LTC/CM - J3 NBC Operations
Defence NBC Centre
Defence NBC Centre
LTC/CM - J3 NBC Operations
Description of duty position and work environment
Description of housing
Banking
Schools
What religious services are available locally?
Medical and Dental care
Description of Military Post Office, Commissary and PX Facilities
Household Goods/Hold Baggage
POV Information
Pets
Miscellaneous
Defence NBC Centre
The Defence Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Centre (DNBCC) is an RAF Unit which, as a Centre of Excellence, is the United Kingdom’s training centre for tri-Service NBC defence within operations on land. DNBCC designs and conducts courses of instruction to qualify individuals of all 3 Services for operational, training and staff NBC defence appointments on land.
The Defence NBC Centre is located at Winterbourne Gunner about 5 kilometres northeast of Salisbury, Wiltshire, on the southern edge of Salisbury Plain. The ancient city of Salisbury is noted for its superb cathedral and delightful Cathedral Close. Nearby lie many other ancient and historic attractions including Stonehenge and Wilton House. Salisbury has most of the facilities of a modern city including a theatre, cinema, football, golf, rugby and cricket clubs, a racecourse and a variety of pubs and restaurants.
Salisbury is well served by communications. It has a railway station (one and a half hours to London Waterloo), is only a few miles from the A303 trunk road and is about an hour and a half from Heathrow Airport and 2 hours from Gatwick by car.
http://www.salisburycity.co.uk
http://www.salisburya2z.co.uk/
http://www.early-oak.fsnet.co.uk/Winterbourne/index.htm
History
The history of the DNBCC in Winterbourne Gunner starts in 1916 with the opening of Thorneydown Camp as troop accommodation to support the Porton Down Experimental Ground (Porton Down later became the Chemical Defence Establishment, now part of the Defence Science and Technical Laboratories (Dstl)). Initially the camp was a Trench Mortar Experimental Establishment, independent of the Porton facility, and its proximity to Porton Down may have been beneficial during the development of the 4-inch Stokes Mortar, a highly effective chemical delivery system.
The Chemical Warfare School was established in Winterbourne Gunner in 1926. The School focused on offensive delivery of chemical agents, receiving an annual allocation of over 400 4.5-inch howitzer shells and 130 Livens projector bombs filled with Phosgene for "demonstrations of cloud formation!"
In 1932 the Chemical Warfare School became the Anti-Gas Wing of the Small Arms School, but in 1939 it regained its independent status as the Army Gas School, later re-named the Army School of Chemical Warfare.
During the years 1947/48 the School became a joint Army and Royal Air Force establishment, named the Joint School of Chemical Warfare. The importance of measures to mitigate the effects of nuclear weapons resulted in the school being given the task of studying and teaching defensive aspects of nuclear warfare. Accordingly, in 1950, the School was re-named as the Joint School of Nuclear and Chemical Ground Defence.
In January 1964 the title changed, again to the Defence Nuclear, Biological and Chemical School (Defence NBC School) in recognition of the emerging threat posed by Biological Warfare (BW) proliferation. Finally in 1975 it became the Defence NBC Centre. Following the 1987 Strategic Defence Review the RAF assumed UK lead-service responsibility for NBC defence, and in 1999 the Defence NBC Centre became a RAF Unit within No 2 Group of Strike Command (STC). The national Police CBRN Training Centre opened on the site 15th October 2001, lending a multi-agency element to the centre. This concept is still in development but remains a completely unique contribution to homeland defence within the UK.
A long-standing aspiration to replace the Centre's original WWI nissen huts has been the subject of a continuous rebuild programme. In 1988 a new Officers' Mess was opened, followed, in 1991, by a specialised range and NBC defence training complex. In 2000 a new purpose-built construction was opened to house HQ and administrative offices and all NBC Defence School functions. The building is known as Thorneydown House in acknowledgement of the ancient name of its site. Future phases of the rebuild, planned for completion in 2005, will address domestic and messing accommodation.
Description of duty position and work environment
Joint Operations Officer responsible for the Training Support Group (TSG) at the United Kingdom's (UK) Defence NBC Centre (DNBCC). Supervises the following sections/teams: the External Training Team (ETT) which provides NBC expertise, observation and evaluation to single-service, joint, and coalition exercises conducted world-wide, and the NBC defence equipment and concept development and user-trials programs. Provides input toward the development of UK NBC defence policy and develops UK Joint NBC Defence doctrine. Advisor for students attending courses and for the staff at the DNBCC and Strike Command. Delivers presentations during the NBC Defence Courses and for visitors as required.
