Between 07-10 Sep 20 personnel from RAF Odiham Catering Deployment Squadron (CDS) participated in the Unit Annual Field Catering Refresher Training. This training is recognised as a Catering competency and is a requirement for deploying overseas. Qualified personnel can be utilised as an Individual Augmentee (IA) in support of 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (3MCS) at crash sites, exercises, disaster relief, operations and large-scale events, such as the 2012 Olympics.
The training day consists of a series of instructor-led lessons relating to the operation and maintenance of the Operational Field Catering System (OFCS) and the Lightweight Field Generator (LFG).
As a team, personnel erect a bespoke 24 x 18 tent, plan and set up the OFCS and the dining room. They are then tasked to produce a lunch consisting of two hot choices, potatoes, vegetables and two dessert choices. This is all produced utilising the 10-man Operational Ration Pack (ORP). After lunch, the team break down the tentage, clean and pack away all equipment prior to concluding the day with a written examination to check and confirm understanding.
