadshow.
DIN 2018DIN05-004: Use of SHA-1 of, or damage to, personal property
in MoD Intelligence Training Group training The event starts with a reception, is
courses for training year April 1, 2018 (regulation claims) followed by a presentation, questions
DIN 2018DIN05-002: Records until March 31, 2019 DIN 2017DIN08-006: Joint Services and culminates with refreshments.
management – the 20-year rule Command and Staff College There will be a range of military
DIN 2018DIN07-013: Defence
DIN 2018DIN05-001: Publication of chemical biological radiological international student charging regime personnel on hand to answer any
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commercial diving services Information Activities Group training (income generation and repayment)
interested in attending.
DIN 2018DIN06-006: Radioactive provision 2018/19 DIN 2017DIN08-004: Non-entitled
substances annual holdings return for DIN 2018DIN07-011: Application cash casual meal charge for financial February: 8, Caernarfon; 20, Stafford
year ending December 2017 instructions for defence anaesthesia year 2017/18 March: 1, Milton Keynes; 8, Bridgend;
DIN 2018DIN06-005: New simulation course, surgical DIN 2017DIN08-003: Non-entitled 13, Medway
NO. 915
TEN details have been changed in this picture of GU11 2DU with your contact details,
the Army’s Lynx helicopter taking its final flight including email address, no later than February 28. from The Bluebeards Revenge.
from RAF Odiham. A photocopy is acceptable but only one entry The winner will be announced in the April
Circle all the differences in the left image and per person may be submitted. 2018 issue. Usual rules apply.
send the panel to HOAY 915, Soldier, Ordnance First correct entry drawn after the closing date December’s winner: Julian Money, Cranleigh
Barracks, Government Road, Aldershot, Hampshire will win £100-worth of men’s grooming products School CCF, Cranleigh, Surrey.
53-54-sol-feb- Bullet Points.indd 2 25/01/2018 17:42

Navigation
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Doing Selection?
Ex-Mil Instructor.
Accom incl.
Contact Andy
07787 122436
To advertise in Soldier call: 01252 787106
55-58-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 16:43

Julian Young

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O’Brien, 24 Cdo Engr Regt, Sqn, 9 Regt RLC, Chippenham; Salisbury; LCpl K Smith. A(30) MPGS, Bovington, Wareham;
Barnstable; LCpl B Bell, 400 Tp Pte M Bates, 91 Sqn, 27 Regt Sqn, 1 Med Regt, BFPO 16; LCpl Name withheld, HQ Hereford
RLC, Catterick Garrison; LCpl C RLC, Aldershot; Rfn L Bunting, J Poole, 1 Gren Gds, Aldershot; Garrison; Capt D Ward, Sp Coy,
Kalibwanji, C Sqn, QRH, BFPO A Coy, 5 Rifles, Salisbury; Pte J LCpl M Gausden, 4 Bn REME, 1 RRF, Tidworth; Pte J Evans, 66
16; Pte C Graham, D Coy, 3 Scots, Simons, 3 RSME Regt, Camberley; Tidworth; Maj G Bagley, HQ BF Sqn, 9 TLR RLC, Chippenham; Lt
Ardersier; Pte C McKenzie, 91 Maj R Willcocks, MTMC, Chilwell; Gibraltar; SSgt E Bridger, 243 Col M Smith, HQ ARTD, Pewsey;
Sqn, 27 Regt RLC, Aldershot; Cpl SSgt T Hannaford, HQ 29 EOD & Sqn, 10 Signal Regt, Monxton Maj S Ferguson, SVC Adviser,
A Miller, DMRC, Epsom; WO2 M Search Gp, Saffron Walden. Road. Islamabad, BFPO 747.
o.uk
55-58-sol-feb.indd 4 25/01/2018 16:44

55-59-sol-jan.indd 5 12/12/2017 13:39
GAMES
TOP GEAR
WORKOUT WEAR
Athletics ace casts her eye
over the latest kit
£56
WITH more and more clothing items and accessories
flooding the fitness market it seems as though there
is an endless supply of options when it comes to
catering for your needs.
Here, Army athlete and England cross-country
runner Capt Lauren Hall (REME) gives her verdict
on some of the latest contenders from the world of
women’s training kit…
£50
P61
BOOKS
P63
MOVIES
£45
P64
MUSIC
P66
GAMES
60-66-sol-feb reviews.indd 1 25/01/2018 20:54

BOOKS
PICK OF THE MONTH:
ONCE A PILGRIM
Paratrooper turned author pens
Special Forces thriller
Maximum support air control

DeltaPad sports bra, Anita
THE thing I like most about this is the stylish design, which is
something you don’t typically see in a sports bra that provides
a good level of support. For that reason, I mainly used it during
high intensity sessions. The bra also has a foam cup that doubles
up as protection for activities such as battle PT. The material is a
mesh-like fabric which reduces the sweat build-up that can be
particularly uncomfortable. This bra is the perfect all-rounder for
PT sessions in the day job or workouts in your spare time.
Thermal hoodie, ACAI Activewear
DURING the winter months I wear a second layer over my

training top to stay warm throughout, especially during cool
downs after big sessions, so this hoodie was a welcome addition
to my kit. The sleeves easily slide up if you get too hot and there
are two zip pockets either side for storage of keys, phones and IF Amazon’s bestseller lists are the book launch he was confident his
other items. This also acts as a great general wear garment, anything to go by, military fiction is a experiences would lend the story a dose
such as to and from the gym, as it boasts a relaxed look and is lucrative business. of realism.
extremely comfortable. The likes of Andy McNab, Chris Ryan “I think it’s as authentic as you’ll
and Lee Child have earned themselves a get,” he told Soldier.
loyal fan base with tales of modern-day “Some thrillers are completely
derring-do, but now a newcomer to the implausible but I want readers to be
Ironman compression leggings, genre is hoping for a slice of the action. wondering ‘how real is this?’”
ACAI Activewear Once a Pilgrim is the debut novel by “Actually, when the book went to
former paratrooper and elite soldier the MoD [any title on military matters
THESE tights double up as workout clothing and a compression James Deegan. must be cleared by the department prior
piece to aid recovery. They are lightweight and boast a simple With 22 years in the Army and to publication] they queried whether it
plain black design so they could also be worn as part of your tours of Northern Ireland, the Balkans, was all fictional, so I suppose that was a
PT kit. My favourite part is the pocket on the right leg, which is Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan – not to good sign.”
really useful for storing things on long runs outside of camp. It mention a Military Cross – to his name, The plot follows Special Forces
is made from the same material as the leggings and that means the retired regimental sergeant major veteran John Carr, a steely-eyed killer
there is limited movement of items. The garment is also seam certainly has the pedigree to back up and ladies’ man, whose
free to reduce chaffage on the skin and that is something I found his words. murky past in Belfast comes
most useful while clocking up the winter miles on Salisbury Plain. Talking to Soldier shortly before back to haunt him.

BOOKS
When a police enquiry into

historic allegations leads to his address
being leaked to his old enemies, he
must take matters into his own hands
to protect his family.
“The legal investigations into British BOOK RELEASES
troops who served in Northern Ireland
is prominent in the papers so I thought Becoming
it would make an interesting story,” Hitler
explained Deegan. by Thomas
“With Carr I tried to create a Weber
character who is human – he’s fallible.
“He’s not a crook or a criminal but if A HEAVYWEIGHT
you cross him he won't hesitate to do book in every
whatever it takes.” sense, this title
Having left the Army in 2007, Deegan explains clearly
– not his real name – was originally how Hitler evolved
approached to write his autobiography, to become a
however he was keen to avoid the manipulative and cunning political operator
McNab-style fame that would bring. whose narcissism and desire to stand out
Now 51, he works for a major drove him to expound ever more extreme
international security company, but ideas. The final paragraph is a warning we
looks back fondly on Service life. should all note: “Whether one day there will
“I miss the camaraderie and being be a new age of tyrants will not only depend
part of something special – you don’t on our vigilance against future Hitlers… it will
get the same esprit de corps in the be determined by our willingness to protect
business world. and mend the fabric of liberal democracy, of
“I don’t miss what I would have our own age of globalisation before conditions
been doing had I stayed on as a late- become such that demagogues of the worst
entry officer, though” he said. kind will flourish.”
“I had a good run for my money but Mark Hainge, ex-RE
it was time to leave.”
With a sequel in the pipeline it seems
Deegan’s third career as an author is a He Was No
viable prospect. Coward
Billed – fairly accurately it transpires by Janet Booth
– as a literary version of Patriot Games and James
meets Taken, Once a Pilgrim rattles White
along at breakneck speed.
It assumes a certain level of military BRITISH Army
knowledge and so avoids talking down military executions
to the reader or getting bogged down in during the Great
lengthy descriptions of tactics or kit. War remain a
If you like your fiction fast-paced, contentious topic
with plenty of violence and sex thrown almost a century after the Armistice in 1918.
into the mix, then you’re onto a winner This book is in effect a case study of Harry Farr,
with this offering. ■ a North London soldier who served in 2nd
Battalion, The West Yorkshire Regiment and
INTERVIEW: BECKY CLARK, SOLDIER was shot for cowardice in 1916. The story is a
personal account of his descendants’ efforts
to ascertain the facts and their subsequent
campaign to secure his exoneration. As such it
VERDICT:
A heart-pounding military offers an insight into a thorny subject and the
yarn, with the ring of truth events that led to a pardon for the majority of
the 306 Servicemen who were executed.
Mike Peters, ex-AAC

MOVIES
Flashpoint
Trieste
by Christian PICK OF THE MONTH:
Jennings
THIS book LAST FLAG FLYING

examines the city
of Trieste at the Cranston and Carell embark on road trip up the East Coast, reminiscing
end of the Second bittersweet road trip along the way about their wartime
World War and experiences, and how their guilt over
the beginning of A GRIEVING father seeks out his old an incident towards the end of their
the Cold War. Due to its geographical location Vietnam buddies to help him bury his tour shaped their lives.
on the borders of Italy, Austria and Yugoslavia son killed in action in Iraq. Cranston is on typically good form
the city was fought over by advancing Russian That’s the premise behind Richard as impulsive alcoholic, Sal, while
forces, communist partisans, and the Allies. Linklater’s low-key but thoughtful Fishburne’s character Mueller has
The title shows the lives of 12 different men drama, Last Flag Flying. found God and become a somewhat
and women from varied backgrounds and Unassuming family man and humourless preacher.
nationalities during this period. It is written former Navy medic, Larry “Doc” The two struggle to reconnect
in a journalistic style and is very readable and Shepherd (Steve Carell – The Office, and have very different ideas about
highly informative as well as being full of Foxcatcher), has lost his wife and only VERDICT:
how to best help the unfortunate
historical detail with a good range of images child in the space of a year. An Doc, portrayed movingly by Carell,
and mapping. Fully recommended. Thirty years since he last saw understated who combines his usual air of meek
Robert Shaw, ex-RLC his comrades Sal Nealon (Bryan but touching haplessness with a sense of quietly
Cranston – Breaking Bad, Malcolm drama about contained anguish.
in the Middle) and Richard Mueller the ripples Despite the melancholy vibe, it’s
Malcolm (Laurence Fishburne –The Matrix, caused by not all downbeat and there are some
MacPhail’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) war genuine moments of comedy (mainly
Great War he looks them up and asks them to delivered by Cranston) as the three
by Darrell accompany him to Arlington Cemetery friends rediscover common ground.
Duthie for the funeral. This is a bit of a strange film in that
At the repatriation Doc learns that not much actually happens – even
THE concept of the circumstances of his son’s death though the running time is more than
trench warfare and were less glorious than the authorities two hours.
the accompanying first claimed, so he decides to forego a But the protagonists’ reflections
mud during the military burial and take the casket back raise some interesting questions about
First World War home to New Hampshire. laying the ghosts of the past to rest,
is a prominent theme in this very readable The three veterans embark on a comradeship and the nature of grief.
work of “faction”. Malcolm MacPhail is There are a few annoying cliches
a Canadian intelligence officer who finds of the American military variety
himself extracted from his headquarters thrown in but on the whole it avoids
location and plunged into the stalemate of mawkishness and moralising.
the Western Front. There his disdain for the Last Flag Flying stops short of being
senior officers committing many thousands wildly entertaining – it’s more of a
of young men to their certain demise in slow burner. However, thanks to its cast
and around Ypres does him no favours. The there are some memorable moments
friction between HQ politics and the front line that should stick with viewers after the
resonates throughout this tale. All in all, it is credits have rolled. ■
an enjoyable read.
Sqn Ldr Paul Merry, RAF REVIEW: BECKY CLARK, SOLDIER

DVD/DIGITAL RELEASES MUSIC
Batman: Gotham
by Gaslight
Out now
WITH an animated Jack

the Ripper roaming
Victorian Gotham City,
who can save the pseudo-cockney street
walkers? Batman – obviously. And with
Alfred and his band of cheeky ruffians, plus
all the other main characters – Harvey Dent,
Commissioner Gordon et al – what is there
not to like? The answer is everything. There is
no reason to watch this truly awful offering.
Save your money and spend your time doing
absolutely anything else.
Cpl Scott Roberts, Rifles
Battle of Algiers
Out now
THIS restored
masterpiece from director
Gillo Pontecorvo has
lost none of its impact
five decades after it was first released. A gritty PICK OF THE MONTH:
snapshot of the insurgency in French occupied
MARCHING TO A TUNE
Algeria during the 1950s, it pulls no punches
in laying bare the brutality that unfolded in
the postcolonial period following the Second
World War. This 4K restoration features a host Optimism washes over Brighton
of worthwhile extras, including interviews with co ecti e s fi th studio e ort
former insurgents. Well shot, authentic and
balanced, the Battle of Algiers remains one of SINCE bursting onto the scene with
the great movies of world cinema. energy-driven debut offering Thunder,
Cliff Caswell, Soldier Lightning, Strike Brighton-based outfit
The Go! Team have become famed
for their big sound and big tunes.
The Man with the So when frontman Ian Parton
Iron Heart effectively disbanded the group of marching bands, the physicality
Out now to forge his own path alongside a of feeling a beater walloping a bass
collective of Soundcloud singers in drum,” Parton explained.
BASED on the brilliant 2015, it seemed as though a change in “But I wanted to reclaim them from
novel HHhH by direction was afoot. patriotic or sporty associations. That
Laurent Binet, The The result – indie-inspired offering was the kick-off for this record.”
Man with the Iron Heart stars Jason Clarke, The Scene Between – boasted a The artist also crossed the pond to
Rosamund Pike and Boardwalk Empire's stripped back, more tranquil feel work with the Detroit Youth Choir
Stephen Graham. The film recounts the that was positively received but now, as part of his quest for vocal support.
real life Operation Anthropoid, the audacious three years later, a certain degree of He added: “I’ve always had a
mission to kill Reinhard Heydrich. Having seen familiarity has returned. thing for gang vocals and group
other movies, and read books about Operation Semicircle is packed with trademark singing, particularly the roughness of
Anthropoid, I particularly enjoyed the character hip-hop beats, guitars, cheerleader- community choirs.
study of Heydrich and his family life. I'd highly esque chants and samples, while also “Normally they might be singing
recommend this to anyone with an interest in incorporating the multi-instrumental show tunes but I like the idea of
Second World War operations. approach of a full marching band. getting people to do something they
Cpl Adam Jackson, Para “I like the swing and toughness wouldn’t normally do.

MUSIC
MOVIES
VERDICT:
The Go! Team doing what they
do best
MUSIC RELEASES
Unleash the Love
by Mike Love
THIS is the latest release from legendary

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee,
Grammy winner and co-founder of The
Beach Boys, Mike Love. As a double
album it features 13 brand new tracks
as well as 12 re-recordings of his band’s classic numbers, including
California Girls, Help Me Rhonda and Good Vibrations. The original
material ranges from rock and gospel to R ‘n’ B and pop and
celebrates the singer’s connection to the teachings of Maharishi
Mahesh Yogi and his journey to find personal love and peace. It all
sounds very deep and a bit hippy, but with a legend like Mike Love
pulling the strings you just know it’s going to be a belter. The deep
and meaningful message works well and the anthems from the past
seal the deal.
Rodge Tapply, ex-RE
“I like making things happen that resemblance to the group’s earlier

wouldn’t otherwise happen. It’s always sound. Beautiful People Will Ruin Your
a gamble but in this case it paid off.” Although there is plenty to Life
The album starts in characteristic enjoy there are some lows as well, by The Wombats
style with May Day, where Morse particularly in tiresome instrumentals
code beats and repetitive spelling of Chico’s Radical Decade and Tangerine/ WITH the modern British indie rock box
the track’s name underpin an almost Satsuma/Clementine that add little to bursting at the seams, what certainly isn’t
Motown vibe. the flow of the record. needed is another dreary album from a
Parton’s admiration for the marching It also seems as if the intensity band ten years past their best and with
band comes to the fore on standout levels have dipped slightly, meaning it less personality than Liam Gallagher’s eyebrow. But that’s what
offering Semicircle Song, which acts an never really hits full gear. we have here. Single Lemon to a Knife Fight could be an ode to the
optimistic, youthful breath of fresh air. That said Semicircle is still a decent group themselves, while the next best thing – I Only Wear Black – has
More familiarity is found on She’s offering and is the perfect tonic for more than a hint of a student union anthem. They even attempt a
Got Guns, where the returning Ninja anyone seeking some light and joy as psychedelic nod to The Beatles’ songs of the late 60s on Dip You
resumes rapping responsibilities, the winter grind continues. ■ in Honey but it’s a move that falls flat. Essentially, this album is little
while All the Way Live is another high more than a total waste of time and you’ll be advised to steer clear.
point that bears more than a passing REVIEW: RICHARD LONG, SOLDIER Cpl Scott Roberts, Rifles

GAMES
VERDICT:
The force is strong
with this one
GAMES RELEASES
Battlestar Galactica: Deadlock
Out now for PS4, Xbox One and PC
SPACE-based strategy and combat

games have been largely absent since
the heady days of Star Wars: Armada
or Masters of Orion. But finally, and
PICK OF THE MONTH: probably a little late to the party, we
have a worthy alternative. Deadlock is
LET BATTLE COMMENCE

a superb offering that encompasses both strategy and tactics in
an almost seamless title, involving resource-management and
a superb turn-based combat system that encourages forward
Intergalactic adventures await in Star Wars spin-off thinking, organisation and sometimes a little daring. Combat
revolves around setting your movement and orders before each
THE previous Star Wars Battlefront Having said that, the reward and turn and then seeing them play out. It’s the full-on armchair
game was hugely popular and it is easy promotion system in Battlefront 2 is not general experience as you issue out orders and direction, trying
to see why – blasters, lightsabers and as straightforward as the first title and to anticipate your opponent and then seeing how it plays out,
the ability to use the Force were all seems to provide additional awards and turn by turn – all the way from darting swarms of fighters to
very appealing. perks at a snail’s pace when you first the imposing and powerful capital ships. And the bonus? It’s
But of course the main draw was start out, although it does pick up. wonderfully wrapped in a Battlestar Galactica suit.
always the multiplayer option as the The gameplay is almost identical to its David McDougall, civvy
campaign, if you can call it that, was predecessor so it’s fairly smooth and very
largely absent. entertaining. And visually it is stunning.
The follow-up is equally attractive Vast planets provide jaw-dropping Spintires: MudRunner
and exciting. However, it boasts a backdrops, as do the star-studded ones Out now for PS4, Xbox One and PC
far bigger fictional canvas this time when taking to the vacuum of space in a
– stretching from prequels such as Tie-fighter or X-Wing. THOUGH it might boast a roster of
The Phantom Menace and Attack of In essence Star Wars Battlefront 2 is unusual vehicles, Spintires isn’t for those
the Clones to the more recent Force your typical shooter with your typical seeking a Mad Max-like experience
Awakens. In addition there is also a rewards and promotions but it happens involving smashing into opponents or
full campaign. to be packaged in one of the most something akin to Forza Horizon, where
Unusually, the viewpoint is from popular and successful film franchises you race to the finish. No, this is a game
the Empire, which I’ll admit is a of all time. firmly focused on technical perfection. Well, if you’re keen to
nice diversion from the usual Rebel While the game can be frustrating traverse a muddy track, that is. The main aim is to complete
perspective. But I won't spoil the and maddening at times it will certainly multiple tasks, all of which involve utilising numerous vehicles to
outcome here. do a good job of bringing an interactive carry or tow a load to a defined destination along routes that are
The multiplayer needs to be on point universe into your living room. more than just unsuitable for anything that doesn’t have four-
and for the most part it is. Although the And this often means you’ll overlook wheel drive. This isn’t rallying, this is getting from A to B without
controversy of the loot boxes – which some of the more frustrating elements getting stuck. It’s about knowing the limits of your machine and
essentially enabled players to pay to in favour of hurtling around Starkiller using that to get through terrain that wouldn’t be out of place
win – was a sore spot for the release, Base with a lightsaber in hand. ■ in the Somme. This game is intriguing and addictive but probably
EA have now more or less ironed out not for everyone.
the creases. REVIEW: DAVID MCDOUGALL, CIVVY David McDougall, civvy

39-sol-sep.indd 1 17/08/2017 11:33
6-sol-sep.indd 1 17/08/2017 13:15
SOLDIER
SPORT
GOING FOR GOLD
PISTOL shooter Sgt Sam

Gowin (RA) is among a
handful of Army athletes
to be selected for the
Commonwealth Games.
Read more about their
hopes for the Gold Coast
showpiece on pages 76-77...
69-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 12:01

ARCHERY
70-71-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 13:47

SIGN UP: THOSE WANTING TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE ARMY ARCHERY
TEAM SHOULD EMAIL SECRETARY SARAH TROUT VIA SARAH.40@SKY.COM
AIMING FOR SUCCESS

ARCHERS LAUNCH RECRUITING CAMPAIGN AS
SPORT LOOKS FOR NEW DIRECTION IN 2018
A
RMY archers are setting Archery has yet to receive full feature prominently in
their sights on an intake sporting status from the Army both competitions as 2018
of new talent as they Sport Control Board, which progresses is Sgt Craig Cherrie
look to expand their set-up for means it lacks the funding (RLC, pictured left).
the 2018 campaign. afforded to other disciplines The Aldershot-based chef
Availability issues, coupled within the Service. has a background in football
with the logistical challenge However, the organisation and contact sports but after
of having members scattered currently has around 30 archers completing a beginners course
across the country, saw on its books and McCoubrey at his local club, Farnham
the soldiers struggle for was quick to stress that Archers, in March last year he
consistency last year and athletes of all abilities are more was immediately hooked on
those charged with running than welcome. the pursuit.
the Service sport are adopting Novices are advised to "I progressed quickly through
a fresh outlook as they seek an contact their local clubs and the different distances and by
upturn in fortunes. sign up for taster sessions the time I reached 60 metres
While the immediate focus is before developing their skills in I had become quite good," the
on attracting newcomers to the the Army fold. soldier explained.
fold, they are also considering The senior NCO added: "They "I then reached out to the
plans to create regional bases may not think they are good "IF THEY Army team and competed at
so sharpshooters can meet enough to make the squad but the indoor championships in
and train together ahead of the if they can pick up a bow and CAN PICK cto er, where finished in
various competitions that form shoot we are happy for them to third place.
the basis of hectic indoor and come along. UP A "I was really chuffed with
outdoor seasons. "We can then teach them that result.
"The main event we aim for from there. BOW AND "We need to push the
is the national championships, "It all comes down to message out there and get more
which fall in early December," confidence once they ha e SHOOT people involved.
WO1 Jason McCoubrey (AGC that in place they can start to "It is a brilliant organisation.
(RMP), pictured left), Army team build scores. WE ARE There are some really good
captain and outgoing secretary, "Most archery clubs will have archers of all ages; there are
told SoldierSport. equipment for beginners to use. HAPPY wounded veterans and guys
"But a lack of preparation and "We need to get more soldiers who have competed at the
training beforehand really cost into those local clubs, which FOR Invictus Games as well, so there
us last year. is where they'll build the is a great mix.
"We rarely get together as a confidence le els needed for THEM TO As soon as did that first
full squad as we have people our bigger contests. course I knew this was the
posted right across the UK. "But every competition also COME direction I wanted to go in.
When it comes to organising a has a novice section so you "I have got 15 years left in the
weekend of shooting, and when don't need to be an amazing ALONG" Service so I know I can progress
everyone is available, it proves shot to get involved." within the association."
to e a difficult task. Another key fixture on the Personnel looking to get
"So we are looking at different calendar is the Army Outdoor involved in the sport should
ways of doing things and Championships in June, with visit the Archery GB website
want to create a main hub the Inter-Services following (www.archerygb.org) for more
in Aldershot but it all comes from there. information on local clubs,
down to kit – whoever has the Honours have been spread beginners courses and basic kit
equipment is where we have among the three Services in and equipment. ■
to go. recent times and, after a brief
"We need to have interested spell of Army dominance, the
people based in various Army Royal Air Force are now the
locations to make the idea of team to beat.
regional centres work." One of those hoping to
70-71-sol-feb.indd 2 25/01/2018 13:47