Working Environment
The working environment is unique in that it is a Joint environment, with at least one representative from each of the Services. While small in size, the DNBCC accomplishes much with the professional individuals working in each section. The DNBCC is commanded by a RAF Wing Commander (O5 equivalent) and it's next higher is the DACOS A3 Force Protection, 2 Group, Hq Strike Command (Group Captain, or O6). The DNBCC is the Centre of Excellence for the development and delivery of the UK's operational NBC defence capability and tri-Service NBC defence training operations of land. Our mission (and motto) is "Putting NBC into Defence".
The normal duty day at the DNBCC is from 0815 to 1700, Monday through Friday. Lunches are typically 1230 - 1330, though exceptions can be made for PT (more on that below).
The duty uniform is BDUs, with the rare occasion - usually visits -where Class A's are required. A tuxedo and Mess Blues, and Dress Blues are required as there are many social events throughout the year. In addition, two business suits are required for visits to the Embassy and/or locations that require suits verses uniforms.
PT is on an individual basis, with service-specific unit tests conducted every 6 months. This assignment represents a great opportunity to fulfill personal fitness goals. During the long days of summer, daylight PT is possible from 0430 until as late as 2300. However, during the short days of winter, you must generally PT over lunch if you wish to run outdoors. There is a small gym facility on post with an assortment of weight machines and CV equipment. There are many private fitness centers in Salisbury (see link to the Salisbury website).
Description of Housing
The housing on post is more than adequate for a family of four or five. The US Exchange Officer quarters are a 4-bedroom, 1 ½ bath two-storey semi-detached house on 13 Figsbury Ridge.
This house is a British Lt Col quarter that has been "Americanized" to a small extent: it has the appropriate wiring to support a US appliances washer and dryer, plus the bathroom has a shower installed. In addition to the washer and dryer, there is a US refrigerator and a stand-up freezer from RAF Croughton. All of these appliances come from RAF Croughton, and will be handed over as part of the transition process. In all other aspects, this is a 1930s-era British house, with all the charm and idiosyncrasies that go with it. While fitted for in-bedroom sinks like most older British houses, most of the sinks have been removed. The power in the house is 230V, with the UK 3-prong plugs. Wall sockets are in short supply, however additional wiring has been put-in by previous occupants to compensate for the shortage. The house is located on an officer's patch with a total of approximately 15 houses. The neighborhood is much quieter than what you would expect on a US post, owing to the fact that many couples do not have children, or send their children to boarding school. Your housing allowance is more than enough to cover the rent and living expenses.
Television / cable / satellite dishes
There is a dish installed for Sky TV, along with a decoder box, which gets passed along during transition. The basic Sky package, plus movies, costs £35.00 per month, with more costs depending on what packages you buy. Resign yourself to the fact that any sporting event worth watching is going to cost you.
Typical monthly expenses:
Rent £ 170.00
Electricity (quarterly) £ 100.00
Heating Oil £ 50.00
Phone (not counting international calls) £ 33.00
Internet Charges (depends on the provider) £ 15.00
Mobile Phone (pay as you go) £ varies
Gas for Travel to RAF Fairford APO $ 20.00
Officers’ Mess £ 25.00
(Average: more depending on social events)
TV License (annual) £ 112.00
Medical and Dental care
Servicemembers are authorized to use the troop clinic at RAF Boscombe Down, which is about 5 miles away from the DNBCC. For Family member emergencies and pre-natal care, you can use the NHS. Previous exchange officers have had children born at the local hospital and the care received was outstanding. For the normal day-to-day medical stuff such as check-ups and cold/flu symptoms, it is possible to schedule appointments at US bases such as NAS West Ruislip or RAF Croughton. In addition to going to the medical appointment you can take care of business such as Commissary runs, or mail drops. For more serious medical appointments like surgery, get an appointment through Croughton go to the hospital in RAF Lakenheath. The Embassy will then cut you orders to travel to RAF Lakenheath.
