Average Joe

Proud Salfordian | Sapper Officer | Mediocre Ultra Runner. Interests: Armoured Engineering | Mil History | Mental Resilience | Personal Development | Sci-Fi

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

1) On this day 6 February 1991 there was an incident during Op GRANBY resulting in the loss of two Centurion 165 AVREs from 32 Engineer Regiment.

Below is a first-hand account of what happened. Names have been withheld intentionally.

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

Selected for Commission into the Royal Engineers today. Humbled, honoured, and still in some disbelief - a ruffian from Salford, now to be an Officer in the British Army. 🍷

Grateful to all those who’ve supported me, especially my amazing wife. ❤️

The battle continues… 🪖

[Klaas Meijer @klaasm67]

No, this isn’t a Transformer. It’s a Leopard 2 Leguan, folding its 26-meter bridge. This bridge layer is operated by engineers of the Royal Netherlands Army.

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

@AndyAitcheson @thinkdefence @Geoff_Mawson @RE_Hist_Society Ironically as I’m now part of 39, I’m closer to AM2 and Harrier matting/BDRM than any tank bridges. 😂

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

@AndyAitcheson @thinkdefence @Geoff_Mawson @RE_Hist_Society It’s the No5 Tank Bridge, fully complete it is 13.72m long, it’s an up and over single span. Made from aluminium alloy.

The modern equivalent would be the BR90 No12 Close Support Bridge (CSB) which is 13.5m, and can span 12m gaps. Used with the Titan AVLB.

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

@thinkdefence @AndyAitcheson @Geoff_Mawson @RE_Hist_Society It’s from the Centurion Mk5 AVLB.

[Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 @DefenceHQ]

WEEVIL is a remote-controlled mine plough system created by @dstlmod & @pearson_eng_ltd, soon to be tested by the @BritishArmy.

🪖 Keeps soldiers safe while clearing minefields
💣 Carves a safe route by excavating and pushing mines aside
🚚 Adaptable to various vehicle platforms

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

@Tankman94 @21Engr That’s frustrating, would have been a fantastic addition for the more intricate work. Grabbing with the FLS bucket and EAS bucket is very tricky.

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

Love your work Dog Squadron. Great to see Terrier AET in action doing its job providing mobility support for Armoured Battlegroups. 🦾 @21Engr

[21 Engineer Regiment @21Engr]

Ex WINTER CAMP: Jan 2025

1st Field Squadron deployed on Ex WINTER CAMP as part of the @ArmdCavRDG Battlegroup.

During the exercise their Field Troops established several Abatis obstacles which were then cleared by their Terrier Armoured Engineering Vehicles.

@Proud_Sappers

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

@ADodson80 @21Engr Absolutely, always seems a bit ridiculous in luminous orange lol. 😂

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

@agbdrilling Love a bench, especially whilst out running. 😂

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

@TankMuseum “Don’t worry it’s just beneath us, keep it in first gear, foot down and power through!” 😳😂

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

Some days are better than others, but today was a great day.

We flew into the Belizean jungle to visit troops on a few of our engineer task sites. 🌴🚁🌴🇧🇿🤙🏻

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

@Proud_Sappers @32EngrRegt 2

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

@thinkdefence That’s immense, and incredibly dodgy. I’m in. 😂

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

The decks are up for this year’s Armoured Engineer Symposium at Bovington. It was a fantastic couple of days, filled with passionate and emotive debates about key areas of concern within armoured engineering. Despite the challenges discussed, there are many exciting developments on the horizon, presenting opportunities for our armoured sappers to lead at the forefront of innovation.

It is evident that the future of armoured engineering is evolving, and I firmly believe it’s for the better. While change is inevitable, the principles remain constant. No one embodies the motto ‘Follow the Sapper’ more than our armoured sappers. Their unwavering commitment and courage ensures that our Warfighting divisions can Live, Move, and Fight - and Win!

However, amidst our progress, it's crucial to acknowledge the work that lies ahead. There is always room for improvement, and we must continue to strive in the pursuit of excellence, in all areas. The battlefields may change but there will forever be a requirement for the expertise of specialist armoured engineers and their equipment. 🦾

#ArmouredSappers #SapperStrong #FollowTheSapper

[Tuffer @TufferB]

One for @thinkdefence

[Pearson Engineering @Pearson_Eng_Ltd]

Pearson Engineering's Mine Ploughs are essential tools for military operations. They are used to create a safe path through minefields, allowing troops and vehicles to advance. Our ploughs significantly accelerate the minefield clearance process.

Our Mine Ploughs are designed for easy attachment to a variety of military vehicles, including Main Battle Tanks, as well as Tracked and Wheeled vehicles. This versatility makes them a valuable asset in a range of combat scenarios.

Explore the range
➡️ Minefield Breaching Capability: https://t.co/8yCFB3m6qt
➡️ Route Opening Mine Plough: https://t.co/YEri4nhQ5P
➡️ Self-Protection Mine Plough: https://t.co/jy8H9M5kuT

#MinefieldBreaching #Minefield #MinePlough #Mines #Defence

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

Back in my old workplace this week attending the Armoured Engineer Symposium.

Great first day with some fantastic speakers and lots of interesting topics being discussed. 🦾

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

@Tankman94 TBC, but it will be a loss to the Corps if Titan AVLB does go out of service. I’d love to see a hybrid where both capabilities are available to Armoured Engineers Squadrons.

However from an equipment support perspective I suspect it would cause more problems than solutions.

[Average Joe @ArmouredSapper]

Fantastic side profile of Titan AVLB launching a No10 Close Support Bridge (CSB) across the River Avon on Salisbury Plain.

The No10 CSB enables armoured battle groups to cross rivers up to 24.5m metres wide and can be launched in 2 minutes. 🦾

#MobilitySupport #ArmouredSappers

[Corps of Royal Engineers @Proud_Sappers]

💪 Here come the #Sappers! 💪

#RoyalEngineers are more than just soldiers – they're a force of distinctive, driven, and highly #skilled professionals!

From being combat engineers to being multi-skilled in their trades, they're ready to take on any mission! 🔧��️

#BritishArmy