MAJ/AR - Deputy Commander
AFV Gunnery School, Royal Armour Corps Centre
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Description of duty position and work environment
GeneralThe duties that come with this position are widely varied but also flexible. Depending upon your experience and interests, there are many ways to contribute to the mission of the school.
Major DutiesBelow is a list of some of the more common duties I have performed as the Gunnery School 2IC.
- Command
I have served as the acting commander of the Gunnery School for more than eight weeks at different periods throughout the year. During these periods I have represented the school at Armour Centre command board meetings and during VIP visits. Command is a major part of the 2IC?s duties and our hosts are very comfortable delegating this responsibility when necessary.
- Training
Training is our primary mission and part of my responsibilities. The Gunnery School is responsible for 28 different courses. These courses train everyone from regimental gunnery instructors (RGIs, similar to Master Gunners), to vehicle commanders, to recruit gunners. Since the British Army lost its Crown Immunity several years ago, training must be thorough and very well documented. Unlike their American counterparts, British soldiers have the right to sue if an accident occurs and they can prove that inadequate training was the proximate cause. One of my main training objectives is the planning for and oversight of the Instructor's Cadre (pronounced car-der). Before an instructor can instruct at the Gunnery School they must pass this rigorous, competitive, 17 week course. The American Exchange NCOs must also pass this course and can be significantly "behind the power curve" upon arrival because they lack experience on British AFVs. First rate NCOs, therefore, are not optional for filling the exchange NCO positions here. They are a requirement.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recently awarded a 30-year contract to a defence consortium known as Landmark for the purpose of providing AFV training to the British Army. Known as the Armoured Vehicle Training Service (AVTS) project, this concept is a radical departure from conventional military training thought. MOD is hoping that it will result in a net saving of more than ?400 million over the course of the contract and significantly improved simulations training. The US Army is very interested in concepts such as these as a means of more efficiently using its combat soldiers while maintaining end strength at current levels. Lulworth Camp and the Armour Center have a large role in implementing this training system and they will ultimately determine whether or not the project succeeds.
VisitsVisits to the Gunnery School occur on a regular basis and range from the general public to high-ranking VIPs. Some of the key visits I have hosted or participated in are:
- Commanding General, USAARMC and FT Knox
- Sergeant Major of the Army (US)
- Commanding General of the French equivalent of TRADOC
- Commanding General of the German Armor School
- British Director General of the Army Training and Recruiting Agency
- British Directors of Infantry and the RAC
- British Ministers of Parliament
- Various Commonwealth General Officers
- Defence Attaché from various nations
- Members of the Royal Military College of Science
- Visits by MOD civil servants and scientists from various disciplines
As you might expect, visits are a large part of the daily operations of the school. Over the last six months, we have hosted more than 37 visits of various types with varying degrees of complexity. Nearly every visit to the RAC Centre at Bovington Camp ultimately finds its way to Lulworth either because of its location or simply because of the nature of the training we do here. If visitors want to see CR2s and Warriors fire, this is the best place to do so. The RSM is the primary planner and executor of these visits, but the 2IC has a significant and very important role to play in all of them.
Professional DevelopmentI have successfully completed the CR2 conversion course (similar but more intensive than our TC3 courses at FT Knox). As a result, I had the opportunity to take a CR2 down range during the live fire portion of the course. I've also had numerous opportunities to gain new insight into the British Army and to share ideas from the US. This included planning for their version of the Armor Conference, an Army wide Gunnery convention hosted here at Lulworth, and visiting our own Armor Conference in May 2004. I was also able to see Field Army units in action during Annual Gunnery Training at Castlemartin Range. All this experience has been beneficial and will surely pay dividends in my own future in Armor.