CALL TO COURT: FOR MORE DETAILS ON HOW TO
SQUASH GET INVOLVED VISIT WWW.ARMYSQUASH.ORG
NUMBERS ON THE UP
THE Army Individual Squash
PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
Championships in Winchester
served to highlight the sport's
growth among the ranks.
The competition attracted
THE
120 Armyacross
entries was represented
the various at
thecategories,
Homeless World
with moreCup than in250the
shape of CSgt
matches playedChris
in the Bonnar
space of
(Scots).
three days.
A total
"Lastofyear
64 teams
we had from 52 countries
around 150
T
competed
players at the four-a-side
involved, so we are tournament
a HE Army squash set-up the training cycle for the ten
in Glasgow,
little down with
on the
that,senior
but weNCOareacting is targeting significant successful candidates will start
as adoing
referee
muchduring thecompared
better week-longto progress in the coming in May.
festival of football.
the seasons before," explained Lt years after agreeing a formal The initiative is among a
“To
Col have
Yvettethe opportunity
Ashman (AGC to referee
(SPS)), relationship with England’s raft of changes that have been
at an event like
chairman thisArmy
of the was extremely
Squash national governing body. introduced to encourage a
humbling,”
and Racketsthe Serviceman
Association.said. Signed under the Armed growth in the sport.
“I thought
"We have I had seen a lot
especially seenin my
a 17 Forces Covenant, the deal With participation on the rise
years
lot of service
new faces butin tothe
listen to some of
novice will see ten players embark there is now an equal focus on
thecategory,
stories and meet
where people
people who
who dohave on a year-long programme of the men's and women's senior
beennotthrough moreplay
necessarily thanatmost
corps ofor
us bespoke training and mentoring squads, as well as the masters
canArmy
comprehend
level arewascomingat times
alongheart-
to with some of the top coaches in and under-25s.
have a go. the country. "It used to be all about the
"We need to get new blood in. In return, the Service will men's team," explained Maj Gen
our or fi e years ago the ladies "THIS deliver leadership and team Tyrone Urch, the organisation's
made a real effort to grow their uilding courses for the finest president. "But over the past
team and on the back of that they HAS academy prospects in the couple of years there has been a
have been very successful. England Squash system. focus on raising the standard of
"That has made the other BEEN A “The aim of the partnership all four groups.
squads open their eyes." is to increase participation and "On our recent tour to San
Army and Armed Forces SEMINAL develop more talent for the Francisco we had two or three
number one Capt Sam Miller (RA) Army,” Lt Col Yvette Ashman players from each team and
claimed the men's title, with Maj YEAR (AGC (SPS)), chairman of the that meant the juniors could
Elaine Radcliffe (RAMC) taking Army Squash and Rackets learn from the seniors and the
the women's crown. FOR US" Association, told SoldierSport. men from the women. It worked
“It will not necessarily be our really well.
top players who take part but is "This has been a seminal
CAPT Gemma Rowland (RA) aimed more at those with the year for us. Having that
has been named as the new potential to go on and play for understanding with England
skipper of the Army women’s one of our four representative Squash means we will get
rugby union team. teams in the future. specialist training of the
Fellow international player Sgt “It is about improving so we highest standard.
Bianca Dawson (AGC (RMP)) will be the can have long-term success at "I can't think of many Army
side’s vice-captain. elite level.” sports that have such a close
“They will make a formidable The application window relationship with a national
leadership team,” explained head coach closes later this month and governing body." ■
72-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 13:56

73-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 16:41
WINTER OLYMPICS
Pictures: Mike Varey, Elite Pix

SOLDIERS TARGET PODIUM PUSH
T
HE Army will have two a rabbit in the headlights just the Team GB fold.
representatives on the taking it all in but this time we He was recommended to
bobsleigh track at this are going there to compete. the set-up by his coach at
month’s Winter Olympics after "We've been working on a 3rd Battalion, The Parachute
LSgt Lamin Deen (Gren Gds) lot of combinations to test our Regiment and is still coming
and Pte Nick Gleeson (Para) equipment and set-ups. There to terms with his inclusion.
were selected for Team GB. have been some mixed results “It is unreal,” the Serviceman
Pilot Deen will lead one of but we feel we are ready to push told SoldierSport.
two four-man crews at the for a medal. hen first saw the
Pyeongchang showpiece in "We are racing against the guys who are at world-class
what will be his second Games same people we have raced performance level I thought ‘I
campaign and the soldier is throughout the year and we can never do that’, but here I
being tipped as an outside know we can beat them. am going to the Olympics.
medal bet in some quarters. "Now we face them at a "WE ARE “I’m one of the newest
He claimed a silver medal neutral venue, which will really members of the squad and
at the World Cup event in the help us. READY this is only my second season
Canadian resort of Whistler in "The more runs you have with Team GB.
December and the squad as a down a track the more you find TO PUSH “I’m still letting it all sink
whole have secured a further out how to tackle it. in but when we get out there
six top ten finishes in the "The Germans, on a home FOR A we would lo e to finish on
competition this season. track, will find half a second the podium. We have every
“I’m overwhelmed,” Deen on you but there won't be that MEDAL" possibility of winning a medal,
(pictured) told SoldierSport advantage now." there is nothing holding us
after the line up was confirmed. Brakeman Gleeson’s call back and we are going to give
“Last time I was a little like comes after just two years in it our best shot.” ■
74-75-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 16:56

GAMES COUNTDOWN: THE WINTER OLYMPICS GET UNDER WAY ON FEBRUARY 9;
THE BIATHLON STARTS ON FEBRUARY 10 AND BOBSLEIGH ON FEBRUARY 19
LIGHTFOOT LEADS THE WAY

B
IATHLON star Sgt Amanda
Lightfoot (AGC (SPS)) will make her
Winter Olympic return this month
Pictures: Dominic King
after being named as Team GB’s sole

representative in the sport.
The soldier made her debut at the 2014
Games in Sochi – just six years after
taking up the sport and finished st
in the 15-kilometre individual event and
th in the . kilometre sprint.
TELEMARK'S TEST But with further experience to her

name the 30-year-old is expected to
improve on her scores this time and after
claiming 32nd spot in the 15-kilometre
THE slopes of Pralognan-la- indi idual race at the orld
Vanoise in France formed the Championships she is well placed to
backdrop for the annual Army succeed on the snow.
Telemark Skiing Championships. “It’s absolutely amazing to be selected,”
Around 80 soldiers took to Lightfoot told SoldierSport.
the piste for the showdown, “It has been a roller coaster journey
which egan with fi e days of over the past four years so it is really nice
familiarisation training and to pick up my kit and officially e part of
tuition before progressing to the Team GB.
racing stages. “The qualifying races ran up until
With icy conditions making January 21 so it has been a long wait but
life difficult for the athletes it was I’m really chuffed.
OCdt Ben Emsley (Bristol UOTC) “I’m in a much better place than I was
and OCdt Ellie Thorn (Exeter going into the last Games.
UOTC) who showed the greatest "I’ve got a better coaching system and
Picture: Marcel Laponder

consistency in the sprint and training programme and have support in
classic disciplines to emerge as areas such as nutrition and psychology.
the Service's overall male and “Now it is all about doing the job on the
female champions. range and hitting the targets and correct
"We had a great couple of loop times. Small goals contribute to the
weeks that culminated with bigger picture.” ■
some fantastic racing," said Brig
Suzanne Anderson, chair of Army
Telemark. "This is a sport that is
inclusive for all skiers. "I'M IN A HOST of wounded veterans
"Seeing those who have are vying for places at the Winter
had little previous experience A MUCH Paralympics in Pyeongchang,
developing to the stage where which get under way on March 8.
they are tackling the different BETTER Invictus Games star Scott
aspects of Telemark and actually Meenagh (pictured), who served
racing is really satisfying." PLACE in 2nd Battalion, The Parachute
Anyone interested in getting Regiment, is hoping to compete
involved should visit www. THAN in the Nordic skiing disciplines
awsa.org.uk/telemark or email but faces competition from fellow
telemark@awsa.org.uk I WAS ex-soldiers Steve Arnold and
Terry Aherns.
GOING Owen Pick, formerly of 1st
Battalion, The Royal Anglian
INTO THE Regiment, is in contention for the
snowboarding squad, while Capt
LAST Jen Kehoe (RE) could potentially
be named as a guide for the
GAMES" visually impaired ski team.
eam will finalise their line
Picture: Anthony Kinsella up later this month.
74-75-sol-feb.indd 2 25/01/2018 16:56

COMMONWEALTH GAMES
ARMY'S ELITE GEARED FOR AUSTRALIAN QUEST

B
OXING star Cpl Alanna have held my own even though I of winning gold she faces a
Nihell (RLC) is eyeing lost. There was no real difference potential clash with defending
a golden return from between us and I had forgotten champion and home favourite
Australia’s Gold Coast how good I can be. Shelly atts, a oxer who eat
following her inclusion in the “The captaincy is a real her at the semi final stage four
Northern Ireland squad for the honour. I’ve got the knowledge years ago.
Commonwealth Games. and experience which means “I’m going over to her country
The Army team captain won the other girls look up to me. It and there’s a chance we’ll have
a bronze medal at the Glasgow is a out leading y example and to fight in her ackyard, the
Games of 2014 and is now aiming this is the pinnacle of my career.” Servicewoman added.
to top the podium after a sublime Nihell is now based at the m confident can go there
run of 17 victories from 21 bouts squad’s Belfast camp and will and make the final my goal
over the past two seasons. head down under for three weeks is to win that gold medal.
Such impressive form made of training and acclimatisation "MY I’ll be disappointed if I don’t
the soldier a certainty for before the showpiece starts on as I believe I have a great
selection but the 32-year-old was April 4. GOAL IS opportunity this time.
taking nothing for granted ahead The athlete stepped up to 64kg “This is my second Games and
of the official announcement in after the last Games but has TO WIN the pressure is on me but that is
early January. returned to her original weight something I thrive on, it brings
As well as earning her place for her latest medal bid. THAT out the best in me.”
in a field of oxers she was “I feel a lot better this time Northern Ireland have also
handed the extra onus of eing round, she explained. trained GOLD called upon the marksmanship
named women’s team captain. hard over the summer and now skills of Cpl Stuart Hill (R Irish).
was confident of getting a have a nutritionist on board. MEDAL" The shooter will compete
spot as I have been performing Being more educated helps me in the small ore rifle three
well,” Nihell told SoldierSport. hold the weight and I feel in position and prone events
“I’ve fought against the number great shape.” but only found out about his
two and three in the world and If Nihell is to realise her dream inclusion when the final team
76-77-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 14:09

GAMES IN
announcement was made on
Facebook at the beginning of
last month.
“Nobody knew who would be
picked,” Hill told SoldierSport. “I
had hit the qualifying scores but
NUMBERS
it was a case of wait and see.
“I was quite shocked when I
saw my name on the list. I didn’t LENGTH IN
want to get my hopes up but it DAYS OF
was a great confidence oost to THE GAMES –
see the hard work paying off. WHICH RUN
“Now it is all about focusing
FROM APRIL
on the improvements I need to
make ahead of the Games.” 4 TO 15
The soldier will embark on
12
a period of full-time training
with his coach and has camps
planned across the country as
well as in Germany.
“I have set myself some targets
and now I have to sit down with
my coach and work out a way of SPORTS ON
achieving those,” he added.
“I’ve got a few ideas but I want
THE ROSTER
to keep things quiet at this stage.
23
“We have made some changes
HOT SHOT'S NATIONAL CALL

to my gun and firing position
and things have been going
well in training. Hopefully I can
reproduce that in the matches.”
ill only started firing the
small ore rifle in une MEDALS
but believes his rapid elevation
P
WON BY
to the standard needed for ISTOL shooter Sgt Sam with the result and I loved
the Commonwealth Games BOXERS Gowin (RA) has seen his having the chance to perform
highlights the sporting prowess FROM remarkable rise in the in front of a big crowd, there
that exists within the Ser ice. NORTHERN sport rewarded with a place was a great atmosphere.
He said: “This will be a great IRELAND AT in England's Commonwealth "The coaches were saying it
experience for me and is Games team. was shame I was not going to
THE 2014
something to be proud of. The Army ace only started the Commonwealth Games.
“It is also good news for the GAMES shooting competitively last "Initially I was named as
Army as it shows there is talent year ut after ust six weeks first reser e ut e entually
9
within the ranks. If soldiers are of full-time training he got an email to confirm was
given a chance to shine they will caught the eye by reaching in the team.
do just that.” ■ the country's minimum "It was overwhelming."
consideration score. The soldier has refused to
Gowin's form progressed set any targets ahead of his
from there and he went on first shot and will e opting
NUMBER to secure fourth place in for a considered approach on
the rapid fire pistol at the the day.
OF TIMES
Commonwealth Shooting "I'm just going to stay cool
CPL STUART ederation hampionships and shoot like I normally do,"
HILL HIT THE the test event ahead of April's he explained.
QUALIFYING Gold Coast showpiece. "If that happens it will be
SCORE The achievement left the good enough for me.
national selectors with little 'm not expecting to come
AHEAD
option but to call upon his away with anything but a
OF BEING services for the Games. good performance would
NAMED IN "I trained hard beforehand definitely e nice.
THE TEAM ut was still expecting Gowin will then target a
to struggle," Gowin told World Cup place with a view
2
SoldierSport. "Some of the to qualifying for the World
best shots in the world were Championships in September.
out there. His long-term goal is the 2020
"Obviously, I was happy Olympics in Tokyo. ■
76-77-sol-feb.indd 2 25/01/2018 14:09

UP NEXT: THE ARMY FACE NOTTINGHAM ON FEBRUARY
RUGBY UNION 3 AND THEN PLAY THE BRITISH POLICE ON FEBRUARY 14
GAME BRIEF
DATE: January 17, 2018
COMPETITION: Army v
Cambridge University – rugby
union friendly
VENUE: Grange Road Stadium,
Cambridge
ARMY
Titchard-Jones Austin Smith
Pictures: Alligin Photography

1 2 3
Bean Smith
4 5
Cross Dawson
6 Taura 7
8
Evans Dixon (c)
9 10
STUDENTS SWEPT ASIDE

Leathem Davetanivalu
12 13
Edwards Rokoduguniat
THE Army was represented
11
the Homeless World Cup in 14the
Davies
15
shape of CSgt Chris Bonnar
(Scots).
A SUBS:
total of 64
Brown,
teams
Dowding,
from 52Gill,
countries
competed
Parkins,
at Miller,
the four-a-side
Vunivesilevu,
tournament
in Glasgow,
Nacavamuto,
with the
Wilson
senior NCO acting
T
as a referee during the week-long HE Army's rugby union time through Austin (pictured)
RUGBY UNION stars made an emphatic and Capt Stu Cross (Yorks).
COACH'S COMMENTS:
“To have the opportunity to referee
at an event like this was extremely
FRIENDLY start to their 2018
campaign as they demolished
The onslaught continued
after the break as Edwards used
humbling,” the Serviceman said. FIXTURE the students of Cambridge his searing pace to touch down
"WE HAD
“I thought I had seen a lot in my 17
CAMB
University in a 73-10 rout. in the corner and Austin capped
years of service but to listen to some of Sig John Davetanivalu (R a superb individual display as
A STRONG
the stories and meet people who have UNI Signals), Bdr Pete Austin and he darted to the line following a
10
been through more than most of us LBdr Craig Edwards (both RA) surge from the forwards.
PACK AND
can comprehend was at times heart- all crossed twice as the ruthless LCpl Chris Leathem (R Irish)
Reds ran in ten tries against rounded off a clinical break to
THEY SET THE their shell-shocked rivals, with post further points on the hour
ARMY the tally being further boosted mark and the centre turned
PLATFORM by a late penalty score. provider soon after as Edwards
FOR OUR 73 The boot of Jake Hennessey

gave the hosts an early lead
but it proved to be the calm
ran clear on the wing.
Replacement scrum half
LBdr Sailasa Vunivesilevu
BACKS. WE before the storm as the soldiers (RA) maintained the Army's
asserted their authority. stranglehold as he jinked to the
SCORED Davetanivalu capitalised on line following a prolonged spell
the strong running of Austin of pressure in the Cambridge 22
SOME and Cpl Matt Dawson (Int before a penalty try completed
Corps) to open his account the scoring at the death.
DAZZLING midway through the first half Dawson and Austin formed
before rounding off a swift the spearhead of a dominant
TRIES
CAPT Gemma –Rowland (RA) cross field mo e moments later. Army pack, with both forwards
has been named as the new The Army's policy of making impressive carries
IT WAS
skipper of the Army women’s favouring attacking territory at will. The pace and clinical
rugby union team. over kickable penalties reaped finishing of the acks will also
A GREAT
Fellow international player Sgt dividends in the 29th minute as have pleased head coach Capt
Bianca Dawson (AGC (RMP)) will be the pl ewis ean ifles crashed Andy Sanger (RE), who was
DISPLAY"
side’s vice-captain. over from a line-out and the preparing the team for their
“They will make a formidable visitors added two further clash with Oxford University as
leadership team,” explained head coach efforts on the stroke of half- this issue went to press. ■
78-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 14:14

10-sol-oct.indd 1 14/09/2017 12:00
JIU-JITSU
SPORT SHORTS
ARTISTS RAISE THEIR GAME
B
A A iu itsu
continued its upward curve
in Army sporting circles
at the inaugural Armed Forces,
Veterans and Emergency Services
Championships in Aldershot.
More than competitors took
Injury ends Roko's hopes to the mat for a tough day of martial
arts action watched by former
RUGBY union ace LCpl Semesa UFC star Roger Gracie – one of the
Rokoduguni (Scots DG) has been ruled most successful iu itsu fighters of
out of England s Six ations campaign recent times.
following surgery on a shoulder injury. The Brazilian ace trains a number
he year old wing was forced of Service athletes and has been a
from the field during ath s match keen supporter of the set up in its
with Exeter in early ecem er and was formative years.
expected to e out for two months. He said: “The growth in the
However, a longer recovery period discipline is great to see, the level is
is now needed and he will miss the so high.”
entirety of the tournament, which starts Among those taking part was
on e ruary . blind veteran Robert Long. A
Rokoduguni was recalled to the former lance bombardier in the
squad for the autumn internationals Royal Artillery, he was wounded on
and impressed as he came off the operations in Afghanistan in .
bench to score in wins over Argentina He tried a number of sports
and Samoa. during his reco ery ut iu itsu was
The Army will be hoping he returns the pursuit he followed to a higher
to fitness in time for this season s standard. Long recently won the
Picture: Cpl Mark Larner, RLC

nter Ser ices campaign, which gets Army hampionships against a le
under way against the Royal Air Force bodied rivals.
on April . “I was proud to be a soldier and
this is a way for me to get that
back,” he said. “It’s great to compete
with these guys.” ■
"I WAS
PROUD
TO BE A
SOLDIER
a ers sea fi a ace AND THIS
DEFENDING champions the Royal IS A WAY
Engineers booked their place in this
season's oolwich up final with a TO GET
win over the Royal Signals.
The sappers will take on the Adjutant THAT
General's Corps – who defeated the
nfantry in the other semi final in the BACK" THE latest Grand Military Gold Cup Day will be staged at Sandown
showpiece fixture on April . Park on Friday, March 9.
In other football news, the Army Armed Forces jockeys will compete in two of the six races scheduled
women saw their hopes of Southern or the da with the re ainder eaturin so e o the countr s finest
ounties up success dashed y a professional talent. Discounted tickets are available for personnel at
loss to Kent. www.sandown.co.uk by quoting GM2018.
.

MOTORSPORT
NETBALL
MONTH INVICTUS
NETBALL ININ
NUMBERS
IN SPORT
Pictures: James Meigh, Holder Racing

DETAIL
TOP SPEED,
123
IN MILES PER
HOUR, OF
THE JAGUAR
e ruary’s key fixtures...
F-TYPE
RACING CAR
WHAT:
DETAIL
200 INVICTUS HITS THE TRACK
nter Ser ices Ski
123
Championships
WHEN:
e ruary
WHERE: Meribel,
France
LITRE SUPER
NEED TO
A
KNOW: With
CHARGED SELECT group of feature events at some the
the Army Championships complete the
DETAIL
V8 PETROL wounded, injured and UK's most iconic circuits, with
the opening round being held
123
Service's top stars lock horns with their ENGINE sick veterans will
Forces rivals during the highlight of the compete in the ritish at ulton ark on March .
5
winter sports season GT Championship as part of A series of trials were held
the newly launched Invictus o er the past six months to
Games Racing team. identify and train four Forces'
he set up which is a drivers and the cars have been
collaboration between James adjusted to meet their needs.
DETAIL Holder, of clothing brand Among those taking to the
Superdry, and the Invictus track is former soldier Basil
123
MEMBERS
ON THE
TEAM –
Games Foundation – will
feature two bespoke Jaguar
ype S racing cars that
Rawlinson. He served in 2nd
Battalion, The Parachute
Regiment and was diagnosed
INCLUDING have been in development for with post traumatic stress
FOUR more than a year. disorder following a tour of
Motorsport fanatic Holder Afghanistan. He also suffered
WHAT: nter Ser ices nder DETAIL
FORCES
was inspired to launch the with degenerative discs in his
DRIVERS pro ect after watching the back and was discharged from
123
Football Championships – Navy v Army
Invictus Games in Orlando the Army in .
6
WHEN: e ruary
WHERE: Portsmouth and believes it will play a vital "I am hugely grateful to
NEED TO KNOW: ack to ack role in the recovery process. Invictus Games Racing for
defeats last season including a He said: "This will enable gi ing me this once in a
home defeat to the Navy – saw the Army's ex Ser icemen and women lifetime opportunity," the
young guns relinquish their title. The who ha e experienced driver said.
Reds will be looking for a positive start in DETAIL physical or psychological "I am looking forward to the
trauma to compete against thrill of the competition and
123
this opening fixture ROUNDS
each other and the rest of the the opportunity to be part of a
STAGED IN
top le el racing field in cars tight team – things that were
WHAT: Army THE 2018 that are tailor made for them. integral to my time in The
women v England SERIES AT The championship will Parachute Regiment." ■
nder s rug y TRACKS
union SUCH AS
WHEN: February DETAIL
BRANDS
WHERE: Army
Rugby Stadium,
Aldershot
123
HATCH AND
OULTON
PARK
NEED TO
9
KNOW: The
Servicewomen have become regular
opponents for England's finest young
talent and they'll be looking to avenge a
defeat in

Pictures: Peter Davies
Final Word
To be honest, I
don’t stress about
anything. But we
should look out for
each other. On an
operation such as
Interviews: Cliff Caswell
Shader in Iraq you

spend six months
in a con ned space
I tend to brush off the stresses with people and
of military life. They can be
demanding but I deal with
you learn about
them. Bad driving, on the other them – I think I
hand, really annoys me. People would notice if
who don’t indicate are the somebody wasn’t
worst – they seem to have no themselves.
People idea where they are going.
LCpl Ben Latham, Rifles
Rfn Jordan Hobbs, Rifles
walking
On edge
too slowly.
I just want
to get to
where I am
going in People who comment on military
Soldier asked troops what
issues without any experience annoy stresses them out in life
reasonable me. They speak without having
a clue about what we’re doing.
time! There seems to be an element of
the population that has a skewed
Lt George Gillard, Rifles perception of reality.
Cpl John MacDaid, Rifles
I think some stress can

be good, particularly
in training. You want You don’t have the I am the adjutant in a
to be able to push the same freedom in
Reserve unit and I think
it’s important to remember
bounds of capability Army life as you do the particular stresses that
these soldiers can be under.
to get results. on civvy street – you They are very dedicated
could look at that as people who put themselves
But you need to a stress, but some forward for service. We
manage stress guys need structure need to be aware that they
have a life outside the
and get a good and I really like it. Armed Forces, and be alert
I love coming to to any issues that may arise
work-life work because of the from this.
balance. routine we have. Capt Toby Hartle, RLC
Lt Tom Callard, Scots Pte Kieran Toman, Scots ● Turn to page 22 for
stress-busting tips
82-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 18:07

