A soldier who prevented tragedy by ordering a ceasefire when he spotted Afghan insurgents using children as human shields has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.
Major Martin Hedley MBE, of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, felt a bullet strike his ruck sack during the fire fight, but ordered his men to stop shooting so as to protect the lives of children who were in the firing line.
Martin, 32, and originally from Gateshead, has been in the Army for ten years, and volunteered to serve in Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion The Rifles last year on what was his second tour there.
Behind children
He had been commanding an eight-man team three kilometres away from the nearest British support, when he found himself leading an Afghan Company of more than 100 men which had just seen its commander killed in battle.
Just a day after the tragedy he led some of the Afghan soldiers into enemy territory where they came across insurgents firing from behind children. Martin said: “We were patrolling across a compound when we came under fire and I felt a tug at my day sack. It wasn’t until after the incident quietened down that I realised my radio wasn’t working – a bullet round had gone into the side of it.”
He explained that despite the personal danger he and his men were in, it was a straightforward decision to cease firing back: “We are well trained to fire with the protection of the civilian population in mind, this is key to achieving success in Afghanistan. The benefits of targeting an insurgent are outweighed by the risk of wounding or killing a civilian.”
'Courage and leadership'
On six other occasions Martin and his men were caught in ambushes, and they found themselves under fire on almost every patrol they made.
However Martin was relentless in leading his Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers back to the fight often sprinting across open ground alone and under fire to inspire them into action.
His citation reads: “Hedley kept the Afghans going in the dark days after their charismatic leader was killed in action; an impressive feat for a non-Afghan officer and a real testament to his sustained courage and leadership.”
It added: “He alone made the pivotal difference in persuading the ANA to continue fighting during that crucial period.”
The MBE is awarded for a significant achievement or outstanding service. Martin heard about his honour while training with US Armed Forces in Kansas, he said: “It was the end of our course and so hundreds of us were gathered in a hall waiting to hear the results. Then they announced that I had been awarded the MBE; I was gobsmacked. You don’t get too many of these at my rank and experience.”
Martin said his family, and in particular his wife Laura, are proud: “I told her of the shooting incident at the time, so she was just glad to get me home. But she chided me that I had volunteered for this!”
The announcement was made today with the release of the latest operational honours and awards list which includes 120 personnel. The awards are for actions roughly during the period April to September 2012 during Operation HERRICK 16.
Martin, who is now based at Joint services Command and Staff College, Shrivenham, Oxfordshire, is one of 13 of MBE recipients on the list.
Showing posts with label British Army. Show all posts
Showing posts with label British Army. Show all posts
Mention in Despatches for TA soldier
A Territorial Army soldier who took command and fought off Afghan insurgents after his two senior officers were shot has been awarded a Mention in Despatches.
Lance Corporal Chris Morton, 42, of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, was attached to 3rd Battalion The Rifles as part of a Police Advisory Team in Nad-e-Ali when his patrol’s lead vehicle was hit by an IED in August 2012.
Chris, a window fitter in his civilian life, moved his vehicle to provide cover before checking for casualties. He helped the stricken crew, including the gunner who had suffered a leg injury, but the platoon commander was then hit by what would prove a fatal gunshot.
Chris again moved his vehicle to provide further cover and took over treatment of the commander, but his second-in-command was then shot. With both officers incapacitated, Christopher took control and ordered his driver and gunner to continue medical treatment on the two men. He then put the injured gunner in a position where he could fire on the insurgents.
Lance Corporal Chris Morton, 42, of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, was attached to 3rd Battalion The Rifles as part of a Police Advisory Team in Nad-e-Ali when his patrol’s lead vehicle was hit by an IED in August 2012.
Chris, a window fitter in his civilian life, moved his vehicle to provide cover before checking for casualties. He helped the stricken crew, including the gunner who had suffered a leg injury, but the platoon commander was then hit by what would prove a fatal gunshot.
