Page 31 - MERCIAN Eagle 2022

Reconnaissance Platoon
Pl Cmd Pl 2IC Pl Sgt
Capt Phenix-Norman CSgt Simmonds
Sgt Sanganoo
At the close of another successful and varied year, the Reconnaissance Platoon has grown in strength and size, welcoming fellow Recce soldiers from 2 MERCIAN
to form 1 MERCIAN’s lead Platoon. 2022 has provided the Platoon with a plethora of opportunities, some more international than others; however, each soldier has faced adversity and opportunity with equal optimism and effort.
The Platoon started its training year
by conducting several weeks of basic
recce training; developing the theory and lower-level understanding for the younger soldiers. Additionally, the new 2IC, who
was returning to the Platoon after several years working in stores, was rejuvenated
as though drinking from the grail itself. No prizes for originality were handed out for
the planning team as the first week involved Close Target Reconnaissance on Salisbury Plain and map reading, before taking a visit to the old faithful training area, Sennybridge. Cpl’s Kirton and Bothamley lead with their usual venerable nature, with Pte’s Brannick and Marsh proving their credentials
during tactical navigation and contact drill scenarios. CSgt Simmonds drove the need to look more ‘ally’ for all junior soldiers. Training culminated in a raid on Village
One, with the Sniper Platoon providing overwatch. LCpl McCann conducted the assault, proving his SCBC qualification is useful. Lessons learnt were noted however the key takeaway for all within the Platoon was to always check that Sniper Platoon have accounted for their own jerry cans.
A trip to Castlemartin Ranges reared
its head again in 2022. A few re-written Range Action and Safety Plans later, the Platoon Commander and the over qualified gunner, Cpl Kirton, finally managed to get their coaxial machine gun loaded the right way and gave the perfect example of range conduct (for those looking forward to next year’s Eagle, there will, as ever, be another mention of Castlemartin).
Never one to turn away a great training opportunity, the Recce Platoon provided support to multiple agencies during this year, including providing a model of Village One for PSBC. Cpl Bothamley took the lead on taking the entire Company through the assault, confusing and impressing
the Senior Division staff – this may have contributed to his performance on PSBC later in the year. An additional opportunity
Vehicle Hide – Ex IRON STORM – Jul 22
arose in playing enemy for local police authorities. This quickly transformed into an unfair scenario weighted heavily in favour of the police...
The year rounded off with the Platoon splitting to cover two taskings with half providing support to Op INTERFLEX delivering training to Ukrainian forces,
with the other half conducting training in camp under Cpl Griffin. Op INTERFLEX highlighted the quality of Cpl’s Kirton and Bothamley while Pte’s Brannick and Pell went above and beyond to deliver excellent training.
As the year closes with exciting new opportunities on the horizon and a new cohort of quality soldiers coming into the Platoon, it looks likely that 2023 will be another stellar year for Recce.
Commanders back brief – Sennybridge – Feb 22
Live firing – Castlemartin – Apr 22
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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