Page 87 - Mercian Eagle 2012

Pte Worth explains to the Duke of Westminster how hot it is wearing a hat in Cyprus
deployed as the Venue Security Force to the Olympic Park. Ptes Tomkin and Worth were X-ray trained hence they were deployed to the Vehicle/Pedestrian Screening Area. Capt Lam was reassigned as the Watchkeeper
in the J1/J4 Cell back in the TDA Hainault Camp. He had also performed some “undercover” operations in civilian clothing inside the Olympic Park with the Provost Staff led by an RAF Wing Commander
to enforce the discipline of the Armed Forces personnel. He also extended his mobilisation to cover the Paralympics.
Sgt Talbot has mobilised for
Op HERRICK 17 and we wish him a successful tour and a safe return home.
During the year, we said farewell to
Sigs PSI Sgt Rushton as he returns to
3 MERCIAN. In return, we welcomed CSgt Dodd once again as Sigs PSI. We also welcomed Cpl Rogers, ex-regular of the Royal Anglian, and Ptes Connelly, Tomkin and Worth. Our congratulations went to Capt Jones for his commission to become the MTO.
We also congratulated those who had successfully passed their courses: Sgt Helliwell on RMQ 1-3, Sgt Newell on BCDT, LCpls Jones and Bolus on their PTI and ETL respectively.
Those whose names have not been mentioned in any major events had of course participated in the normal training during the year. They had certainly contributed to the success of the Company in one form or another. Needless to say that the PSAO Capt Mark Butler, and his team AO Mrs Liz Tonn and Sgt Brockhurst, continued to look after our administration and welfare, without which the Company could not have operated in such an efficient manner.
Civilian to Soldier by Potential Officer H Riddle
H Riddle, Potential Officer, E ‘RIFLES’ Company 4 MERCIAN
Entering the gates of your local TA unit isn’t the first step to changing from a civilian into a soldier. The first, arguably the biggest step, isn’t even logging onto the British Army’s Website. The biggest step is knowing in your mind that you want to join the Army and deciding to act upon it.
After three interviews at your unit or local TA centre, with the recruiter and those higher up the chain of command, you receive selection dates. Selection isn’t just a combination of mental and physical tests; it gives you a good idea what to expect and an insight into the Territorial Army and those already in it.
This proved an enjoyable experience spending the first night out with the army and trying to simulate patrols and stag duty throughout the night with a few short half loaded tabs to also remind you that fitness is a major priority when joining the TA. It was also a good opportunity to hold a weapon and have a
live in a cardboard box but it was nearly better than home. The rifle lessons were extensive and well taught, everyone loved getting to grips with these; learning how to strip down, clean, oil, fire, carry out NSPs, function tests, fit slings, the names of parts and how they work.
Even more appreciated was the chance we were given to let off some steam on
a blank firing exercise. I felt I applied the correct amount of creative aggression into my “prepare to move” yells and shouts at the mock Taliban insurgent the other end of the woods.
To mention some of the knowledge gained from the intensive course; military law; drill; types of ammo; harbour/patrol bases; safe systems of training; rules; identifying individuals and vehicles; camouflage and concealment, custody and arrest; security of weapons and equipment; poncho construction;
9 point firing position checklist; target
go with a night vision sight; which is always exciting the first time!
indication; grouping; marksmanship principles; firing drills; core values; health and physical fitness; aiming off and much more. The knowledge and expertise that has been thrown at us on TSC(A) went in one ear and seemingly stuck there.
The course did have high drop-out rates.
Around ten of forty eight initial recruits dropped out of training. TSC(A) was intensive and physically hard. We got little sleep and not much time to eat and were constantly rushed about. However, as the course went on we got used to the pace, and it eased off slightly in the way that, because we’d been rushed about so much, many of us had lots of laundry admin to do; so time was permitted to get squared away and visit blister clinic if necessary. (If you prepared for the course by buying socks and boxers as I did, washed your combats in the sink, and treated your own blisters, this time was free time).
The £350 for your time at the end isn’t a bad reward either, considering that if it’s possible to receive this training anywhere else you’d have to pay for it. A really good experience so far. TSC(A), Exercise TAPO MACAW (a Potential Officer weekend organised by 143 Brigade), the look at life course and the time spent at
E Coy 4 MERCIAN, Shrewsbury, for me, has formed a great start to my training as a Rifleman and potential officer.
The next phase for
many is going along
to your TA centre on
training nights, sitting
in on lessons and
getting to know the
other soldiers within
the Company. After a
few lessons on the 24
hour clock, phonetic alphabet and rank system you are then booked on to Trained Soldier Course Alpha (TSC(A)). For me this came in the form of a ten day training block in summer which forms the first part of ‘Summer’ or ‘Midlands Challenge’.
The biggest step is knowing in your mind that you want to join the Army and deciding to act upon it.
Luckily the training for the TA is flexible. It’s possible to do your TSC(A) either as a series of weekends away or a block of ten days in summer. The same goes for the rest of training. The ten days of training, which for me was spent at Pirbright, was a really good experience.
The TSC(A) Summer Challenge that’s just taken place, was the first TA course run by the Regular Army. Usually the instructors are TA who teach the course by their own schedule, so it was a steep learning curve, even for the regular staff, who, as they explained weren’t quite sure what to expect from TA soldiers under training.
Elements of the course I found to be the highlights of my training surprised me – the food and the beds for one! Despite the short time we were given to enjoy the food and the sleep I have to say it was very good. Not to hint that I
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