The sole provider of individual logistic and personnel administration training to the Naval Service, the Defence Maritime Logistics School (DMLS) is a DCLPA lodger unit within HMS RALEIGH, the Royal Navy’s Initial Ratings’ Training Establishment, located in South-East Cornwall. The School’s ethos focuses on Operational Capability to ensure trainees are ready to play their part at sea as professional logisticians imbued with a fighting spirit; they are Sailors First.
Approximately 60% of DMLS output is dedicated to providing Phase 2(Initial Trade) training to Junior Ratings prior to their first complement draft, which will invariably be at sea. Phase 2 course lengths vary from 11 to 26 weeks; all those who successfully complete their professional training gain a relevant Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). Other key outputs include the delivery of Phase 2 training to the Royal Navy’s Logistics Officers to cover the span of N1 and N4 disciplines, new entry training to all RFA junior ratings, Phase 2 training to RFA chefs, stewards and stores accountants and Phase 3 (career and advancement) training for the Royal Navy’s Logistics Branch. The vast majority of this training focuses upon the logistician’s role in seagoing units. The school also provides training to logisticians of the Royal Naval Reserve and those regular and reserve personnel who form the specialist Forward Logistics Site cadre. A range of shorter courses are also provided to prepare both logisticians and members of other branches for a variety of other specialist roles.
Training is delivered through a blended approach. While there is still some need for classroom based instruction, every effort is made to teach in a practical environment. Extensive use is made of Realistic Working Environments that mimic those found in Ships and Submarines. DMLS has a number of these facilities ranging from Submarine storerooms, to the Wardroom of a Type 23 Frigate and a galley infrastructure similar to that found on a Type 45 Destroyer. The training emphasises the students’ learning through practice; this provides strong evidence for the award of NVQs. Where possible, we seek to integrate our training across trades and ranks/rates to reflect the operation of a logistics department at sea. Similarly, we strive to ensure that, as far as possible, the DMLS infrastructure, management systems and terminology reflect those found at sea; we aim to train as we fight, an aim very much aided by very close links to HMS RALEIGH.
DMLS comprises just fewer than 100 staff, commanded by a Commander Royal Navy, and has 4 training pillars. Specialist Training provides deep trade training in Catering Services, Supply Chain and Personnel Administration to Phase 2 and 3 ratings. Command Training provides all Officer training; Afloat Support manages the training of RFA personnel; Forward Support delivers RNR and Forward Logistics Site training; Specialist and Command Training are headed by Lieutenant Commanders Royal Navy, Afloat Support by a 1st Officer RFA and Forward Support by a Commander Royal Naval Reserve who is also head of the RNR Logistics Branch.