Chris again moved his vehicle to provide further cover and took over treatment of the commander, but his second-in-command was then shot. With both officers incapacitated, Christopher took control and ordered his driver and gunner to continue medical treatment on the two men. He then put the injured gunner in a position where he could fire on the insurgents.
'Exemplary actions'
Chris said: “We went out on patrol with 12 soldiers but, with three men injured, and people treating those that were injured, as well as having someone on the radio; it left me effectively with five. This was the worst situation we could have found ourselves in. I was wondering where this was going to end, could this day get any worse?”
But by assuming the role of commander Chris rallied his men until reinforcements arrived. His citation reads: “Morton’s exemplary actions on this day successfully regained control of a potentially catastrophic situation. Under fire and leaderless, Morton’s gallantry saved the day.”
But Chris said: “The command was easy because of the reaction of the blokes; they were all really, really good.”
Chris has served in the TA since 2008 and this was his second tour in Afghanistan. He said: “I had always wanted to join the Army but I had a family and steady job so I gave up on the idea until a friend served with the TA in Iraq and that got me interested in the reserves.
“It’s hard for people to understand what a TA soldier needs to go through to be deployed. But after a couple of months of pre-deployment training with your Regular unit I think it’s hard to tell the difference between TA and Regular soldier.”
Chris, from Belfast, is one of 24 soldiers awarded a Mention in Despatches on the list and, when he heard about his honour, he didn’t quite believe it: “I thought it was a wind up because it was St Patrick’s Day the following day! It’s great to be recognised but, if I could give this award to everyone who was there on that day, I would.”
The Mention in Despatches is one of the oldest forms of recognition for gallantry within the UK Armed Forces. Since 1993 the Mention in Despatches has been reserved for gallantry during active operations.
The announcement was made today with the release of the latest operational honours and awards list which includes 119 personnel. The awards are for actions roughly during the period April to September 2012 during Operation HERRICK 16.
Chris said: “We went out on patrol with 12 soldiers but, with three men injured, and people treating those that were injured, as well as having someone on the radio; it left me effectively with five. This was the worst situation we could have found ourselves in. I was wondering where this was going to end, could this day get any worse?”
But by assuming the role of commander Chris rallied his men until reinforcements arrived. His citation reads: “Morton’s exemplary actions on this day successfully regained control of a potentially catastrophic situation. Under fire and leaderless, Morton’s gallantry saved the day.”
But Chris said: “The command was easy because of the reaction of the blokes; they were all really, really good.”
Chris has served in the TA since 2008 and this was his second tour in Afghanistan. He said: “I had always wanted to join the Army but I had a family and steady job so I gave up on the idea until a friend served with the TA in Iraq and that got me interested in the reserves.
“It’s hard for people to understand what a TA soldier needs to go through to be deployed. But after a couple of months of pre-deployment training with your Regular unit I think it’s hard to tell the difference between TA and Regular soldier.”
Chris, from Belfast, is one of 24 soldiers awarded a Mention in Despatches on the list and, when he heard about his honour, he didn’t quite believe it: “I thought it was a wind up because it was St Patrick’s Day the following day! It’s great to be recognised but, if I could give this award to everyone who was there on that day, I would.”
The Mention in Despatches is one of the oldest forms of recognition for gallantry within the UK Armed Forces. Since 1993 the Mention in Despatches has been reserved for gallantry during active operations.
The announcement was made today with the release of the latest operational honours and awards list which includes 119 personnel. The awards are for actions roughly during the period April to September 2012 during Operation HERRICK 16.
Modern British Military Weapons
Small Arms
The modern British Military uses a range of small arms. The Browning 9mm pistol is standard issue and has been in use since World War Two. It is a reliable and accurate gun with an effective range of up to 45 meters. The British Military's standard issue rifle is the L85A2, commonly known as the SA80. On its introduction to the Army, marksmanship tests had to be redefined as it was such an accurate rifle. British snipers are equipped with the L115A3 Long Range rifle, a large caliber weapon with all-weather sights. First introduced into Afghanistan in 2008, the L115A3 has an effective range of 1100 meters.
