Page 22 - LBV 2024

Ex STEELBACK STRIKE
On the 18th of May, a section of Officer Cadets deployed to support 3 Royal Anglian “The Steelbacks” on Exercise STEELBACK STRIKE. The section was provided with a full field kit issue and Tactical Electronic Battle Simulation (TES) kit ready for a force-on-force exercise.
Saturday’s exercise focused on section-level tactics and operations;
a shift directed by the Infantry Battle School away from platoon-level manoeuvres due to developments in Ukraine. The OCdts integrated into the Steelbacks’ sections, holding their own in section attack lanes, force-on-force engagements, and covering significant distances on foot in the heat.
The afternoon and evening were dedicated to preparing for a company- level attack on Sunday morning. 2Lt Selway joined the Company HQ, participating in the planning for the next day’s operation. During this time, a Jackal crewed by soldiers from 2 Royal Anglian “The Poachers” provided a familiarisation lesson for those not involved in orders. After receiving their orders, the company got an early night’s sleep, ready for a 0200 reveille.
Sunday began with a road move by TCV and an insertion march in the dark. The morning attack, supported by the Jackal, commenced at dawn. The lead
platoon quickly cleared their position, but the following platoon faced significant resistance before making progress. The final positions were eventually cleared, with OCdts playing a key role in many
of the contacts and largely avoiding casualties.
Overall, the weekend offered valuable insights into operating within a reserve infantry unit and transitioning from platoon to company-level operations. The OCdts in attendance performed admirably and gained a great deal from the experience.
Captain Musker
22 THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER