Book excerpt: The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) provides the Armys integral repair and recovery capability. Its soldiers are deployed at the front line and have to be capable of switching instantly from a technical role to fighting alongside those they support, as their many awards for gallantry demonstrate.This, the third volume of REMEs distinguished history covers the period from post-Cold War drawdown to the end of UK combat operations in Afghanistan, during which time REME was continuously involved in operations. The narrative knits together personal accounts of front line experiences with an explanation the political and military background, with a particular focus on equipment support issues.It explains how REME operates and deals with broader issues related to the procurement and support of equipment, and the changing organizations delivering these vital services, within which members of REME have frequently played key enabling roles.