Community Relations As one of the few Americans in the area, I have been asked to attend several military related functions in the local community. The mayor of Weymouth asks me each year to lay wreaths at the local war memorials (one British and one US) on Remembrance Day (Veterans Day) and at the US memorial for the American Memorial Day. The Exchange NCOs and myself also attended a Memorial Service paying tribute to the American soldiers and sailors killed off the shores of England during Exercise TIGER, a rehearsal for the Normandy invasion. Since this year was the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings, I have been especially busy attending various commemorative events. In June alone I attended six different ceremonies and functions. These and other ceremonies are a critical component of the person to person communication that makes the relationship between our two counties unique among the world?s nations.
As a note of caution, however, you should attempt to learn as much as possible about the events that are being commemorated just in case the local press interviews you. As an example, a sort of mystique has developed around Exercise TIGER and it has been embellished with varying tales of "urban mythology" and conspiracy theories. Many of these are compelling, well known by the local population, and ultimately false. Although I was not interviewed this year, my participation in a commemoration for this exercise was captured on US national news and some local newspapers. Without being properly informed on the event, it would have been very easy for me to say something that could have turned out to be extremely embarrassing simply because I represented the US Army and was, therefore, an automatic authority figure.
Uniform RequirementsAside from your normal uniforms of BDU, Class A, and Dress Blues, you will need Mess Dress (a must) and several quality business suits. Kevlar and LBE are generally not a requirement. Then again, on the off chance you visit a British unit during a training rotation at the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS, their version of the NTC) you may want to bring a set of your own. I have yet to need these items. A tuxedo is highly recommended. I bought one and have used it three times in the first year alone. Your wife will need formal wear in the form of evening gowns and cocktail dresses. I recommend a minimum of four each. Invest in good quality civilian wet-weather gear as well as your standard Gortex jacket and trousers. Inclement weather rarely interferes with any British scheduled event.
Gym Facilities Despite its size, Lulworth has a small gym, a large sports field, a skeet range, two tennis courts, and a squash court. The gym includes a small basketball court, free and universal weights and treadmills. A more extensive fitness center (including indooor pool) is located at Bovington Camp. Several running routes also are on or nearby camp. These running routes, however, often run either on or very near the local roadways which are quite narrow and have no shoulders. British soldiers are used to running on these kinds of routes, but they take a little getting used to.
Description of housing
GeneralLulworth Camp has a total of 75 married quarters and 3 houses for the officers and NCOs assigned here. They are split between those located on the main camp and those located outside the main camp but still within the perimeter fence (see Annex B for locations). These quarters were built at different times in the camp’s history with the oldest dating from the mid to late 1930s.
AssignmentAs with US Army housing, quarters are assigned by rank and family size. A central housing office manages quarters allocations, but the Commanding Officer through the SSO does have influence on who is assigned which quarters. Through an unwritten agreement, the Exchange NCOs rotate through two, 3 bedroom single family homes located just off main post (less than one mile away). The exchange officer is assigned to a large, 5 bedroom house, overlooking the English Channel called Worbarrow House. It is less than 50 meters east of the Commanding Officer’s house within the perimeter fence of the main post.
DescriptionWorbarrow House is actually one-half of a large duplex. It’s mirror image is known as Arish Mell House and another Major, usually either the SIG(A) or SIG(I) occupies this home. It is a contemporary of the quarters located at FT Knox, although it has no basement and is distinctly British. It has a beautiful view of Arish Mell Gap and Worbarrow Bay and it is also located less than 300 meters from the main tank firing range. At times, the firing can be quite loud depending on the weather conditions, but it is not nearly as loud as you might expect. My 21 month old son usually sleeps through the noise with no problem. The house is two stories with 5 bedrooms, dining room, living room, two fireplaces, kitchen, breakfast room, shower room, and 2 toilet rooms. All rooms except the kitchen and breakfast room are fully carpeted. It has a large service hallway a small garage, and a large fenced in backyard.
