AN instructor from Netheravon took part in a major Reservist exercise on Salisbury Plain Training Area.

Exercise Southern Bluebell saw The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) receive hands-on training on current operational vehicles and equipment.

Staff Sergeant Sean ‘Johno’ Johnson, 45, from Netheravon was part of a team of expert instructors who enabled 170 Army Reservists from units across the south of England to update their knowledge and competency at their trade so that ultimately they are able to be mobilised and support the regular Army.

The training was designed to focus on practical work using realistic scenarios. The soldiers honed their skills in the areas of vehicle recovery and movement, battle damage repair and vital back room skills such as metal work and welding.

Staff Sergeant Johnson, is part of 103 Battalion, 128 Field Company, and REME which is based in Portsmouth.

“I was there to facilitate the training for all the guys who have come from different units and regiments across the country,”

he said. “I ensured that they got decent vehicle mechanic training that will advance them through their qualifications.

“As artificer, I have to be a specialist in everything whether it is wheeled vehicles or armoured tracked vehicles such as the Warrior. Not so much a Jack of all trades but a master of them all.”

Staff Sergeant Johnson joined the Reserves in 1995 and has served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. He works for Aspire Defence as the reactive maintenance manager heading up a team of 57 staff who look after the heating and electrical maintenance for service accommodation in the Salisbury Plain area.