83-sol-feb.indd 1 22/01/2018 16:01
84-sol-jan.indd 1 28/11/2017 15:20
ARRYN, BOLTON, CLEGANE, TARLY
4-5-sol-mar.indd 1 22/02/2018 23:48

2-sol-feb.indd 1 15/02/2018 10:31
3-sol-mar.indd 1 21/02/2018 09:07
CONTENTS
FEATURES
32 On the prowl
Wildcat takes to the Baltic skies
36 The fight for full screw

Airborne gunners eye promotion
40 Heads of shed
Military biker community unites
42 First Reserve
Part-time service in Northern Ireland
REGULARS
7 The Informer
24 Need to Know
47 Talkback
52 Bullet Points
58 Reviews
Kit, books, music and movies to
fill your downtime
82 Final Word
What to expect from Op Cabrit
SOLDIERSPORT
68 Athletics
Endurance star receives GB call They learn
70 Winter sports
Soldiers hit the slopes in Meribel
a huge
71 Winter Paralympics
Skier joins veterans on Korean quest
amount
73 Football about
themselves
Reds reclaim under-23 crown
74 Boxing
Fighters tested against nation’s finest
75 Rugby league
Fourth round beckons in Challenge Cup
76 Commonwealth Games
Bamsey targets Gold Coast medal The fight for full screw – page 36
79 Winter Olympics
Nerves scupper biathlon hopes
81 Rugby union
Roses’ onslaught sweeps soldiers aside
4 MARCH 2018 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
4-5-sol-mar .indd 1 22/02/2018 20:11

40 Variety
begins at
home
ONE of the best
things about
working on Soldier
is the interaction we
get with our readers
as we follow them
around the world.
Cataloguing the Army’s various
operations and training packages for
this and future generations is without
doubt a huge privilege.
But with so much activity
happening across Eastern Europe
and the rest of the world (page 8), it
is easy to forget how much brilliant
stuff is going on back in the UK too.
42
This month we take a closer look
at some of those taskings – from
preparations for Wildcat’s operational
debut (page 32) to the varied work of
Northern Ireland’s Reserves (page 42)
71
and the mission to mould the next
generation of Army leaders (page 36).
As ever, though, Service life is far
from perfect. If something is irking
you check out page 47 for a lively
mix of readers’ letters and details of
how you can submit a question or
comment yourself.
Whether at home or abroad, we
hope you enjoy the magazine.
Where to find Soldier

Printed copies
81 79
the start of each month.
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

the scenes at Soldier, we publish a link to
soldiermagazine and on Twitter
(@soldiermagazine).
Online
editions are available on the Army website
Purchase
from your high street magazine retailer or
directly from us at subs@soldiermagazine.
www.soldiermagazine.co.uk MARCH 2018 5
4-5-sol-mar .indd 2 22/02/2018 20:11

6-sol-feb.indd 1 18/01/2018 14:45
Editor Sarah Goldthorpe

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Sky Sabre missile system unveiled

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Advertising Heather Shekyls
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Rapier replacement to provide major leap in capability Subscriptions

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T
HE Army has been given a first SV 8x8 vehicle equipped with eight
glimpse of the new cutting-edge ready-to-use missiles. Managing Editor Steven Muncey
air defence weapon that will be The system is designed to be 01252 787095 (94222 7095)
heading its way in 2020. deployed remotely and reloaded by its smuncey@soldiermagazine.co.uk
Sky Sabre will provide a major crew who can then intercept a wide
uplift in capability for 16 Regiment, variety of aerial targets including fixed
Royal Artillery, offering greater range, wing, rotary and cruise missiles.
accuracy and firepower compared
with the existing Rapier short-range
Personnel can monitor and predict
the path of incoming threats and once It really is
revolutionary
air defence system that it replaces. the weapons are in flight they can be
“It represents a real change to how updated and directed on to multiple
we do our business as ground-based targets, enhancing the kill probability.
air defenders,” Lt Col Chris Coton (RA)
told Soldier.
“It not only offers us the ability
Air Cdre Ian Gale, the senior
responsible officer for the introduction
of Sky Sabre, commented: “You are
stuff SOLDIER – Magazine of the British Army
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to engage targets beyond visual seeing the future here, you can’t Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2DU.
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showed Sky Sabre’s three main Print contract managed by CDS.
components together for the first time.
The electronic brain is a state-of-
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IN NUMBERS: SKY SABRE © CROWN COPYRIGHT 2018
Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily
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information to help guide the new, the MBDA The system’s
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missile in radar range in metres per
Modular Missile developed by MBDA. kilometres kilometres second
The launcher is mounted on a Man
7-sol-marV2.indd 1 22/02/2018 17:58

2. NORTH CAROLINA
1. BELIZE
PARAS PREPARE
AIRBORNE personnel have IN 3,800 m Portu
miles fro uiana
gal
1. BELIZE
NUMBERS
converged on Belize for two hG
to Frenc
separate training packages.
Some 200 troops from 23
3. FRENCH GUIANA
65 Days, 16 Hourss 500

Parachute Engineer Regiment
rther
are carrying out a range of miles fu
maintenance tasks around Price m ore
than the
and FOUR min
Barracks and the training areas ute ute from
direct ro s
as part of Exercise Sailfish – the
time tak
en to ry Island
first time the serial has been run the the Cana
complete g ua
for six years. to Antig
Meanwhile, soldiers from A cro in
s s
Company, 3rd Battalion, The
Parachute Regiment became the
first to test a new training area in
the north of the country.
Exercise Mayan Warrior has
seen them take on skills and drills
3. FRENCH GUIANA
in previously untouched primary
jungle (pictured).
TRANSATLANTIC TRIUMPH
A ROYAL Engineer completed his
last day of service in the middle
of the Atlantic Ocean, half way
through an astonishing world
record attempt.
Spr Duncan Roy and his
companions set off from Lagos in
4. GERMANY
Portugal in December, aiming to
become the fastest team to paddle
SEND YOUR SNAPS
unsupported from mainland Europe MEMORIES and photographs
to South America. from troops who have served in
2. NORTH CAROLINA But after being forced to stop
at Lanzarote and then Cape Verde
Germany are still being sought for
the British Forces Germany legacy
BRAGGING RIGHTS for repairs, they instead ended

up becoming the first team ever
project, which will be compiled in
a book produced by HQ BFG.
NEARLY 1,000 personnel will to complete the so-called “Trade Find out how to participate by
deploy to Fort Bragg later this visiting www.bfgnet.de
Winds Two” route from Africa to
month to conduct the biggest French Guiana, landing in Cayenne
divisional headquarters training just 28 days later.
package since the British Army of
Writing on Instagram, Roy –
the Rhine era.
who served with 24 Commando
Exercise Warfighter will see
Engineer Regiment – said: “It was
3rd (UK) Division fighting directly
an absolute honour to represent the
under the American 18th Airborne
Corps and is the formation’s regiment on my Atlantic row.
chance to prove its readiness for “It gave me motivation and
modern operations. inspiration every single day.”
8-9-sol-mar.indd 2 22/02/2018 21:35

INTELLIGENCE
5. NORTH POLE FOR THE ATLAS?
Meribel
Brief the team now:

hosted the
Inter-Services
Snow Sports
Championships
– page 70
4. GERMANY Email: news@soldiermagazine.co.uk

8. AUSTRALIA
DIPLOMACY DOWN UNDER
CHIEF of the Defence Staff Air Chf
6. CHAD Mshl Sir Stuart Peach met senior
Australian politicians and Armed
Forces representatives to discuss
a range of issues during a visit to
the country.
Big talking points included
closer working between the two
7. MALAWI Being busy militaries, as well as global

concerns such as North Korea,
makes the
Syria, Iraq and countering
international terrorism.
Air Chf Mshl Peach said:
5. NORTH POLE time fly “From the First World

War right up to the fight
against Daesh, the UK
COOL RUNNINGS 8. AUSTRALIA and Australia have stood
shoulder-to-shoulder as the
A FORMER Army officer is gearing strongest of allies.”
up to take on the world’s only Troops ponder
long-distance race staged entirely Estonian stint
Pyeongchang calling
on the frozen sea. – page 82
Rob Shenton (ex-REME, pictured
6. CHAD
below in his Arctic training Army Olympians take on
gear) will tackle the North Pole the world – page 79
Marathon next month.
The 45-year-old has already UNITED FRONT
completed the Marathon Des
Sables and the Everest Marathon
THE UK has taken the lead for the
liaison and coordination cell that
CRIMINALS illegally hunting animals
are now the quarry of British troops. 7. MALAWI
in his quest to run the toughest,
highest and coldest foot races on
supports the anti-Boko Haram
Multinational Joint Task Force.
UK personnel are ramping up their
presence in Malawi following a pilot HUNTERS HUNTED
Earth. To help him raise funds for Based in N’Djamena under the initiative in Liwonde National Park
Help for Heroes and Combat Stress command of Col Jon Cresswell, – mentoring locals who are trying to
visit www.runningrob.com the unit is comprised of specialists stop the poachers.
from France, USA and the UK There will be new deployments
together with liaison officers from to Nkhotakota and Majete wildlife
participating nations, while the reserves beginning in May, doubling
task force features personnel from the number of rangers trained by the
Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon troops to 120.
and Benin. Under the initiative, announced
“The challenge is significant by Defence Secretary Gavin
due to the vast area of operations, Williamson, teams from African
the number of nations involved parks will learn tracking skills,
and limited resources, and yet the bushcraft and information analysis.
achievements to date have been The scheme follows similar
significant thanks to international missions elsewhere on the continent,
will and determined leadership,” including in Gabon (pictured).
Col Cresswell said.
8-9-sol-mar.indd 3 22/02/2018 21:35

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10-sol-mar.indd 1 15/02/2018 10:41

MEDICAL MANOUEVRES
■ AIRBORNE medics have been sharpening
their skills on manoeuvres in Suffolk
following a testing deployment to South
Sudan last year.
Troops from 23 Medical Squadron, 16
Medical Regiment, faced a variety of drills
on Exercise Pegasus Serpent in Woodbridge
Picture: Cpl Tom Evans, RLC
in preparation for future ops.
LEAVERS: HELP AT HAND

■ ARMED Forces Charity SSAFA has
launched a new mentoring facility for
Show of strength on Askari Storm

Service leavers.
The two-year trial at Catterick Garrison
will offer troops emotional and practical
help through weekly face-to-face meetings,
which supplement the support provided by
the Army and Career Transition Partnership.
R
Catterick-based personnel can apply
ESOLUTE troops have been The validation training prepared via their employment advisor, resettlement
put to the test in a demanding the battalion for its current Nato career consultant or directly via the charity.
environment as they sharpened readiness role. From March 1, the
their skills in readiness for deployment formation will be attached to 12th
GO GIBBS
anywhere in the world. Armoured Infantry Brigade.
The soldiers from 1st Battalion, The soldiers arrived in Kenya in
The Rifles were pushed to their limits mid-January, conducting acclimatising
■ CAPTAIN Mark Gibbs
on Exercise Askari Storm – where physical training and recces of the
(RLC) will try to smash
the heat and arduous conditions of training area before embarking on the Guinness World
the British Army Training Area Kenya the exercise package, which lasted for Record for running a
proved testing. around six weeks. half-marathon in a
But they rose to the occasion, They faced determined opposition 65lb bomb suit in Bath
taking part in a range of serials mounted by troops from the Duke this month.
including live fire attacks in urban as of Lancaster’s Regiment during The officer is hoping
well as rural areas, defensive tactics the manoeuvres as well as regular to raise £2,500 for the
and convoy moves. debriefings on their performance. Felix Fund charity by
completing the feat in
less than 3hr 15min.
Elderly gay veterans could be pardoned

Visit his fundraising
page at www.
justgiving.com/
fundraising/58-ato
VETERANS who were convicted of sexual conduct of an indecent kind or scandalous conduct
offences before homosexuality between men was
decriminalised five decades ago may be eligible for
by an officer, are not currently covered but may be
considered for future changes. DEATH BENEFIT EXTENDED
a pardon under legislation known as Turing’s Law. An MoD spokeswoman said: “This is a complex ■ THE Army Dependants’ Trust has
Those who served until 1967 can now apply to area – we are asking people to contact the Home extended membership to all Regular
the Home Office for a pardon. If granted, they can Office in the first instance and, if a pardon is Reserves at no cost – provided they
contact the MoD Medal Office to establish whether granted, individuals may then approach the MoD. were members during their service and
it would be appropriate for Service decorations to “It is important to note that the act that completed their annual reporting letter
during their liability.
be reinstated. attracted the discharge must not remain an offence
The organisation makes awards –
Only the abolished offences in the Sexual today – it must have been consensual and with a currently £15,000 – to dependants or next
Offences Act 1956 and earlier civilian legislation – person over the age of 16.” of kin after on- or off-duty deaths.
which relate to gay sex – are covered, even if they The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and the Membership is also open to Regulars,
were tried by court martial. Policing and Crime Act 2017 made the pardoning of Reservists, full-time Reserve service troops,
Other military offences, such as disgraceful the historic offences relating to gay sex possible. non-Regular permanent staff and Military
Provost Guard Service personnel.
11-sol-mar.indd 1 22/02/2018 21:28

FEARLESNSG
FUNDRAISI
Picture: Soldier archive

Record row
AFTERCARE SERVICE
IN NUMBERS Op Banner legacy lives on
63,000 A
A COURAGEOUS amputee has set N organisation set up with the It has also assisted some of the 700
a record time for rowing across backing of the MoD has been spouses and parents of the soldiers
the Atlantic. Jordan Beecher continuing to support veterans who were killed.
(ex-Para), 28, and 31-year-old of Northern Ireland’s harrowing Peter Baillie, who heads up the
members in the UD Troubles era – a decade after the end service, said the disbandment of the
Capt Jon Armstrong (RGR) braved R
tough conditions to complete the
and Royal Irish of military operations. Royal Irish battalions meant veterans
veteran community
3,000-mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic The Ulster Defence Regiment could not access the traditional route
700
Challenge from the Canary Islands and Royal Irish Aftercare Service is to help through their military family.
to Antigua. They shaved around dedicated to looking after the welfare He pointed out that the organisation
72 hours off the existing record of the 63,000 personnel who served could assist with benevolence and
to finish in 37 days. Beecher, who with both outfits during the four general welfare for the Northern
lost his lower left leg widows and decades of Op Banner. Ireland veteran community as well
n
in an IED strike in parents of falle The UDR was later assimilated as assisting those with mental and
lp ed
d: ps he
Money raise Afghanistan in 2012, troo into Home Service battalions of the physical injuries.
00
£100,0
2007
worked in two-hour Royal Irish Regiment, but these were Baillie added: “One of the issues
shifts with his friend disbanded in 2006 as part of the here in Northern Ireland is that our
For: Blesma to complete the military drawdown in Northern Ireland. veterans are constantly reminded of
challenge. However, the aftercare service the past – but we have ex-military
year the service remains in demand from veterans – people in our team who understand.
was set up and has helped some 20,000 people “We also work in close partnership
since it was set up in the wake of the with other groups such as the
Visit www climax of Op Banner a decade ago. regimental associations.”
aftercareservice.org
for more
Metal in sight for Service marksmen

Ultra-marathon men n TOP-notch sharpshooters will
soon be taking delivery of striking
TWO Royal Engineers are preparing bronze badges.
for an ultra marathon in the Amazon Made by military accoutrement
jungle. Over five days and 230 manufacturer Firmin and Sons, the
kilometres, majors Chris Hulme and Army marksman and Army sniper
Nick Hedgeley (pictured) will battle marksman insignia replicate the
dense undergrowth, rivers and cloth badges already available.
stifling humidity, while lugging all There are also versions for
of their food, water and equipment. the Army 100 and Reserve 50
To help them fundraise for Combat marksmen awards at the Army be worn above the left pocket on
Stress and the Rainbow Trust log on Operational Shooting Competition. combat uniform in barracks," Lt
to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ "The badges will be issued to Col Paul Redding of the Small Arms
team/junglesappers those who are qualified and are to School Corps told Soldier.
12-sol-mar.indd 1 22/02/2018 22:22

73-sol-feb.indd 1 25/01/2018 16:41
BOOTS ON THE GROUND
■ MANPOWER will be provided
to Army units at the start of their
training year rather than during
their readiness year, the Service
has announced.
The change in policy has been
introduced to avoid troops arriving
Picture: Steve Dock

at regiments too late in the cycle,
meaning they might not complete
qualifying exercises in time to be
prepared for operations.
New league for Army leaders

The adjustment ensures units can
begin their readiness commitments
or deployments with a higher level
of fully qualified manpower.
Read ABN 01/18 for more details.
T
HE Army is further boosting the Service because it allows troops to
leadership skills of its troops apply academic theory in the daily
with the launch of a degree leadership challenges at their units.
apprenticeship qualification. Students were selected from a wide
Run in conjunction with the range of corps and cab badges.
University of Portsmouth, the three- If successful they will graduate with
and-a-half-year course combines an honours degree in leadership and
This is academic studies with real work
challenges, with 80 per cent of study
management, while gaining chartered
manager status by the Chartered
unique and
done on the job. Management Institute.
There are currently 44 “This is unique and exciting, not
apprenticeship programmes in the only for the individuals but for us as
exciting Army but this is the first to be targeted

at degree level.
A total of 30 senior NCOs were
an organisation,” Maj Rachael Lamont
(AGC (ETS)), project lead for degree
apprenticeships, told Soldier.
selected as the first intake, and they “It will provide a unique
have already completed a week-long opportunity to upskill our workforce.”
residential stage at the university. Initially held as a trial, a further
TRENCH TIME-HOP They will study via regular modules,
online chats and video conferences,
cohort of 30 Servicemen and women
have been added to the programme
■ SURVEYORS from the Royal Engineers liaising closely with Army mentors. since it began.
have been helping to plot First World War The qualification has been
training trenches at RAF Halton. given the thumbs-up by the The fight for full screw – page 36
Members of 170 Engineer Group spent
a week mapping as-yet-uncharted parts of
'The very best'

the dugouts (pictured), sections of which
have already been restored and opened to
the public.
“The system extends further than we
thought,” explained Sgt Dairmaid Walshe
(RAMC), an archaeologist and Reservist
attached to the formation.
“We’ve spotted a lot of features that
hadn’t been noted before, like what could
be a rifle range.”
Troops used the Buckinghamshire site for
Picture: Cpl Donald Todd, RLC
exercises before deploying to France 100

years ago.
The tunnels were constructed to mimic
■ SOME 400 proud teenagers headed off to start the next part of their military
the front-line environment.
life after graduating from the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. College CO
“It's not just about recording the
Col Rich Hall said: “These soldiers represent the very best of our nation’s young
trenches, but also connecting Service
people.” The youngsters will move on to phase two training in a variety of careers.
personnel to their heritage," said Sgt Walshe.
14-15-sol-mar.indd 1 22/02/2018 21:18

Soldiers 'on-track to win jobs race' FLEXIBLE WORKING

■ A LAW has been passed that will allow
some soldiers to serve part-time for certain
periods to do things like raise children or
S
ERVICE leavers are better care for sick relatives.
equipped for the jobs market than The Armed Forces (Flexible Working) Act
their civilian counterparts, research comes into force in 2019.
It means personnel will be able to
by Barclays has found.
restrict the time they spend away from their
The bank put former personnel home bases.
through different psychometric tests to Applications will be assessed against the
measure their workplace strengths. needs of the Army and troops would still
It concluded that ex-soldiers bring need to deploy on operations in emergency
a host of important attributes and situations such as a national crisis.
outperform civilian workers in various Minister for Defence People and Veterans
It shows the
key skills. Tobias Ellwood said that consultation with
For example, veterans came out as troops had found they wanted more options
when personal circumstances change.
top performers in social influencing
powerful role
He added: “Flexible working is key to
and creativity. retaining the expert personnel we have
But there are concerns some invested in."
they can play

employers still don't understand the
benefits of taking them on.
Stuart Tootal – a former 3 Para
commanding officer who heads up
BRAVE ENDEAVOURS
the firm’s Armed Forces Transition, ■ THREE courageous veterans who battled
Employment and Resettlement their way back from injury to complete
tough challenges received royal recognition
programme – said the new research at a ceremony in London.
demonstrated "the strength and The achievements of Ben Lee (ex-RE),
depth" of veterans' skills. Sean Gane (ex-Rifles) and Royal Marine

“They proved to have twice as much Daniel Claricoates were applauded at the
potential as civilians in demonstrating second Endeavour Fund awards.
board-level leadership and innovative Led by Prince Harry and the Duke and
solutions to problems," he said. Duchess of Cambridge, the fund helps
“Around 20 per cent scored at the Barclays' findings follow an earlier veterans have the opportunity to rediscover
top end of creative thinking compared study by the bank, which found their self-belief through physical challenges.
Read more about the recipients online at
to 16 per cent of civilians. that half of employers would look www.endeavourfund.co.uk
“This, combined with the fact that favourably at an applicant’s service in
veterans are less than half as likely to the Forces.
need rigid structure in the workplace,
shows the powerful role they can play
However, one-in-eight admitted that
military experience would go against
GOING ON EXERCISE?
in a team.” their candidates. 01252 787096
'We want to stop other people from suffering' LOGGIES MAKE

A MILITARY family is gearing up for a
charity bike ride to raise awareness of the
“It's devastating, but our goal is
that through our pain we can stop BOMB SAFE
serious illness that claimed the life of their other people from suffering."
newborn baby. In April the Rodens will cycle
Cpl Jon Roden (REME) and his wife from John O’Groats to Land’s End
Becki lost their son Tommy to sepsis when and back to their home in Tidworth
he was just six days old last July. – a distance of 1,250 miles – along
The illness – sometimes called blood with a team of fellow soldiers.
poisoning or septicaemia – is a rare but The couple, who also have three
serious complication of an infection that sons aged two, seven and nine,
causes the body to attack its own tissues will be raising money for the UK ■ ARMY specialists joined forces with
Born prematurely at 31 weeks, Tommy Sepsis Trust. Royal Navy and police colleagues to
was in the neonatal intensive care unit “Anyone can get sepsis,” added make a Second World War bomb safe.
when he fell ill and died in his parents’ Becki. “Doctors sometimes pass it The troops from 621 Explosive
arms the following day. off as flu, but if you’re concerned Ordnance Disposal Squadron, Royal
“They told us his body was basically don’t take the first answer. Logistic Corps were called after the
shutting down," Becki said. “They put him "Ask, could it be sepsis?" Sepsis: 500lb device was found in the George
what you V dock during work at London City
in my arms and he took a breath, let it out To support the Rodens visit
should know Airport. Personnel freed the shell and
and passed away. www.justgiving.com/ridefortommy
– page 26 took it away for destruction.
14-15-sol-mar.indd 2 22/02/2018 21:18

