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9th-12th-Lancers - Year 2001 - Page 0037

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Regiment 9th/12th Lancers
Year 2001
Transcription REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE 9TH/12TH ROYAL LANCERS (PRINCE OF WALES’S) 37
LAD go on the puH , EX SWABWV CRUSADE
Foot & Mouth Disease. However, not before the LAD reached the
dizzy heights of HQ Sqn tug of war, football and quiz champions
(although this last one was attained by rather dubious tactics).
April was quiet due to the shortened Regimental exercise, allow-
ing the LAD SNCOs to attend a golf skills course dubiously
labelled as adventure training.
May raised cause for celebration when the LAD became the BFG
Minor Unit 10 Pin Bowling Champions.
June was highlighted by the LAD adventure training exercise in
Bavaria. Ten members of Regiment and a REME Potential Officer
had the opportunity to spend two weeks hill walking, climbing,
kayaking and mountain biking. All who attended gaining profi-
ciency certificates in one of these activities.
C Sqn Fitter Section returned from Kosovo and, after a well
deserved leave, began the process of returning their vehicles to
full use.
July began with EX FITTERS’ FORTE 7 a LAD leadership
training exercise. The exercise was aimed at developing mili-
tary skills prior to attendance on a Junior Military Certificate
Course or a Senior Military Certificate Course. A last minute
timetable clash saw the LAD JNCOs playing enemy to the
Regimental Cadre Course which allowed their skills to be prac-
tised against a realistic enemy.
July was also the month of Mons Moy. The OC LAD made a
rare appearance on the drill square and was grateful for the
many suggestions that she acquire a shorter sword. For the
EX SWABU—W CRUSADE SSgt "fifty”Armstrong /s unforgfl/ab owed mto the Echo/on
record, that was the shortest sword available in the Garrison and
she has submitted an early request to the QM’s department for
longer legs in time for next year’s parade.
August was filled with preparation prior to EX SAIF SAREEA II
and also allowed the LAD to take some hard earned leave.
September and October were the most challenging two months
for the LAD who deployed to Oman with the Regiment on EX
SAIF SAREEA II. B Sqn Fitter Section, with little support,pro-
vided ES to 4 Brigade’s Formation Recce Sqn, re-raising ques-
tions about the effectiveness of logistics in a formation recce
environment. HQ and A Sqn Fitter Sections ably assisted by 3
Bn REME FRG provided support to the OPFOR Battle Group.
A severe lack of spares resulted in the re- development of dor-
mant skills which allowed ‘repair by repair’ rather than repair by
replacement, much to the delight of 3 Commando Brigade who
had two unserviceable Fodens which were awaiting mounting
bolts. Unfortunately, manufacture of these components restrict-
ed use of the LAD washing machine which operated on the
Armourers’ lathe. The Metalsmiths also had their initiative and
resourcefulness tested to the full implementing the Regimental
2IC’s deception plan. It has yet to be clarified as to whether the
windmills requested were actually aimed at confusing MSTAR
or were for the 2IC’s garden. Despite the harsh environment and
the frustrations felt due to the lack of spares, morale in the LAD
remained high - All trades playing an active role in ensuring 4
Brigade had a credible enemy force.
November saw another TECHEVAL; this time carried out by
Commander ES, Colonel Longmore. The LAD was awarded five
effective pluses out of six and is now concentrating on a clean
sweep in 2002.
W02 (AQMS) Netherwood and SSgt Evans organised and ran
Leadership Training at Sonnenburg Lodge in the Hartz
Mountains for all LAD JNCOs. Topics covered included leader-
ship, lecturettes, brain storming, mind mapping and essay writing.
EX HARTZ & MINDS was a great success and a similar exercise
for the SNCOs is planned for early 2002.
December arrived with the start of B Squadron’s term on LATF
Despite the usual festive season activities, the LAD continued to
work hard, ensuring that not only B Sqn had its filll complement
of vehicles, but the remaining EX SAIF SAREEA II vehicles were
also returned to a battleworthy condition.
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