ChargesUnlike the US Army, British soldiers must pay rent and utilities for their quarters. Fees are based on the type of house and rank of the occupant. You will draw BAH to compensate for quarters charges; our current charges are:
|
Item |
Cost in Pound Sterling |
Approx Cost in $ |
Remarks |
| Rent |
£201.66 |
$375.09 |
Monthly |
| Electricity |
£129.82 |
$241.47 |
Paid quarterly |
| Gas |
Comb. w/elec. |
|
Paid quarterly |
| Water |
No Charge |
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FurnishingsWhile on assignment here, you are entitled to a complete set of quartermaster furnishings. This ranges from furniture to appliances, to dinnerware. We accepted a complete set when we first arrived and then sent back the majority of furnishings once our house hold goods arrived. If you have a large amount of house hold goods, consider storing some items in long term storage in the States. If you have a queen-sized bed or larger, purchase a split box-spring if you don’t already have one and leave the larger one in storage. Major appliances are provided by the US Air Force through the housing office at RAF West Ruislip. The refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer will all remain in the quarters for our successor. Stoves and ovens are part of the quarters. Since all appliances run on 220 volts, you will either need transformers or opt to purchase new appliances for the duration. We have some items which will be available for purchase if our successor desires.
TelevisionEach quarters comes equipped with an aerial for TV reception. You can receive four stations if you have a PAL compatible TV. Since the TV is funded by the government, everyone must pay a licensing fee if you own a set. Cost is about $225 per year. For an additional $50 (minimum) per month you can elect to have digital TV installed. Also, unless you have a multi system VCR or DVD player, you will not be able to watch any British tapes or DVDs.
Medical and Dental care
Medical Lulworth has no medical facilities on Camp, not even a medic. The nearest military treatment center is the Bovington Garrison Medical Reception Station (MRS). It is built on the same spot as the medical facility that treated T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) after his motorcycle accident. He later died at that same facility and a plaque commemorating the event is posted in the hallway of the current building. This in now way is a commentary on the quality of care, its simply a testament to the very real historical significance of just about every place associated with this area. The MRS has a small team of doctors and nurses who provided basic medical care for all soldiers and family members in the area. While appointments are required, you can usually call and make an appointment on the same day. For anything requiring major medical care, Dorchester Hospital is within 25 minutes driving time. There are no costs involved in using the NHS, and prescriptions for children under 16 are free. The British medical system, however, is significantly different from our own and you may find it frustrating at times. As an example, the doctors we have worked with in the past tend to take a wait and see approach to diagnosis rather than running a series of comprehensive tests as is the case in our system. On arrival to Lulworth, you should schedule an appointment to register at the MRS at which time you will be entered into the British National Health System and eligible to the same benefits as your hosts. One should also enroll in TRICARE Europe. While you won’t need it in the UK, you may if you travel abroad.
DentalThe Bovington MRS has a full time dentist for military personnel but family members are required to use a dentist in the community. NHS dentists, unfortunately, are few and far between. Private dentists are available, but US dental insurance does not cover these costs - you do - and they can be quite expensive. For routine care the best option is to use the Navy dental clinic at RAF West Ruislip. Although it is 2 ½ hours away, the trip is well worth the effort. Orthodontic care is also provided at this facility, but it is not available to everyone. Those arriving in country and already undergoing orthodontic treatment can receive free treatment. This requires an initial screening by an orthodontist at RAF Lakenheath for acceptance into the USAF program. This is an all day affair at a base four hours from Lulworth. Once accepted, you should notify the PEP NCOIC of future appointments as you can be reimbursed for food and fuel for these appointments. In the case of emergency dental care, call the dentist’s office at the MRS and they can direct you to the closest NHS dentist.
Description of Military Post Office, Commissary, and PX Facilities
ShoppingYou will have three primary means of shopping while in the UK: the local community, the internet, and the PX/Commissary system. We have used all three options at one time or another. The local economy offers just about everything you can find in the US. As discussed previously, the main drawback to shopping locally is the exchange rate. The current rate is about $1.86 per British Pound. The internet has proven to be an effective means for shopping for hard to find items. The major drawback to internet shopping is that unless you don’t mind paying up to1/index.htm3of the cost in shipping, your merchandise must be shipped to your APO. Internet shopping is fast, but collecting your packages becomes a once or twice a month affair. There are several AAFES/Commissary facilities in the UK. The nearest, and most convenient is located at West Ruislip. Both facilities are small compared to US standards and selections are limited. RAF Lakenheath offers an American sized PX/Commissary (along with associated food courts and speciality shops) but is a four hour drive away. Occasionally, this trip may be worth the effort if for no other reason but to save some money.
