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JTACs control a Wildcat helicopter during a strafe run over Pembrey Sands beach
WITH THE TEMPO SET RIGHT FROM THE OFF, THE REMAINDER OF THE WEEK SAW OVER 2900 105MM ROUNDS FIRED IN JUST FIVE DAYS
significant step of data enabled fires between the observers in the Fire Support Teams, the Joint Fires Cell and the Bty Command Post. This techni- cally challenging development had never before been achieved by 7 Bty in the field, so demon- strating this capability during a live fire exercise was to be a significantly momentous development, with a critical element in the delivery of Joint Fires capability for the Commando Force. Lance Bombardier Best worked tirelessly to support his Chain of Command through constant trial and error during the exercise, all the while seeking to problem solve to deliver several live fire missions via very high frequency data on the final day of the exercise.
Exercise GREEN CANNON 20 was also hugely beneficial in building the experience of the Bty’s remotely piloted air system operators. With the capability enabling persistent observation and reporting on Gun Group tactical manoeuvre and use of hides, the technology proved to be not just a battle winning asset, but also a vital training aid for future deployments. Integrating remotely piloted air systems remains a vital component for all deployments; both in terms of logbook flying hours and in the spirit of continuous self-im- provement.
A new element was added during the exercise with the hugely beneficial introduction to
the capabilities of global positioning system denial technology through a Forsberg Services sponsored background activity stand. Exercising Troops, who were briefed on the technology, experienced a well-resourced practical demon- stration and learnt coping strategies when faced with such a threat employed by an adversary. A further training development moving forward is the deployment of adversarial global positioning system denial during live firing to thoroughly test and develop the reversionary systems in the age of Littoral Strike.
The delivery of Ex GC20, in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, is testament to the commando mindset in understanding, adapting and responding to an evolving context with agility and pragmatism. The exercise saw first rounds in the air from the moment the range opened on day one. With the tempo set right from the off, the remainder of the week saw over 2900 105mm rounds fired in just five days, an impressive number within a training envelope that has stood the Bty in good stead throughout the remainder of the year, maintaining readiness and ensuring the Bty is fully prepared for whatever the future holds.
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