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RLC Orientation Tour (March 2011)
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/military/images/rlc1.jpg");)
Getting up at 0500hrs the day after an Exeat weekend left more than a few students wishing they were still at home. However, everyone soon cheered up at the prospect of a day out of College finding out about the RLC (and after discovering the chocolate milkshakes in the lunches)!
We were all interested to know what the tour had in store for us, but that curiosity was soon satisfied when upon arrival at Southampton (after a four hour power nap) they immediately put us on a boat and let some volunteers drive us around whilst explaining the importance of being able to quickly move supplies.
After removal of life jackets we had a whistle stop tour of the Pioneer, Port and Maritime and Postal Courier Regiments before being informed we were late for the train. A short trip on a MOD train later we were led to refreshments (only to find all the tea had been taken by the Sandhurst Cadets)!
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/military/images/rlc2.jpg");)
We then split into groups and met the 9 (Supply) Regiment, Tank Transporter Regiment and the Queens Own Ghurkha Logistic Regiment who showed us an impressive, if not intimidating, Kukri martial arts display and let us sample some Ghurkha food.
Despite the rushed morning time was made available for a good lunch, including pudding (all made by RLC chefs in a field kitchen). Then smoke grenades were set signalling the imminent arrival of some of the silver stars from the RLC Parachute Team who landed impressively with flags flying.
A demonstration convoy was then sent on patrol, attacked, defended and safely returned to base in front of us with all actions being talked through by Captain Harman, a young Officer who had recently been Troop Commander responsible for a similar (much longer and much more dangerous) Combat Logistic Patrol in Afghanistan.
We then entered a makeshift FOB (Forward Operating Base) and given the opportunity to meet various members of 12 CSLR, Para and Commando trained RLC soldiers, Air Despatch soldiers and Ammunition Technician Officers who, like all others we had met, had important insights into life in the RLC and more specifically their Regiments.
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/military/images/rlc3.jpg");)
After a final address and a final Q&A session we set off on the long return journey to Welbeck. Overall it was an extremely informative day and an amazing opportunity to learn more about posts available for officers within the RLC, especially those less well known. We only scratched the surface of what the Corps has to offer, and a longer visit would have enhanced the experience. However, the information gained will no doubt be invaluable to us when we come to decide on postings in the future.
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable day, even with the ridiculously early start!
Heather Douglas, Stirling 09E
