Movement Controller in the Royal Logistic Corp.
10 years as a Movement Controller, and I can say I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I joined in October 2014 which saw me go to Phase One at ATR Winchester where I learnt the basic soldiering required to become a regular soldier. After this, I went to Princess Royal Barracks at Deepcut to further develop my soldiering skills and also gain my category E (Trailer) driving license. I then went on to RAF Brize Norton to the Defence Movements Training Squadron (DMTS) To complete my Movement Controller Class 3 Course. This laid the foundation of the Movements trade, the course consist of the movement of material via different modes of transport (Road, Rail, Sea & Air) After I had completed my course I was then posted in to 29 Regiment RLC at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks which is situated in lovely place in the Cotswolds. Since been here I have gained numerous qualifications in logistics, management, health and safety and much more. I have deployed to 15 countries and completed numerous adventurous training in the UK and overseas.
Movement Controller Class One JNCO - JAMC Team Leader
I'm currently a Class One Movement Controller, Team Leader in the Joint Air Mounting Centre (JAMC) alongside being a Section Commander within a Squadron. I'm second in command (2IC) of a small team in the JAMC responsible for the processing of passengers and freight before departing for RAF Brize Norton. On the passenger side of Movements, we ensure that passengers have the correct documentation for flying (Passport & Military I.D) ensure bags have no dangerous goods in and that their bags fall in line with the policy put in place. On the freight side we ensure that every bit of freight is accounted for on paperwork, that boxes are fit for purpose and they are labelled correctly. We also process dangerous goods which involves using the International Air Transport Association (IATA) manual and Dangerous Goods Manual (DGM) to ensure that any dangerous goods are safe for the purpose of moving by air.
As a section commander in Squadron I make sure that junior soldiers are ITR compliant, that their annual dental and audio checks are in date, organise leave and try to get the troops on as much good stuff as possible (Adventurous training, Sports, Courses, Battlefield studies etc) to develop them in to more robust soldiers and also to help maintain a healthy work/life balance.
The main component in the operational success of the British Army
From been in the JAMC to deploying worldwide to conduct Movements, everything that goes and comes back to the UK has at some point gone through a Movement Controller. 29 Regiment RLC is one of the busiest operational camps in the UK that contributes to Operations, Exercises and Humanitarian aid. So my motivation stems from knowing we make a massive impact on their success.
Knowing that my progression throughout my career as a Movement Controller in the Army can be transferred into civilian qualifications making me more of a valuable asset to future potential employers.
Work hard, Play hard!
Been in the Army can sometimes be arduous, fight through it and reap the benefits. Whether it be mental or physical robustness. You will surpass it and shine through the other side!
Been a part of the biggest evacuation since the Second World War
I was deployed to aid in the biggest Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) since WW2, OPERATION PITTING. We processed over 15,000 British nationals and eligible Afghans in 16 days. Myself and my team set the record for the most amount of passengers loaded to a C-17 Aircraft. This operation had pushed me past my mental and physical state but I fought through it and the outcome was immense. I had changed the lives of so many people, made friends and even had a present from a young British Afghan child which was a picture she drew of me, I will never forget the experience and I couldn't be prouder of all the boys and girls that deployed on that operation.