Mail You will have the option to receive mail at your home and APO address. Some banks and companies such as USAA will send mail to your British address at no extra charge. Most, unfortunately, do not. At least some of your mail, therefore, will necessarily need to come to West Ruislip. If time is not a factor or a business cannot ship to a foreign address, use your APO address. The obvious drawback is that your PO Box is 2 ½ hours from home, and the mailroom is only open until 1530. Having two other Americans on Camp, however, allows you to check each other’s mail and minimize the number of mail runs you actually make per month.
What religious services are available locally?
Wool (10 minutes north of Lulworth Camp) has a number of churches including Methodist, Jehovah’s Witness, Catholic, and Church of England (US Episcopalian) congregations. Bovington Camp also has a small chapel led by the Camp Chaplain who comes from a Presbyterian background. We attend a Baptist Church in Dorchester founded by some of Cromwell’s soldiers in the 1640s. Known as Dorford Baptist Church, this congregation is growing steadily and is in the process of remodelling their entire building. There are a number of different denominations in the area including a Pentecostal Church in Dorchester. Although uniquely British in their manner of conducting services, you are sure to find a Church to fit your needs within a 45 minute drive from Lulworth.
Banking
We have kept our stateside bank and have opened an additional account at a local bank. You can pay cash for most of your bills, but checking accounts and direct debits are more convenient. Our British bank will accept American checks, but charges a fee to change denominations. The best option is to get money from your US account at an ATM and deposit it back into your local account.
Schools
GeneralOur son is not yet old enough to attend formal school, but the information provided below by my predecessors is very good I would be hard pressed to improve upon it.
The British school system varies widely form the US system. Schools are operated on the County level and follow a National Curriculum. Theoretically, this means every child in every school receives the same instruction. We were dissatisfied with the quality of the first school we put our children into. We subsequently moved our daughter and son to the Catholic First School in Wool and the difference was significant. We were very satisfied with the content and quality of education they provided. As with any situation, opinions vary and the final decision rests with the family.
Grade LevelsThe state school system in Dorset operates in three tiers. Tier one is First School for those aged 5-9. West Lulworth has its own school and the majority of children from Camp of that age attend it. The school has approximately 50 students and four teachers. The Camp works closely with the school to help in any way possible including providing a bus service. Other local first schools include Wool CE First School and St Mary’s Catholic First School in Wool, both are approximately 4 miles from Lulworth Camp and bus transportation is not available. Tier two is Middle School for ages 9 – 13. Bovington has the nearest Middle School and services most of the military children of that age. It is an average British school. Tier three is Upper School for those aged 13-16 and completes a child’s mandatory education requirements. During a child’s final year in school, they take the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) which is similar in purpose to the SAT. Those students scoring high enough continue their education in ‘A’ levels which are essentially college prep courses. The nearest school is Purbeck Upper School (about 10 miles away in Wareham) and children are bussed there from Camp.
Differences
Curriculum - The differences between the American and British curriculum are fairly significant. The same subjects are taught, but at different times, and with differing emphasis. Math is slightly behind while reading skills are slightly ahead of the American norm. History is mainly British and European, and foreign language skills begin at a much earlier age. Religious education is routine and much of it overtly Christian. Schools here tend to be less concerned with using computers in learning and more into hands on learning and field trips.
College Preparation
At about Year 10 or 9th Grade, the British system diverges significantly from the American. British students spend their last few years either preparing for university or a trade. Depending on how well a student does on the GCSE determines what disciplines they can focus on for college prep. Usually a student will concentrate on three subjects they intend to pursue at university. For those not continuing on to university, the options are college type trade courses or leaving the school system altogether at the age of 16. This system doesn’t mesh well with the American system and could be a source of concern if you have teenage children. Options are available and will be discussed later.
