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SMARDAN, Romania- At NATO’s Steadfast Dart exercise, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) of the British Army play a crucial role in ensuring that vehicles remain operational and effective throughout the duration of the exercise. This support is vital for the success of the operations, demonstrating the indispensable nature of the REME in maintaining combat readiness.

Alex, a major with the REME outlines the broader objective of REME at Steadfast Dart: “Our goal is to repair and recover all the fighting equipment. If a vehicle is bogged down or breaks, we bring it to a safe place for repairs and quickly return it to service.” This capability is funcamental to maintaining the operational tempo and effectiveness of the deployed forces. Throughout the exercise, REME’s role involves not only immediate repairs but also preparing and maintaining readiness across all vehicle fleets. “We’ve been ensuring that every piece of equipment is ready for deployment since last October,” Alex notes, underscoring the ongoing commitment to readiness and reliability.

Craftsman Leighton, a dedicated recovery mechanic with REME, embodies the hands-on effort required to keep military operations moving. Stationed directly in the field, Leighton’s primary responsibility involves the rapid recovery and repair of vehicles that encounter mechanical failures or get stuck during maneuvers. “Anything that breaks down or gets stuck, I’ll be there with a wrecker to pull everyone out,” Lighton describes, highlighting his essential role in the logistics chain. 

Daily, Leighton faces various mechanical issues that require suick thinking and robust problem-solving skills. Our common issue involves vehicle breaks overheating, which can lead to fires if not manages correctly. The craftsman explains, “We take preventive measures like adjusting the gears and pumping the brakes off in the cab to stop them from overheating.” This level of attention and expertise is critical in preventing minor mechanical issues from becoming major operational obstacles.