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The Royal Dragoon Guards (RDG) are an Armoured Cavalry Regiment responsible for delivering ISTAR and Anti-Tank capability to 20 Armoured Brigade Combat Team.
Upon my arrival in Jan 23 from Regional Rehabilitation Unit (RRU) Bulford, I was warmly welcomed into the RDG. The initial priority was to upgrade an outdated gymnasium with a full complement of Physical Training Equipment (PTE) including flooring and a Strength & Conditioning (S&C) rig system. HQ Regional Command supported me with this, of which the results have shown to be immensely beneficial to not only the delivery of the Army Physical Training System (APTS), but also the morale of soldiers. The Physical Training Programme (PTP) has seen further improvements where I have utilised my ERI skillset to help increase Service Personnel (SP) knowledge, confidence and physical performance.
In Jun 23, the RDG returned from a demanding 7-month deployment in Eastern Europe. After a period of Post Operational Tour Leave (POTL) and
ROYAL DRAGOON GUARDS
SSgt (SSI) J Shaw RAPTC
summer leave, the regiment rolled straight into their next Op cycle and began pre- deployment training for Op CABRIT 15. As part of this training the RDG have conducted a series of squadron and regimental exercises such as: Ex IRON CYCLONE, Ex IRON DRAGOON and Ex STANZEN. A series of mounted ranges and dismounted Live Fire Tactical Training (LFTT) ranges, as well as running two Potential NCO Cadres to facilitate the development of junior leadership in the regiment. Alongside this high output, the regiment have also been working extremely hard within camp by upskilling and converting from Jackal to Warrior. Additionally, they carried out 10 physically demanding days to be a part of Op GOLDEN ORB for the King’s Coronation.
Despite this high output, the regiment found time to host the Shamrock Cup: an inter squadron sports competition that takes place in the build up to St Patrick’s Day. The various squadrons compete in a series of events such as Cross Country, Football, Touch Rugby, BAWF and Tug of War. The winning squadron was presented the Shamrock Cup by the CO on St Patrick’s day.
LCpl Stockwell Delivering CO’s PT
With the bulk of pre-deployment training completed, the RDG are now looking forward to deploying on Op CABRIT 15 in Sep 24, where they will complete their final validation exercise and will be responsible for pioneering the use of drones in a formation reconnaissance ISTAR role for 20 Brigade.
Christmas standdown fancy dress run
Sgt Taylor and LCpl Stockwell finish Battlesbury Hill
RDG on Ex IRON DRAGOON