Page 53 - MERCIAN Eagle 2022

RAP
2022 has been a very busy period for the 2 MERCIAN RAP.
The RAP deployed with the Bn to Kenya on ASKARI STORM where they worked tirelessly
to ensure the best possible care was provided to the soldiers on exercise.
On return from Kenya, the medics covered numerous taskings including medical cover for the King’s Division Training Team and assessing staff for the AMS NRA (Role 1 Validation) as
well as individually preparing for posting to their new units.
Cpl Carradus was awarded full core colours from the Army Medical Services Sports Union
for his continued services and commitment to AMS Basketball and including helping to run and referee at the AMS Inter-Unit competition this year.
Sgt Ngu has also contributed towards the AMS Basketball team by playing numerous games this year. He also continues to study for his Primary Healthcare Specialist qualification.
We have celebrated the well-deserved promotion of Cpl Titcombe to Sgt and he is now due to move to 4 Medical Regiment as a Sqn Sgt. He has represented the AMS Football team on numerous occasions including stepping up as team captain when needed. Outside of work, Sgt Titcombe cycled the North Coast 500 route of Scotland in July 2022, raising over £1,500 for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust. This was an arduous self-organised fundraising event that involved him and 2 Reserves soldiers cycling a total of 465 miles each with an elevation of nearly 9,500 metres, over a gruelling 6 days. Raising money for Cystic Fibrosis is something that is very important to Sgt Titcombe, as unfortunately, one of his friend’s daughters was born with the illness in 2017. Since this time, Sgt Titcombe and a group of his friends have continuously raised money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and have now raised over £21,000.
Command Platoon
WO2 Jon ‘Cas’ Castledine
Command Pl were deployed to Kenya early February 2022. After a miserable Covid situation the previous year, Command Pl were determined to improve from what we had done before. Command Pl had a majority of new signallers into the Pl.
Command Pl deployed for the last part of the exercise for two weeks. Beforehand they were in camp, coming up with new ideas, how we could move quickly and effectively over the ground without BGHQ being detected.
Command Pl were given Motorola communications that replaced Bowman and white fleet vehicles instead of FFRS.
What Command Pl came up with was splitting BGHQ into two teams. With equally the right skills and experience in each group. We made two headquarters using thermal sheeting to go over the vehicles. This gave us room in the centre of BGHQ to conduct planning and execution, situational awareness on the ground and cover from any overhead
surveillance and the sun.
When we deployed, we could use both
headquarters very quickly and not placing them in the same spot. We saw this as
a massive advantage to us, as we could run the Battle on the move, and CHOC if required, but if one BGHQ got taken out then the other could easily and quickly take control.
Two new members have given their views when out in Kenya:
Pte Hemfrey – “On exercise Askari Storm, I was part of Command Pl in
task force Hannibal as a signaller. It was brilliant to be out there and to see the signals side of life as I was previously rifle company. Listening to the plans and seeing how the action plays out gave me a bigger picture of situational awareness.
One night I was tasked as part of a team, now known as Seal Team G6, to conduct a raid. The raid was successful and gained a lot of intelligence and the enemy’s future intentions.
I was awarded a CO coin for my hard
work in Kenya and especially with the success raid which helped us win the battle. It was a very good time in Kenya and I’m looking forward to going back out again.”
Pte Clarke – “Deployed on Askari Storm 2022, this was a great experience as being new to the PL I could use my knowledge to gain more experience. It was amazing to see how the battle was run and gave me a great understanding.
As a newly formed Command PL, we used different techniques to fight off the enemy, this showed we could adapt to many situations. Working as part of a team in the command structure was very interesting and informative. You would see and learn about different capabilities and plans that we would use to combat enemy forces.
I was part of the Seal Team G6 and for my hard work in Kenya I was awarded a CO’s coin.”
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THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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