Description of Military Post Office, Commissary and PX Facilities
Most of the Exchange Officers in this area (Salisbury) use NAS West Ruislip for their support base (post office, commissary, and BX/PX). It is 90 minutes away and quite convenient. West Ruislip also has a "tube" station that takes you right into London, so it makes for a great excuse to turn a routine trip into a day trip to London. Others have done medical and dental at RAF Croughton, mail at RAF Fairford, using West Ruislip facilities only occasionally. Whatever your choice, using one facility as your primary source of support is best. The Post office and PX hours and selection are certainly better at West Ruislip, but then again the commissaries and customer service at RAF Fairford and RAF Croughton are much better. Six of one, half-dozen of another: take your pick.
What religious services are available locally?
The Winterbournes have Baptist and Church of England congregations. In addition, Salisbury has any kind religious that you might wish to attend can be found relatively easily by looking in the phone book, or doing a quick surf of the web. See the Salisbury website. http://www.salisburycity.co.uk
Banking
Upon arriving, it is necessary to set up pound account with a local bank in Salisbury, or with the Community Bank on a U.S. installation. While it is possible to pay most of your UK bills electronically, there are many cases in which you need to write a check. While traveling, you will find ATMs everywhere, so cash from your US or UK account is never a problem.
Schools
The UK school system is one that includes a large element of parental choice and open competition between schools for students. The matter of determining where your child goes to school can be quite daunting for those of us not used to so much choice! The best first step is to not panic, and then find parents that have children of ages similar to your own, and ask for help. Some local guidance, a read-through of the local yellow pages, and a little web research will narrow the field somewhat. The Office of Standards in Education (Ofsted) produces very good reports on the state-run schools, and they may be available on the web at http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/ . When reading these reports, make sure to look at the date the report was completed. Old data may give the wrong impression. Also, public sector (private) schools will not have an Ofsted report.
Ultimately, is a matter of scheduling an appointment with the Receptions clerk and visiting the schools in question. It is possible to p lace children into good local schools in the Salisbury/Winterbourne area after only a few days of looking around. The DODDS system will cover tuition for tuition-charging public-sector (private) schools, up to a certain allowance based on the grade level of the child. Also, DODDS will reimburse for transportation costs when a bus service is not available. DODDS will not reimburse for school trips, and will not reimburse for uniforms.
For couples with very young children, Winterbourne Earls has a private Nursery. The price is relatively high, but the benefits seem to be good. Previous exchange families that have used the nursery praised the care and attention their children received.
POV Information
Bottom line up front: your left-hand drive US car will serve you just fine in the UK. While cars in the UK are smaller than in the US (for good reason!), an SUV the size of a Ford Explorer or smaller will work well. Tahoe/Durango/Expedition will have trouble fitting into parking spots, and you will feel the bite in fuel costs. Leave your 4x4 Silverado Super Duty Dually-equipped V-10 diesel deer-carcass-hauling-bass-boat-towing-manly-man-pickup rig in CONUS.
Ship your vehicle early so that you can have a POV quickly after arrival. Your transportation office should be able to tell you how long it will take to ship your vehicle. Your vehicle will be shipped to West Ruislip. Immediately after arrival, you should go to the West Ruislip Vehicle Registration Office to arrange for delivery of your car. On the next Tuesday or Thursday, whichever is closer, your car will be delivered, and you will be driving the same day. You will be able to drive your US-plated vehicle for a short period of time after arrival (30 days) with no modifications, MOT inspection, or UK plates, provided you have started the registration process. The modifications required to the vehicle are minor, and they can be done locally or at the AAFES garages in RAF West Ruislip and Lakenheath on a by-appointment basis. The conversion and MOT inspection are accomplished in one go, for about $160.00 or so. After the conversion and MOT inspections are completed, proceed directly to the Vehicle Registration office to apply for your Road Tax Disc (the first year is free, £165 for the next year, with any unused months refunded to you on PCS). One month or so later, your tax disc arrives in the mail, and you can then go to any auto parts store to get your UK plates made, at about a £10.00 cost. Get your vehicle in top maintenance condition, as labor and parts in England can be costly.
Household Goods
Find out from your transportation office how long it will take to get your household goods shipped, and plan accordingly. It will take every bit as long as they say, and then some. Therefore, it is a good idea to "max out" on unaccompanied baggage. Sending your shipment to RAF Fairford is a good idea, as the customer service is good, and they will arrange everything for you over the phone. Whatever base you choose to send your shipments to, make sure that the Bill of Lading on the CONUS side has the right destination marked down: if you want it to go to RAF Fairford, make sure the Bill of Lading doesn’t say Mildenhall.
