Page 76 - MERCIAN Eagle 2022

Ex SAVA STAR
Lt Jack Poade
Nine personnel from 4 MERCIAN spent two weeks in Eastern Croatia training and mentoring troops from 156 RLC Regiment on their infantry orientated Overseas Training Exercise (OTX). The exercise largely consisted of build-up training which culminated in a short Final Training Exercise (FTX) which tasked platoons
with ambushes, deliberate attacks and
a light mechanised C-IED integrated
serial with the Croatian Armed Forces (CAF). The majority of 1 and 3 Platoon’s training focused on infantry fundamentals; this is not to say the learning curve was not steep. 156 Regt RLC contained
a mixed level of infanteering ability so
4 MERCIAN’s subject matter experts
had to get the basics done well and then progress from there. The progression, a mix of Chefs, Drivers, and Logistic Supply Specialists, was evident when the troops went from learning section attack theory to completing not only section attacks but platoon attacks within three days of the initial build-up training.
Whilst 1 and 3 Platoon were focussing on understanding and practising British
Army light infantry doctrine, 2 Platoon spent their first week embedded with the CAF, operating in and out of their Light Mechanised Mine Resistant Armoured Protected (MRAP) vehicles. This enabled 2 Platoon to understand the Host Nation’s tactics, techniques and procedures for light mechanised operations in a rural environment. The feedback from both sides was positive, the end state was
a successful, integrated, C-IED serial which was exercised on the distinguished visitors’ day.
In addition to field training, there were three range days, this was predominately 4 MERCIAN led. RLC Reservists
were trained and mentored on how to effectively engage targets with different applications of fire for the SA80 and Glock 17 weapon systems. The success was
evident when a select few were chosen to represent the British Army against
the Croatians in a shooting competition. This saw the British Army team win by three points. Unfortunately, the success could not be repeated in the next round of competition, which saw the CAF 1st Mechanised Battalion, also known as the ‘Falcons’ beat a team from 4 MERCIAN, 3 Regt RLC and 156 Regt RLC 6-2 in a game of football at a nearby stadium.
Two cultural days followed and Reservist personnel were transported to the town of Osijek and Slavonski Brod allowing them to relax and reflect on the two-week exercise. A small medals parade concluded the exercise. This saw LCpl Kirby from Cheshire receiving the Commanding Officer’s coin for his qualities in teaching and ability to develop his subordinates.
74
Mobilisation
UK Standby Battalion– High Readiness Reserve (HRR) for UK Resilience Operations
Maj Nigel Bradley QGM
Towards the end of 2022, 4 MERCIAN took part in one of three Field Army pilot events which saw Army Reservists held at readiness on standby to react at short notice in support of UK Resilience tasks, predominantly flooding, in local areas
of operation. 46 personnel signed HRR contracts committing to either 24 or 48
hrs notice to move in the event of a call
out and mobilisation. The 6-week duration of the pilot event passed without incident, however, to ensure that the event was tested fully, a test exercise was prepared by HQ West Midlands Brigade and personnel were ‘called out’ on 25th November.
During the test exercise, troops were fully mobilised and received a comprehensive
2 day training and familiarisation package where they received presentations on
UK Resilience operations, the role of the Joint Resilience Liaison Officer, gained
Ironbridge
an understanding of the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Procedures (JESIP) as well as receiving practical instruction on water safety procedures delivered by the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and erecting flood barrier defences held by the Environment Agency.
A day of ground familiarisation in the Ironbridge Gorge area, a location where residents have endured frequent flooding topped off a thoroughly interesting weekend package and troops were demobilised
keen to volunteer again having seen how worthwhile and regarding a response of this nature can be especially when working in support of their local communities.
Flood barriers
THE MERCIAN EAGLE