Day 2
Thursday 27th January
Operational and tactical challenges
The operational environment is constantly changing. Whether it is mobility challenges in a disaster stricken area or combat engineering support on operations in Afghanistan then this final day of the conference will provide you with lessons learned and operational feedback that you will want to hear and discuss.
0830 – Morning Refreshments and Networking
0900 - Chairperson’s welcome to day two and a look at the day ahead
0910 – Tackling challenges facing military engineers in current operational theatres
Providing and designing quality engineer specific training for the needs of the US Army
• Developing army engineer doctrine to keep ahead of future requirements
• How to identify and articulate engineer materiel requirements through training and feedback
• What is being done to retain quality engineers during a time of high operational tempo?
Brigadier General Bryan Watson, Commandant, US Army Engineer School, USA
0940 – Driving technology alongside low-technology solutions
Understanding that operations of the future may not require technological advancements
• Thinking like an insurgent: How is the irregular enemy planning to impede our mobility?
• The vital link between technological solutions and the integration of human factors
1010 – How to effectively use research and development in support of the military engineer
Understanding the full range of laboratories available to the US army in support of engineering research
• Critical challenges in construction engineering for both combat and stability operations
• Keeping equipment lighter and more deployable – US Army protection and structure research
Dr John Cullinane, Deputy Director, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), USA
1035 - Morning Refreshments and Networking
Feedback and Lessons Learned session
The following four presentations and subsequent interactive discussions will provide you with exclusive access to current and recently returned operational commanders from both current conflicts and ongoing developments around the world.
1100 – Expeditionary engineering: A UK perspective in conducting the full spectrum of military engineering operations
Rapid deployable engineering forces without reliance on infrastructure
• Afghanistan focus: Supporting coalition and Afghan forces in southern Afghanistan - Mentoring mentored the Afghan National Army's military engineers
• Rebuilding and reconstruction work: Taking the lead from countering roadside bombs to building forward operating bases and refurbishing local Afghan infrastructure
Lieutenant Colonel Leigh Tingey, Commanding Officer, 24 Commando Engineer Regiment, UK
1125 – Current challenges in compound/patrol base construction
Gaining insight into how the engineering and logistical footprint can be reduced
• How to reduce pressures on water and energy usage in operational theatres
• Afghan case study: Constructing and sustaining compounds and FOBs in Uruzgan province
• Implementing new construction design and operational techniques in future operations
Lieutenant Colonel Paul van der Heul, Commander, Construction Engineer Works, 101 Engineer Battalion, Netherlands
1150 – Supporting and enhancing capability in the field – A unique Canadian perspective
Embracing the full range of construction engineering challenges
• Case study: Canadian construction engineers at Kandahar airfield
• Supporting and integrating new infrastructure for the arrival of the C-17 airframe
• Looking North: Construction activity in the arctic
Colonel Raymond Baker, Director Construction Engineering, 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters, Canada
1215 – Leading Expert Panel – Will we be able to afford and support the full range of engineering capabilities in future?
• The UK example: The Strategic Defence and Security Review and the potential outcomes for UK military engineering
• What capabilities do we need in future? From armoured combat engineers to expeditionary support
1245 - Lunch and Networking
Innovation Showcase Session
This session provides you with another opportunity to listen and interact with the leaders from industry who are producing and delivering innovative products and services to the military engineering community.
1345 - Showcase 1 – 3D-Radar AS
Advancements in Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
• Next generation 3d Ground Penetrating Radar (3d GPR) using step frequency radar technology and innovative multi channel antenna design
• How to detect and map underground infrastructure
Representative, 3D-Radar AS, Norway
1410 - Showcase 2 – GIS and Mapping solutions to enhance engineering capability
1435 - Showcase 3 – What are the current advancements in military engineering robotics?
1500 - Showcase 4 – Advancements in the neutralisation of explosive devices
1525 - Afternoon Refreshments and Networking
Counter-IED and EOD Challenges Session
The final session of this conference focuses on one of the most challenging areas of military engineering support – how to detect and defeat the wide range of improvised threats. The session will also focus on traditional EOD support.
1600 – Preparing operators for the future: Understanding the latest threat and training the soldier
1625 – What is NATO doing to enhance C-IED and overall EOD capability?
Understanding future needs and challenges throughout the EOD community
• How to effectively share knowledge throughout NATO nations
• What levels of information management can be developed to harness EOD/C-IED data and methods?
Colonel Roman Lackovic, Director, Centre of Excellence - Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Slovakia
1650 – Leading Expert Panel – Have we managed to keep ahead of the IED threat and how is it changing?
• How can we prevent skill fade once the current operations in Afghanistan draw down?
• Involving the military engineer to the ‘left and the right of the bang’
• Operations other than war: Making sure EOD and C-IED teams are ready to defeat the full range of mine and EOD threats
1715 – End of Day Two and the Conference