The modern British Military uses a range of small arms. The Browning 9mm pistol is standard issue and has been in use since World War Two. It is a reliable and accurate gun with an effective range of up to 45 meters. The British Military's standard issue rifle is the L85A2, commonly known as the SA80. On its introduction to the Army, marksmanship tests had to be redefined as it was such an accurate rifle. British snipers are equipped with the L115A3 Long Range rifle, a large caliber weapon with all-weather sights. First introduced into Afghanistan in 2008, the L115A3 has an effective range of 1100 meters.
Automatic Weapons
The British Military relies on a wide range of support weapons. These include the L7A2 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), a 7.62 mm belt-fed machine gun. It has an effective range of 800 meters when fired from a bipod and 1800 meters when tripod mounted in a sustained-fire role. Other support weapons include the Heckler & Koch 40mm Grenade Machine Gun (GMG) which fires 340 round per minute and the L1A1 12.7 mm (.50 caliber) Heavy Machine Gun (HMG), an updated version of the Browning M2. After the recent experiences of the British Military in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Minimi Light Machine Gun was introduced to add firepower to smaller units.
Anti-Tank Weapons
The primary man-portable anti-tank weapon used by the British Military is the LAW 80, an unguided anti-tank rocket launcher which fires a 94 mm warhead to a range of up to 500 meters. The L2A1 ILAW is another unguided anti-armor rocket. It is designed to be used a single soldier. It has an effective range of 300 meters and has been used by the Royal Marines in Afghanistan and Iraq. Finally, the U.S.-made Javelin is the British Military's medium-range anti-tank missile. It is a "fire-and-forget" missile which, once fired, finds its own way to the enemy target using an infra-red seeker light. It was used by the SAS in Iraq to great effect.
Mortars and Hand Grenades
Also in current use by the British Military are hand grenades and mortars. The L16A2 81mm mortar can be fired at 15 rounds per minute and provides accurate high explosives, light and smoke at a range of 5,650 meters. Modern hand grenades include the L109A1 HE fragmentation grenade, introduced in 2001. It is filled with nitramine and uses a fuse delay of three to four seconds. For signaling purposes, the British Military uses the L64, L65, L66 and L67 smoke grenades, which release a colored smoke. Finally, the White Phosphorus Grenade can be used to both attack and defend by creating smoke screens or acting as a useful tool for clearing compounds and trenches.
The British Military relies on a wide range of support weapons. These include the L7A2 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), a 7.62 mm belt-fed machine gun. It has an effective range of 800 meters when fired from a bipod and 1800 meters when tripod mounted in a sustained-fire role. Other support weapons include the Heckler & Koch 40mm Grenade Machine Gun (GMG) which fires 340 round per minute and the L1A1 12.7 mm (.50 caliber) Heavy Machine Gun (HMG), an updated version of the Browning M2. After the recent experiences of the British Military in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Minimi Light Machine Gun was introduced to add firepower to smaller units.
Anti-Tank Weapons
The primary man-portable anti-tank weapon used by the British Military is the LAW 80, an unguided anti-tank rocket launcher which fires a 94 mm warhead to a range of up to 500 meters. The L2A1 ILAW is another unguided anti-armor rocket. It is designed to be used a single soldier. It has an effective range of 300 meters and has been used by the Royal Marines in Afghanistan and Iraq. Finally, the U.S.-made Javelin is the British Military's medium-range anti-tank missile. It is a "fire-and-forget" missile which, once fired, finds its own way to the enemy target using an infra-red seeker light. It was used by the SAS in Iraq to great effect.
Mortars and Hand Grenades
Also in current use by the British Military are hand grenades and mortars. The L16A2 81mm mortar can be fired at 15 rounds per minute and provides accurate high explosives, light and smoke at a range of 5,650 meters. Modern hand grenades include the L109A1 HE fragmentation grenade, introduced in 2001. It is filled with nitramine and uses a fuse delay of three to four seconds. For signaling purposes, the British Military uses the L64, L65, L66 and L67 smoke grenades, which release a colored smoke. Finally, the White Phosphorus Grenade can be used to both attack and defend by creating smoke screens or acting as a useful tool for clearing compounds and trenches.
