How Well Mission Specific Training Prepares Sappers for Operational Realities

摘要

As the end of Operation Herrick 16 draws near it affords the opportunity to question whether the Mission Specific Training (MST) prepared the sappers for the operational realities they faced. Within this article, I will provide a brief overview of MST for an engineer squadron, drawing primarily on the personal experiences of 30 Armoured Engineer Squadron preparing to deploy to the Nad-e-Ali (NDA) District. The Squadron deployed in March 2012 to provide engineer support to both the Transition Support Unit (TSU) NDA and the Police Mentoring and Advisory Group (PMAG). I will argue that the operational realities should be better identified and with this knowledge, commanders must have greater scope to properly shape a bespoke MST package.