A new infantry soldier was pitched straight into battle with French troops just days after joining his battalion as the allies trained to defend NATO territory.
Kingsman Jamie Howe, is one of around 120 personnel from 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (1 LANCS) who deployed to Europe’s most advanced military urban training facility, CENZUB, in northern France.
A light role infantry battalion, 1 LANCS is one of NATO’s pivotal Army units in the role of Forward Land Forces (FLF) Strategic Reserve, on high alert to deploy rapidly to strengthen frontline forces should conflict break out on the alliance’s eastern flank.
They joined their French partners from 152nd Infantry Regiment on Exercise Gaulish to enhance their abilities to share operational knowledge and work as one force if called on.
Speaking after a defensive warfighting drill, just days after he joined the battalion, Jamie said it was extremely valuable for the two forces to learn from each other.
Leadership and friendship
The 21-year-old said: “It’s my first exercise with 1 LANCS. It’s been very thrilling, good to see how the French work.
“I’ve never used a tank before. We’ve done light fire with a tank, so it’s been good training.
I don’t know anyone but we’re getting on really well.
“My main takeaways from this exercise are definitely leadership, and friendship, because I don’t know anyone but we’re getting on really well. Also looking at how the section commanders plan things.”
Jamie studied plumbing and public services at college but ended up leaving education and took a job at a hardware store for a year. He then joined the prison service for two years before signing up for the job of his childhood dreams.
“I always wanted to join as a kid but got pushed away from it in high school. I thought if I’m going to do it, do it now so I changed job.
Just five days after joining I was on my way to France for an urban exercise
“Just five days after joining I was on my way to France for an urban exercise and I’ve had a good laugh with the other ‘Kingos’ and been settling in and getting to know them all.
“I have learned how to operate in the field, in conditions I didn’t think I could, and work effectively in a team, even in high pressure situations.
“Since joining the Army, I have been a lot more active and more sociable and being away from home makes you appreciate the little things more. It’s also made me more disciplined and lot more fit. I can now do things I didn’t think I could.”
He is also taking advantage of the qualifications offer that comes with serving.
Numerous trades and qualifications
“It has surprised me how many qualifications you can get and trades you can learn, and being able to get your category B and C driving licenses.
“I’m currently taking part in the British Army Infantry Soldier Apprenticeship (Level 2 Public Services),” he says.
His hankering for a military career was spawned by his family.
“My auntie and uncle were also in the Army. My auntie left as a Warrant Officer Class 2 [a senior non-commissioned officer rank] and told me about all the memories she made, while my uncle would tell me about the sports he used to do.”
Sporting and adventure opportunities
There’s plenty of recreational opportunities too. “I like football, fishing, water sports, motorcross and lots of other sports and you can do them all,” adds Jamie.
In my first week, I had already been invited to do parachute adventure training
“In my first week, I had already been invited to do parachute adventure training, and I’m also keen to play football with my company [Burma Company].”
This summer will see Jamie deploy on his second overseas exercise for several months, at the British Army Training Unit Kenya, which will further develop his skills in radically different conditions.
The £70-million headquarters and training facility delivers combined arms, light role infantry battle group exercises to a world-class standard.
He said: “I’m excited for that. I’ve already made some great memories and friends. I would like to visit as many different countries as I can, get as many qualifications and skills as possible, hopefully work my way up the ranks, and have a long successful career in the Army.”