British Army Uniform Regulations
History
The British Army's uniforms have evolved over the centuries but still employ standards set during the 17th century. Originally, the army fought in red tunics, but because of heightened visibility during combat, they began to fight in dark blue during the late 19th century. Some rankings of dress have become obsolete over the years, as they are rarely used or practical today. Officers must buy their own uniforms but are offered a uniform allowance.
Number System
The British Army uses a number system of one through 15 for its uniforms. This provides an easier way for troops to identify which uniform to wear for a specific occasion or combat situation. The uniform regulations describe the uniforms meant for specific purposes, such as protective clothing, patrolling, combat dress and barrack dress.
The British Army's uniforms have evolved over the centuries but still employ standards set during the 17th century. Originally, the army fought in red tunics, but because of heightened visibility during combat, they began to fight in dark blue during the late 19th century. Some rankings of dress have become obsolete over the years, as they are rarely used or practical today. Officers must buy their own uniforms but are offered a uniform allowance.
Number System
The British Army uses a number system of one through 15 for its uniforms. This provides an easier way for troops to identify which uniform to wear for a specific occasion or combat situation. The uniform regulations describe the uniforms meant for specific purposes, such as protective clothing, patrolling, combat dress and barrack dress.
Formal Uniform
The formal uniform, or full dress, is perhaps the most fancy and expensive British Army uniform. Worn only by high-ranking officers, and for ceremonial purposes, these uniforms are the traditional red tunic coats in the style worn in past battles. The army stopped issuing them in 1914, during the outbreak of World War I, mostly because of the cost. However, units can still buy them using private funds. Other ceremonial occasions call for special dress, including the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 dress uniforms.
Combat Uniforms
Many combat uniforms are camouflaged according to the combat zone. For example, arctic or desert uniforms need to be in colors that will help troops blend with the terrain around them so that the enemy will be less likely to spot them.
Special Regulations
There are some variations throughout the British Army in regard to dress. For example, Scottish regiments often wear kilts instead of trousers in honor of their heritage. However, most types of British Army uniforms are standard.
The formal uniform, or full dress, is perhaps the most fancy and expensive British Army uniform. Worn only by high-ranking officers, and for ceremonial purposes, these uniforms are the traditional red tunic coats in the style worn in past battles. The army stopped issuing them in 1914, during the outbreak of World War I, mostly because of the cost. However, units can still buy them using private funds. Other ceremonial occasions call for special dress, including the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 dress uniforms.
Combat Uniforms
Many combat uniforms are camouflaged according to the combat zone. For example, arctic or desert uniforms need to be in colors that will help troops blend with the terrain around them so that the enemy will be less likely to spot them.
Special Regulations
There are some variations throughout the British Army in regard to dress. For example, Scottish regiments often wear kilts instead of trousers in honor of their heritage. However, most types of British Army uniforms are standard.
British Army Initial Training
Training Locations
"Soldier Initial Training" states that initial soldier training is conducted at several locations. Soldiers entering the infantry and who are 17 years old or older will complete initial training at the School of Infantry at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) Catterick. Soldiers in non-infantry units are trained at either Pirbright or at Bassingbourn. Junior soldiers who are between 16 and 17 years old are trained at either the Army Foundation College in Harrogate or the Army Training Regiment in Winchester.
Common Military Syllabus (Recruits) (CMS(R))
The initial training received by all soldiers not in infantry is the Common Military Syllabus (Recruits) (CMS(R)). This is a fourteen week program that includes physical fitness training, weapons training, first aid, navigation, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense, or CBRN, training.