16-sol-mar.indd 1 15/02/2018 10:42
Ice Maiden Lt Jenni HAS Pyeongchang

Stephenson (RA) takes to the
left you feeling
treadmill in the environment
chamber Picture: Coventry University like a bit of an
expert in the A £20
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have proved a walkover.
(Jenny) Jones, (Eve)
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(Lizzie) Yarnold were all Team
GB medalists at the 2014 Winter
Olympics in Sochi.
This month Soldier has
teamed up with British nutrition
and beauty brand Proto-col
(www.proto-col.com) to offer
one reader a bundle of Informed
Sport-registered products worth
more than £200.
To be in with a chance of
winning the set – which includes
Collagen Pro Sport Plus tablets,
Pro Gold Protein and Collagen
Whey Powder, vitamin D
supplements, sports bag, bottles
Female adventurers go to extremes

and more – tell us what links the
words on the side of this issue.
Answers to the usual address
or comps@soldiermagazine.co.uk
by March 30.
P
IONEERING research from the Several measurements were taken,
Ice Maidens Antarctic expedition including oxygen consumption and
will help the Army to better how efficiently it was used.
understand the impact of women The team also spent 36 hours in a
being moved into front-line roles. facility checking their energy use.
Medical tests carried out on the Ice Maiden Capt Zanna Baker (RA)
six female explorers at Coventry
University were part-funded by the
said: “It has been really interesting to
do these tests to see how our bodies It will be
fascinating to
military and will feed into its data on have changed.
women in ground close combat. “Hopefully, this will be useful in
The first of their kind, the trials understanding more about female
aim to establish how a woman’s
body reacts to prolonged exercise in
physiology and will positively influence
women’s roles in the military." look through CAMBRIAN CALL
the data
extreme conditions. Previous studies Dr Doug Thake, applied human ■ SOLDIERS are being invited to challenge
have only focused on men. physiology lecturer at Coventry themselves and face down the elements at
Having spent 61 days skiing coast- University, said: “The Ice Maidens’ this year’s Exercise Cambrian Patrol.
to-coast across Antarctica, becoming achievement was absolutely amazing The famous manoeuvres run from
the first all-female team to complete and it has been riveting hearing October 12-21 in Wales, and focus on
the feat using muscle-power alone, stories about their expedition. infantry skills and drills.
the troops headed to Coventry to “It will be fascinating to look The deadline for bids to take part is July
15 and for more details call 01874 613280.
repeat a set of tests they first took through the data – this is an excellent
before they left in October. opportunity to understand more
Data from both will now be
analysed to see how their bodies
about how a challenging environment
affects women’s physiology." PARENTS UNITE
changed during the expedition, which ■ A FACEBOOK group has been launched
covered 1,700km in temperatures to support serving parents.
plunging to -56 degrees Celsius. The Army Parents’ Network is a closed
The women were pushed to their forum where troops can find help on issues
limits on a treadmill in the university such as pregnancy, shared parental leave,
science and health building’s schools and childcare.
Members include policy desk officers,
environment chamber, running at
who can offer guidance.
increasing speeds until exhausted. Some 1,500 troops had joined as this
The experiment simulated both sea- issue went to press and a website is also
level conditions and the 3,000-metre due to be launched in the coming months.
altitude the personnel experienced on Search for the “Army Parents’ Network”
their mission. on Facebook.
17-sol-mar.indd 1 22/02/2018 20:39

‘
Sara Baade, Chief
SIGN UP TO
STAY TUNED
M
50 years
OST of this year’s
work will be based
Fusiliers mark
on feedback from our
Picture: Steve Dock

“offer” survey, where we asked
whether the difficulties you face
as Army families are mitigated
by your package of benefits.
And our current focus is on
T
healthcare issues. HE Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Staffordshire. Special commemorative
We’re making soldiers and is marking its half-century with medals are also being issued to
their loved ones more aware a busy programme of events – Regular and Reserve personnel.
of where to get help in certain including services and parades – over An amalgamation of four regiments,
areas – using the Armed Forces the coming year. the RRF (members of which are shown
Covenant to get parity on Commemorations begin on April 21 above) was formed in 1968 and has
waiting lists, for example. with a freedom parade in Newcastle since seen operations in the Balkans,
We have heard that some ahead of the regimental 50th Iraq and Afghanistan.
are struggling to access anniversary on St George’s Day, which Regimental secretary Col (retd)
NHS dentists, so we’ll be WINTER SPORTS will be marked at the Tower of London. James Denny said: “This year is very
investigating that. Soldiers shred it up Other events include a gathering at important for us. You're only 50 once, so
And we plan to launch support – page 70 the National Memorial Arboretum in we want to mark the event properly.”
groups for carers of youngsters
with additional needs.
Families in adapted quarters
have many questions around the a forklift truck while jogging.
future accommodation model, Lt Col Rob Hedderwick, CO of
and we will get those answered. 3 Scots, said: “He had become an
Empowering our families indispensable part of the battalion,
with the information they need not only for his professional expertise
is part of our core business. But but also for his compassionate
we too are facing challenges. manner and camaraderie.
A change to data protection “Our thoughts and prayers are
laws in May will mean that with his wife and children whom
families in mainland UK will I know he cherished more than
now need to opt-in to continue anything in the world.
CAPT DEAN SPROUTING (46)
receiving our trusted Army & "I am hugely proud and thankful
You magazine. STAFF AND PERSONNEL SUPPORT, to have known him.”
We have produced this title ADJUTANT GENERAL'S CORPS Capt Sprouting, who came from
for 35 years, and a campaign to DIED JANUARY 31 – IRAQ Stirlingshire, had nearly 30 years of
encourage as many people as soldiering experience.
OBIT
possible to sign up Initially enlisting in the Royal
launches in our COLLEAGUES of a gifted officer have Green Jackets, he transferred to the
spring edition. paid tribute to his professionalism, Adjutant General's Corps before
Look out for and compassion following his death joining the 3 Scots administration
the full details on Operation Shader. office in late 2017 from HQ 51st
at www. Capt Dean Sprouting was serving Infantry Brigade.
armyandyou. with 3rd Battalion, The Royal He arrived in Iraq in January, where
co.uk Regiment of Scotland when he died he was the detachment commander
at Al Asad Airbase. of a human resources team.
An inquest into the married The officer had previously served in
father-of-two’s loss was told that the the former Yugoslavia and Cyprus as
Serviceman had been in collision with well as Sudan, Angola and Germany.
18-sol-mar.indd 1 22/02/2018 21:08

39-sol-sep.indd 1 17/08/2017 11:33
20-sol-mar.indd 2 22/02/2018 12:33

DEFENCE LOGISTICS
n A CHANGE in terminology has been
introduced to avoid future confusion in
supply chain comms issues.
The Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff
(Logistical Operations) directorate has now
been rebranded as Defence Logistics.
It is hoped the move will better
distinguish the wider department from the
two-star general in command.
SWORD AWARD
n THE selfless work of troops committed
to protecting the UK public from explosive
hazards during 2016 has earned 11
(EOD) Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps the
prestigious Firmin Sword of Peace.
The unit saw more than 2,850 call-outs
during the year, while raising around
£30,000 for charity.

The sword will be presented during a
ceremony at Blenheim Palace this month.
Exercise shines light on 'fake news'

T
ACTICS for dealing with fake
news and misinformation have
been honed by officer cadets in
a pioneering training package at the
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Exercise Agile Influence put soldiers TRAGIC TREK CONTINUES
at the heart of a community in which n A MEDICAL officer who died taking
a prolific media machine puts out
stories – not all of them accurate. Soldiers part in the charity event he created will be
remembered when the trek is relaunched
could find
The day-long exercise forms “Troops could find themselves in this summer.
a prelude to Templer’s Triumph the media if they do not respond to The D-Day 44 Challenge will see
on Longmoor Training Area, and events," he said. participants undertake a 44-mile run and
is an opportunity for cadets to
don costumes and take on the
Exercise creator Dr Deborah
Goodwin – who heads the themselves in 22-mile walk around Normandy to raise
money for Blesma, Blind Veterans UK and
Combat Stress.
personalities of the type of characters
they could face on operations.
The company-sized scenario
department – said the serial had
received considerable interest from
outside organisations.
the media Army surgeon Lt Col Mike McErlain
(pictured above right) collapsed during the
trek five years ago.
was designed to improve troops' “Agile Influence is still unique To get involved search for D-Day
influencing skills. in terms of officer training Challenge 2018 online.
A variety of media outlets were internationally," she said.
simulated in real-time, putting out a
combination of radio broadcasts, TV
“Those who have come to see
the exercise played out include SUPPORT FOR SAPPERS
reports, blogs and print material. representatives of our sister n A 24/7 mental health helpline, set up
Gareth Bloomfield, senior lecturer organisations from other branches of after the death of a Royal Engineer, has
from the academy’s Department the Armed Services.” been recognised with a national award.
of Communication and Applied Although the exercise was custom- Founded by Tim Evers following the loss
Behavioural Science, explained that written for Sandhurst, Goodwin can of his colleague Chris Walmsley, Sapper
soldiers also needed to learn how to advise other units on creating their Support (www.sappersupport.com) received
engage with journalists. own influencing scenario. the best new charity accolade at the Charity
Times Awards.
Although the organisation initially
In this month’s helped Royal Engineers, its nine volunteers
FOOTBALL P73
now work across all three Armed Forces as
SOLDIER well as blue light services.
Evers, who left the Army two decades
SPORT
ago and is now a firefighter with South
ATHLETICS P68 RUGBY LEAGUE P75 Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said it had been
“an honour” to receive the gong.
21-sol-march.indd 1 22/02/2018 21:36

THE BIG
PICTURE
Bergen-Hohne ranges, Germany
FLASH TO
BANG
SOLDIERS from A Squadron, The
Queen’s Royal Hussars unleash
the firepower of their hallenger
Main attle ank during a range
package at ergen ohne. he
intense three week exercise
tested indi idual drills, crew
cohesion and teamwork as well as
target accuracy.
icture ominic ing
22-23-sol-mar bigpic.indd 1 22/02/2018 13:52

22-23-sol-mar bigpic.indd 2 22/02/2018 13:52

KNOW MENTAL HEALTH | HEALTH | NUTRITION I NEXT STEP | SKILLS & DRILLS | EXPERIENCE | HOUSING
Mental muscle
How building a tough mindset
can help you weather the
storms of Service life
NEED TO
Picture: FreePik
24-31-sol-mar n2k.indd 1 22/02/2018 21:44

MENTAL HEALTH
LET’S be honest, soldiers face more than their fair share of challenges. So being mentally
resilient is just as important as physical robustness.
Resilient people don’t dwell on failure, they quickly learn from it. And evidence shows
these individuals are quicker to solve problems, suffer less stress, perform better at work and
have higher levels of wellbeing and happiness.
The good news is that everyone can learn to develop a strong mindset. Try these tips from
online mental health service Big White Wall…
Practise
Change View them as
thought the way

opportunities
for learning
awareness
and growth.
you approach
new
Being negative
or can lead to a
lt
iffi utasks
If you notice any negative or unhelpful ideas sel ulfillin
creeping in, challenge them. Instead of being overly prophecy.
critical of yourself, adopt more realistic thoughts. onfidence
leads to success.
Keep a sense of
Don’t worry
about
losing fa e
However overwhelming events are, by asking for
they are usually short-lived.
help
Others can offer a different
view on a problem, and
roble sol e can help you reach your

end goal more quickly.
as ou go along
Don’t store or bottle stuff up in the hope someone
else will deal with it. e elop
strong
Be ore Accept
that things
change
personal an or
e x ib l e and your
plans may
sometimes
need to be
relationships
Having a strong support network to fall back on
altered or increases your resistance to stress.
scrapped.
Worried about your mental health? Speak to the chain of command, a doctor,
welfare officer, medic, padre or SSAFA Forcesline on 0800 731 4880 (UK). You
can also log on to www.bigwhitewall.com for support.
24-31-sol-mar n2k.indd 2 22/02/2018 21:44

HEALTH
What to do:
Seek medical advice immediately
from NHS 111 if you are showing
possible early signs of sepsis – especially if
you've recently had an infection or injury.
If it becomes severe the body can go into
septic shock when blood pressure drops to
a dangerously low level. This is a medical
emergency. If you think you or someone
in your care could have this condition go
straight to A&E or call 999.
Did you know?

What you should know Sepsis is sometimes referred to as
septicaemia or blood poisoning, although
these terms actually refer to the invasion of
bacteria into the blood stream.
In nu bers
What is it?
A rare but serious complication of an
REMEMBER this acronym
and seek urgent medical
help if you develop any of
250,000
infection in which the body attacks its the following symptoms: the approximate number of
own tissues. cases in the UK, annually
It can lead to multiple organ failure, loss
of limbs and death.
Who is at risk?
S lurred speech or
confusion
Anyone is susceptible but young children,
old people and those whose immune
systems are impaired, or who have
E xtreme shivering
or muscle pain
recently had surgery or been injured are
most at risk.
hat to loo out for

Passing no urine
(in a day)
Symptoms can be hard to spot and
easily con used ith illnesses like u Severe breathlessness deaths on average
Pictures: FreePik
gastroenteritis or chest infections. every year in England

Early signs for older children and adults
include a high or low body temperature, It feels like you’re going
chills and a fast heartbeat and breathing. to die
hildren under fi e and babies may also
develop a rash that doesn’t fade when
pressed, be lethargic, vomit repeatedly, Skin mottled or ■ For further information visit:
be unwilling to feed, stop urinating or discoloured www.sepsistrust.org
experience convulsions.
XX
26 MARCH
MAY 2017 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
2018 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
24-31-sol-mar n2k.indd 3 22/02/2018 21:44

NUTRITION
Too much on your

plate? Ditch the fad
simple
diets and stick to this
simple rundown of
what constitutes a
healthy, balanced diet... 1
Work out your BMI
Weight (kg) ÷ Height (m) =
÷ Height (m) = BMI
IN general, a good daily diet should

include the following: 5
Take action
Plenty of
starchy foods Take a tape measure around
(such as bread, your natural waistline –
pasta, rice, between your belly button and
potatoes, oats) your ribcage – and take the
measurement in centimetres.
Plenty of fruit
an egetables
2 to 3 portions
of il air
Work out your risk
3
Alcohol
2 to 3 portions 4 Sugar
Salt
of non-dairy Fat
%
Seek advice
%
■ Advice
%
sources ofApproach your PTI, who will
taken from the
%
protein (such as
assess whether you are at
increased, high, or veryDefence
high Nutrition
eat fishrisk anduts Advisory Service.
help you to create
soy)
e li k oitn foods and drin
a personalised diet andDownload the full
ks
er th
exercise plan.
guide online or
bac As w ll
e
email navyinm- to cut
ber d salt.
an
At least 6 to 8 Remem sugar, label.
emsdnas@ h ig h in fat, e ck the
glasses of ater that ar
e
d o u bt – ch
mod.uk ze. If in
as boo
24-31-sol-mar n2k.indd 4 22/02/2018 21:44

NEXT STEP
Pack a
Leadership
A disciplined and confident
approach to leading teams is
something Service
personnel can bring to
the commercial world
to great effect.
ri e
Soldiers are
required to be
task- and results-
orientated to motivate
the team around them.
Roles in the military can
change every 12 to 18 months,
meaning troops are constantly taking in new
information, learning and adapting. Want a knockout CV?
Get these buzzwords
o uni ation
on there and measure open
Take a tape
around
Clear and concise comms are vital across all your natural
Armed Forces to ensure operations run smoothly, civvy street’s eyes to
waistline – between
your belly button
and this translates across most industries. and your ribcage
the skills themeasurement
–Army
and take the has
in
er i e ethos given you centimetres.
Integrity, honesty and responsibility are core

values in the Army. Being willing to learn,
with a can-do attitude to hard work is something
that will serve you well in most civvy street roles.
o ra eship
Whether it’s being a team player looking out for
your colleagues, or a leader considering different
ways to approach a task, being able to connect
different opinions into one positive direction
is a must in most military roles. And something
civilian employers will want to hear about.
■ Tips provided by John Chantry (ex-Scots DG), vice

president at Barclays Investment Bank and manager of
the Veteran Employment Transition Support programme
XX
28 MAY 2017
MARCH www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
2018 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
24-31-sol-mar n2k.indd 5 22/02/2018 21:44

SKILLS & DRILLS
The lie of the land

With concerns about the GPS signal being taken Prepare
properl
down by enemy action, practising navigation
Before you set off
skills with a map and compass is a necessity. make sure you
work through your
Here, orienteering coach Maj Bernie Fowler (AAC) checklist – and
don’t let anything
gives some advice on finding your way distract you.
Read the
relief
rust our o pass Take time to
understand the
1
This is very important. You need to
look at the map, work out what you can
see and make sure you orientate
Work outthe ÷
scale and symbols
because they will
vary from map
compass properly. Do not try to make to map. Read the
the ma fit the round. contours – what is
up, what is down
and the height
of the peaks. In
your planning
think in terms
of identifying an
easy to find “attack
point” to head for
and then plan your
route.
Don't fear
getting
lost
you find yoursel
lost then stop and
take a breather. If
necessary, relocate
to a known point
where you were
happy with your
4Seek advice
3A BMI
of higher than
25 is classed as
overweight, higher
progress, go back Approach your PTI, who will ra ti e
than 30 is obese. a es perfe t
to your map and a e ourself
assess whether you are at
increased, high, or very high
If you fall into either
of these categories
compass and risk and help you to create Make sure you practise regulary. Using a
AND your waist
reorientate. Knowing how manydiet
a personalised paces
andyou take for each 100 metres can really pay circumference map is and compass is a life skill. Satellite
Picture: FreePik
exercise plan. greater than 94cm

dividends. During your preparations conduct a count on the at and navigation
(for men) or 80cm
is not something you are always
on uphill and downhill gradients because this will help you work out(for women) your going to be able to rely on. Orienteering
crucial information relating to speed, time and distance, especially health training
is at risk. is available in the Army as a course
when orienteering at night or over relatively featureless countryside. and competitively at all levels.
24-31-sol-mar n2k.indd 6 22/02/2018 21:44

EXPERIENCE
'You bring a great

In any area where the risk of
contamination is rife, you must be well
prepared at the start and your drills sound.
We had strict rules governing our day-to-
day life out there. Where possible, we stayed
deal back to your

within the camp to minimise contact with
local people.
The team had to find e ecti e ays
of keeping up morale. Our padre had an
important part to play here and my exercise
military work'
regime – running – also helped.
Op Gritrock was a really testing time for
all of us, but we learned a great deal from
the deployment and the team are the richer
for having the experience.
I’m glad about the habits I picked up, in
particular that I wash my hands so often
Troops deployed to fight the Ebola – it goes to prove that, ultimately, good
personal hygiene can save lives” ■
outbreak in Africa faced a personal battle
against a deadly infection – and the
operation has continued to affect their work
ever since, reflects Reservist doctor Lt Col
Tom Trinick (RAMC) of 204 Field Hospital
IT was a deployment where I learned to when you are dealing with CBRN threats.
wash my hands like I had never washed Sierra Leone was extremely testing.
them before. I’m a consultant in general medicine and
You had to be scrupulous about your chemical pathology, and deployed on Op
hygiene in Sierra Leone. Gritrock near Freetown a few years ago.
Ebola is a virus that is easily You had a real sense of vulnerability in
transmittable. it finds its ay into your Africa and it really hit home when a nurse
body, you have a really serious problem. in our own team contracted the illness –
Being deployed as a doctor was both fortunately she was well treated, evacuated
restricting and stressful. But it was when and went on to recover after being
we came home that a real sense of anxiety o n back to the .
started for some of our team. But it had been a tense time
We were put into a loose form of for all of us, particularly as
quarantine, which was psychologically we had already seen what
di ficult. bola has a day incubation Ebola could do.
period. We were all issued with People tend to think
thermometers and told to phone our of the disease as a
temperatures to Public Health England haemorrhagic fever.
every day. But this is only part of
There’s not much else you can do other its effect. It starts off like
than keep going. u and in the end your
But as a result of the experience I am now organs start packing up.
far more aware of people’s fear of illness – ou can e ect fits crashin
your role is to help keep your patients calm, blood pressure and loss of
and I have more empathy with them now. kidney function as your vital
You bring a great deal back to your systems shut down.
military work from this type of situation. The situation was complicated for
The protocols you hone can also help us because malaria is also a hazard in Sierra
you develop transferrable skills for other Leone, and its symptoms can be remarkably
environments – particularly, for example, similar to bola hen they first a ear.
24-31-sol-mar n2k.indd 7 22/02/2018 21:44

HOUSING
Be a GO D
LE T B Y
landlord
Worried about the snags of
letting out a property? Here
are some words of wisdom
IF you own a house and you want to rent it out,
there is lots to know. The industry has never been
more heavily regulated, so making the move
in ol es far more work than simply finding a
tenant. Ele Wolstenholme, Army spouse and
director of Welcome Homes Property Solutions,
has the following checklist for any personnel thinking of handing
over their keys while deployed or on assignment…
Sort the paperwork Take a deposit Stay safe

You’re not allowed to advertise your It’s always a good idea to do this before anyone This is probably the most obvious
property without an energy performance moves in. This safeguards against the cost responsibility, but what does it involve?
certificate and le ally you must of any damage caused during the tenancy. ou definitely need a landlord s as sa ety
provide tenants with a copy of this However, landlords are required by law to certificate and the tenant needs to ha e
before they sign an agreement. Visit protect this money in an approved tenancy seen this before moving in. Fully functional
www.epcregister.com to see if your deposit scheme. If you fail to protect the deposit smoke alarms and carbon monoxide
property already has one. You also need within 30 days of receiving it, the court may detectors are also a must. All electrical
to make sure tenants have a copy of award the tenant up to three times this amount wiring, installations and appliances need
the government’s How to Rent guide, in compensation. to be safe, and any furniture should meet
available on www.gov.uk minimum fire sa ety re uirements.
ea e the to it
Check out the tenants et full a i e
Some landlords wrongly believe that because
andlords can ace unlimited fines and they own a house they can enter it at any his is not an e hausti e ist and there
a prison sentence – if they don’t ensure time. But when you grant a tenancy, you are are different rules for houses of multiple
their tenants are allowed to reside in the granting a legal interest in the property so you occupation. If you want to let out a
. ake sure you carry out a “ri ht to must follow the law when gaining access. If a property speak to a specialist or get a
rent” document check on everyone and landlord tries to illegally evict a tenant they can professional agent do it on your behalf.
not just the main tenant. ace a rison sentence and a he ty fine.
28 MARCH 2018 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

MARCH
MAY 2017
2018 XX
31
24-31-sol-mar n2k.indd 8 22/02/2018 21:44

I
T’S a sad fact of life that some species since April 2017.
fail to survive when their habitat “Last year we also prepared ourselves
changes rapidly, and that’s exactly at short notice to support Op Ruman in the
what happened to the much-loved Caribbean, although we weren’t eventually
AgustaWestland Lynx. required there.”
In the space of a few short years the The squadron geared up for its deployment
battle space morphed from analogue to by travelling to Spadeadam in Cumbria for
digital, and the Army Air Corps’ trusty electronic warfare training and Kirkcudbright
old workhorse didn’t make the cut. in cotland or a live ring package with
As a result, its successor – the Wildcat door gunners operating their .50-calibre M3M
– was designed from the outset to be the king of machine guns.
the electronic jungle, a platform that could use an As a result, the formation’s air and ground
array o cutting edge kit to ght communicate crews are now itching to put their abilities to the
Pictures: Peter Davies and Graeme Main
coordinate and see the combat zone more clearly test in Eastern Europe.
than just about anything else on the ground or in “I can’t quite believe I’m getting a tour to
the sky. Estonia so early in my career,” commented
The platform formally entered service in 2014 Cpl Roan Botes (AAC, pictured overleaf), an
but it has yet to be tested where it counts, on an aircrewman who joined the unit in January
operational deployment. straight out of conversion training at RAF
That will change in April, however, when 661 Shawbury and RNAS Yeovilton.
Squadron, 1 Regiment Army Air Corps travels “The Wildcat is a complex aircraft and
from its base at RNAS Yeovilton to Estonia to my role is more demanding than it was
support Nato’s enhanced forward presence. on the Lynx; we help pilots plan the
Four platforms, along with a supporting ground routes, assemble the map pack which
crew and experts from the Royal Electrical and acts as a backup if the digital equipment
Mechanical Engineers, will head for Estonia, fails, and carry out checks and drills as
Report: Steven Muncey
where they will support the country’s defence an essential part of the crew.
forces alongside the 1st Battalion, The Royal “I can’t wait to employ all those skills
Welsh battlegroup in Tapa (Soldier, February). during what will be a proper deployment.”
“We learnt in the autumn that we would be LCpl William Dimmock (REME), a class
deploying so there’s been a considerable amount two aircraft technician, added: “The Estonia
to do in a relatively short period of time,” Maj Alex mission has given everyone here a real boost – it
ivett AAC pictured below o cer commanding feels like we’re doing something important; it’s
661 Squadron, explained. exactly why we joined the service.
“However, we are well “We all want to see what Wildcat will be like to
prepared as we have been use and maintain in real operational conditions.”
on a high-readiness footing The squadron will have plenty of opportunity
32-35-sol-mar WILDCAT.indd 1 22/02/2018 19:31