School Year
British schools operate on a term system different from our semesters. Autumn term lasts from September to January. Spring term goes from January to Easter and summer term goes from Easter until late July. Each term has a mid term break of approximately 10 days and the summer break is between 5 and 6 weeks long.
Uniforms
Children attending a British school must wear a uniform. They tend to be dark slacks and skirt, a white shirt or blouse, dark lace shoes and a school sweater and tie. You would be safe in purchasing several white button up shirts before departing the States.
OptionsThere are no DODDS schools available. There are private schools in the area, but their tuition and boarding fees range from $5000 to $10,000 annually. You can apply to DODDS Europe for tuition assistance, but all local schools must first be decertified and the potential school approved. You can explore the possibility of sending your child to a grammar school (equivalent to an American private School without tuition), but this would require an entrance test and interview by the headmaster. Two are in the local area, but no bussing is available and the commute is approximately 30 minutes one way. High School age students have the option to enroll in the American DODDS high school at the US Navy facility in High Wycombe thirty miles from London. As London Central is 125 miles away from Lulworth, it is necessary to board students at the school. This is obviously a very difficult decision, and should not be taken lightly. However, the school is completely cost-free (including boarding, meals, and extra-curricular activity) and will better prepare a child for American colleges or readmission to a high school in the States. Finally, one has the option to home school. If you choose this path, you should be prepared to have a chosen curriculum before arriving in the UK, have a good list of internet resources available, and be prepared to forge ahead without the support groups which exist in the States.
POV Information
General Besides having left hand drive, American cars are easily identified by their size and smoked glass windows. You will be allowed to ship one car to the UK and I highly recommend this be a car in excellent condition. You will undoubtedly put on more mileage than in the States just touring or driving to London to collect your mail. Facilities to care for your car are few and far between; those, which do, often don’t stock the same parts. I don’t recommend buying your primary care while here as the UK has the highest costs for automobiles of any country in Europe. You could probably purchase the same vehicle in the US for half the price. The bottom line – if you want to spend your time in the UK seeing more than the inside of the auto garage, bring a good car.
Shipping and ReceivingAfter shipping your car to the UK, you can track its progress on the internet. You will be provided a tracking number and web site to assist you in making plans for receiving it once it’s in country. After your car arrives in country, it must be cleared through customs which can take a week to ten days. After clearing customs, you will need to make an appointment through the Navy to have your car shipped to West Ruislip, a Navy base on the outskirts of London. You will require shipping documentation and proof of insurance to obtain your car from the shippers. Receiving your car is relatively painless once it arrives at Ruislip. Things get more involved afterwards.
Modifications and Inspections The type of car you bring will determine the number of modifications and inspections required. The UK requires white parking lights, amber turn signals, and a rear fog light. The AAFES garage at Ruislip knows what is required and can make all the changes in a few hours. Our vehicle, a Pontiac Transport, needed only limited modifications, and these didn’t detract from the overall appearance of the vehicle. Once you know your vehicle is being shipped to Ruislip, you can schedule an appointment with the garage to have the modifications made the same day. All that’s required is to bring the car to the garage and leave it for about four hours. You can also arrange to have the mechanic have your vehicle inspected at the same time. All total, costs for modification and inspection run between $100-$150.
Registration Once your vehicle is inspected, you must have it registered through the Navy. Registration is done at Ruislip at the Vehicle Registration Office (VRO) and can be accomplished the same day as you have your modifications made (given you get an early enough appointment). You will require your proof of inspection and white insurance papers to register. You will receive a temporary pass and fuel card on the spot, and will receive a tax disk and license number several days later. You are exempt from your first year’s road tax, but can expect to pay over $200 for the second year’s tax. You are also able to drive on your US plates until you receive your tax disc and license number. Once you receive these, you will need to contact the Navy Registration Office again to get a permanent pass and fuel card. Inform the person that you are on exchange at Lulworth and they can arrange to ship you the paperwork in the mail. You will then need to purchase license plates from the local garage which makes them on site. You are now set for the first year’s driving.
