The SOE Award for the Best REME Craftsman or JNCO was presented to Corporal Adam Cowen by Ian Macdonald IEng Hon FSOE director/trustee & chair of the Membership & Professional Standards at the SOE.
Ian said the event held every year showcased the skill and dedication of REME engineers in a number of categories across the corps and he was delighted to represent SOE at this event.
Cpl Adam Cowen, VM, demonstrated exceptional resilience and professionalism during his deployment to Abuja, Nigeria. Initially arriving as a LCpl to replace a higher-ranking individual as OP TURUS transitioned, Cowen faced the challenge of managing a mixed fleet of 29 platforms across Nigeria as the sole VM in the country.
Despite the post being downgraded, the technical demands remained high, requiring Cowen to work tirelessly to maintain the fleet's operational readiness.
Under immense pressure and with limited resources, Cowen excelled in sourcing spares, communicating effectively with UK counterparts, and upgrading workshop facilities. His commitment to engineering standards and safety was unwavering, earning him respect from superiors and colleagues alike. Cohen's resourcefulness and dedication were evident in his ability to revive a non-task worthy CAV minibus, enabling more demanding activities to be supported.
As the only JNCO in his role, Cowen gained a reputation for competence, judgement, and trust among officers, becoming a go-to resource for technical expertise. He mentored local mechanics, provided guidance on maintenance schedules, and contributed significantly to the operational effectiveness of the team in Nigeria. Despite the challenging environment, Cowen's positive attitude, work ethic, and involvement in team activities showcased his exemplary leadership and dedication to his role.
