Page 87 - Light Dragoons 2023 CREST

Since being asked to author my previ- ous article this time last year, CRTC (Combat Ready Training Centre) has deliv-
ered 3 major exercises, conducted adven- turous training and two battlefield studies - overall an excellent year.
Since the Light Dragoons came down on Wessex Storm in November 21 (and writ- ten about extensively in this journal), CRTC has seen a fair number of staff changes including all of HQ, and elements of the key function groups. In January 2022, I took over as SO2 Combat, run- ning a team of experienced CSgts/ SSgts who deliver the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX), battle exercises and provide the core CRTC backbone within the observer mentor teams.
The other key responsibility for the Combat Team is delivering the other actors capability for validation. Modern valida- tion exercises feature a host of capabilities which continuously seek to replicate the battlefield experience. Role players pro- vide civilians, militia (of dubious loyalty), criminal elements and amputees who can be dressed to provide several challenges. Simulated press interview commanders at the least convenient moments and gener- ate an information war using synthetic social media platforms. Alongside Task Force Hannibal (TFH - a regular infantry sub-unit plus, chosen on an ad-hoc basis), Pj FENREAR has also stood up to deliver realistic Bde and Div support to the OpFor Battlegroup (Electronic Warfare, ISTAR and Fires). Further experimentation is ongoing to see TFH use SCOPIC to break away from a BGHQ controlling a single SU and blend the experience of live and syn- thetic elements to fight the wider blue Bde Picture.
Experimentation and innovation within the group is one of the most rewarding parts of the role, with Apple coming on board as a partner using AirTags to track and monitor PED (Personal Electronic Device) usage on exercises, and with Just Good Solutions in the Czech Republic
Battlefield Study in the Cretan Sunshine
to provide realistic inflatable vehicles for recce and air to identify and attack. Engaging with wider industry to replicate the modern battlefield on Salisbury Plain is essential to producing effective exercises.
In May 2022, CRTC deployed to Northern Macedonia on Ex Swift Response to vali- date 2 PARA. With Italian, US, Greek, Albanian and Macedonian soldiers on the exercise, it was particularly interesting to work within the multinational context. Finding out, for example, that the Italians were not prepared to conduct any night operations and only operate in the day was a shock to the US National Guard that was playing their OpFOR. On the British side, the Macedonian general duty soldiers were providing the OpFOR and although they worked their best, the lack of skill and experience within the unit meant beating 2 Para was likely to be a tall order. Indeed, the first mission that 2PARA conducted led to the first Macedonian Platoon engaging the second Macedonian Platoon prior to any contact with the advancing British. The sheer confusion that this caused within the Battlegroup eventually led to the 2PARA
CO ordering the entire Battlegroup to sit on their bergens and report their positions to ensure that there was complete clarity as to where the Battlegroup was located. Alongside a US SFAB (Security Forces Assistance Brigade) team who were train- ing the Macedonian troops, it was our responsibility to turn this force into a force capable of stretching 2 PARA. We quickly decided that chaos was the only option and unleashed our 2 Coys into individual and pair fighting positions, forcing the Paras to operate against tens of mutually sup- porting individuals on the high ground. We will not claim success, but we did chal- lenge command and control at the lowest levels.
Outside of exercises, CRTC continues to deliver exceptional Work/Life Balance. Ex Berlin Archer took 30 individuals to Berlin and the Seelow Heights to study the final days of the Eastern Front in WW2. Last month, Ex Balkan Archer took 25 individuals to study the Airborne inva- sion and subsequent occupation of Crete. Opportunities for Skiing, Mountain Biking and Sailing have all been enjoyed by CRTC Personnel this year. As a grown- up organisation, dominated by Senior NCOs and Junior Officers, the ability to manage your own time makes the post- ing extremely enjoyable, and is the main contributing factor to the 50% of staff who extend their postings. As I come to the end of my time at CRTC, I have learnt enor- mous amounts and have loved my ten- ure. It is a fantastic place to work for any young officers/ SNCOs who wish to be at the forefront of improving combined arms manoeuvre across the Army.
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Combat Readiness Training Centre – SO2 Combat
Walks with Friends... what could be better AT!
Seems like driving Land Rover is an Officer Sport
EJB
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