BRIG RICHARD SMITH REFLECTS ON ARMY AND RIFLES INVOLVEMENT IN THE OLYMPICS - WARNING ORDER TO REGISTER FOR VERY SHORT NOTICE OMEGA OLYMPIC JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The tri service spectrum of contributions to security at the Olympics
As the London Olympics fast approach at the end of this month, it has been interesting to reflect on the last year of planning Defence’s contribution to the Olympics in my current post as Director Olympics. I was appointed to this role 12 months ago and work to General Sir Nick Parker, our Colonel Commandant, in one of his primary roles as the Joint Commander for UK Operations.
As one might expect, Defence’s contribution to the London Olympics is very much in a supporting role with the overall lead for security lying with the Home Office. Not only should Defence be very much in support to the Civil Authorities but it is also key that the safe and secure environment, to which we are contributing, should be a core foundation in the background so that the Olympics can genuinely focus on the sport and celebrating the unique Olympic atmosphere.
This is not to underplay the importance of Defence’s contribution. When I started on my Olympic journey it amounted to about 5,000 Defence personnel mainly focused on supporting the Police in the familiar provision of bespoke capabilities such as High Level Search, EOD or Counter Terrorist assets. Over the past 12 months, however, that contribution has grown to approximately 13,500 Defence personnel with the bulk of the additional Service personnel being committed in support of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games’ (LOCOG) Venue Security Force. This will see Service personnel, in uniform and operating alongside commercial security partners such as G4S, coming into direct contact with the public, spectators and tourists in such roles as Pedestrian and Vehicle Screening Areas on the entry points to the key venues in and around London including the Olympic Park.
Of note, Defence’s contribution will be genuinely tri-Service and the photographs above from our Military LIVEX in early May give a feel the capabilities Defence is delivering in all 3 environments of Maritime, Land and Air. It is great that the Rifles will be providing an integral part of the Land Component.
During the Olympic Torch Relay, alongside the whole nation, we were very proud to have seen Rifles torch bearers including Judy Gaden the mother of the late Corporal Tom Gaden who carried the torch in Taunton, Corporal Ricky Furgusson MC from Telford, Rfn Michael Swain from St Albans and Rfn Jack Otter from Enfield.
Corporal Ricky Fergusson MC carries the torch in Telford
Further Regimental commitment to the Games will see 1 RIFLES operating as the UK Contingency Battalion and they are on standby to assist in reinforcing the Venue Security Force; 2 RIFLES being committed to venue security at Earl’s Court which will host volley ball and 5 RIFLES being committed to Horse Guards which fortunately for them will be hosting beach volley ball!
Above: During the Olympics, LCpl Goral, from Bournemouth, is part of the 1 RIFLES contingent providing perimeter security at the ExCel arena where boxing, judo, taekwondo, table tennis, fencing and weight-lifting events take place.
So with mounting anticipation I am watching the imminent approach of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which I am sure will be a great opportunity for Defence personnel to take part with pride in unique event which will be of real national importance.
OMEGA OPPORTUNITY – OLYMPICS WARNING ORDER
You will have seen in the media the issues concerning provision of security staff for the Olympics. The Omega project has been in discussion with G4S over the last few months. This problem may create an opportunity for the Omega-Rifles project to provide ex-military manpower to augment current security staff.
I am aware that a number of Rifles units have been drafted in to augment the security force; this opportunity is focussed at ex-Rifleman who maybe in a position to take advantage of what maybe on offer.
The purpose of this e-mail is to request expressions of interest to be employed as part of the Olympics security force. Tasking is likely to be at very short notice.
Please respond to Jon.Penhale@omegaresource.co.uk as soon as possible confirming dates available and any commercial security training (SIA etc) in the following format:
Name:
DOB:
Current location:
Dates available:
Security trg/quals:
Security experience:
A couple of lines on experience will be plenty.
Jobn Penhale hopes to have confirmation of the requirement and what is on offer (roles, rates of pay, sites etc) next week and will ensure everyone is kept up to date as the situation develops.
