Holdfast Training Services Trial Blog

Something non-engineering for a change. Yesterday I attended an event in Baltimore to commemorate the centenary of US entry into WWI. I was half expecting something stereotypically American about WWI beginning in 1917, and how the US effectively won the war by bailing out Britain and France who hadn’t been able to finish it off for themselves! I was pleasantly surprised to find the version of events portrayed (generally) accurate, and there was even a high-ranking speaker from the French Embassy in Washington striking notes of liberté, égalité and fraternité. The only awkward moment came when the colours were marched in and I had no idea what etiquette dictated I should do! In the event I saluted when they were marched in, but not during the national anthem (which caught me by surprise when it was struck up), but then saluted again during the bugler! I think I got away with it! I was also only asked once by a very elderly veteran if I’d come dressed as a WWI solider! The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice that I’m wearing leathers, hat (and medal, yes it’s TOSCA but it still counts!) indoors. Just to confirm; in true American tradition this was an outdoor event held indoors, complete with complimentary burgers and hotdogs! I did however remove my gloves!

Maj Harrington, Lt Col Morgan (Deputy Comd) and myself at the WWI commemoration

Attending this event reminded me of the other military events I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of during my time here. This includes a battlefield study and trip to Westpoint, a leadership staff-ride at Gettysburg, and a trip to attend a USACE conference in Alabama of all places (where I stayed on a university campus with no bar!). The US exchange first and foremost offers engineering experience (obviously). However, there’s another side to it which shouldn’t be underrated. I’ve found it absolutely fascinating to be part of USACE, to operate with them, and to see how they go about their business. From a military organisational point of view things are certainly different over here, and a year ago when I arrived I found it almost impossible to compare USACE with the Royal Engineers; they’re simply poles apart in terms of structure, capability and function. There are of course some things they do badly. For example (in my opinion) separation of combat and trade engineer skills, which reduces flexibility and increases reliance on non-organic support and sub-contracted work. There are however a number of lessons we might consider paying attention to, for example they are very good at fully integrating their reserves and have an extensive reach-back capability. Overall from a developmental point of view I’ve found the social and cultural emersion to be just as interesting and useful as my day to day work.

Finally, one last photo from the Baltimore District military ball! If there’s one thing we’re undeniably better at it’s uniforms!

Military personnel at the Baltimore District Ball