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Ex ASKARI STORM – Task Force Hannibal
The 2nd Battalion were selected to become the enemy force on Ex ASKARI STORM, deploying to Kenya from Jan to May 2022 for what would be the final collective event. As an exercise it was a great opportunity;
it provided a focussed, challenging and meaningful activity for just shy of 300 involved.
We deployed with a Battle Group headquarters, two manoeuvre groups and a recce force known as the Jaguar force which consisted of Recce and Sniper Platoons. Each of the manoeuvre groups were augmented with a slice of support weapons (machine guns and anti-tanks). Accompanied and enabled by a small
but perfectly formed G4 contingent who
performed miracles on a daily basis. On top of this we had also provided much of the Permanent Range Team for the CALFEX, deploying up to Archer’s Post early on to plan, build and deliver the live firing for 1 PWRR. They then became the observer mentors for the exercise on Lolldaiga.
Using the tactics adopted from our near- peer enemies, we deployed with enough time to undertake activity outside of the main exercise. BCS was conducted by everyone, B Coy deployed early to provide assistance for some experimentation tasks by 1 PWRR, and a Short-Term Training Team deployed up to Isiola to deliver counter-insurgency training to the Kenyan Defence Force. Almost everyone conducted
adventure training, and it was a pleasure to be able to take the opportunity to go into Nanyuki for a few beers now and again.
It was a different experience to the year previously, and much improved. And not a sniff of Covid.
An awesome experience for everyone, in an arduous and austere environment, it was a test for all. It was a pleasure to operate alongside the 1 PWRR BG, and we gave them a good scrap throughout.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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