"Soldier Initial Training" states that initial soldier training is conducted at several locations. Soldiers entering the infantry and who are 17 years old or older will complete initial training at the School of Infantry at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) Catterick. Soldiers in non-infantry units are trained at either Pirbright or at Bassingbourn. Junior soldiers who are between 16 and 17 years old are trained at either the Army Foundation College in Harrogate or the Army Training Regiment in Winchester.
Common Military Syllabus (Recruits) (CMS(R))
The initial training received by all soldiers not in infantry is the Common Military Syllabus (Recruits) (CMS(R)). This is a fourteen week program that includes physical fitness training, weapons training, first aid, navigation, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense, or CBRN, training.
Combat Infantryman's Course
The Combat Infantryman's Course is the initial training for soldiers in infantry units. According to The British Army: "Phase 1 Basic Training for Recruits," this is a 24 week program divided into three sections. The first six weeks consist of fitness, individual skill building, drill and weapons training. The next fifteen weeks include patrolling skills, endurance training and team skills. During the final three weeks, recruits will work with live fire and battle camp.
Junior Recruits
Junior recruits who are between 16 and 17 years old receive a different initial training than other soldiers. According to The British Army's "Phase 1 Basic Training for Recruits," junior recruits learn the basic skills of a soldier in either the Army Development Course (ADC) or the Army Development Course (Advanced) or (ADC(A)). The ADC is a 20-week program while the ADC(A) is 29 weeks long. The advanced course includes additional coursework in literacy and communication.
Fitness Requirements
According to "British Army Basic Training Fitness Requirements," recruits must achieve certain physical requirements. The first of these is the combat fitness test. This test is a 12.8 km road march that must be completed in two hours. The aerobic test is a 1.5 mile run. The times required for the run vary by age and gender. Finally, recruits must perform as many press-ups or push-ups as they can in two minutes and as many sit-ups as they can in two minutes. The number of press-ups and sit-ups required also vary by age and gender.
The Combat Infantryman's Course is the initial training for soldiers in infantry units. According to The British Army: "Phase 1 Basic Training for Recruits," this is a 24 week program divided into three sections. The first six weeks consist of fitness, individual skill building, drill and weapons training. The next fifteen weeks include patrolling skills, endurance training and team skills. During the final three weeks, recruits will work with live fire and battle camp.
Junior Recruits
Junior recruits who are between 16 and 17 years old receive a different initial training than other soldiers. According to The British Army's "Phase 1 Basic Training for Recruits," junior recruits learn the basic skills of a soldier in either the Army Development Course (ADC) or the Army Development Course (Advanced) or (ADC(A)). The ADC is a 20-week program while the ADC(A) is 29 weeks long. The advanced course includes additional coursework in literacy and communication.
Fitness Requirements
According to "British Army Basic Training Fitness Requirements," recruits must achieve certain physical requirements. The first of these is the combat fitness test. This test is a 12.8 km road march that must be completed in two hours. The aerobic test is a 1.5 mile run. The times required for the run vary by age and gender. Finally, recruits must perform as many press-ups or push-ups as they can in two minutes and as many sit-ups as they can in two minutes. The number of press-ups and sit-ups required also vary by age and gender.
Chef commended for serving with a smile
A chef has been recognised by the Senior Military Commander in Helmand for his caring manner and culinary skills while on operational tour in Afghanistan.
Lance Corporal Kennedy Mutonga Muia (28), from Stoke-on-Trent, has received a Commander’s Coin from Commander Task Force Helmand, Brigadier Bob Bruce, for his work as a chef while deployed in support of the Scots Guards in Afghanistan.
Kennedy, originally from Kenya, was awarded the Commendation for his ‘selfless dedication to duty, always putting others before himself,’ as his citation reads. He received the award alongside seven other Royal Logistics Corps chefs who were also completing their tours of the Province.
Kennedy’s citation goes on to say: “His achievements cut across professional, sporting, spiritual and social lines, and have touched soldiers' lives at both the collective and individual levels.”
