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affected, a section attack involves the transition from skis to snowshoes, which feels like an age. However, with time and practice, plus a healthy dash of Commando humour, soldiering in the icy conditions becomes second nature.
The cold weather warfare course provides an excellent baseline of ability, a foundation upon which special-to-arm skills can then be built. As Commando Gunners, learning how to soldier in Norway only scratches the surface of the knowledge needed to fight in this environment. Alongside generating the multitude of instructional qualifica- tions needed – BV drivers, basic ski instructors, tent group commanders – deepening artillery SQEP has been a core aim of the renewed focus on the high north. At the gun end the environmental conditions present novel challenges. Gun platforms sinking into the deep snow, ice-and snow-covered ammunition, and keeping up the morale of the gun subs in sub-zero temperatures are all problems that must be overcome. For the observer’s, poor visibility is a perennial issue; optics and other TAS kit freezing over means that basic skills and drills must be to the highest standard. MSTAR, although much maligned by a younger generation, is excellent at adjusting fire in the cloud-filled valleys of the Setermoen ranges. The weather makes the simplest of tasks into a logistical challenge. ‘No comms, no bombs,’ goes the adage, and with Bty life dropping to as little as 30 minutes due to the sub-zero temperatures, sharing a sleeping bag with half a dozen HF batteries becomes the norm. Yet among all the challenges are opportu- nities too; the Norwegian STA Bty subsurface OP construction was a key lesson in how the snow can hide as well as hinder. Repeated, protracted deploy- ments to Norway are the key to building a true depth
of expertise in this environment, and this will only grow as the experiences and lessons learned are consolidated further.
Under the changes taking place to Commando Forces, key among them is the need for forward basing and the creation of a permanently forward deployed Littoral Response Group (North). Looking forward, 29 Commando will continue to build on the expertise developed by 7 (Bty. Although opportu- nities to train in 2021 have been curtailed somewhat due to COVID-19, the Bty completed crucial enabler training which will pay dividends as the Unit continues to return to Norway. Likewise, the liaison work with USMC, Norwegian, and Dutch partner forces continues at pace, forming connections and building relationships across a breadth of NATO allies.
The 7 Bty JTACs fighting for comms while checking in Norwegian F16 aircraft and UK apache helicopters during the special to arm phase in March 20.
THE WEATHER MAKES THE SIMPLEST OF TASKS INTO
A LOGISTICAL CHALLENGE
A 7 Bty subsurface OP in Feb 21.
29 COMMANDO REGIMENT ROYAL ARTILLERY 13