Iron Vipers sustain troops on large NATO training exercise

The Queens Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment (10 QOGLR) played a crucial role in supplying ammunition stores during Exercise Steadfast Defender 24 in Poland.

Known as ‘The Iron Vipers,’ 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade ensured the provision of ammunition, food, and fuel to maintain British soldiers’ operational readiness.

This exercise marked the largest NATO deployment since the Cold War, involving extensive logistical efforts to support the deployed troops.

From January 2024, military and civilian vehicles traversed the roads of Europe, transporting essential supplies, including Challenger 2 main battle tanks and fresh water. 10 QOGLR established convoy support centres and divisional supply areas across Germany and Poland to facilitate these efforts.

Covering distances of up to 1,250km, their convoys enabled the 7 Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team (7LMBCT), known as ‘The Desert Rats,’ to fulfill their role as NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) in northeast Poland.

In April 2024, 27 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (27 RLC) took over, extending their convoys 780km into southern Germany to sustain the 12 Armoured Brigade Combat Team (12 ABCT). This support was critical for validating the King’s Royal Hussars Battlegroup. During the exercise, 27 RLC also tested new communications systems that enhanced their logistical reach.

“Whilst deployed on Exercise Steadfast Defender 24, we were able to communicate over 1,000km securely and reliably. Not only did our systems provide robust voice communications, but they also provided accurate situational awareness,” said Sergeant Leah Andrews, 27 RLC Communication Specialist, quoted in the press release.

Exercise Steadfast Defender 24 allowed NATO allies to develop new capabilities and strategies to counter threats identified after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Exercise Steadfast Defender 24 provided an unrivalled opportunity for reservists from 151 and 157 Regiment to integrate with and work alongside our regular counterparts. We honed our existing abilities operating green fleet and developed new capabilities on white fleet vehicles to deliver vital kit and supplies to Poland,” said 2nd Lieutenant Emily Fisher, 151 RLC, Troop Commander.

Throughout the exercise, 5 Battalion Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers (5 REME) ensured British Army vehicles remained operational by conducting essential repairs and maintenance. As the only unit capable of repairing the engine and gearbox of a Challenger 2 tank, 5 REME was vital to the King’s Royal Hussars battlegroup validation say the British Army.

“This exercise truly showcased where the Iron Vipers sit in the journey from warehouse to warrior. We were able to demonstrate how working with industry, integrating civilians and reservists enhances the delivery of sustainment without increasing the workforce,” said Major Jeff Tibbett, planning officer for 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade.

Major Rich Cummings of 1 Field Company, 5 Force Support Battalion REME, highlighted the advanced capabilities demonstrated during the exercise: “When we combine this with our newest capabilities, such as metal 3D printing of parts in the field, and as the only Army unit that can replace a Challenger 2 powerpack without having to ship it back to the factory, we are seeing a step change in support capability which is agile and capable of keeping our vital armour in the fight.”