Lance Corporal Kennedy Mutonga Muia (28), from Stoke-on-Trent, has received a Commander’s Coin from Commander Task Force Helmand, Brigadier Bob Bruce, for his work as a chef while deployed in support of the Scots Guards in Afghanistan.
Kennedy, originally from Kenya, was awarded the Commendation for his ‘selfless dedication to duty, always putting others before himself,’ as his citation reads. He received the award alongside seven other Royal Logistics Corps chefs who were also completing their tours of the Province.
Kennedy’s citation goes on to say: “His achievements cut across professional, sporting, spiritual and social lines, and have touched soldiers' lives at both the collective and individual levels.”
Kennedy, who puts it slightly differently, said: “Most of the guys just felt comfortable talking to me, I think, just because I put on a smile every day, even when things were bad.”
When asked about the award Kennedy, a devout Christian, said, “I have no words for the first time in 28 years, I am speechless. It encourages me that someone has seen my hard work. Sometimes when you are a person who gives morale, you need someone else to give you morale.”
Feeding in a FOB
The tour was a challenging one for Kennedy. Normally based in Catterick with the Scots Guards, he found himself feeding them in a Forward Operating Base (FOB) called Ouellette. He said his biggest challenge was: “Being in an environment where you’re not really sure what’s going to happen next.”
As well as cooking in FOB Oulette, Kennedy moved around supporting other smaller bases, sometimes cooking for 100 soldiers with only a small team to help. In addition to receiving his award, Kennedy has also been promoted to Corporal.
Despite his admission that his ‘faith was tested’, Kennedy said: “I came out the other side shining, and I am looking forward to going to my church. It has been seven months since I went, and that is way too long.”
When asked about the award Kennedy, a devout Christian, said, “I have no words for the first time in 28 years, I am speechless. It encourages me that someone has seen my hard work. Sometimes when you are a person who gives morale, you need someone else to give you morale.”
Feeding in a FOB
The tour was a challenging one for Kennedy. Normally based in Catterick with the Scots Guards, he found himself feeding them in a Forward Operating Base (FOB) called Ouellette. He said his biggest challenge was: “Being in an environment where you’re not really sure what’s going to happen next.”
As well as cooking in FOB Oulette, Kennedy moved around supporting other smaller bases, sometimes cooking for 100 soldiers with only a small team to help. In addition to receiving his award, Kennedy has also been promoted to Corporal.
Despite his admission that his ‘faith was tested’, Kennedy said: “I came out the other side shining, and I am looking forward to going to my church. It has been seven months since I went, and that is way too long.”
Hospital tech maintains life-saving kit
A hospital technician, due back to England this month, has contributed to saving countless lives in Afghanistan as part of the only team in the country able to maintain the vital life-support machines in Camp Bastion’s Hospital.
Sergeant Neil Wold, 32, from Ashington in Northumberland, has been working as an electronics technician for the Medical and Dental Servicing Section (MDSS), a three-man team that maintains all the equipment in the hospital in Helmand.
As a technician in the MDSS, Neil looks after more than 2000 pieces of kit, everything from the hospital’s main sterilisers down to individual electronic thermometers.
Talking about his work, he said: “It’s very difficult, sometimes very stressful, the pressure is on. A lot of the time the equipment we work on is life-support equipment, so you must make sure the job is done correctly and to the best of your ability.
Sergeant Neil Wold, 32, from Ashington in Northumberland, has been working as an electronics technician for the Medical and Dental Servicing Section (MDSS), a three-man team that maintains all the equipment in the hospital in Helmand.
As a technician in the MDSS, Neil looks after more than 2000 pieces of kit, everything from the hospital’s main sterilisers down to individual electronic thermometers.
Talking about his work, he said: “It’s very difficult, sometimes very stressful, the pressure is on. A lot of the time the equipment we work on is life-support equipment, so you must make sure the job is done correctly and to the best of your ability.
“Seeing the equipment working on a patient and knowing that equipment is keeping the patient alive, that is a real sense of achievement, a real sense of pride in your work.”
