Page 20 - Mercian Eagle 2012

OC Maj RA Goodwin CSM WO2 M Buckley
MT Platoon MTO Captain Dermott MT Sgt Sgt Westmoreland
Since the last edition of the Eagle the MT Platoon has been involved in a vast array of tasks. The main focus has been preparing for deployment on H17. This task for the MT started immediately we returned from Easter Leave and will continue until deployment. The first phase of this task dealt with procurement of a large amount of driving licences across the Battalion. A six-week
Operators and Commanders to a very high standard. The bespoke training facilities at DST (L) place all who attend into typical driving environments that they may find themselves in when driving on operations. The watermanship area proved to be popular (and cold) with all who drove through!!! From start to finish this was a four- month training period which also included attendance at the Crew Training School in Bovington which allowed vehicle crews to operate in a tactical environment for the first time.
plan was put into place to achieve this. The plan allowed a soldier to progress from Theory and Hazard Perception training to practical driving and then finally onto GS Module 1 in a three-week period. Start dates were staggered with a fresh course starting every week. The throughput of 20 soldiers a week was ambitious and certainly put a lot of pressure on members of the Platoon. Pte “Harry Potter” Beattie put
The first phase of this task dealt with procurement of a large amount of driving licences.
Without doubt the highlight of the training year was Kenya. The platoon deployed in early January until March 2012. For many of the platoon this was a welcome return to Kenya having previously trained there two years ago. Many were keen to see what changes had been made. Once the vehicle fleet had been taken over (no mean feat as it incorporates over 260 platforms) the BG were issued their vehicles and training began. During the exercise the Platoon was very fortunate to have eighteen members of the LSR attached to add their extensive vehicle
in some long hours to collate the mountains
of paperwork required for each phase of the
course. The assistance of DST Leconfield was critical in processing the new qualified drivers through the GS Module. This task could not have been completed without their assistance. At the end of the process 74 new licences had been achieved and all those drivers were ready to attend DST Leconfield for UOR vehicle training.
Concurrently with this training Cpl (now Sgt) Westmoreland carried out HAZMAT training for selected individuals across the Battalion and a small number from other Units within the Garrison. Two courses were conducted within Marne Barracks. The awarding
qualifications. The platoon were keen to reacquaint themselves
with the training areas. Daily sustainment taskings were conducted delivering a plethora of supplies to every element of the BG across the complete spectrum of training areas. The old tired Bedford fleet (some vehicles were older than Sgt Gavin!!) focused the driving of
the platoon. Breakdowns were a regular occurrence and vehicle availability altered by the hour. The LAD deserve a special mention for their tireless efforts in repairing the fleet. Due to their efforts the BG achieved some of the highest vehicle availability known to Kenya. A number of the platoon relished the environment of Kenya and enjoyed the “back to basics” lifestyle needed to guarantee the best results. The MT had a critical part to play in every aspect of the exercise and the lessons learned will assist in the next phase of training.
Post Kenya the platoon enjoyed Easter leave before throwing itself into MST and very quickly we found ourselves in Lydd conducting live firing. The weather at that time of year was awful which produced some of the worst shooting conditions possible. Washout was a very familiar saying which didn’t always indicate a firer’s score!!
A number of changes have occurred within the platoon. Sgt Gavin has moved to the QM’s and has been replaced by Sgt Westmoreland. Pte Camara has moved to CIS whilst Ptes Crawford and Hunter have returned to a Rifle Coy. The platoon has been joined by Pte Bikas and Pte Tamang who have transferred from the RGR.
The Kilby Brothers discuss tactics
authority (SVQ) paid a visit to the first course to ratify the instruction and validate the instructor (bit of flapping from Westy). At the completion of both courses 32 HAZMAT qualified soldiers had successfully passed the course.
After summer leave the platoon focused on UOR training at DST Leconfield. Soldiers from every Coy in the Bn were delivered to DST (L) for training in the various platforms that the Bn would
be required to operate on H17. These courses, which vary from a week to ten days long, are intensive and train the
18
Headquarter company
The Company returned from some
well deserved Christmas leave and
quickly prepared to deploy to Kenya on Exercise ASKARI THUNDER 5. As a Battle Group, Headquarter Company
split into its usual enabling components, everybody in the Company working hard to support a demanding exercise working in austere conditions with extended lines of communications and logistics. You will read more from the Departments as you continue to read on. After a successful exercise everybody participated in some well organised adventure training set up by the BCMO, Captain John Elms.
On return from Kenya we hit the ground running and moved straight into MST again, enabling and participating fully in CSTTX, CFX, CALFEX and FTX training and supporting the fighting echelons in
the Battalion. As I write these notes we have just completed the FTX. We are ready and trained and will all go on a short spell of pre-deployment leave before flying to Afghanistan. We will then complete
team have worked hard, often picking up the less glamorous jobs, such as fatigues and real life support.
Everybody has worked hard and I am extremely proud of what
the RSOI package and move to our final locations in theatre.
everybody has worked hard and i am extremely proud of what Headquarter company has achieved....
Headquarter Company has achieved in this busy training year. It has been an honour and a privilege to command Headquarter Company, professional men and women often working long hours ensuring that all the Battalions’ needs
A special mention
must go to the Rear
Operations Group
(ROG) who formed
up early to allow the
Battalion to participate
in all the training serials
mentioned above. The CSM, WO2 Buckley is thanked for his part in this, ensuring that normality in Barracks routine continued, which allowed us to concentrate on the training. During Kenya and MST he and his
are met in a timely and professional manner. I would like to finish off by wishing everybody in the Company a safe tour and look forward to reading the stories from Op HERRICK 17 in the next edition of the Mercian Eagle.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE