The British Army is a professional, high-tech operation. Around the world
it employs a range of complex equipment to achieve its objectives. From
rifles to rocket launchers, motorcycles to main battle tanks, the Army's
effectiveness depends on its equipment being fit and ready to go at a
moments notice. The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
(REME) makes sure that it is.
In every area of operation, the work of REME is central to the effectiveness of the Army.
Wherever units of the British Army serve in the world, men and women wearing the REME cap badge are to be found amongst their ranks. The majority of REME units are stationed in the United Kingdom and Germany, but there are also REME units in Canada, Belize, Bosnia, Cyprus, the Falklands and the Far East. Wherever the Army is operating, REME ensures that the equipment that so many rely upon is working to maximum effect. This is a tall order. The scale and complexity of the work means that the officers and soldiers confront and overcome some of the greatest challenges the Army can offer.
By Skill and by Fighting
This diverse Corps works at the cutting edge of technology and embraces a wide range of specialist skills. Our engineering officers and soldiers are trained to the highest standards, achieving professional qualifications which are recognised and valued in the civilian world. They enjoyed satisfying and stimulating roles, maintaining, repairing and modifying current equipment and maximising the benefits of new technology as it comes into military service.
The work of the REME
In exercises, operations and constant daily use, often in difficult
conditions, the Army demands a lot from its equipment. It is down to
REME to ensure that it can deliver.
Not surprisingly, the Army does not wait for a problem to arise. Fundamental to REME's role is the regular inspection, maintenance and modification of mechanical, electrical, electronic and aeronautical items to ensure they are always ready for action.
But the Army operates in a tough, sometimes hostile environment and inevitably breakdowns and malfunctions do occur. And when they do, REME is there to recover and repair the equipment and get it back into service as quickly as possible.
Every combat, service and support unit in the Army has its own REME detachment which is responsible for inspecting, recovering and repairing its vehicles, weapons and machinery. The size of the REME detachment depends on the engineering needs of the unit.
REME detachments are an integral part of the unit and are deployed with them wherever they go to provide front-line support. This is the sharp end, where repairs are effected in a matter of hours. If spares are not immediately available alternative solutions must be found and it is here that REME's officers and soldiers demonstrate their initiative and creativity.
Where a problem is beyond the scope of these rapid response units, the equipment is generally taken back to REME's second-line repair units. They too are mobile and equipped for battlefield conditions.
However, even major repairs such as the replacement of a key assembly on a main battle tank can be carried out in area. Once the equipment has been moved to a safe location by a REME recovery vehicle, a special team from the second-line unit - known as a Forward Repair Team - will move up to solve the problem and get the equipment back into action.
REME officers ensure that the right level of support is always available, depending on the complexity of the work, the time needed to complete the task, and the manpower and resources required.
The Army is at the forefront of technological development and REME also contributes to the design and development of new military equipment. Teams of REME experts work alongside designers and engineers in research establishments to ensure any new equipment is as reliable and as easy to repair as possible. REME is also responsible for planning how it will be supported through its service.
Engine Repair.
Regimental march - "Lillibulero".
