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Exercise GREEN CANNON 20; while preparing for Op CARRIBEAN
Capt G Hall RA
The arrival of COVID-19 to the UK in early 2020 presented a significant challenge for Defence. How would an organisation that relies on men and women who hail from across the length and breadth of the country bring its people together to live and work in close proximity to each other under the cloud of a global pandemic? The question was far more pronounced for the Very High Readiness units, charged with holding force elements at 24 hours’ notice to move in response to the full continuum of operations, but specifically for Op CARIBBEAN, a standing HADR commitment to support the various British Overseas Territories during the 6-month long hurricane season. But concurrent to the full-scale mission preparation for Op CARIBBEAN, the scene was also set for 7 Bty to take centre stage and deliver the critical training required to maintain its Joint Fires readiness as part of the Lead Commando Group; the spearhead of the UK’s amphibious force.
So it was, in June 2020, 7 Bty deployed to Senny- bridge Training Area on Exercise GREEN CANNON 20. The initial plans had been for a Regimental exercise focusing on high-intensity warfighting against a hybrid adversary, Theatre-entry threat envelope. The exercise was planned to encompass a credible free play opposing force equipped with counter Bty fire, remotely piloted air systems and electronic warfare. However, due to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the country embroiled in a national lockdown, the plans needed to be refined without losing sight of the end goal to achieve Trained Qualified Current and Competent status to fulfil the very high readiness commitment to the Lead Commando Group. With the tenacity and determination emblematic of Commando Forces, coupled with some long hours of COVID- safety planning and assessment of risk, 7 Bty in 29 Cdo Regt became the first unit in Defence to successfully deploy on a live fire exercise since the beginning of when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the UK.
Operating safely in the COVID-19 environment, whilst retaining very high readiness was key to the success of the exercise. Standard operating proce- dures were subject to scrutiny and comprehensive measures implemented and well-rehearsed prior to deployment. Personal protective equipment was worn when necessary during transit and
when working in close proximity. Regular and robust hygiene and sanitation procedures were applied throughout, assured through a COVID-19 medical evacuation chain.
During the exercise, whilst not live firing, the individual Bty departments of the Tactical Group, Artillery Command Systems, Guns and Logistics all worked tirelessly on their own skills and drills. The Gun Group focused on developing weapon handling, defence of the gun position and training elements of the echelon in artillery target indication. This culminated in a series of Gun Group moves through artillery manoeuvre areas. The Bty’s Fire Support Teams spent time improving their tactics, techniques and procedures, conducting complex ground analysis and terrain appreciation. In addition, they were supported by a dedicated 24/7 ‘simulator in a box’ set up in a farm complex on the range area. This allowed the Fire Support Teams to practice all mission sets prior to live firing whilst deployed on the exercise. This proved an integral training asset that will be required during the forthcoming Littoral Response Group (North) deployments. It will enable teams that are deployed at length on ship to continue with vital simulation training to hone their key skills from a portable training suite.
The Fire Support Teams worked in conjunction with the Gun Group, following a strict shooting program to ensure that all training require- ments could be met to enable readiness as part of Lead Commando Group. Whilst the Teams were conducting their missions, the JTACs were serviced through the use of accredited simulators, civilian contract air and military air assets in both Sennybridge and Pembrey Sands. The promi- nence of OP Ridge at Sennybridge proved an extremely useful geographic delineation in the terrain, whereby live controls took place to the south of the ridge, allowing simultaneous dry and simulation serials to occur north of the ridge; an unforeseen Joint Fires force multiplier not usually experienced on other UK ranges. This training culminated in Fire Support Teams conducting fireplans that integrated the Guns, a mortar line from 45 Commando Royal Marines and simulated air. The week concluded with an intensive Bty Commander’s fire plan.
Prior to the deployment there was an ambition by the Bty Chain of Command to achieve the
7 BTY IN 29 CDO REGT BECAME THE FIRST UNIT IN DEFENCE TO SUCCESSFULLY DEPLOY ON
A LIVE FIRE EXERCISE SINCE THE BEGINNING OF WHEN
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HIT THE UK
“BE THE FIRST TO UNDERSTAND; THE FIRST TO ADAPT AND RESPOND; AND THE FIRST TO OVERCOME”
THE COMMANDO MINDSET
29 COMMANDO REGIMENT ROYAL ARTILLERY 15