"keeping that patient breathing"
Neil hasn’t always looked after such delicate kit. He worked with artillery and tanks for ten years prior to getting the opportunity to transfer to MDSS, which he said he 'jumped at'. Now the work he does comes from the hospital and the rest from the combat medics out on the ground in Helmand.
The technically-minded Sergeant is also currently the only Brit in Afghanistan capable of maintaining respirators.
He added: "So when I walk into the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and see any patient that is connected to them, I know, that that is my work. That’s a good feeling, knowing that I have a direct input that is keeping that patient breathing and allowing them to recover."
In early April, Neil will finish his tour and be reunited with his wife Nicola and daughter Katie (5). He is looking forward to getting back into normal family life.
"keeping that patient breathing"
Neil hasn’t always looked after such delicate kit. He worked with artillery and tanks for ten years prior to getting the opportunity to transfer to MDSS, which he said he 'jumped at'. Now the work he does comes from the hospital and the rest from the combat medics out on the ground in Helmand.
The technically-minded Sergeant is also currently the only Brit in Afghanistan capable of maintaining respirators.
He added: "So when I walk into the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and see any patient that is connected to them, I know, that that is my work. That’s a good feeling, knowing that I have a direct input that is keeping that patient breathing and allowing them to recover."
In early April, Neil will finish his tour and be reunited with his wife Nicola and daughter Katie (5). He is looking forward to getting back into normal family life.
OFSTED: Army apprenticeships 'good'
A recent OFSTED inspection has graded the Army Apprenticeships programme as Good, with the Hospitality and Catering element being graded as Outstanding. The overall Good grade is a significant improvement on the Satisfactory grade awarded in 2009.
OFSTED graded the programme as Good based on the following aspects:
* Outcomes for learners
* Quality of teaching, learning and assessment
* Effectiveness of leadership and management
OFSTED graded the programme as Good based on the following aspects:
* Outcomes for learners
* Quality of teaching, learning and assessment
* Effectiveness of leadership and management
With an annual value of £27m Army Apprenticeships is the largest UK employer apprenticeship programme. Around 95 per cent of soldiers enrol on a trade related apprenticeship during Phase 2 training and continue their programme into the Field Army. At any time, there are more than 15,000 soldiers enrolled on their apprenticeship with a 90 per cent achievement rate.
The 43 apprenticeship qualifications focus on Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Engineering and Logistics and there is a bespoke apprenticeship for combat infantrymen, along with smaller programmes such as catering and animal care.
Each year, more than 8,000 soldiers gain an Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2 = 5 x GCSE Grade A – C) or an Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3 = A level). More than 80 per cent of soldiers will achieve the entry standard for JNCO Command Leadership Management through their apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship qualifications are trade related and have three elements:
* A Technical Certificate which builds upon Phase 2 Trade Training (underpinning theoretical understanding)
* A National Vocational Qualification through assessment of competence in the workplace
* Functional Skills in Maths, English and, in some programmes, ICT
The 43 apprenticeship qualifications focus on Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Engineering and Logistics and there is a bespoke apprenticeship for combat infantrymen, along with smaller programmes such as catering and animal care.
Each year, more than 8,000 soldiers gain an Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2 = 5 x GCSE Grade A – C) or an Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3 = A level). More than 80 per cent of soldiers will achieve the entry standard for JNCO Command Leadership Management through their apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship qualifications are trade related and have three elements:
* A Technical Certificate which builds upon Phase 2 Trade Training (underpinning theoretical understanding)
* A National Vocational Qualification through assessment of competence in the workplace
* Functional Skills in Maths, English and, in some programmes, ICT
How to Identify British Military Medals
1- Look at the shape of the medal. All British Military Medals are 36mm solid silver discs.
2- Look at the ribbon on the medal. British Military Medal ribbons are solid rectangles joined to the medal by a silver bar--as opposed to many other, similar medals where the ribbon tapers and is joined to the medal by a ring. The fabric of the Military Medal ribbon is made up of two thick dark blue exterior stripes framing a series of red and white interior stripes.
