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all-terrain platform enables a quick deployment and extraction in almost any direction, and with its two heavy weapon mounts offers near-360- degree arcs for fleeting engagements or as force protection. Another key piece of equipment within Team 7 is our micro RPAS which is used for direct fire observation by a Gun Number 1, route and area reconnaissance by the GPO and for gun area defence by the GAC. RPAS is particularly good at conducting aerial reconnaissance of our own hides, so we can quickly test and adjust our multispectral cam nets, which offer improved camouflage and concealment, reduced heat signature and can be constructed and collapsed far quicker than the
old-school versions when establishing gun hides. Now that the Future Commando Force is a funded programme following the integrated review with £100 million investment over four years, as the supported effect we keenly anticipate the news on what exactly the Lightweight Fires Platform will look like, to replace the 105mm Light Gun in Team 7, and if or when the HERO120 system will be selected as the tactical precision strike weapon system will for Team 8. As we proceed deeper into a maritime special operations role, we will continue to look less and less like a conventional Close Support artillery Regiment and instead holding the full breadth of specialist capabilities and skills found across the wider Royal Regiment, nested within a leaner and
more expeditionary force than ever before.
The Gun Group conduct a fire and manoeuvre live fire demo on Ex ALMA CANNON 21
BE IT DURING QUICK- ACTIONS OR ANTI-AMBUSH DRILLS, THE USE OF AN ALL-TERRAIN PLATFORM ENABLES
A QUICK DEPLOYMENT AND EXTRACTION
observer from 29 Commando. These observers are then controlled from the Coy Tac JFC which is led by an FST Commander; the total sum of which is known as an enhanced FST.
As part of Team 7, we have successfully replaced our ageing Pinzguaur 4x4 fleet with the Jackal as our primary Gun Towing Vehicle. Despite the Jackal being an interim solution, its performance has surpassed all expectations; its speed, manoeuvra- bility and firepower has far outshone alternative GTV options, especially when ‘MOGging.’ Be it during quick-actions or anti-ambush drills, the use of an
29 COMMANDO REGIMENT ROYAL ARTILLERY 19