WILDCAT Mk1
WILDCAT Mk1
Wildcat’s
technology
is set to be
unleashed
in Estonia

It allows us to be
reconnaissance
specialists for
the wider Army
The cat’s whiskers: A gunner firing a . 0 calibre machine gun from a ildcat k1
during a 1 AA live firing e ercise at irkcudbright cotland
for doing just that as the tour is due to last explained Maj Rivett.
around four months. “In Estonia we want to demonstrate those
During that time they’ll not only be supporting sorts of abilities to our own commanders and
the Estonians and The Royal Welsh in training, prove they do not need to see what the aircrew
but plugging into a major annual Nato serial, can see in order to trust their judgement.
Exercise Sabre Strike, which spans Latvia, “It’s not a big leap from what we have always
Estonia and Lithuania and involves the armed trained to deliver, but the Wildcat capability
forces of around 20 nations. allows us to be reconnaissance specialists for
“The Estonians have only four Robinson the wider Army”.
light helicopters in their fleet so they’re Whether this ambition will be achieved in
really excited about us bringing a cutting-edge one deployment remains to be seen but there
platform such as Wildcat to provide air support,” will be more than one bite of the cherry because
said Maj Rivett. 659 Squadron, 1 Regiment’s other operational
The squadron won’t be hoping to impress only Wildcat unit that was formed in January, will
the locals, however. deploy to Estonia in 12 months’ time.
“Many of our own ground forces are not fully Over the course of these two missions the
aware of Wildcat’s many capabilities yet,” added helicopter’s aircrews will be presented with
the o cer. a rare opportunity to demonstrate its full
“Our sensors and mission systems potential in conditions that are as
mean that we can operate well ahead close to real combat as they can
of other assets feeding back critical be without actually ring a
information instantaneously.” weapon in anger.
● Infrared camera, stabilised electro-
In fact, Wildcat’s impressive More importantly, optical camera, laser designator and
communications and recce they will also be able range finder to mark targets
capabilities mean it has the potential to show that, far from
to be the controlling platform for air falling victim to a new ● Integrated global positioning and
and ground forces. environment, Wildcat inertial navigation system
“The aircrew are trained could actually be the ● Mission planning system includes
reconnaissance pilots who driver of change mission orders, tactical airspace
have the ability to read as divisional and information, meteorological and
the situation and direct brigade-level geographical data.
ground-based weapons forces start to This enables sorties to be planned for
or aerial assets like realise the full single or multiple platforms.
The plans can be rehearsed in
Apaches and F-35s extent of its many
either 2D or 3D.
to prosecute targets,” capabilities. n

● CTS800 engines, giving greatly WILDCAT Mk1
improved hot and high altitude
performance over Lynx
● Four LCD integrated display units that
integrate core avionics, communications
and navigation systems
● Cursor control device for the display
and management of tactical views and
control of the sensor suite
● Thales Avionics secure
communications control system
featuring VHF, UHF and HF radios
● A pintle-mounted general-purpose
machine gun or M3M heavy machine gun
WHAT’S NEW
PUSSYCAT?
● Integrated defensive aids system
● Radar warning receiver and defensive
aids system controller
● Missile warning system
● Countermeasures dispensing system
(chaff and flare launcher) The technology troops in Estonia
● Ability to interact with the Bowman will have at their disposal
network, exchanging secure voice and
data communications

FIG H T
FUL L S C R E W
Airborne gunners eye
promotion in Welsh hills
Report: Sarah Goldthorpe Pictures: Graeme Main
36-39-sol-mar Sennybridge.indd 1 22/02/2018 21:01

S
TEPPING up as a military leader can be
a daunting task at the best of times.
But when you’re doing it in a bleak
and inhospitable environment – with no
rank over the men you command – the
challenges may seem insurmountable. “Working with guys of the same rank has been
Luckily, these lance bombardiers of tough,” he admits.
7th Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse “It’s harder to make sure they listen to
Artillery are a determined bunch. what you want them to do, like they would
If they get promoted at the end of this week’s automatically for a one-up rank.
junior NCO leadership course, they will have “You need to start off strong from the very
successfully faced off some of the toughest beginning, and change your tone so they know
soldiering conditions to be found on the UK you’re there to stay.”
training estate – the cold, windy and boggy After getting through initial education and
expanses of Sennybridge Training Area. li e firing phases, troops are spending fi e days
“These guys have shown outstanding grit and in the field where a hostile Mother ature
determination, apt hil right, the officer in is serving up a cold and callous reminder that
charge of the package, tells Soldier as the troops sound admin is every bit as important as good
mo e into their final exercise. battle orders and the estimate processes.
“The weather has been truly awful at stages. Out here, wet and dry drills could be the
“We are trying to create an environment that difference between success and failure.
mirrors the conditions we might get in theatre. Ambushes, patrols and survival challenges are
And Sennybridge presents opportunities that are all on the menu too, efore a final exercise tests
almost impossible to mimic anywhere else, with the troops on everything they have learnt.
uneven terrain and unpredictable weather.” Today, the participants are busy clearing a
He explains how the course’s 20 hopefuls have alley of enemy fighters played y phase two
been taking turns to write a set of battle orders recruits from 24 (Irish) Battery RA at Larkhill.
and lead in their execution. Some of those on the course may not be
“In normal life you hold rank above the eligible to promote for another two years, but
soldiers you lead, but here you’re with mates of by getting experiences like this under their
the same rank,” he says. belts early the regiment hopes to nurture strong
“That changes the dynamic – many challenges leadership for the future.
are presented by giving these guys responsibility And all the better if that is done while
among their peers.” developing their basic infantry skills.
For LBdr Ben Pinkney (pictured overleaf), this Capt Wright explains why.
element in particular has been a test of character. “It’s all about putting ourselves in the best
position to support manoeuvre arms,” he says.
“Some regiments get troops to deliver
presentations or lessons on this course, but we
like to put them under pressure.

“Potentially, our role means we are going to be
isolated for long periods with no real support or
logistical chain.
“So robustness in arduous conditions is
critical, and the infantry model is a great way to
teach them basic leadership.
“It is stressful, high impact and unpredictable,
with lots of fatigue.
“They learn a huge amount about themselves,
and it’s about building that experience, and
looking back one day to say ‘this isn’t as bad as
that time we were in Sennybridge’.
“When you don’t have active operations, you
have to manufacture these scenarios to build an
understanding of the demands that has, mentally
and physically.”
But excelling on this course does not mean
soldiers will automatically be promoted; eyes are You need to
start off strong
on them all-year-round.
“The lads could come here and be amazing, but
if they are rubbish in their daily life they won’t be
from the very

selected,” Capt Wright adds.
“For example, someone might be ninja at
certain aspects of soldiering, but then be a little
beginning
bit lazy when he thinks no one’s looking.”
They don’t know it yet, but one of these
students is destined for an immediate promotion
when the Sennybridge stint is over.
“That will be huge,” Capt Wright smiles. “To get
to the end, have that sense of real achievement,
and then get promoted in front of our brigade
deputy commander.”
But for now, the worthy recipient is none
the wiser as he soldiers on through bogs and
marshes – unaware of the brilliant reward that
lies in wait for him. ■

EYES ON THE PRIZE
Much is at stake for the
wannabe bombardiers… and
the weather won’t stop them
ESE guys are fiercely proud of eing air orne
soldiers,” Capt Phil Wright explains as the sun makes
a rare appearance from behind the clouds while troops
clear through a marsh-riddled valley in Sennybridge.
“They have a strong aspiration to promote, and they
really thrive on the pressures of the regiment and 16
Air Assault Brigade.”
For LBdr Adam Duncan, the conditions have been
“emotional” – and a big step up from the potential NCO
course he did this time last year.
“A lot of the battle has been with the elements,” the
soldier says.
“It’s about mind over matter – making sure your
admin and drills are squared away. If they aren’t, you’re
going to e no use in lessons let alone the field.
“I am normally the brigade commander’s driver so
this is completely out of my comfort zone. But I came
to get stuck in.”
LBdr Connor Stevens is in no doubt the course’s
lessons have already made him a better soldier.
“It’s the organisation – trying to take control of the
situation and knowing when to move,” he explains.
Whatever the promotion outcome, these troops will
certainly be taking fresh lessons and new skill sets
back to the day job.

arity
Troops
ol i d
joi
rs
nv
ke
er
et
bi
an
sa of
w
nd c ho
ivvies in s
M
OTORCYCLE-MAD soldiers and civvies have
been learning some new tricks from each
other in an exciting project that is uniting the
two communities.
Based at Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell,
Report: Cliff Caswell Pictures: Graeme Main Icons: FreePik
the Forces Bike Shed has been going from

strength to strength since it was launched with a cash windfall
three years ago.
The brainchild of bikers Pat Machin and Nigel Atkin, it is a
place where members can trade stories about their hobby and
learn more about maintaining their vehicles.
Machin – a retired paramedic – and former civil servant
Atkin had taken part in the Ride to the Wall to the National
Memorial Arboretum. They wanted to do something to bring
military and civvy bikers closer together.
The pair approached Lt Col Stu Wiles – who was then CO
of the local Personnel Recovery Unit – with their idea and
he secured a hanger on the barracks to host the shed and an
Armed Forces Covenant grant to launch the project.
Now retired, Wiles (ex-LD) remains chairman of the initiative
and said it continues to bring people together.
“We now have many regulars attending our Wednesday and
Saturday meetings, and are still growing,” he told Soldier.
“It is great to see the interest from our local community.
“Motorcycling is something we can all enjoy together –
serving Armed Forces members, veterans and civilians.” ■
62 NOVEMBER 2017 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
40-41-sol-mar bike shed.indd 1 22/02/2018 21:37

Get in touch
www.forcesbikeshed.com
@Forces_BikeShed
Launched in
SENIOR
SADDLEMAN
2015
Forces Bike Shed in numbers

80
At 80 years old, Les Hooley Age of
is the most senior biker at
Chilwell. A veteran of the The Life
the oldest
Guards, he has been riding since veteran
he was 16. The former cavalryman member
spent his 78th birthday with his
beloved Triumph touring the
Somme battlefield. “The Bike
Shed members are good
company,” he said.
Cash grant that
launched the scheme
SX
Ongoing
projects
at the
site
50 Regular
attendees
Bikes currently
in the shed
40-41-sol-mar bike shed.indd 2 22/02/2018 21:37

Pictures: Robbie Hodgson and MoD
Report: Cliff Caswell
I
Northern Ireland’s T WAS a focal point for service for generations of
courageous men and women – the Northern Ireland
part-time troops Troubles were characterised by individuals who risked
are providing all to protect others.

In the 1970s, 80s and 90s the country could be deadly.
valuable skills With terrorists targeting volunteers in communities on-
and off-duty, those in uniform found themselves in the
in support of line o re. cores were killed and in ured in the most
operations brutal years of the Op Banner campaign.
42-45-sol-mar NI.indd 2 22/02/2018 21:27

many troops have years of operational experience at their core.
“I think there is a strong military ethos in Northern Ireland,
which is deeply embedded in communities,” Col Mark Sheridan
(pictured below), an anaesthetist and CO of Belfast-based 204
Field Hospital, told Soldier. “And the Reserve service is backed by
unusually supportive employers.
“Obviously we have seen the years of the Troubles but I think
the positive attitude towards serving actually goes back a long
way before. People across Northern Ireland are unfailingly
Our teams passionate; they like to do things professionally and they really
en oy their soldiering.
punch well Col Sheridan is typical of many locals who still thrive in the
Army. A former member of the UDR and 9th (County Antrim)
above their Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment – one of the Home Service
battalions disbanded in he has signi cant e perience.
weight “Although my Royal Irish service was part-

time, it was unique in the sense that we
essentially worked as Regulars,” the
o cer added. en oyed it and made
a lot of friends.”
However, Col Sheridan went
on to point out that the military
has moved on from the days
of the Troubles. He stressed
that recruiting from across all
communities in Northern Ireland
provides a formidable wealth of
talent. In addition, there is a sizeable
number of Reservists from the Republic.
He is also convinced that the attitude
of the area’s employers is crucial to the success of Reserve
soldiering, highlighting that local National Health Service chiefs
had given strong backing to his 200-strong regiment.
“We have built really good relationships with them,” Col
Sheridan added. “They are positive about people going on
operations and appreciate the skills they bring back to civilian
life. As a result, our small medical teams are able to punch well
above their weight.
In numbers: Northern Ireland Reservists
2.5%
of the UK population
is in the region
More than a decade has passed since this 38-year operation
1 in 5
ended and Northern Ireland is now a more peaceful place.
But the experience of those who served in the likes of the
Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) and Royal Irish Home Service of the Army Reserve is based there
battalions is still present – providing a backbone of the potent
Reservists at the
Army Reserve based throughout the country.
height of Herrick were
Working with Regular counterparts, there are several specialist
from NI
units around the region. As well as using their skills to provide
capabilities such as medical support and front-line fuel supply,
42-45-sol-mar NI.indd 3 22/02/2018 21:27

SMALL WONDERS
NORTHERN Ireland’s small population makes a huge
contribution when it comes to the Army Reserve – with a
range of units providing capabilities to underpin operations.
Drawn from all elements of the region’s communities and
with the strong backing of employers, troops are involved
in activities ranging from managing fuel to cutting-edge
infantry work.
With a strong ethos of service clearly embedded in
the volunteers, Soldier got a snapshot of the skills and
experience on offer during a recent visit...
Mission ready: Members of 204 Field Hospital train in York. Troops

from the unit have deployed on operations across the world
“I have been on Op Herrick in Afghanistan – other members

of the unit have helped to deal with the serious Ebola outbreak in
Sierra Leone (page 30) among other deployments.
“We are representative of Northern Ireland’s populace as well
as having strong retention rates. A lot of our guys are older,
experienced and have been around for a very long time.”
a eorge c arland a spokesman with the eservist
2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment – also believed there was a
# Infantry excellence
strong service ethos throughout the region. AN experienced infantry battalion made up of troops
A former soldier who served with the UDR during the Troubles, who served during the Troubles as well as new blood, 2nd
he highlighted that the personnel in his battalion had years of Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment is continuing to show
operational experience between them. its mettle around the world.
“When I signed up during the late 1970s it was to protect life – Having been involved in Afghanistan, the soldiers have
the same was true of many others,” he added. “But this is all very more recently turned their attention to passing on their
much evident in those volunteering today. experience to counterparts in Eastern Europe including the
“We have people here who were on Op Banner – and those Ukraine and Moldova.
coming in generally have family or relations who have served Maj George McFarland said the unit would expand in
on Regular or Home Service battalions. A few have no other future, continuing to reflect the diversity of the Northern
connection to the military but there are not many of them.” Ireland community.
Commitment to public service certainly appears to be a But he emphasised that the rich heritage of the
constant in Northern Ireland. With Reservists from all elements antecedent regiments was also important – and that
of the country’s communities serving, the dynamic is positive – veterans of campaigns past remained a vital part of the
and their skill sets are bene ting a ra t o important capabilities. military family.
With crucial operational experience under their belts, the Maj McFarland added: “We are one of the biggest Army
contribution of these soldiers is not to be underestimated. Pound Reserve battalions in the UK.”
for pound, they continue to punch well above their weight. n
42-45-sol-mar NI.indd 4 22/02/2018 21:27

# Fuel for thought
A SPECALIST unit dedicated to keeping fellow soldiers
moving has been proving its potential after going through an
extraordinary transformation over the past three years.
# Getting technical
The Reservists from 152 (North Irish) Regiment, Royal Logistic
Corps are unique, being the only group of soldiers dedicated to
handing fuel and moving it to where it is needed in the field.
With its heart at Palace Barracks in Belfast, the unit is
BUILDING strong relationships with employers in Northern Ireland – continuing to develop its capabilities and will be rehearsing
and an emphasis on developing skills that can be transferred to civvy interoperability with American allies at Fort Stewart, Georgia,
street – are key to the success of the Reserve in Northern Ireland. later in 2018.
Maj Mark Brotherston, officer commanding 157 Divisional Support The regiment’s adjutant Capt Toby Hartle highlighted that
Company, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers said many making the changes in a relatively short time had been a
businesses saw the value of allowing staff to volunteer in the military. significant achievement.
He commented: “Ultimately, we believe that the uptake of Reserve Just a decade ago it was responsible for military ambulances
service is adding to Northern Ireland PLC – it is a small place and we before moving to more general transport duties.
are looking to contribute to the economy. Capt Hartle emphasised: “We reached full operating capability
“Several REME personnel served during the years of Op Banner but in October last year and the unit is now the largest single entity of
we are now seeing soldiers who were not on the deployment – and petroleum operators in the British Army.”
are very much influenced by Afghanistan.” The regiment packs a punch for its relatively modest size.
Maj Brotherston said 157 Company now represented the REME Built around four squadrons – two of which operate tankers – its
Reserve in Northern Ireland – the corps’ presence has been personnel can be called on to support operations and exercises
consolidated into the unit in recent years. where needed.
As well as packing a punch in terms of operational experience its Using the joint operational fuel system, which effectively
troops – who are drawn from across the region’s communities – have unpacks to create a deployable liquid bunker, the soldiers have an
been involved in a raft of projects benefiting people living in Northern impressive reach, pushing well forward to assist their colleagues
Ireland. They also work as ambassadors for Science, Technology, at the front.
Engineering and Mathematics.
42-45-sol-mar NI.indd 5 22/02/2018 21:27

46-sol-mar.indd 1 15/02/2018 11:33
‘This is not professional’
I
WAS alarmed by the British Army’s experiences of military life.
recruitment video, where a young The clip that you refer to shows
soldier stops marching on patrol to a team of soldiers during a tactical
carry out his prayers. pause on exercise. They use the
In my opinion this is a breach of the halt to attend to some personal
Army service test that we all abide by administration, which includes
as well as elements of current military taking the opportunity to pray.
annual training test regulations. Before the individual does this,
How are we to keep command and he performs the special pre-prayer
control when there are advertisements ablutions, known as wudhu, which
such as this suggesting that it’s fine includes washing the mouth, rather
to stop a patrol, remove your personal than drinking.
protective equipment, drink from an Tactical pauses on an exercise are
unknown water source and carry out the decision of the commander on
I was prayer while the rest of the patrol look

on and even turn off their radio so as
the ground; he or she decides what
level of personal administration is
alarmed
not to disturb the young man? appropriate for the scenario.
This is not total professionalism. In this instance, it obviously
Surely there are better ways to show includes the decision to allow a
by the the Army’s policies of equality, diversity

and inclusion than this. – Name and
soldier to remove his protective
gear – just as on other occasions it YOUR letters provide an
recruitment
address supplied might include a decision to make insight into the issues at the
a brew – although if you look top of soldiers’ agendas...
Maj Michael Mahoney, SO2 carefully you will notice the tactical
video
but please be brief. Emails
Marketing, Recruiting Group, positioning of sentries. must include your name and
replies: The current recruiting There is no breach of training location (although we won’t
environment is uniquely regulations or the service test, real publish them if you ask us
challenging, with a reducing or implied.
population, changing demographics, Indeed, I would argue the
and the lowest unemployment opposite: the advert shows a accept or reject letters, and to
levels for 40 years. practical demonstration of the edit for length, clarity or style.
Additionally, the Army is seen Army’s commitment to its values Before you write to us with a
by many to be intimidating, and standards by illustrating the pro lem, you should first ha e
unobtainable and populated by team’s respect for others. tried to get an answer via your
negative stereotypes. It also represents the Army own chain of command.
With that in mind, the current Leadership Code, which states,
recruiting campaign is designed “teams that embrace diversity…
to demonstrate that the modern are always stronger for it”. mail@soldiermagazine.co.uk
British Army is tolerant, respectful, Therefore, far from undermining @soldiermagazine
fair and human, and that it supports the commander, it shows her
you physically and mentally. actively exercising command and
Consequently, all the adverts control, with a demonstration of
feature real Servicemen and women effective and inclusive leadership
in scenarios that represent their that we should all aspire to.
47-51-sol-mar-TALKBACK.indd 1 22/02/2018 22:04

USING ART TO
ESCAPE THE DARK
WE have heard lots about the
negatives surrounding post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
but I recently met a veteran whose
experience of this condition has
driven him to produce some
incredible works of art.
Walt Freudenau is a former
Royal Artillery soldier who made
a stunning contribution to a civic
project in Macclesfield that is to
mark the 100th anniversary of the
end of the First World War.
His transformation of a
BMI is not fit for purpose
T
conference room into a trench HE popular image of a British soldier Being a soldier is a physically
overlooking a battlefield (pictured is one of near-perfect physical demanding occupation so when
below) is incredible. prowess and the Army’s high using this indicator some personnel
Walt told me he finds comfort physical standards help reinforce this. can be classified as overweight due
and solace from his creative work However, it is becoming increasingly to their muscle mass.
and that if he gets into a dark common for personnel to receive Army This is why the Armed Forces
place he throws himself into his art general administrative action (AGAI) due follow National Institute for Health
and it really helps. to their body mass index (BMI) being too and Care Excellence best practice
“Otherwise I’m just a typical high, regardless of their physical ability. guidelines and use BCM as a rule,
It could
squaddie who wishes he was back Admittedly, weight gain is a national which also takes into consideration
with the lads,” he said. problem – with almost two-thirds of the waist circumference.
I hope his example shows other the UK’s population reportedly being We do this because part of the
sufferers that as dark as life can
get away from the Service, there is cause overweight or obese.
But I recently came across a warrant
Army’s duty of care is to look after
its soldiers’ health.
always something that can help.
– Cpl Mark Pattison, MPGS negative officer who completes all his mandatory
annual fitness tests (putting some
An increased BCM measurement
not only puts an individual at a
effects
younger soldiers to shame), but due to higher risk of suffering physical and
his height and build has a BMI above mental health issues but also of
the so-called normal level. medical downgrading.
This has resulted in him receiving an It indicates a greater likelihood of
AGAI and given three months to reduce increased medical care costs in the
his body mass – he has been ordered to future and a reduced ability to work.
attend remedial physical training. These have serious implications for
The problem with this type of action both the individual and the Army.
is that it could cause severe negative With regards to treatment, you
effects such as eating disorders, which assume that by asking a person to
can produce an array of other physical, reduce their weight they are at risk
mental and emotional issues. of developing an eating disorder
These could follow certain individuals but this is very rarely the case. Such
far beyond their Army careers. a condition usually stems from
What can be done to help people like a mental health issue not from
this and how can we change the old changing behaviour with regard to
“too fat to fight” mindset within our diet and exercise.
higher echelons? – Name and address However, it shouldn’t be ignored
supplied so when advice is offered it’s
important to use the appropriate
GOT A GRIPE? Dr Nicola Sides, SO2 Health
Psychology (Lifestyles), Army
language such as “reaching a
healthy BCM” rather than weight
GET IT OFF Headquarters, replies: The first thing
to acknowledge is the difference
loss. This can give personnel a
target to reach rather than seeking
YOUR CHEST between BMI and body composition
measurement (BCM).
continual losses.
The Army should always use
mail@soldiermagazine.co.uk Caution should be exercised when BCM rather than BMI to assess an
using the former as it does not individual’s health risk and respond
@soldiermagazine
relate to fatness or distribution of in accordance with the Armed Forces
fat, which is linked to health risk. weight management policy.

Can the grant be extended?
£1,000 for a piece of uniform that others

get a grant for feels a bit harsh. – Name
and address supplied
Lt Col (retd) Kestrel Simson,

Ceremonial and Operational and
Service Awards, Army Headquarters,
replies: On commissioning both
Regular and Reserve officers receive
an initial outfit grant (IOG) which
they can use to purchase uniforms
and associated accoutrements.
This is because the Army requires
them to be worn when ordered but
they are uneconomic to provide as
issued items.
These include regimental mess
I’m left
dress and items to complete the
number two dress uniform, such as
hats, belts and shoes.
out of The IOG is not intended to
provide a number one dress (blues)
pocket jacket to all officers.

