Page 28 - Bugle Autumn 2023

4 RANGER
Ex NTC
G COMPANY HONE THEIR SKILLS ALONGSIDE 5TH US SPECIAL FORCES GROUP IN CALIFORNIA
In early 2023, two teams from G Coy, 4 RANGER undertook a joint exercise with
US Special Forces in the National Training Centre (NTC), California. The exercise tested the Team’s ability to operate at reach and integrate EW assets in a large-scale combat operation.
The Teams initially deployed to the US for t wo weeks of integration with the US Company they would be working under. Emphasis was placed on familiarising ourselves with both the HUMVEE 1.1 mobility platform, as well as the range of EW assets provided by attached enablers. Integration training continued with haste following the flight from Kentucky to Fort Irwin, deep in the Mojave Desert. It was here that the teams received their pre-deployment brief and mission. A hostile state had just invaded a non-NATO allied nation. The in-country Ranger teams were to partner
with host nation SOF and conduct a discreet infiltration behind the enemy lines to act as a sensor in the deep.
4 RANGER have implemented a series of sessions to help support mental wellbeing and resilience within the Bn known as FALCON MIND. In our latest session the Battalion focused on the importance of ‘Sleep Hygiene.’
Battalion personnel were split into equal groups to rotate through four stands. Each stand complimented the next and built a basic understanding of the importance of a good sleep routine. The Padre briefed us in depth on the importance of why we need sleep and the impacts that deprivation can have, not just on
Such a mission posed novel challenges
to the Ranger teams; they would conduct a partnered discreet infiltration at night through enemy lines in an unfamiliar vehicle platform and operating environment. All the while, the Teams would have to employ communications masking to prevent being compromised by the considerable EW assets being employed against them.
Unfamiliar challenges were undertaken with familiar relish. First, they successfully undertook a discreet night infiltration to 35km behind the FLET and established a series of OPs overlooking the avenues of approach. The sheer scale of the Mojave training area was staggering and added much to the realism of the training.
Throughout the following 10 days, the teams acted as sensors to observe and disrupt the advance of the enemy armoured Bde. UK EW assets served as a useful sensor, enabling Teams to detect enemy targets through their
our social lives but on our overall happiness. SSgt Glass delivered an in-depth brief on the operational impacts of sleep deprivation.
This focused on the effects of a soldier’s awareness and ability to perform basic tasks. It also highlighted the risks and mitigations commanders may be faced with during Operations.
SSgt Gurung our UCM, alongside Cpl Moore, looked into ‘Feed to Sleep.’ A great brief that included details of eating habits and its effect on our sleep. Meanwhile, WO2 Payne hosted mediation, a 20-minute taster of HeadSpace, and encouraged the group to relax from work life.
The sheer scale of the Mojave training area was staggering and added much to the realism of the training
EM emissions. Once detected, Teams were able to strike targets by calling in Div fires. When such fires were unavailable or risked excessive collateral damage, the Teams used their mobility platforms to conduct partnered raids on enemy targets, disrupting the enemy logistics chain and – through the destruction of Air Defence Systems - opening mobility corridors for allied air. 10 days into this action, the Teams received orders to conduct an RPOL through Host Nation forces. With the risk of fratricide this was no easy feat, but robust control measures ensured that everyone returned unscathed.
NTC 22-2 provided G Coy with a fantastic opportunity to test interoperability with 5th US SFG (A) while partnering with host nation SOF in a large-scale combat operation. Many to our US counterparts for being such welcoming hosts.
Capt James Howlett
Team Commander, G Coy
The afternoon was well attended, with some great feedback. We plan to hold two Ex Falcon Mind events per year, ensuring mental health and wellbeing are written into the battalion’s battle rhythm from now on.
Capt Steve Cox, UWO 4 RANGER
held in Val d‘Isère. Four members of the SPS detachment also showcased their skills at the AGC ski championships. Notably, Private Allison achieved a commendable second- place finish in the female slalom event.
Moreover, two members of G-Coy took time to participate in Ex Wyvern Caribbean Halo,
a challenging 2-week trekking expedition through the St Lucian Jungle. The Battalion also aims to complete further AT this year, with mountain biking and rock-climbing courses being planned.
SSgt Matt Glass, QMSI 4 RANGER
Adventure Training Ski trips
We plan to hold two Ex Falcon Mind events per year
The Battalion also
aims to complete further AT this year
In addition to maintaining a demanding operational and training schedule, 4 RANGER has successfully participated in various adventurous training activities over the last year.
26 members from HQ and A-Coy embarked on Alpine Ski expeditions to the picturesque town of Tignes in the French Alpes. The weeklong expeditions provided an exceptional opportunity for 19 individuals to experience skiing for the first time in one of the world’s premier ski destinations. By the end of the expedition, all 19 participants had successfully obtained the Ski Foundation One certificate. Additionally, seven other members
28 RIFLES The Bugle
of the expedition took on more challenging slopes, both on and off-piste, to further enhance their skiing abilities to earn the Ski Foundation Two qualification.
These expeditions were thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part and provided a distinctive opportunity to expose individuals to controlled risk while nurturing valuable skills such as teamwork, resilience, and leadership.
Furthermore, members of the Battalion have actively participated in Ski competitions throughout the year. Eight individuals represented the battalion at the Infantry Ski Championships, Exercise Forested Blade,
FALCON MIND – MENTAL HEALTH