You will be living out of a suitcase for some time, and you will not see your furniture for a while either. However, DHE will put in a "moving in" package of dishes, appliances, and basic furniture to get you settled in while you wait for your own stuff. This package should be in place on your move-in day.
Pets
The British love for animals is well documented, and your pet will be very welcome in the UK. The UK relaxed its quarantine regulations in 2002, and now it is possible to take your cat or dog with you on the exchange assignment without having to put Fido in the kennel for six months. All it takes is advance preparation and attention to detail.
If you are considering taking the family dog with you, get started now. The process takes six months at a minimum. What follows below is recent experience in importing a dog. For the up-to-date reference, see the DEFRA website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets.htm
Meeting the DEFRA PETS requirements:
STEP 1: Implant your dog with an identity microchip. This is critical and must happen first, as the microchip number goes on all subsequent paperwork, and must be read at the airport. No chip on arrival in the UK, and it’s six months in the slammer for Fido.
STEP 2: Vaccinate your dog against rabies. This must occur after the chip implantation.
STEP 3: Rabies antibody blood test. The animal’s blood must be drawn and sent to a lab for proof that the vaccine is working. The approved lab in the US is at Kansas State University - your vet might not know this.
**** This step is time sensitive****: a minimum of 180 days must pass after the time of the blood draw for this test for the dog to be eligible for quarantine-free entry to the UK. Do not delay this step!
STEP 4: Once the blood work is back, get started on the PETS certificate. This is a multi-step, multi-agency procedure that depends on everyone doing his or her job quickly. You have to stay on top of this procedure from the start.
a. Your vet sends the PETS certificate, with date of blood test and results, date and proof of rabies vaccination, and the microchip number to the USDA branch office in your state. The USDA completes the paperwork, stamps it, and sends it all back to the vet. Allow plenty of time, and be prepared for confusion at the USDA branch office. Keep copies of all paperwork and don’t delay this step.
b. 48 hours out from the flight, have your vet treat for fleas and ticks, noting the type of drug used. There is a spot on the PETS certificate for this.
Coordinating the Flight
Selecting the APOE: There are only a few approved air routes into the UK that are approved for the PETS scheme. See the DEFRA website for the latest details, as the rules frequently change (usually in the way of relaxing requirements). Time of year is critical: if it is too hot, most airlines will not ship pets. Some airlines (Continental, in our case) have air-conditioned pet holding facilities that makes it possible to fly with your pet year round.
Booking the flight: We chose to book a direct flight from Houston to Gatwick in order to minimize the chance of our dog getting lost in a plane change. The cost for the dog was $1200, payable the day of travel.
If you have Passenger Movements book and pay for your flight (i.e., issue government tickets), you will have to pay for any extra costs if the flight you select is not the most cost-effective. Produce a cashier’s check for the difference ($700 in our case) and have Transportation fill out a cash collection voucher, then Passenger Movements can cut the tickets.
At the airport
Ensure you have a pet carrier that is large enough: current regulations require room to turn around and 3 inches space overhead when the dog is standing with it’s head up. If in doubt, get a carrier bigger than you think you need.
On arrival at the APOD
If all of your work on the US side went correctly, and more than 180 days have passed since the rabies antibody blood test, your pet should be cleared for arrival with no quarantine. In that case, your sponsor should arrange for a large van to pick you up at the airport, and once you’ve gone by the cargo terminal, you are on your way.
If you pet has a few days left on the 180-day clock, she will have to spend some time in quarantine - but only until the 180 days are up. There are many boarding kennels locally that will pick your animal up at the airport and move them into quarantine. They are very good at arranging this over the phone and via email. About 10 days are required to make the arrangements - five days if you are in a real jam.
If your dog must go into quarantine, make absolutely sure that the kennel owner understands that your pet is merely awaiting the expiration of the 180-day requirement and does not need any vaccinations. This is critical: standard procedure at some kennels is to automatically vaccinate for rabies on arrival. You cannot allow this to happen, as the 180-day clock starts all over again. This almost happened to our dog - make sure that the kennel owner understands "NO VACCINATIONS TO BE ADMINISTERED"!
Miscellaneous
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, personnel must confirm details through the chain of command or with their Administrative Office before taking any action or making any commitment. Last Reviewed: 30 NOV 04
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