2- Look at the ribbon on the medal. British Military Medal ribbons are solid rectangles joined to the medal by a silver bar--as opposed to many other, similar medals where the ribbon tapers and is joined to the medal by a ring. The fabric of the Military Medal ribbon is made up of two thick dark blue exterior stripes framing a series of red and white interior stripes.
3- Look at the silver bar joining the ribbon to the medal. British Military Medal bars feature elaborate scrollwork.
4- Look at the inscription on the medal. All British Military Medals bear the words "For Bravery In the Field," as well as a laurel wreath. On the opposite side of the medal from this inscription there is an image of the reigning monarch at the time the medal was issued.
* Be sure to identify every part of the medal. Medals with similar ribbons or inscriptions may not be British Military Medals.
4- Look at the inscription on the medal. All British Military Medals bear the words "For Bravery In the Field," as well as a laurel wreath. On the opposite side of the medal from this inscription there is an image of the reigning monarch at the time the medal was issued.
* Be sure to identify every part of the medal. Medals with similar ribbons or inscriptions may not be British Military Medals.
How to Join the Army in the UK
1- Find out if you are eligible to apply. The British Army has age and citizenship regulations for both soldier positions and those applying to be officers. If you pick a specialist job, there may also be educational qualifications required. Certain medical conditions and some criminal convictions can disqualify you. You can check whether you meet the entry requirements by looking at the Army website or visiting an Army career office in your town.
2- Start exercising regularly to prepare for the medical and physical exams. Check with your doctor before you start any serious exercise program. Getting fit is a gradual process, so make sure you leave plenty of time to improve before taking the exams.
3- Choose a job within the Army. There are many different roles to suit a variety of skills and abilities. Use the Army website or local Army careers office to research what is available. Options range from combat troops on the front line to military musicians.
2- Start exercising regularly to prepare for the medical and physical exams. Check with your doctor before you start any serious exercise program. Getting fit is a gradual process, so make sure you leave plenty of time to improve before taking the exams.
3- Choose a job within the Army. There are many different roles to suit a variety of skills and abilities. Use the Army website or local Army careers office to research what is available. Options range from combat troops on the front line to military musicians.
4- Fill out a registration form at your local Army careers office. You will then take the Army Entrance Test, also known as the BARB test (British Army Recruitment Battery). It's a multiple choice test on a touch screen computer, stationed in the army career office.
5- Attend a selection interview. If the BARB test shows that you are suitable for a job within the Army, you will be sent to an Army Development and Selection Centre for two days. During this part of the process, you must undergo a physical assessment, which includes a 1.5 mile run. You will also be interviewed by an Officer and take several aptitude and literacy tests.
6- If you are applying as an officer you will be sent for a 3-day selection process to test your physical and mental aptitudes. If successful, you will be offered a place at the Army's officer training facility, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
7- Sign your contract. If you successfully pass the Army's tests and you are offered a place as either a regular soldier or a regular officer, you will be required to sign a contract. The length of your contract depends on how old you are when you join. If you are under the age of 18, the contract lasts until your 22nd birthday. If you are over the age of 18, the contract will last 4 years, and 3 months thereafter.
5- Attend a selection interview. If the BARB test shows that you are suitable for a job within the Army, you will be sent to an Army Development and Selection Centre for two days. During this part of the process, you must undergo a physical assessment, which includes a 1.5 mile run. You will also be interviewed by an Officer and take several aptitude and literacy tests.
6- If you are applying as an officer you will be sent for a 3-day selection process to test your physical and mental aptitudes. If successful, you will be offered a place at the Army's officer training facility, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
7- Sign your contract. If you successfully pass the Army's tests and you are offered a place as either a regular soldier or a regular officer, you will be required to sign a contract. The length of your contract depends on how old you are when you join. If you are under the age of 18, the contract lasts until your 22nd birthday. If you are over the age of 18, the contract will last 4 years, and 3 months thereafter.
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