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After moving from the ERI Cadre into a Mainstream role, I was looking forward to the challenges ahead, however, I slightly underestimated how busy the Battalion was going to be. Before I even managed to decorate my office, I saw myself deploying on Op SHADER. Luckily, this was only a short deployment, in preparation for longer ones during the following year. Between now and then, I managed to squeeze in hosting the first league race of the Regional Cross Country for 120 participants within the North.
2024 has already been an extremely busy period for 1 R YORKS, which saw a deployment on Ex DESERT KHANJAR from January to March. The initial phase of the Exercise was to ensure all 500 Service Personnel (SP) were acclimatised to Oman’s extreme weather conditions and as the SSI conducting the training, safeguard troops whilst ensuring operational effectiveness. Once this 6-week period had passed and I had completed the same lap of camp for the umpteenth time, the Battalion then moved forward to begin the Exercise. It was at this point that I moved North to conduct the Adventurous Training (AT)package, which would be a welcomed break for the final phase of the training.
Swapping their usual routine for a series of exhilarating activities, 450 SP (split down over 5 weeks) embarked on the AT package which was slightly different from the hill walking and kayaking packages Wales has to offer. Clad in their gear, soldiers dipped their toes into the crystal-
Ex DESERT KHANJAR – Camp Geko, Oman
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HEADQUARTERS NORTH
1 ROYAL YORKSHIRE REGIMENT
SSgt (SSI) L Evans RAPTC
clear waters of the Gulf of Oman whilst snorkelling alongside turtles, who were probably wondering what all the fuss was about – the sailing package was a massive hit with all. The Middle Eastern adventure then ramped up and the troops pedalled their way through rugged terrain and the breathtaking scenery of Oman’s mountains. Amongst the adrenaline fuelled activities, the troops also took some time to immerse themselves in the Omani culture, exploring the bustling streets of Muscat and managed to fit in a visit to the Grand Mosque, the largest in the country. Overall, all the AT packages enhanced morale and gave the Battalion a renewed energy for their return to the UK.
On returning to the UK and a short period of Easter Leave, it was back to the grind and preparing for the upcoming Regional British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF) competition. With 1 R YORKS having a recent gymnasium upgrade, it was a perfect opportunity to showcase new equipment to the Garrison and get all the Gym staff involved in a large-scale event.
The Battalion has now stepped up to R1, has committed to Ex WESSEX STORM and deploys on Op ELGIN later in the year. It looks as though I will be swapping the comforts of the gymnasium for CO’s TAC for the remainder of 2024!
SSgt (SSI) L Evans delivering a Regional BAWF event
Ex DESERT KHANJAR Kayaking in the Gulf of Oman