GasFuel in the UK (known as petrol, not gas) is very expensive – about $5 per gallon. You are eligible to purchase coupons from the Navy at about half price. These coupons can be redeemed at several stations across the UK. The nearest station which accepts the coupons is about 15 minutes away in the town of Sanford. Several US facilities also operate gas stations on site which you can use on a cash only (no coupon) basis. We budgeted ourselves to about 400 liters per month and have found this to be more than enough for all the travelling we do.
RepairsAs I mentioned earlier, repairs can be costly here and parts scarce. I use a local garage in Wool to have any repairs done. As parts are usually very expensive through the British system, I have my parents send me the parts from the US or buy them when I’m at a US facility. I then take them to the garage and the owner charges me for labor only. This goes for oil changes as well since there are no auto craft shops on Lulworth. I highly recommend joining a roadside service organization. There are several to choose from and offer plans anywhere from basic roadside repairs, to transporting your vehicle and you back home from anywhere in the UK if roadside repairs can’t be made. We have yet to use this service, but it has given us peace of mind.
Sale of Your VehicleIf you decide to sell your car to another American serviceman, you must record that transaction with the VRO. If you sell to a resident, you will be subject to t he customs and excise you avoided when bringing your car into country. This can be approximately 25% of the car’s value. If you desire to sell, apply at the nearest VRO and they will negotiate with the British Ministry of Transport to determine the customs bill. If you still desire to sell, you must then apply for permission from 3rd AF and pay the customs bill at the time of sale. A previous exchange NCO here attempted to sell his car before returning to the States. Once he found out the tax, he cancelled the deal and shipped his car home.
DrivingRoads in Southern Dorset tend to be narrow. Think of your average one way street in America, paint a line down the middle and that’s about the size of most highways (there are always exceptions – some a even more narrow). After about a week of driving, you will forget about the size and join the rest of the Brits in happy driving. Dorset boasts absolutely zero motorways. You will find an occasional 4 lane road, but these are the exception. Speed limits are usually 30mph through towns and villages, 60mph on 2 lane roads, and 70mph on the motorways. You will not require a special license to drive here, only a valid state one.
Miscellaneous
Weather If you are comfortable with the weather conditions of the Pacific Northwest, you will be well prepared for the weather here at Lulworth. During the first month we were here, the temperatures stayed in the 90s. This unusual condition was part of a larger “heat wave” throughout Europe during the summer of 2003 that eventually led to the deaths of more than 15,000 people in France. Since then, the temperatures have generally not risen into the 80s or dipped below the 30s. At times, however, the winter can be quite cold especially with the occasional gale that blows through. There is always the chance of rain and the weather patterns are very unpredictable. Despite the lack of favorable weather, the Brits do get out and enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather conditions.
GunsIf you are a gun owner, I suggest finding someone now to watch your guns for two years. My in-laws are taking care of mine. Gun laws are very restrictive, and only certain types of sporting guns are allowed. Absolutely no handguns are permitted.
PetsDogs are very popular in the UK. Officers routinely bring their dogs to work and let them have free roam of the office. Favored dogs are labradors, terriers, and spaniels. You may bring a pet, and the six month quarantine is no longer a requirement from the US.
LanguageDespite what you may think, there is somewhat of a language barrier. It comes in the form of word meanings. I.E. pants to the Brits are underwear, etc.
TravelTravel is easy, and your British hosts expect you will take time off for it. Rail passes are available through the military, as are cheap holiday accommodations throughout the country. You will also find that your British hosts will be able to get you to places the average tourist cannot go, such as backdoor tours of Parliament, the Changing of the Guard, Tower of London, the Cavalry Club, etc. British travel agents also offer very inexpensive travel packages throughout Europe.
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