Page 22 - Mercian Eagle 2012

CIS Platoon
It has been a busy period for the CIS Platoon preparing for OPERATION HERRICK 17. MST has been a demanding and challenging time but the platoon is
now ready to deploy as part of 1 MERCIAN Transition Support Unit (TSU) to Nad-e-Ali. The platoon has seen itself transform in recent months with real investment in the soldiers’ technical ability, on demanding career courses as well as specialist technical courses. The most notable courses were the Regimental Signals Detachment Commander (RSDC) and Regimental Signals 2 (RS2) courses, for Cpls and Ptes respectively, where the Bn has enjoyed great success. This success has ensured that a reputation for excellence has been developed with the course organisers. This has been achieved through hard work and an influx of keen technically minded volunteers to CIS Platoon and
the Bn is now reaping the rewards of this investment. The evidence of this investment was on the 4 Brigade Final Test Exercise (FTX) which was the culmination of pre- deployment training and confirmation of the TSU’s readiness for Operations.
The modern battlefield has a plethora of communications information systems and the FTX was the platoon’s first opportunity to combine all of these systems together and exercise under challenging conditions. The Bn’s competence on CIS equipment was obvious for all to see and this enabled
the TSU to stay one step ahead of the enemy (Royal Welsh), exploiting the systems to enable better informed decisions to be made quicker than ever before. No longer is it the case that signallers are just expected to monitor a radio net. There are vast numbers of different complex systems to monitor, from computer systems capable
of transmitting images and emails over
the radio net to a variety of radio systems capable of speaking with the UK from Afghanistan via a satellite. These systems need maintaining and monitoring, placing extra demands upon the soldiers who operate them. Much of the skills required of soldiers are recognisable from yesteryear but communications truly is an area that
is unrecognisable and at the forefront
of innovation within the Army. All the soldiers of the platoon are excited by the challenges likely to be faced on operations in Afghanistan.
Deployment is a difficult time especially for families and it was great to see many of the CIS Platoon’s loved ones at the Battalion Families Day. The platoon put
on a number of stands but the blindfolded maze which required someone to direct you through it with a radio proved to be the most popular. This was most likely due to the reward of sweets for completing the course. Sadly children towards the end
of the day were disappointed due to Sgt Hutton finding the stash!
As the newly appointed Regimental Signals Officer I would like to wish Capt Andy Raven best wishes as he heads for pastures new in the Australian Army and Pte ‘Moose’ Cameron the best of luck in the future after the completion of his full colour service within CIS Platoon. I would also like to welcome from 204 Signals Squadron the new members of our team for tour.
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QM (M): QM (T): RQMS (M): RQMS (T):
Maj K J Fletcher Capt K Taylor WO2 R Page WO2 N Green
Quartermaster’s Department by Major K Fletcher
Initially the tail end of 2011 saw the QM’s Department experiencing a relatively stable period. More time and effort could be spent improving the infrastructure in Marne Barracks and ensuring that our equipment, and more importantly the way we managed it, could be scrutinised and checked in preparation for the fast approaching storm we all know as MST.
The lead up to Christmas 11 saw us complete the recce of Kenya in preparation for EX ASKARI THUNDER 5; an overseas adventure on which we deploy so frequently. I should not have been surprised when the majority of staff within Nanyuki
Camp and the surrounding training areas remembered us by name. We also ensured that we used this period to begin our preparations for the universally dreaded approach of our Combined Assurance visits and the associated inspections we were to endure almost as soon as returning to UK.
The beginning of 2012 saw us deploy
to Kenya immediately on returning from leave. The majority of the department
had experienced it before but we also had some new additions deploying with us this time. In an effort to reduce the pressure on the dedicated account holders the cavalry arrived in the form of Sgt Norm Bate, whom
we dragged from hiding as the Officers’ Mess Manager and gave a new role as Echelon SNCO. Sgt Paul Mitchell assumed the appointment of Nairobi Liaison SNCO,
a role a little bit more varied than he was used to as Sgts’ Mess Manager, and Pte Dan Wright who swopped white shirt and silver tray for Osprey Body Armour and rifle as a driver for A2 Echelon. This deployment also saw us welcome in Sgt Bob Lambert as the newly appointed Ammunition SNCO.
The Officers, Warrant Officers and SNCOs of 1 MERCIAN BATTLEGROUP EX ASKARI THUNDER 5
THE MERCIAN EAGLE