I am aware that some regiments,
particularly cavalry, do require their
orderly officers to wear this outfit
Feeling the blues on tailoring for their evening duties but there is
nothing in Queen’s Regulations or
other Army policy documents that
A
FTER commissioning from the colleagues are low. states they have to.
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst There is no option to wear our multi- It is therefore a regimental
young officers receive a grant that terrain pattern clothing or number twos. requirement, not an Army one.
supposedly covers the cost of tailoring Captains who are posted to Sandhurst The Service cannot provide grants
and clothing purchases before they arrive as platoon commanders do receive a or loans to cover the traditions or
at their regiment. grant for blues, however – presumably styles of individual regiments.
But there is no loan scheme for number because a lot of cap badges don’t require When the Army does require
ones or blues tunics. them while at regiment. personnel to wear number one
I have been in regiment for two-and- Why then can this grant not be dress, such as officers posted to
a-half years and while I have worn my extended? I wear mine far more than a Sandhurst, military advisers to
mess dress (for which I did receive a platoon commander at Sandhurst does senior officers or Corps of Army
loan) about eight times, I have worn my but unlike them I’m left out of pocket. Music musicians, the Service
blues twice a week as orderly officer and I’m a cavalry officer and there is a provides either an additional grant
every single day when numbers of my notion that we are made of money but or issues the uniform.
‘WHY AM I CHARGED MORE FOR THE SAME PROPERTY?’

RANKS from private to corporal pay the occupy, and SLA type is determined by
same rate for single living accommodation several factors including room size.
(SLA), as do NCOs and warrant officers. Service personnel are generally
But junior and field officers pay different provided with accommodation based
rates, with majors like myself (and those on their eligibility by rank.
above) paying an extra £489 for grade one However, if there is pressure on
accommodation, despite often living in the accommodation this housing can be
same type and size of housing as those allocated on availability, in which case
paying less. the charge raised is that for the grade
So why are we being charged more for of room occupied.
nothing? Effectively this extra payment If you have been allocated a junior
amounts to a rank-specific levy on my officer’s type of SLA as opposed to a
salary. – Name and address supplied senior officer’s suite, then you should
be paying for the room you are in –
Col Nathan Sempala-Ntege, Assistant the £489 you refer to is the difference
Head of Personal Services, responds: between the two.
The daily charge for accommodation If you believe you are being
and utilities is not based on rank but incorrectly charged, contact your unit
on the type and grade of the room you admininstration staff.

52-sol-jan.indd 1 18/12/2017 12:02
It creates stress and unhappiness
personnel to move, creating additional

stress and unhappiness when faced with
travel and child schooling issues.
– Name and address supplied
Col Nathan Sempala-Ntege,

Assistant Head, Personal Services,
responds: The key consideration
is that the purpose of SFA, and
the basis for the accommodation
subsidy we receive, is to meet the
need for mobile personnel rather
than to provide geographic stability
for spouses’ education or careers.
Also, in many areas this housing
is limited and every retention
granted means that someone
posted into that location may have
to accept substitute Service family
accommodation or SFA somewhere
On course for eviction notice

other than their new station.
This is why the criteria for
retention of these properties is
W
ITH very real retention issues year university degree where does that restricted (key stages of a child’s
facing the Armed Forces, isn’t it leave them? education, another move within
time a more informed approach
is taken on housing?
Some courses are transferrable but
many others are not. My 11 months or on the basis of
exceptional welfare need).
colleague
As a unit welfare warrant officer I A colleague of mine recently fell foul of Allowing such a measure to also
have dealt with numerous difficulties in this policy and received an aggressively support spouses’ education could
this area, but one stands out – retaining written 28-day eviction notice. lead to significant shortages in
Service family accommodation (SFA)
when spouses are on educational courses.
After contacting Occupancy Services he
was told he could stay in his SFA as “non- fell foul of particular locations and unfairly
disadvantage others.
JSP 464 states that this housing should
continue to be available when there is a
realistic expectation the course will be
entitled”, thus eliminating any home-to-
duty expenses.
He was also told that if he did stay on
the policy That said, where it is possible we
will try to support these aspirations.
For example, policy was amended
completed during their soldier’s current he would have to do so at a continued three years ago so that where
posting, but many assignments of senior 28-day notice to move, and would not get a spouse has started a course
NCOs and above are set at three years his removals paid for at the end. expecting to complete it during
or less. I think we can all agree that these their serving partner’s tour and he
So if their partners undertake a three- ultimatums are compelling and cause or she is posted early, retention of
SFA can be granted.
And where availability permits, a
‘WILL I ENDANGER MY PENSION BY LEAVING EARLY?’ licence to occupy this housing on a
surplus basis can be granted.
I HAVE served for more than 20 years 22 years’ pensionable service, so Occupancy is on an eligible, not
on a versatile engagement (VEng) and before applying to leave you should entitled, basis – meaning that a mid-
am thinking of putting in a notice to confirm that you will receive the assignment move at public expense
terminate very shortly. pension you expect. would not ordinarily be covered.
On JPA I can set a leaving date so that Go to the website www.gov.uk/ However, in your colleague’s
I can start my resettlement preparations. armed-forces-pension-calculator to case it should not lead to a loss of
However, my chain of command have get an estimate and download a home-to-duty allowance; he should
told me I must wait until June 2018 pension forecast request (form 12). contact his unit admininistration
when I will reach my 21-year point. This only provides a useful office about this.
Is this correct and if so why is there estimate so obtain a full forecast. On receipt of an assignment
an option on JPA to set your own All Service personnel are entitled order there is a requirement to
termination date? to one in any 12-month period free submit an application for this
And if I put in my notice in now of charge. housing, even if this is to formalise
would I endanger my pension? – Name Further assistance is also provided continued occupation of the same
and address supplied by the Forces Pension Society. property when reassigned to the
Once you are content with your same location.
Maj Ali Smith, SO2 Soldier Policy, entitlement, you can use JPA to When personnel do not follow
Army Headquarters, replies: As you apply for early termination. that process, they can be identified
joined the Army prior to 2005 you There is a JPA self service user as an over-stayer, leading to receipt
may have pensionable service on guide to assist you with this. of a letter as your colleague did.
three schemes. Entitlement to resettlement This is done to ensure maximum
Certain benefits from these are depends on length of service, with SFA availability for those posted
only payable after completing the full policy detailed in JSP 534. into a given location.

Army Welfare Service: National Gulf Veterans’ and Notices can be found online at
COMPETITIONS 01904 882053;
www.army.mod.uk/welfare-
Families’ Association Office:
24-hour helpline 0845 257 4853;
www.armynet.mod.uk
ABN 24/18: All arms and services late
Spine line winner: Ben Moore, support www.ngvfa.org.uk entry applications
Oakham, Leicestershire. Big White Wall: Poppyscotland: 0131 557 2782; ABN 23/18: Continuity of education
www.bigwhitewall.com www.poppyscotland.org.uk allowance sixth form reapplication
DIARY Blesma, The Limbless Veterans:
020 8590 1124;
Regular Forces’ Employment
Association:
ABN 22/18: Changes to Field Army
C2 structures as a result of Broadway
www.blesma.org 0121 236 0058; phase one
March 13-31: Soldier on, performed www.rfea.org.uk
by the Soldiers’ Arts Academy, at Blind Veterans UK: ABN 21/18: Flexible service available
the Playground Theatre, London. (formerly St Dunstan’s) Remount: 01451 850 341; from 2019
Written by veteran Jonathan Lewis, 020 7723 5021; www.remount.net
the play covers issues affecting www.blindveterans.org.uk ABN 20/18: The Army Dependants’
Royal British Legion: Trust
those leaving the Forces. Visit www. 0808 802 8080;
Care After Combat:
theplaygroundtheatre.london for www.britishlegion.org.uk ABN 19/18: The Army brand
www.careaftercombat.org
details and further tour dates.
Royal British Legion Scotland: ABN 18/18: Potential officer
Career Transition Partnership:
April 29: New memorial stone to 0131 550 1583; development programme
020 7469 6661
be unveiled at the National Memorial www.legionscotland.org.uk ABN 17/18: Grand Military Gold Cup
Arboretum, dedicated to those Children’s Education Advisory
RBL Industries Vocational Day 2018
who served in The Prince of Wales’s Service:
01980 618244; Assessment Centre: ABN 16/18: Mediation advice
Own Regiment of Yorkshire and 01622 795900; www.rbli.co.uk
dcyp-ceas-enquiries@mod.uk in bullying, harassment and
its antecedents The West Yorkshire
Scottish Veterans’ Residences: discrimination Service complaints
Regiment and The East Yorkshire Combat Stress:
Regiment. Tickets available via the 01372 841600; 0131 556 0091; ABN 15/18: Patrouille Des Glaciers
regimental association. www.combatstress.org.uk www.svronline.org
DIN 2018DIN01-026: MoD ex-
Defence Humanists: Single Persons Accommodation gratia payments in lieu of maternity
May 5: Stoke-on-Trent Military
www.defencehumanists.org.uk Centre for the Ex-Services: allowance
Tattoo, in aid of ABF The Soldiers’
01748 833797; DIN 2018DIN01-024: Increase in
Charity, at King’s Hall, Kingsway. Erskine: www.spaces.org.uk lifetime allowance – budget 2017
Doors open at 1730. Tickets are £10 0141 814 4569;
from Music Mania, Hanley on 01782 www.erskine.org.uk SSAFA: DIN 2018DIN01-023: 60th
206000. Information on VIP packages 0845 1300 975; International Military Pilgrimage to
available on 01952 674323. Family Escort Service: www.ssafa.org.uk
020 7463 9249 Lourdes
May 22 and 27: Guided walk at the Stoll: DIN 2018DIN01-022: Application for
Felix Fund – the bomb disposal 020 7385 2110; info@stoll.org.uk;
National Memorial Arboretum National charity: late entry commission – all arms and
Forest Walking Festival. Admission £3. www.stoll.org.uk services
07713 752901
www.felixfund.org.uk The Not Forgotten Association: DIN 2018DIN01-021: The 67th
020 7730 2400
DIRECTORY
International Military Protestant
Forcesline: www.nfassociation.org Convention, June 21-24 – Mejannes-
UK – 0800 731 4880; Germany
The Poppy Factory: le-Clap Gard, France
– 0800 1827 395; Cyprus – 080
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity: 91065; Falklands – #6111; from 020 8940 3305; DIN 2018DIN01-020: Armed Forces
0845 241 4820 operational theatres – Paradigm www.poppyfactory.org continuity of education allowance –
Services *201; from anywhere in the The Royal Star & Garter sixth form reapplication
Armed Forces Buddhist Society: world (CSL operator will call back) – Homes: DIN 2018DIN01-019: Armed Forces
Chaplain 020 7414 3411 0044 1980 630854 020 8481 7676;
www.afbs-uk.org pension scheme 2005 medical officer
www.starandgarter.org and dental officer bonus payments
Forces Pension Society:
Armed Forces Christian Union: 020 7820 9988 The Veterans Charity: DIN 2018DIN01-018: The All England
01252 311221; www.afcu.org.uk 01753 653772;
Help for Heroes: Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Armed Forces Muslim info@veteranscharity.org.uk Championships – Wimbledon 2018
0845 673 1760 or 01980 846 459;
Association: www.helpforheroes.org.uk Troop Aid: DIN 2018DIN01-017: Universal infant
Chaplain 020 7414 3252; 0121 711 7215 or 07734 384260
Heroes Welcome: free school meals
www.afma.org.uk
www.heroeswelcome.co.uk uk4u Thanks!: DIN 2018DIN03-003: The handling of
Armed Services Advice Project: 01798 812081; www.uk4u.org
HighGround: flying complaints from members of the
0808 800 1007;
www.highground-uk.org.uk Veterans Welfare Service: public in the UK
www.adviceasap.org.uk
0808 1914 218 (from the UK); DIN 2018DIN04-025: Standardisation
Army Families Federation: Joint Service Housing Advice
0044 1253 866043 (from overseas) of unit operational medical holdings –
01264 382324; mil 94391 2324; Office: 01252 787574
www.gov.uk/government/groups/ 300 Module
www.aff.org.uk Medal Office: veterans-welfare-service
DIN 2018DIN04-024: Phased
Army LGBT Forum: 94561 3600 or 0141 224 3600
replacement of Wedge Bellows
www.armylgbt.org.uk;
chair@armylgbt.org.uk
Mutual Support
(multiple sclerosis group): INTELLIGENCE spirometer NSN 6515-99-513-1961
with Vitalograph Alpha NSN 6515-99-
Army Libraries: 01252 340094 www.mutualsupport.org.uk 667-8773
The following Army Briefing
Army Ornithological Society: National Ex-Services Association: Notes, Defence Internal Briefs DIN 2018DIN04-022: Procedures for
www.armybirding.org.uk www.nesa.org.uk and Defence Information requesting a visit to Queen Elizabeth
52-53-sol-mar- Bullet Points.indd 1 22/02/2018 20:06

class aircraft carriers fire extinguishers DIN 2018DIN07-020: Defence foreign The 16 Regiment RA old
language training courses for training comrades association will hold
DIN 2018DIN04-021: Operational DIN 2018DIN06-012: Publication of
year 2018/19 a reunion – including two-course
infrastructure programme 60-day JSP 800 Vol 4a Dangerous Goods by
meal and entertainment – at the
demand lead times Air Regulations, version 4 DIN 2018DIN07-019: Applications
Wortley House Hotel, Rowland
DIN 2018DIN04-019: Nato functional DIN 2018DIN06-011: The Defence for evaluator aircrew courses at the
Road, Scunthorpe. Cost £25 per
area services software Accident Investigation Branch Empire Test Pilots’ School
head. Payment must be made in
DIN 2018DIN04-018: BATCIS DIN 2018DIN06-009: Defence Annual DIN 2018DIN07-018: Number 49 advance, either directly to the HSBC
declaration of obsolete – bag, Road Safety Award aerosystems course applications 16 Regt OCA bank account (number
individual equipment NSN 8465-99- 82118726, sort code 40-40-24) or
DIN 2018DIN06-008: Defence DIN 2018DIN08-002: Insurance
425-5754, DMC EZPRR by sending a cheque to treasurer
infrastructure fire standards – relating arrangements for unit-organised
Guss Goodall at 18 Dunstan Hill,
DIN 2018DIN04-017: Front-line to asset and property protection community engagement events, open
Kirton in Lindsey, DN22 4DU.
command actions and the impact on days, families days and other functions
DIN 2018DIN07-031: Courses at the
surveillance and target acquisition DIN 2018DIN09-002: Armed Forces
ROADSHOWS
Joint Service Sub Aqua Diving Centre
support Day – June 30
in 2018
DIN 2018DIN04-016: SA80 inventory DIN 2018DIN10-009: British Army
DIN 2018DIN07-029: Royal Navy
rebalancing Motorsports Association – navigation
Warfare Training Group air defence, The Army Engagement Team
DIN 2018DIN04-015: Deletion and ASW, EW, IW and Sky Siren courses events 2018 wants to hear from members of the
disposal of obsolete NSNs on the open to a joint audience 2018/19 DIN 2018DIN10-008: Ex Solent public who would like a personal
heavy and littoral platforms. Specific to DIN 2018DIN07-028: Defence Centre Venture (Army Sailing Association invitation to its hi-tech roadshow.
DMCs 9ETS, 4ETSA, BRV of Training Support courses April 2018 Regatta) 2018 The event starts with a reception, is
DIN 2018DIN04-014: Planned to March 2019 followed by a presentation, questions
DIN 2018DIN10-006: Services
withdrawal of support and disposal of and culminates with refreshments.
DIN 2018DIN07-026: The operational Offshore Regatta 2018 – notice of race
obsolete items from Artillery System There will be a range of military
shooting policy (formerly Army personnel on hand to answer any
project team
REUNIONS
operational shooting policy, volume of your queries. Call 01276 412880
DIN 2018DIN04-013: Self-help four – AFV live firing) or email your name and address to
infrastructure work armymediacomm-aeg-mailbox@
DIN 2018DIN07-025: Exercise
DIN 2018DIN05-005: Rebrand of the Cambrian Patrol 2018, October 12-21 The Army Dog Unit NI (RAVC) mod.uk with the event you are
ACDS (Log Ops) directorate to Defence Association will hold its annual interested in attending.
DIN 2018DIN07-024: Unit recovery general meeting and reunion in
Logistics (Def Log) March: 1, Milton Keynes; 8,
officer courses for Army personnel, Burton-on-Trent on May 26-27.
DIN 2018DIN06-014: Defence Safety 2018 onwards Bridgend; 13, Medway; 22,
For further information and to
Authority generic duty holder course Bournemouth
DIN 2018DIN07-022: 2018 Inter- register contact John Tucker on
DIN 2018DIN06-013: Firemark fire Services cyber network defence johnatucker70@yahoo.com or April: 17, Inverness; 18, Aberdeen;
extinguishers to replace current Chubb challenge 07734 113077. 19, Dunfermline; 26, Brighton
NO. 916
TEN details have been changed in this picture Barracks, Government Road, Aldershot, Hampshire will win £100-worth of men’s grooming products
of Reservists from 104 Regiment, Royal Artillery GU11 2DU with your contact details, including from The Bluebeards Revenge.
marking the 66th anniversary of the Queen’s email address, no later than March 30. The winner will be announced in the May 2018
accession to the throne at Cardiff Castle. A photocopy is acceptable but only one entry issue. Usual rules apply.
Circle all the differences in the left image and per person may be submitted. January’s winner: Becca James, AR Centre,
send the panel to HOAY 916, Soldier, Ordnance First correct entry drawn after the closing date Aylesbury.
52-53-sol-mar- Bullet Points.indd 2 22/02/2018 20:06

Navigation
Training
Doing Selection?
Ex-Mil Instructor.
Accom incl.
Contact Andy
07787 122436
To advertise in Soldier call: 01252 787106
54-57-sol-mar.indd 2 22/02/2018 13:41

Julian Young

DEFENCE CASES
Emergency numbers:
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Office number: +44 (0) 207 388 8333
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BOOKS
01252 787106 or email 01303 246500.
SERVICES
K Jacobs, 219 Sqn, 2 Signal PWRR, Cottesmore; Pte S Carrick, Inf Battle School, Brecon.
Regt, York; LCpl T Ingham, 110 26 Engr Regt, Tidworth; OCdt S
Pro Coy, 1 RMP, BFP0 16; Maj Hayes, RMAS, Camberley. 27 January 2018
C Lethbridge, 127 Sqn,16 Med 1st Prize (£10,000): Pte H Thapa,
From 1 April 2018 weekly Regt, Colchester; Maj T Badham, 20 January 2018 2 Sqn, 1 Regt RLC, Bicester. 2nd
prize money will be 1 Dev, D Pers, Andover. 1st Prize (£10,000): Sgt L Reid, Prize (£5,000): Pte A Bailey,
increasing from £25,000 DBS Secretariat, London. 2nd Sp Coy, 2 Para, Colchester. 3rd
to £30,000 13 January 2018 Prize (£5,000): Pte J Turnbull, 8 Prize (£4,000): LSgt T Bates, C
1st Prize (£10,000): Capt J Eaves, Bn REME, DSEME, Chippenham. Coy, 1 Coldm Gds, Windsor. 4th
6 January 2018 3 Rifles, Edinburgh; 2nd Prize 3rd Prize (£4,000): Capt P Batley, Prize (£2,000): Maj J Cartwright-
1st Prize (£10,000): WO2 C (£5,000): Cpl G Boycott, 280 Sqn, 39 Engr Regt, Forres. 4th Prize Terry, Army Foundation College,
Wilson, 250 Sqn, 2 Med Regt, 162 Regt RLC, Swindon; 3rd Prize (£2,000): Capt D Wall, HQ 29 Harrogate. 5th Prize (£1,000): Sgt
Kingston upon Hull. 2nd Prize (£4,000): Name withheld, RAF St EOD and Search Gp, Aldershot. G Loveridge, Sp Sqn, 14 Signal
(£5,000): Cpl H Trevor, ATDU, Athan, Vale of Glamorgan. 4th 5th Prize (£1,000): LCpl S Regt (EW), Haverfordwest. 15
Wareham. 3rd Prize (£4,000): Prize (£2,000): Tpr J Ward, ARTD, Browning, MPGS, RM Poole, Consolation prizes (£200 each):
Capt L Sumner, 174 Pro Coy, 3 Stafford. 5th Prize (£1,000): Pte Hamworthy. 15 Consolation LCpl T Hallett, 95 Sqn, 9 Regt
RMP, Telford. 4th Prize (£2,000): K Maniak, Army Foundation prizes (£200 each): Maj M RLC, Chippenham; Cpl M
Cpl D Sinnott, 26 Engr Regt, College, Harrogate. 15 Woodward, JSCSC, ICSC(L), Chadwick, 2 Sqn, 11(RSS) Signal
Tidworth. 5th Prize (£1,000): Consolation prizes (£200 each): Shrivenham; Cpl S Knight, Sp Regt, Blandford Forum; LSgt L
WO2 J Mayoh, HQ RSA, Larkhill. LCpl K Gurung, Sp Coy, 1 RGR, Coy, 5 Rifles, Salisbury; Capt Humphries, C Coy, 1 Gren Gds,
15 Consolation prizes (£200 Folkstone; WO1 J Rhodes, HQ V Sutherland, 54 AEC, HQ ETS, Aldershot; LCpl M Hughes, B Coy,
each): WO2 K Murphy, 1 ITB, 8 Engr Bde, Camberley; WO2 BFPO 58; Sgt G Smith, A Coy, 1 IG, Hounslow; LCpl A Woollam,
ITC, Catterick Garrison; SSgt M G Weatherston, 124 Sqn, 71 2 Lancs, Preston; Sgt M Hill, G Outreach Team, Beaconside; Cpl
O’Brien Jones, ASLS, Pirbright; Engr Regt, Cumbernauld; Cpl Bty, 7 Para RHA, Colchester; Sgt P Howell, Sp Coy, 1 R Welsh,
SSgt C Cutter, RDG LAD REME, A Pearson, 1 MI Bn, Catterick M Bennett, 1 WG, Pirbright; Tidworth; Lt R McGrath, 2 ITB,
Catterick Garrison; SSgt J Miller, Garrison; Cpl I Gurung, 23 Bty, Gdsm P Clements, A Coy, 1 IG, Catterick Garrison; Spr B Doolan,
22 Engr Regt, Tidworth; Sgt A 29 Cdo Regt RA, Plymouth; Cpl A Hounslow; Capt S Jones, M Bty, 1 Sqn, 21 Engr Regt, Ripon; OCdt
Usher, 258 Sqn, 30 Signal Regt, Stephen, 202 Sqn, 3 Signal Regt, 3 RHA, Newcastle upon Tyne; H Ziegler, RMAS, Camberley;
Nuneaton; Cpl E Langston, D Sqn, Salisbury; Cpl M Bramley, MPGS, Gnr M Wookey, 16 Bty, 26 Regt LCpl N D’Rozario, 1 Coy, 1 CS Bn
QRH, BFPO 16; Sgt N Hodson, Lichfield; Capt P Rumming, RA, BFPO 113; Cpl S Dewan, REME, Catterick Garrison; Pte
34 Bty, 14 Regt RA, Salisbury; 1 R Welsh, Tidworth; LCpl M B Coy, 1 RGR, Folkstone; Pte K McClean, 31 Sqn, 3 Regt RLC,
Fus D Miller, C Coy, 1 R Welsh, Hodgkinson, HQ Coy, 2 R Anglian, M Purvis, RR (N), ARTD, RG, Abingdon; Lt Col A Craig, DES
Tidworth; LCpl J Colbeck, 228 BFPO 58; Capt E Walker, B Coy, 5 Strensall; Pte C Coleman, Sp Coy, ComLand, VST, Bristol; Maj C
Sqn, 3 Signal Regt, Bulford Camp; Rifles, Salisbury; 2nd Lt G Usher, 2 Yorks, Catterick; Pte S Mason, Griffiths, Whitchurch, Hampshire;
LBdr A Keville, 10 Bty, 47 Regt T Bty, 12 Regt RA, Emsworth; Pte 9 Sqn, 7 Regt RLC, Cottesmore; Maj M Morrissey, A Sqn, RL,
RA, Larkhill; Pte J Batterbee, B O Pearce, Sp Coy, 2 R Anglian, Maj S Hempsey, RCDM, Catterick; LCpl R Keeler, MPGS
Coy, 1 R Anglian, London; LCpl BFPO 58; Pte S Hughes, B Coy, 2 Edgbaston; Maj G Brocklehurst, Manston, Ramsgate.
54-57-sol-mar.indd 5 22/02/2018 13:42

GAMES
TOP GEAR
SMOOTH OPERATOR
The Velar is striking… but is
its beauty just skin deep?
THERE aren’t many cars that look

as at home in a country club car
park as they do traversing a muddy
mountain trail, but the Range Rover
Velar is one of them.
Designed to fill the gap between
the compact Range Rover Evoque
and imposing Range Rover Sport,
this is undoubtedly one of the
most elegant looking sport utility
vehicles on the market – even the
door handles retract when the car is
locked to make the bodywork’s lines
look as clean as possible.
P60 P62 P63

BOOKS MUSIC MOVIES
58-64-sol-mar reviews.indd 1 22/02/2018 22:08

TOP GEAR
Price:
Base from £44,575
Tech spec
S from £50,165
R-Dynamic from £52,585
Dimensions:
Length – 4,803mm;
Width – 1,930mm;
Height – 1,685mm.
Towing capacity:
2,400 to 2,500kg
CO2 emissions:
142-214g/km
Economy (combined):
30.1–52.5mpg
Most people will fork out for one of equipped with enough gadgets to put
these smooth operators simply because the Batmobile to shame – it even had
of its image and looks. adjustable air suspension so at a flick
But in typical Ranger Rover style of a switch you could hunker it down
there’s a good dose of practicality on for racing around on a track or provide
offer, too. plenty of ground clearance to wade
The Velar can comfortably seat five through floodwater.
people and the rear bench splits three But regardless of how wild it looks
ways to accommodate awkwardly out there, you’ll always feel cosy and
shaped loads. cosseted by the leather-clad interior –
The boot offers an impressive 1,731 our model even had seats that massage
litres of space when the back seats are your back.
folded down and a useful 558 litres Not everything was perfect, though.
(632 litres without a spare wheel) when The turning circle was akin to a Royal
they’re up. Navy aircraft carrier’s and the rear
The cabin is also as plush as a parcel shelf seemed to have been
gentleman’s club but features a splash transplanted from a budget hatchback.
of high-tech gadgetry up front where And while most buyers will probably
two ten-inch touchscreens are used to opt for one of the efficient diesel
direct most of the major controls. versions, David Attenborough certainly
These screens have replaced most of wouldn’t have approved of the
the traditional buttons and switches, model we drove: a top-of-the-range,
with the exception of the headlights 380-horsepower petrol version, which
and windows. barely managed 20mpg while driven
As a result, you’ll need the skills of an sedately on B roads.
Apache pilot to find your way around There’s no denying, however, that
the bewildering variety of entertainment if you want a luxurious ride with
functions and driving modes such as ample room for the whole family,
the terrain response system – unless enough performance to entertain, and
you’ve taken time out to read the phone something that makes you feel special
directory-sized user’s manual. whether you’re off for golf at Carnoustie
The upper screen primarily handles or climbing in the Cairngorms, the Velar
audio, navigation and vehicle settings fits the bill. ■
while the lower display swaps between
REVIEW: GRAEME MAIN, SOLDIER
climate controls and driving mode,
which you can alter for sand, mud,
grass, gravel and snow. VERDICT:
You even use the touchscreens to Elegant and practical –
alter the sharpness of the steering, a vehicle to remember
throttle and gearshift.
The Dynamic-R model we tried was
FEBRUARY
MARCH 2018 61
59

BOOKS
PICK OF THE MONTH:
THE LAST BATTLE

Endgame on the Western Front
THE tumultuous last weeks of the

Great War have all too often been
glossed over and summarised in a
few pages at the end of heavyweight
tomes about the Verdun, Somme or
Passchendaele campaigns.
If the reader is lucky there may
be a chink of light in the form of a
commentary on the air war or perhaps
the clash of naval leviathans at Jutland.
This has been a source of personal
frustration for many years. Even if you
find a dedicated history that is entirely
focused on the final year of the conflict,
the dramatic chronology of the closing
weeks are unlikely to be given the
scrutiny they deserve.
At last, though, we have a book that
really does these events justice.
In The Last Battle, Peter Hart skilfully
navigates the reader through the rival
national narratives that each claim
credit as architects of the final victory.
Making sense of the overlapping
Allied offensives, he presents a clear
timeline that highlights the cumulative
weight of military force imposed on the
Germans on the Western Front.
It challenges the accepted view that
the British and Commonwealth, French
and US armies were playing the long
game, holding on for the blockade-
induced collapse of the German state.
The Kaiser’s army was not undone by
revolution or the stab in the back, but
convincingly defeated in the field.
In terms of narrative, the book
is easy to follow, effortlessly taking
the reader from the highest political
and strategic thinking down to the
operational level of command, and
then onto the battlefields at tactical

BOOKS
The Last Battle by Peter Hart
is pu lished y rofile ooks
and priced £25
BOOK RELEASES
The Paras Nightfall

by Max Arthur Berlin
by Jack
FROM the Falkands Grimwood
War through
level by means of a well-chosen to modern day THIS novel harks
thread of anecdotal accounts. operations in back to Germany
This is a fast-moving and wide- Afghanistan and in the mid-1980s
ranging period of the war that Iraq, more than when the Cold War
contrasts totally with the trench- 100 contributors was intense. Maj
bound deadlock that preceded it. reveal what it’s like to be at the tip of the Tom Fox has to battle the KGB, elements of
And the dynamic tempo of those last British Army’s spear. Major generals and the British establishment and his own demons
weeks is conveyed through the eyes private soldiers alike describe each battle in in a fast-paced thriller that mixes storylines
of combatants of every nationality. detail. If anything could have improved the and timeframes in a complex pattern. The
The battles of Meuse-Argonne, the book it would be the inclusion of experiences action carries on from the author’s earlier
Canal du Nord, the Hindenburg Line, in Northern Ireland but the accounts of the novel, Moskva – where leading man Fox was
the return to Flanders and the epic lesser-known conflicts are interesting. It avoids first introduced – adding another layer to an
struggle for the Selle, the Sambre bombastic self-indulgence and is simply each already multifaceted plot. It is a great read
and Mons are all described in a man’s perception of his own personal war. but it does demand a degree of concentration
readable style and well illustrated Together with the Mr Men set, this is a must- from the reader to keep up with the twists
with clear maps and a good have for any airborne bookshelf. and turns.
collection of photographs. Cpl Scott Roberts, Rifles Mark Hainge, ex-RE
If I could suggest one
improvement to an otherwise
exceptional book I would ask for Operation Young
some extra German source material Janus Hitler
and a little more from all sides at by JP Cross by Paul Ham
battalion and company level.
But Hart has delivered a well BASED on real THIS is a concise
balanced, enlightening history that events witnessed biographical
enables the reader to make sense of by the author as study about
an exciting but potentially confusing a Gurkha colonel one of the most
chapter of the war. ■ during the Malayan fascinating and
Emergency in evil men in
REVIEW: MIKE PETERS, EX-AAC the 1950s, this novel concerns the defection history. It examines Adolf Hitler’s childhood,
of a British officer and a Gurkha battalion’s formative years and his move into politics
operation to track him through the jungle to after the First World War, revealing which
the HQ of the communist guerrillas. The tale key events shaped him and helped to
VERDICT: has the authenticity you might expect given cement his extremist views. Paul Ham
A welcome examination of an Cross’s first-hand experience, especially when offers an unbiased view of the Fuehrer
oft-overlooked period you consider the number of non-fiction works and the propaganda coming from the Nazi
he has also penned. Though another twist regime both before and during the war, as
or two would have been welcome, overall it well as from the Allies afterwards. This is a
delivers intrigue and suspense and ticks a lot straightforward, informative read, essential
of boxes for those interested in the legendary for anyone interested in military history in
exploits of Nepalese troops. general and Hitler in particular.
Capt Henry Lidgley, AGC (SPS) Robert Shaw, ex-RLC

MUSIC
PICK OF THE MONTH:
A BAND REBORN
Scottish indie outfit chart new path
IT has been almost 15 years since understands that what is essential is Hints of a rebirth are obvious from
Franz Ferdinand burst onto the the emotion; the emotion that inspired VERDICT: the outset and this is an album that
music scene with the colossal single the song and the emotion that the Reinvention leans firmly in the electro direction,
Take Me Out. song inspires in you on hearing it. sparks although Franz Ferdinand’s trademark
The track, and the record it stemmed “It’s all that matters. Everything interesting guitars can be heard simmering away
from, cemented their status as one comes from that: the sound, new path in the background.
of the UK’s most exciting bands. performance, tempo, instrumentation, While the sound may be slightly
But when founding member Nick even how far you stand from the different the lyrics remain as thoughtful
McCarthy walked away in 2016 it microphone – everything.” as ever, with The Academy Award
seemed as though an impressive run of The album was recorded in just a mocking the world of celebrity and
critically acclaimed albums and sold- couple of weeks but had been written obsessions with selfies, and Lois Lane
out tours would be coming to an end. over the course of the preceding year pondering the grim reality of middle age.
But instead of calling time on their somewhere in the west of Scotland. The album’s title track oozes energy
endeavours the group is embarking “We all lived in the one place and vigour and further highlights can
on a second coming, with two new together,” Kapranos explained. “It’s be found on Huck and Jim and the
members joining the fold ahead of the remote and that’s what we needed. disco-inspired Glimpse of Love.
release of Always Ascending. “We weren’t just writing an LP However, it would be difficult to
Working alongside producer but were creating a band, a sound, a call this a full reinvention for the band
Philippe Zdar they set about creating universe. We started from zero with no as there are elements that have been
a fresh sound inspired by electro-pop expectations. It was liberating. heard before and while the music hints
and dance music, and it was a process “From nothing, we created this new at an exciting new dawn it fails to fully
that proved to be reinvigorating. universe to inhabit, something nebulous follow through on its promise. ■
“We loved working with Philippe,” at first that gradually took form until it
said frontman Alex Kapranos. “He felt like it had always existed.” REVIEW: RICHARD LONG, SOLDIER

MOVIES
MOVIES
MUSIC RELEASES
Man of the Woods
by Justin Timberlake
HAVING been named as the headline act for this

year's famed Super Bowl half-time show, Justin
Timberlake was handed the ideal platform from
which to launch his return to the musical spotlight. But his comeback
proved far from spectacular as complaints of poor sound quality and
a lack of excitement hampered what should have been a triumphant
performance. Unfortunately, the underwhelming theme continues on
Man of the Woods. This is a collection that fails to tread any new ground
and proves to be rather dull as it relies on the pop, soul and gospel
combination so often seen in the past. It also veers in a sickly direction,
with wife Jessica Biel contributing to a number of tracks. One to avoid. PICK OF THE MONTH:
Richard Long, Soldier
REX
The Time Is Now
by Craig David Tale of canine IED king packs bite
HAVING seen his career as the poster boy of UK IT was a career move that pushed
garage derailed by the brutal mocking of comedy her to the limits, put her on the front
series Bo Selecta!, Craig David is now basking line in the terrifying battle against the
in the glow of an impressive rebirth. Comeback album Following My IED, and demanded that she place the
Intuition, released in 2016, was his first number one since his 2000 debut ultimate trust in a canine companion. adaptation of Leavey’s story is set
and latest offering The Time Is Now builds on the growing momentum. But Megan Leavey would not against the backdrop of the concerted
The record covers a wide array of dance genres and with eight different change anything. The former corporal IED campaign that faced US troops in
producers on-board there is no shortage of input from those who know maintains her decision to join the US the insurgency of the mid-2000s.
what it takes to create a polished pop offering. But such variety proves to Marine Corps changed her life for Tracking her Service career from
be David's undoing as the singer comes across as a guest vocalist on a the better – and the relationship the 2003-07, which followed dead-end
collaboration project, instead of being the star of his own show. There are handler forged with her explosives civvy jobs and strained relationships
a number highlights to enjoy but this album fails to fully deliver. search dog Rex during two back-to- with her parents, the plot charts her
Sarah Goldthorpe, Soldier back tours in Iraq was its high point. success in the dog section after a
Now the focus of a film based on her difficult start to military life.
experiences during some of the most Partnered with German Shepherd
Little Dark Age volatile years in the Middle Eastern Rex, who had sunk his jaws into the
by MGMT country, she is delighted with the way arm of a previous handler and put him
she has been captured in celluloid. in hospital, the pair deploy out into the
US duo MGMT seemed destined for greatness “It was really surreal when I first full force of a terrorist campaign.
following the release of standout singles Time to saw the movie,” Leavey told Soldier. When Leavey and her canine partner
Pretend and Kids in 2008. So it was surprising to “But I am pleased with how it has are split up after both being wounded
see them take a distinct backwards step on the albums that have followed turned out and the fact that it raises in a harrowing contact with insurgents,
since, where their detours and experimentations were not well received. awareness of working dogs. the handler later embarks on a new
Fans will be relieved to hear they have made a welcome return to form “Rex was one of the best but you had fight to adopt him after he is retired
on Little Dark Age, a record littered with infectious pop anthems that to trust him and let him work his way. from service – and recommended as
ticks all the boxes. Opener She Works Out Too Much sets the tone and “He was amazing at his job and as a unsuitable for re-homing.
this impressive formula continues on the likes of One Thing Left to Try handler he was exactly the partner you “The movie is not a documentary
and Hand it Over. There's also great fun to be had, none more so than on would want by your side.” and some liberties have been taken
the track TSLMP – an abbreviation for time spent looking at my phone – Released on DVD this month and in the story's transfer to
which delivers a gentle dig at today's screen-obsessed generation. having already received critical acclaim, Hollywood,” the 34-year-old
Richard Long, Soldier Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s film New Yorker admitted.

MOVIES
VERDICT:
A powerful story, well filmed
DVD/DIGITAL RELEASES
Wings of Eagles
Out now
A COMPANION piece of sorts to Chariots of

Fire, this title tells the continuing story of Eric
Liddell (Joseph Fiennes) – he who refused
to run on the sabbath. Interestingly, he spent
much of his life as a missionary in China and
was placed in an internment camp by the Japanese during the
Second World War. This movie chronicles Liddell's experiences at
that time through the eyes of his Chinese driver. Fiennes is fine, but
the rest of the film just doesn't really click and is hard to engage
with emotionally.
Maj Alex Janaway, RAMC
movie,” she said.

“The actual incident was a really Jigsaw
long day for me. In reality I had Out now
been with a US Army unit – and not
the Marines – on this occasion and ONE of the highest grossing franchises of all
“I am an animal lover and everything was pretty intense.” time is back, taking Jigsaw’s signature brand of
there has never been a time The on-screen battle is certainly twisted scenarios to the next level. Will it never
in my life when I did not have a dog or tense and is one of the moments that end? You’d be forgiven for thinking this offering
cats around. make Rex stand out with a combination is some sort of prequel to the Saw films, but it
“When I enlisted I heard about the of a worthy story and a depiction of the certainly isn’t. In fact, quite the opposite because this movie is too
K9 programme in the military police – Iraq campaign at its height. busy jumping around trying to tie in as many people and plots as
it piqued my interest but getting on it A strong cast fronted by Kate Mara possible to produce anything resembling a storyline. The traps are
meant that I would ultimately have to as Leavey puts in some convincing nowhere near the Saw standard, which will disappoint ardent fans.
finish at the top of my class.” performances, and the action is well Rodge Tapply, ex-RE
Despite the changes made to the paced throughout.
WIN
cinematic rendering, Leavey said it At its heart, however, Rex is an
had accurately conveyed the feeling extraordinary tale of trust between dog
of life during her two seven-month and handler as well as the faith placed
deployments to Fallujah in 2005 and in them by the soldiers who depended
Ramadi the following year – and the on their expertise and courage to
atmosphere in Iraq at the time. detect lethal threats. RELEASED at the start of this year, The Man
In particular, the scenes set in the For Leavey, the film is also about the With the Iron Heart tells the story of of the real-life Second
Middle East – shot in Spain – provided bonds forged in service. World War mission to kill top-ranking Nazi Reinhard Heydrich.
an insight into the threat of IEDs and “I am an only child,” she concluded. Based on international bestseller HHhH by Laurent Binet,
ambush as well as the daily battle “But by the time I left in 2007 I had so its cast includes Jason Clarke, Rosamund Pike, Jack
against the searing summer heat. many brothers and sisters. O’Connell, Stephen Graham, Jack Reynor and Mia
Leavey said the sequence depicting “Joining the United States Marine Wasikowska. Soldier has teamed up with Lionsgate Films
the high-intensity contact in which she Corps was absolutely the best decision to offer three readers a Blu-ray film and book combination
and Rex were wounded had proved I ever made.” ■ set. To be in with a chance of winning one, tell us what
suitably emotive. year HHhH was released. Answers to the usual address
“They did a good job with this in the INTERVIEW: CLIFF CASWELL, SOLDIER or comps@soldiermagazine.co.uk by March 30.

67-sol-mar.indd 1 15/02/2018 11:10
66-sol-mar.indd 2 22/02/2018 12:35

SOLDIER
SPORT
PISTE PERFORMERS
THE Army's winter sports

stars faced their Forces
rivals on the slopes of
Meribel. Read about their
Inter-Services successes
on page 70...
Picture: Cpl Rebecca Brown, RLC
67-sol-mar.indd 1 22/02/2018 17:02

ATHLETICS
TRAIL RUNNER PRIMED FOR WORLD STAGE

E
NDURANCE runner Capt "I've always wanted to slightly shorter distance for the
Tom Evans (WG) has seen be an athlete and getting Serviceman and he is predicting
his remarkable rise in the selected for my country is a a swift pace once the action gets
sport rewarded with a call-up to huge opportunity," Evans told under way.
the Team GB squad for the World SoldierSport. "I'm incredibly "The exact course has yet to be
Trail Running Championships. proud to get the call. confirmed ut it will e miles
Having claimed third spot at "We have a really strong team with a climb of around 4,000
last year's Marathon des Sables and want to do ourselves justice. metres, so the ratios are fairly
– an event billed as the world's My focus is on the process, not similar to the other races I have
toughest footrace the officer the outcome – if my training is done," he explained.
secured a place on the Ultra right in the build-up the race will "It will be very quick and that
Trail World Tour, where he has take care of itself." will suit my style of running,
continued his impressive run of Individual and collective I'm really looking forward to the
recent form. honours will be up for grabs and "THE start of the race."
E ans finished fourth at the athlete is eyeing success ith such an important fixture
the Eiger 101-kilometre race on both fronts as his training ARMY on the horizon it would be safe
and repeated the feat at the regime continues. to assume that Evans will be
CCC event – a 100-kilometre "We run as individuals but ALLOWS concentrating fully on the task.
challenge that features a it is a team event," he added. "I But before he heads to the
6,500-metre climb along a route have goals I hope to achieve and YOU TO Iberian Peninsula he faces the
from Courmayeur in the Italian I want to do Great Britain, the small matter of The Coastal
Alps to Chamonix in France, via Army and Welsh Guards proud. DO THE Challenge – a gruelling
the Swiss resort of Champex. f finish fifth so e it ut 'd 230-kilometre multi-stage
Such consistent performances love to be on that podium. I'll BEST race across the beaches and
caught the eye of the national give 100 per cent and will leave mountains of Costa Rica.
selectors and the officer will no stone unturned." YOU Jungle and rainforest trails
now line up for his country at At 80 kilometres in length, the await, along with routes down
Penyagolosa, in Spain, on May 12. World Championships boast a CAN" highland and coastal ranges, and
68-69-sol-mar.indd 1 22/02/2018 20:40

the country's climate will also
add to the difficulty. COSTA RICA
IN NUMBERS
"The heat and humidity will
be the biggest challenge," Evans
said. "I've been training in the
heat chamber at St Mary's
University in Twickenham
(pictured) to help my body
acclimatise to the conditions. LENGTH OF
"I'm looking at this race as a THE MULTI-
really big training week. I will STAGE
then come back to the UK to
RACE IN
continue my build-up to the
World Championships." KILOMETRES
Such opportunities have been
fully backed by the chain of
command and Evans believes
the Army forms the ideal
230
backdrop for those looking to
reach sport's elite stage.
"This is all a complete surprise DAYS
to me," he added. NEEDED TO
"I have come to the sport COMPLETE
relatively late on but I've got THE
another ten years of being able to
GRUELLING
run at the level I'm at now.
"But I could not have done it EVENT
MIXED FORTUNES AT MINLEY

without the support of my unit
6
and the Service, who have given
me the time off I need to train
and compete.
"For aspiring athletes the
British Army is the place to be. It
T
allows you to do the best you can HE absence of key second. She came here on
both physically and mentally. DEGREES athletes failed to the back of being on exercise
"A lot of results come down to scupper the Army overnight. If that had not
CELSIUS
mental preparation. women's hopes at the Inter- been the case she could have
eing an officer gi es me the HEAT Services Cross-Country pushed harder.
discipline and state of mind to AWAITING Championships as an inspired "The RAF were strong
complete incredi ly difficult ATHLETES team effort saw them seal the this year so I was a little
challenges and look after myself ON THE collective honours. concerned beforehand but the
and my teammates. With leading lights Capt girls worked well as a team to
TROPICAL
"There are so many Lauren Hall (REME) and Cpl pack the top positions.
transferable skills." ■ COURSE Dani Hodgkinson (QARANC) "We have massive depth in
35
missing, the Reds relied on the squad. We can lose two or
their strength in depth to get three athletes and still get the
the job done on a windswept job done.
wintry course at Minley. "Our junior runners and
The Royal Air Force claimed Reservists are now coming to
top spot in the individual the fore."
standings but with debutant Success for the women
HOURS, 29 Lt Rosie Wilde (RA) leading proved to be the Army's only
the charge the Service victory on the day as the RAF
MINUTES, 45
secured the next four places to dominated proceedings in the
SECONDS take the overall title. other three races.
– THE TIME "We are well practised on heir runners finished
POSTED this course as the Army and first and second in the
BY MEN'S Inter-Corps Championships men's senior event, with the
were both held here," team Army claiming third spot,
CHAMPION
manager WO1 Kelly Haniver and strong performances
TOM OWENS (RAPTC) told SoldierSport. throughout the field cemented
IN THE 2017 "So we knew the girls could the team prize.
CHALLENGE run well. The airmen also scooped
"Rosie is new to the team the honours in the masters
22
and did really well to finish and under-23 races. ■
68-69-sol-mar.indd 2 22/02/2018 20:40

WINTER SPORTS
Pictures: Cpl Rebecca Brown, RLC

MEDALS SHARED AT MERIBEL MEET
A
RMY athletes shared the victories in the individual and and Maj Jessica Drew (RE) were
spoils with their Forces team standings. INTER-SERVICES the runners-up, while Lt Jo
rivals during a highly
competitive Inter-Services Snow
Barr secured the downhill
title and was named the
ALPINE SKIING Szczglowska (RE) was named
best newcomer.
Sports Championships on the competition's best newcomer. MEN The Royal Navy claimed the
slopes of Meribel. "The men's team had a bit of telemark team crown, with 2nd
The Alpine disciplines proved
a happy hunting ground for the
men's skiers, with the dynamic
a fright on the second practice
day when Capt Joe Williamson
(KRH) broke his leg," Lt Col (retd)
ARMY Lt Robbie Houston (Scots DG)
securing the individual title.
"We were slightly disappointed
duo of Spr Euan Kick and Martyn Allen, secretary of the WOMEN to only win one of the fi e team
Spr Duncan Kuwall (both RE) Army Winter Sports Association, prizes on offer," Allen added.
RAF
spearheading the charge toward told SoldierSport. "We probably had some of the
team glory. "But we have real strength in best conditions for ten to 15 years
Kick won both the slalom and depth and that showed out on and the snow was fantastic.
super giant slalom, as well as the slopes. "The weather over the last
claiming second in the downhill "The ladies competition went three or four seasons hasn't been
and third in the giant slalom, down to the wire but Rachel great so it was good to get back
as he was crowned the overall Hughes was just that little bit on track."
individual champion ahead of ahead and that pushed her team The Army reigned supreme
teammate Kuwall. to the title." in the Nordic events as they
In the female competition, The snowboarding drew defeated the Senior Service to
debutant Capt Lauren Barr further success for the RAF as win all fi e team trophies.
EME found herself in a fierce they won both the men's and The Inter-Services action
battle with Royal Air Force rival women's team competitions, as continues this month at the Ice
Cpl Rachel Hughes but it was well as the individual prizes. Sports Championships in the
the latter who prevailed with Sgt Kris Looker (R Signals) Austrian resort of Igls. ■
70-71-sol-mar.indd 1 22/02/2018 17:48

RESULTS SERVICE: GET THE INSIDE STORY ON ALL THIS
SEASON'S COMPETITIONS BY VISITING WWW.AWSA.ORG.UK
Pictures: Dominic King
Pictures: Paralympics GB
SLIDERS HIT THE ICE
THE increasing popularity of
skeleton, luge and bobsleigh
BOUND FOR PYEONGCHANG

within Service circles was further
highlighted at last month’s Army
Ice Championships.
Staged in the German resort
town of Winterberg, the event
featured a week of training for
personnel in all three disciplines
ahead of the opening race.
he track pro ed difficult to
W
master but the athletes produced ITH the Winter get Menna in the right place to
some impressive performances in Olympics now over, get round the gates and make
a series of hard-fought battles. attention switches it down the hill in the fastest
The pairing of LCpl Ivan to the upcoming Paralympic time possible, so there is lots of
Londal and LCpl Rick Ray, of campaign and the Army will be teamwork involved."
3rd Battalion, The Parachute well represented on the slopes. The conditions in
Regiment, claimed the men’s Capt Jen Kehoe (RE, pictured yeongchang made life difficult
bobsleigh title with WO2 Sarah left) will act as the guide for for athletes at last month's
Smith and 2nd Lt Jess Elkington Menna Fitzpatrick in the Winter Olympics but Kehoe is
(both RA) reigning supreme in the visually impaired Alpine skiing confident they can con uer the
women’s event. and the duo have jetted out to challenges ahead.
A total of 24 soldiers took to the yeongchang in confident mood She added: "We are fully
track in the skeleton, where LCpl following their recent medal prepared for whatever the
Nathan Jackson (RLC) secured "WE haul at the orld up final. weather throws at us.
the honours in the men’s race Selection comes after Kehoe "We were out there for a test
ahead of novice champion Sig WANT missed out on a place in the event last year and the piste is
Arran Holmes (R Signals). Capt Team GB squad at Sochi 2014 quite technical and you have to
Rhianon Graham (AGC (SPS)) won TO GIVE through injury and she is excited think from top to bottom, there's
the women’s competition. by the prospect of facing the no cruising."
Gdsm Ray Thompson (IG) IT OUR world's best athletes in what is Double amputee and former
topped the podium in the men’s the pinnacle of her sport. paratrooper Scott Meenagh
luge, with Sgt Danielle Scott BEST "It's all a bit surreal to (pictured above) will compete
(QARANC) matching the feat in e honest, the officer told in the para Nordic skiing events
the women’s showdown. SHOT" SoldierSport. "We have worked after progressing to the Team
hard over the last two-and-a-half GB ranks via the Paralympic
years and it is incredible to be Inspiration Programme.
named in the team. "It's an incredible feeling to
"We are taking it one step know my name is on the team
at a time. his is our first sheet," Meenagh said.
Paralympics and we want "I'm determined to give my
to give it our best shot. Our very best performance."
performances this season mean Snowboarder Owen Pick,
we are in good shape. formerly of 1st Battalion, The
"There is so much for me to Royal Anglian Regiment,
think about as a guide. I have to completes the line-up. ■
70-71-sol-mar.indd 2 22/02/2018 17:48

74-sol-mar.indd 1 15/02/2018 10:47
MAN OF THE MOMENT: CFN SEAN THOMSON (REME) WAS THE ARMY'S
HERO AGAINST THE RAF, NETTING THE EQUALISER IN A 1-1 DRAW FOOTBALL
SPORT SHORTS
Picture: Hoycubed Photography
Disney at the double

FORMER soldier Guy Disney rode to
victory at the Castel Royal Artillery Gold
Cup for the second successive year.
YOUNG GUNS SEAL SERVICES CROWN

The jockey, who served as a captain
in The Light Dragoons, made history last
year y ecoming the first amputee to
win a race at a professional racecourse
in Britain.
He will be looking to add to his tally
when he competes at the Grand Military
A
Gold Cup at Sandown on March 9. STUNNING 20-yard (REME), who calmly found the
“I was quite nervous today,” Disney INTER-SERVICES strike from Cpl Darren bottom corner.
said after his latest triumph. “The
feeling of winning is like a drug, it’s
UNDER-23 Humphries (AGC) was the
highlight of a commanding 3-0
Humphries' wonder goal
effectively settled the contest
completely addictive.” FOOTBALL win for the Army Under-23s in during the early stages of the
the opening match of their Inter- second half and with their rivals
NAVY Services campaign. lacking a cutting edge it proved
0
he midfielder's goal ga e to be a comfortable afternoon.
the Reds a 2-0 lead against the Further chances followed as
Royal Navy and a late effort from LCpl Dan Tewkesbury (AAC)
substitute LCpl Rob Shaw (RLC) blasted over from close range
ARMY sealed a comprehensive victory and Humphries came within
3
for the visitors. inches of a second as his shot
The players then sealed the across goal drifted narrowly wide
title thanks to a 1-1 draw with of the far post.
the Royal Air Force in the oolley then fired into the side
tournament's deciding fixture. netting from a free kick before
Having suffered a 4-2 defeat a perfectly weighted low cross
to the Senior Service during a found Shaw in the area and the
Road race set to return disappointing 2017 campaign, wide man clinically drilled the
the soldiers held firm during ball into the bottom corner.
THE dates and venues for this a cagey opening to their latest "It was a competitive game,"
season’s Army Cycling Road Race Series contest in Portsmouth. head coach Capt Paul Dale
have been announced. Endeavour and commitment (RAMC) told SoldierSport
Featuring 12 rounds, the competition overshadowed quality of play afterwards. "We decided to go
gets under way at Upavon on April and clear-cut chances were at a with three at the back knowing
25 and reaches its conclusion at the premium until the Army opened that if we put pressure on their
Brownlee Centre in Leeds on July 25. their account on the stroke of defence we might get something.
Open to all serving personnel, the half-time. "It was a scrappy contest but
races are aimed at athletes of all A free kick from skipper LCpl we controlled it.
abilities – from beginners to seasoned Sean Woolley (RLC, pictured left) he first goal is massi e in
riders – and there will be prizes for the was floated into the area and any Inter-Services match and
best individuals, units and corps. when the Navy failed to clear the second ga e us confidence to
For more details on how to get their lines the ball dropped to the move the ball around and play a
involved email ian.tosh450@mod.uk unmarked Cfn Sean Thomson bit more football." ■
73-sol-mar.indd 1 22/02/2018 20:41

IN THE RING: THE ARMY'S FIGHTERS LOCK HORNS WITH THEIR FORCES
BOXING RIVALS IN THE COMBINED SERVICES CHAMPIONSHIPS ON MARCH 22
LEARNING FROM THE BEST

S
OME of Team GB’s finest
up-and-coming boxers were
tested in the ring during an
intensive week of training with the
Army squad in Aldershot.
The camp also featured fighters
from Wales and was staged as
part of the Service’s bid to create a
closer working relationship with
SEASON SIGNED OFF the heralded set-up, which polishes

the country’s premier talent at its
Sheffield base.
“We are trying to recruit a new
STEEP hill climbs and energy- head coach,” Nathan Pearce,
sapping mud formed the secretary of the Army Boxing
backdrop to a highly competitive Association, told SoldierSport.
Army Cyclocross Championships “We are in the process of
in Chilwell. organising that through the GB
The event marked the end of podium team and their performance
another tough season for the manager. We want to establish
riders, who will now move on to better links with them, so the idea
the various road and mountain of a training camp came about.
biking disciplines. “It has been a learning curve for
In the veterans’ race, WO1 the Army guys and it is also good
Jason Marriott (Rifles) rapidly for the GB boxers to come in and
moved to the front of the field spar with different people in a
and by the halfway stage had different setting.
opened a 45-second lead over “This is a fantastic shop window
his nearest rival. He maintained for our fighters. They are in the ring
his dominance and secured a with the best in the country in front
comfortable win. of the GB coaches.
Defending champion Cpl “It is a great confidence boost and
Danny Preece (RE) was the rider they can see the step up is not that
to beat in the the men’s senior far away.” n
race and he finished more than
a minute clear of the field as he
claimed back-to-back titles.
LCpl Alex Farquhar (RAVC) "THEY
proved to be in a class of her
own in the women’s event and a CAN
storming display saw her seize
the top prize in style. SEE THE
“It was a fantastic day,” Marriott
(pictured below) told SoldierSport. STEP UP
“The route was set on the side
of a hill and the rain meant the IS NOT
climb was a swampy, wheel-
sucking slog.” THAT
FAR
AWAY"
● FORCES cricketers return to Lord's on Thursday, June 14 for this
year's Inter-Services Twenty20 Championships.
The Army won a fifth successive title at the prestigious venue in
2017 and will be hoping for more of the same this season.
Tickets will be available to purchase on the gate. For more
information visit www.lords.org
74-75-sol-mar.indd 1 22/02/2018 20:56

RUGBY LEAGUE
NETBALL
MONTH CUP RUN IN

NETBALL
NUMBERS
IN SPORT
YEARS OF
DETAIL
CUP ACTION
– WITH THE
123
FIRST TIE
PLAYED IN
March’s key fixtures... 1896
WHAT:
Inter-Services 122
DETAIL
123
Hockey
Championships
WHEN:
TOTAL
March 6 and 7
WHERE: POINTS
Aldershot SCORED BY
NEED TO THE ARMY
KNOW: The Army women have been
DETAIL
IN TWO
123
the team to beat in recent years and they
MATCHES IN
will start as firm favourites, while the
men will be hoping to hit top gear 2018
74 REDS EYE LEAGUE GLORY

DETAIL
123
TRIES FROM
A
PTE MICKY PLACE in the fourth "We don't know a lot about
HOYLE round of the Challenge them but it will be a hard
(YORKS), Cup is the prize on match. They have the home
offer to the Army rugby league advantage and it all depends
WHAT: Inter-Services Football DETAIL
WHO ALSO
team as they travel to Cumbria on how well we travel and
KICKED to face amateur outfit Kells in train in the days beforehand."
123
Championships – Army v Navy
WHEN: March 7 THREE their latest tie. Taylor is planning to keep
WHERE: Aldershot GOALS The Servicemen have preparations for the clash as
NEED TO KNOW: After falling short AGAINST already recorded two home simple as possible, believing
last season the women's team will look wins in their 2018 campaign the team cohesion that exists
THE
to kick-start their 2018 campaign with and victory over the within the group will serve
victory at the Aldershot Military Stadium
CHARGERS Whitehaven-based side would them in good stead.
DETAIL see them qualify for the latter "We have a squad full of
13
(1430) before the men's side take to the
round for the first time in their captains and that really
23
pitch at the town's EBB Stadium (1900)
24-year history. helps," he added. "We're going
A 48-10 defeat of the Milford back to basics so everyone is
WHAT: Marlins was followed by a aware of what their job is.
Inter-Services hard-fought 26-14 triumph "It is all about the players.
Netball against the London Chargers They are getting the
Championships
RED CARDS (pictured) and head coach experience of playing in a
WHEN: March DETAIL
SHOWN WO2 Ben Taylor (REME) is famous competition that has
7 to 9 IN THE predicting another tough test been running for more than
WHERE:
Portsmouth
NEED TO
123
MILFORD
MARLINS
when the Reds head north.
"This is a great opportunity
to progress further," he told
100 years.
"They have the chance to
achieve something that we
KNOW: A hectic
GAME SoldierSport. "It is the first would have never thought was
3
week of sport time we have drawn an possible ten years ago."
comes to a close on the south coast, amateur team in the third The Army were in action
where the Reds will be looking to retain round and that will make it a against Kells as this issue
the title they won with victories over the fair game. went to press. n
Royal Navy and Royal Air Force last year
74-75-sol-mar.indd 2 22/02/2018 20:57

SCHEDULE: THE GAMES GET UNDER WAY ON APRIL 4,
COMMONWEALTH GAMES WITH THE SHOOTING EVENTS STARTING ON APRIL 8
SERIES KICKS OFF

THE opening leg of the 2018 Army
SIGHTS SET DOWN UNDER

Cross Country Mountain Bike
Series will be held at the valley
course of Erlestoke, near Devizes,
on March 28.
THE Army was
omprised of fi represented
e rounds, the at
thecompetition
Homelessruns World Cup in the
throughout the
shape
spring ofand
CSgt Chrisand
summer Bonnar
feeds
(Scots).
into the full Army Championships
Aontotal
Julyof18.
64 teams from 52 countries
R
competed at theregularly
The event four-a-side tournament
attracted IFLE shooter Spr Michael "Some of the guys here have
in Glasgow,
between with150 and the200
senior NCO acting
soldiers last Bamsey (RE) became the also been selected. We usually
as aseason
refereeand
during
those the
at week-long
the helm latest Army marksman compete on the same team but
are hoping to build on these to receive a Commonwealth now we are going out to beat
“To have thenumbers
impressive opportunity to referee
during the Games call after he was named each other."
at an event like
upcoming this was extremely
campaign. in the Wales squad ahead of Bamsey will be looking to
humbling,” the Serviceman
“We really want to hit the said. next month's showpiece. improve on his showing four
“Iground
thought I had seen
running,” WO2 a lot in my 17
Graham The 24-year-old will join years ago, when a seventh-
years of service(REME),
McConaghy but to listen
part to some of fellow soldiers Cpl Stuart Hill (R place finish in the air rifle and
theof stories and meet team,
the organising people who have
told Irish) and Sgt Sam Gowin (RA) a failure to make the three-
beenSoldierSport
through more . "Mountain
than most biking
of us on the journey down under and position final fell well short of
canhas become such
comprehend wasaatstrong
times heart- is hoping to fire his way into his pre-Games target.
adventurous training sport and the medal places in what will "I went there with the
the amount of people getting be his second Games campaign. expectation of winning a medal
involved is growing. "WE ARE Bamsey only joined the Army in a blaze of glory," the soldier
"Our courses are tailored for in August last year but has an added. "But I didn't manage
riders of all abilities. There will GOING impressive record in the sport those expectations and went in
be an option to follow a more which includes a three-year thinking it would be easy.
technical route but the challenge OUT TO spell with the West Virginia "Now I just want to execute
comes from riding at speed." ni ersity rifle team that my own plan and if that works
For more details on how to BEAT yielded three national titles. out and I win something it will
get involved and other rounds With his stateside adventure be fantastic.
in the series visit the Army MTB EACH complete he signed up for a "If I come away knowing I did
XC Team Facebook page or email military career and was fast- everything I could I will have no
graham.mcconaghy630@mod.uk OTHER" tracked into the Service's elite arguments with that."
sporting programme. Bamsey's long-term goal
He will face competition is to represent Team GB at
CAPT Gemma Rowland (RA) from Northern Ireland's Hill in the 2020 Olympics and while
has been named as the new the prone and three-position his performance in Australia
skipper of the Army women’s disciplines and will also take cannot help his bid to qualify
rugby union team. part in the air rifle e ent. it will serve as an indication of
Fellow international player Sgt "It's always a privilege his progress.
Bianca Dawson (AGC (RMP)) will be the to represent Wales as it is "If I can shoot well in this
side’s vice-captain. something I do not get to competition I know I can do it
“They will make a formidable do that often," Bamsey told when the quota places come
leadership team,” explained head coach SoldierSport. round," he said. ■
76-sol-mar.indd 1 22/02/2018 17:51

10-sol-oct.indd 1 14/09/2017 12:00
10-sol-oct.indd 1 14/09/2017 12:00
78-sol-mar.indd 2 22/02/2018 13:51

ON TRACK: LSGT LAMIN DEAN WAS IN WINTER OLYMPIC ACTION IN
BOBSLEIGH'S FOUR-MAN EVENT AS THIS ISSUE WENT TO PRESS WINTER OLYMPICS
SPORT SHORTS
Picture: Allign Photography
Build-up gathers pace
Pictures: Andy J Ryan

PREPARATIONS for this season’s
Inter-Services rugby union campaign
have continued at pace with three
challenging fixtures for the men s side
in the space of two weeks.
The Reds recorded a 26-17 win over
MISSED SHOTS PROVE FATAL

xford ni ersity, a result that was
followed by a slender 33-31 defeat at the
hands of Nottingham.
A 19-5 victory against the British
Police got the soldiers back on track
and they will travel to Portugal later
this month for a warm weather training
camp before facing the Royal Air Force
B
on April 11. IATHLON ace Sgt Amanda "It is a good achievement and I
Lightfoot (AGC (SPS)) have to give myself credit."
suffered mixed emotions Her performance meant she
in her latest Winter Olympic missed out on ualification for
campaign as she equalled the the 10-kilometre pursuit as only
best-ever British result in the the top 60 athletes progressed,
7.5-kilometre sprint but then meaning her focus switched to
struggled on the range in the the sport's 15-kilometre event.
longer discipline. The soldier made an
The 31-year-old picked up three encouraging start in the
shooting penalties in windy competition and was hovering
conditions on the sprint and around the top after firing her
went on to clock a time of 24min way to a clear round on the third
"I KNOW . sec to finish in th place of four visits to the range.
Reds prevail on title trail matching the achievement of But three misses in the last
I'M AS Emma Fowler at the 2006 Games. round scuppered her chances
ARMY players dominated the action "It was a pretty tough race and she went on to finish rd
on the court as they claimed three of STRONG with the wind," Lightfoot said more than eight minutes behind
the four team prizes on offer at the afterwards. "It was like I was champion Hanna Oeberg.
Inter-Services Squash Championships. AS THE ha ing to fight against the "I messed up on my last shoot,"
A 5-0 win over the Royal Air Force conditions all the time and I got Lightfoot said.
gave the men’s senior side an ideal start GIRLS quite unlucky with my shooting "The nerves just kicked in and
but they had to dig deep on their way to in the prone position, where I I couldn't pull it together; that's
a 3-2 victory over the Royal Navy. MAKING missed two shots. I then dropped really disappointing.
The women downed the Senior one in the standing. "This year has been up and
Service 5-0 and the RAF 3-2 to capture THE TOP "It is still good to equal the best down and I'm just happy to be
further collective honours, while the ever Olympic result for a British here. I know I'm as strong as the
masters squad added a third title. TEN" female biathlete. girls getting top tens and places
However, the under-25s missed out "I'm often so focused on trying on the podium.
to the airmen as hopes of a clean sweep to be world class that I sometimes "I just need the support to make
were ended. forget about the little milestones. my results consistent." ■
79-sol-mar.indd 1 22/02/2018 19:39

59-sol-mar.indd 1 15/02/2018 12:25
FINAL FIXTURE: THE ARMY WOMEN PLAY THEIR LAST GAME BEFORE
THE INTER-SERVICES WHEN THEY FACE THE BARBARIANS ON MARCH 17 RUGBY UNION
GAME BRIEF
DATE: February 14, 2018
COMPETITION: Army women
v England Under-20s – rugby
union friendly
VENUE: Army Rugby Stadium,
Aldershot
Pictures: Alligin Photography and Roger Thompson

ARMY
Wilson Carbutt Athawes

1 2 3
Gattlin Snead
4 5
Silcox Szczyglowska
6 Binskin-Barnes 7
8
Gilbert Rowland (c)
9 10
Dodd Mullen
12 13
PAIN INFLICTED IN THE RAIN

Miller McAuley
11 Parker 14
15
SUBS: Lewis, Smith, McCormick,

Claasens, Whitecross, Lloyd,
Harrison-Wolff, Stonebridge-Smith
CAPTAIN'S COMMENTS:
A
FIRST-HALF hat-trick lead moments later as Phoebe
RUGBY UNION from wing Brooke Clarke Murray collected an offload from
"WE STICK FRIENDLY helped fire the England

Under-20s side to an emphatic
centre partner Lucy Attwood to
sprint home.
FIXTURE 44-0 win over the Army on a Clarke notched her second
TOGETHER ARMY
miserable night in Aldershot. as the Army failed to find touch
Driving rain, howling winds with a clearance from their 22
AS A SQUAD. WOMEN and freezing temperatures and prop forward Ellena Perry
0
posed an extra challenge for the added to the misery as she
THERE WERE players but it was the visitors powered her way to the line
who adapted to the conditions midway through the half.
MISTAKES better – running in six tries Some smart play from fly
ENG before the break as they took half Helena Rowland created
BUT THERE U20S firm control of the game. the platform for Lilian Stoeger-
The Reds showed greater Goddard to score England's
WERE
POSITIVES 44 determination as they steadied
the ship after the interval but
two further converted scores
fifth try as she pounced on an
expertly-judged kick along the
ground and Clarke completed
underlined the gulf between the her personal milestone on the
AS WELL. two teams. stroke of half-time as the visitors
The match has become a found time and space out wide
WE'LL FOCUS regular fixture in recent times once more.
and the Army have traditionally Murray and replacement
ON MOVING provided a stern test for the Michaella Roberts both touched
nation's finest young talent so it down in the second period to
FORWARD was disappointing to see them complete a comprehensive
fall short this season. victory for the junior Red Roses.
AND BUILD Clarke started the rout in the The result leaves the Army
sixth minute as England quickly with much to ponder as they
FROM HERE" moved the ball out wide to allow failed to fire in attack, while
the speedster to cross in the their defensive frailties were
corner and they doubled their ruthlessly exposed. ■
81-sol-mar.indd 1 22/02/2018 17:52

Final Word
I thought we’d be doing
more sitting around but
we’ve been doing lots
of integration with the
I thought I wasn’t going to be able to cope with the cold but actually it hasn’t
been too bad and I think I’ve acclimatised. It took about two months but after
Estonians to make sure
a while I could tell I was getting used to it.
LCpl Sophie Goss, RAMC
we’re in a good place.
Bdr Julian Perreira, RA
I expected the camp As a chef I was
Expect the
expecting just to be
to be very basic, but cooking with ten-
the facilities aren’t man ration packs in
bad at all. the field, but I had
LCpl Nacanieli Mate, R Welsh £4,000 to spend on the
lads for one ten-day
unexpected
serial, so I went loose
on it and produced
a different menu for
every day. When the
guys are working out
in the cold they need
something warming
to keep them going.
LCpl Lee Prince, RLC Soldier asked troops in Estonia
whether Operation Cabrit had
thrown up any surprises
In terms of my role as
a joint terminal attack I’ve been surprised by the
Pictures: Graeme Main
controller (JTAC) it’s

been a lot busier than I
contrast between the cities
expected, which makes and the rural areas. We’ve
the time fly. There are
a lot of different Nato
I don’t think there have been any been to Tallinn and Tartu
airframes that want to surprises, really. When I heard we
were going to the Baltic states I
and they’re really modern
play with the British and
and populated, but in the
Interviews: Becky Clark
Estonian JTACs out here. just accepted I was going to be the

That gives us the chance
to work with aircraft we
coldest I’d ever been. For anyone
else coming out here – bring your
countryside it’s a bit like
don’t normally deal with. warm kit! stepping back in time.
Sgt Rob Bingham, RA Fus Jonathon Hamill, R Welsh Cfn Gareth Carter, REME
82-sol-mar.indd 1 22/02/2018 19:26

83-sol-mar.indd 1 15/02/2018 10:45
84-sol-mar.indd 1 20/02/2018 08:28

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MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH ARMY

SOLDIER - MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH ARMY

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36 Flying into trouble

46 The flip side

Troops answer 999 calls – page 28

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Sarah Goldthorpe • Editor

Where to find Soldier

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Editor Sarah Goldthorpe

Thrown in at the deep end

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SOLDIERS from the Royal Gibraltar

LET’S YOMP AGAIN...

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A personal view from

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New system to help Reserves advance

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RAPID REACTION TEST

Picture: Graeme Main

Sticks set to improve pain relief

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Aiming high £15,000

Families to be the focus in 2018

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Antarctic heroes honoured

Savings on GUARDSMEN REMEMBERED

AFGHANISTAN ACADEMY'S WINNING WOMAN

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, RE Spr Ebonie Jones, RE